Category: Baptist Press

Thursday

“God can do anything, you know—

far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” 

~Ephesians 3:20 The Message~

 

 

 

Remember the many families with sickness or loss of loved ones.

 

 

 

Lila Jean Watson

March 01, 1966 – January 01, 2019

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond. She was born March 1, 1966 in Independence and was 52 years of age. She is survived by her husband, David Watson, Sr.; 2 sons, David Watson, Jr. and Randy Watson; 5 grandchildren, Brenlee, Carson, Kayden, Noah and Addie Watson; 3 sisters, Shirley Cooper, Faye Carney, and Ruthie Dykes; 3 brothers, Edward Dykes, Jackie Dykes, and Jerry Dykes and his wife, Cathy; brother-in-law, Michael Watson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by father, Coy Dykes, Jr.; mother, Martha Traylor; brothers, Eugene Travis, Phillip Dykes, William Dykes, Carl Ray Dykes, Tommy Lane Dykes, and Jimmy Dykes, Sr. Visitation at My Father’s House Church, Tangipahoa, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 4, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Melvin Rushing. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Baptist Message – http://www,baptistmessage.com

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child suggests we purchase hats, gloves, and scarves during January.  Also, it is always suggested you make purchases that are bargains at any time.  You can bring your items to my classroom.

I hope you enjoy some of the videos from OCC that I post.  They encourage me to get back into the collection stage of this process.

 

 

 

The college and career class of FBC, Kentwood is in Atlanta for a conference.  Pray for hearts to be touched.  Also, please pray for safety as they travel.

 

 

 

Read the Bible and mark the ‘I Will’s”.  (Writing the verses is optional.)

  • Psalm 9:1-2
  • Psalm 13:6

 

 

 

Use your talents for the Lord today.

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.

I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

~Ezekiel 34:12~

 

 

 

Read the Bible today.

  • Malachi 1-2
  • Proverbs 31:10-31
  • Matthew 26-27

 

 

 

Get your new Bible Reading Guide at FBC, Kentwood this week.  This year we will be reading according to topics.  Our January topic is “I Will” from Psalms.

 

 

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

 

 

Thom S. Rainer – https://thomrainer.com/

 

 

I hope you find some time to reflect on articles in these websites this week.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” 

~Philippians 4:13 ESV~

 

 

Rev. David Cutrer has some blockages checked, but will not need anything else done.  Thank God for David’s good report.

 

 

My David received another good report yesterday.  David saw his retina specialist who helped him be able to see following cataract surgeries.  Yesterday, the doctor checked David’s eyes and said it was another miracle that they eyes are not experiencing more problems.  We thank God for the good report and for the wonderful Christian doctor who helped David get through a very difficult experience.

 

 

 

Baptist Press Articles

 

 

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 12

 

 

Read the Bible Today 

  • Obadiah
  • Proverbs 24
  • Matthew 10

 

 

There are many Christmas programs scheduled for local churches.  Connect with one or more and be blessed.

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday

“Who is wise and understanding among you?

Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

~James 3:13 NIV~

 

 

Josiah Huckaby

Josiah had his heart cath today. He did great but we were a bit surprised with the results especially since we weren’t seeing symtpoms of anything. The short & simple explanation is: they weren’t able to balloon or stent anything because of several issues they found. We will have to come back in a few weeks to try to stent 2 pulm veins…one of those is completely closed. We will also be looking at adding a new med to try to slow down the progression of his pulm vein disease. It is not a commonly used med here but Texas children’s hospital has been using it with some pretty good results. Our interventional radiologist that did the cath recently moved here from Texas & we’ve heard a lot of good things about him & the hospital he came from. They seem to “specialize” in pulmonary hypertension, so we feel confident in his abilities to help us navigate through the next steps of treatment for Josiah. We know that God’s plan for Josiah is far better than anything we could remotely come up with. We will continue to praise Him & His faithfulness.

I am always amazed at how God created us/our bodies & with every bit of new information about Josiah, we learn just how amazing we are as His creations. And just how much care & detail He knitted us together with. The doctor showed us pics of the issues & showed us how his body has compensated so that it could continue to function as close to “normal” as possible. It just blows my mind!

To God be the glory, great things He has done!!! ❤❤❤

 

 

Susie Sharkey

Susie Sharkey has pneumonia.  Pray she will have a complete recovery in God’s timing.

 

 

David – We received good news yesterday.  David’s blood level was 9.6.  Although 14-18 is normal, 9.6 is  an improvement.  He got he procrit injection.  We will see his hematologist next Monday.  Please pray David can maintain or improve the 9.6.  We are thankful to have some days at home this week.

 

 

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 3

 

 

 

Graham: G.H.W. Bush ‘in the presence of God’

http://baptistmessage.com/graham-g-h-w-bush-in-the-presence-of-god/?fbclid=IwAR01wMop8HhFSfp1yJbuFlm9hz9p4o5Mq_37wWWrDQLfZEcDDbZS3HwxNrU

 

 

 

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 4

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Hosea 11-12
  • Psalm 128
  • Matthew 2

 

 

Enjoy the crispness of the air today.  The weather is expected to be “just right”!

Anna Lee

 

Thursday

 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

~Colossians 3:17~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Hosea 3-4
  • Psalm 136
  • Luke 22

 

 

Pastor’s Wife Tragically Killed in New Orleans Carjacking

http://baptistmessage.com/pastors-wife-tragically-killed-in-new-orleans-carjacking/?fbclid=IwAR0_yofIwBLRycukSqR2lWDpb2W5PDWUhT98UxeSsL8IVMCDj5T_Rqujnqo

83-year-old travels globally for Great Commission

http://www.bpnews.net/52030/83yearold-travels-globally-for-great-commission

 

 

 

Minn.-Wis. Baptists continue CP climb

http://www.bpnews.net/52032/minnwis-baptists-continue-cp-climb

 

 

DR efforts continue in Carolinas, across U.S.

http://www.bpnews.net/52027/dr-efforts-continue-in-carolinas-across-us

 

 

Tebows ‘called’ to ‘Run the Race’ film

http://www.bpnews.net/52025/tebows-called-to-run-the-race-film

 

 

Reconsider Roe v. Wade, brief urges Supreme Court

http://www.bpnews.net/52018/reconsider-roe-v-wade-brief-urges-supreme-court

 

 

I hope these reading suggestions are “food for thought” today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

~1 Chronicles 16:34~

 

 

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch as she continue physical therapy at Greensburg in hopes of getting home soon.

 

 

Mr. Jimmy Tolar has been moved to rehab in Hammond.  Keep him in your prayers.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is now in rehab at Kentwood.  She’s one step closer to getting back home.  Keep praying for her.

 

 

Pray for David as he has a procedure in Covington this morning.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Hosea 1-2
  • Proverbs 18
  • Luke 21

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

Lifeway – https://www.lifeway.com/

 

 

 

Don’t forget to turn in your stamped Christmas cards Sunday morning or at the Tea at East Fork Sunday at 2 P.M.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Friday

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”

~Philippians 4:11-12 NLT~

 

 

Our Thanksgiving was happy with our son, daughter-in-law, one grandson, and two granddaughters (cousins).  I hope you made memories too!

 

Now, as people are frantically shopping, I’m thankful to be at home with some of our family.  We did get to talk with our daughter yesterday.  She and her family are celebrating multiple times this week.  She is keeping and teaching traditional Thanksgiving holidays with family, co-workers, church family, and neighbors.  Next year, she will be in Texas at this time.  I’m already beginning to looking forward to Thanksgiving, 2019.

 

Today, let’s all continue to focus on our thankfulness for a few more days.  Then, it will be time to look ahead to the Christmas season.  Let’s not get carried away with the “things” of Christmas, but focus on the reason we have the wonderful holiday season.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Daniel 5-6
  • Proverbs 16
  • Luke 17

 

 

Today is a good day to read some inspiring stories.

 

 

Make sure Jesus is at the center of al your family holiday celebrations.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things.” 

~Philippians 4:8 NIV~

 

 

 

The Operation Christmas Child “Shoebox” collection hours are from 10 A.M. to noon today at FBC, Kentwood.

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Ezekiel 39-41
  • Proverbs 13
  • Luke 11

 

 

The Annual Joint Methodist – Baptist Thanksgiving Service will be Sunday evening at FBC, Kentwood.  Be sure to stay for some delicious food and fellowship time.

 

 

 

Christmas projects/events you have an opportunity to support

  • Stamped Christmas cards for prisoners at the parish jail.  Bring to FBC by the first Sunday of December.
  • Annual Christmas Tea – 2 P.M. on first Sunday of December at East Fork Baptist Church
  • Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
  • You have until early Monday morning to turn in your “Shoeboxes” at FBC, Kentwood.
  • Gift cards for a Louisiana College student – a boy who is a twin and lives in the central part of LA (The other twin is also a student at LC in Pineville.  Someone else is packing his package.)

 

 

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Have a blessed day sharing God’s love with others.

Anna Lee

 

Friday

“In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

~Philippians 4:6 NIV~

 

 

Pray for Sherman and Jewel Kay Cutrer.  Both of them are sick.

 

 

Pray for Sylvester and Shirley Humphrey as a treatment plan is developed for Sylvester.

 

 

 

Pray for those who have been homebound for a long time.

  • Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell
  • Mr. and Mrs. Ed Maghee
  • Mr. and Mrs. “Cete” Dillon
  • Others that I may not have remembered this morning.

 

 

Pray for those in nursing homes.

  • Mrs. Hazel Allen
  • Mrs. Othell Williams
  • Mrs. Tullie Dean
  • Ms. Frances Strickland
  • Mrs. Debbie Miller
  • Mrs. Judy Pervis
  • Mrs. Catherine Yarborough
  • Others that I may have left off.

 

 

Pray for those who are receiving physical therapy.

  • Ms. Bessie Hayden

 

 

Estelle “MaMaw” Martino

December 19, 1925 – November 14, 2018

Estelle “MaMaw” Martino, 92, died November 14, 2018 peacefully at her home in Baton Rouge. Estelle was born on December 19, 1925 in Kentwood, LA to Fred and Lillie Easley. She was 1 of 13 children and she loved and enjoyed time with her family. She married Joseph Martino on July 13, 1947 and they raised one daughter, JoAnne Martino Guercio. Estelle was a decorated seamstress, avid sports fan, expert puzzle solver and crossword addict. Estelle is survived by her daughter, JoAnne, and son-in-law Greg along with 3 grandchildren, their significant others and 6 great-grandchildren; Jody and Sonya Guercio (Owen), Jeremy Guercio and Cristina Chavez (Kailyn and Keirstyn) and Ryan and Katy King (Radley, Emersyn and Landry). She also leaves behind her sisters, Joy and Beth, many nieces and nephews including Gerald and Patsy Hall and Gerry and Lisa Evans and life-long friends, Gail and Richard Westman. Estelle is preceded in death by her husband, Joe. We are sure they are dancing to their song, Blueberry Hill, after almost 20 years apart. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Charity of your choice or the Chronic Kidney Disease Foundation. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00 AM until religious services at 11:00AM Saturday, November 17, 2018. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

FBC, Kentwood will be a drop-off cite for Operation Christmas Child from 4-6 P.M. today.  If you have more packing to do, please remember that Monday morning is the last time to drop off your boxes this year.

 

 

Yesterday, the people working the drop-off site across from Hammond High had some students go across the street to help move some cartons of shoeboxes.  One of the girls who helped told how she, in her home country, had received a “shoebox” when she was ten year old.  That stirred up some excitement and some future opportunities for the young lady.  What a “God wink”!

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Ezekiel 36-38
  • Proverbs 13
  • Luke 11

 

 

You may want to read on the following sites:

  • Baptist Press
  • Baptist Message
  • Operation Christmas Child

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

~1 Peter 2:9~

 

Amber Prine Ragan “We’re In This Together”

Amber and I spent the full day at MD Anderson on Wednesday. This was her 3 week follow-up visit after radiation treatment. She had a pulmonary function test, blood work, and a MRI done before we met with Dr. DeGroot in the afternoon. He said that everything looked good and the treatment plan is going accordingly. He has agreed to let Dr. Olsen in Baton Rouge manage her chemo treatments. However, he still wants her to return back to MDA for routine MRIs and bloodwork during the time she will be on chemo. That will be every six weeks for 8-9 months. We were in hopes that he would release Amber completely, but we are grateful for the positive results. We completely trust Dr. DeGroot’s decision and it comforts us to know that he will be monitoring her scans and blood levels during treatment.
Amber will meet with Dr. Olsen this afternoon at the Neuro Medical Center in Baton Rouge to get the next step in her treatment journey started. The chemo treatment is called PCV. It is a combination of 2 oral medications along with infusions. The chemo regimen will consist of 6 cycles (42 days for each cycle). After each cycle, she will return back to MD Anderson for routine assessments and to meet with Dr. DeGroot.
We were able to view yesterday’s MRI along with a MRI that was done before surgery. It was very visible to see the amount of the tumor that was extracted during surgery. We’ve been looking forward to seeing the comparison in the scans.
Once again, thank you for all your prayers and support. Amber continues to amaze all of us with her strength and positive attitude. She returned back to work the week after radiation ended. She is back to a normal life and is rocking her “punk” hairstyle!

Maddie’s Miracles
Maddie and Nana had a long quiet day. Maddie slept most of the day. They still have no idea what’s going on. Blood pressure has been a little low said she maybe dehydrated. We are so thankful Nana was able to come stay with her so we can work this week. She is one of our greatest blessings. We will just wait and see what tomorrow brings. They will not let her eat because she gets so sick when she does. She’s not hungry anyway so that is also a blessing. Remember blessings are always around no matter your circumstance! God is so very good ALL the time!
Brian Tate starts round three of his treatments at M.D. Anderson today.   Pray all goes well for him as he has these treatments.
Mrs. Bessie Hayden has been moved from OLOL to North Oaks Rehab.   I’m sure she is happy to be closer to Kentwood.  Check on visiting hours before you make a visit with her.

Obituary for Orin Patterson

Orin Patterson – https://www.thekennedymortuary.com/obituaries/Orin-Patterson/

Orin Patterson, age 19, of 343 Chestnut Ridge Road, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Born in Greenwood, he was a son of Mike and Beth Council Patterson. Orin was a 2018 graduate of Laurens District 55 High School and was a freshman at Clemson University. He was a member of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church. Orin was adventurous and an avid outdoorsman, who had many interests including blacksmithing, playing piano, and free-diving.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his three siblings, Hope Patterson, Cade Patterson, and Quin Patterson; paternal grandmother, Jean Patterson; maternal grandparents, Earl and Nadine Council; and a host of loving and supportive extended family members and friends.

Orin was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, John R. Patterson.

A Celebration of Orin’s Life will be held at 4:30 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Alex D. Henderson. The family will host a gathering in the church fellowship hall immediately following the celebration service.

The family respectfully requests privacy in the days leading up to the Celebration and Gathering on Thursday. They would appreciate your prayers in the days ahead.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.thekennedymortuary.com.

Pray for our country.  Pray we return to the value system that our forefathers had when our country was established.  I love to hear about “God and Country”.  Too often, we leave God out of everything that is important in our lives as a Christian country.
Read the Bible
  • Jeremiah 37-38
  • Proverbs 4
  • Revelations 15

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – I plan to be at FBC, Kentwood at 1:30 this afternoon if anyone wants to help me work with the “shoeboxes” today.  I plan to be there again in the morning at 9:00 to work some more.  I plan to have a good count of shoeboxes for Sunday.  Collection week is November 12 – 19 this year.  I’ll have a sign-up schedule for those who want to help then at church Sunday.

 

 

The Youth on Mission class has learned how to tell their first Bible story.  They will not meet this Sunday due to Trunk or Treat, but the following week they will begin work on learning their second Bible story.  It’s never too late to learn to share God’s Word.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – A great daily read!

http://www.bpnews.net/

May your life be blessed today as you serve Him.
Anna Lee