Friday

“I waited patiently for the Lord,

and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.”

~Psalm 40:1, HCSB~

 

Join Diane Strickland, Jill Brister, and other family members in thanking God for Darin Fontz‘s good report.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow….Darin’s ct scan showed that the chemo was doing it’s job. We will find out what the next step will be when he goes back to the oncologist next Wed. Thanks to all who are praying for him. It means so much to me. Will keep you posted. Please continue to pray for him and the family.

Johnnie “Lit Man” Santangelo 

After talking with Lil Man’s neurosurgeon, neuro oncologist, and radiation oncologist, talking with our families, and lots of prayer, Lil Man has decided to go forward with additional radiation therapy here in Arizona. He will also continue on with oral chemotherapy daily while receiving radiation and his neuro oncologist will also be keeping the IV chemotherapy in his treatment plan. Surgery could still be an option after radiation therapy depending on his response to the treatment. Thank you for all of your support and prayers during this time. We know God is in control and has a plan for Lil Man. We love you all and just please keep praying!!! We’re not giving up the fight!!!, Megan

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/55425f6eca16b4b23f47d7b5?utm_source=JEN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JEN+email&utm_content=visitsite

Lt. Col. Harry E. Grafton

TUSCALOOSA | Retired Lt. Col. Harry E. Grafton, U.S. Air Force, age 93, of Tuscaloosa, passed away on April 20, 2015, at the Hospice of West Alabama. Graveside Services will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing.
Lt. Col. Grafton was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Wanzie Bracy Grafton of Tuscaloosa and Kentwood, La.; his parents, James and Minnie Grafton of Laurel, Miss.; and nine siblings, Clara, Jewell, Gladys, Sadie, Ernest, Genena, Ruth, Paul, and Floyd.
Survivors include his loving daughter, Kay Krinsky (Richard) of Arlington, Va.
Lt. Col. Grafton was born on July 8, 1921, in Laurel, Miss. He earned an “A” letter in the high jump in 1942, at the University of Alabama, as well as his Master’s Degree in Education in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-24 bomber pilot during World War II and as a Field Maintenance Squadron Commander and Wing Chief of Maintenance in Vietnam, as well as multiple other assignments in Korea and on various bases in the United States during his 30 year career. He earned multiple decorations, medals, commendations, citations and awards for his service in combat and non-combat assignments. One of his favorite assignments was as a USAF ROTC instructor at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The family wishes to thank all the friends and medical providers for their treatment and help during Lt. Col. Grafton’s years in Tuscaloosa, particularly Dr. Steve Lovelady, the Alacare nurses, the Hospice of West Alabama, Sondra and Charlie Bowling, and the Chism Family of Crown Limousine Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of West Alabama.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tuscaloosa/obituary.aspx?n=harry-e-grafton&pid=174717857&fhid=10313#sthash.Vliep9KL.dpuf

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015Jeremiah 27-31

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “Criticize Gently” – odb.org
  • Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering;                       bearing with one another.                                            ~Colossians 3:12-13~                                The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.                                              But where sin increased, grace increased all the more….                                                                                                                                                     ~Romans 5:20~
  • “Grace Greater Than My Sins” http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/g/ggreater.htm

Operation Christmas Child 

Check out the boxes in the hallway across from the church kitchen to get some bags telling you what size t-shirts to buy this month.  All shirts this month are for girls.  Encourage you children and grandchildren to help you pick out items for the shoeboxes.  This will be a wonderful lesson to teach them.  You can get items individually or with your class.

Frozen Food for Families

Put a note with your Sunday School book to remind you to bring your frozen food Sunday.  You’ll be blessed as you bless others.

4 Wheels 4 Him

  • Tomorrow morning at 9:00 through the afternoon
  • Music, cars, food, etc.
  • New Zion Baptist Church, Highway 38 West of Kentwood
  • An associational event

Have a wonderful day.  I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at Bible study. Those who haven’t come before are welcome to join us at 10:00 in the fellowship hall.

Anna Lee

Thursday

For everyone born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

I John 5:4 (NIV)

Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways.

The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith.

The person who wins out over the world’s ways

is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

I John 5:4-5 (The Message)

Sandra Mays (NW Alabama)

Sandra (my sister’s sister in law) is going for more test today, reports from yesterday were pretty good. They said did not need heart transplant…Thanks for putting her on the Prayer Link. Sandra specifically asked me to put her name on there.

Lalou Schweble Voight (former student in Amite)  Lalou had cancer surgery.

I’m getting better … Slower than I would like. … I appreciate all the prayers and comforting words.

Jadon’s Journey

Sorry I haven’t updated on Jadon’s foot. We still really don’t know what is going on. It is a little better and he isn’t complaining as much. He has such a high tolerance to pain that we don’t know if it is still hurting him or not. All he says is he doesn’t want to go back to that hospital with all the fish tanks and get another cast frown emoticon We go to the brace doctor tomorrow to see what he says. Hopefully he has a plan.

Sue Ellen Russell Pearson (my classmate)

Treatment today at the Cancer Center.Bloodwork was perfect. I am feeling good.Thanks to each of you for all the prayers and good thoughts!

Lalou Schwebel Voight (former student in Amite)

Went to doc today and got good news. Still dont know about chemo or radiation., but pain level is very low and I am getting around much better. So things are looking good so far.

Doug Toney (husband of former classmate)

The Pulminary doctor said Doug’s lungs are very happy.leaving vent on which means sedation. This is good because he doesn’t need pain meds. Pain meds do not agree with him at all. Just continue to pray. Thank you.

….

Doug did not want to wake up today when they gave him a sedation vacation. They halved the sedation. Giving diabetic friendly nutrients via ng tube. Bicarbonate in drip for acidosis and another med for stomach. No infection in blood. A gastroenterologist will see him tomorrow and the surgeon will check incision drains in the morning. He is still very ill, but maybe a bit better.
Macy Guelder (Franklinton, granddaughter of former school friend)
Macy’s hair is starting to fall out again, and that makes my heart sad. I saw a few strands of hair on her shirt, so I ran my fingers through her hair and plenty more strands came out. There hasn’t been an increase in her chemo, so I’m a little surprised. Her hair has been growing since July, and it’s very thick, so maybe most of it will stay. We’ll see…
Fay Shoemaker (church friend) –  Miss Fay’s surgery Monday went well.  She was to move to physical therapy yesterday.  Keep praying for her as she recovers from the second shoulder surgery.
Rev. Franklin Graham
  • Our Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains arrived yesterday on the streets of Baltimore. They are there to pray with people, to encourage calm, and to share God’s love. There are dangerous gangs who want to control the streets and cause more havoc. Pray that God will use these chaplains in a mighty way and that peace will be restored to this devastated city.
  • The Supreme Court heard arguments today relating to same-sex marriage. God is the One who made us male and female, and He defines marriage as between one man and one woman. There is no argument with what God has ordained. It is shameful that our country has declined so much morally that our courts are confused and would even hear this argument. Join me in praying that God would intervene and give these justices a glimpse of His heart and that they would make this decision based on His standards. Remember, two men cannot make a child; two women cannot make a child. This is a fact. Everyone alive today is the result of the union of a man and a woman. It is just simple biology, and the courts can’t change that.
  • A devastating earthquake hit Nepal this morning near the country’s capital city, Kathmandu. News outlets are already reporting over 1,400 dead, and that number could dramatically rise in the next few hours and days. Our Samaritan’s Purse team is deploying to the disaster site to bring emergency relief in Jesus’ Name to the survivors. The people of Nepal urgently need our prayers. Read more about our response here
Wagon Ministries (written by Boyd)

Lord’s Supper for Homebound

Last night, a number of people from FBC, Kentwood went to various homes for a time of singing, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, and fellowship.  I was a one of an eight person team that went to visit Mrs. Susie Wales.  (I would have loved to have been in each home, but all the visits were at the same time.)  “Miss” Susie and each member of the team contributed to the visit.  She told us over and over how thankful she was we were there.  She walked to the door and stood there waving until we backed out.  What a great night it was!

I’m looking forward to going to another home next week.

Read the Bible in 2015 –  Job 35-36Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Image Consultants” – http://odb.org/
  • [You] have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge                                               according to the image of Him who created him.                                                                                                                                                                     ~Colossians 3:10~                                                If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;                                                                                old things have passed away;                                                                                                        behold, all things have become new.                                                                                                                                             ~2 Corinthians 5:17~                                                                                          God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”                                                                                                                                         ~Philippians 4:19~
  • “Just When I Need Him Most” http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justwhen.htm

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions http://www.namb.net/annie-armstrong/

I’m  so glad Jesus is with me each day in all I do.  He can be a part of your life too.  Ask a pastor or a friend.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

The LORD is with me;

I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

~Psalm 118:6~

(Watching the news this morning!)

Martha Pevey Drago and Macy Guelder (Martha’s granddaughter)

I just wanted to thank everyone who continues to pray for Macy and me! Your prayers are SO special and mean the world to me. Saw the dr today and he says I am healing very well from my surgery and I feel great. Starting to get a little hair back… Joe calls it peach fuzz! Kali and Cate are are excited because they like to play “hair dresser” with me. Lol. I will start radiation in the next couple of weeks. Looking forward to getting it over with and moving on to better days!

Please pray for this country and the people of Nepal!

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:17

Rev. Tommy Hicks’ surgery went well Monday.  He was released from the hospital yesterday.  Pray for him and his family during the rehabilitation period.

Johnny “Lil Man” Santangello and his family need your prayers.  He had been having new problems.  Testing has been done, but the doctor and the family are still trying to make the right decision about his next treatment.  Keep praying, please.

The Napal Earthquake took many lives.  Pray for all those who survived the quake and those who are rushing there with needed supplies to survive and rebuild.

Jerry Sessions

April 6, 1934 – April 27, 2015

http://www.thompsoncares.com/obituaries/Jerry-Sessions/#!/Obituary

Frances Tolleson Shackelford 

May 25, 1936 – April 27, 2015
Austin, Texas | Age 78

http://wcfish.tributes.com/obituary/show/Frances-Tolleson-Shackelford-102423015

Read the Bible in 2015 –  Psalm 48-50

Baptist Press

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Access to God” – http://odb.org/
  • Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,                                                                     that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.                                                                                                                                          ~Hebrews 4:16~                                       God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.                                                                                                                                           ~Philippians 4:19~
  • “Just When I Need Him Most” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justwhen.htm

Bible Study – Women of the Bible

  • Fridays at 10:00 A.M.
  • FBC Fellowship Hall
  • Study guides available in the church office or Friday morning

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Mission

Homebound Lord’s Supper

  • Meet at FBC at 5:30 tonight.
  • Join a team.
  • Be an encourager!

Today is a good day to be an encourager to those who are sick, discouraged, needy, etc.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“This poor man cried,

and the Lord heard him.”

~Psalm 34:6a, HCSB~

 

Please say special prayers for Sandra Mays and her family.  Her brother, Donnie Eudy, is married to my sister, Julie.

Sandra Mays will undergo tests on 4/28/15 at the Cleveland Clinic (Ohio) to determine if she is a candidate for a heart transplant. She appreciates your prayers!

Doug Toney

Doug’s surgery went good. Probably take vent out tomorrow. Don’t know when he will come home. Will wear a brace for 3-4 months. Will have pic line/ antibiotics 6 weeks or more. Please continue to pray.

Rev. Tim Jones

Tim went to the doctor today. His stress test and Ultrasound test were both good. The change in his medicine has helped with the shortness of breath. Thank you all for your prayers. God is good all the time. Love you. God bless.

Milton and Yvonne Curtis seem to have one problem after another.  Pray they soon get well enough to continue their ministry.

Rev. Tommy Hicks said Sunday that he would have “another” back surgery the next day. I haven’t heard a report, but please pray for good results and a successful recovery and rehabilitation time.  Pray for his wife who will be his primary caregiver again.

Supreme Court

Frozen Food Sunday 

  • May 3rd
  • Bring food to my classroom before Sunday School
  • Food will be delivered May 3rd
  • Suggestions
    • Cooked main dish packaged 2-3 cups per freezer bag
    • Fresh or frozen foods
    • Cooked vegetables you canned or froze earlier
    • Date and label bags

Read the Bible in 2015 –  2 Samuel 1-4

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Annie Armstrong Mission Offering for North America

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “In the Same Boat” – http://odb.org/
  • When He got into a boat,                                                                                                                     His disciples followed Him.                                                                                                                                            ~Matthew 8:23                                                                                                            A furious squall came up,                                                                                                                     and the waves broke over the boat,                                                                                               so that it was nearly swamped.                                                                                                       Jesus was in the stern,                                                                                                                         sleeping on a cushion.                                                                                                                           The disciples woke Him and said to Him,                                                                               ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’                                                                                         He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves,                                                           ‘Peace! Be still!’                                                                                                                                       Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”                                                                                                                                         ~Mark 4:37-39~
  • “Master, the Tempest is Raging” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/a/mastertt.htm

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – I hope to see many of you at the birthday party this morning.  Let’s honor some ladies who are special to us.

  • The Cafe
  • 11:00 A.M.

Thank-you for reading and praying each day.  Your prayers are important to so many.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Give thanks to the LORD!

Call upon His name;

make known His deeds among the peoples!”

~Psalm 105:1, NKJV~

 

Doug Toney (written by his wife, Sandy)

Tomorrow (Monday) Doug will go to surgery and have the hardware that stabilizes the graft removed. With all of his other health issues, the doctor feels this is his best option. Thank all of you for your kind words, food, and prayers. His surgery is at 8:00 am.

Please keep praying for this family.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker will have her second shoulder surgery today.  Let’s pray she does equally well, or better, with this surgery.

Remember Mr. Milton Johnson in your prayers.

Mr. James Frazier will probably come back to Kentwood mid-week.  Thank God for the progress he has made.  Pray for continued rehabilitation.

Miss Shira Easley is doing well at Greensburg.  Please continue to pray for her.

Toni Bailey Cathey had emergency gall bladder surgery.  She’s home now and feeling much better.

Cathy C. Wales spent four days in the hospital last week, but is now home.  Pray for continued improvement.

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/553da2264db9215a3e60dba8?utm_source=JEN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JEN+email&utm_content=visitsite

Read the Bible in 2015Exodus 13-15

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Love and Light” – http://odb.org/
  • The land which you cross over to possess is a land . . .                                                                 for which the Lord your God cares.                                                                                                                                                              ~Deuteronomy. 11:11-12~
  • “God Will Take Care of You” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/w/gwiltake.htm

Annie Armstrong Missions Offering –  Mission Opportunities (as close as New Orleans) – http://meettheneed.org/explore/namb.php?orgtemp=3003

We are beginning another day the Lord has sent us.  My Sunday School lesson yesterday was about showing God’s love.  I hope to be able to do that today and each day of the coming week.  I know you will be showing God’s love too.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Everything is possible

for the person who has faith.”

~Mark 9:23 GNT~

 

Doug Toney (Written by his wife, Sandy)

No big changes. Doug is still sedated on vent to allow rest. His creatin level was up some. He has several meds and nutrition bags hanging. The incision site will probably be cleaned Monday. The infection is e-coli, not staph. Continue to pray, please. He is very sick. Thank all of you for your concern.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Read the Bible in 2015 –  2 Corinthians 1-3

Breakfast at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church

  • 8:00 this morning
  • Benefits Jay Hugh Young
  • What a great ministry!

Women’s Ministry of FBC, Kentwood

  • Tuesday
    • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party
    • 11:00 A.M.
    • The Cafe
  • Friday
    • Bible Study: Women of the Bible: The Hemorrhaging Woman
    • Scriptures
      • Matthew 9: 20-22
      • Mark 5:25-34
      • Luke 8:43-48
    • 10:00 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall
    • Study guides available in the church office
  • Ongoing
    • Operation Christmas Child
    • See the table in the hallway across from the church kitchen
  • Ongoing

Have a fantastic Lord’s Day.  Show some love today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“God … is able to do far more

than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of —

infinitely beyond our highest

prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.”

~Ephesians 3:20b TLB~

 

Read the Bible in 2015Mark 13-14

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Giving All” – http://odb.org/
  • Present your bodies a living sacrifice,                                                                                             holy, acceptable to God,                                                                                                                       which is your reasonable service.                                                                                                                                                 ~Romans 12:1~
  • “Our Best” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/u/ourbest.htm

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions

Ladies’ Night at FBC, Kentwood – “Fashionable Ladies”

  • Ladies from at least ten different churches
  • Hat parade – great participation and lots of fun
  • Fun to watch all the ladies tying scarves at the same time
  • Two wonderful young ladies skillfully playing violins
  • My biggest helpers – Sue Connelly, Fay Gehringer, Eleanor Morris, Bessie Hayden
  • Next Ladies’ Night – June 25th

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

  • Tuesday at 11:00 A.M.
  • The Cafe, Kentwood
  • Come to help honor some who have giving of themselves in our church and community.
  • No gifts – just a smile and a good memory.

Lord’s Supper for Shut-In Members

  • Wednesday at 5:30
  • Come join a team

Breakfast at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church tomorrow

You are invited to breakfast at Pine Ridge UMC (3893 Hwy. 440 in St. Helena Parish) 8 AM on Sunday, April 26. Donations will be accepted to help Jay Hugh Young. Invite your friends and family to eat, fellowship, and worship with us!

Pine Ridge/Tangipahoa United Methodist Churches's photo.

Tomorrow is the Lord’s special day.  Make preparations today so you will not have a hectic day tomorrow.

Anna Lee

Friday

 I know that everything God does will endure forever;

nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.

God does it so that men will revere him

~Ecclesiastes 3:14~

Doug Toney has been moved back to La. Heart Hospital in Lacombe.  Sandy said she will give tell us more later.  For now, they need rest.  Please pray.
Read the Bible in 2015Jeremiah 22 – 26
Devotional, Scripture, and a Song
  • “Hope Lives” – http://odb.org/
  • Your faith, being much more precious than gold . . .                                                                      may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.                                                                                                                                                   ~1 Peter 1:7~
  • “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

Crossroads Christian Music Festival

  • April 24 – 26
  • Lion King Ministries
  • http://www.LionKingMinistries.com
  • 225-210-8357
  • Located west of Amite in St. Helena Parish
  • (Shared by a former student and musician)

Baptist Press

  • bpnews.net
  • Pay special attention to the first article and pray for the right decision to be made.
  • Great articles!

Annie Armstrong Mission Offering for North America

 

More this evening!

Anna Lee

Thursday

 David also said to Solomon his son,

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.

Do not be afraid or discouraged,

for the LORD God, my God, is with you.

He will not fail you or forsake you

until all the work 

for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

~1 Chronicles 28:20~

Please pray for my friend, Sandy W. Toney.  Her husband, Doug, is in ICU.  Sometimes, things do not work out as easily as hoped for in the medical world.  This has been the case for them.

Jadon’s Journey

Two and half hours later we still don’t have any answers. We ruled out infection, fractures, or breaks. She thinks he could be overpowering his brace and bruising his shin bone. We are going to take his brace off and see if he gets better over the weeekend. If not he will have to have an MRI next week. We are also going to try a different kind of brace but of course that will take several weeks to come in. She said Jadon’s case is a difficult one and she will probably think about him all week. Please continue to pray for him. I hate seeing him in pain.

Women’s Ministry

  • Ladies’ Night, “Fashionable Ladies, will begin at 6:15 with finger foods and end with lots of memories and some new friends.  Bring a hat your decorated, scarves to tie and to lend, a friend, and the expectation for a great night with a room full of Christian women.
  • Friday Morning Bible Study – Mary Magdelene

              Get your study guide from the church office.

  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – Tuesday at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.

Read the Bible in 2015Job 33 – 34

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Now Go!” – http://odb.org/ 
  • Now go;                                                                                                                                                             I will help you speak                                                                                                                             and will teach you what to say.                                                                                                                                       ~Exodus 4:12 (NIV)~
  • “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”  – http://nethymnal.org/htm/t/e/tellmsoj.htm

Baptist Pressbpnews.org

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions – “Making Beautiful Music Together” – http://www.namb.net/video/beautiful_music/

Thank-you for reading and praying today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits….

~Psalm 103:2~

(I think today’s verse is so appropriate for the three updates I’m posting this morning.  I will probably find time this afternoon to write more.)

Koltyn Gafford (written by his mother)

Koltyn has had some great progress with therapy these past couple of weeks. He is getting prepared for a swallow study which is done to make sure he isn’t aspirating. He has done quite well eating off a spoon water, ice chips, and applesauce. He has also sucked on a small dum dum sucker and sucked down some tea out of mommies straw. I also let him have a few tiny spoons of red beans juice last night and seemed to enjoy them. He has been having some very good OT/PT sessions as well. They are working on better head and trunk control, arm strength by having him bare weight on his arms as he sits up (with assistance).
His seizures have slacked off a little with an increase of meds and and additional OTC B6 Vitamin.
Keep the Prayers coming they are working. I have faith he’s going to make a full recovery, God’s not finished with him yet.
Here’s a short video of him puckering up for some sweet sugars for daddy. This is a big step, considering he used to stick his tongue out and try to lick you every time you tried to kiss him.

Sherry Day

Update on surgery. Went yesterday to get stitches out of head. I am doing good from surgery except my vision is somewhat impaired but this is normal. Tumor was metastic from breast cancer and as of now no treatments are needed. Praise God. I would like to thank everyone for the prayers, calls, text and keeping up with me on Facebook. The power of everyone’s prayers has truly blessed me again. God bless and love to all.

Rev. Tim Jones

Tim had his medicine changed.  Later this week he will had additional tests.  Keep him in your prayers.

Read the Bible in 2015Psalm 45 – 47

I will stop here and get back with you later today.  Have a great morning!

Anna Lee