11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Today, I ask for continued prayers for the Strickland family. The flu situation is better, thankfully. Phillip is home and recovering from his surgery. Phillip’s dad, Mike, fell and broke some bones in his neck. He’s hospitalized in Jackson, MS now. Sometimes, like can present some difficult times. Please pray the Stricklands through this one, please.

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving to Atlanta. A going-away reception for her will be Tuesday, January 2 at 3 P.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood. Everyone is invited to attend.

Read the Bible – You choose the passage(s) today.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Waylon Bailey’s “Finishing the Story” – http://waylonbailey.com/2017/12/28/finishing-the-story/

If you are not prepared for cold weather, get prepared today. If you are prepared. check on others that may need your help.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

~Luke 2:13-14~

Message from Cheryl Prescott yesterday afternoon:

Doug is having his surgery on his temple (skin cancer) tomorrow morning, praying for good results. He will be at the MOHS Surgery Center in Mandeville. Thank you,
Cheryl Prescott

Laurie Miller had hand surgery yesterday, but is home for her recovery time. Pray for her as she strives to follow doctor’s instructions in the coming days.

The flu abounds. I won’t list names, but be careful or you’ll be a victim too.

Read the Bible – You pick the chapters or verses again today.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Sally Ann White Mullins

November 17, 1955 – December 24, 2017

She passed away on Christmas Eve 2017 in Kentwood. She was born in Brookhaven, MS on November 17, 1955 to Margaret Lucille Edwards White and Grover E. White, Sr. She was a member of Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City, LA. She is survived by husband, Kenneth Mullins; 2 sisters, Mittie W. Rohner and Nancy Leglue (Hank); 2 brothers, Grover “Buster” White, Jr. (Kathy)and Robert “Nickie” White (Teresa); aunt, Mary “Honey” McGehee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents; grandparents, Charlie and Mittie Crawford Edwards and Lanier and Dessie Thornhill White; brother-in-law, J.T. Rohner; step-daughter, Jennifer Mullins. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017. Interment Stevens Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Edwin Pierce Whitson, Jr.

September 22, 1923 – December 24, 2017

Edwin Pierce Whitson Jr. passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at his home in Amite, Louisiana at the age of 94. He was born on September 22, 1923 in Cleburne, Texas. He was a resident of Amite, Louisiana after spending 58 years as a resident of the Lake Charles and Sulphur area.

Edwin was a World War II Veteran having served his country in the U. S. Army – Corps of Engineers. After leaving the service in 1946, he returned to Texas A&M to complete his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He met his wife on a blind date at College Station and they married at her home on Himalaya Plantation on September 2, 1947.

He was a deeply devoted husband and father, a friend to many, and made a lasting impression to all who knew him. Edwin was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a man of deep faith and served his church as an usher and religious education teacher.
Edwin is survived by his children David Lee Whitson, Priscilla DiLorenzo and her husband Stephen DiLorenzo, Alice Regan and her husband Jeffrey Regan, his eight grandchildren Michael Whitson, Jason Whitson, Katherine Whitson, Jennifer Gallagher, Megan Gallagher, Emily Prescia, Kelly Regan, and Ryan Regan, and two great grandchildren Emma Grace Prescia and Brooklyn Marie Jefferson. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Margie LeBlanc and Carolyn Landry and a host of nieces and nephews.

Edwin is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Hattie Landry Whitson, his son Theodore Edwin Whitson, his parents Edwin Pierce Sr. and Mattie Lee Whitson, and his sister Judith Whitson Amps.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church, 120 S. First St., Amite, LA, on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 10:00AM. Visitation will be held in the church hall beginning at 8:00AM. Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery, 2300 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, LA.

Ida Balsano Tryniecki

April 23, 1920 – December 24, 2017

Ida BalsanoTryniecki, age 97 was born April 23, 1920 and left her earthly life to be with the Lord on December 24, 2017. She was a native of Roseland, LA and a resident of Amite, Louisiana.

Ida is survived by her son, Jim Tryniecki of Amite; and three daughters and their spouses; Ann and Vince LaBarbera; Jan and Julian Ledet of Amite; and Valerie and Randy Lambert of St. Amant, Louisiana; 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grand children and one younger brother and spouse, Tony and Bettye Balsano of Burkeville, Texas.

Ida is preceded in death by her loving husband of 74 years, Joseph Tryniecki, by her parents Antonino “Tony” and Francesca “Sara” Balsano, a sister Calina Balsano, and two brothers, the first Tony Jr. and Joseph Balsano and by a daughter-in-law, Linda R. Tryniecki.

Visitation will be at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 9:00AM until 11:30AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon officiated by Fr. Mark Beard. Burial will follow at Amite Cemetery on S. Duncan Avenue. Arrangements are being made by McKneely Funeral Home of Amite.

The family of “Miss Ida” wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the caregivers, Alayne Granat, Barbara Didone, and Pattie Hartong for the gracious care of their mother.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating “In Memory of Ida Tryniecki” to:

Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area
3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, La 70806
Tax ID # 72-1082047

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
P.O. Box 50
Memphis, TN 38101

Felix Lucito

October 01, 1941 – December 25, 2017

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at Affinity Nursing Home in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born October 1, 1941 in Independence and was 76 years of age. He is survived by daughter, Selyna Polk; grandchildren, Jason Overmier, Jr., Destiny Crosby, Chasity Lucito, Lisa Lucito, and Krystin Lucito; 1 sister, Mary Schiro. Preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Josephine Lucito; son, Felix Able Luctio; sister, Vita Bonfiglio. brother, Sam B. Lucito. A private service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Grover “Lane” Day

February 16, 1962 – December 25, 2017

A resident of Greensburg passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at his home. He was born February 16, 1962 in Magnolia, MS and was 55 years of age. He was a member of Red Bluff Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Judy Day; 2 daughters, Sonya Day and Rhonda Day; 2 sons, Robert Day and Steven Day; step-daughter, Miranda Watts; step-son, Douglas Creel; sister, Eileen Sagely; 2 brothers, Joe Day and Wendell Day; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson on the way. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph “Elvis” Day and Dorothy Bates Day; nephew, Wendell Scott Day, Jr. Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Services conducted by his brother, Bro. Joe Day and Bro. Leroy McElveen. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.12/28

I don’t intend to become a weather reporter, but I do want to remind you as we have extreme weather conditions to be prepared at home and to check on others who might need your assistance in some weather related way.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

~Luke 2:10-12~

I trust all of you took some time to read Scriptures and think on the significance of the holiday. If not, it is never too late. Luke 2 is a wonderful chapter to focus on.

Mrs. Grace Chadwick has another hard day as her medicines battled the infection in her body. Keep her in your prayers.

Today is a busy traffic day as some people travel to work and some travel home from family gatherings. Be extra careful if you are on the road today.

It is also a good day to reflect on family and count the blessings of having time to spend this special holiday together.

Wednesday night services will follow the usual schedule at FBC, Kentwood. I will get to teach the children about missions again, so all of you with little ones around get the children to church for 6 P.M. Sunday morning will follow the usually schedule, but Sunday night we will have a special service at 6 P.M. followed by a soup and salad supper. Don’t miss out on any of these opportunities. If your church is not meeting at these times, feel free to visit us.

Bible Reading – Read the chapters of your choice today. We will start a new plan on January 1, 2018.

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.net

I hope you are considering the changes you need to make in your like in the coming year. I’m not calling these changes resolutions, but changes. We all have some things we could improve on. Let’s pray about what God would have us to do differently.

Anna Lee

Christmas

This is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. He was born to live to teach others and die to rise again and ascend to heaven to pay for our sins and provide us with an opportunity to go to heaven when we die and live with Him forever. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given to mankind. I pray you ask Him into your heart.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

~Luke 2:6-7~

Mrs. Grace Chadwick is doing much better! He health issue was quickly diagnosed and treatment begun. Her family appreciates your prayers. I know “Miss” Grace does too.

Most of you are like my family and have experienced family members in the hospital at Christmas as well as a family death during this season. If this describes your family this year, we’ll all say special prayers for you.

Read the Bible – Read the Scriptures about the birth of Jesus from another Gospel this morning.

Share the Christmas message and the spirit of the holiday with others today.

Anna Lee

Christmas Eve

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

~Galatians 4:4-5~

The Philip Strickland family is thankful to be together after the last week was so complicated. They are together and thankful!

Mrs. Grace Chadwick has been moved from the Greensburg nursing home to the hospital. Please pray for her and her family.

Paula Genco Spear has passed away due to injuries suffered in an accident. Please pray for those left behind.

Read the Bible – I suggest you read about the birth of Jesus from one of the gospels.

Today is a good day to show your support for missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Think of someone who needs a call or a visit today. Act on that need.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

~Luke 1:68~

Sherry Rosamond sent a request for prayer. She has had a stress test that showed a blockage. On January 9th, she will have an angiogram to correct the blockage. She asks for your prayers.

Sierra Marie Aivazian

June 27, 2004 – December 18, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born June 27, 2004 in Hammond and was 13 years of age. She is survived by father, Shawn Aivazian and wife, Jessica; mother, Daniell Smith; sisters, Terri Aivazian, Holly Rushing, and Heidi Rushing; brothers, Ethan Smith, Dakota Smith, Jordan Aivazian, and Braydenn Ballard; great-grandmother, Janet Zarak; grandmother, Anna Benvenuti; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by sister, Nevaeh Aivazian; grandmother, Terri Renee Hathcock. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Mervin Strother. Interment St. James Cemetery, Holden. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Today’s reading was posted yesterday with yesterday’s reading. I suppose I was anxious to help you get to the end. If you stayed with these readings, you have read the whole Bible one and some portions more than once. I’ll start with a new plan on January 1st. I hope you will read along with me. Challenge yourself and read the Bible in 2018.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Don’t forget to give so others can tell a lost world about Jesus. If we give, they will have that opportunity.

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.com

Many churches will have altered schedules for the next couple of Sundays. You would be wise to check for changes before arriving for a service.

We all know many people will be traveling for the next couple of weeks. Let’s pray for good weather conditions and drivers who are both careful and alert.

Anna Lee

Friday

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

Philip Strickland will probably get come come home today. Both Mindy and Lily are doing better. Thank you for your prayers. Philip’s dad is also doing better.

Read the Bible – Last two days

Friday – Rev. 19-20, Psalm 47, & video “Heaven and Earth”
Saturday – Rev. 21-22, Psalm 48, & video “Image of God”

I’m in the process of finalizing the plan we will be using in 2018. We have a break until Jan. 1, so read some of you favorite passages until Jan. 1st.

Searcy Prays Big, God Blesses Big

http://baptistmessage.com/searcy-prays-big-god-blesses-big/

David and I were blessed to have the Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin last night. Despite the many seasonal conflicts, people from five different churches were present. Mr. Harlon Toney guided the singing of numerous Christmas carols. Kim Toney Chadwick sang two beautiful songs about Mary. We will meet again on Thursday, Jan 18th.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow the regular morning schedule, 9: 15 for Sunday School and 10:30 for worship. Sunday evening there will be a candlelight service at 6 P.M. If you are available, come worship in Kentwood.

Check out the Lottie Moon poster on the wall by the piano.

Christmas if so much more than a birthday party for some more than 2000 years ago. It is also the day we celebrate God’s wonderful plan to forgive us of our sins and give us a home for eternity in heaven. Don’t miss this significance! Pass on the real meaning of our holiday.

Anna Lee

Thursday

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

~Luke 1:30-31~

Pray for Philip Strickland as he has a few more days at Ochsner. He is hopeful he will be home by Christmas. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden who had toe surgery this week.

Earl Warren, from Roseland, is hospitalized and very ill. Please pray for him.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy was scheduled to return home yesterday. Thank God for her good reports, but keep praying. She and her family will be very appreciative.

Becki Ricks Gabriel

July 29, 1950 – December 20, 2017

A resident of Amite passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at her home. She was born July 29, 1950 in Magnolia, MS and was 67 years of age. She was a graduate of Kentwood High School Class of 1968. She worked for First Guaranty Bank in Amite for 21 years and was a wife and mother of four children. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Parker C. “Chuck” Gabriel, Jr.; daughter, Tina G. Doughty and her husband, Jason; son, Parker C. “Charlie” Gabriel, III; 2 grandsons, Jason Todd Doughty and Parker Clayton Doughty; 2 sisters, Cathy Cutrer Raiford and husband, Stacy, and Deanie Brumfield; brother, George M. Ricks and wife, Martha. Preceded in death by daughter, Christian Rebecca Gabriel; son, Clay Milford Gabriel; parents, Milford George Ricks, Sr. and Betty Rebecca Miller Ricks; brother, Milford George Ricks, Jr. father-in-law and mother-in-law, Parker C. Gabriel, Sr. and Shirley A. Gabriel; brother-in-law, Claude H. Brumfield; 2 nieces, Carly Lou Cutrer and Mallory Claire Ricks. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Revelations 17-18 & Psalm 46.

The Lottie Moon poster is beginning to take of several different colors of “lights”. It will continue to light up as contributions are given to the special offering for international missions.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Don’t forget to join us tonight at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday Gathering.

Spread the Good News of why Jesus came to earth as a baby and the eternal impact it can have on our lives.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I delayed posting and got caught by the rain again. That’s the nature of satelites and life in the country. Hopefully, better technology will get out here one day….

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is improving following her back surgery. Pray for her and her two caregiver sons, Chester and John.

Philip Strickland’s surgery went well at Ochsner (NO) yesterday. Pray for him to have a good recovery period.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, had a procedure at Ochsner (BR) that will hopefully lead to the next step in Jimmy’s treatment. There is a more hopeful attitude in his situation now.

Mays I. Morris, Sr.

April 08, 1932 – December 17, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He was born April 8, 1932 in Amite and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his son, Mays I. Morris, Jr.; son, Arthur D. Morris; daughter, Martha Ann Morris; step children, Sherry Allen Rowland, Gwendolyn Allen Watts, Timothy Brian Allen, Matthew Wayne Allen and Brenda Allen Creekmore; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jones Morris; son, Michael Morris; step son, Dennis Gatlin; brother, Andrew J. Morris, Jr., and sister, Imogene Barber Morris. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until religious services at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Reginald E. (Reggie) Goldsby, MD

August 09, 1943 – December 18, 2017

Long time Amite Mayor and beloved family physician, Reginald (Reggie) Goldsby, age 74, passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was born August 9, 1943 in Amite to Omar and Mamie Roberts Goldsby who preceded him in death as did his brother, Myles Goldsby. He is survived by his daughter, Laken Goldsby, and many Goldsby and Kennedy cousins whom he loved dearly and who loved him. He was a faithful charter member of the First Southern Methodist Church of Amite. As an honors student of LSU Medical School, he was exempt from a semester’s final exams. Later in his career, he became an LSU Clinical Professor. He was an avid LSU football fan and not only played football for Amite High School but remained a loyal fan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his personal attendants, Mike and Rachel Constant, for their loving care and devotion to Reggie during these difficult times. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I checked on the location of the shoeboxes sent out through our church as part of Operation Christmas Child. So far, I was able to track boxes to both Mexico and Ecuador. I’m excited the boxes are in their country of destination already. I hope you are still as excited as I am for the boxes and what an impact each box will make on the lives of children and their families.

Some of these shoeboxes will be delivered by our international missionaries. Our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions help keep them “on the field”. That means our shoebox gifts might be a part of the ministry we provide through the LMCO. We help get the boxes to the children by collecting items, packing boxes, paying postage, and supporting our missionaries. Thank-you for all your help.

Tomorrow night, we will gather at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday meeting. I can hardly wait to share this sweet time with others.

Read the Bible – Revelations 14-16 & Psalm 45.

There will be NO Bible study this Friday morning, but we will meet the following Friday.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow their regular schedule for the morning and have a candlelight service at 6 P.M. that night. I hope you will be in church somewhere!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Steven Sealey is doing well following surgery and will be home soon, possibly today. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon has been feeling better the last few days. Keep her in your prayers.

Phillip Strickland will be having surgery today at Ochsner, New Orleans. Pray all goes well for him. Pray for his family too. There are several sick relatives, including his dad, at this time.

Jimmy Alford’s surgery has been changed to 9:30 this morning at Ochsner on O’Neil in Baton Rouge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Reggie Goldsby of Amite passed away. Please be in prayer for his family.

Read the Bible – Revelations 12-13, Psalms 44, & video on Revelations 12-22

We received enough donations to add to our “lights” on the Lottie Moon poster. We now have ten “lights”. Thank-you to all who contributed to support international missions.

We’ll be looking for some of you to attend the Third Thursday meeting this Thursday at 6:30. See you then.

Today. at 11 A.M., the “Young” ladies will be celebrating December birthdays at The Cafe.

It’s great to live in our community – Christmas programs bringing out packed houses to see the children, Christmas caroling by various church groups, and Christmas baskets delivered by different organizations. It’s good to see how people think about others.

Anna Lee