Tuesday

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

~James 1:17 NKJV~

Here is a prayer request I’ve been waiting to be able to share. Rusty Benoit will be having open-heart surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, at Ochsner. Please pray for Jana, Reece, Jack, and other family members as you pray for Rusty.

We know that, unfortunately, the holiday season leads to an increase of criminal activity. A friend from Montpelier Baptist Church said someone took the petty cash ($54.00) and all the church’s historical records Sunday night. Let’s pray the records are found and returned and that people will not choose to steal and commit other crimes but learn about loving God and others. Montpelier had the solution to the needs of the person(s), but it isn’t petty cash and church historical records. It’s Jesus!

I spent some time assessing the results of the Lottie Moon Tea we had Sunday afternoon. We had almost 120 people in attendance representing at least 13 churches and almost 1700 stamped Christmas cards turned in which will be delivered to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail this week. I don’t have a count of the cards for the St. Helena Parish Jail, but some cards will be sent there by the St. Helena Parish churches. We have a good many Bibles which will be distributed at the jail too, but I don’t have all of them here to count. We also had many, many people who learned about loving people and doing missions. Thank you to all who attended and/or supported the tea and projects in any way!

Read the Bible – Hebrews 11-13 and Psalm 30

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com

No matter what is on your agenda today, I hope you remember that the celebration of the birth of Jesus is the true reason for this annual holiday season.

Anna Lee

Sunday

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24~

Please pray for Linda K. Graves, formerly of the East Fork community. She has been sick the last two days.

Fannie Louise Kent

November 23, 1927 – November 30, 2017

Read the Bible – Hebrews 7-8 & Psalm 28

Today is the day! We are having our annual Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood at 2 P.M. The tables are beautifully decorated. I will be so happy to see it full of happy people in about 12 hours. The program will be as great as the room already appears.

Today is the first day of the Week of Prayer for international missions. Our focus today will be the Bagby family in Nepal. https://www.imb.org/day-1/ and https://www.imb.org/2017/12/03/week-of-prayer-bagby/

Have a fantastic Lord’s Day! Remember, Jesus is definitely the “reason for the season”!

Anna Lee

Saturday

The LORD has heard my plea for help;

the LORD accepts my prayer.

~Psalm 6:9 HCSB~

Rob Anderson is still hospitalized in Texas. He continues to be in great pain. Pray for improvement,

We have a number of deaths today, more than any other day I can remember.

Kirk McCoy Jones

DIED: December 1, 2017

LOCATION: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Kirk McCoy Jones, passed into Jesus’ arms on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017. Born Elizabeth Kirk McCoy on Dec. 7, 1952, she migrated to Livingston Parish where she and her family lived for 30 years. She is survived by the best husband in the world, Kirk C. Jones; 3 wonderful kids and 5 grandkids. Scott and Kellie Alford of Denham Springs, their 3 kids, Peyton Alford and wife, Ashley, Grace Alford and Haven Alford, Korie Alford of Denham Springs; 2 daughters, Delanie Prestridge and Gabrielle Alford, Lindsay Jones of Alameda, California; and furbabbies, Bonnie and Sticky. Being Mimi was much more fun! Kirk received her Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern and her Master’s Degree in Natural Science from LSU. She was a member of the National Science Teachers Association, and the LA Science Teachers Association. She was known for her love of science. She taught 35 years in Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes. Mrs. Jones loved her students and was always attending classes/conventions to keep current with her studies. She was the kind of teacher that did things in her science class that her students never forgot. Kirk won numerous awards on the state and national level. She was Teacher of the Year in 1998 and Science Olympiad 2 years in a row. Kirk loved traveling. She traveled abroad to London, Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Cozumel. She would bring back rocks or anything related to science to show her students. Kirk loved to play the piano. She was the pianist at Kedron Baptist Church for 7 years and would still play hymns on her piano at home. She attended Sunday School faithfully. She loved the Lord. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Oikos Ministries Alms, 13865 Blackwater Road, Baker, LA 70714. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will resume on Monday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. until service at 12 p.m., officiated by Rev. Teryl Hebert. Burial will follow in Amite Baptist Cemetery, Denham Springs.

William Eugene Parsons – Not the Kentwood Bill Parsons!

November 22, 1939 – December 01, 2017

A resident of Amite and former longtime resident of Lincoln, NE, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Landmark Nursing Home. He was born November 22, 1939 in Des Moines, IA and was 78 years of age. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Melissa P. Harrison, Pamela Lynn Parsons, and Tiffany Sue Baker; 5 grandchildren, Emily Margaret Harrison, James Elliot Harrison,, William Connor Harrison, Noah Joseph Baker and Tristan Thomas Welch; sisters, Carol Amundson and Jeri Dodgin; and his brother, Stan Parsons. Preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Vivian Parsons. Donations may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mrs. Fannie Lou Kent from Amite/Fluker passed away. Her obituary will be posted when one is available.

Rachael Ann Lipscomb Lites

Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017

Rachael Ann Lipscomb Lites, age 34 and a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, passed from this earthly life Tuesday, November 28, 2017 and into the care of her Heavenly Father and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rachael cherished her precious daughter and son and was adored by them and by her mother, her father, her grandmother, her step-father, and all who knew her. Rachael had a thirst for learning, a talent for communicating, a gift for artistic creation, and an intellect and energy that she brought to each of her new ventures. A couple of those ventures were as an investment counsellor and as a web designer.

Rachael attended Oak Forest Academy in Amite, graduated from Hammond High School, and received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University. She served as a Special Education teacher at Mt. Hermon Elementary School, at Independence Elementary School, and at Bridge City Juvenile Facility.

She is survived by her husband Patrick Lites, daughter Judith Ann Lites, son Gabriel Joseph Lites, mother Jo Ann P. Miller, father Ralph Lipscomb, step-father David C. Miller, grandmother Fannie Ben Pierite, father-in-law Marvin Lites, mother-in-law Kay Lites, two step-brothers, a step-sister, aunts, uncle, and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers Joseph Pierite, Jr. and Ralph Lipscomb, Sr. and grandmother Barbara Albin Lipscomb.

Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd. in Hammond, Louisiana from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, December 1, 2017 followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am with Dr. David E. Cranford officiating. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Hammond.

Pallbearers will be Terry Ben, Martin Johnson, David C. Miller II, Justin J. Miller, Bret A. Miller, and Mike Ibert.

Aaron Patrick Carr

September 22, 1977 – November 29, 2017

Aaron received his angel wings on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at the age of 40. He was always working with his hands and loved wood working. Aaron was an outdoorsman who enjoyed going hunting and fishing. He was very personable and loved being around people. Aaron was a truly Spiritual man who had a heart of gold and loved every person that came into his life. He never met a stranger. Aaron had the most infectious smile that would light up a room as soon as he walked in. He loved to tease everyone he knew, but it was always out of love. Aaron enjoyed learning about his family history and genealogy. He was an avid creative chef in the kitchen, making up new recipes all the time. Aaron enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, especially when it was spent with his mom and dad. His favorite place to be was the sandy white beaches soaking up the sun. Aaron is already deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Betty Carol Bankston Carr and Raymond Stafford Carr; sister and Best Friend, Amanda Urrutia and husband James; cousin who was more like his brother, Austin Bankston of Vancouver, WA; loving nieces, Alex Wright who was the light of Aaron’s life, and Victoria Urrutia; loving nephews, James Nicholas Urrutia and Aidan Bankston; his very special friend and life partner Heather Perrone; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Preceding Aaron in death are his grandparents, Floyd and Estelle Bankston, and John M. “Buck” Carr Sr. and Juanita Stafford Carr; and his infant sister, Elizabeth Carr.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Hammond, on Monday, December 4, 2017, from 10:00 am until the Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm. Bro. Hanson Bourgios will officiate the service.

Read the Bible – Hebrews 5-6 & Psalm 27

It’s crunch time for the Lottie Moon Tea. As the time gets closer, I seem to have my mind on how lives will be impacted by meeting and hearing a missionary, Rachel Robins, tomorrow, learning about Lottie Moon, and experiencing the Tea in her honor. I’m also anticipating children who will have the opportunity to sing Christmas songs. How excited they must be! Come enjoy being a part of this sweet experience at 2 P.M. Sunday, tomorrow, at FBC, Kentwood.

Have a good day and a great Christmas season! Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Anna Lee

Friday

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of Your people Israel.

~Luke 2:30-32 NKJV~

Rob Anderson, son-in-law of Robert and Ora Lee Wilson, is back in the hospital. He’s having severe pain. Let’s pray for his problem to be identified and cleared up quickly.

“Miss” Ruby Dillon is home again! She came home early yesterday afternoon.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford of Holden, sent an update that said the doctors are considering three options. A decision will be made December 11th. Jimmy asked for your continued prayers.

Ladies who need to decorate a table for the tea will meet at the church at 10 A.M. Saturday unless other specific plans have been made. The tea is Sunday at 2 P.M. It will be a time you shouldn’t miss, but if you do, there is no second opportunity to attend the annual Lottie Moon Tea for 2017.

Sunday is the time to bring your STAMPED Christmas cards that will be given to area prisoners so they can send messages home at Christmas. The more we get, the more families we can touch this holiday season.

Our friend who has religious services at the prison said we have been an awesome source of soft-cover Bibles for her to distribute. If you have some you are not using, please get them to me. Thanks!

The ladies Bible study group will meet in the Heritage Room this morning. We will be studying Ezekiel 22 today.

Read the Bible – Hebrews 3-4 & Psalm 26

November, our special month for thankfulness, is being replaced by December, our month for celebration of Christ’s birth. I cannot think of any better reason to celebrate!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

~ I Chronicles 16:34~

Please pray for the Dillons. “Miss” Ruby has been admitted to North Oaks with some dehydration and an infection. She’s in room 4102. Mr. “Cete” is with her.

I have an update on Kayla J. Evans and her baby girl, Finley. They are both doing well at this point.

Russell Wiley Crawford

December 09, 1939 – November 27, 2017

A resident of Spring Creek passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence. He was born December 9, 1939 in New Orleans and was 77 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran and a member of Spring Creek Baptist. He is survived by wife, Marilyn Kelting Crawford; daughter, Becky Crawford; son, Randy Crawford; 2 grandchildren, Chase and Kaysie Crawford; sister, Carol Fairburn, all of Spring Creek. Preceded in death by parents, George and Flora Crawford; sister, Margaret Roberts; 2 brothers-in-law, Fred Roberts and Gerald Fairburn; nephew, Scott Fairburn; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eugene and Lucille Kelting. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Russell. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Philemon, Psalm 24, and video of Philemon at http://bibleproject.com

Work is progressing on the Two Rivers Associational Annual Lottie Moon Tea. Let me invite all ladies (3-103 years old) to come to First Baptist Church, Kentwood at 2 P.M. Sunday. In additional to some tea and other treats, you’ll hear a missionary who has returned to the states and witness the musical talents of the children and youth of our local churches. The ladies will be decorating their tables Saturday morning. I know they will be beautiful! If this is your first holiday event, it will put you in a Christ centered focus for the Christmas season. If you miss it, there will be no second chance. I’m looking forward to seeing you Sunday at 2 P.M. We are thankful to have our children and youth help with serving of food, as well as singing.

The children of FBC, Kentwood will have missions tonight and work in a little last-minute practice time for the tea. We begin in the sanctuary at 6 P.M.

The ladies will have their regular Bible study, of Ezekiel, Friday morning at 10 A.M. The prophesy is interesting. We are comparing those days to the present days and praying for our nation and world to turn back to Jesus.

The “shoeboxes” we packed are getting the Christian literature that will introduce them to Jesus added this week and boxes divided up for their final destinations as well as packaging for overseas shipping. The boxes might travel by plane, ship, boat, wagon, bus, car, truck. camel, horse, on even be carried in on the backs of people. All opened boxes will bring joy and an introduction to Jesus!

Sunday, we will begin our Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We received slightly more than our goal for the Georgia Barnett Offering for North American missions. I look forward to exceeding this goal too! We will again have our Missions March as introduced to us by Dr. Tom Higginbothan, a former IMB missionary who served as interim pastor at FBC, Kentwood a few years ago.

Sunday is the deadline for bringing in STAMPED Christmas cards for the prisoners at the parish jail. David and I will personally deliver the cards to the jail next week. No number of cards is too large or too small! We’ll pray each one impacts a family with the true Christmas message this holiday season.

It’s a great week! Follow Jesus in the Christmas season this year! Merry Christmas!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

~Psalm 100:4~

I received a letter and a suggestion for our next Bible Reading Plan from Bill and Velta Morris. Updates on their health were also included. That’s what I want to share with you this morning. First, he said birthdays have brought along some wear and tear (They are not the only ones!), but that makes them grateful because God has been faithful and continues to bless them. Velta will have another scan in January. After a couple rounds of radiation, her nodes are almost normal in size. He also stated that one day they will come back and he and Velta will “walk through that door when they do”. In the meantime her ministry includes things like sitting with folks and delivering meals. Bill said he and Art team teach a Sunday School class of about 55 each Sunday with Velta serving as their “right arm”! As you may know, Bill and Velta are as special to me as his parents were to me in my earlier years in Kentwood. I find myself speaking of them periodically, probably more often than any other couple of their age.

Yesterday was Mrs. Grace Chadwick’s 96th birthday! She is from Roseland and a fixture of our past lives. As a matter of fact, I have a list of ladies who attended the baby shower before I was born. “Miss” Grace was there. I can show you the area of the church where she faithfully sat at Roseland Baptist Church. Her husband helped my daddy study to be a Mason. I have lots of memories of them! Today, when we visit the Greensburg nursing home we “look her up” if she has not already found us! She always blesses us with numerous “stories” from our shared past.

https://swbts.edu/news/releases/southwestern-seminary-preserves-legacy-lottie-moon/

You can use this like to get the the LIVE BROADCAST at 1 P.M. today. I will be working at the church at that time to prepare for the Lottie Moon Tea, so I hope someone will record it for us to use in the future,

Read the Bible – Titus, Psalm 23, and video on Titus at http://bleproject.com

Don’t forget the “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party this morning at 11 A.M. at The Cafe.

What a great time of the year!

Anna Lee

Monday

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

~Isaiah 12:4~

Before the Christmas season, it seems like we will be experiencing the flu season. I understand the schools, the nursing home, and families are experiencing lots of flu cases. Be careful not to get the flu and if you do, don’t share it.

Finley Lauren Evans was born yesterday. Both Kayla and the baby are doing well. Pray for baby Finley as she adds new excitement to the Simpson and Evans families

Ronnie Brabham’s daughter, Emma, was in an accident yesterday. Her baby, Luke James, was born weighing 3.6 lbs. Pray for mom and baby.

James Rimes has been “under the weather”, but is improving. Pray for him to soon be 100%.

Please continue to pray for David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, and sister-in-law, Janie.

Our granddaughter, Mallory, was here for a few days, but had a successful flight and drive back to college. I thank God for this mature, young lady in the family.

Read the Bible – II Timothy 1-4, Psalm 22, & video on II Timothy found at http://bibleprojecct.com

Next Sunday is collection day at church and during the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea for stamped Christmas cards for Tangipahoa parish prisoners.
The Tea will be at 2 P.M. at the FBC fellowship hall.

Have a great Monday and a great week!

Anna Lee

Saturday

4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

~1 Timothy 4:4-5~

I’m happy to report that Rob Anderson, Robert and Ora Lee Wilson’s son-in-law, is home from the hospital. Let’s thank God for Rob’s improvement.

Let’s pray for the many travelers who will be going home today. May each one be extra careful on this holiday travel day.

Aubrey Ray “Foots” Strahan

November 16, 1928 – November 24, 2017

A resident of Amite passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017 at his home. He was born November 16, 1928 in Amite and was 89 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, a member of Friendship Baptist Church and retired from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. He is survived by his wife, Billie Callihan Strahan, Amite; 3 daughters, Virginia Strahan Bailey and husband, Neal, Grand Bay, AL, Wanda Strahan Hammac, Mobile, AL, and Gwendolyn Strahan Wilkerson, Theodore, AL; 1 son, Aubrey “Alan” Strahan and wife, Margaret, Amite; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Peggy Strahan Rester, Denham Springs, and Patsy Strahan Hall and husband, Robert; sister-in-law, Sara B. Strahan; brother-in-law, Russell Krueger, Jamestown, ND; special friends, JC Ricks and Roy Seal. Preceded in death by parents, James Clenzie Strahan and Velma Lee Strahan; brother, Robert Earl Strahan; sisters, Wilda Nell Krueger, Elizabeth “Dib” S. Brown, and Doris S. Toney; 2 infant brothers, brother-in-law, Sidney Brown and Billie Ray Toney; great-grandchild, Brynn Elizabeth Woods; sons-in-law, Richard A. Wilkerson and Carlos L. Hammac. Visitation at Friendship Baptist Church, 62502 Friendship Church Rd., Amite, LA from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2017. Interment Friendship Cemetery, Amite, LA. Memorial Contributions may be made to Friendship Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – I Timothy 3-4 & Psalms 20

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will be having their monthly breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:000. Come enjoy one of the best breakfast buffets around and give a donation to help with a need for a person in/from the community.

I think it is okay, even suggest you keep your eyes and heart open, to the many ways you are blessed all year long.

Anna Lee

Friday

15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

~2 Corinthians 4:15-16~

Rhonda Hendry of Chesbrough broke her arm in two places. Please pray for her as she sees specialists for additional treatment.

Gary Hendry, a former football player and coach, is hospitalized at Lakeview in Covington for testing.

Evelyn Hughes Stevens, formerly of Roseland, passed away. I did not find an obituary yet.

Read the Bible – I Timothy 1-2, Psalm 19, & video on I Timothy found at Bible Project.com

I’m looking forward to the “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party Tuesday at The Cafe at 11 A.M.

I’m also looking forward to visiting Pine Ridge United Methodist Church Sunday at 8:00 A.M. for their monthly breakfast benefit to help an individual or family having a difficult time. I was talking to a lady last week who had a series of medical problems a few years ago. She told me what a wonderful surprise it was to open a card one day and get a check from Pine Ridge United Methodist Union. She also told how helpful it was to get her through those difficult days. I think it was especially nice to know the ladies of PRUMU were concerned for her and praying for her.

This is a good season to check with those who live alone. Sometimes they need a little encouragement or help. You might be the one who can meet their need!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

~Jonah 2:9~

First of all, I want to give you the Operation Christmas Child totals for the FBC, Kentwood Drop-off Location.

1705 shoeboxes
87 cartons of shoeboxes
12 volunteers
92 hours worked during the week

The Hammond site were our shoeboxes went to yesterday collected 14,120 shoeboxes from 8 drop-off locations.

All these boxes are being shipped to Atlanta this year.

Thanks to the many people in each church who participated by making donations, buying the items, packing the shoeboxes, and delivering them to the drop-off locations around the world this past week. Focus on the many, many children who will receive a shoebox, the families who will be touched, and all those who will learn about Jesus and ask Him into their hearts because of a simple shoebox.

I have some new ideas for OCC next year and can hardly wait to begin packing the next boxes this time next year!

Steve Miller of Line Creek had a successful hip surgery yesterday. Pray for him as he heals.

Read the Bible – I Thessalonians 3-4 & Psalm 16

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Hymn of the Day – “What a Day that will Be”

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Hymns with a Message – http://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-day-that-will-be.html

U-Tube of Hymn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40lCmHvmcCY

I’m thankful you read and pray each day.

Anna Lee