Friday

“Think about Jesus’ example.

He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him.

So do not get tired and stop trying.”

~Hebrews 12:3 NCV~

Update on Eric Lee

Thank you all for your prayers, calls, love and support. Dads surgery was this morning. The surgeon said it was a very straight forward surgery. Everything went well. He is not sure if the tumor was cancerous or not. It will take two days for pathology to get results back to us. He said the tumor was not attached to any major blood vessels so there was minimal blood loss. Dad is awake and in his own room now. The surgeon said the next step is to get the pathology results and we will go from there. Overall, it was the best news we could’ve gotten!

Jesse James “JJ” Grice, Jr.

August 22, 1970 – February 08, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born August 22, 1970 in Memphis, TN and was 47 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Grice, of Kentwood; brother, Charles Grice, Sr. and wife, Judy, of Brooklyn, MS; sister, Teresa Woodard and husband, Ronald, of Kentwood; nieces and nephews, Laurie Miller and husband, Toby, of Kentwood, Duane Grice, Jr. and wife, Lacey, of Brooklyn, MS, Brandon Reinninger and wife, Johanna, of Watson, and Kevin and Trey Grice, of Brooklyn, MS; and great nieces and great nephews, Parker and Paisley Miller, and Hayden, Landen and Lincoln Grice; uncle, Stephen Wrightman, Puyallup, WA. Preceded in death by father, Jesse James Grice, Sr.; and a special aunt, Jean Wrightman and numerous other aunts and uncles. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Brandon Reinninger, Duane Grice, Kevin Grice, Trey Grice, Toby Miller, and Milton Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Luther Burch, Nick Rutland, Jason Marsalis, John Marsalis, Don McKenzie, Matthew Huffman, Shane Wilson, Carter Gholson, Daniel Norris, Joey Goldbaum, Jim Tidwell, Gary Powell, Thomas Escobar, Lynda Cash, Katrina Goldbaum, and Ruth Phillips. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 39-40
Proverbs 17
Mark 2

Friday Morning Bible Study

This morning at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood
Ezekiel 41 & 42

Children’s Mission Day

Saturday, February 17, 9:00 A.M. – Noon
Projects for children, youth, and adults
Please sign the list at the church (229-8111) so we will know how many to expect.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – next Thursday. I hope you are planning to come.

Saying thanks to God for many blessing would be appropriate today or any day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever,

no matter what”

~Psalm 119:112 CEV~

Pray for Eric Lee as he has surgery. Pray for peace for him and for each member of the family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden will have additional surgery tomorrow in Baton Rouge to try to help blood flow in her legs. Pray for her, please.

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving from rehab to her apartment tomorrow. Pray for her.

Mrs. Betty Simpson asked me to share the following medical update about her niece, Dee Dee Matthews. The update was written by Dee Dee’s daughter.

Thanks everyone for the prayers. She is stable but in lots of pain. Her blood pressure is staying kind of low so they aren’t able to really give her much pain meds until her pressure rises some. she had some internal bleeding, her spleen was ripped, her liver was bleeding but they were more concerned with where the seatbelt was on her stomach. They had to take out a portion of her small intestines and are waiting a day or so to make sure she doesn’t because septic before reconnecting it. She has a very large laceration on her leg, her femur is broken close to her hip, and we are thinking her ankle is broken as of right now. the orthopedic surgeon is coming in tomorrow to let us know more about what’s going on and if there are anymore broken bones. she is sedated and on a breathing machine as of now. please keep the prayers coming. My God is awesome and I know my Mama will pull through!

Tish Fairburn has made another trip to MD Anderson and came back with the report she is cancer-free. Let’s join her in thanking God for this report.

Michelle Murphy will be going to MD Anderson to get an evaluation. Please pray for Michelle and for her family.

Edward “Jeff” Davis

June 07, 1966 – February 07, 2018

Edward “Jeff” Davis, a resident of Amite, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home. He was born June 7, 1966 in Amite and was 51 years of age. He was employed by the Tangipahoa Parish Government and enjoyed working, fishing, gardening, and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan O’Brian Davis; daughter, Julie Davis; grandson, Landon Davis; 3 brothers and 1 sister, Troy Davis, Tammy Scafidel, Mike Davis, and Roy Daniel Davis; step mother, Elaine Davis; step brother, Troy Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews and close nit group of friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy E. Davis and Norma Neal Davis; daughter, Alicia Davis; and step brother, Gary Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 PM until 9 PM on Thursday and from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Friday, February 9, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Dewitt Coleman. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Calvin Ray Cernich, Sr.

April 08, 1927 – February 06, 2018

A resident of Greensburg passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. He was born April 8, 1927 in New Orleans and was 90 years of age. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Merchant Marines. He is survived by 13 children, Carolyn Cernich, Calvin Cernich, Jr., Edward Cernich, Lloyd Cernich, Lawrence Cernich, Claire Thompson, Joan Allen, Albert Cernich, Daniel Cernich, Florence Addison, Andrew Cernich, Norma Nicholas and Oscar Cernich; sister, Nora Cernich McCullough; 2 brothers, Willie Cernich and Alfred Cernich; 28 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Marie Cernich; son, Byron Vincent Cernich; 11 brothers and sisters. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 37-38
Psalm 17
Mark 1

Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood – There are a few more places open for the meal Saturday night. You can also order take-out boxes. This will be for a steak dinner. Cost $15.00. Today is the last day to purchase tickets!

Children’s Mission Day on Saturday, February 17th is for everyone. Youth and adults can come to set a good example for out children. There will be projects that everyone can work on. Please call the church office to get your name on the list.

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Consider the blameless,

observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37~

Josiah Huckaby

Update: Josiah is doing much better. His infection seems to be gone & they are weaning his sedation by small amounts daily. He will most likely have withdrawls from all the strong meds. We are praying for a smooth, calm transition off of all the sedation meds. They have also been able to wean his vent settings & oxygen. The plan is to start CPAP trials tomorrow…which is a scheduled amount of time on CPAP and then swap back to the vent and so on…YAY!!! Also, Josiah will be 11 months old Friday! Where has the time gone?!?! God is so good!!! We are so grateful for our sweet little man & can’t wait to get him home!!! 💙💛💙💛💙#TheLuckyFew #ExtraSpecial #OurLittleLagniappe

Joseph Roy Giardina

October 11, 1957 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at his home. He was born October 11, 1957 in Baton Rouge and was 60 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Ardillo Giardina; brother, Charles Giardina; sister, Lillian Giardina Massey and husband, Michael; nephew, John Lucas Massey; niece, Sarah Kate Massey; and companion of 11 years, Dinah Stelley. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph P. Giardina. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12 Noon on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Frank Braden Bateman

September 27, 1941 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Hammond, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born September 27, 1941 in Tyrone, PA and was 76 years of age. He was a retired manager of Winn Dixie with over 41 years of service. He is survived by his 2 sisters, Nancy Beichler and Jo Anne Tidwell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Kathleen Spears Bateman, and his parents, Joseph and Norma Frye Bateman. Funeral Services will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 10 AM. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

There are a number of Facebook sites that give hints about Operation Christmas Child crafts. Spend some time looking to find the ones you wish to join.

Read the Bible

Exodus 35-36
Proverbs 16
Matthew 28

Children’s Mission Day

We will be filling old prescription bottles with fishing and sewing items after we wash the bottles and cover the labels with contact paper. If you have some medium and large bottles, please drop them off in the red basket at church. Thanks!

I have been preparing for our first Children’s mission day. It will be a lot of fun, but don’t let the children get all the fun. Join us on the 17th from 9 A.M. to Noon. Adult skills, both male and female, will be very helpful to guide the children in their projects.

Catch a vision of how you want to spend your ministry time. Be available. God will fill in the answers to your questions.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is doing well. Her boys take turns staying with her. She’s blessed to have them.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon received a good report yesterday.

Today, let’s pray for all the senior adults who live alone. I will let you make your own list. Once you get a list, make an effort to contact them periodically and minister to their individual needs.

Read the Bible

Exodus 33-34
Psalm 16
Matthew 27

I will place a large red basket at FBC, Kentwood to receive Mardi Gras beads, Walmart style loose beads for kids to string, and toys received in “kid” meals at drive in places. I still have the large plastic box for soft-cover Bibles and 2018 calendars. I don’t mind emptying them periodically, so bring your items any time. The Bibles and calendars will be distributed through the jail ministry at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. The beads will be used for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The smaller the bag of beads, the easier it is to detangle them to organize them with that in mind, please.

There is a sign-up list at the church, on RED clipboards, for adults, youth, and children to sign up to participate/help with our projects for the filler boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We will meet from 9:00 A.M. to noon on Saturday, February 17th at FBC, Kentwood. Anyone who cannot be there that morning can help us collect items of do tasks such as cutting out. I also have some take-home crochet and cutting projects. Everyone can be involved in our Children’s Missions Day! You can also call the church and ask for your name to be added to the list.

As a WMU member, I’m so pleased that some churches in our association are beginning to get involved in women’s ministry again. If you belong to a church that need to organize or reorganize a women’s ministry, please contact me. I can give you some ideas and connect you to other ladies who can assist you. I know it is better when we are able to work together.

Have a great day. Maybe a little rain will cause us to do some indoor ministry, calls, letters, cooking, etc., today.

Anna Lee

Monday

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it

~Psalm 34:14~

Some people in our neighborhood frequently hike. Saturday, while hiking, Tommy Travis slipped off the trail and fell 15 feet landing with his forehead on a log. He has 26 stitches and 26 staples now. Let’s pray for complete healing as Tommy gets lots of rest in the next week. Let’s also thank God that Tommy was not more seriously hurt.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is hospitalized in Baton Rouge where she had some stents put in her leg last week to help increase circulation. Pray for all involved in her treatment. Today, they plan to attempt to add more stents. I know she will appreciate your prayers.

Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson has been seeing doctors about her lung issue. Yesterday, she shared that a doctor has recommended surgery. Pray for her as she gets a second opinion and makes decisions.

Read the Bible – Reflect on God as Lord and do any necessary catch-up reading

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

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

Children’s Mission Day – Sign up to be a part of this special day that is coming up on the 17th. We will make some items that will be shipped as fillers for shoeboxes for children at Christmas through Operation Christmas Child. One way many of you might be able to help is to bring us some carnival beads. It is best if they are bagged in limited numbers so we can easily untangle and sort them for packaging. There will be many activities going on. You can choose the ones you wish to do or to help the children do. We will meet at 9:00 A.M.

Many people seem to be fighting a lingering cough. Let’s pray for this to stop spreading.

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

I want to invite you to a special event.

We will have Children’s Mission’s Day in two weeks, Saturday, the 17th from 9 A.M. – Noon. Sign-up sheets for adults and youth helpers, both male and female, and for children are on RED clipboards under the staircase to the balcony. We will be learning about missions, making things to send to other children for Christmas, and having lunch together. Don’t miss this fun day. There will be something for everyone!

Items that would be helpful:

Front cover of used Christmas cards, birthday cards, and “thinking of you” cards
Project (Exacto) knives
Beads
Narrow, bright colored ribbon
Ziplock bags (snack, quart, and gallon sizes)
Large buttons, jewels, or rocks (about 1 inch)
Glue guns and glue sticks

If you bring items by next week or tell me they are coming, I won’t have to make duplicate purchases. Get involved on any and all levels you can.

I also am looking for a roll or partial roll of brown paper (Think about a light-weight paper bag). If you know where I can purchase some, please let me know.

Children’s Mission Day can get all of us involved in doing mission projects. Let’s support our children and provide gifts for children internationally. You’ll be greatly blessed!

Saturday

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

~Proverbs 3:5-6~

Today, I would like to share that I have been researching, planning, and making some Operation Christmas Child gifts to be shared at the end of 2018. Today, I would like to give you, your church, your organization, your class, etc. some ideas.

If you are collecting some each month, during February it is suggested you purchase hair fixings, sunglasses, necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories.

I have also been learning about packing shoeboxes according to a theme. Some of the suggested themes are:

Dolls
Cartoon characters
Firetruck
Cars
Trucks
Tractors
Trains
Airplanes
Butterflies
Ladybugs
Horses
Cows
Giraffes
Dogs
Cats
Baseball
Soccer
Basketball
Carpentry
Hello Kitty
Teddy bears
Beach
Mountains
Fishing
Flowers
Colors
- Red
- Pink
- Silver
- Blue
- Fuscia
- Purple
- Teal
States
Teams

I also have been working on projects my mission kids at church can do. I love crafts, so this is fun for me. There are also crafts that require special talents such as crochet or sewing.

I have discovered some websites and some Facebook groups that give me ideas. Do a little research, There is something out there for everyone!

I also learned many people have stashes of yarn, fabric, beads, etc. they can work with or share. What is in the closet or drawer you haven’t opened lately? Can you use it? Would now be a good time to make it available for someone else to use?

Read the Bible

Exodus 29-30
Psalm 15
Matthew 25

Go back and read the verse at the top of the post. What changes do you need to make today?

Today is the day to make advance plans for getting to church tomorrow. I remember that Daddy polished shoes on Saturdays and set them out for Sunday mornings. What do you need to do?

Anna Lee

Thursday

What, then, shall we say in response to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

~Romans 8:31~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. She will be seeing a doctor today about her toe problem to make an important decision.

Eric Lee is at a hospital in Texas concerning a recently diagnosed problem. Please pray for him and his family.

David and I saw Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Simmons Sunday. He is now hospitalized because of a breathing problem. Pray for him and his family.

Two young children whose father was a pastor at New Zion have scarlet fever. Pray for both the parents and children.

William “Little Bill” Ersin Geismer

September 19, 1966 – January 05, 2018

William Ersin “Little Bill” Geismer, 51, passed away at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans on January 5, 2018. He was a resident of Kentwood and a native of Istanbul, Turkey. He is survived by his wife, Paige Brown Geismer; 5 children, Kacie LaFleur, Colby Geismer and wife, Megan, Thomas Geismer, Randi Geismer and Kason Geismer; step daughter, Kaila Lester; mother, Turkan Geismer; father in law and mother in law, Bill and Eugenia Brown; sister, Barbara Sonnier and husband, Jason; sister in law, Danielle Brown; brother in law, Hunter Brown and wife, Mindy; 5 grandsons, Kaleb, Connor and Karson Guerra and Gage and Logan Geismer; niece, E’stelle McKinney; and nephew, Oscar Sipes. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Katie Lee Geismer; father, William Henry Geismer; and his grandparents, Oscar Henry Geismer and Elizabeth Black. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 11 AM until Memorial Service at 2 PM, on Saturday, February 3, 2018. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 25-26
Psalm 14
Matthew 23

Children’s Missions Day

F.B.C., Kentwood
9 A.M. – Noon
Ages K – 5th Grade

Five Consistent Sources of Discouragement for Pastors – Rainer Report #1 and other recent posts

http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Thanks for reading and praying each day.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“The LORD is my strength and my defense ;

he has become my salvation.

He is my God, and I will praise him,

my father’s God,

and I will exalt him.

~Exodus 15:2~

It seems like someone I know passes away every day!

Lydia Moore Hawkins

September 26, 1927 – January 30, 2018

Read the Bible

Exodus 23-24
Proverbs 13
Matthew 26

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Children Missions Day

Saturday, February 17
9 A.M. – Noon
FBC, Kentwood
Children K-5th Grade

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

Tuesday, February 27th
Celebrating February birthdays
The Cafe @ 11 A.M.

Bible Sunday

Completing Ezekiel soon
Fridays at 10 A.M.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I can do all this through him

who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4:13~

I have some updates I failed to give earlier.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden has not had foot surgery yet. She home and resting for now.”’

Miss Fay Shoemaker is doing very well. She is pleased with her “apartment” which have a large picture window to allow her to watch birds, a long-time joy. I failed to get her address, so if you have it and would share it, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Adrian Phillips is back at home. He received the care he needed at Greensburg and is thankful to be feeling much better.

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher has been home for about a month. Her Sunday school class has been faithful to visit and share with her.

Pam Sellers’ friend, Vicki, who has a brain tumor is being monitored and has not required surgery yet. Pam thanks all the “prayer warriors” for praying for Vicki and Chris.

Edgar “Bear” Bennett

March 10, 1938 – January 22, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018. He was born March 10, 1938 in Amite and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Jane Davidson Bennett; surviving children, Lonnie Bennett and wife, Stacy, David Bennett and Darryl Bennett; grandchildren, Brock Bennett, Michael Rogers, Emily Wales, Mary-Catherine Bennett, Brogan Bennett, and Katelyn Bel; only great granddaughter, Kimberly Bennett; brother, Earl Bennett and wife, Nell, and his daughter in law, Susan Fitzhugh. Preceded in death by his father, Homer Bennett; mother, Janie Barlow Bennett; son, Donnie “Bo” Bennett; daughters, Connie and Krissy Bennett; brothers, Jerry and Ronnie Bennett; and his sister, Mildred McDaniel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 AM until religious services at 1 PM Thursday, January 25, 2018. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. Pallbearers will be Justin Bennett, Daniel Bennett, Brock Bennett, Brogan Bennett, Bryan Dykes and Jack “Catfish” Granger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 11-12
Proverbs 10
Matthew 20

Don’t get discouraged if you fall behind. You have several options that are much better than quitting.

You can work steadily and catch up at some point.
You can pick up where you are and read as often as possible and just take a little longer to complete the Bible.
You can choose a variation of this plan, such as reading the Old Testament passages this year and reading the others next year.
The point is to READ! Find what works for you.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

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

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

I’m looking forward to seeing the children for missions class tonight. They are practicing some of the things they have learned at their young ages. One joy each week is our circle prayer time for missionaries.

Let’s all continue to learn the things God would have us to learn and then, to apply those things. It’s never too late to work at such a wonderful goal!

Anna Lee