Wednesday

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

~Galatians 6:9 NIV~

Carl Wayne Stevens, 76, beloved husband and father, left this world peacefully to be with Jesus surrounded by his beloved wife and children on December 2, 2019. He entered this world on August 3, 1943 in Magnolia, MS, born to Amy Belle and Wayne Stevens.

He is survived by his wife Nora Hodges Stevens; his children, Carl W. “Rusty” Stevens II, M.D. (wife Cherilon) of Laurel, MS, Julee Stevens Pousson (husband Mitch) of Nashville, TN, Micah Stevens (wife Mica) of Laurel, MS, Matthew Stevens, M.D. (wife Lindsey) of Tupelo, MS; his grandchildren, Ben Stevens, M.D. (wife LeighAnn), Sara Beth Stevens, Mitchell Pousson II, Madeline Pousson, Christian Pousson, Preston Stevens, AmyBelle Stevens, Eli Stevens, Parker Stevens, Sawyer Stevens, Addison Kate Stevens; his sister, Denise Stevens of Houston, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents Amy Belle and Wayne Stevens and his brother Preston David Stevens of Kentwood, LA.

Carl owned and operated a dairy farm for 29 years while also working as a rural mail carrier for 22 of those years. After retiring and moving to Laurel, MS he began a new career as owner and operator of Daylight Donuts. Carl was an absolute joy to everyone who knew him. He was known for his wit, kindness, sincere love for and acceptance of all. He put special emphasis on his relationship with his sister, children, and each of his grandchildren. He deeply loved and cherished Nora, his one true love of over 55 years and the life they built together. He loved well and was loved well.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Carl with his family during visitation at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS, on Friday, December 6th from 12:00 – 2:30 pm. Services will begin at 2:30 pm with interment to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery, Laurel, MS.

Pall Bearers will be; Ben Stevens, M.D., Mitch Pousson, Mitchell Pousson II, Christian Pousson, Preston Stevens, Mike Moise, Terry Bridges, Larry Sanders.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to: The American Heart Association and The American Lung Association.

1 Cor 13:13 – And now these three remain – faith, hope, love. But the greatest of these is love.

Operation Christmas Child – Our shoeboxes were sent to Dallas for processing. Boxes from there appear to be going to Central America, as usual, because that area is closer to Dallas than other processing centers.

Scripture Writing – December 4 – Isaiah 11: 6-10

Bible chapter to read today – Luke 4

Luke 4

The Devil tries to make Jesus do wrong things

1 Then Jesus returned from the river Jordan. He was full of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness. 2 He stayed there for 40 days and he did not eat anything. During this time the Devil tried to cause Jesus to do wrong things. At the end of 40 days, Jesus was very hungry.

3 The Devil said to Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, speak to this stone. Tell it to become bread.’

4 ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘The Bible says that food alone cannot cause people to live.’

5 After that, the Devil led Jesus up to a high place. In one moment, he showed Jesus all the countries in the whole world. 6 He said to Jesus, ‘I will let you rule the whole world. I will give you power over all these things. That power all belongs to me. So, I can give it to anyone that I choose. 7 Just go down on your knees and worship me. Then I will give you power over the whole world.’

8 ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘The Bible says,

“Only worship your Lord God.

He is the only one that you should obey.” ’

9 The Devil now took Jesus to Jerusalem. He took him to stand on the highest part of God’s Great House. Then he said to Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump down from here to the ground. 10 You know that the Bible says:

“God will tell his angels to keep you safe.”

11 “They will hold you safely in their hands.

They will not let you hurt your foot on a stone.” ’

12 ‘No!’ Jesus replied. ‘The Bible says,

“Do not do a foolish thing to see if your Lord God will save you.” ’

13 The Devil tried to make Jesus do many wrong things like that. When he had finished this, he left Jesus alone for a time.

Jesus goes to Nazareth

14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee. The Holy Spirit continued to give him power. Everyone who lived near there heard the news about him. 15 He taught people in the Jewish meeting places. Everyone said good things about him.

16 Jesus went to Nazareth, the town where he had grown up. On the Jewish day for rest, he went to their meeting place. This was what he usually did. He stood up to read aloud from the Bible.

17 They gave him the book of messages that God had given to his prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened the book. He found the place where Isaiah wrote:

18 ‘The Spirit from the Lord God is on me.

He has chosen me to tell good news to poor people.

He has sent me to tell people who are in prison, “You can go free!”

I must say to people that cannot see, “See again!”

I must cause people that are like slaves to become free.

19 I must tell everyone, “This is the year when God will be kind to his people.” ’

20 When Jesus had read this to the people, he closed the book. He gave it back to an officer of the meeting place. Then he sat down to teach the people. Everyone in the meeting place was looking carefully at him.

21 Jesus said to them, ‘Today this message has become true. It has happened while you were listening.’

22 Everyone was talking about Jesus. They were surprised at the good way in which he spoke. They said to each other, ‘He is really only the son of Joseph. Isn’t that true?’

23 Jesus then said to them, ‘Now you will tell me the proverb, “Doctor, make yourself well!” You will also say, “We have heard that you did many surprising things in Capernaum. This is your home town, so do the same things here!” 24 I tell you this, people do not accept a prophet of God who comes from their own town.

25 What I tell you is true. There were many widows in the country of Israel when Elijah was alive. At that time, it did not rain for three and a half years. So people were very hungry in all the country. 26 But God did not send Elijah to help a widow in Israel. Instead, God sent Elijah to the country called Sidon. There he helped a widow in a place called Zarephath.

27 Here is another example: When God’s prophet Elisha was alive, there were many people in Israel with a bad illness of the skin. But God did not make any of them well. Instead, he made a man well who was from the country called Syria. That man was called Naaman.’

28 The people in the meeting place heard what Jesus said. They became very angry. 29 They stood up and they made him leave the town. They took him to the top of the hill where the town was. They wanted to throw him over the edge to the bottom. 30 But Jesus walked through the middle of the crowd and he went away.

Jesus causes a bad spirit to leave a man

31 Jesus went to a town in Galilee called Capernaum. On the Jewish day for rest, he taught the people there. 32 The people were very surprised at the things that Jesus taught them. He spoke with authority. 33 In the meeting place was a sick man. He had a spirit of a bad demon that was living inside him. The spirit caused the man to shout loudly. 34 He said, ‘Jesus from Nazareth, leave us alone! Do not destroy us! I know who you are. You are God’s Holy One!’

35 Jesus said to the spirit, ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man!’ Then the bad spirit caused the man to fall to the ground in front of the people. It came out of the man but it did not hurt him.

36 All the people were very surprised and they said to each other, ‘Listen to what this man says! He has power and authority. He tells bad spirits to come out of people, and they come out.’ 37 So, they began to tell everyone about Jesus. Because of this, people in all the places near Capernaum heard the news about Jesus.

Jesus makes many people well

38 Jesus then left the meeting place and he went to Simon’s home. The mother of Simon’s wife was ill and her body was very hot. So, they asked Jesus to make her well. 39 Jesus came and he stood near her. He told the illness to go away and immediately she was well again. She got up and she prepared food for her visitors.

40 When the sun was going down, people in the town brought to Jesus all those people who were ill. They had many different kinds of illness. Jesus put his hands on each ill person and they became well again.

41 Also, bad spirits came out of many people. They were shouting, ‘You are the Son of God.’ The spirits knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Because of this, Jesus stopped them. He would not let them speak.

42 Early the next morning, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone. The people went to look for him. When they found him they said, ‘Do not leave us! Please stay here with us.’ 43 Jesus replied, ‘I must go to other towns to tell everyone the good news. I will tell them how God rules in the lives of his people. That is what God sent me to do.’

44 Then he travelled to many towns in the country called Judea. He went into the Jewish meeting places and taught people there.

Special Christmas related activities involving FBC, Kentwood this week:

Christmas lunch at the church this morning at 11 for senior adults
Lottie Moon Tea – Saturday at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2 P.M.

Yesterday was assigned a title. “Giving Tuesday”. Please don’t limit your giving to one day a year! Give of yourself regularly and without needing a special designation.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

~Hosea 6:3~

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions – Day 3 – Gospel on the Move = https://www.imb.org/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-resources

Emilie McKenzie‘s second arm surgery went well. Emilie was able to return to Kentwood without a cast!

Carl Wayne Stevens passed away late yesterday. His funeral services will be in Laurel. I’ll post an obituary when one becomes available.

Katelyn Brooke Marcotte

April 16, 1996 – December 01, 2019

Katelyn Brooke Marcotte, a resident of Livingston Parish, passed away Sunday, December 1st, 2019. She was 23 years young, born April 16th, 1996. Katelyn had a heart of gold and full of life. She had a personality that could brighten any room. She loved to make life fun and creating memories that will last a lifetime, especially with her children and her mama. Katelyn was always happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She will forever be loved in our lives and we will cherish the memories she helped create. Katelyn will be joining her brother, Dustin Corey McDaniel in heaven. She was survived by many loved ones, including her mother and father, Julie and James Holton. She leaves behind her 3 beloved children, Bradley Scott, Ryan James, & Brooklyn Grace. She also leaves her older brother, Raymond Dakota Gill and fiancé Linda Bugg and 4 nieces and nephews, Danica, Riley, Charleigh, and Corey Gill; her older sister Kelly Holton and 4 nieces and nephews, Jason and Kalisa Andrews and Jehovah and Johanas Dillon; and older sister, Nikki Holton with a niece and nephew, Savannah Holton and Brayden Thorton; Aunt Brandi Hilbun, Kyler and Brittany Rayborn, Kristin Sincard, & Raquel McDaniel. Katelyn had numerous additional cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who will miss her tremendously. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 6, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing – December 3 – Isaiah 11: 1-5

Luke 3

John the Baptist prepares people to meet Jesus

1 This report is about John, the son of Zechariah. It happened when Tiberius Caesar was ruling the Roman world. He had ruled for about 15 years. Pontius Pilate was ruling the country called Judea. And Herod was ruling the land called Galilee. Herod’s brother Philip was ruling the countries called Iturea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was ruling Abilene. 2 At this time, the leaders of the priests were Annas and Caiaphas. John was living in the wilderness. While he was there, God spoke to him.

3 John went to many places near the river Jordan and spoke a message from God. ‘You have done many wrong things,’ he taught everybody. ‘You must turn away from them and change how you live. Then God will forgive you and I will baptize you.’

4 The prophet Isaiah wrote this message from God in his book:

‘Somebody’s voice is shouting in the wilderness,

“The Lord will come soon, so prepare a way for him to follow.

Make the paths straight for him.

5 Fill in every valley and make every mountain and hill flat.

Take away every curve so that the road is straight.

Take away all the rocks so that the road is flat.

6 Then everyone will see how God can save them.” ’

7 Crowds of people were going out into the wilderness. They wanted John to baptize them. He told them, ‘You are like dangerous snakes! God is angry. You are trying to run away from him. But he will soon punish people like you. 8 You have to show that you are sorry. Change how you live. Stop doing things that God does not like. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We are in the family of Abraham. God will surely not punish us.” Listen! God can take these stones and make children for Abraham out of them! 9 You are like trees that have bad fruit. God has an axe ready to use. He will cut down every tree that does not make good fruit. He will throw those trees into the fire.’

10 ‘So, what should we do?’ the crowd asked.

11 John answered, ‘If you have two shirts, give one away. Give it to someone who does not have even one shirt. If you have some food, give some of it away. Give some to someone who has no food.’

12 In the crowd, there were people that took taxes on behalf of the government. These men also wanted John to baptize them. They asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ 13 John told them, ‘You must take the right amount of money from people. You must not take more money than the rules say you should take.’

14 Then some soldiers asked John, ‘What about us? What should we do?’

‘Do not rob people of their money,’ John replied. ‘Do not say that a person has done something wrong, if he has not. It is wrong to get money by doing that. You should be happy with the money that you receive for your work.’

15 At this time people were thinking, ‘Is John the Messiah that God has promised?’ They were all hoping that he might be. 16 John knew what they were thinking. He said to them, ‘I baptize you with water. But someone else is coming soon. He is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to undo his shoes for him. This other person will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is like a farmer that brings the wheat home from his field. He uses a special tool to throw the wheat up in the air. He does this to make the wheat seeds separate from what remains. Then he cleans his yard. He carefully stores all the seeds to keep them safe. But he burns everything else in a great fire that nobody can put out.’

18 John said many more things to the people. He was telling them the good news about how God could change their lives. 19 One day John told the ruler Herod that it was wrong for him to marry Herodias. Before that, she had been the wife of Herod’s brother. John also told Herod that he had done many other bad things. 20 So then Herod did an even worse thing; he locked John up in prison.

John baptizes Jesus

21 While John was still baptizing all the people, he also baptized Jesus. When he did that, Jesus was praying. Then the sky opened. 22 The Holy Spirit came down on to Jesus. When he came down like that, he looked like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son and I love you. You make me very happy.’

The ancestors of Jesus

23 Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his work. People thought that he was the son of Joseph.

Joseph was from the family of Heli.

24 Heli was from the family of Matthat.

Matthat was from the family of Levi.

Levi was from the family of Melchi.

Melchi was from the family of Jannai.

Jannai was from the family of Joseph.

25 Joseph was from the family of Mattathias.

Mattathias was from the family of Amos.

Amos was from the family of Nahum.

Nahum was from the family of Esli.

Esli was from the family of Naggai.

26 Naggai was from the family of Maath.

Maath was from the family of Mattathias.

Mattathias was from the family of Semein.

Semein was from the family of Josech.

Josech was from the family of Joda.

27 Joda was from the family of Joanan.

Joanan was from the family of Rhesa.

Rhesa was from the family of Zerubbabel.

Zerubbabel was from the family of Shealtiel.

Shealtiel was from the family of Neri.

28 Neri was from the family of Melchi.

Melchi was from the family of Addi.

Addi was from the family of Cosam.

Cosam was from the family of Elmadam.

Elmadam was from the family of Er.

29 Er was from the family of Joshua.

Joshua was from the family of Eliezer.

Eliezer was from the family of Jorim.

Jorim was from the family of Matthat.

Matthat was from the family of Levi.

30 Levi was from the family of Simeon.

Simeon was from the family of Judah.

Judah was from the family of Joseph.

Joseph was from the family of Jonam.

Jonam was from the family of Eliakim.

31 Eliakim was from the family of Melea.

Melea was from the family of Menna.

Menna was from the family of Mattatha.

Mattatha was from the family of Nathan.

Nathan was from the family of David.

32 David was from the family of Jesse.

Jesse was from the family of Obed.

Obed was from the family of Boaz.

Boaz was from the family of Salmon.

Salmon was from the family of Nahshon.

33 Nahshon was from the family of Amminadab.

Amminadab was from the family of Ram.

Ram was from the family of Hezron.

Hezron was from the family of Perez.

Perez was from the family of Judah.

34 Judah was from the family of Jacob.

Jacob was from the family of Isaac.

Isaac was from the family of Abraham.

Abraham was from the family of Terah.

Terah was from the family of Nahor.

35 Nahor was from the family of Serug.

Serug was from the family of Reu.

Reu was from the family of Peleg.

Peleg was from the family of Eber.

Eber was from the family of Shelah.

36 Shelah was from the family of Cainan.

Cainan was from the family of Arphaxad.

Arphaxad was from the family of Shem.

Shem was from the family of Noah.

Noah was from the family of Lamech.

37 Lamech was from the family of Methuselah.

Methuselah was from the family of Enoch.

Enoch was from the family of Jared.

Jared was from the family of Mahalalel.

Mahalalel was from the family of Cainan.

38 Cainan was from the family of Enosh.

Enosh was from the family of Seth.

Seth was from the family of Adam.

Adam was from God.

I trust you are enjoying reading Luke. This prepares us for Christmas.

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Mikel “Mike” Edwin Lambert

April 24, 1945 – November 30, 2019

Mikel Edwin Lambert was born on April 24,1945 in Magnolia, MS, to the late Arvis and Mattie Lambert. He passed away on November 30, 2019, at his home surrounded by his beloved family. Mikel graduated from Kentwood High School and Southeastern Louisiana University where he was recently recognized as a Golden Graduate in the same ceremony in which two of his grandchildren received their degrees. Mikel was a lifelong and faithful member of Spring Creek Baptist Church and enjoyed attending his Sunday School class. He loved his God, his family, his friends, and his church family. Spending time with family and passing down family traditions and special songs were very important and brought great joy to him. Mikel is survived by his wife of 36 years, Teresa Bass Lambert; 7 children- Wanda (David) Thompson, Wendy (Ronnie) Alford, Paula (Dean) Martin, Mikel J. Lambert, Joe (Jessica) Bass, Mark (Rami) Lambert, Matthew (Billie Jo) Lambert; grandchildren- Lyndi (Michael) Fisher, Katie Thompson, Mattie Thompson, Heidi (Matt) Thornton, Joe (Bryce) Cancienne, Kodi Alford, Kelli Alford, Shelli Alford, Dylan Martin, Alex Martin, Marie Lambert, Hunter Lambert, Jaden Lambert, Ethan Bass, Rylee Bass, Paytan Lavespere, Luke Lambert, Adelyn Lambert Haley Klein, Jolea Lambert; great-grandchildren- Madi Thornton, Mason Thornton, Hayden Thornton, and Hudson Thornton, Cooper Baham, Jayci Harvel; siblings- Marlon (Jean) Lambert, Colleen Strickland, Orene (Julius) Lea, and a host of nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Sharkleberry. Pall bearers are David Thompson, Ronnie Alford, Dean Martin, Mikel J. Lambert, Joe Bass, Mark Lambert, and Matthew Lambert. Honorary pall bearers are his grandsons. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. Services will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church, 73072 Hwy. 1054, Kentwood, LA, on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. Visitation from 9:00 am until religious service at 12:00 conducted by Dr. Danny Smith, Rev. Eric Latham and Rev. Caleb Smith with interment in Spring Creek Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Mike fought a long, hard battle. Pray for peace and comfort for his big family and many friends.

Sunday

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods.

Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

~2 Kings 17:38-39~

Please continue to pray for Emilie McKenzie. She will have another surgery on her arm Monday. She’s looking forward to not wearing a cast soon. Pray for Emilie and those involved in her surgery.

Wesley C. Ryals

July 18, 1958 – November 15, 2019

Wesley C. Ryals, a resident of Kentwood, LA died peacefully in his sleep, November 15, 2019. He was born July 18, 1958 on an Airforce base in Cambridgeshire, England. Wesley was a quiet soul except for his huge, wonderful laugh. He enjoyed a simple life with friends and family. He is survived by brother and sisters: Brenda Prudhomme and husband Michael, Jerome Ryals and wife Irena of Adelaide, Australia, Gina Carver, and Michelle Brisbois; nieces and nephews: Kellie Prudhomme, Wendy Baron, Marta Sproles, Jaime Ryals, Emily Ryals, Hannah Carver and Joshua Ryals. Preceded in death by father Jerry Ryals, mother Charlene McKenzie Brisbois, grandparents; W.O. and Minnie Ryals, Price and Maude McKenzie, infant sister Deborah Ann Ryals, and infant brother Jerry Jay Ryals. A graveside military ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at New Zion Cemetery, 2 New Zion Road, Tylertown, Mississippi at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest next to his daddy. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture for today – Luke 1 (East English Bible) – One chapter each day until Christmas!

Luke 1

Luke writes the facts about Jesus

1 Many people have written about the things that have happened in our country. 2 Some people were present when these things started to happen. They saw everything that happened and they told us about it. They are the people who wrote down the Good News for us. 3 I have checked the facts about what really happened. So now, I know about all the things that happened from the beginning. I am writing to make the facts clear to you, my important friend Theophilus. 4 People have already taught you about these things. Now you can be sure that they are true.

What happened before John the Baptist was born

5 There was a man whose name was Zechariah. He lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zechariah was a priest and he belonged to a group of priests from the family of Abijah. He had a wife called Elizabeth. She also was from the family of the priest called Aaron.

6 Zechariah and Elizabeth obeyed God all the time. They obeyed God’s rules and they did not do wrong things. They lived in a way that pleased God. 7 But they had no children. Elizabeth could not have a baby and they were both getting old.

8 One day, Zechariah’s group was working at God’s Great House. He had a special job to do there. 9 The priests chose one of their group to go into a special room inside God’s Great House. This time they chose Zechariah. His job was to burn incense there.

10 While Zechariah was burning incense in the special room, many men were outside in the yard. They were praying to God.

11 The incense was burning on a special altar, when one of God’s angels appeared to Zechariah. The angel was standing at the right hand side of the altar.

12 When Zechariah saw the angel, he was very surprised and very afraid. 13 The angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid. God has heard what you prayed. He will give you what you asked for. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a baby boy. You will call him John. 14-15 He will be very important to the Lord God. So, he will make you very happy. Many other people will also be very happy because he has been born. He must never drink anything with alcohol in it. From the time that he is born, the Holy Spirit will live inside him.

16 He will teach many people in Israel. Then they will turn their lives back to the Lord their God and they will obey God again. 17 John will prepare the people for the Lord to come to them. The Holy Spirit will lead John as he led Elijah. John will do powerful things as Elijah did. He will help fathers to love their children. He will teach people who do not obey God. Then they will know what things are right. And they will do them. Then they will be ready when the Lord comes.’

18 Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure about this? You know that I am an old man. My wife is also old.’

19 The angel answered, ‘I am called Gabriel. My place is to stand in front of God. I am always ready to work for God. He has sent me to speak to you. He told me that I should tell you this good news. 20 Now listen to me. Because you did not believe my message, you will not be able to speak. You will not speak again until the time that your son is born. My message will really become true at the right time.’

21 While this was happening, the people outside were waiting for Zechariah. They were thinking, ‘Why has Zechariah stayed for such a long time in the special room? Why has he not come out yet?’ 22 When he did come out, he tried to talk to them. But he could not speak. So they knew that God had showed him something special in the room. He was moving his head and his hands about, to tell them what had happened. But still he could not speak.

23 When Zechariah had finished his work in God’s Great House, he returned home. 24 Soon, a baby was growing inside his wife Elizabeth. She stayed in her house for five months. 25 ‘The Lord has now given me a baby,’ she said. ‘He has been kind to me. Because of this, other people cannot say bad things about me now.’

What happened before Jesus was born

26 When Elizabeth’s baby had grown inside her for nearly six months, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth. Nazareth is a town in Galilee. 27 Gabriel went there to visit a young woman. Her name was Mary. She had never had sex with anyone. She had promised to marry a man called Joseph. He belonged to the family of King David.

28 Gabriel went to Mary and said, ‘Hello, Mary. The Lord God loves you very much. He is very near to you.’

29 Mary had a lot of problems in her mind about what Gabriel said. She did not understand why he said it. 30 ‘Do not be afraid, Mary,’ Gabriel went on to say. ‘God has been kind to you. 31 Listen! A baby boy will grow inside you. When he is born, you will call him Jesus. 32 He will be great. People will call him the Son of the powerful God who is over all. The Lord God will make him king. He will rule as his ancestor King David ruled. 33 He will rule over the family of Jacob for all time. He will be king for all time, without end.’

34 Mary asked, ‘How can this happen? I have never had sex with anyone.’ 35 Gabriel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of God who is over all will cover you like a shadow. So, your child will be special to God. He will be completely good. He will be called God’s Son. 36 Another thing! Your cousin, Elizabeth, is very old. People said that she could not have a baby. Listen! She also will have a son. The baby has grown inside her now for nearly six months. 37 There is nothing that God cannot do.’

38 Mary answered, ‘I am the servant of the Lord. I have heard what you have said. I want it to happen to me just like that.’ Then the angel left her.

Mary visits Elizabeth

39 After that, Mary prepared herself to travel. She hurried to a town in the hills of Judea. 40 When she arrived at the home of Zechariah, she said, ‘Hello’ to Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary speak, she felt her baby move quickly inside her. The Holy Spirit filled her. 42 She spoke to Mary in a loud voice, ‘God has made you very happy. He has been good and kind to you more than to other women. He has also been good and kind to your baby. 43 You are the mother of my Lord and I am not an important person. So it is very good that you have visited me. 44 Listen! When I heard you say, “Hello” to me, my baby moved quickly inside me. He was very happy. 45 The Lord has told you what will happen. And you believed what he told you. Because of that, God has made you a happy person.’

Mary’s song

46 Then Mary said,

‘All of me wants to praise God and say,

“Lord, how good and great you are!”

47 I thank God because he is the one who saves me.

48 I know that I am not an important person.

God knows this, and he has been kind to me.

Listen! From now on, all people will say that God has made me happy.

49 Yes, God has done great things for me.

He is very powerful and strong. He is good in every way.

50 He is kind to people who respect him.

He will always be kind to people like that.

51 He has shown how strong he is to do great things.

Some people think that they are very important.

But he has sent them away in different directions.

52 Some people were ruling countries.

But he has taken their power away from them.

He has given power to people who do not feel important.

53 He has fed hungry people with good things to eat.

But he has sent rich people away with nothing.

54 He promised that he would be kind to his people, Israel.

Now he has come and helped them.

55 He made a promise to Abraham and to our other ancestors.

Now he has done what he promised.’

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. Then she returned to her home.

John the Baptist is born

57 The time arrived for Elizabeth to have her baby. She had a son. 58 Her family and the people who lived near her heard about her baby. They knew that the Lord had been very kind to her. They saw that she was happy. So they were happy too. 59 When the child was eight days old, people came to circumcise the child. They wanted to call the child Zechariah. This was the same name that his father had.

60 Elizabeth said, ‘No. His name will be John.’

61 They replied, ‘But you do not have anybody in your family called John. That cannot be right.’ 62 So they used signs and asked his father. They wanted to know the boy’s name.

63 Zechariah asked for something to write on. He wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Everyone was very surprised at what he wrote. 64 Immediately, Zechariah could speak again. He could speak without difficulty. He began to thank God loudly.

65 The people who lived near Zechariah and Elizabeth were very surprised. They saw how great God was. Many people who lived in the hills of Judea also talked about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard about these things thought about them. They asked each other, ‘When this child becomes a man, what will he be?’ They could see that God really was with him.

Zechariah’s song

67 The Holy Spirit filled John’s father, Zechariah, so that he spoke God’s message:

68 ‘The Lord God of Israel is a great God.

He has come to save his people. He has come to make them free.

69 He has sent a very strong person who will save us.

This person comes from the family of his servant, King David.

70 Long ago, God promised that he would do this.

He gave his own prophets this message to speak.

71 God will save us from our enemies.

He will save us from everyone that hates us.

72 He has promised to be kind to our ancestors.

He will remember to do the things that he promised.

73 Yes, he will remember the strong promises that he spoke to Abraham.

74 God said, “I will keep you safe from your enemies.

Then you can serve me and not be afraid.

75 You can live in a way that is good and right.

You can do this all your lives.” ’

76 Zechariah then spoke to John:

‘You, my child, will be called a prophet of the powerful God who is over all.

You will go in front of the Lord to prepare a way for him.

77 You will tell God’s people how God can save them.

They have done wrong things but God will forgive them.

78 Our God will forgive us because he is very kind.

He will send someone from the highest place.

When this person comes, it will be like the sunrise for us.

79 He will bring light to people who are living without God.

It is like those people are living in the dark. They are afraid to die.

But he will shine on them.

He will show us how to live so that we will not be afraid.’

80 Zechariah’s child grew. God made him strong in his mind. He went into the wilderness and he lived there for many years. Later, God sent him to Israel’s people, to teach them.

Someone whose “shoeboxes” were packed in Dallas said her boxes went to Equador. That’s a good indication some, if not all. of our boxes went there too. I’ll check with the church secretary Monday to see what our tracking shows.

Thankfulness, one more time. – I thought I was finished writing my “thankfulness” thoughts since I only planned to do it for the month of November, but God had other plans for me. Yesterday, David and I were at an ATM and drove toward the street. The next person in line behind us started blowing and blowing his horn. Yes, the card was still in the machine. I’m thankful the right person was behind us in line and there right as we finished! God was watching out for us, another “God wink”! He wants us to be aware of all He does for us, even if November is now history!

There is a new list for Scripture writing. You can get a copy at FBC, Kentwood. If not, stay tuned. I’ll post each day.

Scripture Writing for December 1 – Isaiah 7: 14 – 17.

Today, we begin the week of prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for international missions.

Day 1 – “Here to Serve” – https://www.imb.org/day-1/

God has a plan for our service and a location for us to serve. Are you serving others for Him or just trying to be served by others?

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us.

By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”

~Ephesians 3:20 GW~

Kendal Pike Batuyong and her family live close to the area of the big gas explosion in Texas. Even though they had to evacuate, they are so thankful God protected them and so many others in such a crisis. They are now back at home.

Hugh Edward McGehee, Jr.

November 14, 1924 – November 28, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 14, 1924 in East Fork, LA and was 95 years of age. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Kentwood and was a Mason at Kentwood Lodge #248. He served in World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific areas in the Merchant Marines. In his early years, he was a brick layer with his father and grandfather. In his later years, he worked as a service manager at auto dealerships. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jeanette Singleton McGehee, Kentwood; son, Allan McGehee and wife, Rhonda, Denham Springs; 4 grandchildren, Greta Swarts and husband, Skeeter, Denham Springs, Wade McGehee, Kentwood, Erica Sepulveda and husband, Todd, Spring, TX, and Derek McGehee and wife, Jen, Denham Springs; 8 great-grandchildren, Randi Swarts Smith and husband, Daniel, Toni Swarts, Jacob McGehee, Justyn McGehee, Kaitlin Sepulveda Gandy and husband, Robert, Kyle Sepulveda, Nicholas Sepulveda, and Landry McGehee; 4 great-great-grandchildren, Deacon and Zadok Smith and Easton and Braiyah Swarts. Preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Edward McGehee, Sr. and Lena Day McGehee; son, Jerald Ray McGehee; daughter, Janet Kay McGehee. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, December 2, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lillie Louise Bell Graham

February 08, 1945 – November 26, 2019

Lillie Louise Bell Graham, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at her home. She was born February 8, 1945 in Augusta, AR and was 74 years of age .She loved the outdoors where she enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. She is survived by 5 children, Cathy Graham Moran and husband, Sam, Troy Graham, Jr., Linda Graham Dantin and husband, Mark, Earnest Graham and Brenda Graham Gill; grandchildren, Sean Moran, George Graham, Bobby Graham, Jimmy Graham, Jennifer Graham. Luke Dantin, Cody Graham, Kyle Graham, Stephanie Graham, Steven Williams and Brittany Templeton; numerous great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father, Levy Thomas Bell; mother, Gladys Clayton Bell Boyd; grandson, Chance Moran; brother, George Bell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, December 2, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Tommy Smith. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing for November 30th – Choose and write your Scripture for today.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has been supporting international missionaries since 1888!

3,678

missionaries

*updated October 31, 2019

4.5 BILLION UNREACHED

847 people groups engaged

through the work of IMB in just the last year

I’ve already made my first purchases for Operation Christmas Child 2020. I hope you have too. Donations of items or funds can be turned in all year long.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

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~

Jesse Dean requests prayers for his sister, “Miss” Theresa Cutrer, who is hospitalized.

Joy Ann Branton Walker

June 12, 1930 – November 26, 2019

Joy Ann Branton Walker was born on June 12, 1930 in Haynesville, LA and passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 89 years of age. Joy Ann was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Charles. She loved talking to her family and friends and catching up on everyone’s lives. She is famous for her Mam Maw’s Chocolate Cake. Joy Ann was a faithful member of Viking Drive Church of Christ.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Charl Ann McKneely and husband Tommy of Amite, LA, Kathy Sells and husband Harry of Sandy Run, SC, and Judy Moore and husband Howard of Haughton, LA; grandchildren, Jeff McKneely and wife Tammy, Greg McKneely and wife Danielle, Jennifer Pray and husband Gabe, Ray Moore and wife Katie, Haley Moore Patrick, and Kyle Moore; thirteen great-grandchildren, Jordan McKneely Vickers and husband, John, Olivia McKneely Tull and husband, Brandon, Alyse McKneely, AnaClaire McKneely, Gavin McKneely, Dylan Charles McKneely, Gabrielle Pray, Steven Pray, Andrew Walker Pray, Kaitlyn Nunnery, Hallie Rae Moore, Pressley Joy Patrick and Sammy Patrick; three great-great-grandchildren, Maverick and Eleanor Tull and Elizabeth Vickers; brother, Henry Branton; and numerous well- loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward “Charlie” Walker; parents, H.H. “Hamp” Branton and Rosie Ethel Davis Branton; granddaughter, Kimberly McKneely; 3 brothers, Orion, L.F., and Twyman Branton; and a sister, Lester Cleo Branton Matthews Phillips.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until funeral services at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, December, 1, 2019 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 US Highway 80 East, Haughton, LA 71037, officiated by Mr. Frank Himmel, preacher at Viking Drive Church of Christ and assisted by her grandson, Pastor Jeff McKneely of House on the Rock in Amite, LA. Interment will follow at Old Town Cemetery, Haynesville, LA. Pallbearers will be are Jeff McKneely, Greg McKneely, Ray Moore, Gabe Pray, David Gray, Bruce Williams, and Ben Dance.

Operation Christmas Child – Thanks to the members of FBC, Kentwood for helping pack and ship 416 “shoeboxes” this year, the most we have ever shipped. Thanks also to the 18 volunteers who put in over a hundred hours during the collection week. As you can see, this collection week required a lot of helpers. I am thankful for each person and each hour of time donated in 2019.

Thankfulness, Day 27 – Today, I am thankful for telephones. My daddy worked for the telephone company for more than 36 years as an installer/repairman. He was proud of his work and the company he worked for, Maw Bell. Today, I am still thankful for telephones, but in a new and more modern way. Yesterday, one of our granddaughters received her first phone, an i-phone. Guess who she called. Her granddaddy! I’m so glad she did! The telephone company has greatly changed, but it still is helpful in connecting families. What a blessing!

Scripture Writing for November 27th – Psalm 119: 15-21

Have a great day if you are preparing for Thanksgiving. Part of our family had an early Thanksgiving yesterday. I’m surely thankful for the time we had together. Please pray for them as they travel home today. Pray for others who will be traveling the rest of the week. They are some of the busiest travel days.

Anna Lee

Monday

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;

I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

~Psalm 7:17~

Operation Christmas Child collection at more than 5,000 sites ends today. FBC, Kentwood will be open 8:00-10:00 and then transfer the boxes to the area collection site in Hammond. Just to make you smile, I’ll share that we collected 295 shoeboxes yesterday for a running total of 1.489 boxes this year. That is the most we ever collected in Kentwood and we still have one more day!

Peter Michael Chehardy

October 13, 1956 – November 23, 2019

Peter Mike, went to his eternal resting place on November 23, 2019 with his loving family around him. Mike a lifelong resident of Amite, was born on October 13, 1956 to George and Virginia Chehardy( both deceased.) He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Valerie Baxter Chehardy for 33 years. In addition to his loving wife, Mike is survived by a sister, George Ann Smith, who along with her husband, Ray Smith(deceased), raised him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by a brother Johnny Chehardy and a sister, Philomene Lacara. After attending Amite Elementary and Oak Forest Academy Jr. High, Mike attended the Vocational Unit of the Hammond State School. After graduating, he lived in Baton Rouge where he worked at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on Government St. After a couple of years, Mike came back to Amite to be close to his family. He worked for the Town of Amite for ten years and for Smitty’s Supply for 20 years. He retired in 2016. Mike had a very high work ethic. He was punctual, dependable, and loved by his coworkers. Mike had many favorite activities. He looked forward to the first week in October every year when he and Val took their annual trip to Cruising the Coast. He loved sports and was an avid fan of LSU ,the Saints, and the Amite Warriors. Unbeknown to many people, Mike was an amateur stargazer. He kept up with special events in the sky and could be seen in his front yard with his telescope. But His favorite pastime was talking to his friends. He kept his OFA annual in his truck always looking for someone to share memories. Elvis was his favorite performer and he and Val enjoyed a trip to Graceland. He and Val also enjoyed trips to Disney World and New York City. The family would like to thank the many friends for their concern and prayers for Mike and for all the ways they made him feel special and loved. Special thanks to Dr. Derris Ray and his staff, St Joseph Hospice, especially Lisa King, and Bud and Ray and the staff of Thrift Town Pharmacy. Also thanks go to McKneely Funeral Home for their excellent care. But most of all we want to thank God for the many graces and blessings Mike has had all of his life. Family and friends are invited to join the visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Tuesday, November 26 from 9:00 until 11:30 A.M. The funeral Mass, conducted by Father Mark Beard, will be held at noon at the church. Interment will be at the Amite Memorial Gardens. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

David and I saw Peter Mike and Valerie at Master Chef. They always had many friends stop at their table to speak and were always very helpful to each other. I know Peter Mike will be missed in the Amite area.

Scripture Writing – November 25 – Psalm 118: 1-7

Pray for the youth and adults chaperones from our area churches as they finish up at the Youth Evangelism Conference and travel back to their churches today.

Thankfulness – Day 25: Today, I am thankful for the love in our family that makes us want to spend time together. We don’t usually get to be together as often as we would like, but we can enjoy the time we have together. I hope you will have an opportunity to spend some time with family this week. May your time together build the bond of love stronger.

This is a busy week for traveling. Pray for good times and safe traveling during this holiday season. Start making a list of people and things you are thankful for.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

~Psalm 95:2-3~

Scripture Writing for Nov. 21 – Psalm 107: 28-32

Thankfulness #21 – Today, I’m thankful for social media. I know several people who are happy about not being a part of social media, but I think it is all what you make of it. I am thankful for social media and other things like this website that are above my technical skills to create or repair, but fully in my ability to use. I think it is like an automobile, you can drive it carefully or drive like you don’t want to live any longer. Everyone can make their own choice. For those of us who choose to use social media, let’s strive to maintain some values in the world of computers and other modern technology.

Mr. Ed McGehee is very sick at North Oaks. Pray for him and for his family as adjustments are made.

Mrs. Velma Anthony was bitten on both arms by a dog. Pray for her as she recovers.

Baby Hudson‘s surgeon said the baby’s heart is fixed. Now, the doctors will begin to work on his ability to eat and digest food. Please keep praying.

Emilie McKenzie is back in school and practicing for the Christmas program at church despite her broken arm. Thank God for her progress and pray for her as her treatment/healing continues.

Eleanor Morris’ sisters all went to her house Tuesday. While there, Evelyn fell and fractured her hip. Late yesterday afternoon, she had surgery and a rod was used to make her hip work better. Please pray foe Evelyn and those who will care for her while she is healing.

At about 5 P.M. yesterday, Hope Jones of Amite delivered the “shoeboxes” her church kids packed. Today, she will have back surgery in Baton Rouge. Thank God for her determination and priorities. Pray she will be back serving at her church real soon.

Please continue to pray for Rachel Morris and Irene Brumfield. I have been told they are both in Ochsner in New Orleans.

Today, I’m sharing about another former student who passed away.

Roger Navarra

August 11, 1958 – November 20, 2019

Roger Navarra, a resident of Independence, LA for the past forty years passed away peacefully at the age of 61 on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. Roger was born on August 11, 1958, in Amite, LA. Roger was valedictorian of his Oak Forest Academy class, an Honor Graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, and a member of the 13 Club. For 34 years he worked as a State Farm Insurance Agent where he served his community in Independence and Tangipahoa Parish. For the last 13 years, it gave him great joy to serve as Deacon of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, LA. His love for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School and its children were unsurpassed. Roger was a loving father and grandfather, and the highlight of his life were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte(Navarra) Phillips and spouse, Kevin, New Orleans, LA; his son, Dominick Richard Navarra and his spouse, Christine Lai, Denver Colorado; grandchildren, Miriam, Dominick, Alistair, and Martin Phillips, all of New Orleans; his sister-in-law, Lou Navarra, and niece, Brittany Navarra Lauzervich, husband, Clay and great niece, Sidney, all of Maurepas, LA; and his fiancé’, Traci Montgomery Beatty. He is preceded in death by his parents Dominick and Margarett Navarra, sister, Ramona Navarra, and brother, Dominick “Richard” Navarra. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church in Tickfaw, LA. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Joseph Michael “Mickey Joe” Guzzardo

October 20, 1947 – November 19, 2019
Independence, Louisiana
Joseph Michael “Mickey Joe” Guzzardo, Sr., age 72, of Independence, Louisiana, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born on Monday, October 20, 1947, in Independence, Louisiana to Sam J. Sr. and Josephine Gulino Guzzardo. Mickey Joe was an Army veteran who served his country in Vietnam with duty, honor and courage. He enjoyed life and loved, fishing, classic cars, playing cards and going to the casinos, but he especially loved spending time with his family.
Mickey Joe is survived by his loving wife, Lena Domiano Guzzardo his daughter, Leanne Nicole Guzzardo, his son, Joseph “Joey” Guzzardo, Jr., his mother, Josephine Gulino Guzzardo, his sister, Sandra Guzzardo Morgan and her husband Wayne, his brother, Sammy Guzzardo, Jr., also many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Mickey Joe was preceded in death by his father, Sam J. Guzzardo, Sr. and his sister, Diane Crowe.

A Visitation for Mickey Joe will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence. A Funeral Mass Celebrating Mickey Joe’s Life will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 pm in the church. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Colonial Cemetery in Independence.

Mickey Joe’s guest book can be viewed at www.harrymckneely.com.

Do something today that will outlast your lifetime!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

I think most of you will be able to sing a song you learned years ago that is a paraphrase of this song. I know it immediately ran through my mind when I read the verse.

Thankfulness, Day 14 – Today, I am thankful for reliable transportation. Not the newest or most expensive, but reliable. Reliable transportation gets us to the doctor, to the grocery store, to church, etc. Thank-you, God, for reliable transportation!

Please pray for Don Hammons of Arcola. He had surgery this week and is recovering at home.

Emilie McKenzie has also had surgery, on her elbow. She will have a second surgery soon.

Vinessa Capro Harrison

April 10, 1951 – November 10, 2019

Mrs. Vinessa Capro Harrison, born April 10, 1951 in New Orleans, quietly departed this life the evening of Sunday, November 10, 2019 in Amite, LA. Vinessa was an active and beloved part of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She loved bringing the family together and sharing her wonderful cooking. She never met a stranger and was always there with a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold. As a result of her generosity, caring and fun personality, she was loved by many. Her spirit and influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents Vincent Capro Jr and Florence Langlinais, her beloved husband Dennis J. Harrison, and her sister Kerrie Crocker. She is survived by her children: son William G. Henrich III, wife Mira and children Sam, Violet, Jack & Logan of Conyers, GA; daughter Kelly A. Henrich and her daughter Jarrin of Amite, LA.; son Timothy P. Henrich, wife Lori and children Emma & Adam of Sioux Center, IA.; son David J. Lambert of Amite, LA; daughter Florence Espinal, husband Abel and daughters Eva & Grace of Yorktown, VA; son Dennis J. Harrison Jr, wife Ginny & their son Henry; daughter Amanda Harrison; Paul Lambert Jr, wife Denise and their four children; and two great-grand children Liam & Adeline Creel.She is also survived by her significant other David Carroll of Amite, LA; sister Dana Poche Donovan of Slidell, LA; brothers-in-laws William Ola & Joseph Crocker; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services to be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at 2pm at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vinessa’s name to the American Heart Association http://www.2.heart.org.

Scripture Writing for November 14th – Psalm 115: 12-19

Coming Soon! – Lottie Moon Christmas Tea at Spring Creek Baptist Church

OCC Collection Week begins Monday. FBC, Kentwood will be a collection site. If you are not close to us, please check the OCC website for locations and time at a site near you. Remember, each site has their own hours. They will NOT be open all day every day of the week.

More than 3,600 Southern Baptists chose to leave the comfort of their homes so they could share the gospel with the nations as IMB missionaries. How many more can we send together through this year’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

~Matthew 20:28 TLB~

Thankfulness: Day 12. David’s blood level was 9.3 yesterday, not bad since he had not had Procrit for two weeks. He got it yesterday and already has orders to get it next week. We had not heard of Procrit this time last year, but are so thankful we have had the opportunity to have David benefit from it. Can you imagine the medical scientists who worked to develop and test this drug to help people? We run to the pharmacy or the doctor for medications that benefit us without thinking about the long process of developing them and getting them to us when we need them. Today, I am thankful for David’s access to this and other medications. I”m also very thankful they are available to others too.

Burrell J. Carter

June 17, 1935 – November 11, 2019

The Honorable Burrell J. Carter, born June 17, 1935, passed away on November 11, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family. Judge Carter was a lifelong resident of Greensburg, Louisiana. He was married to Helen Bridges Carter for over 60 years. Judge Carter graduated from Greensburg High School as Valedictorian in 1953 and attended LSU and LSU Law School, graduating first in his law school class of 1958. He served in the Army during the Berlin Missile Crisis and rose to the rank of Captain. He practiced law in Greensburg until 1974, when he was appointed District Judge, 21st Judicial District, where he served until being elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal. He served as Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal for over 10 years, overseeing the planning and construction of the First Circuit building on Capitol Lake. He retired in 2012 but continued to serve on ad hoc appointments to many courts, including on multiple occasions, the Louisiana Supreme Court.

His civic pursuits were widespread including being elected Mayor of Greensburg at 21 years of age, and he served as President of the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation, Adjutant General of the State American Legion, Chairman of the Greensburg United Methodist Church Administrative Board for over 30 years, President of the 21st Judicial District Bar Association, and three-term Chairman of he Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges. Judge Carter also contributed many articles to national and state legal journals.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen Bridges Carter, son, Representative Robby Carter and his wife, Kerry Anthony, daughter, Libby Peak and her husband, Craig, grandchildren Taylor Carter Peak, M.D., Captain David Kramer Peak, M.D., Robert Burrell Carter, Helen Ruth Carter, and Jessica C. Ledet, J.D. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert T. Carter and Elizabeth J. Carter. Judge Carter was especially proud of the accomplishments of his family, whom he loved dearly.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 and at Greensburg United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2019. Services conducted by Dr. Ken Reed, Rev. Don Lum, Rev. A. W. O’Quinn, and Fr. Mark Beard. Burial will follow in Greensburg Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his three grandsons, Julius Freidman, Bimbo Relan, Marshall Harvin, Ricky Webb, and Justice Jeff Hughes. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gov. John Bel Edwards, Gov. Mike Foster, Gov. Edwin Edwards, Judge Bob Downing, Judge Walter Lanier, Sr. , Judge Kenneth Fogg, Judge Janice Clark, Judge Billy Kline, Judge Duke Welch, Judge Zorraine Waguespack, Chief Judge Gene Thibodeaux, Chief Judge Charles Jones, Chief Justice Bernette Johnson, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, John Gallaspy, Ed Walters, Don Carmouche, Senator Cleo Fields, Ken Johnston, Dr. Nollie Felts, Frank Johnson, Dr. Randy Moffett, Randy Webb, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, Joey Guzzardo, and Johnny McClendon.

Special thanks to Shirley Lee, Wendy Webb, Lisa Foreman, Lisa King, and the staff of the Ochsner Cancer Center.

Anna Catalanotto Schillage

May 22, 1920 – November 11, 2019

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born May 22, 1920 in Amite, LA and was 99 years of age. She is survived by daughter, Kathy Faison; son, Joseph J. Schillage, Jr.; 3 grandchildren, Julie Schillage, Chris Faison and Cristie Kent; great grandchildren, Cole, C.J. and Lilly Faison, Easton and Jaxson Calogero; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph J. Schillage, Sr.; parents, Mike and Anna Campo Catalanotto; 9 brothers and sisters, Charlie Catalanotto, Joe Catalanotto, Bill Catalanotto, Jake Catalanotto, Vince Catalanotto, John Catalanotto, Mary Cavaretta, Lilly Campo and Cat Catalanotto. Graveside Services will be held at Colonial Mausoleum, at 10:00AM Thursday, November 14, 2019. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

From Wyoming to the World with Love

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/from-wyoming-to-the-world-with-love/?utm_source=OCCFacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_YOCC-19SM&utm_content=111119_video_ROADSHOW_granary-article&fbclid=IwAR2XbPWJu5DA9aaYchLSPhhoZjzyOCEonkWYlDmYJUPo4cnPDivAxP5VF7E

Please contact me today if you can work one or more two hour shifts for the collection of “shoeboxes” during the week of November 11-25.

Scripture Writing – November 12 – I Chronicles 16: 8-14

Warning: We are under a wind advisory today as that old North Wind blows in some extremely cold weather tonight. Get prepared today!

Anna Lee