Tuesday

“You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone . . .

If you fall, your friend can help you up.

But if you fall without having a friend nearby,

you are really in trouble”

~Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 CEV~

Missions Rally

FBC, Kentwood

Tonight at 6:30

Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Rankin

Dr. Rankin leads the International Mission Board.

His extended family has served for many years as missionaries

and continues to do.

This will be once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price. She’s still at North Oaks. Pray for her family as they continue to stick by her day-by-day. It has now been eleven months since “Miss” Faye had heart surgery.

Thank God that Jim Slaven’s heart is not damaged from the problems he had Staurday.

Pray for the many people with viruses and different forms of the flu. Pray they will recover completely without spreading what they have.

Continue to pray for David Allen and his family.

There have been several updates for some of the children we have been praying for. You may need to read the journal section of the links below. Caring Bridge sites:

Ruth Konzleman sent word this morning that Dennis Konzleman just passed away. Arrangements will be posted when they become available. Your prayers for the family will be appreciated.

I think I may have shared this devotional before, but as I think of long-term illnesses like some I have mentioned today I realize we may need this reminder. I hope some of you can relate to this or share the message with someone else who is weary and needs encouragement.

Weary

THE WORST DEFEAT in a college football game came on October 7, 1916, when Georgia Tech played Cumberland College of Tennessee…

The final score was 222 to 0. The much smaller Cumberland players were mauled.

Cumberland had discontinued its football program before the season, but was not permitted to cancel its game against the Engineers. The fact that Cumberland’s baseball team had crushed Georgia Tech earlier that year 22-0 (amidst allegations that Cumberland used professional players) probably accounted for Georgia Tech coach John Heisman’s running up the score on the bulldogs.

Cumberland received the opening kickoff and failed to make a first down. After a punt, the Engineers scored on their first play. Cumberland then fumbled on their next play from scrimmage, and a Tech player returned it for another touchdown. The Bulldogs fumbled again the next time they had the ball, and Tech took two plays to score its third touchdown. Cumberland lost nine yard on its next possession, then gave up a fourth touchdown two plays later.

The Engineerss led 63-0 after the first quarter and 126-0 at halftime. Tech added 54 more points in the third quarter and 42 in the final period. Cumberland’s longest play during the game was a 10-yard pass (on 4th and 22). Tech scored on every one of its drives.

Sometimes our situation seems hopeless. We’ve dropped the ball and we don’t feel like picking it up again and running with it. We’ve been knocked down time and time again, and we just want to quit the game. But what we feel like doing and what we should do are two different things.

“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

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a fantastic day. Be sure to schedule in 6:30 for the Missions Rally!

Anna Lee

Monday Night

Shirley Mae Egan
(July 15, 1931 – November 1, 2009)

Mrs. Shirley Mae Egan a loving mother, sister and grandmother was born on July 15, 1931 and passed away at 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 78, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

Mrs. Shirley is survived by 3 daughters, Ruthelene Egan, Amite, Mary E. Semel & husband, Gerard, Metairie, and Eva E. Whitworth and husband, Chuck, Kentwood; 2 sons, John Egan. & wife, Vicki, Amite and Alvin Egan, Jr., Amite; 5 sisters, Jo Ann Davis & husband, Donald Ray, Loranger, Edna Whitaker, Amite, Betty Loupe, Amite, Diane Tate, Loranger, Annabelle Warner, Loranger; 2 brothers, Clarence Jones & wife Eva, Amite and Bobby Jones & wife Gail, Loranger; 2 grandchildren, Gerard Semel, Jr., Metairie and Daisy Egan, New Orleans.

Preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Egan, Sr.; a daughter, Barbara Egan; 2 brothers, Cecil and Leroy Jones.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 9:30 a.m. with Rev. Don Meadows officiating. Interment in the Ford Cemetery, Loranger.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

Sunday Afternoon

David Allen did not get to come home yesterday, but is still hopeful to do so today. Please continue to remember David and his family in your prayers.

Another former student:

Johnny Lee Westmoreland
(September 6, 1962 – November 1, 2009)

Died at 5:55 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. He was a native of Tylertown, MS and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 47 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Ray Schenk. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. He is survived by his wife, Edith Schenk Westmoreland, Amite. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R.D. & Billie Lee Westmoreland; grandparents, Artie & Lena Westmoreland and Lee & Victor Buniff.

Sunday

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost

those who come to God through Him,

since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

~Hebrews 7:25~

Trisha Wilson is married to Dwayne Wilson, the son of Robert and Ora Lee Wilson. She sent you a wonderful thank-you card with a picture of the family.

Just a note to thank you and all those on the prayer link for praying for me. Whatever I had that was causing so much pain and swelling seems to be gone and I pray it doesn’t come back. What a very strange 7 or 8 weeks I had! I am grateful for so many prayers for me and how God answered.

Mildred H. Duncan
(March 25, 1922 – October 30, 2009)

Died on Friday, October 30, 2009 at South McComb Extended Care in McComb, MS. She was a native of New Orleans, LA, a resident of McComb, MS and a former lifelong resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 87 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 1 p.m. on Wednesday and until religious services at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Dennis Walker. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by 2 sisters, Judy Cornette, McComb, MS, Shirley Kizer, Osyka, MS, 6 grandchildren, James Kizer, Petal, MS, Alton Dillon, Sacramento, CA, Anita Phillips, McComb, MS, Bridgette Dutt, Denver, CO, Mickel Dean, Morton, MS, Pamela Cutrer, McComb, MS. Preceded in death by daughter, Lena Winstead, sister, Florence Duncan, brother, George Hughes.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

“YOU’LL HAVE A hard time topping him…!”

This was the comment made by a well-intentioned Christian lady to the next speaker on the lectureship. He responded to this sister, “I don’t want to top him. We’re on the same side.” Though I’m sure this sweet Christian lady meant nothing negative, it reminds me of the old saying, “There is no competition among light houses.” We would do well to remember that sentiment on a regular basis.

There seems to be an infatuation with some Christians that they “get credit” for their work. Some preachers have even warned, “If you use my material, be sure to give me credit.” In the secular world there is surely understandable, but in the Lord’s church the obsession with getting credit seems a bit out of place. My goal as a Gospel preacher is not about “getting credit.” My “credit” is not on this earth. My goal is to save souls, and if I produce something that will help others more effectively accomplish this goal, then please use it.

The Pharisees were very concerned with getting credit and with being seen of men. When they gave alms, they wanted credit among men. When they prayed, they wanted credit among men. But the Lord said, “Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:2). May our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees!

One is also reminded of Herod in Acts 12 who evidently had given a very eloquent verbal presentation. Though the praise of the people was certainly excessive, Herod enjoyed it nonetheless. The text however says that “an angel the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God…” Without a doubt this is where all credit should be directed. Though we may have been blessed with great ability, it must be remembered that it was given to us by God.

In the business world, employees who work for the same company labor together to produce a product that will benefit the business. And ultimately, the credit goes to the company, not the individual. In fact, under the U.S. copyright law’s work-made-for-hire-doctrine, the owner of an intellectual creation is not the employee who originated the idea, but rather the company for whom he works.

In the Lord’s church, well all work for the same “company” if you will. Though the Lord’s church is not a company, it is a team of people all working together to accomplish the same goal — save souls and to give God the glory. Let’s let the credit remain with the Owner of the church. (Don Blackwell)

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let Your glory be above all the earth.”

~Psalm 57:5~

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For God is not unjust to forget your work

and labor of love which you have shown toward His name,

in that you have ministered to the saints,

and do minister.”

~Hebrews 6:10~

Pray for a cousin, Faye Faller, as she has surgery on her hand today in Covington.

Pray for my momma. She had a setback caused by lack of medication. Pray she gets past this quickly.

Pray for Daddy as he has outpatients surgery in Hammond Thursday. Pray the surgery is effective in taking care of his esophagus problem.

Tedd Titus said his baby Abigail will have surgery today. Please the in pray for Abigail, the family, and the medical staff caring for her.

Continue to remember the family of Kathy Dyer.

Kathy McDaniel Dyer
(June 12, 1956 – October 25, 2009)

A devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, Kathy McDaniel Dyer passed away at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at her residence in Hillsdale, La surrounded by her family.

She was 53, a native of Amite and a lifelong resident of the Hillsdale community.

She is survived by her husband, John Patrick Dyer, Hillsdale; two daughters, Katie Jennifer Dyer and Kaitlin Jessica Dyer both of Hillsdale; her mother, Inez Rainey McDaniel, Hillsdale; sister, Terrye McDaniel King and husband Albert, Hillsdale; mother-in-law, Adele Dykes Dyer, Amite; brother-in-laws & sister-in-laws, James H. “Brother” Dyer, Jr. and wife, Beverly, Amite and Vera Sue Durr and husband, Emile, Amite; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Jerrald McDaniel.

Kathy was a lifelong member of Hillsdale Baptist Church, and was a Speech Pathologist with the Tangipahoa Parish School System for thirty years.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the Hillsdale Baptist Church on Wednesday October 28, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Darryl Miller officiating. Interment at Sharkey Cemetery, Amite.

Pallbearers will be Eric King, Errol Durr, Blake Stewart, Dennis Walker, Brian Simpson, Dustin Thomas.

Honorary Pallbearers will be James H. Dyer Jr. and Albert King.

In lieu of flowers family request memorial contributions to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Attention: Office of Development, 4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

Thanks for praying. Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“For where two or three gather together as my followers,

I am there among them.”

~Matthew 18:20 NLT~

Please continue to pray for Chuck Pittman and his family.

Pray for David Allen and his family as they are now back at home.

Caring Bridge:

Kathy M. Dyer
(Died October 25, 2009)

Kathy M. Dyer passed away at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Ocotber 25, 2009 at her residence in Hillsdale.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

Wait

SOMETIMES GOD SEEMS to take forever…

You wait and wait and wait. But when He finally moves, He does more in one hour and you could accomplish in a lifetime. So it’s your choice: be busily consumed with your paltry attempts or wait on God until He moves in the fulness of His glory and purposes. God’s sense of timing is like this: He waits forever and then moves suddenly and instantaneously. There’s only one way to even begin to tune into God’s sense of timing, and that is through waiting. Waiting transports us out of the temporal, out of our time-zone, and into His time-zone.

God can out-wait anybody. He just waits and waits, while the crisis looms larger and larger, and He waits some more. He waits until the crisis becomes an impossible predicament. And then He waits some more! Finally, when the remotest chance of escape is completely gone, God intervenes suddenly. A good example of this is Abraham.

God promised Abraham a son when he was 75 years old, even though Sarah was baren. And then God waits five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years. By now it’s too late. Even if Sarah were not barren, she is now too old, and so is Abraham. Twenty-five years. Count them. Twenty-five interminable years. Finally, when all natural hope was exhausted, God provided and Sarah became pregnant! God is the king of wait. (Bob Sorge)

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;

do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”

Proverbs 37:7

Mike Benson

A new weeks waits before us. What will we make it?

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”

~1Timothy 2:8~

Our grandson, Braden, now has a cast on his broken arm. The surgery seems to have the bone set straight. So far, so good now.

Pray for my daddy, Grant Smith, as he sees a specialist again about a reoccurring esophagus problem. Daddy may require another procedure in order to eat without issues.

Continue to pray for those who have the flu and the viruses that are going around.

Thank God for a new job for Landon Estay after a two month “vacation” in Houston. Pray for others who are searching for a job.

Continue to pray for the Allen family as David improves. Pray for doctors to make wise decision in his case. Thank God for all those who have prayed for David and continue to pray for David and his family.

For those of you from the Roseland area and those who can remember back more than thirty years, there is a new “little” girl in the Sloan family. Markie is the granddaughter for Dr. John “Bro. Chip” and Martha Slaon. Jennifer, who was born shortly after her parents moved to Roseland, is the very proud mother. Bro. Chip was the pastor at Roseland Baptist Church for five years. What memories we have! Enjoy this gift from God.

Baby Markie is doing great!!! She is a chunk but beautiful. 9lbs 4 ounces, 21 inches long. Mom and Dad are doing great and very happy!! 🙂

Caring Bridge Sites:

Baptist Press
October 21, 2009

PHILIPPINES–Filipino pastors look past their own needs to neighbors. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31502

PHILIPPINES–Volunteers ‘mud out’ metro Manila, share God’s love. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31503

AMERICAN SAMOA–Team surveys tsunami damage on Amn. Samoa. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31504

OKLAHOMA–CP EMPHASIS: Church views CP as love offering. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31505

TENNESSEE–Land clarifies remarks, apologies to Anti-Defamation League. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31506

MAINE–Poll: Maine ‘gay marriage’ initiative tied. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31507

WASHINGTON–Feds relax medical marijuana policy. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31508

MISSOURI–TRUSTEES: MBTS to build new chapel complex. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31509

NORTH CAROLINA–TRUSTEES: SEBTS reports enrollment gains. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31510

TEXAS–CP EMPHASIS (FIRST-PERSON — David O. Dykes): Enlarging the channel for a Great Commission Resurgence. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31511

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Chuck Bentley): Living by God’s economy. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31512

John Naul Felps
(March 10, 1930 – October 21, 2009)

Died on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace, LA. He was a native of Baywood, LA, a resident of Reserve, LA, and a former resident of Kentwood, LA for 16 years. Age 79 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 12 Noon on Saturday until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 3 sons, Gary Felps, Rodney Felps, and Michael Felps, 4 sisters, Lilian Peevy, Alma Stearns, Louise Croft, and Pauline Vick, 2 brothers, Verlyn Felps and Donald Felps, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Delores G. Felps, 2 sons, Steven Felps and Ricky Felps, father, Luther Felps, mother, Ida Pennington Felps, sister, Betty Rodriguez, 3 brothers, Sonny Felps, Dale Felps, and Sam Felps.

THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM

There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did. Various attempts were made to do something about the child.

One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums. This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar.

A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions. The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked.

Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, “I wonder what’s inside the drum?”

Ah, the wisdom of that man! It reminds me of the wisdom demonstrated by King Solomon when two women came to him fighting over which of them was the true mother of a baby (I Kings 3:16-28). Solomon was, of course, known for his great wisdom.

Solomon wrote, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Prov. 3:13-15)

We need to understand, though, that knowledge and wisdom aren’t the same thing. If you want to measure a person’s knowledge, you give them a test. If they score 90 or above, they have a lot of knowledge. If they score below 50, there’s not much knowledge there. But determining the measure of a person’s wisdom is much more difficult. You have to look at how he lives and the decisions he makes.

James Draper has said, “Wisdom is the skill to live in a way that is pleasing to God. It is not simply information in our heads. It is information that we put to use — where we live, where we work, and where we play.”

We live in a world where everyone seeks knowledge. We value educaton. We read books. We watch news channels. But how many of us pursue wisdom to the same extent?

Be assured that wisdom is not something that you will stumble into by accident. It’s a pursuit. It’s a search. It requires an attitude that says, “I want to learn from God how to live, and I want to apply those principles to my life.”

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for praying. Your prayers mean so much to so many. Ask someone like David Allen!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“It shall come to pass that before they call,

I will answer;

and while they are still speaking,

I will hear.”

~Isaiah 65:24~

The three Allen children enjoyed visiting their daddy, David, last night. What progress David has made! Pray for continued improvement for David and a new sense of purpose after all he has been through in the last week. Join the family in thanking God for David’s improvement.

Mr. Oren Davidson is in Kentwood Rehab to receive therapy following another fall. David and Mr. Oren enjoyed visiting and talking about the past.

Carol Lynn Loving McNabb
(June 6, 1950 – October 20, 2009)

Carol Lynn Loving McNabb, 59 of Kentwood left us at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was a native of Killeen, TX.

Carol leaves behind a beloved husband, Clayton Wayne McNabb, Kentwood; son, Christian Kuss and wife, Tina; granddaughter, Rosa Kathryn Kuss; 3 step grandsons, Tyler, Justin, & Casey Proux all of Rome, GA; sister, Betty Braden and brother-in-law, Jim, Kentwood; nephew, James W. Braden & wife, Joey; 2 great nephews, Jacob and Jonah Braden; great niece Johanna Braden all of Longville, LA; niece, Kelly Thorgeson & husband, Rudy, Baton Rouge; nephew, Beau Braden and great niece Alayna Lynne Braden, Kentwood; sister-in-law, Gloria McNabb Gill & husband, Pete; nephew Tristan Gill all of Spring Creek; also numerous friends and former classmates of KHS Class of 1968. She will be sadly missed.

Preceded in death by parents, George D & Louella Gill Loving.

Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Danny Smith officiating. Interment in Spring Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Stan Gill, Jr., Tristan Gill, James W. Braden, Beau Braden, Jacob Braden, & Jason Sims. Honorary Pallbearer will be Jonah Braden.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press

October 20, 2009

TEXAS–Back on earth, astronaut reflects on trip, faith. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31495

WASHINGTON–Gay hate crimes awaits Senate vote. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31496

SOUTH AFRICA–Ministry reaches out to families ravaged by HIV/AIDS. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31497

NORTH CAROLINA–CP EMPHASIS: ‘The nations came to us.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31498

CALIFORNIA–TRUSTEES: Golden Gate adopts long-range plan. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31499

LOUISIANA–TRUSTEES: New Orleans approves new housing. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31500

KENTUCKY–FIRST PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Time to separate church & sports? http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31501

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

IN AUGUST, 1857, CYRUS Field and his company, Atlantic Telegraph, attempted to lay a telegraph cable from England to North America, but the cable broke at twelve thousand feet under the ocean surface and could not be recovered…

During the next nine years, Field and his men made three more unsuccessful attempts. Finally, in July, 1866, they succeeded in laying hundreds of miles of cable across the Atlantic.

Israel spent almost twenty-one years rebuilding the temple. The work began in 537 B.C. and was finally completed in 516 B.C. Israel’s enemies continually stopped the work; one period lasted as long as seventeen years. People of less perseverence might have given up, but Israel had a deep desire to worship God.

Paul wrote about Christ’s patience, or, more exactly, His perseverance. We may not understand why the Lord demonstrated patient determination in His humanity, but we are to follow His pattern.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God

and into the patience of Christ.”

2 Thessalonians 3:5

Continue to pray for needs previously mentioned. Add needs you are aware of. Feel free to share needs so others can pray too!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost

those who come to God through Him,

since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

~Hebrews 7:25, NKJV~

Pray for Theresa Flores as she has a transplant as Ochsner in New Orleans this morning.

Pray for Stanley Reland who has had a mild heart attack.

David Allen is much better. He’s even back on the internet! Don’t stop praying yet.

Joellon Reagan Godwin
(November 19, 1939 – October 17, 2009)

Joellon Reagan Godwin was born on November 19, 1939 and passed away at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 69 and a resident of Kentwood.

Joellon is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Godwin, Kentwood; 5 daughters, Cathy G. Brooks & husband George, Kentwood, Judy Petty & husband, Dale, Jumpertown, MS, Monteen G. Castella & husband, Bennie Ray, Kentwood, Lisa G. Grice & husband, Tommy, Kentwood, and Kathy “Big Kathy” Godwin, Perry, FL; 3 sons, John A. Knight, Jr. & wife, Mary, Nettleton, MS, William “Billy” Godwin & wife, Sandra, Corinth, MS and William “Big Billy” Godwin, Brooksville, FL; 2 sisters, Sharon Stevens & husband, Tommy, Kentwood and Diane Stewart & husband, Don,Greensburg; 2 brothers, Rev. Chester Reagan & wife Dixie, Arkansas and Ronald Reagan & wife Gaya, Robert; grandchildren, Angela Miller, David Anthony, Laura McGuff, Ashley Bergeron, Benji Castella, Jennifer Castella, Rebel James, Jeremy Godwin, Justin Godwin, Felicia Godwin, Bennie Gilley, Jr., Amy, Brian, & Matthew; 25 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Benjamin & Ellie Hicks Reagan; a son, Steven Godwin; a sister, Mary Martinson; 2 brothers, Jerry Reagan and Chris Reagan; and a grandson, Ronald Hemphill.

Visitation will be at Kentwood Assembly of God on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. William Hyde officiating. Interment in the Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

Norma A. Gregot Day
(January 20, 1937 – October 17, 2009)

Died on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Earl K. Long Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA. She was born Jan. 20, 1937 to F. G. and Ruby Gregot. She was a native of Kentwood and resident of Zachary. Survived by son, Frederick C. Day and his wife, Michele, Omaha, NE; a sister Shirley G. Lane, Kentwood, LA.; and a niece. Preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Gloria Mae Gregot and her grandparents.

Troy Neal Taylor
(February 18, 1939 – October 18, 2009)

Died at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Little Rock, AR and a resident of Independence, LA. Age 80 years. He was a Retired 1st Sergeant of the U. S. Marine Corps and a Veteran of Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Alice Zamora Taylor, Independence; 2 sons, Troy Taylor and his wife, Chris, Gonzales and Terry Taylor, Tybee Island, GA; 3 grandchildren, Troy, Kelsey and Karin. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Delta Taylor; sister, Jo Ann Rogers; brother, John Taylor, Jr. Arrangements are incomplete at this time with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.

Dr. Landrum Salley said he and his family still have many fine memories of Kentwood. They continue to serve the Lord in Nashville. Remember to thank God for their service in Kentwood and your memories of those sixteen years.

Adjust

A GOOD FRIEND of mine’s personal statement on Facebook says, “Don’t let your eyes adjust to the dark…”

He gives no explanation or elaboration, and for his friends who are unfamiliar with the Bible, the message probably makes no sense. When I first read it, I assumed it was some inside joke between him and another friend. But knowing the kind of person he is, it occurred to me that he was talking about spiritual, not physical, darkness. In fact, his words effectively summarize what Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23.

God created our physical eyes to easily adjust to dark surroundings, but He never intended for our souls to adapt to the darkness of sin and its effects. To His dismay, however, too many of His children find spiritual darkness normal, and some even find it quite comfortable. Is this true of you or me? Have our spiritual eyes adjusted to darkness when:

Sin saturates the shows or movies we watch, the things we read, or the websites we visit?

We see others hurting or suffering and yet feel no compassion for them?

We misuse our mouths with bad language, gossip, harsh criticism, or other cruelty?

The world is often a dark place, and its shadows can easily creep into our lives and overwhelm us. But God’s light will always eliminate the darkness of sin and as His lights, we can even make this world a brighter place. “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” ( Ephesians 5:8). Blaine Kelly

“The eye is the lamp of the body.

So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.

If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

Matthew 6:22-23 ESV

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a wonderful day and a great week!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Continue earnestly in prayer,

being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

~Colossians 4:2~

Please add Mrs. Maxine Turner to your prayer list. She is hospitalized at North Oaks. As you pray for her, please remember to add her family, especially her sister, Frances Strickland. I know your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Continue to pray for David Allen. Pray for his lungs to improve today. Also, pray for his family, especially Fannie, the children, and his parents. The family is very thankful to know you are praying.

Pray for those who are undergoing tests and/or treatment for various problems.

Continue to pray for my family as we are in the midst of numerous appointments for my parents and continual monitoring of my mother. I’m thankful for the progress that has been made and the assistance from my sisters. It’s a real blessing that we all live in this area. Keep us in your prayers.

Caring Bridge sites

Eddie Jean Hodges
(March 29, 1926 – October 11, 2009)

Died at 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. Age 83 years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. More information will be added when available.

McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Shortfall stirs quick response; 25 more missionaries able to go overseas

http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=8115&LanguageID=1709&cid=imbel

I know of one area church that took on the challenge of sending one of this missionary units above and beyond their usual mission offering. One Sunday they collected more than enough to meet the needs for an entire year. That’s what missions is about! Those who cannot/do not go can support others through prayer and giving.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

BOOKSTORE SHELVES ARE full of books on marriage, many of them describing the reasons marriages fail…

Such books are usually written by therapists, who spend their time working with clients whose marriages are experiencing meltdown. A great deal can obviously be learned from marital pathology. We need to know why marriages fail. But the absence of death doesn’t mean the presence of health. Many marriages are sick but never die in divorce or separation. So the most important question is why some marriages thrive and enjoy vigorous good health. Models of succes are priceless in a world filled with failures. That’s why Ephesians 5 helps us, by illuminating three essential qualities of a thriving marriage: sacrifice, intimacy, and Christ. Gary Inrig

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”’ This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:21-33

I’m thankful for models of long-time, Christ centered marriages. What a blessing these folks have been on my life!

Anna Lee