Category: Death Notice(s)

Monday Afternoon

Joan Hagan said her cousin Kitty was having problems that may require

additional surgery. Please pray for Kitty and the medical staff caring for her.

Jared Prescott was doing very well. He may be able to come home today or

tomorrow. Please continue to pray for him and for David Gullota.

Wallace Merritt
(July 27, 1920 – December 29, 2008)

A native of Tangipahoa Parish, long time resident of Baton Rouge and

current resident of Kentwood, Wallace Merritt passed away on Monday,

December 29, 2008 at the age of 88. Retired from the United States Air

Force, Wallace was a veteran of World War II and double recipient of the

Purple Heart.

He is survived by one son, Donald McMillan of Kentwood; four grandsons,

Dalton McMillan of Kentwood, Mehmet McMillan of San Francisco,

California, Orhan McMillan of Baton Rouge and Dale McMillan of Galvez;

two great grandsons, Joshua and Jeremy McMillan; one great granddaughter,

Madeline McMillan; one great-great grandson, Brayden McMillan; one sister,

Geraldine Sanders of Kentwood and sister-in-law, Nell McLin of Baton Rouge.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Zelma McMillan Merritt, parents Obediah

and Jessie Grace Merritt, and sister, Maxine Simmons.

The family wishes to acknowledge the many devoted health care professionals

who cared for him since his stroke in June, with a special thank you to Tracy

Bergeron.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood from 5:00-

8:00 PM on Thursday, January 1st and 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, January 2nd

with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM. Services will be conducted by

Rev. Danny Smith of Spring Creek Baptist Church. Interment will be at Mt.

Hermon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice,

19405 Helenberg Rd., Suite 206, Covington, LA 70443 or Spring Creek Baptist

Church Building Fund, 72937 Hwy. 1061, Kentwood, LA 70444.

Tuesday

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Three posts yesterday concerning Don Denton:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 10:49 AM, CST

Prayer Requests for Don:

  • Don was seen by his primary care physician this

morning – Don has significant increase in headache pain,

stiffness in neck and lower back and a rash again. He

is very dizzy and sick to his stomach again.

  • He will see neuro next week. If he continues w/

increase of these symptoms he will be seen sooner.

  • Pray that the doctors here will be able to get to the

bottom of this. We are also praying that they will conduct

MRI’s again to do comparisions.

We had a really good Christmas weekend, it was this morning

that Don woke up with these symptoms.

Blessings

Diane

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 11:01 PM, CST

Don Update

We spoke to another of Don’s doctors today who helped

clarify the severity of his pain, his dizziness and stiffness.

Don’s prednisone continues to be tapered down and this

weekend he is now down to a much smaller dosage. When

someone has inflammation of the nerves, brain and spine

and healing is still ongoing it could cause a reaction such

as this one. So Don’s meds have been increased to help.

By late this evening his pain was reduced.

Don’s body is so immunial suppressed that we have to be

very careful. He will see four different doctors next week

along with physical therapy. Please pray for the following:

  • All of his doctors will have the wisdom they need to
help with continued improvement. Don really can’t wait
to be back to work for the Spring semester and we are
hopeful for that.
  • Pray for healing of these nerve endings and
inflammation in brain and spine.
  • Don is showing improvement with regard to his
walking more with walker and less with wheel chair.
  • Pray for Joshua as he sees his daddy who has a day
like today and he becomes fearful. For a four year old this
is very scary and for an adult for that matter it is too.

This has been a long journey. I am asking you all to continue

to pray and believe that the good work that God continues

to do in Don will continue. I don’t believe that God has

brought us this far to leave us either. It can be so very

discouraging when a day like today happens for all of us.

My heart goes out to Don and Joshua when I see the

suffering. Joshua afraid that if he asks his daddy to “do

something” that his daddy will get sick and sleep for days

and it will be his fault. It breaks my heart to see my son hurt

like this.

Pray that I will have the wisdom, understanding, discernment,

love and acceptance that he needs.

I am here again, asking for God’s mercy upon us. Asking you

our friends to lift us up before God as we are in such need

these days. Waiting, Hoping and Believing.

Blessings to you our friends and family.

Diane

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 11:34 PM, CST

This is a poem that a dear friend shared with me. I share it with you. It is truth and hope. Enjoy….

God, make me brave for life:

oh, braver than this.

Let me straighten after pain, as a

tree straightens after the rain,

Shining and lovely again.

God, make me brave for life;

much braver than this.

As the blown grass lifts, let me rise

From sorrow with quiet eyes,

Knowing Thy way is wise.

God, make me brave, life brings

Such blinding things.

Help me to keep my sight;

Help me to see aright

That out of dark comes light

Please continue to pray for Don, Diane, and Joshua Denton. The

“road” they have traveled on the last few months has be hilly, full of

curves, and blocked with many obstacles for them to mangage to

get over, under, around, and through. God has been with them on

this journey – each step of the way.

I’m sure the poem Diane shared will be meaningful to many of you.

You may need it now for yourself or someone else. You may not

need it today, but will in the future. Print it and tuck it away for that

day.

Baptist Press

December 29, 2008

ISRAEL–Baptists proclaim Gospel in Manger Square.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29577

OKLAHOMA–Exec recounts Hobby Lobby’s ministry.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29578

SOUTH CAROLINA–Billy Graham joins FBC Spartanburg.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29579

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: 7 words of worship.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29580

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.):

A generation immersed in media.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29581

Salvadore Ruffino, Sr.
(November 2, 1916 – December 28, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Died at 5:58 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Baton Rouge

General Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was a native and resident of

Amite. Age 92 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II. For many

years, Mr. Sam drove a school bus for Oak Forest Academy in Amite. Visitation

at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until religious

services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.

Survived by 3 daughters, Loretta Borde and her husband, Stanley, Tickfaw,

Frances Ann Nijoka and her husband, Barry, Greenwell Springs, Sandra

Petty and her husband Chuck, Prairieville, 1 son, Sal Ruffino, Jr., Amite,

7 grandchildren, Matthew Feder, Alisha Nijoka, Jared Nijoka and his wife,

Elisabeth, Mary Ann Cline and her husband, Trey, Elizabeth Orobono and

her husband, Fran, Maeghan Ruffino, Kristin Ruffino, 2 great-grandchildren,

Michael Ragan, Anna Cline, 1 sister, Mary Checchin, Lakemore, IL, 2 brothers,

Nunzio Ruffino, Amite, Louis Ruffino, Baton Rouge. Preceded in death by wife,

Anna Leto Ruffino, 5 sisters, Lucy Costanza, Pamela Alack, Stella Terracina,

Josie Burrell and Rose Ruffino; 3 brothers, John, Tony and Joe Ruffino;

parents, Louis and Laura Ruffino.

Debra Lynn Burkeens
(August 22, 1964 – December 26, 2008)

Debra Lynn Burkeens

Debra Lynn “Debbie” Woods Burkeens who will always be remembered and

loved by her son, family and friends was born on August 22, 1964 and passed

away at 7:42PM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital,

Greensburg. She was 44, a native of Bay St. Louis, MS and a resident of

Montpelier. Debbie was the daughter of Edward Woods and the late Charlotte

Taylor Woods.

She is survived by a son, Nicholas Joe Zona and fiancée’, Ashley Bailey,

Temple, TX; father, Edward T. Woods and step-mother, Margaret Woods,

Walhalla, SC; 4 sisters, Mildred Smith and husband John W., III, Seneca, SC,

Brenda J. Murphy and husband, Mike, Pineville, LA, Rita Wells and husband,

Danny, Tickfaw & Cheryl Zwinkel, Seneca, SC; 4 brothers, Keith Woods and

wife, Debra, Seneca, SC, Dale Woods and wife Geneva, Ponchatoula, Joseph

“Joe” Woods and wife, Tammy, Independence, & Phillip Woods and wife,

Charlotte, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren & 30 nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by mother, Charlotte Taylor Woods & husband, Thomas

Burkeens.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM and on Wednesday,

December 31, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services in the funeral

home Chapel at 11:00AM with Bro. Bobby Carroll officiating. Interment in

the Colonial Mausoleum.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W

next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

PARENTS HAVE TO LIVE IT

At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players,

“Do you understand what cooperation is and what teamwork is all about?”

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

“Do you understand that what really matters is not whether we win or lose,

but that we play together as a team?” The little boy nodded yes.

“Good,” the coach continued. “And, when a strike is called, or you’re

hrown out at first, you don’t argue, curse, attack the umpire with a bat, or

throw dirt in the opposing team members’ faces. Do you understand all that?”

Again the little boy nodded, “Well, sure, coach. That’s what you taught us.”

“Good,” said the coach. “Now, please go over there and explain all that to

your mother.”

I’ve been to a few Little League games when the above conversation needed

to take place! It’s sad to see parents who act in an irresponsible manner

because you know that they are teaching their children (and others’ children)

to behave in a similar manner.

God has given those of us who are parents an awesome responsibility —

not only to teach our children what is right, but to live in such a way that

they can see that we are willing to practice what we’ve been teaching them

to do.

Moses told the parents of Israel to take the laws which God had given

them and “teach them diligently to your children….” (Deut. 6:7). But before

telling parents to do that, he warned them: “Therefore hear, O Israel, and

be careful to observe it….” (Deut. 6:3).

Before we can teach a love of God and others to our children, it must be in

our own hearts. May God bless those of you who are parents as you strive to

do just that. May your life be so filled with a desire to follow God that your

children will be open to hear all that you have to say to them.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I’ll post some updates later.

Anna Lee

Sunday Evening

Mrs. Faye Price has now been able to sit up some. Please continue praying for her, her family as they wait in the ICU waiting area, and for the medical staff as they care for “Miss” Faye.

The Prescott and Gullota families have had a long night and day. Jared is in the critical care unit at Lady of the Lake. His injuries are being re-evaluated and some may not be as severe as first thought. David has had surgery at North Oaks. Please continue to pray for both families.

Christine Husser Miley
(February 7, 1923 – December 28, 2008)

Died at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Landmark Nursing Center in Hammond. She was a native and life-long resident of Husser. Age 85 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Religious Services at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Husser, LA at 11:30AM Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Chris Romaine. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. She is survived by 2 daughters, Shelia Currier and husband, Stanley, Loranger and Emily Garafola and husband, Johnny, Baton Rouge; special friend, Rita Terrebonne, Norwalk, WI; 2 cousins, Ethel Miller and husband, Lannis, Baton Rouge and Leona Watson, Baton Rouge; 8 grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Shelby Miley; parents, Simon, Sr. and Emily Husser; 6 brothers, Simon, Jr., Recey, Arthur, Ellis, Elzy and Harvey Husser; 5 sisters, Madie, Gracy, Irma, Daisy and Ellen Husser; The family would like to thank the staff of Landmark Nursing Home for their care and kindness over the past five years.

Sunday

Blessed are the peacemakers

for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

Dr. John W. (Bro. Chip) Sloan will be preaching at Roseland this morning at 11:00. The worship service will be followed by dinner on the grounds.

Holly K. will share tonight at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. She will be leaving in a week and a half for West Africa where she will be a MK teacher. Come hear her testimony, her experiences in Richmond, and her hopes for the future.

Thomas Francis Sessum
(July 12, 1931 – December 26, 2008)

Thomas Francis Sessum

U.S. Veteran Thomas Francis Sessum was born on July 12, 1931 and passed away at 6:45AM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. He was 77, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite. Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Mitchell & Frances Riviere Sessum. He was a US Air Force Veteran.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 18 years, Erline Wiggins Sessum, Amite; 3 daughters, Sandra Sessum Arsenaux, Metairie, Pepper Sessum Caruso, Old Jefferson, & Teree Lartique, Metairie; 2 step-sons, Timothy L. McGrath, Amite & Edward A. McGrath, Pensacola, FL; 2 sisters, Jean DeReyna, Atlanta, GA & Frances Post, Ft. Worth, TX; 9 grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, a son, Leonce Sessum, a grandson, Gavin Lee McGrath; a brother, Donald Calvin Sessum.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 after 2:00PM until Memorial Services at 3:00PM in the funeral home Chapel.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Debbie Woods

(Died December 26, 2008)

Debbie Woods passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at her residence near Kentwood, LA.

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 next Coggins-Gentry Ford.

TOLERATING MISTAKES

A building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was likely to stretch over several months. He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he’d been given. “This is two hundred dollars less than we agreed on,” he said.

“I know,” the owner said, “But last week I overpaid you two hundred dollars, and you never complained.”

The contractor said, “Well, I don’t mind an occasional mistake. But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention.”

Before chuckling too much, do you recall the last time a cashier charged you too little for an item? Were you as quick to point it out to him or her as you were when you were overcharged? Isn’t it funny how we are willing at times to tolerate mistakes by others as long as we benefit rather than suffer?

That’s why our standard of right and wrong must be determined by God’s word and not by our own feelings. As impartial as we may try to be, we are too easily swayed by that little voice inside that says, “If it doesn’t hurt me, then it must be OK.”

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day of Bible study and worship.

Anna Lee

Christmas Eve

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
—Isaiah 9:6

A Christmas thank-you
Multitudes of people around the world are celebrating Christmas this year because you prayed, partnered and gave to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas from Jerry and Bobbye Rankin and all of us at the IMB.

Staying home doesn’t mean missing out on church, missions
After almost 40 years as a pastor, Gerald Cole decided it was time to go home to Louisiana to retire. He and wife Rosie found themselves back at their first pastorate, Springhill Baptist Church near Marion. But they found a locked building and a challenge to start again, which they did. Things went well for a time, then the economy began slipping, as did Rosie’s health. Membership is down to two now, and mostly the services happen in the Coles’ living room. But they still tithe weekly, send money on through the Cooperative Program and this year mailed a $2,000 check to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. “We haven’t quit,” says Gerald. “We’re not through.”
Thank-God for people like the Coles who continue to serve and continue to give. May we use them as an example for our lives.

Mrs. Margaret Callihan is getting stronger. Pray for her as she continues to improve.

Mr. Bud Callihan is feeling fine since his hospital stay and heart procedure. Thank God for his good reports.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough said the temporary nerve treatment helped with her back pain. Pray the permanent treatment Monday is successful.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to be about the same. Please continue to pray for her, the medical staff of the ICU unit, and the family.

Pray for all the people who are traveling. Pray for safety and that they would have an opportunity to share their holiday joy and the reason for the holiday with others.

Frank William Meduna, Jr.
(June 30, 1929 – December 22, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Died at 10:40 PM on Monday, December 22, 2008 at his residence in Amite, LA. He was a native of New Orleans, LA. Age 79 years. He was a retired Staff Sargent, U.S.M.C., a Purple Heart recipient, and a member of Marine Corp League, Jans F. Hursey Det. 748, Slidell, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 1 p.m. Friday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. Survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Leah and Craig Mellin, St. Paul, MN, Sandra and Patric Darvie, Slidell, LA, grandson, Patric Darvie, III, Slidell, LA, numerous nieces and nephews, Preceded in death by, wife, Blanche Lawrence Meduna, parents, Frank William Meduna, Sr. and, Florence Barth Meduna, Special thanks to caregiver, Barbara Hoover.

Baptist Press

December 23, 2008

*** TENNESSEE–7-year-old’s Christmas cards boost missions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29570

*** GEORGIA–They opened their hearts -– 41 times. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29571

COLORADO–Girls go shopping in the Christmas spirit. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29572

*** FLORIDA–Tebow’s football awards anchored by faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29573

WASHINGTON–Bush signs enhanced anti-trafficking bill. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29574

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Roger S. Oldham): God’s Son, born of a virgin. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29575

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Kenneth S. Hemphill): The Advent of the King. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29576

How is Your Manger?

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. Proverbs 14:4.

During the time of Caesar Augustus, an issue was decreed that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph and Mary, subjects of the Roman government, left the town of Nazareth and went to their hometown of Bethlehem because Joseph belonged to the house of David. Mary and Joseph were engaged. She was expecting her first child, and while they were there, in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born. Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son, whom they named Jesus. “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”1

The baby Jesus, out Savior, was born in a crude building that reeked of animal dung and was placed in a cruel manger. His welcoming committee consisted of donkeys and oxen and dirt-poor shepherds. There was nothing delicate about the surroundings into which our Savior was born. No place more humble could have been found in which to lay the Savior of the universe. None of us can say that we had a less auspicious start in life, but Jesus proved during His sojourn among us that He works best in difficult and unpleasant circumstances.

Jesus came to bring the touch of God to humanity. Isaiah prophesied of our Savior, “Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.”2 Jesus was the sinless friend of sinners. He liked sinners; He enjoyed their company; He had compassion on them; He loved them. In one story of Jesus, “A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on His knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ He said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately, the leprosy left Him and He was cured.”3

“Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.” Do you know what a touch meant to someone with leprosy? Imagine. Suppose the man’s name was John. In his previous life, he had a wife and two young children. One day, John was at work and noticed a raised scab on his upper arm. He was somewhat concerned and so he went home to his wife. She told him to hurry to the priest; perhaps he could do something to help. But the priest assured John that there was nothing that could be done for him. He had received a plague, a judgment from God. There was no hope. He could not return to his family, not for one last hug or kiss – not even for one last touch.

The disease of leprosy was not particularly painful after the first few weeks, and although John may not have felt physical pain, he certainly did suffer. Almost all the pain that he felt came from the outside, the pain of rejection imposed upon him by his community. How the man came to Jesus, we do not know, but it is not too hard to imagine the indignation rippling through the crowd as John walked through them to meet Jesus while shouting “Unclean! Unclean!” When he reached Jesus, we are told that he fell down at His knees and begged, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” And Jesus, filled with compassion, reached out His hand and touched the man. The crowd must have gasped.

Imagine being touched after years or months of no contact with another human. What, do you suppose, was his response? A tear? A flinch? How many months or years had it been since he felt the warmth of a human touch? What would have been your response?4

The text in Proverbs says, “without the oxen, the manger is empty.” The greatest Lover in history appeared to us amidst the dirty oxen of a lowly stable. He appeared amidst the scandal of an expectant, yet unmarried couple. He knows what hurts us. Jesus reveals a God who is not indifferent to human agony, a God who reached out to touch us, a God who fully embraces the human condition, and plunges into the thick of our human struggle.5 He showed us that He is Emmanuel, God with us – God who touches us. There is nothing that Jesus does not understand about the heartache that hangs like a cloud over the history of our lives. God expects us to lay the difficult, unpleasant, and leprous parts of our life before Him. Unless He washes us, unless He touches our lives, we may have no part with Him6 without the oxen, the manger is empty. Jesus knows all about us, but He loves us anyway. He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”7

Luke says, “There was no room for them in the inn.” Do you have room for Jesus in your life? In our society today, we guard ourselves to make sure that no one discovers our weaknesses. We feel that we must carry around our failures and burdens in a brown paper bag whose contents are not visible to the rest of the world. Jesus commands us, “Lay that burden down. I am here to take care of it.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a Savior who knows all about us and yet still loves us the same as if we had never sinned? – if only we could let Him inn.

If you find yourself struggling under a burden of sin or depression or disappointment, Jesus is waiting to be born in your manger. Jesus came to this earth to deal with our “messy” problems. He loves to touch our lives. He knows our weaknesses, but Jesus works most powerfully through our shortcomings. God loves to work in the difficult and unpleasant situations of our lives. If we let Him live long enough in the manger of our life, amidst the oxen of our burdens, we will be changed. Slowly, the stench of our hurt and anger will be broken by the fragrance of our knowledge of Him. We will become the “aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”8

If you already have a relationship with Jesus, remember back to what you were like when He called you. Remember your first encounter with God. Remember the day you met Jesus. Remember how your heart quaked at the awareness of His presence. Remember how you trembled in the presence of His overwhelming love. Not many of us were brilliant by human standards; not many of us were influential; not many of us were of noble birth;9 some of us were arrogant; some of us were proud. Praise God! He chose us anyway!

God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.10 Do we, like Jesus, have love for the unlovable? Do we have love for the lepers in our lives? Are we willing to touch other’s lives? Jesus was a sinless friend of sinners. Are we friends of sinners or are we their worst enemies – our own worst enemies? How can we overcome? We ask God to help that what breaks His heart, will break our hearts as well.

Littered along the road from the Manger to the Cross will be the bitterness, anger, disappointment, pride, and arrogance that we once tightly held in the security of our brown paper bag. In its place, we will grasp the transparent vessel of the body of Christ. We will extend to our frightened world the love, hope, and touch of Jesus Christ regardless of race, religion, or culture. From the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

My prayer for you this holiday is that you may experience Jesus – that pearl of great price wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you this Christmas, and may you continue to find joy in your journey with Him. Christina.

I Luke 2:1-7. All texts are my paraphrase or are quoted from the NIV Bible. C. 1996 by AMG, International. 2 Isaiah 53:4 3 Mark 1:40-44. 4 See Philip Yancey, In The Jesus I Never Knew. Pages 171-173. 5 See Brennan Manning, In Lion and Lamb. Page 128. 6 John 13:8 7 2 Corinthians 12:9 8 2 Corinthians 2:14,15 9 1 Corinthians 1:18, 25-31 10 ibid.

————————————————————————– — This Christmas meditation is by Christina Harris who can be reached at . Feel free to contact her regarding your appreciation, testimonies, thoughts, comments, etc on this lovely devotional. I want to wish you a blessed and healthy holiday season and New Year full of God’s richest blessings.

Yours in Christ,

Fred Gibbs

FYI: FBC, Kentwood will not have any Christmas Eve or Christmas services.

Merry CHRISTmas!
Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Wilda Mae Traylor Fairburn Gill
(March 30, 1932 – December 22, 2008)
Died at 6:07 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2008 at her residence in Spring Creek, LA. She was a native of Baptist, LA. Age 76 years. She made a hundred sweaters for children in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, made 80 sweaters for children in Mexico and this year made numerous afghans for hospice. She will be loved and missed by all. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Terry Bridges and husband, Randal, Tangipahoa, Jean Ricks and husband, Johnny, Bolivar and Gail Fairburn, Spring Creek; 3 sons, Mike Fairburn and wife, Susan, Spring Creek, Dickie Fairburn and wife, Barbara, Roseland and Bobby Fairburn and wife, Jo, Kentwood; 4 sisters, Nancy Loper and husband, Larry, Brookhaven, MS, Jo Ann Smith and husband, Elliott, Brookhaven, MS, Sharon Bevil and husband, John, Gramercy and Lois Leonard, Springfield; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Harold Bernard Fairburn, Sr.; son, Harold Bernard Fairburn, Jr.; parents, T. J. and Rita Traylor; 2 sisters, Bertie Ballard and Yvonne Chenevert; brother, Thomas James Traylor, Jr. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 Noon Tuesday. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa.

Sunday

He saved us and he called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:9 (TEV)

Tonight, the sanctuary choir of FBC, Kentwood will present their Christmas musical at 6 P.M. You are invited to attend.

Aiden James Ross
(December 19, 2008 – December 19, 2008)
Entered this world on December 19, 2008 and was carried away by the angels to heaven. He is survived by, mother, Pamela Ann Wilkinson, father, Joshua James Ross, sister, Alaina Kelly Ross, grandparents, Pat and Tommie Love Cooper, Stanley Rush and Donna Mann Ross, great-grandparents, Dorothy Love, Phyliss Mann, Libby and Orea Cooper, a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins, Yoga Mann, Matt Ross, Darla Mann, Donald Wilkinson, Tonya Kanter, Debbie Love, Dennis and Lynn Pennington, Clay and Phyliss Love, Jade Bankston Davis, Kevin and Devin Kelly, Taylor Metz, Nataleigh and Jayce Wilkinson, and many other numerous family members. Preceded in death by Leona and Lucy Kirkland, Tommy Love, Dennis Mann, Denny Mann, Ken Kelly, Jr. Graveside Services at 1:00PM Monday at Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is still being collected.

Can I give to the offering if I am not Southern Baptist?
Why give through LMCO?

Yes! You don’t have to be Southern Baptist to support the ministries of family or friends serving overseas.

Christian workers who serve with the International Mission Board (IMB) receive thier financial support from a network of Southern Baptist churches who give to the Cooperative Program and to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Consequently, missionaries sent through the IMB have never had to raise funds or seek donations from friends and family to cover their ministry expenses.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is named to honor a single Christian woman who worked in China nearly a century ago. She suggested that stateside churches collect an offering for world missions. She got the idea from a Great Commission Christian partner, the Methodists, and passed it along to a network of Southern Baptist churches, and raised $3,315.

That first offering in 1888, helped place three more missionaries in China. Today, more than 5,500 Southern Baptist overseas workers benefit from this ongoing offering. About half of the living and working expenses of these families are paid with gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Even if you are not Southern Baptist, we invite you to support the ministries of these Christian workers.

If you would rather give by check, make your check payable to IMB and reference the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Send your gift to:

IMB
Development Department
PO Box 6767
Richmond, VA 23230-0767

I hope you are enjoying the questions about the birth of Jesus. Here’s ten more:

1. Who was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary?
A. Jacob
B. Eleazar
C. Azor
D. Jechonias

2. Which angel appeared to Mary?

A. Gabriel
B. The Angel of the Lord
C. Michael
D. Gideon

3. Who was promised that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ?
A. Zacharias
B. Joseph
C. Simeon
D. John the Baptist

4. Who was the king of Judaea at the time of the birth of Jesus?
A. Herod
B. Pilate
C. Caesar
D. Barnabus

5. Where was Jesus born?
A. Nazareth
B. Bethlehem
C. Jerusalem
D. Egypt

6. How did the shepherds who visited Baby Jesus know where to find Him?
A. They were told in a dream.
B. An angel of the Lord told them.
C. They read it in the ancient scrolls
D. A messenger from the east informed them.

7. How did the Magi (wise men) who visited Baby Jesus know where to find Him?
A. They followed a star in the east.
B. An angel of the Lord told them.
C. They were told in a dream.
D. They followed a cloud before them.

8. Which was not a gift the wise men brought to Jesus?
A. Myrrh
B. Frankincense
C. Silver
D. Gold

9. To escape from the king, the angel of the Lord told Jesus’ family to leave and go where?
A. Syria
B. Egypt
C. Bethlehem
D. Palestine

10. Where was Jesus raised after they returned?
A. Bethlehem
B. Egypt
C. Syria
D. Nazareth

Correct answers:
1-A
2-A
3-C
4-A
5-B
6-A
7-A
8-C
9-B
10-D

Jesus is the reason for the season!
Anna Lee

Friday

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV)

Remember, we are in a twenty-four hour time of special prayer for the Price family.

I wanted to give you one last update on my cousin’s wife, Melissa. Through this trial for her and her family God has shown them and us of his awesomeness. Yes I know we should never be surprised but always seem to be.

Thank you for lifting Melissa up in prayer.

Love,

Melinda

Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 12:40 PM

Dear Friends and Family,

I cried this morning more than I have throughout this entire journey!!!

This time they were tears of joy as I heard the words I have prayed to

hear…REMISSION!!! I saw the doctor this morning to have my staples

removed and go over all of the tissue sample reports. No sign of cancer

found anywhere in my body!!! The pathology report on my reproductive

organs revealed that the cancer remained confined to the cervix only!!!

As a matter of fact God’s hand is so awesome that the cancer margins

stopped within 0.6 of a centimeter from my bladder and my rectum!!! My

doctor is even stunned and told my husband that I was a real trooper!!!

He just shook his head the entire visit in amazement at how well I have

done. I told him that it was not me it was God and the power of prayer!!!

He agreed!!! I go back in 4 weeks to make sure that I am still healing

well from the surgery and then he will follow me every 3 months. We can

breathe easier at the two year mark and we can call it a cure at five

years…I am looking forward to the celebration!!!

No need to tell you that this is going to be the best Christmas EVER!!! I

am going to hug my husband and my children (Eric, Haley and Hannah) and praise God for the

wonderful gift of life for which I will use with a grateful heart to

serve Him!!!

Thank you a million thank you’s for traveling this road with me!! I could

have never made it to the finish line without you!!! You don’t know how

many times throughout this journey that you and your love and prayers

have carried me!!! God is so awesome and I just scream praise for His

mighty hand!!! I hope you have half as Merry of a Christmas as I am going

to have!!! And may your 2009 be awesome!!!

Love to all!!!

Melissa

Dot Marlett-Allen
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Dot was a retired administrative secretary with the state of Louisiana, Division of Administration. She was 76 and a native of Kentwood. Dot died at 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at her residence in Denham Springs. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, Dec. 18, was from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home chapel on Friday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Don Hoy. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Dot is survived by her three children, Sheila Menck, Gracie M. and Patrick Dias and Robert “Keith” and April Menck; two sisters, Bettie G. Conley and husband Neal, and Sylvia G. McBride and husband John; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Dot was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert A. Menck, Joseph Marlett and Wallace Cooper Allen; parents, Grace Gibson Hanks and Wilmer E. Gibson; and sister, Evelyn Gibson. Dot was an active member of Brookstown Baptist Church.

Dorothy Newman Cutrer
A resident of Baker, she died at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at Baton Rouge Health Care Center. She was 76 and a native of Magnolia, Miss. Visiting at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, on Thursday, Dec. 18, was from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting on Friday from 9 a.m. until religious service in the chapel at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Bud Traylor. Graveside service at noon Friday at Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, Miss. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Patti and Billy Erwin and Lisa Cutrer, all of Central, and Harvey Stiegler, of Plano, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Lynette Cutrer, of Sugarland, Texas; three grandchildren, Ben, Lacey and Carly Erwin; and a great- grandchild, Gavin Erwin-Cuenca. Preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Moise Cutrer; daughter, Sandra Stiegler; and brother, Vernon Newman. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Baker. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to a charity of choice.

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

KOMpray
Kids on Mission Pray

COOKIES OF LOVE

During the Christmas holidays, many families bake LOTS of cookies. You bake them and wait til they cool. Maybe they are sugar cookies, so you get to decorate them with fun faces. Then you put the cookies on pretty Christmas plates and wrap them up with colorful paper and ribbon. Then one afternoon or at church on Sunday morning, you take the cookies to your friends and neighbors. The cookies are a simple gift of love. When you hand a friend in the United States a plate of cookies, they are usually very happy. They only worry about how much weight they will gain!

Sometimes, though, people in other countries don’t really understand gifts of food. In West Africa, a Christian asked her Maninka (MAH-nee-kah) friend some questions about Christmas. The Christian wanted to know what her friend thought about Christmas customs. She asked her what she thought Christians were doing when they gave gifts.

The young Maninka woman said that Christmas is a time when Christians prepare special foods as a sacrifice to their god then share some of the food with friends. She didn’t understand at all. She didn’t know they were just simple gifts of love between friends.

She also didn’t know that baby Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world.

Pray for missionaries who live in foreign countries. Pray for them to tell people about Jesus in a simple, understandable way. Ask God to help this young Maninka woman know more about the love of Jesus.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My best friend from school is Hindu. Please pray for her to believe in God so she can get saved. Every Sunday we go out to a Zulu Baptist church. The roads are very dangerous and there have been several car-jackings. Please pray for our safety. Please pray for our safety when we go out to town and going to tell the Zulu people about God. Please pray for the Zulu people to come to Christ. MARIAH, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Ask God to help me make new friends in Penang. KIRK, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my friends to come to know Jesus. And help me and my family to help the neighbors that my mom and dad talk to. And that they will accept Jesus in their heart. ANDRIANI, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

I go to downtown Nairobi often to work with street kids. One child comes across my mind. His is MI and he is four years old. His mom was often “high” on drugs, so he was taken away from her and put in an orphanage. We don’t know where he is. Pray for MI as he struggles through life without parents! Many of the other street kids are going through life the hard way. They get beaten up and are always hungry! Pray that they will find God and that they will trust in him.

NATALIE, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that many people may come to believe in Jesus and that every animal may live all the time. CHERRY, age 7 (South Asia)

My brother-in-law is in the US military. He is in the war and that makes it harder on my sister. She has a 2 ½ year old and a 3 month old. Please pray for them. JESSICA, age 10 (Middle America and Caribbean)

My prayer request is for the Chinese people to know more about Jesus. HT, age 10 (East Asia)

I’m worried about some of my friends at school. One believes in astrology, writes her horoscopes, healing powers in crystals, etc, another has a severe hatred for God, and doesn’t want anything to do with Him. Most of my friends are simply indifferent. Please pray for them, and that God may have His way in their lives. JILLIAN, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, December 19, 2008

“Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts” (Matthew 2:11a, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, thanking God with you for His gift to all mankind.

“Three thousand gifts! That’s how many gifts are being assembled for distribution around the holidays,” writes a worker among a Last Frontier people group. “Each gift will include several items: a calendar, a CD, the ‘JESUS’ film, booklets explaining ‘Why Christmas?’ and more. Pray that the Lord is, even now, preparing hearts to be fertile soil for the planting of His truth!”

A member of the Maninka Team in West Africa shares: “When we first moved to our city several years ago, I asked a young Maninka woman to explain her understanding of Christmas and its customs. She saw it as a time when Christians prepared food as a sacrifice and then shared it with friends as gifts. A worker had once given her baked goods at Christmas and that is how she interpreted the gift, even though the worker had shared the Christmas story with her. Often the message we share is seen through a cultural lens. As we talk about Christmas with our friends and with university students, pray that our message will be clear and God’s Spirit will speak across cultures.”

Many Sri Lankans like to get in on the festivities of Christmas, not because they want to celebrate the birth of our Savior, but simply because they like gift giving. Pray for international Christians to have special opportunities to share the greatest gift of all–salvation through Jesus.

Whether it is through tree-trimming or cookie-decorating parties, pray that believers will pass on Truth in unique ways. The number of prayer requests submitted for Christmas are too numerous to list individually in PrayerLine, but all ask for hearts to be open to Jesus. Please pray for Christians to be bold in their witness in Ghana, Senegal, China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Thailand, India, Hungary, England, Croatia, Tanzania, and Haiti.

Practice up on singing “Happy Birthday, Jesus”!
Anna Lee

Thursday

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

Mrs. Faye Price continues to be in ICU at North Oaks. This is day 15. Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done3.

Holly K. will be returning to this area today after completing her missionary orientation. Pray for her as she speaks in various churches for the next few weeks.

You are invited to join us at the cabin for food, fellowship, and a devotional tonight. We meet at 6:30. Call if you need directions to the cabin.

Dot Marlett-Allen
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Dot was a retired administrative secretary with the state of Louisiana, Division of Administration. She was 76, a native of Kentwood and resident of Denham Springs. Dot died 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at her residence. Visiting will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting resumes Friday Dec. 19, 2008, 9 a.m. until religious services at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Don Hoy. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Dot is survived by her three children, Sheila Menck, Gracie M. and Patrick Dias and Robert “Keith” and April Menck; two sisters, Bettie G. Conley and husband Neal and Sylvia G. McBride and husband John; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Dot was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert A. Menck, Joseph Marlett and Wallace Cooper Allen; parents, Grace Gibson Hanks and Wilmer E. Gibson and a sister, Evelyn Gibson. Dot was an active member of Brookstown Baptist Church.

The Birth of Jesus
Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” (TNIV)

An Angel Visits Mary

One day about 2,000 years ago an angel named Gabriel appeared to a young Jewish woman named Mary. Gabriel told Mary she would have a son, Jesus, who would be the Son of God! Mary was confused and worried about this sudden news, but she had faith in God and said, “I am the Lord’s servant; let it be as you say.”

Journey to Bethlehem

Mary and her husband-to-be, Joseph, lived in a town called Nazareth. But they had to travel to the city of Bethlehem to register for a census ordered by the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus. Both Nazareth and Bethlehem are in the country now called Israel. It is about 65 miles (105 km) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and the trip probably took them several days.

When Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay because the inn was already full. They ended up spending the night in a stable, a place where animals were kept. There was probably fresh hay on the floor that they used for beds.

That night, Jesus was born. There was no crib, so they laid baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. The manger probably had fresh hay in it and made a nice bed for the baby.

Shepherds Visit Jesus

Jesus was born in a stable and laid to sleep in a manger. The shepherds came to see firsthand the things the angel had told them.
That night, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks of sheep. An angel appeared to them and gave them the good news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born. The angel told the shepherds they could find Jesus lying in a manger. Suddenly a whole group of angels appeared saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The shepherds hurried into Bethlehem and found Jesus in the manger, just as the angel had told them. After they had seen Jesus, they spread the news, and everyone who heard was in awe.

Wise Men Visit Jesus

Wise men from the East came to worship Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Some time later, wise men, or magi, from eastern countries saw a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a new king. They came to Judea, the region around Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to worship Jesus, the new king.

A man named Herod was the king of Judea. He called the wise men to a meeting and told them to find the new king so he could go and worship him, too.

The wise men continued on to Bethlehem and followed the star until it was directly above the house where Jesus was. They found Mary and Jesus in the house and knelt down to worship Him. They brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, some of the finest things in the ancient world. Frankincense was burned to make a sweet smell, and myrrh was an expensive perfume.

After visiting Jesus, the wise men had a dream that warned them not to go back to King Herod, so they took a different route home.

Journey to Egypt

King Herod lied when he told the wise men he wanted to worship Jesus. He was afraid this new “king” would replace him as king of Judea. He did not understand that Jesus would grow up to be king of God’s spiritual kingdom, not king of Judea.

What Herod really wanted was to find Jesus and kill Him! Herod was furious when he realized the wise men had not come back to tell him where to find Jesus. He sent his soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all the children under two years old, thinking Jesus would certainly be one of the ones killed.

But God had told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. Joseph took Mary and Jesus to live in Egypt where they would be safe from Herod. Joseph, Mary and Jesus stayed in Egypt until Herod had died, and then they returned to Nazareth.

Question

Was Jesus born on Christmas day? We celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas, but no one really knows what day Jesus was born, or even exactly what year. In 336 A.D., the Western Church, based in Rome, chose December 25 to celebrate as Christmas, meaning “Christ’s Mass.” The Eastern Church chose January 6. The day was named Epiphany, meaning “appearance.” Eventually the period from December 25 to January 6 became known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Lessons

The stories of Jesus’ birth link to both the past and the future. The circumstances of Jesus’ birth show He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23). He was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5-6). He was called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15).

Jesus was born in a stable – the most humble of circumstances. Similarly, Jesus showed us how God’s favor rests with the poor and downtrodden. The Gentile wise men came to worship Jesus. Later, the Gentiles would make up most of the Christian world. Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus foreshadows His crucifixion about 33 years later.

Take some time to this about the statement “Jesus is the reason for the season”.
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us'” (Matthew 1:23, NKJV).

I missed seeing this update Sunday.
Update on Dustin Rosamond: Dustin is in ICU at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. Dustin had surgery to his lung yesterday (Saturday) to try to remove some of the “infection pockets” from his lung, he also has some bleeding and may have to have a transfusion, please continue to pray for him and his parents as they stay with him round the clock and for the rest of his family and friends as we all anxiously await his recovery. We know that God has a reason for allowing this to happen. Dustin is 13 and has his 14th birthday coming up in just days. Thank you for praying. I will keep you updated.

This is Tuesday’s update.
Update on Dustin Rosamond: Dustin is slowly continuing to get better followng surgery to his lung on Saturday. He still has a drain tube into his side and hopefully will get that out soon, they thought he would get that out yesterday but he keeps spiking a fever. He of course really wants to come home but pray for him to get really strong and healthy before he gets to come home and his patience so that he doesn’t end up having to turn around and go right back if he gets out too soon. Thank you all for all of your prayers. Please continue to pray for Dustin and for all of our family. Thank you again.

Mr. Cete Dillon’s medical procedure went well yesterday. The results also seem to be good. Thanks for praying for him.

Mrs. Faye Price continues her “roller coaster” ride to recovery. Please continue to pray.

Emily Panter is well enough to writer for herself now!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hello World!

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum 1:7

Dearest Family and Friends in Christ,

How wonderful it is to be able to write to you. I apologize it has taken this long. I am trying to read the entire blog before I really express my heart to you, but I simply could not wait. We have dial-up so you know how that is, and there is just so much to read! (I am only to November 2nd.)

You all have blessed me more than you can know and I want to thank you for all of your thoughts, kindness, generosity, and above all for your prayers. “…and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16b. I have felt your loving prayers and know that God has answered and shown Himself powerful and merciful, all for His glory. There were no circumstances or luck involved in this event, only the hand of our sovereign Father, lovingly answering the prayers of His people.

Please do not stop your prayers for me yet, as I face a long recovery and am very limited in the activities I am able to do. Pray that I am able to meet my children’s needs, and praise God for my wonderful husband who, through God’s grace, has been a rock through this whole ordeal.

I go for a follow-up cat-scan and visit with the infectious disease doctor, Dr. Spak, this Monday to see how effective the ONE antibiotic they have me on has been successesful at killing the infection in the left over liquid in my abdomen. Other than that it will just be a matter of regaining muscle tone, energy and an appetite.

Even through all the pain and frustrations, this has been a surreal and wonderful experience. What a privilege to be a tool that unites so many in one accord, agreeing in prayer. What a joy to see just how big my God is and how nothing surprises Him or can stand in His way! He has protected me and my family and touched many lives in the process. Nothing He does is without purpose, even if it does not make sense to us.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnish seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So shall My word go forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the mater for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11

I love you all and thank you again. I will write again very soon. ~Emily

P.S. I would like to thank Becky for all her hard work at keeping up this blog, It has been such a blessing, and will be a written account for my children when they are old enough to understand. Thank you, I love you.

Don Denton is now at home and having rehab three times a week. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Ray Edwin Brock
(April 14, 1956 – December 14, 2008)
Ray Edwin Brock a wonderful, kind and loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend was born April 14, 1956 and passed away at 1:26PM, December 14, 2008 as a result of a massive heart attack. Ray was 52, a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Hammond.

He is survived by a son, James Barker Brock, Gardnerville, NV; his mother, Lina Brock Bernard, Amite; 3 sisters, Bettie Johnson and husband, Charlie, Thibodaux, Carolyn Helms and husband, Vernon, Schriever, Robbie (Ray’s twin) Davenport and husband, Ricky, Jonesville; a brother Lat “Bubba” Brock, Jr. and wife, Ceil, Hammond; 8 nieces & nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Latimer A. Brock, Sr.; his grandparents, Margaret & Holland Brock and Sally & Pierre Warren.

Ray graduated from Amite High School in 1974 where he played basketball, baseball and football. He attended Northeast LA University for two years before transferring to SLU. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Chemistry. He was a mud engineer for Magabar for several years before moving to Lake Tahoe, NV. He worked at Harvey’s and Harrah’s Casinos as a pit boss and dealer for many years. He moved back to Louisiana in 2006 to be closer to his family.

Ray loved watching all sports, especially LSU. He was a talented pianist and guitar player. He enjoyed entertaining the guest at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Hammond with his music.

Ray will be deeply missed by his family.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press
December 16, 2008

WASHINGTON–Abortion bailout: Obama urged to use taxpayer funds for abortion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29520

ALASKA–Palin’s church targeted by arsonist. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29521

TENNESSEE–Black leaders explore church growth strategies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29522

TENNESSEE–Adapt to reach adults, speakers say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29523

TENNESSEE–500 women’s leaders gather for training. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29524

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Ken Connor): Attention Wal-Mart shoppers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29525

If you are a interested in sports, you might want to bookmark this link and refer to it periodically.
http://www.bpsports.net/

KneEmail
Balance

WHEN THE RINGLING Brothers Circus went to New York City in April 2004, thousands of people jammed Madison Square Garden to see the greatest show on earth…

What they saw instead was a terrifying accident. A performer named Ernado Rangel Amaya, a thirty-four-year-old Venezuelan high-wire daredevil, lost his balance and plummented to the ground. The crowd gasped in horror as emergency workers rushed to his side. Rangel somehow survived the fall, but he taught us a valuable lesson: life is all about keeping your balance. (David Jeremiah)

During this holiday season, work on keeping your balance — financially (don’t over-spend), emotionally (don’t over-stress in purchasing and preparing), physically (don’t over-eat), and spiritually (don’t neglect your worship, personal study and focus on God).

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” ( Luke 2:52).

Posted by Mike Benson at December 3, 2008 12:11 PM

Have a wonderful Wednesday remembering “Jesus is the reason for the season”.
Anna Lee