“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

~Luke 1:68~

Sherry Rosamond sent a request for prayer. She has had a stress test that showed a blockage. On January 9th, she will have an angiogram to correct the blockage. She asks for your prayers.

Sierra Marie Aivazian

June 27, 2004 – December 18, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born June 27, 2004 in Hammond and was 13 years of age. She is survived by father, Shawn Aivazian and wife, Jessica; mother, Daniell Smith; sisters, Terri Aivazian, Holly Rushing, and Heidi Rushing; brothers, Ethan Smith, Dakota Smith, Jordan Aivazian, and Braydenn Ballard; great-grandmother, Janet Zarak; grandmother, Anna Benvenuti; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by sister, Nevaeh Aivazian; grandmother, Terri Renee Hathcock. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Mervin Strother. Interment St. James Cemetery, Holden. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Today’s reading was posted yesterday with yesterday’s reading. I suppose I was anxious to help you get to the end. If you stayed with these readings, you have read the whole Bible one and some portions more than once. I’ll start with a new plan on January 1st. I hope you will read along with me. Challenge yourself and read the Bible in 2018.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Don’t forget to give so others can tell a lost world about Jesus. If we give, they will have that opportunity.

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.com

Many churches will have altered schedules for the next couple of Sundays. You would be wise to check for changes before arriving for a service.

We all know many people will be traveling for the next couple of weeks. Let’s pray for good weather conditions and drivers who are both careful and alert.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I delayed posting and got caught by the rain again. That’s the nature of satelites and life in the country. Hopefully, better technology will get out here one day….

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is improving following her back surgery. Pray for her and her two caregiver sons, Chester and John.

Philip Strickland’s surgery went well at Ochsner (NO) yesterday. Pray for him to have a good recovery period.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, had a procedure at Ochsner (BR) that will hopefully lead to the next step in Jimmy’s treatment. There is a more hopeful attitude in his situation now.

Mays I. Morris, Sr.

April 08, 1932 – December 17, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He was born April 8, 1932 in Amite and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his son, Mays I. Morris, Jr.; son, Arthur D. Morris; daughter, Martha Ann Morris; step children, Sherry Allen Rowland, Gwendolyn Allen Watts, Timothy Brian Allen, Matthew Wayne Allen and Brenda Allen Creekmore; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jones Morris; son, Michael Morris; step son, Dennis Gatlin; brother, Andrew J. Morris, Jr., and sister, Imogene Barber Morris. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until religious services at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Reginald E. (Reggie) Goldsby, MD

August 09, 1943 – December 18, 2017

Long time Amite Mayor and beloved family physician, Reginald (Reggie) Goldsby, age 74, passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was born August 9, 1943 in Amite to Omar and Mamie Roberts Goldsby who preceded him in death as did his brother, Myles Goldsby. He is survived by his daughter, Laken Goldsby, and many Goldsby and Kennedy cousins whom he loved dearly and who loved him. He was a faithful charter member of the First Southern Methodist Church of Amite. As an honors student of LSU Medical School, he was exempt from a semester’s final exams. Later in his career, he became an LSU Clinical Professor. He was an avid LSU football fan and not only played football for Amite High School but remained a loyal fan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his personal attendants, Mike and Rachel Constant, for their loving care and devotion to Reggie during these difficult times. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I checked on the location of the shoeboxes sent out through our church as part of Operation Christmas Child. So far, I was able to track boxes to both Mexico and Ecuador. I’m excited the boxes are in their country of destination already. I hope you are still as excited as I am for the boxes and what an impact each box will make on the lives of children and their families.

Some of these shoeboxes will be delivered by our international missionaries. Our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions help keep them “on the field”. That means our shoebox gifts might be a part of the ministry we provide through the LMCO. We help get the boxes to the children by collecting items, packing boxes, paying postage, and supporting our missionaries. Thank-you for all your help.

Tomorrow night, we will gather at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday meeting. I can hardly wait to share this sweet time with others.

Read the Bible – Revelations 14-16 & Psalm 45.

There will be NO Bible study this Friday morning, but we will meet the following Friday.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow their regular schedule for the morning and have a candlelight service at 6 P.M. that night. I hope you will be in church somewhere!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Steven Sealey is doing well following surgery and will be home soon, possibly today. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon has been feeling better the last few days. Keep her in your prayers.

Phillip Strickland will be having surgery today at Ochsner, New Orleans. Pray all goes well for him. Pray for his family too. There are several sick relatives, including his dad, at this time.

Jimmy Alford’s surgery has been changed to 9:30 this morning at Ochsner on O’Neil in Baton Rouge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Reggie Goldsby of Amite passed away. Please be in prayer for his family.

Read the Bible – Revelations 12-13, Psalms 44, & video on Revelations 12-22

We received enough donations to add to our “lights” on the Lottie Moon poster. We now have ten “lights”. Thank-you to all who contributed to support international missions.

We’ll be looking for some of you to attend the Third Thursday meeting this Thursday at 6:30. See you then.

Today. at 11 A.M., the “Young” ladies will be celebrating December birthdays at The Cafe.

It’s great to live in our community – Christmas programs bringing out packed houses to see the children, Christmas caroling by various church groups, and Christmas baskets delivered by different organizations. It’s good to see how people think about others.

Anna Lee

Friday

He sent the message to the Israelites,

proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ-

-He is Lord of all.

~Acts 10:36 HCSB~

Ashby Reeves had a procedure yesterday that resulted in very good news. Join Ashley and her family and friends in thanking God.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy has surgery yesterday. All went much better than expected. Her family is elated and gave God the praise and glory for the good news they received yesterday.

Michael Franklin Lane passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at the age of 73. He was born on Thursday, November 30, 1944 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late Martha Matilda Bombalaski and the late Herman Lane. He was a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Ann Carney Lane; daughter, Lana Lane Fletcher and her husband Bo; son, Michael Franklin Lane, Jr. and his wife Mishelle; step-children, Shannon Smith and her husband Matt, Terry Mixon and his wife Kristy, and Craig Mixon and his wife Tonya; grandchildren, Christopher Cantrell, Joseph Cantrell, Michael S. Lane, III, Olivia Lane, and Benjamin Lane; 8 step-grandchildren; and 6 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Lane; mother, Martha Matilda Bombalaski; and siblings, John, Bill, and Jerry Lane.

Services were private. (Harry McKneely Funeral Home)

This morning we will have the Friday Morning Bible Study at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood.

FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Christmas program Sunday evening at 6 P.M.

Read the Bible – Rev. 1-3, Psalm 40, and video on Rev. 1-11 at http://bibleproject.com

Annual Lottie Moon Missions March – Sunday morning at FBC, Kentwood. Prepare to show your support by giving and/or walking during morning worship time.

As you make your Christmas plans, please remember those who need encouragement or support at this time. It’s all about love!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

~Isaiah 7:14~

Pray for two Amite people who are fighting battles with cancer.

Debbie Miller Wilkinson just got home from M.D. Anderson. She learned her cancer is not actively growing/spreading now. Pray for this precious lady as she continues her battle.
Jimmy McGraw also just returned from M.D. Anderson. The placebo he was taking was not effective in stopping the spread of his cancer. He was put on the real medication which hopefully will be more effective.

Lynette Cogan has been sick for a while. She has a number of serious problems and is hospitalized in Huntsville. Please add her to your prayer list.

Josiah Huckaby’s Nine Month Update

Josiah has been in the NICU for 279 days & turned 9 months old this past Friday. He had to go back on the non-invasive vent after being on high flow oxygen for several days…but once he rested & recovered, they weaned him to CPAP. He’s doing really well with that. We’ve been talking with the doctors about surgery for Josiah’s kidney & today we decided that the current risks overwhelming outweigh the benefits. He will most likely need this surgery in the future but we are going to wait until it’s an absolute necessity. He’s decided he only likes “sweet” foods (sweet potatoes, carrots, pears). The Moose is still his favorite toy. I really need to get a spare. Scooby Doo & Veggie Tales are his favorite shows. He has had the best “laugh” faces this week. He also got to go on a wagon ride Saturday…which is HUGE deal for him (and us) because he hasn’t been out of his room except to go to procedures or move rooms. God is so good & faithful to us… we can’t help but give Him all the glory!!!

Pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon. Hopefully, her current problem can be treated without another stay at the hospital.

Jimmy Alford is feeling better and eating more now that he stopped the chemo he tried that wasn’t effective. Pray for him as he waits for the 19th when the doctors will try something different to treat this cancer. Jimmy is enjoying these good days.

David saw his retina specialist yesterday. His eyes are doing well. The doctor and David both enjoyed a few minutes of giving God the glory for David’s eyesight. The doctor said he will always remember David as one of the worse cases he ever treated when David went in with both eyes having detached retinas at the same time.

Anthony Julien Durio

November 21, 1939 – December 11, 2017

U.S. Veteran

A resident of Amite, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017. He was born November 21, 1939 in Opelousas and was 78 years of age. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, a member of First Baptist Church of Amite, Past Master of Amite Masonic Lodge #175, member of Acacia Shriners where he was Potentate in 2003, a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32 degree KCCH, and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by wife, Frances Lupo Durio, Amite; son, Vincent Anthony Durio and wife, Pam, Hammond; grandson, Brandon Anthony Durio, Houston, TX; sister, Rose Marie Durio Savoie and husband, Leroy, Pearland, TX; brother, John Russell Durio and wife, Renee, Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Durio and Ada Marie Zeringue Durio. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12 Noon until Memorial Service at 2 PM on Friday, December 15, 2017. Services will be conducted by Bro. William Hyde. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

George Richard (Dick) Toups

November 28, 1942 – December 09, 2017

George Richard (Dick) Toups, DVM, 75, of Baton Rouge, died peacefully on December 9, 2017. He was born to Wilbur A. Toups, Sr. and Virginia LeBon Toups in New Orleans on November 28, 1942. Dick graduated from Jesuit High School in 1960 where he captained the Blue Jay football team. He attended Tulane University and played football there as well. He went on to graduate in 1974 from Texas A&M University with honors, where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career as a veterinarian in Metairie and Amite before opening his practice in New Iberia, where he and his family lived for several years. In 1989 he joined the USDA as a federal veterinarian until his retirement in 2008. Survived by his wife, Betty Jo Bel Toups, whom he cherished for 53 years; daughter, Ashley Toups Raborn and husband, Jeff of Winston Salem, North Carolina; three perfect grandchildren, Jane Ashley, Jack and Hunt Raborn; his brother, Wilbur A. (Wil) Toups, Jr. (Sheryl), brothers in law, Larue delaHoussaye, Buddy Bel (Claire), Pat Bel (Elena) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of good friends. Preceded in death by his parents, son, Scott Richard Toups, and sisters, Mary Toups and Theresa Toups delaHoussaye.Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Monday, December 18, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Services conducted by Fr. Harry Bugler and Deacon Wil Toups. Burial to follow at Amite Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Jay delaHoussaye, Phillippe delaHoussaye, Hunt Raborn, Jack Raborn, Tim Toups and Tony Toups. Honorary pallbearers will be Larue delaHoussaye, Joe Baiamonte, Lee Miller and Jerry Streva. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Athletic Department, 1725 NC 66, Kernersville, North Carolina 27284. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – I John 5 – III John & Psalm 38

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Have a blessed day, but also be a blessing to someone today. Remember, we celebrate the birth of Jesus during this wonderful season.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”

~Titus 3:4-5 NLT~

Pray for people who let evil thoughts control what they do. Sometimes they do things that have the potential to hurt many people. One again, a terrorist tried to kill many people in NYC. I’m thankful that the bomb malfunctioned and did not hurt as many people as it could have. I pray that as the devil tries to disrupt our lives, we are aware of his evil plans and do not succumb to them.

Instead of following the devil, I choose to think of many people who go out of their way to be helpful to others. We all make choices every day. Let’s choose the better path.

Anthony Julien Durio

November 21, 1939 – December 11, 2017

A resident of Amite, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 58492 Frey Lane in Amite. He was born November 21, 1939 in Opelousas and was 78 years of age. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, a member of First Baptist Church of Amite, Past Master of Amite Masonic Lodge #175, member of Acacia Shriners where he was Potentate in 2003, a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32 degree KCCH, and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by wife, Frances Lupo Durio, Amite; son, Vincent Anthony Durio and wife, Pam, Hammond; grandson, Brandon Anthony Durio, Houston, TX; sister, Rose Marie Durio Savoie and husband, Leroy, Pearland, TX; brother, John Russell Durio and wife, Renee, Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Durio and Ada Marie Zeringue Durio. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible today – I John 3-4 and Psalm 37.

“Who was Lottie Moon?” – https://www.imb.org/who-was-lottie-moon

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Saturday Addition

Evelyn Deloris Bridges
(August 29, 1932 – December 7, 2017)

Sign Guest Book | Send Sympathy Card Evelyn Deloris Bridges

Evelyn Deloris Rushing Bridges, 85, of Kentwood, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2017 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg.

Visitation is Monday at First Baptist Church in Kentwood from 9AM until services at 11AM with Bro. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

Saturday

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,

not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

~Titus 3:4-7~

Please pray for the families that have had recent deaths. The days following deaths when the weather is difficult seem to be more stressful. Pray a little extra for these families.

Read the Bible – I Peter 3-5 and Psalm 34

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 7 – “What God Has Done” – https://www.imb.org/day-7/

Days seem much longer when we cannot go about our normal activities. I’m thankful to be able to say I have “normal” days. I also think of those who live in war zones and for other reasons do not know “normal”. I’m also thankful for those who worked hard yesterday and continue to work hard to help us all get back to “normal”. Yesterday, as we were talking about the electrical workers out working, I was reminded of growing up knowing that when the weather made life difficult my neighbor, Johnny Pritchett, who worked for the power company and my daddy, Grant Smith, who worked for the phone company world be called upon to help restore “normal” to the lives of others.

Let’s show our appreciation to all those who step up and help us in our times of difficulty – electrical workers, telephone workers, police, EMTs, firemen, pastors, truck drivers, store owners and employees, hospital workers, military, etc. It doesn’t hurt us at all to say “thank-you”, but it certainly encourages others.

Be an encourager!

Anna Lee

Thursday Second Addition

Bettye Fussell

I also learned that Mrs. Evelyn Bridges passed away this morning. She has been at the Greensburg Nursing Home for a few months.

Two deaths in one church family in one morning. Two more sweet Kentwood ladies now in heaven and healed of their health issues. What a sweet thought!

Ora Lee Wilson will be in charge of food for the services for both families. Please call her and volunteer to prepare something for each family.

Thursday Addition

As hard as it is to post this, I can rejoice knowing Bettye is healed in heaven where there is no sickness or death. Her friends and family can see her again one day if they choose to follow her to heaven.

Bettye Wicker Schilling Fussell

June 01, 1944 – December 07, 2017

On Thursday, December 7, 2017, our beautiful Bettye was called to meet our glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She gave her all during this devastating journey but God knew it was time. Bettye was born on June 1, 1944 and has always been a resident of Kentwood but for 6 years, when her husband, Harold, was in college in Monroe, LA. She is survived by her husband, Harold L. Fussell; son, Ken Fussell and wife, Cyndie; daughter, Jill Fussell Smith and husband, Chris; five grandchildren, Ryan and Megan Fussell and Colby, Jacey, and Kyler Smith; sister, Fran Schilling Walker and nieces, Ashley and Amber Walker. She was preceded in death by her parents, H. Leonard and Natalie Schilling; granddaughter, Christy Smith and her brother in law, James (Jimbo) Walker. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 PM until 9 PM, Friday, and from 8 AM until religious services at 10 AM Saturday, December 9, 2017. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a non profit organization called Becki and Bettye’s Victory Bags c/o Misty Welch, 9731 Ravenwood Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70818. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.