Monday

“Our purpose is to please God, not people.

He alone examines the motives of our hearts”

~1 Thessalonians 2:4b NLT, 2nd ed.~

 

I forgot to tell you that another sister of Mrs. Mickey Cade passed away.  I know you will want to remember the family in your prayers.

Three members of the late Mrs. Wanzie Williams family are in need of our prayers.  They are Stan Williams, her older son, her sister, Julie Kay, and Julie Kay’s daughter.  The last one, Julie Kay’s daughter is especially ill.  Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Karen Miller’s grandson, Christian Smalley, was taken to the hospital because of a heart issue.  According to Bro. Joey yesterday afternoon, Christian apparently had a-fib which cleared when he was sedated for a conversion which became unnecessary.  He will be watched closely.  Christian seems otherwise healthy, so doctors think he will do well.

Please pray for Beverly “Doodle” Watson again.  Her disease has reappeared.  Pray for strength for a continued battle.

 

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A16-18&version=NIV

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “The Ultimate Road Trip” – http://odb.org/2016/08/29/the-ultimate-road-trip/
  • In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.                                                                                          ~ Isaiah 40:3~
  • “I Surrender All”

Looking ahead:

  • This is another good week to volunteer to help family, friends, and strangers recover from the flood.  We do not all have to tear our sheetrock.  There are ways we can help.  Check around.  Make yourself available.  God can use you.  You will be blessed even greater than those you are helping.  Call me TODAY to volunteer.  I promise you will be able to do these things.  Special thanks to those who have served for a short time or day after day.  Consider the Scriptures about the Good Samaritan who helped a stranger.  We have that opportunity many times over.
  • The children’s missions classes will be working on mission projects this week.  They will help with Operation Christmas Child Wednesday night at 6.  It will be fun and teach the children so much.
  • Looking ahead, adults can help in a new way with Operation Christmas Child this year.  FBC, Kentwood will be a collection center.  We will meet with volunteers from other churches to learn about the collection process and our responsibilities.  You can call or see me to volunteer.  Our meeting will be at 10 A.M. on October 1st.  The collection days are November 14-21.
  • Bible Study continues on Friday mornings at 10 A.M.
  • Suggested items you can provide this week:
    • Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s HomeDishwasher detergent, Disinfectant spray, and/or Dryer sheets.  These can be brought to the area under the stairwell at that office entrance to the church.
    • Suggested items for Operation Christmas Childone or more small balls less than 3″ in diameter.  These can be brought to my Sunday School classroom.
  • The annual Georgia Barnette Offering emphasis will be Monday, September 5 at NZBC at 10 A.M.  A potluck lunch will follow the meeting.  Much money is coming into our area to help with flood relief.  All ladies are invited to come learn with us.

 

Thanks for allowing to come into your home with my thoughts and messages.  

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

“And who knows

but that you have come to your royal position

for such a time as this?”

~ Esther 4:14 ~

 

Sherman Cutrer‘s surgery went well.  He is in ICU now.  Physical therapy awaits him as part of the next step to complete recovery.  Keep Sherman and his family in your prayers.

Henry McKenzie is home and doing well following out-patient surgery.  Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Mr. Bobby Simpson celebrated his 83rd birthday yesterday with the arrival of a new great, granddaughter, Murphy Evans.  I’m sure that made the day especially nice for everyone.

Robert “Scotty” Webb

September 28, 1971 – August 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3862474&fh_id=10545

 

Disaster Relief by Baptists is amazing.  They are sending truck and trailer loads of supplies which are passed on to areas that are most in need of them.  Teams of workers have been on the job sites with some locals.  Four of the men David worked with yesterday were from Tupelo, Mississippi and all David’s age or older.  They drove a day, will work three days, and then drive a day to return home.  Hard workers!  Fine Christian men who are sleeping on cots in a Sunday School classroom right now so they can be available to get busy early in the morning.  They represent only one of many teams that have arrived or will soon be arriving to help Louisiana.

Local people helping are sometimes those you would expect, but often those you would never dream of helping.  They are there doing a part.  It is such a blessing to learn who is helping and how they are helping.  For every person tearing our floors and cutting and hauling out sheetrock, there are people transporting supplies, serving in kitchens, helping people complete applications, serving as chaplains, etc.  I have seen the fruits of good, Godly leadership.  My heart has been touched by the way people have responded.

People who have had their homes destroyed are learning how to say “Less is better” and “God is good”!  Women are doing work you often think of as men’s work, but have stepped in to work with the men to help as many people as they possibly can as quickly as can be done.  I love seeing your love in action.

Others, who are still working regular jobs, find ways to add in disaster relief and Christian love to their daily schedules.  Some have traveled the roads lately collecting and delivering items needed immediately.  Others have cooked and given away food, sometimes a plateful at a time and sometimes in huge quantities.  There is a way for everyone to help!

People who are being helped have such of sense of love coming from church members, friends, neighbors, and total strangers.  Lives on both sides, victims and helpers, have been changed this week.  Changed forever!

To God by the glory!

 

Thom S. Rainer http://thomrainer.com/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Messagebaptistmessage.com

 

Scripture WritingJohn 8:19-20

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Operation Christmas Child

The flooding at church has created a lot of work for us, but it also has brought attention to the space being used for storage and organization.  It has been lot, hot, wet, and messy, BUT it is so much better now.  It’s easy to recognize the good that has come about because of the flooding.

Items are being counted, grouped, and organized for preparation for our packing party.  If you want to take care of a need, just ask me what is needed.  If you want to help me work, just let me know when you are available.  If you don’t shop much, let one of us do the shopping for you!  The point is, this is a group effort.

Yesterday, I had three projects related to OCC ready yesterday morning.  The ladies who came to Bible study chose to complete the projects before we had Bible study.  They worked quickly and efficiently.  When we finished, they helped me transport and store the items until needed in two months.  What a sweet blessing the ladies are to me.  They quietly work to serve God in so many ways!

 

The August “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be be on the 23rd.  I hope you are planning to come honor some of our ladies.  Meet at The Cafe in Kentwood at 11:00 A.M.

 

The Children in Action and Mission Friends are learning about missions and missionaries.   We’ve started to send a birthday card to a MK, missionary kid, every month.  If you have children in the family from the age of three through the fifth grade, please be sure they get to participate.  Our offering last month purchased highlighters for OCC.  Our mission activity was preparing some items, bars of soap, pencils, and glue sticks, for our packing party by removing the packaging, counting, and bagging them.  They were tremendous helpers and enjoyed hearing about Operation Christmas Child as we worked. We meet on Wednesdays from 6-7 P.M.

In addition to helping her class purchase some items, one lady is going to pack additional boxes with her grandchildren.  If you wish to do that, please let me know.  I will supply you with boxes, instructions, and labels.  You can teach your children, grandchildren, nieces, neighbors so much as you shop and pack.

Our packing party will be Saturday, October 29th at 6 P.M.  Please plan to be there with a Christmas treat to share as we party and pack.  We will have a sweet prayer time for the boxes.

One more thing I would love for you to do is to write a note or draw a picture to place in a shoebox.  You can do as many as you like.  Be sure to include your name and  address.  One day you may be surprised to get a letter in return.  I think I many even include a stamped, self-addressed envelope in some boxes.  If you choose to do that, it would be wise to put three stamps on each envelope.  It costs more to mail internationally.  Think how exciting it will be to hear from some of the children who receive shoeboxes from us.  It’s okay to send your picture too!

 

So much to thank God for!  So many opportunities to help others!  So many ways to reach out to children at Christmas!  So many….

Anna Lee

Friday

When did we see you a stranger

and invite you in,

or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison

and go to visit you?’

 “The King will reply,

‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:38-40 (NIV)~

 

 

Sherman Cutrer’s hip surgery has been rescheduled for 11:00 this morning in McComb.  Please pray for the medical staff, for Sherman, and for his family.

Joyce Phelps
(October 27, 1939 – August 17, 2016)

http://www.jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3860695&fh_id=12269

Operation Christmas Child donations were endangered by flood waters at FBC, Kentwood.  I’m thankful to report that much hard work has “saved the day” so out shoeboxes can be packed at the end of October as planned.  Today, after Bible study, ladies will be working to prepare soap and washcloths and toothpaste and toothbrushes for shipping.  The Children in Action group has already done some preliminary work to make today’s task easier.  They also used their offering from last month to purchase highlighters for the shoeboxes.  Thank-you to all who have contributed so far.  Plan to be a part of the packing party on October 29th.

 

Everyone except one couple at the cabin last night had family members with flood damage.  Even that family had several friends with flood damage.  What a precious time it was as David led the devotional that touched many hearts last night. We all know of the faithfulness of God and our need to “Count Your (Our) Blessings” and to have “Joy, Joy, Joy”, a song written, played, and shared by Mr. Harlon Toney.  We expressed our appreciation for churches and individuals who have worked tirelessly this past week to help others and continue to do so.  For example, Bubba Roberts worked clearing out homes all day and still came to sing and play for us last night.

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:15-18 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A15-18+&version=NIV

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

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

 

Do something helpful to others today.  Share some Jesus in the process.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Consider it pure joy,

my brothers and sisters,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that

the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

~James 1:2-4~

Once again, I must confess that I did not search for this verse today.  God provided it!

 

Sherman Cutrer fell over the week-end and broke his hip.  He will have surgery in McComb, possibly tomorrow.  Due to other health issues, this surgery will be more complicated.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Henry McKenzie will be having outpatient surgery tomorrow in McComb.  Pray for him.

David saw the retina specialist yesterday.  He said both eyes are improving.  We were so thankful to hear that.  Please pray for continued healing.

Frances Gay was also in Covington yesterday.  Her tests indicated the ulcer is healed.  Thank God for this good report.

Justin and Becky Tanner Nowell’s daughter, Carrie, had surgery to repair a hole in her heart.  All went well yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery and a healthy future for Carrie Nowell.

Harrell Sharkey is still at home and improving.  The family is so thankful for all the prayers on his behalf.

 

Brian Piner’s mother, Delores, passed away.  Please be in prayer for the Piner family.

 

Children in Action and Mission Friends will meet from 6-7 P.M. tonight.

 

 

Highway 51 is closed in the Roseland-Amite area due to a water leak.  Think your travel plans through before heading that way.

New Covenant Baptist Church in Denham Springs will house the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief work in that area just as The Lord’s Church is the one for our association.

Disaster Relief would appreciate prayers, volunteers, and donations.  They had a good day yesterday working to gut houses that had water damage.

 

Scripture Writing – Mark 2:15-17

Baptist Press bpnews.net

 

We WILL have the Third Thursday Gathering at the cabin tomorrow at 6:30.  I think we have much to THANK God for this week.

I am so thankful to see how many of the area churches are helping others in these difficult post-flood days.  I know God loves seeing His people help others in so many ways.  

Anna Lee

Monday

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace

gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

 encourage your hearts

and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  

  ~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17~

 

Pray for the Muse Family.  Eddie Passed away.  His wake will be Tuesday night at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood and Wednesday at Pine Ridge.

Pray for all the families who are dealing with loss due to the flooding.  Join in and help in any way you can.

The Baptist Associations of Southeast Louisiana will begin work to help those who had flood damage.  Applications for assistance will be take beginning today at The Lord’s Church on Highway 440.  Volunteers can also report there to learn how they can help others.  Volunteers need to be at least 16 years of age.  Donations of water, cleaning supplies, etc. can be dropped off at the church.  Donations of money will be greatly appreciated.  The donations can be given there or sent to the main office (BASELA, PO Box 581, Franklinton, LA 70438).  David and I were blessed to have been at the meeting and to see all those who are available to help for as long as it takes. You can contact someone at The Lord’s Church to see how you can help.  There are many ways to help which meals there is something for almost everyone to do.  Let’s help our neighbors who have been flooded over the past few days.  Help from out-of-state is preparing to join us in a day or two.  Volunteers will be needed for whatever time and whatever day you are available.

 

Scripture Writing – John 15: 5-8 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A5-8&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

Thank you for reading and praying.  Also, thank you for volunteering and  donating to flood recovery needs.

Anna Lee

Sunday

And when you stand praying,

if you hold anything against anyone,

forgive them,

so that your Father in heaven

may forgive you your sins.”

~Mark 11:25~

 

Mrs. Mary Varnado continues to see her doctor and is working to get better.  Please continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Anne Hurst’s request: Anne Hurst is scheduled for a surgical  procedure at East Jefferson Hospital, Metairie, on Wednesday, August 10 to correct a chronic health problem.  She is expected to be discharged the same day.  Pray.

Jean Louise Reaux Allen

May 21, 1936 – August 05, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3833295&fh_id=10545

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 7:4-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A4-6&version=NIV

Waylon Baileywaylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainerthomrainer.com

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Operation Christmas Child

  • Purchased items can be brought to my classroom this morning.
  • If you want to help “shoeboxes” from other churches, clubs, and individuals, please tell Bro. Joey or me this morning.

Mission Groups will meet Wednesday from 6-7 P.M.

  • Mission Friends (ages 3-5)
  • Children in Action (Grades 1-5)

 

Be sure to give the Lord His day today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

If you do what is right,

will you not be accepted?

But if you do not do what is right,

sin is crouching at your door;

it desires to have you,

but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:7

 Isn’t that strange that I immediately found  verse appropriate for a nightmare that got me us at 3:30?  I don’t like nightmares!
Harrell Sharkey is in room 621 at Ochsner, New Orleans.  Keep praying.  He has a lot of PT to do to get him stronger.
Mr. Burnell Simpson has been home since Sunday afternoon.  Pray he can continue to get this diet correct for the fluid balance in his body.
Both Linda and Jimmy Williams are improving.  Don’t you know they will be happy when they are together and both home again?
Pray for the teachers and students as schools begin.  May they make good adjustments to the new year and all plan to work hard to do their very best.

Thomas “Milkman” Arthur Holton

May 10, 1958 – August 02, 2016

Last night, the Children in Action put their lessons into action and actually helped prepare pencils, glue sticks, and soap for packing into our “shoeboxes”.  I’m happy to report that the children’s mission classes collected $36.00 the first month.  A parent and child will take that money and purchase highlighters to add to our items for Operation Christmas Child.  I’m also thankful for the Back-to-School prices on school supplies as well as some ladies who know how to get the most from each dollar they spend.  God is blessing our efforts!  Children somewhere will be blessed when they open our boxes in the coming months!
Baptist Pressbpnews.net
Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

I’m looking forward to seeing God working through his people today.  How about you?

Anna Lee

 

P.S. The “CONTACT” portion of this blog is not functioning properly.  Please contact me by another method.

 

Sunday Afternoon

Johnnie Belgard not only was in attendance at FBC, Amite this morning, but he taught his Sunday School class for the first time in many, many months.  I’m so glad God saw the need to heal Johnnie and let him return to service in his church.

Cade Drue Williams

August 10, 1929 – July 31, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3826241&fh_id=10545

Saturday Addition

Harrell Sharkey has been moved back to ICU because of pneumonia.  Please pray he can overcome this quickly.

Rev. Tommy Hicks is having I-V failure issues.  Two have failed today.  Please say extra prayers for him.

Harry Chand

July 16, 1923 – July 28, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3825877&fh_id=10545

I’m thankful I got to meet and talk with this gentleman several times before they moved from the New Zion community.