Category: Devotional

Monday

“Now that the worst is over,

we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,

and can face the world—

and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high.

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part.

It was God who kept us focused on Him, uncompromised.”

~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~

  • Both “Miss” Gail Pittman-McDaniel and “Miss” Carol Jean Gill are improving.  “Miss” Gail is no longer in ICU. Continue to keep these families in your prayers.  Pray also for the families of “Miss” Lorna Smith as her memorial service is today and “Miss” Catherine Simmons’ is tomorrow.  Continue to pray for two churches and a hurting community.
    • “Miss” Lorna – Visitation begins at 10 A.M. with memorial service at 2 P.M. today
    • “Miss” Catherine – Visitation begins at 9 A.M. with memorial service at Noon tomorrow
  • Jadon Pailet was admitted to the hospital because of his high temperature.  So far, tests have not identified a problem, but thankfully have ruled out some serious problems little Jadon could have developed.  Continue to pray for Jadon and those caring for him.
  • Holly Kliesch shared a request for prayer for the people of Senegal.

http://af.reuters.com/article/senegalNews/idAFL5E8CS00520120128?sp=true

  • Barbara Ricks Reed

(Died January 28, 2012)

REED, Barbara Ricks Reed of Birmingham, AL. died at the University of Alabama Medical Center on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:45 PM. Beloved wife of Jack Ray Reed who preceded her in death. Mother of Arthur M. Boudreaux of Birmingham, AL., Mark D. Boudreaux, of Arlington, VA, Barry W. Boudreaux, of Mandeville, LA, and Rachel Reed Relaford, of Birmingham, AL. Daughter of the late Lillian Wade Ricks and Frank Albert Ricks, Jr. Sister of Janet Ricks Alfortish and Frank Albert Ricks, III. Preceded in death by grandson Joshua Mark Boudreaux. Also survived by 9 grandchildren. Wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Barbara was a prolific songwriter and singer, who performed opera, gospel, and country western music. Barbara also was the lead actress in many plays at the NORD Theatre at Gallier Hall in New Orleans. She had a strong faith in the Lord. Age 77 years. A native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Birmingham, AL. for over 10 years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood, LA from 12 Noon until services at 2 p.m. followed immediately by a graveside service at the German Cemetery, Highway 51, Kentwood, LA.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk On

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Two words for today: Walk on!
This is not easy or what we would have chosen, but this is the path we are on.
Anna Lee









	


	





	

		
		
Sunday
	


	
	
	

		
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;


 perplexed, but not in despair;


 persecuted, but not abandoned;


 struck down, but not destroyed.” 


~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~








Miracle video of the day. Jadon giving me a five with his right hand 🙂


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=956775003564&set=vb.50301338&type=2&theater


A Note from (Tripp Roth’s) Granny


http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/01/note-from-grammy.html?spref=fb


Continue to pray for the families of the four ladies in Saturday’s accident.


There will be no AWANA meeting tonight at FBC, Kentwood due to the wake for Mrs. Lorna Smith.


Thought for the Day: Being prepared


Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared for such a disaster can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips someone has offered to help you and your loved ones make it through a quake:


~ Those living in areas not prone to earthquakes can respond quickly to the plight of disaster victims in quake zones by complacently smirking and saying, “I told you so.”


~ To minimize loss and damage in a quake, try not to own things.


~ Practice your burrowing-out-from-under-40-tons-of-rubble skills ahead of time.


~ Look out your window often. If you see a large, zig-zag-shaped crevasse moving rapidly from the horizon toward your home, step either to the right or the left.


~ For those who fear earthquakes, it may comfort you to know that a majority of the damage during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake did not come from the tremors themselves. Instead, it was from the raging, out-of-control fires that consumed most of the city.


~ A doorway is the safest place to be during a quake. Eat, sleep, and work in doorways.


~ Be sure to mail your house-insurance payments a full five business days before a major earthquake strikes.


~ If you are caught in a major earthquake in Southern California and are part of the entertainment industry, take a moment or two to reflect on how grossly you’ve wasted your life.


As several of the suggestions above point out (with tongue firmly in cheek!), the problem with an earthquake is its unpredictability.

A few months ago, Hurricane Ike devastated the Galveston area, but there was at least warning for several days that danger was coming. With an earthquake, there is none — it simply strikes!


Jesus described his second coming as an event like that. He used terminology like “a thief in the night” to describe the unexpectedness of the moment. His purpose in using that image was not to suggest that he is coming to steal something. Rather, he is coming at a time when we least expect it. And the only way to be ready for that moment (just as with an earthquake) is to stay prepared all the time.


“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The skies will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in them will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. In that way everything will be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be?

You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God.” (I Peter 3:10-12a, NCV).


My prayer is that you will be prepared so that you, too, can truly “look forward” to that day (whenever it may be!).


Have a great day!


Alan Smith




Repeat after me!


God is good (God is good)


All the time (All the time).


All the time (All the time)


God is good (God is good)!




This is God’s day!  Don’t take it form Him.


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Saturday
	


	
	
	

		
“Now that the worst is over, 


we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,


 and can face the world—


and even more importantly,


 face you with our heads held high. 


But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part. 


It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised.”


~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~




Four fine, Christian ladies were in an awful wreck last night.  Two are now in heaven.  Four families, two churches, and the whole community.


From ActionNews17.com


Troopers investigate Double Fatality Crash in Kentwood


Kentwood, LA – Shortly after 6:00 pm this evening, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a double fatality crash on LA 38 east of Kentwood in Tangipahoa Parish.


Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2005 Lincoln LS sedan, driven by Elizabeth Pittman (W/F age 66) of Kentwood, LA, was stopped in the eastbound lane of LA 38 preparing to make a left turn into a private drive. As the Lincoln remained stopped in the roadway, a 2007 Western Star 18-wheeler, driven by Stennis Taylor (B/M age 50) of Magnolia, MS, was eastbound on LA 38 approaching the Lincoln from the rear. Taylor failed to observe the Lincoln stopped in the roadway and attempted to pass the Lincoln on its left side to avoid a rear-end impact. As the Western Star 18-wheeler, towing a wood chip trailer, crossed into the westbound lane of LA 38, the Lincoln began to turn left and was impacted on its left side by the front end of the truck.


Pittman and front seat passenger, Carol Gill (W/F age 75), were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. Pittman was transported to Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington and Gill was taken to Northoaks Medical Center in Hammond where they remain in serious condition. The two rear passengers in the Lincoln, Lorina Smith (W/F age 74) and Catherine Simmons (W/F age 73), were not properly restrained at the time of the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. All four occupants in the Lincoln were from the Kentwood area.


Taylor was wearing a seatbelt and received no injuries in the crash. He was charged with two counts each of Negligent Homicide and Negligent Injuring and was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.


Alcohol and/or drug impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash with toxicology results from each driver pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.


While motor vehicle crash fatalities have consistently decreased across the state over the past several years, troopers continue to see driver inattention and lack of seatbelt use as major factors in a large percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes. The simple act of avoiding distractions and properly wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death.


Jill Brister was feeling better yesterday and will be flying home today.  Thank God for the laser surgery that has improved her back.  Pray she will be more comfortable now.


Velta Morris


TO GOD BE THE GLORY – VELTA’S UPDATE WITH ONCOLOGIST VISIT JANUARY 27


First, I want to thank you, my praying friends and family, for all the love you have shown me since I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month.  You have walked with me, prayed for me and comforted me.  I’m grateful and so very thankful for each of you.  I have received cards of encouragement from friends I have not communicated with in years! This has been such a blessing.  I’ve had prayers lifted from our fellow church members in Kentwood, LA and our church in Greenville, and just knowing we are one in the bond of love is such a source of strength.  My church here has covered me like a warm blanket in a cold, scary examining room!


Today my oncologist brought me the very best news I could have hoped and prayed for:  he confirmed that, yes, I do have B-cell lymphoma, medically defined as follicular lymphoma; it is slow-growing, low grade.  At this time he anticipates no meaningful negative impact in my daily routine.  The doctor will monitor me periodically with blood tests and scans, and if/when signs of aggression manifest later, at that time a course of treatment would begin.


Please continue your prayers in my behalf.   Having cancer is not something I would have chosen, of course.  But I want God to use this experience for His glory, and as someone aptly said, “Why not me?”  Being aware of the cancer will always be a constant reminder of my utter dependence on Him,for without Him I am nothing, as the song says, and my prayer for me is that I will honor Him with whatever number of years God gives me.


To God Be the Glory – great things He has done – and is doing!


Velta G. Morris


Baptist Press: Courageous is number one in DVD sales


http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37058


Thought for the Day: Do you know where you are going?




There was a time when Albert Einstein was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with great embarrassment rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor said, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it. Everything is okay.”


The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car, he looked back and saw Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find his ticket. He came back and gently said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.”


Einstein looked up and said, “I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”


Like Einstein, we often don’t know where we are going. That’s why we are often compared in the Scriptures to sheep — animals which have a very poor sense of direction. They have no idea where they came from or where they’re going. That’s one of the reasons they are in such dire need of a shepherd.


Like sheep, we have all “gone astray.” (Isa. 53:6). We need someone to show us the way. And Jesus not only shows us the way — he IS the way!


“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:5-6)


Thanks be to our God, who provides us with direction.


Have a great day!


Alan Smith

White House Church of Christ

White House, Tennessee




There is sadness in Kentwood today because of the awful wreck that happened last night.  Thankfully, we can say all four of these ladies knew where they were going.  Two of them have already made the journey.  If the same thing happened to your vehicle today to you, could your family say you were in heaven?


As you pray for the four families represented by those in the wreck, please remember to pray for Spring Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Kentwood.  Pray for Bro. Danny and Bro. Joey as they minister to the families and friends.


Anna Lee



	


	





	

		
		
Friday
	


	
	
	

		
“But to You I have cried out, O Lord, 


and in the morning my prayer comes before You.”


~Psalm 88:13~






Jadon Pailet is making amazing progress.  He is able to scoot around on the floor much better, repeat sounds and words better than he ever has, and give a high-five with his right hand.  Go, Jadon!  Thank you, Jesus!






Mr. Kenneth Felker seems to have his hands full lately.  “Miss” Grace Helen seems to have an infection in her knee.  She will be moved back to North Oaks for more attention on her knee.






Robert Lee Beaver


McKneely Funeral Home, Amite


Robert Lee Beaver relinquished the bonds of this world to join another that he strove for his whole life on January 25, 2012. Born January 25, 1930 in Martha, West Virginia to Charles Wesley Beaver and Vesta Lovejoy Beaver. A faithful servant to God, devoted husband, father, brother and trusted friend to all he shared his rich life with. Bob was a teacher of the Word of God and the skills of the hand to many. A retiree of Union Carbide Corporation with 35 years of service. Bob was raised and lived in Hurricane, West Virginia, later residing in Luling, Amite and Zachary, Louisiana. Bob is survived by wife, Ann Welsh Beaver, 3 daughters, Donna Ericson, Diana Herrera and husband, Don, Devon Jeffcoat and husband, Jerry, son, Scott Beaver and wife, Susan, step-son, Kohn Milton and wife, Patricia, brother, Bill Beaver and wife, Jean and sister, Helen Beckett. Bob was blessed with grandchildren, Krista, Morgan, Chelsea, Mitchell, Joshua, Meagan, Steve, Adam, Thomas, Eric, Catherine and Brittany. Also sharing his love with great-grandchildren, Brianna, Carissa, Mallory and Colin. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Loretta Wise Beaver, son, Mitchell Dean Beaver, brother-in-law, Bill Beckett. Special Thanks from the family go to Zachary Manor Nursing Home for the long term care given to Robert and for the many thoughts and prayers from the special friends that have joined in the adventurous life journey with Bob. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Lakelawn Mausoleum, Metairie. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.




 ENCOUNTERING JESUS




A number of years ago, there was a woman in Kansas City who walked into a Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop. While she was waiting in line, she turned around to find actor Paul Newman standing behind her.  He was in town filming the movie Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, and he didn’t realize it, but he was standing behind one of his biggest fans.


Paul Newman smiled at her and said “hello.”  She took one look at those blue eyes and her knees almost buckled.  She tried to speak, but nothing came out.  Mortified, she turned back around, paid for her ice cream, then quickly walked out of the store.


When she was outside, she sat down on a bench and took a moment to catch her breath.  As she calmed down, she realized she didn’t have her ice cream cone.  She was getting ready to walk back in to get it when Paul Newman walked out. He asked her, “Are you looking for your ice cream cone?” She was still speechless but she nodded.  He said, “You put it in your purse with your change.”


There are some people who hold such great significance in our lives, that meeting them affects us in a powerful way.  But if a celebrity or an athlete can have that kind of effect on people, just imagine how much difference it would make in a person’s life to come face-to-face with Jesus Christ!


Think of the difference made in the lives of the Samaritan woman, the man possessed by a multitude of demons, Zaccheus, James and John, the lame man by the pool of Bethesda, the paralytic lowered by his four friends, Saul (later known as Paul), the woman caught in adultery, the blind man, the leper, the thief on the cross, and countless others.


There’s a popular video making the rounds on Youtube this week (with over 14 million hits!) entitled, “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus”.  There is much I like about the video and some that I don’t like.  Religion is not the problem; false religion (hypocrisy) is.  Many people fail to realize that Jesus was a religious person himself!  But, it is true that religion (in and of itself) cannot save us; Jesus can.  Religion cannot change our hearts; Jesus can.  Religion cannot empower us to live holy lives; Jesus can.


Our goal as Christians should not be to get people to follow a religion.  Our goal should be to bring people to Jesus, to let them see him for themselves, and to allow that encounter to change their lives.  Perhaps the most powerful thing we can say to people is what Philip said to Nathaniel (John 1:46) and what the Samaritan woman said to the villagers (John 4:29):  “Come and meet Jesus for yourself.”


Have a great day!


Alan Smith

Helen Street Church of Christ

Fayetteville, North Carolina



I hope you have “encountered” Jesus!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Thursday
	


	
	
	

		
I’m sorry to be late posting today.  I packed too many miles, people, and events into Wednesday!


 


“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; 


perplexed, but not in despair; 


persecuted, but not abandoned; 


struck down, but not destroyed.” 


~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~






Pray for Andy Taylor as he has surgery this morning in Hattisburg at 10:30.  Pray for peace, rest, good results, and a great spirit.  God has surely used Andy as a testimony to us especially during the last months.


Mrs. Lorna Smith‘s elbow surgery went well yesterday.  She’s at home now.


Debbie Luce is recovering from her back surgery and hoping to be free of her back brace soon.


Pray for Paul Howell of Amite.  His health has declined lately.


Mrs. Mickey Cade is recovering from knee surgery and complications, but was able to get to the funeral home to support extended family yesterday.


Pray for Taylor Breeland as she goes through challenging times.  Pray for her family as they “travel this journey” with her.


Many of you have asked about Boyd and me.


    

  • I’m doing very well, just waiting until I can have a MRI in three more months.
    • 

  • Boyd Hatchel  has no more information about his blood clots.  I’ll give you a report when he goes back to that doctor.
    • 





Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk on


God not only walks with us through hard times…


…he turns them into stepping stones that take us


places we never could have gone without them.


Holley




God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Wednesday
	


	
	
	

		
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; 


whom shall I fear? 


The LORD is the stronghold of my life; 


of whom shall I be afraid?” 


~Psalm 27:1, ESV~








Pray for Jill Brister as she has laser back surgery in Philadelphia today.  Pray for the family, some still here and some there with Jill.






Pray for Susan Rimes as she goes back to the doctor today.  Pray she will soon be able to put all this behind her.






Visitation and funeral for Roy Russell at McKneely Funeral Home this morning




Jadon Pailet – Jadon’s Story: Two weeks




http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/


Not only is Jadon’s progress so amazing, but so is the number of people praying for him and the deep spiritual lessons learned by the humbled family.






DR (Disaster Relief) teams deploy after Ala., Ark. tornadoes


http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37028








Thought for the Day: A morning prayer



The following prayer came to me author unknown:

Dear God,

So far today,
I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped.
I haven't lost my temper.
I haven't lied or cheated.
I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent.

I'm very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, Lord,
I'm going to get out of bed;
and from then on, I'm probably
going to need a lot more help.

In Jesus' name, Amen

I can relate to that, can't you? Perhaps you've made some resolutions to change some things in your life. And maybe it's been fairly easy so far, but from now on you're going to need a lot more help.

If so, continue with this prayer of David:

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity....My eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I take refuge." (Psalm 140:3-4a,8a)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ




Think about that for a while!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Tuesday
	


	
	
	

		
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. 


Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. 


Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”


~Colossians 3:16 NLT~




The family will make arrangements for Roy Russell this morning.  They hope to have the wake tonight with the funeral tomorrow.  I’ll post the arrangements later.  Please be in prayer for the family, especially Roy’s mother, today.






Frist Person:  How will you be remembered?


http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=37019








KnemooseEmail


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


Mike Benson, Editor



SOME TIME AGO National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose… 


The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide.  Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken.  That ensures defeat.  The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. 


Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually.  The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight.  Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.  


Spiritual battles await us.  Satan will choose a season to attack.  Will we be victorious, or will we fall?  Much depends on what we do now–before the wars begin.  Remember the bull-moose principle: enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they’re needed.  Bruce Howell


“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; 


I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”  


Job 23:12


 




 


“Write” something positive that you can be proud of for your book today!   


Anna Lee


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

	


	





	

		
		
Monday
	


	
	
	

		
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, 


according to the power that works in us, 


to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, 


forever and ever.” 


~Ephesians 3:20-21~


 


From Lisa Westmoreland


Please pray for my cousin Danny, who is in a Baton Rouge hospital fighting to hang on to his life. Danny is 31. Last night a drunken driver ran over he and friend while they were on their bicycles. Danny’s friend died. Danny’s bones are crushed – his pelvis, three parts of his spine, and his ankle. Doctors have opened him up twice in less than 18 hours since the accident trying to repair broken bones. The internal bleeding from the pelvic area is the most immediate threat to his continued life. Your prayers are appreciated.


http://theadvocate.com/home/1870379-82/bicyclist-killed-saturday-night.html


Mr. Raymond Anthony


Mr. Raymond has an appointment with a cardiologist this week and one with an oncologist the following week.  Pray for “Miss” Velma as she travels with him to these appointments.


Billy Carl Strickland


Billy Carl Strickland’s procedure this week indicated he is not ready for chemo and radiation yet.  Pray for healing so these treatments can begin.


Mrs. Pauline Strickland


Mrs. Pauline Strickland is doing better and should be coming back to Kentwood soon.  Pray for her and her caregivers as they make this adjustment.


Glem Magee, Sr.


Glen Magee’s procedure Thursday was successful in stopping the bleeding from his nose.  Glen was at church yesterday.  Pray for him as he has follow-up appointments.


Frances M. Gay


Frances has a routine follow-up this week.  Pray she continues to have good reports.


Lea Smith


Lea was able to be in church yesterday following his surgery of a week or so.  Pray for him as he continues to improve and get back to his normal activities.


Callie Cole


As we pray for Callie, let’s say special prayers for her mother, Callie’s main caregiver.


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole


Bontrager Family


Pray for this Ohio family of ten as they sing and play blue-grass gospel music at Terry’s Creek next Sunday.


Hello All!  I want to invite each of you to come join us this next Sunday night at Terry’s Creek Baptist Church for a bluegrass gospel concert.  Come see this amazing family and be blessed!  Visit their website to get a taste of what’s to come and be sure to invite your friends.  The Bontrager’s are traveling all the way from Ohio and will be doing concerts in different places while down south.  We will bless them with a love offering from anyone who feels led to give. Afterwards we’ll have a “finger food fellowship”, so come have some good fellowship and food as well.  Check it out and mark it on your calendar!  Hope to see you this coming Sunday night!  God bless~ Jeanne Tate


I checked the schedule on the computer and learned they will be at Mt. Nebo, east of Roseland, the following night.  That gives you two opportunities to hear this family.


http://bontragerfamilysingers.com/


Pray for the McKean/Prine family as they have more visitation and the funeral service for Jason today.  Pray especially for the parents who have lost two sons.  May God use the large number of people who visited last night to be an encouragement to them as they grieve Jason’s loss.


Pray for the Dunn/Sofge family as they grieve here and in Florida.  Pray for the distance between family members not to be a problem in facing Kelly’s loss.


Thought for the Day: The best is yet to come


I first used the following story (author unknown) in a Thought For The Day message several years ago, and have since used it in a funeral service. It remains one of my readers’ all-time favorites. I hope you enjoy seeing it again.


The sound of Martha’s voice on the other end of the telephone always brought a smile to Brother Jim’s face. She was not only one of the oldest members of the congregation, but one of the most faithful. Aunt Martie, as all of the children called her, just seemed to ooze faith, hope, and love wherever she went. This time, however, there seemed to be an unusual tone to her words. “Preacher, could you stop by this afternoon? I need to talk with you.” “Of course, I’ll be there around three. Is that ok?”


It didn’t take long for Jim to discover the reason for what he had only sensed in her voice before. As they sat facing each other in the quiet of her small living room. Martha shared the news that her doctor had just discovered a previously undetected tumor. “He says I probably have six months to live”. Martha’s words were naturally serious, yet there was a definite calm about her. “I’m so sorry to….” but before Jim could finish, Martha interrupted. “Don’t be. The Lord has been good. I have lived a long life. I’m ready to go. You know that.” “I know,” Jim whispered with a reassuring nod.


“But I do want to talk with you about my funeral. I have been thinking about it, and there are things that I know I want.” The two talked quietly for a long time. They talked about Martha’s favorite hymns, the passages of Scripture that had meant so much to her through the years, and the many memories they shared from the five years Jim had been with Central Church.


When it seemed that they had covered just about everything, Aunt Martie paused, looked up at Jim with a twinkle in her eye, and then added, “One more thing, preacher. When they bury me, I want my old Bible in one hand and a fork in the other”. “A fork?” Jim was sure he had heard everything, but this caught him by surprise. “Why do you want to be buried with a fork?”


“I have been thinking about all of the church dinners and banquets that I attended through the years,” she explained, “I couldn’t begin to count them all. But one thing sticks in my mind — At those really nice get-togethers, when the meal was almost finished, a server or maybe the hostess would come by to collect the dirty dishes. I can hear the words now. Sometimes, at the best ones, somebody would lean over my shoulder and whisper, ‘You can keep your fork.’ And do you know what that meant? Dessert was coming! “It didn’t mean a cup of Jell-O or pudding or even a dish of ice cream. You don’t need a fork for that. It meant the good stuff, like chocolate cake or cherry pie! When they told me I could keep my fork, I knew the best was yet to come!


“That’s exactly what I want people to talk about at my funeral. Oh, they can talk about all the good times we had together. That would be nice. But when they walk by my casket and look at my pretty blue dress, I want them to turn to one another and say, ‘Why the fork’? That’s what I want you to say, I want you to tell them, that I kept my fork because the best is yet to come!”


Truly, for a child of God, the best is yet to come.


“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (I Peter 1:3-4)


Have a great day!


Alan Smith

White House Church of Christ

White House, Tennessee


Make a difference in the world today by being a positive influence on at least one person!


Anna Lee


 


 


 

	


	





	

		
		
Sunday
	


	
	
	

		
“So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. 


Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, 


which is able to save you.” 


~James 1:21 TEV~






Mr. Kenneth Felker said “Miss” Grace is still hospitalized at Greensburg, but B. J. was able to leave rehab and come home.  Please pray for these three who seem to have so many health issues.




Jadon Pailet is doing very well at home.  Thank you for praying for him, but please continue to do so.  When to you to Jadon’s blog page, you’ll be amazed with the CT scan picture you see.


http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/








Thomas E. Lowery, Jr.

(July 20, 1924 – January 21, 2012)




Thomas E. Lowery was born on July 20, 1924 and passed away January 21, 2012 at his residence. He was 87, a native of Wilmer, LA and a resident of Natalbany, LA. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Melanie Garland and her husband, Robert, 2 granddaughters, Lee Ann Spears and her husband, DeWayne, and Allison Thompson and her husband, Danny, all of Bogalusa, LA, 2 sisters, Josie Smoot and her husband, Johnny, of Florida, and Willie Mae Gundrum of New York, 1 brother, Billy Lowery of Mississippi, special cousin, John Lowery of Amite, LA, a special friend, Elaine Gebbia of Ponchatoula, LA, 3 great-grandchildren, Kaylan Spears, Jakob Spears, and Gracie Thompson, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite on January 24, 2012 from 10 a.m. until funeral services at 12 Noon with Bro. J. B. Davis officiating. Interment in Lowery Cemetery II in Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.


 




Thought for the Day – What I Dun


 A cowboy rode into town and stopped at the saloon for a drink (root beer, of course!). Unfortunately, the locals always had a habit of picking on those of a British background, which he was. When he finished, he found his horse had been stolen. He came back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head without even looking and fired a shot into the ceiling. "WHICH ONE OF YOU SIDEWINDERS STOLE MY HOSS?" he yelled with surprising forcefulness.

No one answered. "ALRIGHT, I'M GONNA HAVE ME ANOTHA SODA, AND IF MY HOSS AIN'T BACK OUTSIDE BY THE TIME I FINISH, I'M GONNA DO WHAT I DUN IN TEXAS! AND IIIIIIIIIIII DON'T LIKE TO HAVE TO DO WHAT I DUUUUUN IN TEXAS!" Some of the locals shifted restlessly.

He had another root beer, walked outside, and his horse was back! He saddled up and started to ride out of town. The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, "Say partner, what happened in Texas?"

The cowboy turned back and said, "I had to walk home..."

Ever known anybody like that, lots of threats, but no real intention to carry out them out? All talk but ultimately no action?

More to the point, is your Christian life characterized more by what you SAY you're going to do, or by what you're actually willing to DO?

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-17)

What kind of faith do you have -- the kind you talk about, or the kind you show through your obedience to God and service to others?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee


 


The wake for Jason McKean is tonight with the funeral tomorrow.


 


My heart is heavy for families who bury person who like Kelly and Jason leave behind young children, siblings, and parents.  


Anna Lee


 

	


	





	

		
		
Saturday
	


	
	
	

		
Everyone who hears these words of mine 


and puts them into practice


 is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 


~Matthew 7:24 (NIV)~




Jadon is HOME and doing well.  Thank-you for the continued prayers for him and his family.




Mrs. Lorna Smith will have surgery on her broken elbow Wednesday.  Please be in prayer for her.




Louisiana is first in something good!


http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37006






WHERE I USED TO GO TO CHURCH



The story is told of a man who was stranded on a deserted Pacific island for years.  Finally one day a boat comes sailing into view, and the man frantically waves and draws the skipper’s attention. The boat comes near the island and the sailor gets out and greets the stranded man.


After a while the sailor asks, “What are those three huts you have here?”


“Well, that’s my house there.”


“What’s that next hut?” asks the sailor.


“I built that hut to be my church.”


“What about the other hut?”


“Oh, that’s where I used to go to church.”


(By the way, please don’t write to remind me that the church is a group of people, not a building — I’m aware of that, but I think there’s another lesson to learn here).  I understand that there are some legitimate reasons for “changing churches,” but there are also some Christians who change congregations every couple of years simply because they have trouble getting along with other folks.  Someone at church said something that made them mad, or one of the songleaders didn’t pick out songs they liked, or the elders decided to change the time of services, etc. etc.  The reasons go on and on, and you can just about mark on the calendar when they’ll leave to go to the next church.  It makes you wonder if they would be happy in a church by themselves.  Perhaps, like the man in the story above, they would move somewhere else after a while just out of habit.


Each of the New Testament epistles is filled with instructions on how to get along with others in the church (and there are no instructions or recommendations for Christians to “change churches” no matter how serious the problems!).  Running away is always easier than reconciling with others, but our God is a God of reconciliation who has called us not only to reconcile with Him, but to be “ministers of reconciliation” who seek to bring about the unity that God desires in His body.


“Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another….Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another.  Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.  Do not be wise in your own opinion…..If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:9-10,15-16,18)


Have a great day!


Alan Smith

Helen Street Church of Christ

Fayetteville, North Carolina




Make plans to attend and worship at church tomorrow.  I hope it will be one where you can say you have attended a long time.


Anna Lee