Friday

“Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air,

for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not of more value than they?”

~Matthew 6:25b-26, NKJV~

“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me!”

Gwen Harper Pedelahore

Praisiing God for his healing power. Gwen has been taken off of the ventilator and hopefully, she will be moved out of ICU today and into a regular room. Thank all of you for your many prayers this week and continue praying for her complete recovery.

Keri Harper Wickham (Gwen’s aunt)

Linda B. Williams is home after her surgery. Pray for her recovery to be smooth and uneventful.

Malone Williams has health issues. Tests show it’s not his heart. Pray as more tests are done to identify the problem.

As far as I know the manhunt continues. Please pray for all the people whose lives have been altered so much as they try to live their normal lives or as they join with others trying to locate him.

This is the day I was to have my gamma knife surgery. Pray for the person who is in surgery because their need is much greater. Thank God for a facility that can handle “inoperable” brain tumors.

Baptist Press Selected Reading for Today: No church buildings left in Afghanistan

http://bpnews.asp/?ID=36378

Heart to Heart with Holley: You are Called

In the fictional movie, The Princess Diaries, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is an awkward teenager enduring the usual difficulties of high school. That all changes the day her paternal grandmother Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) arrives with shocking news. It turns out that Mia is far from ordinary. She is, in fact, a princess and the only heir to the throne of Genovia.

Mia proceeds to get herself into a series of mishaps and embarrassing situations as she seeks to become who she rightfully is already. While we’ll probably never be called to rule a country, we all have a moment when the King of Kings calls us to be a princess in His kingdom. Much like Mia, our initial response may be the equivalent of, “Who, me?”

But our calling isn’t about us. Like Mia, we may not see ourselves as “princess material” but what matters most is the will of our Father.

Even after we’ve accepted God’s offer to be a princess, we may forget our calling from time to time. Imagine if Mia moved out of the palace and lived on the streets. Her beautiful gowns would become dirty, she would have little to eat, and few would guess her real identity. Yet the fact that she was royalty wouldn’t change. Being called is just the first step. Carrying out our calling is a lifetime pursuit.

Living our calling can sometimes be confusing because our culture tends to view “a calling” as synonymous with a vocation. We say pastors are “called” to the ministry. A missionary might be “called” overseas. Yet Scripture talks about our calling in a much deeper way. Being called by God is about who we are not about what we do.

You can carry out your calling as a stay-at-home mom, a CEO, a marketing director, a caregiver, or any number of other ways. What matters most is embracing your identity in Christ and living your faith wherever you are today. As Mia finally discovered, being a princess doesn’t require a castle, fancy gowns, or lavish parties. It only requires a heart fully committed to the king.

Ring, ring.

There’s a call for your heart.

It’s been there since the day you were born.

And it will be there until the day you go Home.

Pick it up, listen closely, and you’ll hear

the voice of Your Father whispering what’s true…

“You are mine.

I made you.

Chose you.

Called you.

That call isn’t about a vocation.

It’s about making a difference wherever you are.

It’s about being who I created you to be.

No one else can take your place.

No one else can answer this call.

I’m so glad you did.

I’ll be right here telling you all you need to know

every day, every step of the way.

I love to hear your voice…

and I love when you listen to Mine.”

–God’s Heart for You: Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman

Make this day, even though it is a Friday, as great as God planned it to be.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Prayers Needed

I would like to ask for prayers for my daughter KaLeigh. Last year she had several lymph nodes removed and just recently we discovered a very large mass in her neck, it is putting pressure on both of her main blood vessels that go to her brain. We are unsure as to what it is. We are waiting for Childrens Hospital to contact us to arrange surgery for her. She is in good spirits but we are all afraid of what it might be, so I would like for everyone to please pray for her and the family as we go through this. It is very difficult since she came such along way from birth.
Thanks
Debbie Powers & family

Please pray for Melissa Johnson, she is in Lallie Kemp Hospital. She has fluid on her lungs and they are trying to get it off.

Thank you,
Gretchen Simpson

Mr. Pete Hyde is now is rehab. Pray he regains his strength and gets the rehab he needs to return home soon.

Sherry Simpson will have her corrective surgery today in Nashville. Pray everything goes well and she regains her former strength and stamina.

Robbie Lynn Kirby is slowly recovering at home. Pray for her and Kirby as they take one day at a time.

Gwen Harper Pedalahole is still sedated, but seems to be making some progress. Pray for Gwen and family during some very difficult times.

Mrs. “Bill” Hughes had surgery in McComb. Pray for this wonderfully sweet lady with a very frail body. Pray for Mrs. Anne Hurst as she cares for her sister.

Pray Chole Neyland to stay in good health for her heart surgery next week. If she is healthy, she will enter Children’s Hospital Monday and have surgery Wednesday. Pray for the family as they surrender this baby to surgeons again.

Pray for the continuing manhunt east of town. Pray for the law enforcement teams and for the residents who have lived and moved around under such stress for a week. Pray too for the fugitive and his family. I would like to quote a principal I had when I first started teaching – “Everybody had a momma”. I don’t think any of us would want to be in her place today.

Jean M. Limerick

(February 18, 1925 – October 18, 2011)

Mrs. Jean M. Limerick was born on February 18, 1925 and passed away at 8:20 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Northshore Specialty Hospital, Covington. She was 86, a native of Oklahoma City, OK, a resident of Amite and a former resident of Oklahoma City, OK.

Mrs. Jean is survived by her son, Mark Fisher, Sr., Amite; grandson, Mark Fisher, Jr.; granddaughter, Shana Myers and husband Mark; 4 great grandchildren, Coleman Fisher, Gracie Fisher, Erin Myers & Ellie Myers; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Joyce Hughs Matthews; 1st husband, Edward Fisher; 2nd husband, Charles Limerick; daughter, Marcia Joyce Fisher.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.

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

Thought for the Day: Should I Forgive that Person?

The following story comes from Glenn E. Schaeffer via Christian Reader (“Kids of the Kingdom;” September/October 1997):

During a childrens sermon one Sunday morning, I held up an ugly-looking summer shirt that I wore occasionally around the house. I explained to the children that someone said the shirt was ugly and should be thrown away.

“This really hurt me,” I explained. “I’m having trouble forgiving the person who said those mean things. Do you think I should forgive that person?” I asked the children.

Immediately, my six-year-old daughter, Alicia, raised her hand. “Yes, you should,” she said without hesitation. “But why? The person hurt my feelings,” I responded.

To which Alicia wisely answered, “Because you’re married to her.”

We live in a society that doesn’t care much at all about forgiveness. Our culture exalts those TV and movie heroes who take vengeance on others. Those who are willing to forgive are portrayed as weak, and those who refuse to forgive are strong. The result is a society filled with bitterness, vengeance, anger, hate and hostility. Marriages suffer because grudges are held and nobody’s willing to forgive. Crimes of retaliation and ridiculously excessive lawsuits are rampantly common as people seek vengeance both inside or outside the law.

But Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others. In fact, he doesn’t give us any other option, if we are to be his disciples. He said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15). That’s strong language!

Again in Mark 11:25-26, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21), Jesus responds by telling a parable about a master who forgave a servant’s huge debt, but that servant refused to forgive another servant who owed him a small amount. The story ends with an angry master turning over the unforgiving servant to the jailers for torture and torment. And then Jesus made the application in one of the harshest statements in all the gospels: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35).

Jesus makes it painfully clear that forgiving others is directly related to our being forgiven by God, and our unwillingness to forgive destroys the bridge over which God’s forgiveness comes to us. Before you ask for God to forgive you, is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Baptist Press Article

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36372

So many people have been a blessing to me lately. I have been humbled by the number of individuals, including former students from many years ago, churches, and church organizations praying for me. Wow! I surely hope that I can be a prayer warrior for others like so many have been for me.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28~

Pray for Linda B. Williams as she has a repeat of her previous shoulder surgery this morning.

Pray for those who are involved in the manhunt which continues in the North Hayes Road/East Fork area. Pray too for families who live in this area and who have been under this stress for a while.

Pray for the family of Mike Nason as they travel to northern Mississippi to bury Mike today.

Thought for the Day: The Search is On

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the main computers. He dialed the employee’s home phone number and was greeted with a child whispering, “Hello?”

Feeling put out at the inconvenience of having to talk to a youngster, the boss asked, “Is your Daddy home?” “Yes”, whispered the small voice.

“May I talk with him?”, the man asked. To the surprise of the boss, the small voice whispered, “No.”

Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, “Is your Mommy there?” “Yes”, came the answer. “May I talk with her?” Again the small voice whispered, “No.”

Knowing that it was not likely that a young child would be left home alone, the boss decided he would just leave a message with the person who should be there watching over the child.

“Is there anyone there besides you?”, the boss asked the child. “Yes”, whispered the child, “A policeman.”

Wondering what an officer would be doing at his employee’s home, the boss asked, “May I speak with the policeman?” “No, he’s busy”, whispered the child. “Busy doing what?”, asked the boss. “Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the fireman”, came the whispered answer.

Growing concerned and even worried as he heard a loud noise through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, “What is that noise?”

“A hello-copper”, answered the whispering voice. “What is going on there?”, asked the boss, now alarmed.

In an awed voice the child answered, “The search team just landed the hello-copper!”

Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated the boss asked, “Why are they there?”

Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle, “They’re looking for me!”

It reminds me of how we act toward God at times. When we have done something that we know is wrong, we sometimes, like Adam and Eve in the garden, try to hide from God. Not physically, of course. But we try to distance ourselves from God by neglecting worship with God’s people, Bible study, prayer. We try to avoid God, hoping He won’t notice.

But like the little boy in the story, we know that God is searching for us, doing everything in His power to bring us back. And even at times when I’ve done something I’m ashamed of, I appreciate that so much.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?….Or what woman, having ten coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?” (Luke 15:4,8)

Is Somebody looking for you today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

I hope you have been “found and saved” today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Mr. Kenneth Felker is a little better. He is able to walk with crutches now.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Don’t forget the funerals for Mrs. Hazel Simpson and Mr. Mike Nason today.

Remember the many grieving families today and in the days to come.

What’s on the Other Side?

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was leaving the room after paying a visit, and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?! You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice that dog? He had never been in this room before. He did not know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing: I know my Master is there, and that is enough. And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with gladness.”

It’s true that while we are given a glimpse of what lies ahead, there is a great deal that we don’t know and often wonder about. Will there literally be a street of gold and a gate of pearl? Highly unlikely. Those kinds of images may be helpful in understanding how precious heaven is, but they are not of much value in helping us to know exactly what it will look like.

And quite frankly, it doesn’t matter to me, for two reasons. First of all, I trust my heavenly Father to provide nothing less than the very best for His children. And secondly, as the doctor in the story above pointed out, the only thing that really matters is that we will be in the presence of God. Living in a shack in His presence would be preferable to living in a mansion apart from Him. Whatever else heaven may be, its essence is that we have the opportunity to have intimate fellowship with God.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ ” (Rev. 20:12)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Find your blessings for today and be thankful!

Anna Lee

Monday

“But you are a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

a people for His possession,

so that you may proclaim the praises of the One

who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9, HCSB~

Gwen Harper Pedalahore is about the same, but maybe a little better. She continues to need our prayers. Pray for her family and friends.

Please continue to pray for Frances Allen and Billy Carl Strickland. They have big battles ahead,

Mike Nason lost his battle on earth yesterday. There is no obituary yet, but I heard the wake will be Tuesday night. Mike had nothing but friends and those who admired his sweet spirit as he fought a battle that would not go away. I’m glad I got to know him and will miss him sitting behind me at church, especially his FIRM handshakes.

We will not have our Third Thursday Meeting this month. Please plan to join us next month for food, fellowship, a devotional, and sweet prayer time.

What Could Be More Beautiful?

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. “You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!”, a boy in the line cried.

Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. “I love your freckles,” she said. “Not me,” the girl replied. “Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles” she said, tracing her finger across the child’s cheek. “Freckles are beautiful!”

The girl looked up. “Really?” “Of course,” said the grandmother. “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”

The little girl peered into the old woman’s smiling face. “Wrinkles,” she answered softly.

What a beautiful story of love! How wonderful it is when those who are filled with the wisdom that comes with age can still see the beauty in those who are younger and have much to learn. And how wonderful when those just learning to spread their wings can see the beauty in those who have flown so long they have grown weary of flying.

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

With a heart of love, may we see the beauty of God’s children both young and old.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

“Stand in the storm. When it gets rough, make adjustments, but keep standing.” I’m so thankful my “storm” has been identified and hopefully the adjustments will be well on the way by this time next week.

Anna Lee

Sunday

And all of you must put on the apron of humility,

to serve one another;

for the scripture says,

‘God resists the proud,

but shows favor to the humble.’

~1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)~

Please pray for this young mother.

Please put Gwen Harper Pedelahore (of Amite) on the prayer link. She has developed sepsis (a serious blood infection) and pneumonia. She is in ICU and sedated to keep her comfortable, according to Kim’s Facebook post. Gwen is in Ochner on O’Neal.

Julie Eudy

Jadon’s Story

I’m on day 3 of my final medicine increase and I’m still having seizures. My mommy has talked to my neurologist in Boston. He is in the process of talking with the neurologist in Detroit. He will then get in touch with my mommy and let her know his opinion on the surgery. I have 3 neurologist and we want them all to agree with the surgery. I know it’s seems crazy that we are being so cautious. Most people say go ahead with the surgery if it could stop the seizures. Well easier said than done. You see it is a very dangerous surgery. On top of that they can’t tell us that it will definitely stop the seizures. They are pretty sure it will but can’t be 100%. You also run the risk of taking something out that I’m using which means I would regress or even lose function of my right hand. If I do regress they are hopeful that I will regain the skills. It’s just alot to consider and it makes us sick at our stomach everytime we think about it. We are spending lots of time praying right now. I have to be honest and tell you it’s hard to not be mad at God right now. Why do I have to suffer? Why doesn’t the medicine help? Why are we in this situation? Why is it that my family has done everything possible and can’t get me any relief? We have to sit down and think about how far God has brought us and how He has never left us through this all. My mom and dad will never forget the day the neuro in Detroit walked in and said wow he is very high functioning considering his situation. This tells us God is with us even though we don’t understand why I’m having to go through this. Please continue to pray for me and my family. It’s very hard for my mommy to have to leave me for work right now and she is having a hard time. Also pray for the decisions we are having to make. Keep praying for these seizures to stop. We know that even though the medicine isn’t working God can still heal me. We are continuing to trust God as I continue to fight this battle.

Love you all,

Jadon

What Can I Do for You?

It had been a hard winter in the Appalachian area. The snow had piled up deeper and deeper, the mercury dropped, rivers froze, people suffered. The Red Cross used helicopters to fly in supplies. One crew had been working day after day — long hours. They were on their way home late in the afternoon when they saw a little cabin submerged in the snow. There was a thin whisper of smoke coming from the chimney. The rescue team figured they were probably about out of food, fuel, perhaps medicine.

Because of the trees, they had to put the helicopter down a mile away. They put on heavy packs with emergency supplies, trudged through heavy snow, waist deep, reached the cabin exhausted, panting, perspiring. They pounded on the door. A thin, gaunt mountain woman opened the door and the lead man gasped, “We’re from the Red Cross.”

She was silent for a moment and then she said, “It’s been a hard winter, Sonny, I just don’t think we can give anything this year.”

I don’t think the story is true, but it certainly could be. I am convinced that there are two kinds of people — givers and takers. And even in dire times, those who are givers are always thinking about “What can I do for you?” rather than “What can you do for me?” Statistically speaking, the group which gives the greatest percentage of their money to charity every year is the group of people with the lowest income.

There may be several different reasons for that, but truth of the matter is (and this is true among Christians as well), the more we have, the greater is our tendency to hold tight to it. What a great example the Macedonians are to us:

“…in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2 Cor. 8:2).

Did you notice that? The group of Christians that Paul held up as an example of generous giving to those in need were themselves in “deep poverty”. Yet they gave so much that Paul was reluctant to receive the money, until they implored him “with much urgency” to take their gift.

I look at my own life and see that there are many times when I’m reluctant to give to others, not because it might affect providing for my needs, but because it might affect me having the things I want. Like everyone else, I’m tempted to look out for “number one” and I want to know what you can do for me. But, considering the example of Christ, Paul said:

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil.2:4)

“Father, please forgive me. Help me to develop a heart of selflessness and love for others that constantly seeks to find ways to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day. Do something for someone else today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

Pray for Mr. Kenneth Felker. He’s having trouble with his legs and back.

Continue to pray for Mike Nason and his family. Mike is in ICU at North Oaks.

Pray for Brenda Brister Edwards in the death of her husband, Chris. Brenda is still working to get through the death of other family members. Pray too for the Edwards family in the loss of a son, brother, and uncle.

The news says the search for the wanted man in Kentwood was called off again last night, but will resume this morning. Pray this dangerous man is caught without anyone being hurt. Pray for the safety of people in the area who are nervous in their home, especially after dark. Pray the life of this man will be changed by contact with Christians who are eager to “save” him for eternity.

Thought for the Day: Prison Thoughts

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complains that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complains because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sues after lightning knocks out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he must watch network programs, which he says contain violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sues to be served fruit juice at meals and three pancakes instead of two. (Spradley v. Rathman)

~ An inmate sues to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sues for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sues to be served fresh rather than reconstituted milk. (Gerteisen v. Bowers)

~ An inmate sues for right to conduct martial arts sparring and full-contact fighting as part of his religion. (Gibson v. Miller)

~ An inmate sues because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate — who has filed more than 140 actions in state and federal court — sues over finding gristle in his turkey leg. (Attwood v. Bowers)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison(and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which comes from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same.

There is much to be thankful for!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee 37188

Let’s not worry about the frivolous things of life, but those of eternal value. Today is a good day to encourage/uplift someone. What are you waiting for?

Anna Lee

Thursday

Enjoy prosperity while you can.

But when hard times strike,

realize that both come from God.

That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life.

~Ecclesiastes 7:14 NLT~

Miss Bill Hughes is at home once more. She said that she is doing better but is still in some pain. (I called her at home. And then I called Mrs. Anne Hurst.) Both Miss Bill and Mrs. Anne Hurst went home last night from their hospitals. Mrs. Hurst said that she was definitely feeling better.

Laura Joiner

Jadon’s Story: Eye appointment

I had my eye appointment today. After a 3 hour wait they said my vision is fine. I have to go back in 6 months to see if there has been any change. Other than that my seizures are still the same. We have to talk to the Dr. In Detroit tomorrow. II will let you know what he says. Please continue to pray!!!

Mr. Harrell Sharkey’s heart is fine. Doctors will be searching for what his problem could be.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar also had a heart cath. with good results.

Taylor Breland, a 14 year old student at Sumner Middle School, was recently diagnosed with cancer. Pray for Taylor and her family as go to Childrens’ Hospital.

Dr. Earl Council always requests prayer for unborn babies and their mother. That is a very valid request and one we should all add to our prayer lists.

Andy Taylor has a place in his stomach that is not healing as well as the doctors would like. Pray that Andy heals so additional attention is not needed.

Pray for the family of Mrs. Georgia Gaines Zachary as they deal with her loss and the circumstances of the accident. Life and death can seem so unfair at times.

Thought for the Day: Some things money cannot buy

The story is told of a professor was gave a big test one day to his students. He handed out all of the tests and went back to his desk to wait. Once the test was over, the students all handed the tests back in.

The professor noticed that one of the students had attached a $100 bill to his test with a note saying “A dollar per point.”

The next class the professor handed the tests back out. This student got back his test score and $64 change.

We live in a world where virtually anything can be bought with money. It’s important to be reminded every now and then that there are some things that money can’t buy.

“….Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (I Peter 1:17b-19)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ

White House, Tennessee

May you have the peace of God today in all you do!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“In response to all he has done for us, l

et us outdo each other in being helpful and kind

to each other and in doing good.”

~Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)~

Pray for Robbie Lynn Callihan as she has major back surgery this morning.

Mrs. Anne Hurst was released from the Greensburg Hospital.

Mike Nason and “Miss” Bill Hughes are still at North Oaks.

Tripp Roth

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/

Thought for the Day: When the difference yo make is hard to see

All day long I click, type, look through the screen at the faces of people I love who live halfway across the country or even on the other side of the world.

And, sometimes, in the quiet moments I wonder if what I do really makes a difference.

“You can’t see it in person,” hisses the enemy, “You can’t touch it. How do you know it’s real?”

Then I think about how I should be doing something tangible–rocking a baby, handing out food, building a house. I feel a heart-hunger to know the results with my five senses.

I whisper this to Jesus one morning as sunlight spills in through the open window. I ask Him if I’ve gotten it all wrong–if I should be doing something else.

A verse pops into my heart like a present left on the front porch…

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I’ve always thought of those words in the context of believing in God.

But that morning it seemed the One Who Loves Us whispered that part of faith is also about believing that our obedience makes a difference–even when we can’t see the results.

Have you ever felt that way about something in your life?

Have a great day making a difference in someone’s life!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a~

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Shirley Marie Davidson Cutrer Bennett
(July 13, 1936 – October 9, 2011)

Shirley Marie Davidson Cutrer Bennett was born July 13, 1936 and passed away at 7:20 a.m., Sunday, October 9, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was 75, a native of Bruce, MS and a resident of Amite.

Mrs. Shirley is survived by 2 daughters, Peggy Marie Cutrer, Amite & Patricia Cutrer Mathis and husband Richard, Amite:3 sons, Marvin Delbert Cutrer and wife Angie, Amite, Ronald Joe Cutrer and wife Ella, Amite & Samuel Timothy Cutrer, Roseland; former husband Timothy Marvin Cutrer, Roseland; 2 sisters, Neva Hyde, Roseland, & Catherine Battles, Amite, 3 brothers, Paul Davidson, Tickfaw, Eddie Davidson, Tickfaw, & Charles Davidson, Roseland; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents, Grady Edward “Eddie” & Carrena Davidson, sister, Rena Faye Davidson Lambert, 2 brothers, Thomas Davidson & Billy Davidson; nephew, Randy Bailey.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Bro. David Cutrer officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express

Georgie Gaines Zachary
(Died October 7, 2011)

A resident of Amite, she died at 9:20 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL. She was 78 and a native of Amite. Visitation will be at Arcola Baptist Church on Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until Religious Services at 10 a.m. conducted by Rev Bob Simpson. Interment will be at Sharon Cemetery in Amite. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Carl “Chicken” Gaines, Jr. and wife, Barbara Gaines of Roseland; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra Collins and Jerry Collins of Houston, TX, Carolyn Bourne and Harvey Bourne of Ocean Springs, MS and Diane Moran and Keith Moran of Amite; Nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Two sisters, Emma Stillwell and Bobbie Miller and one brother, Alfred Holden. She is preceded in death by her parents, Al and Cora Holden; her husband, Carl Gaines, Sr. and second husband, Keegan Zachary and a brother, T.J. Holden.

Randy Conleay was very seriously injured in a motorcycle accident while his dad, Mr. Bill, was in ICU at North Oaks. If you are interested in helping with this benefit, please contact JoEllen.

A community wide benefit is being held on Friday October 28 for Randy Conleay at the First Baptist Church in Greensburg. We are serving Jambalaya lunches for $7.00, … homemade cakes that will be delicious, and taking donations. Tickets will be on sale at the Forest Festival this Saturday. If you would like to help sell tickets or work on Oct. 28 please call Jo Ellen at 225-324-1837. We need volunteers.

Thought for the Day: Two very different kingdoms

A number of years ago, I received the following letter from one of my subscribers in Great Britain. Since many of you were not subscribers at the time, I thought you might appreciate this “repeat TFTD”:

To the citizens of the United States of America,

In light of your failure to elect a new President of our former colonies, known more recently as the U.S.A., in order to govern yourselves and that which you habitually refer to as the free world, irrespective of his ability to govern himself, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective today.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will assume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, former colonies and other territories (including New Jersey).

To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, please comply with the following acts:

1. Look up “revocation” in the now official Chambers English
Dictionary.

2. Start spelling (and pronouncing) correctly all English words.

3. Learn at least the first 4 lines of “God Save The Queen.”

4. Start referring to “soccer” as football and admit that American
football isn’t.

5. Immediately declare war on Quebec (and France). You may use our
air space.

6. Enjoy all cold beverages at room temperature and insist that your
tea be served hot.

7. Learn to enjoy delicacies such as steak and kidney pudding and
Marmite.

8. The Fourth of July is no longer to be observed as a public
holiday. This has been replaced with 5th November, also known
as Guy Fawkes Day (he was the roguish chap who tried to blow up
the Houses of Parliament).

9. All members of this British Crown Dependency will be required to
take 6 weeks annual holiday and observe statutory tea breaks.

10. Driving on the left is now compulsory – recall all cars to effect
the change immediately.

11. Car parts will be referred to by their proper names (bonnet,
boot, etc.) and a more healthy level of tax will be applied to
petrol and diesel fuels.

12. All citizens are to report to our Consulate General in NY for the
issue of new passports and work permits. Please ensure that
orderly queues are maintained.

13. Add the Royal insignia to the top of the Washington Monument.

14. Assemble a national cricket team in preparation for a world tour
next summer.

15. Stop referring to a “World Series” of baseball and instead call
it the National Series of USA, Cuba and Japan.

16. Recall all currency and replace with new coins and notes bearing
an image of monarch’s head.

17. Increase all domestic power supplies to 240 volts with immediate
effect.

Tax collectors from Her Majesty’s Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all revenues due (backdated to 1776 with interest).

Thank you for your cooperation and have a nice day!

Aside from the humor (which I enjoyed immensely), the above letter served to remind me of the great difference between our two “kingdoms”. Transferring from one to the other would indeed involve a lot of changes.

In a similar manner, those of us who are Christians have changed kingdoms. In the Colossian letter, the apostle Paul describes what God has done for us:

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” (Col. 1:13)

Allow the significance of that statement to settle in. We used to be a part of Satan’s kingdom; now we are a part of God’s kingdom. We used to be “aliens” (Eph. 2:12); now we are “fellow citizens with the saints” (Eph. 2:19). Things are different now. Very much different!

With no disrespect intended toward Great Britain, I consider it a blessing to be a citizen of the United States. But that blessing doesn’t begin to compare with the great privilege that God has provided in allowing me to be a part of HIS kingdom.

Have a jolly good day!

Alan Smith

Thankful for so much,

Anna Lee