Category: Devotional

1-1-11

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered,

“you are worried and upset about many things,

but only one thing is needed.

Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her.”

~Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)~

From Mary Prescott

Please add a friend of ours to the Prayer Link.  His name is Austin Fath.  He was involved in an accident last night and he has a severe brain injury.  He is in University hospital in ICU.  Please lift him and his family up in prayer during this very difficult time.  Thank you so much.  Mary

Be careful in this bad weather!

Thought For The Day: What Do You Hear?

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, “I hear a cricket.”

His friend said, “What? You must be crazy. You couldn’t possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!”

“No, I’m sure of it,” the Native American said, “I heard a cricket.”

“That’s crazy,” said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.

“That’s incredible,” said his friend. “You must have super-human ears!”

“No,” said the Native American. “My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you’re listening for.”

“But that can’t be!” said the friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise.”

“Yes, it’s true,” came the reply. “It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you.”

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

“See what I mean?” asked the Native American. “It all depends on what’s important to you.”

What’s important to you? What do you listen for? Are there times that you fail to listen to God or see what God is doing in your life because you are focused on other things that are more important to you?

Jesus said, “For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.” (Matt. 13:15-16)

Father, we pray at the beginning of this new year — amidst all the distractions of the world all around us, may our ears always be open to your voice, and our eyes open to your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

–Alan Smith

Please feel free to share requests, updates, and praise reports.

Anna Lee

Friday

He came to that which belonged to Him

[to His own—His domain, creation, things, world],

and they who were His own did not receive Him

and did not welcome Him.

But to as many as did receive and welcome Him,

He gave the authority (power, privilege, right)

to become the children of God ….

~John 1:11-12 (AMP)~

Stacey Scarle

We went to the Dr today. They did not remove the drains or the stitches. We have to go back Monday. The pathology report was not as good as we had hoped. 3 of 8 lymph nodes had cancer cells so she will have to have radiation. Please continue to pray for her as she goes through this process.

Jadon’s Story






I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I sure did. It was definitely much better than last year. Last year my brother and I were both in the hospital with RSV and my brother had pneumonia so this Christmas was much better. I went to my Mar and Paw’s house Christmas eve. After we opened presents and ate we went to Paw Paw Ike’s house. I even watched fire works. Can you believe I liked these? They are so loud and I was laughing and having a great time. I left a picture of me watching the fireworks. The other pictures are of Christmas morning. I love my new car and I liked the paper the best. After we had Christmas at our house we went to Aunt Rae Rae’s house in New Orleans. Uncle Michael cooked lunch for us and we got to see my Mimi and her side of the family. It was really a great Christmas. Now on to my seizures. We have noticed a little decrease. I’m having about 100 seizures a day. Yesterday morning I woke up and only had 32 by lunch. Well after lunch I had a cluster of 60. Yes VERY upsetting and disappointing. Today I’ve already had about 40 and it’s only 8:00. My seizures are so unpredictable and so random. We have done nothing different the last two days but my seizures are so different. Basically we celebrated me only have 32 yesterday morning and then the disappointment but we will celebrate the good times even if it’s followed by disappointment. I got my new meals from Boston and feeding time is much easier. I now each a meat and then a baby food vegetable or fruit. I love eating them and the portion size is much better. We so wish we would have been able to do this two months ago. I also got my new stuff from my herbologist. I started it yesterday so I will let you know how I do on the new stuff. I have gotten the ok from our dietitian to use these supplements so we know they are not messing up the diet. I gotta go because I have blood work today to make sure my carbon dioxide level is better. I will update you very soon. Thanks for praying for me!!!

Mr. Earl Dees

Mr. Earl is now home and continuing to improve.  Pray for him as he recovers from his surgery last week.

Mark your calendar.

Mug & Muffin

FBC, Kentwood

Saturday, January 8th

10 A.M.

Ladies from 5 – 105 are invited.

Baptist Press Stories for Dec. 30, 2010
Take time to read some recent releases from Baptist Press.
—————————————
‘Black Christmas’: Nigerian pastor, church members slain
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34347

Poll: Many Americans still reject evolution
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34348

Stroke survivor finds beauty in suffering
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34349

Grammys to honor George Beverly Shea
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34350

Iraqi Christians mark somber Christmas
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34351

FIRST-PERSON: 12 spiritual tips for 2011
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34352
WHAT DO YOU HEAR?

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan.  It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people.  Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening.  Suddenly, the Native American said, “I hear a cricket.”

His friend said, “What?  You must be crazy.  You couldn’t possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!”

“No, I’m sure of it,” the Native American said, “I heard a cricket.”

“That’s crazy,” said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing.  He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket.  His friend was utterly amazed.

“That’s incredible,” said his friend.  “You must have super-human ears!”

“No,” said the Native American.  “My ears are no different from yours.   It all depends on what you’re listening for.”

“But that can’t be!” said the friend.  “I could never hear a cricket in this noise.”

“Yes, it’s true,” came the reply.  “It depends on what is really important to you.  Here, let me show you.”

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk.  And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

“See what I mean?” asked the Native American.  “It all depends on what’s important to you.”

What’s important to you?  What do you listen for?  Are there times that you fail to listen to God or see what God is doing in your life because you are focused on other things that are more important to you?

Jesus said, “For the hearts of this people have grown dull.  Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.  But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.” (Matt. 13:15-16)

Father, we pray at the beginning of this new year — amidst all the distractions of the world all around us, may our ears always be open to your voice, and our eyes open to your glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a great ending to 2010!
Anna Lee

Thursday

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?

We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

~Matthew 2:2 (NLT)~

Please continue to pray for Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell.  They are both “under the weather” and would appreciate your prayers.

The last reports from Mrs. Katherine Sanders all include good reports of her progress.  Thank God for her improvement.  Keep praying for her.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Are We There Yet?

  • Has everyone in the world had an opportunity to hear about God?   No!
  • Have enough funds been collected to support our missionaries for the next year?  Not yet
  • Has your church met its goal for this year?  My church is still working to meet their goal.
  • Has God laid it on your heart to give or to give again?
Loving Someone You Can’t Stand

Doctor: “I see you’re over a month late for your appointment. Don’t you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What’s your excuse?”

Patient: “I was just following your orders, Doc.”

Doctor: “Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order.”

Patient: “You told me to avoid people who irritate me.”

Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate,

people who hurt us, people who offend us. In fact, sometimes those who irritate us

the most are found right in our home (or in our church building). So how should we

deal with them?

Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled “How to Love Someone You Can’t

Stand” which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com). In this book,

Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Romans 12:


(1) Manage Your mouth — Bless and don’t curse (Rom. 12:14)

(2) Put yourself in the other person’s place and try to understand their feelings,

thoughts and position (Rom. 12:15)

(3) Never, never, never take revenge (Rom. 12:17)

(4) Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rom. 12:17)

(5) Don’t just win the war, win the peace (Rom. 12:18)

(6) Make room for God (Rom. 12:19)

The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking

to “get even”. The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rom. 12:21). It is never

easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by

following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the

world around us.

“But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable

before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving

us an example, that you should follow His steps…” (I Peter 2:19-20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Alan Smith’s thoughts might lead to a resolution for the new year. . . .

Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Monday

By entering through faith

into what God has always wanted to do for us—

set us right with him,

make us fit for him—

we have it all together with God

because of our Master Jesus.

~Romans 5:1 (MSG)~

Continue to pray for travelers.  Many are stuck in airports and hotels.  Some are driving in less than ideal conditions.

Mrs. Katherine Sanders is doing well – good enough to be out walking.  She stayed at home yesterday because of the cold.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is home, but continues to not be doing her best.  Please remember her in your prayers.

Ashlyn Neal is much better.  Her family thanks you for the many prayers offered for them.  Keep praying,

Lottie Moon lead a life of significance, making a big difference in God’s kingdom.  What about you?

http://www.imb.org/main/downloads/flashvideos.asp?filename=/files/62/6294/6294-34373.flv

Seeking the Lost

A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a greasy little salesman runs up to him, and yells, “Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!”

The golfer, annoyed, says, “What is it?”

“It’s a special golf ball,” says the salesman. “You can never lose it!”

“Whattaya mean,” scoffs the golfer, “you can never lose it? What if you hit it into the water?”

“No problem,” says the salesman. “It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it.”

“Well, what if you hit it into the woods?”

“Easy,” says the salesman. “It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed.”

“Okay,” says the golfer, impressed. “But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?”

“No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark! I’m telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!”

The golfer buys it at once. “Just one question,” he says to the salesman. “Where did you get it?”

“I found it!”

Maybe someday someone will invent a golf ball that can never be lost, but until then we will all have to deal with losing things — golf balls, car keys, glasses, etc. We also have to deal with a lost humanity. I find it interesting that the one term Jesus used most often to describe those who are outside of Christ is the word “lost”.

In Luke 15, Jesus elaborated on this idea by telling three parables — the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost (prodigal) son. The point has often been made that those three parables demonstrate three different ways of being lost — through unintentional wandering (the sheep), through the negligence of someone else (the coin), or through willful disobedience (the son).

However, the point of those three parables is not so much about our lostness as they are about the fact that our God is willing to search for us and bring us back into a relationship with Him. If we will truly see the world around us as “lost”, it will change our perspective as well. Think about the last time you knew of a child that was missing. When a child is lost, we don’t ask what race the child is. It doesn’t matter — the child is lost! We don’t ask the child’s economic status. It doesn’t matter — the child is lost! We don’t ask what the child may or may not have done wrong. It doesn’t matter — the child is lost! All that matters is that we find that child and bring him/her home safely.

Seeing a world around us as “lost” will change the way we see them. The scribes and Pharisees looked at the tax collectors and sinners and saw terrible, ugly people. Jesus saw people who were lost. All that mattered to him was that he bring them home safely.

“For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Father, thank you for diligently searching for me and for bringing me home to you. Fill me with your love so that I may care enough to seek out those around me who are lost. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a great week!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6~

Stacey Scarle

Thanks for all the prayers they really worked. Stacey’s surgery went well and she did not have much pain or discomfort. We came home this afternoon with drains and a pain pump but still not too bad. The best news is that there did not appear to be any involvement in the lymph nodes! We find out for sure tomorrow. God is so good. I know that all the prayers made on Stacey’s behalf were heard. Thanks again to everyone.

Pray for Stacey as she waits for the lab results and continues to recover from surgery.

Ashlyn Neal will be seen be a concussion specialist today.  Please continue to pray for Ashlyn as she has ten days of “brain rest”.

Alan Smith’s Thought for the Day

The following story sounds like an “urban legend”, but it’s true:

Roy Collette and his brother-in-law exchanged the same pair of pants as a Christmas present for 25 years – and each time the package got harder to open.

It all started in 1964 when Collette received a pair of moleskin trousers from his brother-in-law, Larry Kunkel. Kunkel’s mother had given her son the pants the year before. He wore them a few times, but they froze stiff in cold weather and he didn’t like them. So he gave them to Collette. Collette didn’t like them either, so he wrapped them up and gave them back to Kunkel for Christmas the next year.

The friendly exchange continued each year until one year Collette twisted the pants tightly, stuffed them into a 3-foot-long, 1-inch wide tube. And so the game began. The next Christmas, Kunkel compressed the pants into a 7-inch square, wrapped them with wire and gave the “bale” to Collette. Not to be outdone, the next year Collette put the pants into a 2-foot-square crate filled with stones, nailed it shut, banded it with steel and gave the trusty trousers back to Kunkel.

The brothers agreed to end the caper if the trousers were damaged. But they were as careful as they were clever.

Kunkel had the pants mounted inside an insulated window that had a 20-year guarantee and shipped them off to Collette. Collette broke the glass, recovered the trousers, stuffed them into a 5-inch coffee can and soldered it shut. The can was put in a 5-gallon container filled with concrete and reinforcing rods and given to Kunkel the following Christmas.

Kunkel installed the pants in a 225-pound homemade steel ashtray made from 8-inch steel casings and etched Collette’s name on the side. In turn, Collette found a 600-pound safe and hauled it to Viracon Inc. where the shipping department decorated it with red and green stripes, put the pants inside and welded the safe shut. The safe was then shipped to Kunkel, who is the plant manager for Viracon’s outlet in Bensenville.

One year, the pants were trucked back to Collette in a drab green, 3-foot cube that once was a 1974 Gremlin with 95,000 miles on it. A note attached to the 2,000-pound scrunched car advised Collette that the pants were inside the glove compartment. And so it went until 1989, when the pants were finally damaged in an attempt to encase them in 10,000 pounds of jagged glass. They have now been turned to ashes and sit in an urn on Kunkel’s mantle.

I imagine more than a few of you will receive some presents at Christmas that you don’t really want, and you would like to have the opportunity to ship them back. However, we can’t say that about the gifts that come from God.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17)

God’s gifts are as wonderful as they are bountiful. I hope that you’ve taken the time to thank him lately. May we especially give thanks for the blessing of God’s incarnation. Jesus came to be with us so that we might someday be with God — he was born into a world of sin to redeem us from the power of that sin. Praise God for His wonderful gift!

–Alan

Birds of a feather

Rural areas near Peddie, South Africa, are tough places to live, but it’s home to the Xhosa [KO-sah] people. Many of their houses have just one or two rooms. Outside, there’s plenty of heat and rocks. Even the dirt isn’t good enough for growing vegetables.

What could survive these conditions? Ostriches and IMB missionary Bob Morris. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering makes it possible for him to be on the field at about 8 cents per minute.

Ostriches can take the heat because they’re native to Africa. Bob Morris and Martin Fick, a farmer from Zimbabwe, work with ostriches while they’re still babies. South African farmers purchase the baby birds to raise and provide a source of income. Ostrich feathers, for example, are used to make feather dusters (just like the ones your mom cleans the house with) and lots of decorative items.

Every batch of ostrich babies is delivered to the farmers with a prayer. Bob and Martin show how the ostrich manure enriches the soil to help vegetables grow. Also, they and a few local folks train farmers, using Bible-based principles. They build relationships with the Xhosa farmers with a goal to plant churches among them. With more than 60 farmers being cared for and a couple hundred more on a waiting list, Bob, Martin and the birds are off to a good start.

International Mission Board

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Get the birthday candles ready.  It almost time for Jesus’ birthday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God and saying, ‘

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”

~Luke 2:13-14, ESV~

Jadon’s Story

Sorry I haven’t updated but I have not been able to get to a computer. I’ve been really busy. Let me go back about a week ago. We were scheduled to go to Boston and we never made it due to the weather. We did get to go to Houston Thursday. We saw the herbologist. She showed us some different massages to do to help stimulate my brain. She also showed my mommy how to use the creams and supplements that she sent. She wants to train my brain to ignore the seizure area. If we can do this, then the seizures will slow down. She showed us a 14 point pressure point routine that helps send messages to my brain. It basically helps the brain to work. We are very impressed with the knowledge that this herbologist has and we believe she can help me get better. While we were in Houston we stayed with Mr. Andy and Mrs. Rhonda Cobb. We were so thankful to get to stay and visit with them. We even had time to go see Santa while we were there. We also got lots of good information from the herbologist. We got home Friday night and left again today. We are now in Boston. We are staying at the Devin Nicole house tonight and our appointment is in the morning. We will see a neurologist, dietitian, and nurse. We are excited about seeing this keto team and we hope they can help me with this diet. Please pray that we have a great appointment tomorrow. Now a quick update on my seizures. My seizures are a little better. I haven’t had any at night in over a week. I’m still having alot during the day. Somewhere between 70-90. So they are better but still way to many. I’m definitely more alert since I started the supplements from the herbologist so that is great news. I’m also almost completely off my keppra. We think the keppra was increasing my seizures. As soon as we lowered it I stopped having seizures at night. So as you can see we have been very busy. Sorry I haven’t update my prayer warriors. I’ll try to do better 🙂 We love all of you and please continue to pray for me!!!

Mr. Burnell Simpson was hit be a vehicle while walking in Amite.  He has been checked out and is okay.  Pray he will recovery quickly and completely.

Ashlyn Neal, daughter of Bruce and Melissa, is recovering from a concussion.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Ramona in Rio

When you think about raising children, you probably don’t think about moving to a dangerous community. But to follow God’s plan for their lives, Eric and Ramona Reese had to be obedient and move to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to work with the urban poor. They minister to people in the “favelas,” or slums where drug dealers, prostitutes and gang members crowd the narrow streets.

In spite of the dangers, the Reeses don’t question God’s call for them to live in Rio. Though many of the places Eric goes are too dangerous to bring the rest of the family (which includes daughters Gloria, 12, and Alicia, 9), God has given them a peace about staying right where they are.

Ramona is a protective mother, of course, and she is grateful for the ways Southern Baptists give to support her family. In addition to providing the condominium where they live, gifts to the Lottie Moon offering pay the $153 per month condo taxes.

“The taxes keep the security guards watching us as we live in the housing condominium. In a city as violent as Rio, safety is a major concern. It is a very strategic place where we live. It enables us to get to the favelas to minister quite fast. It also enables others to visit us easily. I am thankful for our security guards and for Southern Baptists who pay our condo taxes.”

The Reeses are bringing the Gospel to the people who need it the most. When we give to support them and offer their family peace, they have the chance to bring the Prince of Peace to Brazil.

Kenneth Russell (Feltman) McDaniel

December 24, 1964 – December 17, 2010

Kenneth Russell (Feltman) McDaniel passed away Friday, December 17, 2010 at 5:45 pm at Baton Rouge General Hospital.  He was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Denham Springs, LA.  He was employed at Baton Rouge General Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joyce Smith McDaniel, two daughters, Lida Marie McDaniel and Neil Bullock, and Rebecca McDaniel, all of Denham Springs, the lights of his life, grandson, Donovan Bullock and granddaughter, Zoe’ McDaniel.  He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Shelly Feltman of Ponchatoula, LA, sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Malone Williams, Kentwood, and sister, Kathy Feltman, Baton Rouge, and mother-in-law, Lois Cutrer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert K. McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn W. McDaniel, 2 infant sons, a sister Byrl McDaniel, and a brother, Bill McDaniel.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 28 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA.

Gladys Young Frazier Lindsey

December 18, 1918 – December 16, 2010

Born December 18, 1918, passed away leaving her love ones on December 16, 2010 at the age of 91 at St. Helena Parish Hospital. She is survived by 4 daughters, Zula Hobgood of Ethel, LA, Murline Welch of Greensburg, LA, Joyce Strahan of Hammond, LA, and Deloris Schroeder of Livingston, 2 sons, R. J. Frazier of Mt. Hermon, LA and Jimmy Lindsey of Springfield, LA, 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 33 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mamie and Richard Young, 2 husbands, Percy Frazier and Clyde Lindsey, a son-in-law, A.E. “Buddy” Hobgood, and granddaughter Ruby Hobgood Fletcher, 3 sisters and 5 brothers. The family would like to express a special appreciation to Dr. A. J. Varnado and the staff of St. Helena Parish Hospital and Nursing Home. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, after 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2010 until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Day. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Friday

‎”For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6~

Pray for Mrs. Katherine Sanders.  She is scheduled to come home today.

From Judy Fowler

Frances (Gay) is in Lakeview Hospital, Mandeville. She has a blood clot in her leg. Will be in for 2 to 5 days. I am going down today. I will keep you updated.

Pray for my momma. Dot Smith, today as she sees the cardiologist as a follow-up to some tests.

THE FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

The following ideas about science were gleaned from essays, exams, and classroom discussions.  Most were from 5th and 6th graders.

*  Q:  What is one horsepower?
A:  One horsepower is the amount of energy it takes to drag a horse 500 feet in one second.

*  The law of gravity says no fair jumping up without coming back down.

*  When people run around and around in circles we say they are crazy.  When planets do it we say they are orbiting.

*  South America has cold summers and hot winters, but somehow they still manage.

*  Most books now say our sun is a star.  But it still knows how to change back into a sun in the daytime.

*  Water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees.  There are 180 degrees between freezing and boiling because there are 180 degrees between north and south.

*  Vacuums are nothings.  We only mention them to let them know we know they’re there.

*  Some oxygen molecules help fires burn while others help make water, so sometimes it’s brother against brother.

*  Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun.  But I have never been able to make out the numbers.

*  We say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation.  Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.

*  To most people solutions mean finding the answers.  But to chemists solutions are things that are still all mixed up.

*  I am not sure how clouds get formed.  But the clouds know how to do it, and that is the important thing.

*  Water vapor gets together in a cloud.  When it is big enough to be called a drop, it does.

*  Isotherms and isobars are even more important than their names sound.

*  It is so hot in some places that the people there have to live in other places.

*  Genetics explain why you look like your father and if you don’t why you should.

Oh, the wisdom of children!  I especially like that last one.  I would say that, in a similar way, the Bible explains why those of you who are Christians look like your Father, and if you don’t why you should!

That’s our goal, isn’t it?  To learn to love as He first loved us.  To have the kind of patience that He has shown with us through the years.  To grow in the wisdom to make right choices, as He is perfectly wise.  To be holy, just as He is holy.

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).

Here’s a personal question to cause you some reflection:  When people look at you, do they see the family resemblance?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Rita Garon Ricks

(June 16, 1924 – December 16, 2010)

A resident of Roseland, she died at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. She was born June 16, 1924 in Independence and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her son, Arthur Ricks, Jr. and his wife, Madeline, Roseland; sister, Bertha Folisso, Hammond; brother, Brownie Garon, Independence; 8 grandchildren including Carrie Ricks, Joshua Ricks, Matt Huckabee, Robert Dyson and Gary Dyson; 6 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Ricks; daughter, Carol Ricks; father, Leon Garon; mother, Beatrice Garon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2010. Interment Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa.

Have a blessed day!
Anna Lee

Monday

“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.

As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.”

~Psalm 119:33 (LB)~

Mrs. Katherine Sanders continues to get better.  Thanks for the prayers, calls, and visits.

Mr. Gordon Price has now been hospitalized for three weeks.  Please continue to pray for him and those caring for him.

The children’s musical, “A King is Coming to Town”, was wonderful last night.  God has blessed us with many talented adults and children.  The adults musical will be next Sunday morning at 10:30.  Y’all come!

CaringBridge: Larkin Dorris

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

Remember families that have memorial services today in this cold weather.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

NO ONE WILL deny that the Bible talks about a church…

But whose church?  Which church?  What church?

Let us begin by pointing out what it is not.  The church as described in the Bible is not Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish.  It is not denominational, inter-denominational, or sectarian.  It is not a political organization, just another social organization, and neither is it a material meeting house.

The majority of people do not understand the church because they do not know what it is.  Consequently, they do not understand the purpose of it, the importance of it, or the work of it.  But the Bible plainly tells us what it is.  The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which means “the called out.”  So the church is a called out body of people, those who have been called out of the world into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:13).  It is the spiritual body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), made up of those who have obeyed Christ (Hebrews 5:8,9), and therefore saved by Him and added to His church (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:47).  Another way of putting it, the church consists of the followers of Christ.

The word church appears in the Bible in two senses.  First, it is spoken of in the universal sense.  This is what Christ had in mind when he said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).  There are many other verses where the word church is used in the same way, speaking of the church in a universal sense.  That is, wherever the church may be found in the world, if it is the Bible church, it is that church which Jesus said He would build.  Second, it is spoken of in the local sense.  For instance, when Paul was writing to the church at Rome, and speaking of the various congregations, he said, “The churches of Christ greet you” (Romans 16:16).  He wasn’t speaking of a number of churches, in the sense of denominations, but rather a number of local congregations of the Lord’s church.  J. C. Choate

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2).

Have a great day!  Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.  Merry CHRISTMAS!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the end of the earth.”

~Acts 1:8~

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I’VE BEEN NICE…

I want a good present.

Have you heard anyone say this lately? Everyone’s focus is on buying and getting presents. With all of the hurried shopping going on, I wonder how many will learn the lesson of time. Children are so eager to receive their favorite gift. In a few weeks, they will want the newer models. It seems like 2010 began yesterday and now it is Christmastime.

As we celebrate the holidays, let’s be mindful of time. Along with the good gifts, it is wonderful to have a good present. The past is gone. The future comes at a quick pace. We cannot rewind or speed up life. Make memories and enjoy each day.

Modern technology allows us to accomplish so much in little time. On the other hand, technology can also slow down time. Have you ever replayed a decisive moment of a football game on television? We all have unique life experiences. Patience has not been my attribute. I am still growing and learning. As one day ends and another begins, time cannot be relived.

We may look back with regret, anger and resentment at all our dashed hopes, at all our “if onlys.” At times, we may consider the future bleak and want to rush past it. But we cannot alter time. Enjoy your present. What we have is God’s gift of today and freedom to choose how to live it.

Paul gave us an example when he wrote, “Forgetting what is behind … I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14.

Take your time today as a gift from God. Choose to use your present wisely and be grateful for your gift. Worrying about the past or the future keeps us from taking joy in the present. This is the season of joy. You deserve a good present. Enjoy.  Donna Avera at: http://savannahnow.com/effingham-now/2010-12-08/i-want-good-present

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”  Philippians 3:13

Stay warm today.  Help someone who might not be doing well in the cold weather.

Anna Lee

Saturday

After Herod died,

an angel of the Lord appeared

in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said,

“Get up, take the child and his mother

and go to the land of Israel, f

or those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

~Matthew 2:19-20 (NIV)~

From Cheryl Hughes Green:

I would like to give you a praise report. About 3 months ago I was told I had glucoma and pressure in both eyes. The doctors had some test done and people were praying for me. I saw a specialist yesterday and they told me that all the pressure is gone and no signs of glucoma. What a awesome God we serve.

Sister in Christ,

Cheryl

Mrs. Katherine Sanders is continuing to improve.  She will stay in the hospital through the weekend.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Today:  Mug & Muffin at FBC, Amite at 10 A.M.

Tomorrow: Missions March at FBC, Kentwood at 10:30 A.M.

Tomorrow Night: Children’s’ Musical at FBC, Kentwood and at East Fork Baptist Church

Mr. Keegan Zachary, husband of Mrs. Georgia Gaines Zachary, passed away.  Please be in prayer for the family.

THE BREVITY OF LIFE
The court jester was overcome with grief.  His world was at an end!  For a long time he had served the Caliph at Baghdad and his court, keeping them amused whenever they called upon him.  But in a moment of thoughtlessness he had displeased his ruler who had ordered that he be put to death.

“However,” said the Caliph, “in consideration of the merry jests you’ve told me all these years, I will let you choose how you are to die.”

“O most generous Caliph,” replied the jester, “if it’s all the same to you, I choose death by old age!”

I suppose, if given a choice, that’s the choice all of us would make.  Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), though, that choice is not ours to make.  We know (all too well) the fragile nature of life.  And perhaps it is for the best.  If we were guaranteed 90 years on this earth, we would be mighty tempted to wait until the last year or so to get serious about God (just like putting off those term papers in college!).  With a realization of the uncertainty of life, we recognize the need to be prepared at all times.

“LORD, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.  Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.” (Psa. 39:4-5).

May you be prepared for the joys that await when this life is over!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Make today a better day for someone else!

Anna Lee