Category: Devotional

Thursday

Quit quarreling with God!

Agree with him and you will have peace at last!

His favor will surround you

if you will only admit that you were wrong.

Job 22:21 (LB)


Continue to pray for Alice Faye Lee as she has a heart catherazation today.


Pray for little Caroline Williams as he has surgery today and goes through months in a cast.


Pray for Floyd and Lauren Fowler as she is admitted to the hospital for the birth of their first child.


Don Denton

Just a quick update: Don went into the office yesterday for almost 6 hours. He did better than he had expected.

This is a wonderful step in the direction of getting back to what we know as normal. He will be going into the office several days a week hopefully. We have set goals not too aggressive.

No updates as of yet for tests results.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Food, fellowship, and devotional time tonight at the Alford cabin at 6:30.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
MANY YEARS AGO I attended a gospel meeting…
For several days the truth went unheeded. Near the close of the meeting I saw a young man push his way to the isle and courageously walk down to obey the gospel. Of those present, he was considered least likely to take that action. The impact of that young man’s decision as felt over the entire assembly. Thirty-two other friends followed him down the aisle. It would be interesting to know how many hundreds of people those 32, in turn, have helped down some aisle somewhere in the intervening 30 years. The influence of that one boy who led the way will live after him.

Someone could be walking in your (or my) footprints. Are you (or Am I) leading in the right direction?
Anna Lee

“Because lawlessness will abound,

the love of many will grow cold.

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached

in all the world as a witness to all the nations,

and then the end will come.”

~Matthew 24:12-14, NKJV~



From Linda Williams

Please pray for my granddaughter, Caroline Williams, age 15 months, who will have hip surgery Thursday, Feb. 19, at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS. She will be in a body cast for 6 weeks with another surgery and 6 weeks of cast to follow. Please pray for her family as they care for her.


Lauree Titus will have a MRI today to try to determine her problem. Pray her to be able to learn the nature of her problem and receive proper treatment.


INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

“At one time the whole earth had

the same language and vocabulary.”

~Genesis 11:1, HCSB~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for missionaries in language training.

At this time last year, certain workers among the Aegean (ah-JEE-an) Turks of Turkey had only been in their country of service for approximately two months. Now that they have passed the one-year mark, they look back and see many ways the Father has patiently cared for them. He has provided local friends, a great language teacher, supportive co-workers, and many opportunities to learn how to share most effectively the hope of Jesus with those who have never heard it. What incredible resources are at the tips of His fingers!

For the past several months, Senufo Supyire (SIN-oo-fo su-PEER-ay) Team members in Mali have had a busy schedule of travel, visitors, and various meetings. They are now able to slow down a bit and are planning to spend more time immersing themselves in village life to focus on language learning. Each week they will spend several nights and days in a rural village and then return to their house in town to rest and accomplish other tasks that need to be done. Language learning in and of itself can be draining, but adding the difficult living conditions makes it even more stressful.

Transitioning from their home culture to the culture of their people group is often a struggle for missionaries. Language missionaries have recently arrived in Costa Rica and are attending the Spanish Language Institute. A couple in the Last Frontier asked for prayers as they study a particularly complicated language. Pray also for missionaries among the Tuareg of West Africa to develop a clear understanding of Tuareg culture and language.

* Please pray for missionaries to whole-heartedly devote their energies to language learning and ask God to help them retain the lessons learned.

* Pray for adequate rest and continued health during their studies.

* Intercede for language “graduates” to continue growing in their understanding of the Father and of the people and culture among which they live and speak.


Baptist Press

February 17, 2009

TENNESSEE–Hunt: Financial turmoil can yield revival. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29898

TENNESSEE–In financial crisis, show faith, Chapman urges. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29899

TENNESSEE–Open letter to Southern Baptists: ‘dark day may be brightest day.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29900

SOUTH CAROLINA–Revving up for bikers in Myrtle Beach. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29901

LOUISIANA–Graham slates Miss. River ‘fishing trip.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29902

TENNESSEE–‘Fireproof,’ ‘Love Dare’ high on sales charts. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29903

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Recapturing a sense of lostness. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29904

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
JESUS HAD POWER (Colossians 1:16, 17)…
“Wonder-working” power (Luke 5:17). He could walk on water, raise the dead, and instantly heal those afflicted with horrible, life-long disease. He could cast out demons, feed thousands with but a few loaves and fish, and transform water into wine. He could rebuke the storm and calm the sea. He had power (Acts 10:38).
And yet–perhaps his most surprising manifestation of power was the intentional failure to employ it (1 Peter 2:21-23; cf. Isaiah 53:7; Mark 14:61). Despite the unlimited miraculous resources at His disposal–when faced with Calvary and all that entailed–Jesus restrained His own mighty hand.
Has it ever occurred to you that one of the Lord’s most significant displays of power was expressed in a non-miraculous way? (Mike Benson)
“And while He was being accused
by the chief priests and elders,
He answered nothing.”
~Matthew 27:12~

May you recognize the blessings in your life today.
Anna Lee

Tuesday


“I cried to the Lord with my voice,

and He heard me from His holy hill.”

~Psalm 3:4~

Mrs. Ruby Dillon

“Miss Ruby” has been undergoing some medical tests recently. Please pray for her and her family as her tests continue.

Ronald Putman

Ronald Putman continues to progress in rehabilitation in Baton Rouge. He is scheduled to come home Friday. Thank you for your continued prayers for him.


Update on Don Denton

Tomorrow will be one week that Don has been out of the hospital. He is doing well. He continues to gain strength. WE are most hopeful that Don will just continue to get better. He has a few more weeks on his steroids before tapering to the dosage that he has relapsed twice before.

So as you can imagine, we are asking God that Don not have another relapse. I can see changes for the better in Don. Although his dizziness does not change for the better at this point, I can see physical changes.

He will start going into the office tomorrow. He can’t wait. He is so ready to be back at work. He just will go in for a few hours to see how well he is able to get around and do some work at his desk.

We have not received results as of yet on MRA. We are hopeful that the hole will have healed in the artery. WE will find out further this Wednesday about the specialist in Kansas City as well.

And we have yet another big prayer request. For those of you who are not animal lovers, please bear with me on this one. We have a dog. Her name is Quequag. That is another story as to how she got her name. But she is a about 2.5 years. We adopted her a few months after we had a failed adoption. We had a painful loss back in March of 2007 after seven months of a toddler-girl- living with us in hopes of adopting and it failed. So, a few months after that, I found this dog and well there you have it, we have had her for almost two years now.

I took her, our dog to the vet for a regular check up a few weeks back. The vet found a lump. The dog had surgery to remove it last week. The vet tells me that it went very deep and it does not look good. WE will find out on Friday whether this is cancer. This just feels like too much sometimes. WE just need some good news here. And although this may sound insignificant, as you know, life has been very difficult for the past five months. So please pray for us in that way if you feel lead. She is a beloved pet. Have you ever felt that if “just one more things happens” kinda thing. It is how I feel. Truth is I know one more thing could happen. It is life. We are not promised a perfect life.

Joshua seems to be doing better in some ways since Don came home from the hospital. It just will take time. As Don progresses I think Joshua will too. Well, I have promised myself that I will get to bed earlier tonight.

We had a precious Valentines Day. Just simple and precious. It truly is a miracle that Don is with us. WE really have so much to celebrate.

Please keep praying for us. We have some big hurdles to overcome these next few weeks.

Thanking you again can’t begin to say what you all mean to us. Thank you for continuing to lift us up before our heavenly Father. Thank you for continuing to reach out to us on this long journey and season of our life. Thank you for your grace and acts of kindness.

And if anyone ever wants an amazing muffin – Barbara Smith – makes the best muffins I have ever had! I have savored every one of them and worked hard at sharing them with Don and Josh.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE SALMON NEARLY leaped onto to their hooks…
That was a far cry from the day before when the four anglers couldn’t even seem to catch an old boot.
Disappointed but not discouraged, they had climbed aboard their small seaplane and skimmed over the Alaskan mountains to a pristine, secluded bay where the fish were sure to bite.
They parked their aircraft and waded upstream, where the water teemed with ready-to-catch salmon. Later that afternoon, when they returned to their camp, they were surprised to find the seaplane high and dry. The tides fluctuated twenty-three feet in the particular bay, and the pontoons rested on a bed of gravel. Since they couldn’t fly out till morning, they settled in for the night and enjoyed some of their catch for dinner, then slept in the plane. In the morning the seaplane was adrift, so they promptly cranked the engine and started to take off. Too late, they discovered one of the pontoons had been punctured and was filled with water. The extra weight threw the plane into a circular pattern. Within moments from liftoff the seaplane careened into the sea and capsized.
Dr. Phil Littleford determined that everyone was alive, including his twelve-year-old son, Mark. He suggested that they pray, which the other two men quickly endorsed. No safety equipment could be found on board–no life vests, no flares, nothing. The plane gurgled and submerged into the blackness of the icy morning sea. The frigid Alaskan water chilled their breath.
They all began to swim for shore, but the rip-tide countered every stroke. The two men alongside Phil and Mark were strong swimmers and they both made shore, one just catching the tip of land as the tides pulled them out toward sea.
Their two companions last saw Phil and Mark as a disappearing dot on the horizon, swept arm-in-arm out to sea. The Coast Guard reported they probably lasted no more than an hour in the freezing waters–hypothermia would chill the body functions and they would go to sleep. Mark, with a smaller body mass, would fall asleep first in his father’s arms. Phil could have made the shoreline, too, but that would have meant abandoning his son. Their bodies were never found. (Patrick Morley)
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8; cf. Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34

Smile first, then think.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Don’t you just love hearing how children twist the words of familiar songs? A 5-year-old MK (missionary kid) was prancing through his house one day, singing at the top of his lungs, “He is exhausted, the King is exhausted on high. . . .” Hallelujah that our King is never exhausted and He receives our prayers and petitions gladly! Give thanks that your prayers are a vital and active part of each missionary’s ministry. One couple writes: “We would not be able to continue without your active participation in our lives. We thank God for you!”

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Be kindly affectionate

to one another with brotherly love,

in honor giving preference to one another.”

~Romans 12:10, NKJV~


Alice Faye Lee is having a heart catherization Thursday in Baton Rouge and requests prayer.


Elizabeth Carol New is hospitalized at North Oaks. Please add her to your prayer list.


Share group meeting at the Alford cabin Thursday night at 6:30. Ya’ll come!

Pray for Holly K. as she begins week two homeschooling her MK’s (missionary kids) and as she continues to turn down marriage proposals!


 ACCEPTABLE DEFECTS

The following “true story” speaks a lot about the quality of Japanese products and their quality standards. Supposedly, they’re still laughing about this at IBM.

It seems the computer giant decided to have some parts manufactured in Japan as a trial project. In the specifications, they set out that they will accept three defective parts per 10,000.

When the delivery came in, there was an accompanying letter: “We, Japanese people, had a hard time understanding North American business practices. But the three defective parts per 10,000 have been separately manufactured and have been included in the consignment. Hope this pleases you.”

I wonder, how many defects are we willing to accept in our spiritual lives? “Yes, I know there’s some greed and gossip and lust, but three defects per ten thousand is still acceptable!” Is our goal as Christians to get our “defects” down to an “acceptable” level, or is our goal to get rid of them all? I know, I know, we’ll never achieve that level of perfection in this life. But what is our goal? How much sin are we willing to tolerate before it becomes “unacceptable”?

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Rom. 6:1-2)

“My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin.” (I John 2:1a)

That’s our goal! May you be satisfied in your spiritual life with nothing less than striving to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ himself.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

May each of you have a fantastic week!

Anna Lee



Sunday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~


Floyd and Freda Angeletti (IMB in Romania)

. . . . Our prayer request: The most urgent request began Friday evening when Freda was visiting with two ladies here at the Eden House in Budapest (where Floyd and Freda has just completed medical tests and received good reports). She stood to stretch for a minute and immediately said, “Something don’t feel right.” We went to our room and she stretched out on the bed but after 15 minutes did not feel any better so we called our colleagues who had a doctor call immediately and then came to take us to the clinic. The young doctor was excellent and caring. It was determined there that we should go to a neurology hospital and we were transported by ambulance as our colleagues followed. We were all very impressed with the diligence the young neurologist took in examining Freda. After a CT scan it was decided that Freda had a mild stroke with the symptoms of feeling light headed and a tendency to lose balance to the right. When she walks she keeps moving toward the right instead of straight ahead and has great difficulty in keeping her balance. Freda was admitted to the hospital and we returned to the Eden House around 3 AM and packed the things she would need. Our colleagues were back at the hospital this morning at 8:30 AM to delivered the things Freda needed and check on her. They took me up this evening and on the way we stopped and I purchase her lots of snacks and fruit. She is in good spirits and feels blessed that nothing more was affected. It will be Monday before more will be determined but if the current diagnosis is correct there is a medication that often corrects the condition. It can work quickly or it can require some retraining of the brain.

The hospital Freda is in is okay by Eastern Europe standards. She has to provide her own eating utensils, towel, washcloth, etc., and the food leaves a little to be desired. Although she is in a ward with six beds and a couple ladies who have some sad problems she is fine. The most difficult thing is none of the nurses speak English but they care and can surely tell that we all appreciate them. I took Freda some chocolate to share with the nurses. So far we have been able to get in to see her thanks to the experience of our colleagues but the hospital is not allowing visitor (including immediate family) because of a sever flu epidemic in Budapest. They are protecting the staff and patients.

Please join us in praising God that Freda’s mind or speech was affected and that she has no paralysis. Praise Him for caring staff and colleagues who watch over her. Praise Him that Freda has a hopeful spirit as she trust Him for His will.

Join us in prayer for perfect healing; That Freda will be a living testimony for our Lord Jesus; For comfort and protection as she sleeps; Guidance for the doctors and staff as they care for her, and for being able to return to Bucharest soon. Our other prayer concerns are for guidance in decisions as we seek the Lords will for us in the future. That we will have wisdom in packing and preparing for an April 2nd departure for the U.S. That we will find an affordable way to get back some of the special memories and personal items that we wish to keep. It’s not so much more than we came with but then the checked baggage allowance was 70 lbs and now it’s 50 lbs. Extra luggage cost much less to carry when we came and it will be difficult for me as the doctor said that I needed three months before lifting anything so heavy. Better yet, pray as the Spirit leads you to pray. The Lord knows our needs better than we do.

. . .

As I write this it occurs to me that it is Valentines Day and our good intentions of recognizing you with a greeting have slipped away covered by circumstances. But it is our wish that someone has told you today that they love you and that your have told others.

In Christ’s love,

Floyd and Freda


Floyd and Lauren Fowler

The baby will be born Thursday, if not before. Please continue to pray for the Fowlers.


Doris Hill Chambers
(January 5, 1938 – February 13, 2009)

Passed away at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2009 at her residence in Ponchatoula, LA at the age of 71 years. She was a native of Oak Grove. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Tim McJunkin. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. She is survived by her son, Brad Chambers, Ponchatoula. She was preceded in death by her husband, Holland Chambers; parents, Harry and Emma Lee Hill; 2 sisters, Cloredale Spartman and Dorothy Barnett; 1 brother, Tillman Hill. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

James Isaac Perry
(December 19, 1915 – February 13, 2009)

U.S. Veteran James Perry, 93, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2009 at Tangi-Pines Nursing Home in Amite. He was born December 19, 1915 in Mohawk, TN. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II, then worked in the lumber industry for International Paper and Georgia Pacific in Arkansas and Louisiana. He is survived by his daughter, Annette Underwood, Clarksville, Ark.; son, Gary W. Perry and his wife, Sondra, Amite; 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Delora Perry; 2 brothers and a sister; granddaughter, Kathy Underwood; son-in-law, Dr. Clyde Underwood. Graveside Services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in the Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster.


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
A MAN WAS discussing how empty his life was, and he knew that something had to be changed…
This might appear strange, because he had all of the outward signs of success — at least those the world prized highly.
To illustrate the void in his life he said, “The only happiness I have had lately was something that happened the last time I came to services. That was a day when the temperatures dropped noticeably while we were at worship. As I began to drive off the parking lot, I noticed an elderly couple leaving. They did not have coats because they lived so close, and they had walked to services. It was cold, so I turned around and drove over to them. I rolled my window down and insisted, in spite of their reluctance, that they let me take them home. That feeling of being helpful was the greatest thing I had felt in a long, long time.”
Life is at its best when we’re doing good for others. Much of the depression experienced by millions stems from being too self-focused. The harder people try to please themselves and lay hold of happiness, the more frustratingly elusive satisfaction becomes. God made our eyes to look outward not inward. As we key in on the hurts and pains of our neighbors, surprisingly our own petty grievances seem to shrink in proportion. Maybe, secretly, we realize that if we can help others cope with life, there is hope for us too. (Kerry Knight)
“…I know that here is nothing better
for man than to be happy
and do good while they live.”
~Ecclesiastes 3:11~

Be happy. Serve God and others!
Anna Lee

Saturday


For God so loV ed the world,
That He gA ve
his onL y
BegottE n
SoN
T hat whosoever
Believeth I n Him
Should N ot perish,
But have E verlasting life.”
John 3:16

That’s love!

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is improving. Let’s thank God for her progress and pray she continues to progress.

James Isaac Perry
(December 19, 1915 – February 13, 2009)

U.S. Veteran A resident of Amite, passed away at 5:20PM on Friday, February 13, 2009 at Tangi-Pines Nursing Home in Amite, LA at the age of 93 years. He was a native of Mohawk, TN.

Arrangements are incomplete at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.


Doris Hill Chambers
(January 5, 1938 – February 13, 2009)

Mrs. Chambers passed away at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2009 at her residence in Ponchatoula, LA at the age of 71 years.

Arrangement are incomplete at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.


Anthony “Tony” Thomas Dykes
(August 5, 1929 – February 13, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died at 1:17 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2009 at Regency Hospital in Covington, LA. He was a native of Mt. Hermon, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 79 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Interment Passman Cemetey, Franklinton, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Regina Dykes Murray, Kentwood, Lea Ann Dykes, Kentwood, step-daughter, Wanda Smith, Kentwood, step-son, Dewayne Hyde, Kentwood, 7 grandchildren, Amanda Murray, Amber Murray, Breanna Dykes, Jakobe Dykes, Caden Dykes, Meghan Smith, Michael Smith, 5 sisters, 1 brother. Preceded in death by wife, Shirley G. Dykes, step-son, John “Clay” Hyde, parents, Tommy Dykes, Ada Husser Dykes, and step-mother, Ruby Dykes.

THIS IS HEAVEN

An 85-year-old couple, having been married almost 60 years, died in a car crash. They had been in good health the last ten years mainly due to her interest in health food and exercise. When they reached the pearly gates, Peter took them to their mansion which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen and master bath suite and Jacuzzi. As they “oohed and aahed”, the old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. “It’s free,” Peter replied, “this is heaven.”

Next they went out back to survey the championship golf course that the home backed up to. They would have golfing privileges every day, and each week the course changed to a new one representing the great golf courses on earth. The old man asked, “what are the green fees?” Peter’s reply, “This is heaven, you play for free.”

Next they went to the club house and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisines of the world laid out. “How much to eat?” asked the old man. “Don’t you understand yet? This is heaven, it is free!” Peter replied with some exasperation. “Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol tables?” the old man asked timidly. Peter said, “That’s the best part…you can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you never get fat and you never get sick. This is heaven.”

With that, the old man went into a fit of anger, throwing down his hat and stomping on it, shrieking wildly. Peter and his wife both tried to calm him down, asking him what was wrong. The old man looked at his wife and said, “This is all your fault! If it weren’t for your blasted bran muffins, I could have been here ten years ago!”

If only we knew what lies ahead, we might not be so hesitant to leave what lies around us. We cling so tightly to what we see, wondering if anything could possibly be better. But we have God’s assurance that His children have an inheritance far greater than anything we can even imagine.

“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.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Our inheritance is “incorruptible”. In a day of transient fads, it’s difficult to find anything permanent. But in our heavenly inheritance we’ll finally know real permanence and unending security.

Our inheritance is “undefiled.” Isn’t it disgusting when your freshly mown lawn is cluttered with beer cans thrown from passing cars? When beautiful lakes and rivers are choked with pollution? Even truth is perverted, morality is corrupted. But there will be no such defacing of our heavenly inheritance. The heavenly inheritance is for those who appreciate the beauty of being with God.

Our inheritance is “unfading.” In this world, life fades with age. Even relationships with friends and sometimes even with family members can grow stale. But, in heaven, everything remains as fresh as it is at the outset.

May the hope of what lies ahead brighten your day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day! I’m looking forward to the Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

Friday

So then, my friends,

because of God’s great mercy to us

I appeal to you:

Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God,

dedicated to his service and pleasing to him.

This is the true worship that you should offer.

~Romans 12:1-2 (TEV)~



John Schaffner is the pastor of Roseland Baptist Church and the BMC director at SLU. His wife’s sister, Roaryn (?) Beck recently had a baby that was born two months premature. Please pray for the mother and the baby as they deal with medical issues. This family is in southwest Louisiana.


Don Denton

Today was a busy day in that Don had appointment in Springfield with ENT so he could get referral to doctor in Kansas City. That went well for Don and he was encouraged. Thank you so much to Larry Hodges for taking Don to Springfield and back. It was most helpful to us.

And we are most grateful to Dr. Nutt for coming to our home to fit Don’s glasses. He came by on his lunch hour yesterday to help so that Don would not have to go into the office. We are blessed and we give thanks.

Don has another test tomorrow in Springfield. He has a MRA. This is to look at the dissection in the Carotid Artery. Our hope is that the hole is closed up and that he will no longer have to be on a blood thinner.

I can’t seem to catch up on feeling rested. Please pray that I will get the rest that I need. I am still so tired these days.

We continue to pray for healing with the dizziness and are in hopes of relief for Don.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

Floyd and Freida Angeletti

Thank you for praying for Floyd’s surgery. Below is Freda’s note she wrote last night but sent out today. Please continue to pray for Floyd as he recovers and as they prepare to return to the US in April.

Melinda

From yesterday:

I am writing this at the hospital and will be spending the night here, but it will be tomorrow before I can send it. Floyd’s surgery went well but the surgeon had to do more than he had anticipated. He is comfortable and not having too much pain yet. We thank you for praying with us and covet your continued prayers for rapid healing.

We will be returning to Bucharest as soon as the doctor says it is okay for Floyd to travel. Then we will only have a few weeks to finalize ministry, office transformation, selling what we can and packing. With my back problems and Floyd’s soreness, we will be a pair.

We praise God for His loving mercy, for listening to our petitions, giving us assurances of His presence and His unfathomable love.

Again, thank you for your sustaining love and prayers.

Love, Joy and Blessings,

Floyd and Freda


Eva Mae White Strickland
(February 16, 1935 – February 11, 2009)

Died at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at her daughter’s home in Magnolia, MS. She was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 73 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Barbara Gale Gill Ardillo, Amite and Kathy Sue Gill McClendon, Gillsburg, MS; 3 sons, Stanley “Junebug” Gill, Jr., Kentwood, David Mike Gill, Kentwood and Heath Chambliss, Kentwood; 11 grandchildren, Jamie, Tabatha and Britany McClendon, Ashton, Whitney, Stan, and Chris Gill, Aaron Ardillo, Aaron, Destinee and Austin Chambliss; 3 great-grandchildren, Colton McClendon, Braylon Hammonds and Kassidy Tastet; 3 sisters, Ruby Santangelo, Independence, Ruth Catalano, Bay St. Louis, MS and Audery Vadrine, Pineville; 1 brother, Ray White, Kentwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Strickland; parents, Ellis and Maudie White; sister, Anne Mae Temple; 3 brothers, Clyde White, Hewitt White and Mut White; son-in-law, Michael McClendon.

Joseph S. Divincenti Sr.


Holly K’s February Newsletter

Thank God for:

– Language skills and lessons

– Good beginning to homeschooling

– Housekeeper to attack the dust daily

Ask God for:

– Conversation partner

– Operation Christmas Child (Shoeboxes) delivery in March

– People group

– Building of relationships

Funny

– Street-side salesmen selling carrot peelers (Holly thought they were selling the carrots they were demonstrating with.)

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WHY DOES A person enter military service…?
Some want to travel and see the world. Others are thrill seekers who find the adventure (and danger) exhilarating. Quite a few choose a career in the service for financial rewards (college tuition, home loans, medical coverage and early retirement).
Then there are the patriots: farmers, teachers, factory workers and businessmen who are not career soldiers, yet these honorable citizens can be counted on in a time of crisis. These are men and women who serve their country out of loyalty rather than personal gain. They enlist, not because they love a good fight, but because they believe in defending what is right! They are peacemakers, not pleasure seekers or profiteers.
Similarly, God’s patriots are people with high spiritual aims. They are ordinary Christians who are reluctant to fight yet prepared to stand and be counted for truth when duty demands it. To the contrary, false teachers are motivated by things like notoriety, paychecks, selfish agendas or the intoxicating smell of battle. (Aubrey Johnson)
“Woe to them!
For they have gone in the way of Cain,
have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit,
and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”
~Jude 11~

Valentine Banquet

Tonight at FBC, Kentwood @ 7 P.M.

Youth fundraiser for summer activities

KOMpray (Kids on Mission Pray)

http://imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=6686&LanguageID=1709

This will bring a smile to your hear. 🙂

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Since you are his child,

everything he has belongs to you.

Galatians 4:7 (NLT)


Jamie Schwartz has completed his second tour of duty in Iraq. Thank God for his safety and the work he was able to accomplish while there. Thank God for all the others who have safefy returned. Pray for those who are still serving around the world to provide freedom and protection.


Lauren Fowler’s baby will be born by the end of next week. Pray for Lauren and Floyd as they wait for the big event.


Pray for successful cataract surgery for Jimmy Harrell today.


Walter Dykes and Stacey Tolar have had surgery and are in the recovery process now. Keep them in your prayers.


Aubrey Perry, Karen Miller’s brother, is now taking radiation. Pray for him as he continues his treatments in Alabama.

SIGNS OF LIFE

English sign in German cafe: “Mothers, Please Wash Your Hans Before Eating.”

On a scientist’s door: “Gone Fission”

Outside a hotel: “Help! We need inn-experienced people.”

On a music teacher’s door: “Out Chopin.”

On the door of a music library: “Bach in a minuet.”

At a farmer’s field: “The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.”

In a podiatrist’s window: “Time wounds all heels.”

At the Electric Company: “We would be de-lighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don’t, you will be.”

On Maternity Room door: “Push, Push, Push”

Sign on fence: “Salesmen welcome. Dog food is expensive.”

Muffler shop: “No appointment necessary. We’ll hear you coming.”

Veterinarian’s waiting room: “Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!”

Optometrist’s office: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.”

That last sign is just a humorous way of saying that it is only those people who are sick who are in need of the doctor. And isn’t that what Jesus himself said?

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)

Jesus and the Pharisees often had conflict over the “sinners”. The Pharisees drew a sharp dividing line between the righteous and the sinners. No good Jew would ever associate with “that kind of people.”

But, while the feeling of the religious leaders was contempt and disgust for sinners, that certainly wasn’t the attitude of Jesus. Jesus often ate and drank with them and invited one of them (Levi) to be one of his apostles. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being the “friend of tax-collectors and sinners.” But to Jesus, that was a compliment. And it is perhaps the most endearing and touching description of our Lord.

Jesus didn’t come to hobnob with the religious elite. He came to save sinners. He didn’t come to make small talk with people too blind to see how sin-sick they truly were. He came to be a doctor to those who were sick and knew it. It wasn’t those who claimed to be “righteous” who commanded Christ’s attention. It was the “sinners” he came looking for.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that the church is not a place for people who are perfect, but rather a place for those who are sick (with sin) who are seeking healing at the hands of the Great Physician.

Don’t stay away from church because you don’t have it all together. Come and find healing along with the rest of us who don’t have it all together either.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for praying today! Your prayers are appreciated by many people.

Anna Lee

Wedenesday

“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~

Update on Mrs. Faye Price

Hi, Just wanted to let you know Faye is not off the ventalitor just yet. She has periods of time that she off, but she is not completely free from the vent. Keep praying for her complete healing and for her to be rid of the vent. Also pray for her family and medical staff.
Thanks
Laura
Update on Don Denton

Don is home after a very long day….Don being released from the hospital this morning but not getting to leave until around 7:30pm this evening, ugh! We are home….Yeah! and tired.

We are so very very glad that Don is home. He is very tired and weaker of course. He has taken a few steps back, but hopefully not for long.

Today started with good news at the homefront here, the dishwasher manufacture is going to replace our kitchen floor for us. There was damage from the leaking and small fire that we had from the “dishwasher recall”. So we are excited that we will have a new kitchen floor sometime in the future. We are not at a place where we can have someone come in and work in our kitchen now. Life is too busy these days.

The even better news is that this hospital stay of six days was about a separate illness and not a relapse.

WE are going to have to be much more careful about doctor visits and physical therapy. Don may have to wear a mask and gloves. when out, especially doctor appts. He will need to be treated like a “cancer” patient, because he is still on steroids and his body is very compromised.

We continue to learn more about what we need to do.

Pray for us, we are still struggling with the insurance company. I have spoken to them and they claim not to have approved a “in network gap exception” for Don at Mayo. They told me that they don’t have a record of approving this. Although when I give them name of person, date and time, they still are claiming I am wrong. I spent almost 3 hours on the phone between Mayo and our insurance company working at trying to get this resolved. Unfortunately I will need to file an appeal. WE have wonderful advocates trying to help us from the church and school and I am so grateful for their advice. I could not do this without them.

We saw neurologist about 6pm this evening and she is going to help us along with our ID doctor to get Don the help he needs for the severe vertigo. It may take a few weeks, but we are hopeful.

Your cards and letters and encouragement are amazing words of hope and love. WE continue to be strengthened by your prayers and by the words from scripture and encouragement. Don and I are so blessed by you all. I have found myself again at this place where I did not think I could do one more thing. I have been so discouraged and God has used you to encourage Don and I.

You can’t begin to know what this has meant to us.

This time of illness for Don has been a test of my faith, not understanding why. My precious husband who is a man that knows God and seeks to know God in a deeper way, who has been a model for me and our son. In a way that is full of grace and patience. God uses this man to show me unconditional love. He is the one that has this quiet trusting faith.

I continue to come to this place of having to trust even when I don’t understand. If we never have answers as to why, it is OK. Hard stuff happens in life, very hard stuff. It could be allot worse. I get that. I see others who suffer, really suffer. God has been a constant even when I am at my weakest. Even when I have been weary and not wanting to talk to God about this. God has never left.

I am so thankful that is not up to me to get it all right and I can rest in that truth. Christ in me the Hope of Glory. I have understood this truth for sometime now. And as I continue to grow in Christ I can see how “Resting” in what I can’t see is so important. It does not make the pain easier, it does not make the grieving easier, but there is comfort in Knowing that my God has not left and never will.

Well it is late and I have a mound of clothes to fold. But the good news is my two favorite guys are here at home. I am a tired happy camper.

God bless you our friends and family,

Diane

Baptist Press

February 10, 2009

INDIA–Life improving for destitute Bengali women. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29843

CALIFORNIA–Pastor, wife returning home, await reuion with daughter, son. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29844

TENNESSEE–Ken Starr gives Prop 8 argument preview. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29845

TEXAS–RecLab combines physical & spiritual. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29846

TEXAS–There’s a purpose to ‘games, games, games.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29847

MICHIGAN–FIRST-PERSON (Bob Carpenter): When to leave your church. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29848


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
NEHEMIAH RETURNED TO the ruins of Jerusalem to restore the city…
He rallied the remnant people of Israel, and they immediately began rebuilding the wall. Several naysayers and antagonistic groups attempted to intimidate the workers and stall the work. Then word came to Nehemiah and his workers that the enemies were about to attack. Listen to the anxious voices around Nehemiah:
We are exhausted: “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot build the wall.”
We are doomed: “Our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.'”
We are outnumbered: “Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over ‘Wherever you turn, they will attack us.'”
The situation became highly charged with anxiety: Nehemiah’s workers were anxious. The antagonists also became anxious, fearing the Jews might actually succeed in rebuilding the wall and take power.
However, rather than joining in the anxious fray of his people and of their enemies, Nehemiah remained calm, creative, and focus on the goal. He calmed his people’s fears and then galvanized them to action. In fifty-two days the wall stood at its full height. Rather than freeze, flee, or even fight, Nehemiah led his people through the emotional pain to which they subjected themselves and accomplished the task. (Jon Mullican)

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,
‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'”
~Matthew 14:27~
Have a wonderful Wednesday and “be of good cheer”!
Anna Lee

Tuesday


“Come to Me,

all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28~

Big 10 from teamromany

February 2009

This will be the final Big 10 from teamromany. In March, the International Mission Board will be implementing reorganization plans that have been underway for several months. All of teamromany members will still be working with Roma. We are excited that we will now be clustered with additional colleagues who are working with Roma in other countries. We will still be sharing prayer requests with you, but they will come in a new format and include prayer requests for Roma and those serving among them throughout all of Europe.

1. Thank you for praying for International World Changers leaders who traveled to Prague in January for planning and then on to ministry sites across Europe. Leaders were able to meet with teamromany missionaries to make plans for projects this summer. Please pray for the hundreds of college and high school students who will serve with us this summer through IWC projects.

2. Bob and Gayle are in Prague for team leader training. Pray for them as they complete assignments this month. Pray that the training will help better prepare them for their role in ministry. Boyd will lead one of the training sessions today. Please pray for him as he encourages and equips new team leaders.

3. Please pray for Boyd as he attends the first Cluster Leaders’ meeting Feb. 18-21. The leaders will be working on details of the new reorganization. Please pray for all those affected by the changes.

4. Last weekend Boyd and the Silbys made a visit to Slovakia. They were able to meet pastors and church planters who are working among the Roma. Pray for the Silbys as they make decisions about moving to Slovakia in the future.

5. Please pray for a team of students from Union University who will volunteer in Romania in March. Thank God for these students who are using their spring break for ministry.

7. Please pray for the village of Macin, Romania. The Hills and Banks have begun ministering in this area. God is beginning to open doors in this village. Pray that the Hills and Banks would know how to encourage the people there to grow in their relationships with Christ.

8. While in Slovakia, Boyd and the Silbys visited the village of Cino Bana. Fifteen Roma were baptized there last fall. Thank God for working in the lives of the Roma there and pray for these new believers to grow in discipleship.

9. Please pray for Daniel as he works with youth in villages around Cluj, Romania.

10. Please pray for Mirek, a Romany believer in Prague. He is considering moving to Brno to lead the Bible study. Until this time, a faithful Czech believer has led the group, but the Roma are very excited about having a Roma lead them. Thank God for the faithfulness of Mr. Smilek, the Czech man who had been open to serving among the Roma and pray for Mirek as he accepts this leadership role.

Thank you for praying with us and for us.

Daniel Byrd – Romania

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel – Czech Republic

Bob and Gayle Hill – Romania

Joe and Julie Silby – Czech Republic

teamromany.com

Don Denton

It looks like Don may be coming home tomorrow. We will know in the morning.

. . .

WE are so excited that Don is coming home. It has been Saturday since I have seen him and last Friday since Joshua has seen him.

Thank you for your help.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

About the same time that we began praying for Don Denton, we also became aware of the need of Emily Panter through Frann S. Clark. Emily posted a picture of herself, her mother, and the baby that was only a couple days old when Emily became seriously ill. As you can see, God had really answered the many prayers for Emily.



Mom was just able to spend the past two weeks with me. It was a wonderful visit. I assume it was more like what she had expected the visit to be back in october. Thanks for coming mom! I love you.

I received word that Mrs. Faye Price is continuing to improve and is now off the vent. Please continue to pray for her, her family, and the staff at the rehabilitation hospital.

RENAMING SIN

Someone has come up with the following list of “politically correct” terms for teenagers:

* No one fails a class anymore, he’s merely “passing impaired.”
* You don’t have detention, you’re just one of the “exit delayed.”
* Your bedroom isn’t cluttered, it’s just “passage restrictive.”
* These days, a student isn’t lazy. He’s “energetically declined.”
* Your locker isn’t overflowing with junk, it’s just “closure prohibitive.”
* Kids don’t get grounded anymore. They merely hit “social speed bumps.”
* Your homework isn’t missing, it’s just having an “out-of-notebook experience.”
* You’re not sleeping in class, you’re “rationing consciousness.”
* You’re not late, you just have a “rescheduled arrival time.”
* You’re not having a bad hair day, you’re suffering from “rebellious follicle syndrome.”
* You’re not shy. You’re “conversationally selective.”
* You weren’t passing notes in class. You were “participating in the discreet exchange of penned meditations.”
* You’re not being sent to the principal’s office. You’re “going on a mandatory field trip to the administrative building.”
* It’s not called gossip anymore. It’s “the speedy transmission of near-factual information.”
* The food at the school cafeteria isn’t awful. It’s “digestively challenged.”

We have become experts at using language to hide the reality of our situation. We don’t hear much about homosexuals; instead we talk of those with an “alternative lifestyle.” Fornication is now referred to as “cohabiting with a significant other.” We rarely sin; we merely “fail to live up to our full potential.” It’s not a new game — the Pharisees neglected the welfare of their parents, but called it “Corban” (dedication to God).

Changing the wording doesn’t change the sin. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Thank you for being there to pray today. Your prayers make a difference to many situations and many people.
Anna Lee