Devotional – Page 233 – The Prayer Link

Monday

Ephesians 2:8-9

“By grace you are saved through faith,

and this is not from yourselves;

it is God’s gift – not from works,

so that no one can boast.”

Jane Duncan asks us to pray for Donald’s cousin, Shira Easley. Shira lives in Donald’s neighborhood and has cancer.

Joan Hagan asks for continued prayer for her cousin Kitty who has now developed a staph infection in addition to having the infection caused by the spider bite. Kitty is facing additional surgery.

Holly K. begins travels to West Africa today. Pray for her and her “new family” as they work together for the next two years.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. “Please remember the sister of a worker here in Southeast Asia. She just had a heart attack and will undergo heart catheterization on Wednesday morning. It is difficult enough going through the illness of a loved one when we are nearby, but when one has to be oceans away, there can be much concern. So when you pray for this dear sister and her heart, please also remember the heart of her sister here in Southeast Asia. Ask the Lord to give her peace and comfort while they are separated during this crucial time.”

Wilma Rimes Strickland
(June 20, 1915 – January 4, 2009)
Died at 7:05AM on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Age 93 years. She was a U. S. Army veteran of WWII and was a member of Stevendale Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Dr. Richard Wallace. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, June Ott, Denham Springs, Betty Gill, Amite, 1 sister, Wanza Burris, McComb, MS, 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Willie W. Strickland, and a daughter, Patsy Strickland. Special thanks to Flannery Oaks Guest House and Alysia and Dee with Hospice In His Care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 61361 Highway 1057, Kentwood, LA 70444 or Hospice In His Care, 11715 Bricksome Ave., Suite, B6, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

On Mission in Kentwood will be Saturday, January 10th. There’s many yards in the area that need “picking up” after the snow. If you are willing and able to help some people who cannot do this for themselves, please meet at the church at 8 A.M. You’ll make a difference to others. Mostly, you’ll be blessed as you minister to others.

I hope you were able to see the movie “Fireproof” last night. It’s doubtful there were many dry eyes! The lessons on marriage were very clear. FBC, Kentwood will show the movie again in February in connection with a Valentine meal. If you have not seen this movie, please make plans to see it somewhere.

Today is back-to-school day for teachers. Tomorrow, student will begin the second semester of this year. Pray for all as they return and get settled back into the routine.

WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

Here is a list of “Murphy’s Laws for Churches” (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on “Bring A Friend” Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you’ll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying “Let us pray” or singing “Just As I Am” causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher’s question right, nobody remembers; when you are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy’s Law (“Whatever can go wrong will go wrong”) manifests itself in a multitude of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, “Everything will turn out all right eventually”? We may be living in a dream world.

Do we react by saying, “How could God do this to me”? Our bitterness may cause us to turn away from God.

Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, “Now, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word….” (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying each day. You impact many lives!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

think about Him in all your ways,

and He will guide you on the right paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Below is an update on Bob and Margie Craig’s grandson, Joshua.
Thank you for praying for him.
Melinda

Subject: The latest news on Joshua Reece…..

Dear Faithful, Praying Friends,

We just got off the phone with our daughter in St. Louis, Missouri, calling from the hospital. Joshua is better! Thank you Heavenly Father! He is NOT well yet. He has a long way to go.

The mass in his brain that was seen by the CT Scan is now believed to be normal fluid that is within the normal acceptable range for his age—1 year old. However, he seems to be nutritionally underdeveloped. There is no understanding as to why he is, because he eats—but perhaps not enough of the correct things, OR he DOES eat enough of the correct things, but his body does not absorb the nutrition from the food he eats. Nevertheless, the nutritionist at the hospital is very involved in his care. His muscle development is poor.

He has been on oxygen since arriving, and they have been reducing the amount from time to time to get him to breath deeper on his own, but they have had to occasionally boast it back up for a time, especially after he eats and gets sleepy. The white count in his blood is not too high at all, so the ear infection was not severe. The viral pneumonia and the RSV are the big enemies right now, and the lack of nutrition has been a constant enemy for a few months, they think. He will most certainly be in the hospital until he breaths on his own and they analyze his eating processes.

Right now, he is not eating much at all, but is on IV fluids, and he hates the oxygen tube in his nose, so he keeps trying to pull that off. It keeps his Mom, Dad, and the nurses hopping. Heidi said his color is much better now!! Everyone has been so good and kind. The hospital is full to overflowing with RSV affected babies. It is highly contagious. If you have children, please do not attempt to visit anyone in the hospital right now. God has been pouring on His love and grace to us. We have been amazingly calm and assured that He has everything under control. Praise His holy Name!

Your grateful missionary friends, Bob and Margie Craig

Holly K.

Today is Holly’s last day at home before beginning her trip to West Africa. She’s done the practical things like packing her bags. Pray this last day at her church and at her home will be encouraging to her and her family. Pray for her mother as she goes back to teaching tomorrow and for her dad as he takes Holly to the airport and in the days ahead. Pray for safe travel and good experiences from the time she meets her MK’s in Atlanta for the remainder of the trip. Pray for a good support system for Holly and her family during the next two years.

Ethel B. Harvell Dunn
(January 24, 1911 – January 3, 2009)

Died at 9:05a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Grangeville, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 97 years. She was a retired School Teacher with St. Helena Parish Public Schools. Visitation at United Methodist Church, Greensburg, LA, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday and until religious services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Smith Cotton. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by daughter, Doris Higgins, Hattiesburg, MS, 3 sons, Leslie L. “Bubba” Dunn and his wife, Lois, Greensburg, Rev. Joe E. “Sandy” Dunn, Jr., and his wife, Estelle, Albany, Frank G. “Randy” Dunn and his wife, Janie, Greensburg, 9 grandchildren, Sherry Dunn Schivers, Brenda Dunn Miller, Colin Higgins, Samantha Higgins Williams, Joseph B. Dunn, Joseph W. “Jay” Dunn, Amy Dunn Harris, Kathryn Dunn Forrest, Christopher Dunn, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Joe E. Dunn, Sr., parents, Leslie Self Harvell and Clara Strickland Harvell, 1 great-granddaughter, Breanne Miller, 2 sisters, Edith Harvell Hartner, Doris Harvell, 1 brother, Lea Harvell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, 901 S. Vienna, Ruston, LA 71273 or contact online at LMCH.ORG. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

“Fireproof” will be shown at FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M. Admission is free. Come and enjoy a good movie and learn the importance of working to strengthen a marriage.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

THOUGH LESS THAN an inch in length, the bombardier beetle is noted for its unique defense system…

When threatened, the insect sprays boiling, foul-smelling liquid and steam from its posterior, warding off spiders, birds, and even frogs.

Consider: This beetle is equipped with “a pair of glands which open at the tip of [its] abdomen.” Each of these has a reservoir that stores an acidic compound and hydrogen peroxide as well as a reaction chamber filled with enzymes dissolved in water. To protect itself, the insect can squeeze the solution from the reservoirs into the reaction chamber to trigger a chemical reaction. The result? Noxious chemicals, water, and steam–at a temperature of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit–are sprayed onto an attacker. The chambers are less than sixteenth of an inch long, yet the beetle can change the speed, direction, and consistency of its toxic spray.

Researchers have studied the bombardier beetle to learn how to develop more effective and ecologically-sound mist systems. They have discovered that the beetle not only used one-way inlet valves to allow chemicals into the reaction chambers but also has a pressure-relief valve to expel them. Engineers hope to use spray technology based on the bombardier beetle in car engines and fire extinguishers, as well as in medial drug-delivery devices, such as inhalers. Professor Andy McIntosh of the University of Leeds, England, says: “Nobody had studied the beetle from a physics and engineering perspective as we did–and we didn’t appreciate how much we would learn from it.”

What do you think? Did the bombardier beetle’s complex system of valves, combustion, and explosion develop by chance? Or was it designed? (Awake)

“Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:24-25).

God’s plan for creation is so involved we will never be able to comprehend all that He did, much less do something of that magnitude ourselves. How can we not recognize that and serve Him daily?

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,

the power and the glory,

the victory and the majesty;

for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,

and You are exalted as head over all.”

1 Chronicles 29:11

Pray for Holly K. as she makes final preparations for traveling in West Africa where she will be a MK teacher for the next two years. Holly asks for your continued prayers as she makes this big change in her live. Pray that not only will she be an effective teacher for the four MKs, but she will have an impact on the nationals around her.

Jared Prescott continues to improve at home. His progress will take time. Pray for him and his family during this time.

David Gullota is now in University Hospital in New Orleans. He’s still in ICU where doctors are continuing to watch his liver. Surgery may still be necessary. If surgery is not done on the liver, doctors plant to set his leg Monday. Continue to remember David, his family, and the medical staff in your prayers.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to slowly improve. Continue to pray for her, her family, and the medical staff as they care for :Miss” Faye in ICU.

Tomorrow night, FBC, Kentwood will show the new movie “Fireproof”. It is the story of a firefighter who is allowing his marriage to fall apart for a while. The storyline is good, but the deeper meaning is that marriages are worth working on. Bro. Butch said the movie is appropriate for anyone who is married, anyone who interested in being married one day, and for anyone who knows someone who is married. I think that includes all of us. The movie will be shown at 6 P.M. and is free. Come and bring your famiy and friends.

FAILED RESOLUTIONS

At the beginning of a New Year, a high school principal decided to post his teachers’ New Year’s resolutions on the bulletin board. As the teachers gathered around the bulletin board, a great commotion started. One of the teachers was complaining. “Why weren’t my resolutions posted?” She was throwing such a temper tantrum that the principal hurried to his office to see if he had overlooked her resolutions. Sure enough, he had mislaid them on his desk.

As he read her resolutions he was astounded. This teacher’s first resolution was not to let little things upset her in the New Year.

It has been said that “nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Perhaps we should add one more thing to that list of certainties — the breaking of New Year’s resolutions! Looking back on 2008, you may be one of the fortunate ones who accomplished exactly what you hoped to accomplish during the year. But, if you’re like most of us, you didn’t read all the way through the Bible like you intended to, you quit smoking but only for a while then picked up the habit again, or you lost a few pounds only to put them back on again when your diet failed. After experiencing this failure year after year, a person tends to say to himself, “What’s the use? Why even bother to try to make these changes?”

As an old Chinese proverb puts it, though, “Failure is not falling down. Failure is not getting back up.” Or as the Japanese put it, “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” If there are areas of your life that you’ve tried to improve and failed, let this this be the month that you try again. And if you fail this month, get up and try again next month. Learn from your mistakes and become stronger. God does not turn his back on the Christian who fails (if you question that, you need only look at the story of Peter’s denial of Christ). However, He cannot help the Christian who refuses to try any longer.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hearts, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded….Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:7-8,10)

If you have made a resolution to develop a habit that will bring you closer to God or a resolution to get rid of a habit that is pulling you away from God, may God bless you with the strength to accomplish your goal. And, if you should stumble on your journey, may He pick you up and dust you off so that you can continue on the long journey of becoming like Christ.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a super Saturday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

For I resolved to know nothing

while I was with you except

Jesus Christ and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

Barbara Bennett Gaines got a good report. There is no evidence of

cancer. Join Barbara in rejoicing over this news. Thank God for this

good report.

Barbara’s cousin, Kitty, learned the doctors have decided to try to hold off

on additional surgery. Kitty’s condition calls for much prayer,

Jared Prescott is home. The family is appreciative of your prayers. God

still has plans for Jared and David Gullotta! David’s liver issues are still

a serious concern. Please continue to pray for both of these young men as

they heal.

Update on Don Denton

Don update:

Don is still in the hospital at Cox South. He is doing

much better. His headache pain is gone. The tests

reveal thatthe pressure from the Spinal Tap is slightly

elivated. This is nothing to be concerned about as it

is the lowest that it has been since Don has been sick

three months ago. That is a good thing.

The doctor believes that Dons steroids were being

tapered off too soon. So we are going to be more

purposeful in how we go about that.

Don does not have a secondary infection, nor does

he have a reoccurrence of this disease. These are all

good reports. We are hoping the doctor will let him

come home ina few days. My brother Steve and his

wife Lynn flew in very latelast night. I am so thankful

for them. Joshua loves them so much and is happy

they are here to help out and of course play with him.

We will be celebrating New Years Day at the hospital

tomorrow with Don.

We are giving thanks to God again for his mercy to us.

We are very tired so please pray that we will be able to

get the rest we need.

Thank you again for your love and care for us.

Happy New Year

Blessings to you our family and friends.

Diane

Jo Ann James
(April 12, 1938 – December 30, 2008)

Died at 1:40PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at King’s Daughter’s

Hospital in Brookhaven, MS. She was a native of Kentwood, LA and a

resident of Brookhaven, MS. Age 70 years. Visitation at McKneely

Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday and

from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday. Services conducted

by Rev. Ben Wayne Blackwell. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood,

LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Lisa Francis, Baton Rouge, LA, Leigh Ann

Wrather, Smurna, TN, Joni Spears, McComb, MS, Shy Ann James,

Brookhaven, MS, 2 sons, Joseph Francis, Pickins, MS, John Mark Spears,

Osyka, MS, 10 grandchildren. Preceded in death by mother, Ruby Lee

McDaniel Blackwell, father, Benjamin Blackwell, 2 brothers, Arlan Ray

Blackwell, Carl Blackwell.

Luther Ray Reynolds
(August 31, 1961 – December 21, 2008)

Luther Ray Reynolds was born on August 31, 1961 and passed away on

December 21, 2008 at the Port Allen Care Center, Port Allen, LA. He was

47, a native of Chicago, IL, and a resident of Port Allen. Luther was the

son of the late Harold & Virginia Speed Reynolds.

He is survived by his brother Wilbern “Will” Reynolds and wife Telena,

Southhaven, MS; a half- brother, Jack Speed and wife, Dawn, Chatawa,

MS; nieces and nephews, Dan Speed and wife, Brooke, June Speed

Gatlin and husband, Patrick, Jesse Reynolds, Nicole Reynolds Jones,

and husband, Jason, & Hunter Reynolds.

Luther was a member of the First Baptist Church of Greensburg.

A Memorial Service will be at later date.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.


Rev. F. Ory Miller
Retired minister Ory Miller died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at Golden Age Nursing Home in Denham Springs. He was 89, born June 15, 1919, in Walker, where he graduated from high school in 1936. He was a member of the U.S. Army Air Forces and served in the European Theater. After working 14 years in the banking business, he entered the ministry in 1950 and graduated from Louisiana College in 1953 and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1956. He pastored Baptist churches for 23 years before joining the Southern Methodist denomination for 35 years. Rev. Miller served churches in Louisiana and South Carolina. Some of the churches he pastored in the area are First Baptist Church in Livingston, Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, First Baptist Church in Greensburg, Eden Baptist Church in Denham Springs, Spring Creek Baptist Church, and First Southern Methodist Church in Hammond. For the past nine years, he was the resident minister at La Plantation Retirement Center in Denham Springs. An active member of the Denham Springs Masonic Lodge F&AM, he was also a member of the Eastern Star. Rev. Miller is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Ethel Laird Miller; a daughter, Judy Miller Lytle; two sons, Wendell Ory “Yogi” Miller and wife Karen McBride and Jim Miller and wife Adele; seven grandchildren, Troy Miller and wife Julie, Chris Miller, Robyn Atkinson and husband Bradley, Bill Miller, Jay Miller and wife Daphne, Leslie Schmidt and husband Adam, and Hilory Lytle; nine great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, with special mention of Sandra Ecoles, his very caring, loving and dependable niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Christopher Miller and Martha Geneva McNabb Miller; and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine and Bentley Rheams, Thelma and Cecil Eccles, and Vergie and Carl Eccles; and a son-in-law, Terry Lytle. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Friday, Jan. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, on Saturday, Jan. 3, from 10 a.m. until funeral service at 1 p.m., followed by a Masonic service at the cemetery. The services wil l be led by the Rev. Olan McLaren of Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church, with assistance by the Rev. Jim Efferson of Indian Mound Baptist Church, and the Rev. Joe Alain of Hebron Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local church or your favorite charity. Ory Miller reveled in his grandchildren and enjoyed playing puzzle games and memory skills games with them to sharpen their logic skills as well as making it fun to remember Bible facts. He was a faithful servant and evangelist of the Lord, always striving to lighten the load of his family and fellow man. He lived his life as a Christian.

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the

kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

THE FAITH OF A CHILD

A 4-year-old Chinese boy in Canada was punished by his

parents. He was really upset and wanted to talk to his Sunday

School teacher. Miss E is his teacher, so the parents called her

on the phone. She talked with the little boy and let him tell

his side of the story. Then she asked, “Would you like to pray?”

He said, “Yes.” Miss E waited for the little boy to start praying

but she didn’t hear anything. Maybe he wanted her to pray.

After a little while, the boy’s daddy picked up the phone. He

told Miss E that the 4-year-old was doing just what she

suggested. He had put down the phone to kneel and fold his

hands. He was praying!

This 4-year-old was upset with his parents, but he knew what

to do. He talked to someone he trusted, his teacher. His

teacher helped calm him down then asked him to talk to God.

This little boy learned a lot that day, but he also showed his

mommy and daddy how much he loves and trusts Jesus.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray that I’ll have courage to be an empowered witness…that

the people will see Christ in me and They may come to know

Him. KARRINGTON, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern

Africa)

Please pray for me that I will love others. I want to be loved

by them too, so please pray for me to be a good friend. TIM,

age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for people affected by the earthquake in China, that God

will help them to rebuild their homes. Michael, age 6 (East

Asia)

Pray for our family (especially my parents) to pick up the

language. AMANDA, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern

Africa)

Please pray for my family. We need visas to get into our

country and they are very hard to get. Pray for my national

friends too. One of my friends has a heart problem. She has

to go to the doctor almost every day after school. My friend

in my ballet class does not know Jesus. She is a good friend.

Please pray that I will be able to share to her about Him.

ABIGAIL, age 12 (Central Asia)

Thank God for God’s people, God’s wonder, and God’s

kindness. Please pray for missionaries. RUTH, age 7 (South

Asia)

Please pray for the Senegalese people, as many of them

are Muslims. Also, I have a friend who comes over to play

with me a lot. She is a Muslim and her father says that won’t

change. I’ve told her about Jesus and his many miracles

before, but she tries to not listen to me. Please pray for her

and her family. Thank you! HANNAH, age 11 (West Africa)

Please pray for my family’s budget. We get paid in dollars,

but we spend it in a country that uses a different kind of

money. So, we have to change the dollars into the local

money. When the dollar went down, our dollars weren’t worth

as much. It’s kind of like what happened in the US when the

price of gas went up. One day you pay $20 for a tank of gas;

a few weeks later it’s $40 for the same amount of gas.

Please pray we spend our money wisely. Also please pray for

the people where we live, they are all Islamic and need Christ.

DAVID, age 11 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

Please pray for my family by praying that we won’t get sick

and for God to take care of us. TANIALL, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray that God will keep my family safe since we

moved and that I won’t miss my cat that much. And please

pray that my mom and dad will let me watch a movie and

let Joy come over for a sleep over. CHLOE, age 8, (Central,

Eastern and Southern Africa)

4 Resolutions Worth Making
By Kelly Boggs

ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP)–While researching the subject of New

Year’s resolutions I came across the following quote: “He who

breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool.”

The person from whom this quote flowed is obviously as much

a pessimist as a cynic when it comes to making a fresh start

on Jan. 1st.

“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new

year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose;

new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes,” wrote

English author G.K. Chesterton. “Unless a particular man

made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions.

Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do

nothing effective.”

In recent years, the making of New Year’s resolutions — or

rather the breaking of them -– has become fodder for late-

night comics. That said, I agree with Chesterton that there

is something noble about seeking to better oneself with the

making of resolutions.

Once a person reaches the point that he or she sees no value

in seeking to become better by resolving to change, that

person has given up on living life and has settled on simply

existing. This, if you think about it, is in and of itself a

resolution –- a resolution to settle for mediocrity.

The problem with too many resolutions is they lack

imagination. It seems everyone makes the same resolutions

and some make them year after year. According to a federal

government website the following are some of the most

Wednesday

“Or what man is there among you who,

if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:9-11

Mrs. Faye Price continues to show slow improvement. She was able to eat

a little ice cream, an indication she is better. Continue to pray for “Miss” Faye,

the medical staff, and the extended family. Laura told me how much it means

to her for people to tell her they are praying for her grandmother.

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (BOO-kuh-rest). 2009–a new year! When

the clock strikes midnight the morning of January 1 in Bucharest, fireworks

will light up the sky. For members of Team Bucharest, it is always an

interesting sight to see: fireworks being shot from windows and on the streets.

No, it’s not safe, but it’s amazing to see how Romanians spend a lot of money

for just a few minutes of excitement. As the new year begins, please pray for

Romanians to know the Lord who can give them true joy–not just a face on

an icon, but their Savior who loves them. http://www.imbromania.ro/

(I’ve tried to sleep through this, but it is impossible. I found this much more

than interesting. I was very afraid! Yes, they need to know the Lord and His

great joy! Anna Lee)

MANDARIN CHINESE IN CANADA. Distressed after being disciplined by

his parents, a 4-year-old boy asked to talk with his Sunday School teacher.

On the phone, Miss E listened as M shared his burden and then helped him

find peace. Finally she said, “Would you like to pray?” He answered, “Yes.”

She waited for M to start a prayer on the phone but, after a time of silence,

sensed no one was on the line. Finally M’s father picked up the phone to

explain: The little boy had set the phone down to kneel and fold his hands,

and he was praying. Ask God to give highly educated Chinese believers who

face many difficult challenges in daily living the faith and humility of a child.

Pray that they will grow spiritually, enduring hardship as discipline, allowing

God to use each distressing event to conform them to the image of Christ.

http://www.macregion.org/

ONESTORY: WEST AFRICA. Susan, a member of the OneStory Senufo

Syenara Team, shares: “The Syenara story set is complete. Please pray for

the Syenara people as they hear stories from God’s Word in their very own

language for the first time ever.”

FBC, Kentwood will have a service at 6:30 P.M. tonight that will focus on the

new year. You are invited to attend. The youth will have a special activity

tonight. Contact Bro. Bucky or the church office for information.

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Trust

IT’S IMPORTANT TO be careful where

you place your trust…

Some barbers say “trust me” as half of

your eyebrow falls into your lap.

Some dentists say “trust me” as they

drill down deeper than Exxon.

Some postal workers say “trust me,” stamp your package “Fragile,” and then

drop-kick it into the parcel bin.

Some manicurists say “trust me,” as they push your cuticles back to your elbow.

Some mechanics say “trust me,” then make your engine purr like a kitten…

with strep throat.

Some friends say “trust me” as they borrow your favorite shirt, accidentally

wash it in hot water, then hand you back a swatch.

A lot of people say “trust me,” but don’t quite earn your trust. They fall short

of their promises, and leave you wishing you hadn’t placed your faith in them

in the first place.

Aren’t you glad, though, that when God says “trust Me,” you can?

(Martha Bolton)

“He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” ( Prov. 30:5b

KJV).

Have a great day! Be safe!

Anna Lee

Posted by Mike Benson at December 30, 2008 1:08 PM

Tuesday

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Three posts yesterday concerning Don Denton:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 10:49 AM, CST

Prayer Requests for Don:

Don was seen by his primary care physician this

morning – Don has significant increase in headache pain,

stiffness in neck and lower back and a rash again. He

is very dizzy and sick to his stomach again.

He will see neuro next week. If he continues w/

increase of these symptoms he will be seen sooner.

Pray that the doctors here will be able to get to the

bottom of this. We are also praying that they will conduct

MRI’s again to do comparisions.

We had a really good Christmas weekend, it was this morning

that Don woke up with these symptoms.

Blessings

Diane

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 11:01 PM, CST

Don Update

We spoke to another of Don’s doctors today who helped

clarify the severity of his pain, his dizziness and stiffness.

Don’s prednisone continues to be tapered down and this

weekend he is now down to a much smaller dosage. When

someone has inflammation of the nerves, brain and spine

and healing is still ongoing it could cause a reaction such

as this one. So Don’s meds have been increased to help.

By late this evening his pain was reduced.

Don’s body is so immunial suppressed that we have to be

very careful. He will see four different doctors next week

along with physical therapy. Please pray for the following:

All of his doctors will have the wisdom they need to

help with continued improvement. Don really can’t wait

to be back to work for the Spring semester and we are

hopeful for that.

Pray for healing of these nerve endings and

inflammation in brain and spine.

Don is showing improvement with regard to his

walking more with walker and less with wheel chair.

Pray for Joshua as he sees his daddy who has a day

like today and he becomes fearful. For a four year old this

is very scary and for an adult for that matter it is too.

This has been a long journey. I am asking you all to continue

to pray and believe that the good work that God continues

to do in Don will continue. I don’t believe that God has

brought us this far to leave us either. It can be so very

discouraging when a day like today happens for all of us.

My heart goes out to Don and Joshua when I see the

suffering. Joshua afraid that if he asks his daddy to “do

something” that his daddy will get sick and sleep for days

and it will be his fault. It breaks my heart to see my son hurt

like this.

Pray that I will have the wisdom, understanding, discernment,

love and acceptance that he needs.

I am here again, asking for God’s mercy upon us. Asking you

our friends to lift us up before God as we are in such need

these days. Waiting, Hoping and Believing.

Blessings to you our friends and family.

Diane

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 11:34 PM, CST

This is a poem that a dear friend shared with me. I share it with you. It is truth and hope. Enjoy….

God, make me brave for life:

oh, braver than this.

Let me straighten after pain, as a

tree straightens after the rain,

Shining and lovely again.

God, make me brave for life;

much braver than this.

As the blown grass lifts, let me rise

From sorrow with quiet eyes,

Knowing Thy way is wise.

God, make me brave, life brings

Such blinding things.

Help me to keep my sight;

Help me to see aright

That out of dark comes light

Please continue to pray for Don, Diane, and Joshua Denton. The

“road” they have traveled on the last few months has be hilly, full of

curves, and blocked with many obstacles for them to mangage to

get over, under, around, and through. God has been with them on

this journey – each step of the way.

I’m sure the poem Diane shared will be meaningful to many of you.

You may need it now for yourself or someone else. You may not

need it today, but will in the future. Print it and tuck it away for that

day.

Baptist Press

December 29, 2008

ISRAEL–Baptists proclaim Gospel in Manger Square.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29577

OKLAHOMA–Exec recounts Hobby Lobby’s ministry.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29578

SOUTH CAROLINA–Billy Graham joins FBC Spartanburg.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29579

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: 7 words of worship.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29580

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.):

A generation immersed in media.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29581

Salvadore Ruffino, Sr.
(November 2, 1916 – December 28, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Died at 5:58 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Baton Rouge

General Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was a native and resident of

Amite. Age 92 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II. For many

years, Mr. Sam drove a school bus for Oak Forest Academy in Amite. Visitation

at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until religious

services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.

Survived by 3 daughters, Loretta Borde and her husband, Stanley, Tickfaw,

Frances Ann Nijoka and her husband, Barry, Greenwell Springs, Sandra

Petty and her husband Chuck, Prairieville, 1 son, Sal Ruffino, Jr., Amite,

7 grandchildren, Matthew Feder, Alisha Nijoka, Jared Nijoka and his wife,

Elisabeth, Mary Ann Cline and her husband, Trey, Elizabeth Orobono and

her husband, Fran, Maeghan Ruffino, Kristin Ruffino, 2 great-grandchildren,

Michael Ragan, Anna Cline, 1 sister, Mary Checchin, Lakemore, IL, 2 brothers,

Nunzio Ruffino, Amite, Louis Ruffino, Baton Rouge. Preceded in death by wife,

Anna Leto Ruffino, 5 sisters, Lucy Costanza, Pamela Alack, Stella Terracina,

Josie Burrell and Rose Ruffino; 3 brothers, John, Tony and Joe Ruffino;

parents, Louis and Laura Ruffino.

Debra Lynn Burkeens
(August 22, 1964 – December 26, 2008)

Debra Lynn Burkeens

Debra Lynn “Debbie” Woods Burkeens who will always be remembered and

loved by her son, family and friends was born on August 22, 1964 and passed

away at 7:42PM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital,

Greensburg. She was 44, a native of Bay St. Louis, MS and a resident of

Montpelier. Debbie was the daughter of Edward Woods and the late Charlotte

Taylor Woods.

She is survived by a son, Nicholas Joe Zona and fiancée’, Ashley Bailey,

Temple, TX; father, Edward T. Woods and step-mother, Margaret Woods,

Walhalla, SC; 4 sisters, Mildred Smith and husband John W., III, Seneca, SC,

Brenda J. Murphy and husband, Mike, Pineville, LA, Rita Wells and husband,

Danny, Tickfaw & Cheryl Zwinkel, Seneca, SC; 4 brothers, Keith Woods and

wife, Debra, Seneca, SC, Dale Woods and wife Geneva, Ponchatoula, Joseph

“Joe” Woods and wife, Tammy, Independence, & Phillip Woods and wife,

Charlotte, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren & 30 nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by mother, Charlotte Taylor Woods & husband, Thomas

Burkeens.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM and on Wednesday,

December 31, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services in the funeral

home Chapel at 11:00AM with Bro. Bobby Carroll officiating. Interment in

the Colonial Mausoleum.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W

next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

PARENTS HAVE TO LIVE IT

At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players,

“Do you understand what cooperation is and what teamwork is all about?”

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

“Do you understand that what really matters is not whether we win or lose,

but that we play together as a team?” The little boy nodded yes.

“Good,” the coach continued. “And, when a strike is called, or you’re

hrown out at first, you don’t argue, curse, attack the umpire with a bat, or

throw dirt in the opposing team members’ faces. Do you understand all that?”

Again the little boy nodded, “Well, sure, coach. That’s what you taught us.”

“Good,” said the coach. “Now, please go over there and explain all that to

your mother.”

I’ve been to a few Little League games when the above conversation needed

to take place! It’s sad to see parents who act in an irresponsible manner

because you know that they are teaching their children (and others’ children)

to behave in a similar manner.

God has given those of us who are parents an awesome responsibility —

not only to teach our children what is right, but to live in such a way that

they can see that we are willing to practice what we’ve been teaching them

to do.

Moses told the parents of Israel to take the laws which God had given

them and “teach them diligently to your children….” (Deut. 6:7). But before

telling parents to do that, he warned them: “Therefore hear, O Israel, and

be careful to observe it….” (Deut. 6:3).

Before we can teach a love of God and others to our children, it must be in

our own hearts. May God bless those of you who are parents as you strive to

do just that. May your life be so filled with a desire to follow God that your

children will be open to hear all that you have to say to them.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I’ll post some updates later.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Blessed are the peacemakers

for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

Dr. John W. (Bro. Chip) Sloan will be preaching at Roseland this morning at 11:00. The worship service will be followed by dinner on the grounds.

Holly K. will share tonight at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. She will be leaving in a week and a half for West Africa where she will be a MK teacher. Come hear her testimony, her experiences in Richmond, and her hopes for the future.

Thomas Francis Sessum
(July 12, 1931 – December 26, 2008)

Thomas Francis Sessum

U.S. Veteran Thomas Francis Sessum was born on July 12, 1931 and passed away at 6:45AM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. He was 77, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite. Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Mitchell & Frances Riviere Sessum. He was a US Air Force Veteran.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 18 years, Erline Wiggins Sessum, Amite; 3 daughters, Sandra Sessum Arsenaux, Metairie, Pepper Sessum Caruso, Old Jefferson, & Teree Lartique, Metairie; 2 step-sons, Timothy L. McGrath, Amite & Edward A. McGrath, Pensacola, FL; 2 sisters, Jean DeReyna, Atlanta, GA & Frances Post, Ft. Worth, TX; 9 grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, a son, Leonce Sessum, a grandson, Gavin Lee McGrath; a brother, Donald Calvin Sessum.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 after 2:00PM until Memorial Services at 3:00PM in the funeral home Chapel.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Debbie Woods

(Died December 26, 2008)

Debbie Woods passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at her residence near Kentwood, LA.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next Coggins-Gentry Ford.

TOLERATING MISTAKES

A building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was likely to stretch over several months. He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he’d been given. “This is two hundred dollars less than we agreed on,” he said.

“I know,” the owner said, “But last week I overpaid you two hundred dollars, and you never complained.”

The contractor said, “Well, I don’t mind an occasional mistake. But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention.”

Before chuckling too much, do you recall the last time a cashier charged you too little for an item? Were you as quick to point it out to him or her as you were when you were overcharged? Isn’t it funny how we are willing at times to tolerate mistakes by others as long as we benefit rather than suffer?

That’s why our standard of right and wrong must be determined by God’s word and not by our own feelings. As impartial as we may try to be, we are too easily swayed by that little voice inside that says, “If it doesn’t hurt me, then it must be OK.”

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day of Bible study and worship.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

Mrs. Faye Price’s schedule was busy yesterday, so she did not have a chance to sit up. Maybe today. “Miss” Faye looks better, but the doctor keeps telling her daughters to “get some rest”. They laughed saying their mother is looking better, but they must not be!

Keep praying for “Miss” Faye, the medical staff caring for her, and her extended family. Your prayers are appreciated very much!

Pray for Holly K. as she prepares to share at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow at 6 P.M. She will be using a video and a power point presentation. I’m looking forward to hearing her and supporting her as she goes to West Africa as a MK teacher.

Dr. John W. Sloan (Bro. Chip) will be preaching at Roseland tomorow morning at 11:00. You are invited to attend the service and worship with the members of that church.

As churches continue to collect money for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, you might be interested in this brief summary of her life.

Lottie’s life in brief

Birth
Born Charlotte Diggs Moon Dec. 12, 1840, in Albemarle County, Va.

Salvation
Lottie rebelled against Christianity until she was in college. In December 1858, she dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Charlottesville, Va.

Education
Lottie attended Albemarle Female Institute, female counterpart to the University of Virginia. In 1861, she was one of the first women in the South to receive a master’s degree.

Pre-missionary life
Lottie stayed close to home during the Civil War but eventually taught school in Kentucky, Georgia and Virginia.

Missionary appointment
Edmonia Moon, Lottie’s sister, was appointed to Tengchow, China, in 1872. The following year, Lottie was appointed and joined her sister there.

Missionary work
Lottie served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province. She taught in a girls’ school and often made trips into China’s interior to share the good news with women and girls.

Letters home
Lottie frequently wrote letters to the United States, detailing Chinese culture, missionary life and the great physical and spiritual needs of the Chinese people. Additionally, she challenged Southern Baptists to go to China or give so that others could go. By 1888, Southern Baptist women had organized and helped collect $3,315 to send workers needed in China.

Lottie’s death
Lottie died aboard a ship in the Japanese harbor of Köbe on Dec. 24, 1912. She was 72 years old.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®
In 1918, Woman’s Missionary Union named the annual Christmas offering for international missions after the woman who had urged them to start it.

Command

JUST BEFORE JESUS went to Calvary He said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35)…

Is it right for God to command us to love one another?

Imagine a young man on a college campus who sees and falls in love with a young lady. But she’s not the least bit interested in him. So, he goes up to her one day and says, “I command you to love me!” Can a man do that to a young lady? Of course not.

It’s important that we understand that Christian love is not an emotional feeling that we manufacture. But it means we treat each other the way God treats us. Christian love is not a matter of feeling, it’s a matter of willing. “For God so loved…that he gave” ( John 3:16). God’s love wasn’t a sentimental feeling, but it expressed itself in action.

How does God treat us? God forgives us, so we forgive one another. God is kind to us, so we are kind to one another. God receives us, so we receive one another. We may not have the same personalities, or we might not even have the same interests; but we willingly and deliberately treat each other the way God treats us. This helps us to understand what it means to love one another.

I’m going to have a difficult time washing your feet if I don’t love you. I’m going to have a difficult time forgiving you if I don’t love you. The interesting thing is this: the more we deliberately will to love one another, the more our feelings begin to change; and lo and behold, we even start to like one another. You may not want to spend a week’s vacation with some people, but you can still treat them the way God treats you. As we love one another more and more, we learn to like one another. We can get along with one another.

God commands us to love one another because He revealed to us His love. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down one’s life for his friends” ( John 15:13). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” ( Rom. 5:8, 10). Jesus gave us the perfect example of what it means to “love one another” by His life and by His death. His command to love one another shouldn’t be looked upon as a burdensome commandment ( 1 John 5:2, 3), but a joy. (Howell Ferguson)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35).

(Posted by Mike Benson at December 18, 2008 3:01 PM)

Have a great day as you prepare for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

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

Update on Emily Panter:

Posted 12/22/08

What a wonderful weekend we had! Friday Luke and I took the younger girls to run some errands and it was such a beautiful day. The older kids finished this semester. And I got to visit with my college sweet-mate. Saturday was Lily’s birthday. I can remember being in the hospital and thinking there was no way they would let me out in time for that. But I was here ( a little sore) and it was great! Sunday I went to church!! It was wonderful to see everyone and to once again be in a room with a body of believers all focusing on one thing…how great a God we serve. We then ate Christmas meal at church and the ladies had an ornament exchange. I am so thankful I was able to go. We rested during the afternoon and then took the kids to TaMolly’s and the food tasted right!! (I still only managed to eat one section of me quesadilla) but it was great. Then we took the kids to look at lights. It was a wonderful weekend.

Update on Don Denton:

Posted 12/25/08 M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

As this day comes to an end for us I found myself throughout the day thinking of these past three months. Sitting on the sofa with Don and Josh and of course the dog right there with us, I could not help but find pure pleasure and joy in what it meant to be there with the ones I love most.

This has been a season of waiting for us. Waiting comes in many forms and in the waiting it can bring out the best and worst of us depending on the situation. For us a devastating illness. The memories that flooded my mind today where difficult and then really good memories.

And after sifting through my emotions today some were sad and most were joyous, I found myself giving thanks again to God our Father for the best Christmas present I have ever had. Just to be sitting right there on the sofa watching Joshua play with his toys and having Don right next to me. God is so good! As my brother gave me some wise advice this day. Seize the moment, don’t let it slip away.

Be “present” with who you are with. We are not promised tomorrow. We have today and even if it is a hard day, it still can be good, good in the sense that we have others to lean on when we can’t make it, we have God’s precious people to reach out to for help. That in and of itself is so good. It is a healing balm to the soul to be ministered to by others.

This Christmas day we give thanks to God for his son Jesus who makes it possible for life. I could not make this journey without him, nor could I make it without the precious people of God – you who have walked with us on the very hard path.

It is truly a good day in the Denton house today. We are home, Don continues to improve. We have a long road, but God is merciful to us. We have so much to be thankful for on this wonderful day!

Next week is another busy week of doctor appts. Please pray for Don, that he will continue to grow stronger and the dizziness, and double vision with continue to improve as well.

Merry Christmas to our family and friends. We love you!

Blessings

Diane

From Velta Morris’ blog:

. . . . December brings so many special moments! For starters, Bill and I got in the real Christmas spirit the first week! For four days we went to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child center in Charlotte, along with several from our church. There we worked with the shoeboxes! Thousands and thousands of them! Our jobs ranged from inspecting the contents of individual boxes, to removing contributions, to taping the boxes, to arranging them in large cartons according to boy/girl, age, etc., readying them for shipment to the various countries. They will all go by freight liner trucks, by planes, by boats, and finally by carts, burros, and various other means of transport, ultimately reaching those children who are waiting for what might be their only gift! I believe the center in Charlotte alone expected to ship 1.8 million boxes! The deliveries are coordinated with missions organizations throughout the world.

. . . Today – December 20 – brought a very unexpected but delightful telephone call! Barbara Bearden was on the line! Barbara is one of those rare people who come into our lives, leaves a permanent footprint, and we are never the same. Barbara’s life has touched countless individuals over these many years and this blog could never contain a fraction of her accomplishments nor describe our gratitude for our friendship. Her dear husband, Don, was our minister of music in Kentwood in the 1960s. That’s when our friendship began. Don was a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary when First Baptist Kentwood called him as our minister of music. Soon thereafter, Don and Barbara (a Florida girl!) were married, and together they ministered to the hearts of folks everywhere and anywhere they saw a need. Barbara was a registered nurse, and her sphere of influence certainly was not limited to this vocation. Don earned his doctorate at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and from Louisiana Don and Barbara moved to Mars Hill, NC, where Don was on staff at the college there; later on to Winston Salem where he once again was minister of music in a Baptist church there. Don’s life was cut short in a tragic accident, a result of the actions of a drunken driver. Few deaths have impacted our lives to the extent that Don’s has. Barbara now lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she enjoys living in the historic district, walking to many of her favorite places, and volunteering her time, still ministering to those who are hurting physically and emotionally. Thanks, Barbara, for getting in touch after so many years of our having lost contact with each other! What a wonderful Christmas gift! We are richer because of Don and Barbara Bearden. . . .

2008 Samaritan’s Purse Video Review of 2008

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/2008-Year-in-Pictures/

Holly K. will share at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M. Sunday. She will be departing for West Africa after the first of the year to teach MK’s. Be sure to be present to hear about her experiences in Virginia and expectations for West Africa.

I could have posted this before Christmas, but decided to wait so we could use it as a tool to evaluate our Christmas. Read the devotional and rate yourself. I hope you all score well!

TWO VERY DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS

I heard about a teacher who asked the children in her class about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. She thought it might be effective to inch toward its meaning by having them playfully correct some wrong ideas.

“Now let me think,” she began. “Thanksgiving. That’s the day when we think about all the stuff we have. And how we want more things than anybody else has. And how we don’t care about anybody but ourselves. And . . .”

“No!” the preschool kids were starting to chorus! “No-o-o!”

Then one little guy in the middle of the pack looked up and chirped, “That’s not Thanksgiving, Miss Michelle. That’s Christmas!”

As we begin the transition in this country from Thanksgiving to Christmas, there does indeed seem to be a world of difference in the way these two holidays are viewed. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays left which has not been ruined by commercialism. It is still a relatively “pure” time of giving thanks to God for our bountiful blessings. Christmas, on the other hand…….

What should be a time when we are able to take great joy in giving to others (for “it is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35) and a time to remember the great gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ, has (for many) turned instead to a stressful, hectic time when we are focused on ourselves and our wants

Allow me to make a suggestion based on an ancient Jewish practice. The Jews had a day set aside, like our day of Thanksgiving, to remember how God had blessed them as a nation and taken care of them in their darkest hour. Purim was a day of “gladness and feasting…and for sending presents to one another.” (Esther 9:19).

However, there was one major difference in their practice and ours (though there shouldn’t be). Their thanksgiving resulted in gift giving, but not just to friends and family. They had a practice of “sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22).

This past week, we all had opportunity to give thanks to God for how He has blessed us. We need to remember that with blessings come responsibilities — and we have a responsibility to use our blessings to God’s glory. In the weeks ahead, may you truly know the joy of using your blessings not merely to make your family happy, but to share with others around you who are in need.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I trust meeting needs (and wants) of others (not you family) was included in your holiday season. I hope it is a part of your life during the non-holiday times too.

Anna Lee

Anna Lee

Christmas

Merry CHRISTmas! I hope you have received the greatest gift of all time – Jesus!

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)

“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, NKJV).

Please continue to pray for those who are not “up to par” like Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell, Mr. Charley Kuss, Mrs. Nat McKinney, and Mrs. Fay Price. There are many others on the list, but these names give you a starting point for your prayers today.

Many people have been given a gift of health this year. In David’s family, one of his brothers and his sister both received “no cancer” reports. Thank God for these and many other such reports.

Spend some time today thanking God for those who are serving around the world to protect us and others. While fulfilling this great task, they have to be away from their own families. Thank God for their service. If you know someone in the military, find a way to thank them.

I trust you know Jesus is the reason for the season. Let him work through you to impact others this holiday season and throughout the year.

GOOD TIDINGS TO YOU

No one can fracture a Christmas carol better than a child. You will enjoy trying to sing along with these new takes on old favorites:

* Deck the halls with Buddy Holly (boughs of holly)
* We three kings of porridge and tar (Orient are)
* On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me (true love)
* Later on we’ll perspire, as we dream by the fire (conspire)
* He’s makin’ a list, chicken and rice (checkin’ it twice)
* Noel, noel, Barney’s the king of Israel (born is the king)
* With the jelly toast proclaim (angelic host)
* Olive, the other reindeer (all of)
* In the meadow we can build a snowman, then pretend that he is sparse and brown (Parson Brown)
* You’ll go down in Listerine (history)
* Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay (one-horse open sleigh)
* Good tidings we bring to you and your kid (kin)

That last fractured Christmas carol isn’t so far off. The message of the gospel — from the birth of Jesus to his death and resurrection — is indeed good news for both you and your kid.

Remember when Peter preached that first sermon on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2? The focus of the sermon was on Jesus Christ — the fact that he had been crucified and buried, but that he was also raised from the dead to sit at the right hand of God. The crowd of people was convicted by the role they had played in the rejection of Jesus. They wanted to do something and were told by Peter,

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

Did you notice that phrase? The one about this promise (forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit) being for you and your children. “Good tidings we bring to you and your kid.”

One of the great things about Jesus Christ is that his blessings are available to everyone — to you, your family, your neighbors and even those who are “afar off.” May both you and “your kid” know the blessings that come from responding in faith to Jesus Christ!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Anna Lee