Category: Devotional

Wednesday

“And we know that God

causes everything to work together for the good

of those who love God and are called

according to his purpose for them.”

~Romans 8:28 NLT, 2nd Ed.~

 

New baby Rivers Wilkinson has a better blood reading today.  The family is anxiously waiting for the specialist to see Rivers this morning and determine if he is ready to go home.  The family thanks you for praying for Rivers.

 

Read the Bible in 2015 – Psalm 134-136

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Thankfulness: Day 25

     Today, I’m thankful for music.  I started singing at my church by copying others.  Later, I participated in chorus, choir, band, and piano.  I admit I was never outstanding in any of these, but I learned to appreciate music, understand reading music, and developed a love for music of various types. The original, and still my favorite, is church music like I learned as a child.  God is still working through lots of people who continue to write and perform songs that carry a message that touches my heart and life.  I’m so thankful for music and all it has taught me about God.  Sometimes, as I teach my Sunday School class, I pause and ask what hymns they can relate to those verses.  We all usually come up with the same songs!  They are the ones you would think of too!

 

Throughout this wonderful holiday, take time to make a mental, or paper, list of your own thankfulness.  You will be blessed by taking the time to do so.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For everything God created is good,

and nothing is to be rejected….

~1 Timothy 4:4~

 

New baby: Rivers Wilkinson…7 lb. 11 oz…22 in. ..Born Sunday

Parents: Jacob and Hannah Shockley Wilkinson

Big brother: Brooks

Dan Turner

As you have already read, my spasticity affects my left leg and left hand. I’ve noticed that the improvement is more noticeable in my left leg than in my left hand. There’s a reason for this and it’s because of simple physics. The specific gravity of Baclofen is greater than the specific gravity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This causes intrathecal Baclofen to “settle” in the lower CSF space, rather than it being evenly distributed throughout all of the CSF that surrounds my spinal cord. Because of this “settling”, intrathecal Baclofen works better for the lower extremities than it does for the upper extremities. This doesn’t mean that Baclofen does not help relax muscle spasticity in upper extremities; the benefits are just more noticeable in the lower extremities. I developed this little specific gravity theory during my research prior to the surgical implantation of my intrathecal Baclofen pump and knew this was a possibility. Now, I can tell you it is for real—my leg is winning the “less spasticity” race. I think it’s cool how we can’t escape physics, although, it would be nice if I could escape it this time.

Frances Gay received a wonderful health report yesterday!  I’m so glad she called with the results before she left Hammond.  God is good!

Mr. James Miller went to St. Tammany again and began the treatment that was scheduled for December 4th.  Keep him high on your list.

Operation Christmas Child report from Mary Alice Fox (Gastonia, N.C.)

Greetings from NC.  Hope you are doing well and are looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I have followed with interest your Operation Christmas Child activities and thought you would like to hear what we are doing here.
Our church serves as a relay station for churches in 3 counties.  Frank and I have worked there during collection week since we retired – he longer than I since he retired earlier.  When I walked in Monday I was amazed at the number of boxes – never seen that many there that early.  It seems that when they were setting up the building Sunday they received almost 800 boxes and they weren’t even open for collection.  Across the course of Monday – our first day – we packed 1416 shoeboxes into cartons to be shipped to Charlotte.  That was a record number.  So I thought Tuesdaywould be slow.  Not so.  1463 boxes came in that day.  We stayed busy all day – so much for a slow day.  I didn’t work again until today which is the final day.  Don’t have a count but for the first time ever we had to have a 5th cargo trailer to carry all the boxes.  We average 25,000 boxes when you include those that were boxed when they came to us from other relay stations.  We are certain that we did better this year so there was much excitement at the end of the day.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Mary Alice
Read the Bible in 2015: Ezra 6-10
Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Today at 11:00  – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe in Kentwood

There will be NO Bible Study this week due to the holiday.

Some churches are not having prayer meeting Wednesday.  Check with your local church.

We will be collecting stamps to affix to Christmas cards donated by Miss Fay Shoemaker which are being sent to prisoners at the parish jail.  This will enable them to write to family members this Christmas season.  The deadline is Sunday, November 29th.

 

 

Today’s devotional will be different.

Joey and Rory – http://thislifeilive.com/enough/ (written about a month ago)

Think on that word “Enough”.  To say it means so much.  It means “Peace”!

“It is Well with My Soul” can only come with God’s peace.

http://tasteofcountry.com/joey-feek-it-is-well-with-my-soul/ (Watch the video.)

Now, is a good time to make your list of what you are thankful for this year.  I doubt new cars, houses, boat, jobs, etc. will be on your list after you read and watch these links.

Song of the Day – “When Peace Like a River” 

 

Thankfulness: Day 24 – Peace in my soul

 

I trust you can also say you have that peace.  If not, seek a person who can help you reach that point.

Anna Lee

 

Monday

For this reason,

ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus

and your love for all the saints, 

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.  

~Ephesians 1 : 15-16~

 

Thankfulness: Day 23

I’m thankful for each of you who read my thoughts each day and encourage me.

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher asks us to keep praying for her sister-in-law, Mrs. Flo Hatcher.

Kathryn Meadows continues to need our prayers too.

Pray for all those who had surgery last week as they have follow-up appointments this week.

 

Kevin Egnew

Born: December 05, 1972
Died: November 21, 2015

        http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/3389214

Blood Drive – David Wickham

The Memorial Blood Drive for DAVID WICKHAM is tomorrow (Nov 24) from 3 PM until 7 PM at TPFD 1 Station 1! This is the fire station by the railroad! (210 NE Central Avenue) Please help make this a success!

 

Operation Christmas Child

https://www.facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes/?fref=nf

Read the article with the picture lots of balloons and children.  This would certainly be a  wonderful idea.

 

Joey and Rory

I found this page this morning while looking for the latest post.  I didn’t find it, but thought you might enjoy reading some of these stories.

http://thislifeilive.com/scenes/

 

 

Read the Bible in 2015 – Deuteronomy 16-19

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

We need to be sure our prayer time is a two-way communication.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18~

 

Mrs. Frieda Jones got some lab reports back.  They are good.  There is one more lab report, but it will be about two weeks in the process.  Please pray for Frieda as she heals.

Barbara Forshag has shingles despite having had the shot.  Pray the shot at least lessons the pain and duration somewhat.

Barbara Hurchinson is doing very well now.  Thanks for praying for her.

 

Read the Bible in 2015 – Acts 17-18

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

 

Women’s Ministry

  • The will be NO BIBLE STUDY the day after Thanksgiving.  We will complete our study of Women of the Bible the following week with a study of the “Widow with Two Coins”.  You may want to read Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4.  I also have a study guide if you want one.  Just ask.
  • Tuesday, before Thanksgiving, we will have the monthly “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
  • We will be collecting stamps for Christmas cards for parish prisoners until Sunday, November 29th.

 

 

The Community Thanksgiving service will be at FBC, Kentwood Sunday evening.

 

FBC, Kentwood is collecting items for the residents for Kentwood Manor.  Contact the church office, 229-8111, to learn what is still needed.

 

Thankfulness: Day 21 – Today, I’m thankful for the IMB, International Mission Board for providing for missionaries who tell unreached people about Jesus all around the world.  Beginning November 29th, we will celebrate the annual Lottie Moon Week of Pray for International Missions.  Lottie was a missionary to China and helped raise awareness in churches here so more funds would be given to support more missionaries.  She was very effective in doing so.

 

Have a blessed Saturday.  

Be a blessing to someone today.

Thank-you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Now we who are strong

have an obligation to bear the weaknesses

of those without strength,

and not to ours selves.”  

~Romans 15:1, HCSB~

 

Thankfully, Jane Wickham is better and home again.  Pray that she will now be free of infection.

Jill Brister continues to do well following her neck surgery.  Pray she will endure the neck brace well for the remainder of the treatment time.

Keith Womack will be going to Shreveport for kidney stone surgery Monday.  Pray for relief from pain and no complications from surgery.

Mrs. Anne Hurst was in prayer meeting Wednesday.  It was so good to see her again.  She is thankful for her hospital stay because she feels so much better now.

Mr. James Miller is so much stronger than he was a week ago.  Pray for him as he begin treatment December 4th at St. Tammany.

 

 

Jerry Keith Porter

Born: October 17, 1955
Died: November 18, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=3385397&fh_id=10545

Third Thursday at the cabin was great last night.  We had a large crowd and musicians/singers from five different churches as well as Bro. Gibby to share some comments with us.  Third Thursday is my favorite day/night of the month!  Thanks to everyone who attends and makes it all so special..

 

Read the Bible in 2015 – Zechariah 8-14

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Women’s Ministry

  • Bible study this morning at 10:00  (We will begin a study of the book of John in a few weeks.)
  • Books of stamps are needed so we can stamp some Christmas cards for parish prisoners.  Deadline: Sunday, November 29th
  • We have achieved out Georgia Barnett Offering goal for 2015.  It will soon be time to begin the drive for funds for international missions.

 

Monthly Breakfast at Pine Ridge

Sunday morning at 8:00 the members of Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast buffet.  Donations this month will go to a lady who has had a lengthy health issue.  You are invited to join them on the fourth Sunday each month.  A different person/cause is the beneficiary each month.

 

Devotional, Scripture, Quotes, and a Song

 

Thankfulness: Day 20

Expectations are wonderful.  Sometimes we live to meet our own expectations and sometimes for those of others.  Many have an expectation of Jesus’ return “One Day”.  I’m thankful to be in that number looking forward to that day and trying to make sure others have the same thing to look forward to.

I hope and trust you have a similar expectation.

Anna Lee

Thursday Addition

I lost part of TPL this morning.

 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Thursday

“Don’t worry about anything,

but in everything,

through prayer and petition with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6, HCSB~

Yesterday, when I offered to do something for Jane Wickham, she only asked for prayers.  So many people need to know the power of prayer and then use it.

Jane Wickham is at North Oaks.  Her request is for prayer.

Freida Jones went home yesterday afternoon.  Keep her in your prayers as she heals.  The  surgery went well.  Now, pray for the healing process.

Kendall Ott is doing well.  He was also able to come home yesterday.  He will get good care at home.  Pray for his healing.

Jesse Dean has had some difficult days following his neck surgery.  Pray for him as he sees this doctor today.

Mrs. Anne Hurst was able to be at prayer meeting.  She is thankful for the progress she has made.  Keep her on your prayer list.

Both Kenneth Birch and Kenny Ray Gill had surgery Tuesday at Our Lady of the Lake.  Pray for the recovery process and for long-term healing.

Boyd Hatchel’s new position – http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=111f752deefc7515c101c86fb&id=a10964f3b9

Read the Bible in 2015 – Ecclesiastes 9-10

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Third Thursday at the Cabin – Tonight at 6:30

Women’s Ministry

  • Friday Morning Bible Study begins at 10:00.
  • Books of stamps are needed for the Christmas cards for prisoners.  Please get your stamps to me by Sunday, November 29th
  • Next Associational WMU meeting will be in January at East Fork Baptist Church.  It will be our annual meeting to honor WMU ladies who have passed away during 2015.
  • “Young Ladies’ Birthday Party – Tuesday at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.

 

Thankfulness: Day 19

Today, I’m thankful for all the ways others have shown love to me throughout my life – family, school teacher, church members, school mates, co-workers, etc., the all their love together does not come near to the love God has for me.  That doesn’t excuse us from expressing our love through works or actions though.  Lord, help me to do a better job of showing my love for others by my words and my actions.

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;

the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.

His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,

and clouds are the dust of his feet.

~Nahum 1:3~

 

 

I’m thanking God for watching over all of us last night.  The weather got bad as that big wind hit about 11:00, but the reports I have heard are only of minor damage.

Please continue to pray for all the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes that are being collected around the world this week.  Our shoeboxes were turned in at Franklinton.  A member of that church said they packed 700 shoeboxes this year!  I know God will bless each of the 700 children who receive one of those shoeboxes.

 

 

Charles Preston Stevens

Born: October 01, 1932
Died: November 16, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=3381285&fh_id=10545

Article on adoption written by Victoria Nielsen

http://theodysseyonline.com/mississippi-state/college-student-change-childs-life/218318

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin 

  • Tomorrow night at 6:30
  • Come see what God has for us!

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Friday Morning Bible Study (10 A.M.)

  • “Salome, Mother of the Zebedees”
  • Matthew 20: 20-24; 27:56;  Mark 15:40-41; 16:1-2

Read the Bible in 2015 – Psalm 131-133

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Thankfulness: Day 18

Today, I’m thankful for my husband who loves me and protects me daily.  This is evident in so many ways.  I so thankful that as a young person God guided me to make a big decision about my future that included him.  I’m thankful God gave me a Christian husband who exhibits his love for God and others on a daily basis.

 

 

Walk in the SonLight today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I call to You for help, LORD;

in the morning my prayer meets You.”

~Psalm 88:13, HCSB~

I enjoy the quiet of the early morning where I can search out different Scriptures for different reasons.  I always can find something that is appropriate for my need.

 

Kendall Ott had a kidney removed at North Oaks yesterday.  The surgery went very well. Please keep Kendall and his family in your prayers as he recovers.

Joey Feek – http://www.countryliving.com/life/a36892/joey-feek-cervical-cancer-hospice-care/

 

Daniel W. Bianco

Born: November 07, 1984
Died: November 11, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=3380798&fh_id=10545

Frances Josephine Costa

Born: February 13, 1925
Died: November 14, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=3380991&fh_id=10545

Third Thursday – We will gather at the cabin Thursday at 6:30.  Come get a blessing.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Ezra 1-5

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Thankfulness – Day 17

Today, I’m thankful for hugs.  I get more of them now than ever before in my live.  I treasure each one.  A hug represents love and/or protection.  I high value both of those.  Some days, a hug seems like the best medication for the problems/troubles I’m facing.  A physical hug helps, but sometimes I need to “feel” God’s love.  Songs like “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “God Will Take Care of You” are worth more than all the medication any doctor can prescribe.

 

I trust you know you know what makes you feel those “special hugs from God”.

Anna Lee

Monday

In my Father’s house are many rooms;

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going there to prepare a place for you. 

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come back and take you to be with me

that you also may be where I am.

You know the way to the place where I am going.”

~ John 14:2-4~

 

Please pray for Angie Nielsen’s mom as she has surgery today in Baton Rouge.

Bro. Ronnie Nielsen has taken a position on the staff of FBC, Center Star, AL.  Angie and the children will be staying in Mississippi until the school year ends.  Pray for them as they go through the next few months.

Mr. James Miller is feeling better after the blood he received Friday.  Please continue to pray for him.  He is at home.

 

The Lottie Moon Christmas Tea was wonderful yesterday.  Thanks to all who attended and to all who worked so hard for the event.  There were a hundred ladies of all ages present.  I’m already taking notes on what we can do next year.

 

Operation Christmas Child

Today, many of us will be delivering our shoeboxes to the collection sites.  With great joy, our boxes will be delivered to FBC, Franklinton.  Boxes will be collected all week at each site.  Before long, they will be in the hands of children.  In each box, we will also be sending “Jesus”.

From Operation Christmas Child:

Here’s one example why including a soccer ball in a shoebox is a GREAT idea…

Allow us to introduce you to “The Greatest Journey” football team in the Island of Ukara. This team is very interesting because one boy got a soccer ball in his shoebox gift. When the children were invited back to the church to start The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship course, they started playing ball when they would finish their lessons. Then they invited other boys who were not saved to join their team. As they played together, the TGJ students shared about Jesus with them. 30 children received Christ as a result of this! Now they have formed one big team from all the Ukara Churches who participate in TGJ. The whole community is praising God for The Greatest Journey because it has brought a big impact in the lives of the children with great love and unity. Even non-Christian families are now allowing their children to come to the church and through this the gospel is being preached not only to children, but to the families as well – and it all started with a soccer ball in a shoebox gift!

The Third Thursday gathering at the cabin is this week at 6:30.  You are invited to participate.

 

Missions Project: We provide Christmas cards for inmates of the St. Helena and Tangipahoa parish jails each year so they can write to family members.  I need your cards by Sunday, November 29th in order to deliver them.  You may choose to do the delivering yourself.  You can help in several ways:

  • Stamped Christmas cards
  • Stamps for Christmas cards I have
  • Money for stamps ($10.00 per book of stamps)

 

 

Read the Bible in 2015 – Deuteronomy 13-15

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Thankfulness: Day 16

Preparation is a good thing!  I learned that in teaching, cooking, cleaning, gatherings, meetings, etc.  As good as preparation in or daily lives is, it is much greater when it   comes to preparing for eternity.  I’m thankful my immediate  family is ready to face eternity, but continue to pray for some of the members of my extended family.  Is your family “Ready”?  How about your friends, neighbors, and those you do not know, but who live all around you or even far away?  Be prepared to “Pray, Give, Go, and Send”!

Anna Lee