Category: Family

Sunday Afternoon

My mother, Dorothy Smith, has been admitted to North Oaks for fall prevention and additional evaluation.  Please be in prayer for all of us during this time.

I want to share two requests from Judy Liberto.

  1. Amanda Hoosier (33) sister of Judy’s daughter-in-law, Melissa has been diagnosed with bone cancer.  Judy asks us to pray.
  2. A.J. Anthony, grandson of Mrs. Velma Anthony, was involved in an accident last week and is hospitalized in New Orleans, but will be moving to Covington.  Please be in prayer for A.J.

Thanks!  Prayers always mean so much when you are on the receiving end.

I’m not sure when I’ll post next, but until  next time, keep the prayer wheels turning.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Trust in Him at all times, you people;

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.”

~Psalm 62:8~

Thank you for praying for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith.  Yesterday, Daddy got a good report.

Averi Strickland, the 16 year old KHS student who had a stroke, is back in school!  Thank-you for praying for him.  Please keep Averi and his family in your prayers as Averi continues to improve.

Colton Frazier

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR COLTON FRAZIER AND HIS FAMILY. HE IS IMPROVING EVERYDAY AND THIS MORNING WAS WONDERFUL, HE KEPT HIS EYES OPEN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. THANKS TO ALL YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING AND PRAYING FOR COLTON AND HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
* TO GET UPDATES AND TO LEAVE MESSAGES FOR COLTON AND HIS FAMILY VISIT http://www.caringbridge.org when asked for website to visit enter coltonfrazier* LYNN WILL BE READING THE MESSAGES TO COLTON WHEN SHE CAN.

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


Don Denton

Just a quick update.  Don is continuing to improve.  We are so grateful for that.  He is continuing to taper down on his steroids and he is tolerating that very well too.  As a matter of fact, he is tapering down on several medications and doing well with it.

Joshua is sick.  He has had a fever for several days now.  It is that time of year.  I woke up with a migraine this morning but am doing better.

We are asking for prayer for several areas.  We will hear from our mortgage company any day now on whether we qualify for a certain program to lower our house note.  Please pray that it will get approved.

We found out that we qualify for food stamps as well.  This is another place for me with being humbled.  I could have never imagined being at this place in our life, and at the same time, I know this is for a season.

We are hoping that we will also qualify for the insurance reduction as well for colbra.  Otherwise we will not be able to afford our health insurance.  Please pray in this way.  We are hoping and praying for this.

I also am working at continuing to appeal health insurance issues for Don’s hospitalizations.  It is an ongoing battle.  Finding the time to do all of this can feel overwhelming.

It is like putting out fires as they come.

And in the midst of all of this, some days I find myself very discouraged, but I have more days that I hold on to what we have with each other and our precious family and friends.

We could not do this without all of you and your love, prayer and support.  It is because of your love for our heavenly Father that you have reached out to us in so many ways.  We truly are changed because of this.  We can’t even begin to put into words how you all have blessed us.  Blessed us by praying, your words of encouragement, your love and support and being available when I need help with the house.

I am working on trying to get the house ready for winter and some students of Don’s continue to reach out to us.  They are precious servents.  They too continue teach us about God’s love.

Brice a past student of Don’s reminded us of some things Don had not thought of pertaining to God being in all of this.  We find that Don’s students are now teaching him and myself.

It is a precious gift to us.  Many of Don’s students have written me and been a “gift of God” to me with meeting us right where we are at.  They are the ones too that have walked with us in honesty and compassion.

I give thanks to God today for another new day.  Another day to give thanks for the life we have.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Dukes

Just wanted to write a post to say thanks to all of you who continue to pray for Dad and Jason and me and our families. It means so much.

I also wanted to follow through on something I mentioned to you a while back. Jason wrote a book. Well, it is online for pre-order now. You can find it by clicking here. I am very proud of him. Hope it encourages those of you who read it. Mom would be very proud of her “Shug” (like “sugar” for short). That’s what she called her boys. Jason dedicated the book to Mom. He actually planned to do so even before the accident.

Please keep praying for Dad. Erin and I and the boys had a great time with him this last weekend. He is going on vacation with Jason and Jen and the kids next week. We are loving the time with him. Look for a post from Jason soon. He said he was gonna get on in the next day or so.
-E

Cheyenne Hartman

Awakened today by her coughing. Last night she was sweating profusely at church.  Two symptoms of her heart not functioning right.  Will this fear I live in ever go away. Turning it over to the Lord isn’t always that easy, I still have anxiety over the possibility of another heart surgery. We go back to Dr. Hixon next week, and I guess he will let me know where we stand as far as the pressure in the heart.

Both fundraisers are coming at a good time. Right now if she had to go in, her Daddy would not be able to come home and help me, we just couldn’t make it with him not working for the next 5 weeks.

Hearing someone else say what my deepest fear is makes me a bit nervous. Yesterday, we talked about not being able to get life insurance until she is 6.  It is hard to imagine that God’s plan is to take this precious Baby from me after all he has brought me through. Living through that would be extremely difficult.  I think about Koby Sumrall’s family and how hard it must be for them. I remember when I found my brother Jimmy, and how hard that was on my Mom. I will never forget her anguishing cry on that day and for so many days that followed.  Mom said you never get over losing a child, I can believe that. God will protect me, I have faith.

With my family and friends holding up my arms, I think we can win this battle…but I do get afraid. I wish Down Syndrome was her only issue, that would be a piece of cake. This heart buisness is a lifetime ordeal.

Pray for my strength and my peace of mind. I need prayer, I need Christian friends lifting me up or I will not make it through this.

Operation Christmas Child

National Collection Week

November 16-23, 2009

It’s time to start preparing the shoeboxes!

Georgia Barnette State (LA) Missions Offering

Week of Prayer:  September 13 – 20, 2009

State Goal: $1,650,000.00

FBC, Kentwood Goad:  $8,000.00

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

GENERAL GEORGE PATTON argued, “Success is measured by how high you bounce when you’ve hit bottom…”

Simon Peter is a perfect illustration of this truth.  He forsook his Lord and Friend in the garden.  He even denied that he knew Jesus when identified by a young maiden around the fire.  He hit bottom.  However, he didn’t stay on the bottom.  He bounced, and he bounced high.  He would preach the gospel powerfully on Pentecost just a short time later (Acts 2).  He would be a catalyst in the growth of the early church (Acts 3-12).

The question is not whether we are going to fail; but rather, how high we are going to bounce once we do.  (Wade Webster)

“Peter answered and said to Him,
‘Even if all are made to stumble because of You,
I will never be made to stumble.'”
~Matthew 26:33~
God loves to hear out prayers!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“And let us not neglect our meeting together,

as some people do,

but encourage one another.”

Hebrews 10:25 NLT

KneEmail

Tired

DURING THE FIRST Gulf War, military strategists dropped bombs at night on our enemies…

Even though bombing at night wasn’t as effective because it was harder to hit targets at night, the reason they did so was so that they could keep the Iraqis awake. If our air force could deprive them of sleep, the Iraqis would be so weary and stressed out that they wouldn’t be able to fight back.


When our physical resources have been depleted, we are much more susceptible to discouragement.

“And all of them conspired together

to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion.

Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God,

and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.

Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing,

and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”

Neh. 4:10-11; cf. 1 Kgs. 18 – 19:1-4; Gal. 6:9

Tired and discouraged?  I am.  Please pray for all those who are in this situation of life.

Anna Lee


Posted by Mike Benson

Thursday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me,

and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

The Hatchels were out-of-pocket for two weeks.  We thank God for the ability to hear their voices again.  They are back in Prague now.

Continue to pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith, and my sisters and I as we care for their needs.

Update on Trisha and Dwayne’s Mission Trip

GAIN Team

El Salvador

June 27- July 6, 2009

·         600 GAiN CarePacks with backpacks distributed

Each pack contained: backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, 1 Beanie Baby,
1 New Testament, and 1 pair of Children’s sandals.

·         1075 CarePacks distributed with a Beanie Baby, and 1 pair of adult
sandals for family.

·         1300* Bibles distributed (There is about ½ case of bibles left that
Enrique will distribute)

·         425 estimated families received a bag of food. The bags were about
12-15 lbs of rice, beans, pasta, and soup mix

·         Estimated 2200 individuals (Children and Adults and a few wandering
dogs) heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

·         80 GAiN Seed packets used at the Achiotal School.

Frances Gay will have shouder surgery in Baton Rouge on Sept. 1st.  Please begin to pray now.

Roy Frazier, Wanzie Williams’ brother-in-law, will have surgery Sept. 4th.

Please continue to pray for the Landon Estay famiy in Houston.

Pray for the Stegalls:

Mr. Bob is in a V.A. home and “Miss” Parmys is in the Greensburg Nursing Home.

Baptist Press

August 19, 2009

TENNESSEE–VBS project proves children can do missions too. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31099

TEXAS–Church is ‘healthy’ after EKG emphasis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31100

GEORGIA–Longtime youth minister seeks ‘eternal impact.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31101

WASHINGTON–Poll: Americans believe bill will cover abortions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31102

TENNESSEE–New Driscoll leadership school features SBC staffers Stetzer, Ware and Allison. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31103

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Chuck Bentley): Practical ways to teach children about money. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31104

KneEmail

Service

abelderly.jpgA 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~

Posted by Mike Benson at February 6, 2009 10:24 AM

Have a terrific Thursday!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Your attitude must be like my own,

for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served,

but to serve, and to give my life.”

~Matthew 20:28 LB~

Frances Gay will be seeing a specialist today concerning her retator cut tear. Please be in prayer for her as she faces surgery.

Adasyn Antoon arrived safely.  She is beautiful, but we all know that runs in the family.  Pray for the Antoon family of three as they make adjustments to life with a baby.  Thank God for the safe arrival and good health of Adasyn.

Pray for Mrs. Ola King, a teacher at KHS.  She has been hospitalized for pneumonia.

Pray  for Averi Strickland as he begins physical therapy in Hammond today.

Pray for the students who will be involved in football activities in all the area schools.  Pray for safety and a good spirit of teamwork.  May they all enjoy the sports opportunities they have an opportunity to participate in.  May the fans be great observers and participate with concern for all involved.

The monthly share group will be tomorrow nigbt at the cabin at 6:30.  If you would like to join us, we will be glad to have you for our usual time of food, fellowship, and devotional study.  Call if you need more information.

Continue to pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith, as they address a number of health issues.

Thank God for a medication the helps give a good night’s sleep.  I needed it briefly three years ago when David had surgery.  I need it now  to help turn the thought process off long enough to get some rest.  Thankfully, I was able to get eight whole hours of much needed sleep.  That’s a big improvement and will allow to to face the day better.

Elaine Hart McElveen


A resident of Birmingham, Ala., Elaine Hart McElveen, 75, passed away after a long and courageous struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. Elaine left this world to be with her Lord and is in a place full of love and peace and no longer feeling the restrictions of her illness. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her smile filled every room and her loving, compassionate approach to life is reflected in the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Even in her most difficult days, her priority was not her own needs, but it was her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Brooks McElveen; two sons, Gregory Lynn and wife Cameron, and David Michael and wife Dana; a daughter, Dawn Elaine and husband David; and eight grandchildren, Natalie, Kurry, Corey, Christian, Brooks, Lennon, Emily and Graham. The family will receive friends at Hunter Street Baptist Chapel, 2600 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Ala., (205) 985-7295, on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 p.m. until memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International at www.jdrf.org. If you would like an alternate way to give, please call (800) 533-CURE (2873) or write the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall St., 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005.
Published in The Advocate on August 15, 2009

KneEmail

BIG

Nazca.jpgMystery on the Desert, Maria Reiche describes a series of strange lines made by thte Nazca in the plains of Peru, some of them covering many square miles…

For years, people assumed these lines were the remnants of ancient irrigation ditches. Then in 1939, Dr. Paul Kosok of Long Island University discovered their true meaning could only be seen from high in the air. When viewed from an airplane, these seemingly random lines form enormous drawings of birds, insects, and animals.

Similarly, people often think of the Bible as a series of separate, unrelated stories. When we view the Scriptures as a whole, however, we discover that they form one great story of redemption–from the first “In the Beginning” of Genesis to the final “Amen of Revelation. Weaving through all the diverse strands of the Bible is a divine story line, the overarching story of how God has rescued, redeemed, and restored humanity, from the first nanosecond of creation through the final cry of victory at the end of time. (Mike Macintosh)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him.” Ephesians 1:3-10

Posted by Mike Benson at August 18, 2009

May your Wednesday be wonderful.  I’m going to try to assure mine is.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;

incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

~Psalm 17:6~

Chapmans

Deloy faced the night with peace of God and comfort of friends.  You may send cards in care of this address.

c/o Amite Baptist Church

7100 Amite Church Road

Denham Springs, LA 70726

Maggie Lee Henson

Saturday, August 1, 2009 7:51 PM, CDT

Hey friends-
Another difficult day for MLH. She continues to struggle with blood pressure stability.

The good news? Her cholesterol accodently got checked last night and that is good news:). Honestly, our precious girl is still in very critical condition and could use your prayers.
God is so good to surround us with so many of your prayers and concerns.
Graciously yours
Jin

Sunday, August 2, 2009 2:35 AM, CDT

Aug. 2
Sun am
Shift change- John is in the hospital chair-bed and I am not, yet my thoughts remain in room #7.
Friday Night instead of the surprise 40th Birthday Party I had planned for John, we were here at Batson Hospital celebrating Maggie Lee’s move to her own room in the pccu.
Life is so bizarre that way.
Like her twin cousin, Madeline, I, too want to think that this has all been some crazy dream. In my dreams, now, are the only time when I hear her booming voice and see her laugh, dance, dream or fly.
For now, we wait. And pray. And trust in God’s very rich love for us and her.
-jin

Dukes

Saturday, August 1, 2009 8:56 PM, EDT

Low on salt

My mom always has been considered encouraging and she has always changed an encounter or relationship with whomever she is connected to.  She seasons, she preserves, she protects, she changes (as in melting ice), and she balances all those she has touched.

Today she was low on salt, salt is what keeps the fluid balanced in our body.  It allows water to be held or released in our body.  I did not do well on renal in med school, more than half the class failed that area, but i do remember that brother.

Today my mom had a day like last wednesday week.  This means wednesday before last if you are not from Ms.  She appeared to be seizing, to be lethargic,  not responding to questions.  Her sodium was low and a CT scan showed a fluid shift in her brain, and they have given her a concentrated sodium drip.  Much like she gave all she touched. She is as much of a changing force as concentrated salt.  May God himself protect her and provide healing for her and balance of her electrolytes.

She has 3 more weeks of antibiotics.  Then hopefully we will be able to get the skull cap on and potentially a wound flap for the decubitus.

My awesome writer brother, whose book should be out in september, scanned out some snf’s in the orlando area.  One is close to mom and dad’s home and dad’s work and the BIRC gave them a huge recommendation, and jase agreed that it is awesome.  I am sure he will write in his post next week about with descriptive terms and flowery words, so i won’t steal his Thunder.

Dad is doing well and is holding out hope and positivity through this horrendous journey of realistic feeling and humanistic thought.  Did Jason just channel me? Whoa.  Anyway I digress.

Despite mom’s tough day I am glad to spend time with her and bring her sister to see her this weekend.   My family came with me as well, which I know dad has enjoyed.

Please keep praying for us. For peace that passes understanding, for patience to wait on our unimaginable heavenly Father, and for positive hope to endure this journey that has been brought upon us by the world of havoc.

I would echo my dad’s words that we have a loving and merciful God who is not surprised by anything and will calm the storm or carry us through this storm and the ones to come.  Praise the King!!

Thanks for journeying with us and continuing to lift us up to Him.  erik.

//
Wall, Mrs. Paula Jean Shaw
Graveside service at the Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, at 2 p.m.

David Welch

A resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Mendenhall, Miss., he died Friday, July 31,
2009. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Monday, Aug. 3,
from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. until religious
services at noon in the funeral home chapel. Services will be conducted by the Rev.
Don Perkins and assisted by the Rev. Don Hoy. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial
Park. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II; worked at Ethyl Corp. for 20 years;
and retired from Carville where he was chief orthotist. He was employed at National
Hansen Disease Center at Oschner Hospital. He is survived by two children, Gwen
Starks and husband Roger Starks, and Kathryn Hatcher; three grandchildren, Janece
Collins and husband Troy Collins, Rachel Hatcher and Jonathan Starks; and a sister,
Patsy Dreher. Preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Ann Welch; wife, Wincie Mae
Pippin Welch; parents, Ernest Welch and Louvenia Welch; brother, Lonnie Welch;
sisters, Bobbie Sanchez and Johnnie Bennett. Pallbearers will be Troy Collins, Andy
Dreher, Dickie Sanchez, David Jewell, Ronald Pippin, Delmar Gene Pippin, Richard
Sanchez and Scott Rankin. He will be dearly missed by many friends, patients and
loved ones.

Hardship

DIANA ROSS MCCAIN wrote an insightful article entitled, “The Hardships of Worship…”

In it she described what it was like to worship in a Connecticut church meetinghouse some two-hundred plus years ago. She observed:

“There was no fireplace, no stove, no significant heat source of any kind. Half-frozen men, women, and children, bundled up in their heaviest garments, hunched into themselves to conserve precious body heat and peered through clouds of condensation formed by their breath. In the pulpit the minister himself might be preaching clad in a greatcoat and mittens. At times it got so cold the Lord’s Supper froze… Comfort was not a primary consideration of those who constructed early Connecticut meetinghouses. Here one came every Sunday to attend to the serious business of hearing the word of God and how it might be applied to daily life. And that solemn duty was to be carried out no matter what weather it pleased the Almighty to provide.”

Wouldn’t it be interesting to some day note the following add in the local newspaper…, “Come worship with us. Our building is cold in the winter; hot in the summer. We use neither heat nor air conditioning. Our pews are not padded. We meet not for physical comfort, but spiritual worship. You are cordially invited.”

Now, what was it your were saying about the thermostat…? (Mike Benson)

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).

Posted by Mike Benson

David and I have worshiped in a Roma (Gypsy) church in Romania where it was so cold there were icicles on the inside of the windows and one man fed the heater pieces of wood all during the two hour service.  We kept coats and gloves on the entire time.  I can’t say it was the most comfortable service I was ever in, but it taught me a lesson about how much people sometimes endure just to worship each week.

Today, I hope you worship in God’s house, comfortable or not!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

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

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

~Psalm 75:1~

Pray for the group from East Fork Baptist Church that is at Student Life camp this week.

Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools this week.

Pray for Dwayne and Trisha and others on that mission trip and our FBC group as they continue On Mission in Canada.

Pray for the IMB personnel as they have returned to their places of service after meeting with co-workers.  Several large groups have already met.  For those who have not yet met, pray the meeting will be a time of refreshing and vision for the adults, a time of unity and purpose for the youth, and a great time of play and VBS for the children.  (Our group has just completed their time together – a highlight of the year for all of them!)

Baptist Press

June 29, 2009

TENNESSEE–GCR chairman issues call for 5,000 prayer volunteers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30788

KENTUCKY–Ohio’s Kay Kwok dies in Owensboro, Ky. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30787

KENTUCKY–U.S. troops ‘best of this generation,’ top chaplain says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30789

KENTUCKY–Evangelists underscore revival preparations. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30790

KENTUCKY–DOMs challenged to live as servant leaders. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30791

KENTUCKY–Network renames award to honor Sid Smith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30792

KENTUCKY–Sid Smith receives award posthumously. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30793

KENTUCKY–Ministers’ wives ponder ‘Quiet Influence.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30794

KENTUCKY–Ministers’ wives honor Shirley Lindsay. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30795

KENTUCKY–Women gain freedom in God’s Word, speakers proclaim. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30796

KENTUCKY–Messianics: ‘Bring the exiles home.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30797

KENTUCKY–Seminary luncheons draw alumni, guests. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30798

KENTUCKY–Mohler: At 150, SBTS a tribute to God’s grace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30799

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Art Toalston): Michael Jackson’s love. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30800

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON: Emergency measures for an economic drought. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30801

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

WITH THE DEATH of Michael Jackson, the media buzzes with details of his popular career and his bizarre life: star of the family group, the Jackson Five, the changes in his music, his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, his financial woes, his three children, all of whom bear both his names, his cosmetic surgeries, the charges of child molestation…

Death calls us to remember a life, no matter how wonderful or sordid.

In Jesus’ case, it was different. His resurrection calls us to remember his death.

So it was for the disciples, according to John. About Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he wrote, “His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him” (John 12:16 ESV).

Earlier, when recording the Lord’s cryptic words about rebuilding the temple in three days, he said, “When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22).

The resurrection validated everything Jesus had said and done.

When Jesus died, the disciples went back to fishing. One might say they forgot his life, because of their expectations. But when he arose from the dead, it all came flooding back.

This is why Paul wrote that, if Christ was not raised from the dead, then our faith and preaching and hope are all in vain.

So as we eat the Lord’s supper today, let us remember that he rose from the dead. And this fact will spur our memories of his sacrifice in death.  (J. Randal Matheny at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“…Do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24
Have a great day!   Make it count!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“This, then, is how you should pray:

‘Our Father in heaven:

May Your holy name be honored.'”

~Matthew 6:9 TEV~

Susie Eads’ mom got a wonderful report – scar tissue!  Thank you for praying.

Pray for the mission team from FBC, Kentwood as they prepare to leave in the morning for Canada.  May they be a witness in all they say and do.  As you pray for them, pray for those they will come in contact with during their ten day trip.

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church started out their VBS week with 106 children.  Pray children will learn about the Bible and come to know Jesus.  VBS at New Zion last week was interrupted by funerals.  Pray  the children will still be impacted by what they saw and heard while there.

Baptist Press

June 22, 2009

KENTUCKY–Crossover draws 3,000 volunteers for 95 projects. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30730

KENTUCKY–Southern Baptist EC recommends ceasing relationship with church over homosexuality. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30729

KENTUCKY–Pastors called to God’s glory, love for others, discipleship. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30731

KENTUCKY–Evangelists look to Christ’s return. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30732

KENTUCKY–28 students turn to Christ. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30733

KENTUCKY–Gratitude voiced to Woman’s Missionary Union. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30734

KENTUCKY–New seminary history tells comeback story. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30735

KENTUCKY–Biography relays seminary president’s legacy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30736

KENTUCKY–Classical ballet at Pastors’ Conference. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30737

KENTUCKY–BP blogging & Twittering from SBC meeting. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30728

TENNESSEE–‘Saddle Ridge Ranch’: 2010 VBS theme. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30738

VIRGINIA–Retirees’ 1,576 years in missions celebrated. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30739

ALABAMA–FIRST-PERSON (Rick Lance): Whatever happened to old-fashioned respect? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30740

MISSOURI–Royals shy away from ‘everyone is welcome’ policy. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30727

Mrs. June Russell was a wonderful Christian, mother, grandmother,  and friend.  She will be missed by many.  Pray for her family as they celebrate her life at the funeral service today.

Cost

A 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL named Jessica was playing outside of her house one day when a pit bulldog came up in her yard…

She went over to pet him and he attacked her–knocking her down and immediately clamping down on her throat. Hearing the commotion outside, her 2-year-old labrador retriever, Sam, came barging out of the house, threw his weight into the attacking dog and knocked it off of Jessica.

After a few days in the hospital, Jessica finally got to go home. When she walked into the house, she started calling for Sam…only he didn’t come. Her parents sat her down and told her how Sam had saved her life, but it cost him his own. (via Mark Burleson, Kensington Woods church of Christ)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Posted by Mike Benson

Be careful of the heat today!

Anna Lee


Thursday

“Moreover, as for me,

far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord

in ceasing to pray for you;

but I will teach you the good and the right way.”

~1 Samuel 12:23~

Tiffany Bankston Currier is progressing well.  She got good medical reports so far this week.  Continue to pray for her and her family.

Robert Brister was stung by a bee yesterday morning.  He is allergic to bee stings and was headed for his medication, but he passed out in the hallway at home and broke his arm.  Pray for him not to have any more bee stings and for his arm to heal properly.

Pray for the students who are completing summer remediation and will soon begin testing.

Pray for the upcoming mission trip to Canada by some members of FBC, Kentwood.  The ten day trip will begin early next Wednesday.  Pray for the teams two of our friends are on mission trips in Romania.  One team is from Mississippi and one from Texas.  Thank God for those who serve around the world each year on a volunteer basis.  One team is doing a sports camp in Prague.  Some of my grandchildren are able to participate with that one – probably as campers and as interpreters!

Pray for Kara Sellers and Wesley Corkern as they parpare for the wedding Saturday.

Pray for Heather Smith who has had one surgery in Jackson, MS this week and will have a second surgery today.

Sherry Simpson called to request prayer for her dad, Mr. Billy Gill of Mt.Hermon.  He will be having an angiogram Friday in LaComb.   If needed, he will have bypass surgery later.  Your prayers will be appreciated.

War

mine.jpg…I HAVE NO alternative but to bluntly call it a war…

The prize is the inner spirit of my children, and the stakes are high. Arrayed against me are those who wish to extract money, loyalty, and the strong creative energy my son or daughter may have to give. In the eternal dimension, the prize is the soul of my children. I am not prepared to compromise or negotiate. Until my children are old and wise enough to distinguish their enemies from their friends, I hold the responsibility to conduct both a defense and an offense on their behalf, demonstrating all the time how and why it is done for their benefit.

It is not a phony war the effective father faces. It is often a jungle conflict fought with the stealth of a modern day “guerrilla” who appears in the day as an innocent friend, only to return in the night as a bitter and exploitative foe. My eyes return to the war photo of the squad’s leader, mine detector in hand, leading the way. Behind him are men; they follow because he has the capacity to discern the safe path. There are no careless steps; mistakes are fatal. Gordon MacDonald

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

Posted by Mike Benson at June 17, 2009 1:57 PM

Please feel free to share requests and updated.

Anna Lee