Saturday

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

~Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)~

I think we need to pray about the cold weather which is expected soon. Be prepared. Stay in when the roads are icy. Stay warm. Who do you need to pray for during this extra cold season? Who do you need to help in some way? Make good decisions!

Louisiana is leading the state in flu cases! That fact, plus David’s compromised immune system, caused us to decide to limit our crowd exposures for a while. We plan to miss services at church Sunday mornings. David does not have a new problem, but we are hoping to prevent one. We are trying to keep him as healthy as we can.

Please pray for our friends, Cete and Ruby Dillon. She is not feeling her best.

Scripture Writing – November 9 – Psalm 100: 1-5

Begin to pray for us as we make plans for the Operation Christmas Child Collection Center which will be receiving shoeboxes November 18 – 25.

It’s time to cook some winter foods. Enjoy them this week. Pray for those who do not have proper food, clothing, or heat. If you know of a need, please call the church office or someone whom you think can help out.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful.

~Colossians 3:15~

Today, I want to share an update on David. It took a year to learn his two issues – MDA, red blood cells not producing enough blood, and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. We don’t know the causes of these diseases, but David has been very sick. With good medical treatment at Ochsner, he has greatly improved.

I’ve been saying he is the best he has been since the first problems showed up. Yesterday, we got two good reports. David is doing more than “hanging in there”. He feels and looks much better! The two medical professionals we saw yesterday acknowledged he is doing well, not cured, but better than expected.

His blood level yesterday was 10, higher than it has been since he got sick. He is in the “low normal range” and was not given Procrit for the first time in many weeks. He has received 23 units of blood, but none have been needed in about four months. His liver is doing well. We go back in three months. If all continues to do well, he will be put on a six month schedule for his liver.

I want to thank God for David’s improvement. He has carried us through! I also want to thank many of you who have him on your daily prayer list. We are appreciative of all of you who tell us he has been prayed for daily. Please continue too do so.

Thankfulness – Day 5 – Today, I am thankful for the wonderful improvement in David’s health. Thanks to God for walking with us on the good days and the very difficult days. Thanks to you for your prayers for David (and me).

John Pierce

January 06, 1966 – November 02, 2019

John Murray Pierce, born in 1966 in New Orleans, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Amite, LA on November 2, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Murray Pierce and Dorothy Fowler Pierce. His grandparents were Basil and Myrtle ‘Snooks’ Pierce, Albert Floyd, and Alma Fowler. He leaves behind the love of his life, Anissa Pourciau; her son, Gene Pourciau; and beloved dogs Trigger, Hammer, Shooter, and Bullet. He was the youngest sibling of J. Michael Pierce (Teresa), Natchitoches, LA; Brenda Pierce Falanga (James), Metairie, LA; Patti Pierce, Kentwood, LA; and Sandy Pierce Shows (Marshall), Brandon, MS. He also left two nieces (Lisa Falanga Davis and Sarah Shows Odom) and four nephews (Joseph Babin, Jeffrey Falanga, Justin Tyler Pierce and Cameron Shows). John was employed by Smitty’s Supply, Inc., for over 15 years, working in Amite, LA, Shreveport, LA, and Jasper, TX. John graduated from Jewel Sumner High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete. A member of Lewiston Baptist Church, he was a wonderful friend who loved his family and was a master at cooking crawfish for the annual Pierce crawfish boil. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed riding his Arctic Cat with his dogs, family and friends; and getting firewood, building wood racks, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He trained horses and raised many dogs that he loved. He was passionate about football, LSU and Saints! During his time with Interstate Batteries he enjoyed attending many Nascar races and was a big fan of Bobby Labonte. John will be greatly missed.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at Lewiston Baptist Church on November 12 (visitation at 9:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lewiston Baptist Church, 74576 N. Lewiston Road, Kentwood, LA 70444.

Rev. Kenneth Istre moved to his heavenly home. We have know him a long time and always enjoyed our brief visits with him at Mike’s Catfish Inn. He was one of three preachers who attended our wedding as a friend. One of his daughters shared this information.

The Celebration of Life will be held in Jennings, La. on Saturday, November 9th. Visitation will be held at 10:00AM,
Jennings Church of Christ
1812 N. Cutting Avenue, Jennings LA.
with services to follow at 1:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to:
Christian Youth Encampment
Attention: Justin Simmons
PO Box 411
Glenmora, LA
71433

Scripture Writing – November 5 – Colossians 3: 12-17

Putting our thankfulness into printed words is meaningful! Try it. It can be done privately and kept that way or shared. The key is to express your thankfulness.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Whoever can be trusted with a little can also be trusted with a lot . . .

If you cannot be trusted with things that belong to someone else, who will give you things of your own?”

~Luke 16:10, 12 NCV~

Monday, the Two Rivers WMU will meet at Kedron Baptist Church at 10:00 for the World Day of Prayer led by the ladies of Kedron. A covered dish meal will follow the meeting.

Jimmy “Rusty” Williams, Jr.

May 20, 1977 – October 30, 2019

Jimmy “Rusty” Williams, Jr., a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at his home in Kentwood, LA. He was born May 20, 1977 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 42 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Tessa Williams; father and mother, Jimmy Williams, Sr. and Linda B. Williams; brother, Justin “Rufus” Ryan Williams and wife, Dondi; special aunt and uncle, Carla Birch and Shelton Day; special uncle, Chad Redmond; nieces and nephews, Elaina Williams, Brody Williams, Taylor, Colby and Lauryn Ridgedell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Curtis and Linda White; brother-in-law, Ben Avidas and wife Janna; 2 sister-in-laws, Steph Ewald and husband, Rodean and Donna Stout and husband; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; special pets Razor, Izzy and Blue. Preceded in death by his brother, Jonathan “Red Dog” R. Williams; maternal grandparents, Herbert and Dorothy Birch; paternal grandparents, Jewel and Elaine Williams and Howard Williams; son, Hugh Michael Jones. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 7:00PM until 9:00PM on Sunday, November 3, 2019, and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, November 4, 2019. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing – November 2 – I Corinthians 1: 4-9

Thankfulness – November 2 – I am thankful for my heritage of common, hard-working people. I’m thankful for the many good values that were were passed down.

Spend some time thanking God today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I once thought these things were valuable,

but now I consider them worthless

because of what Christ has done.”

~Philippians 3:7 NLT~

Update on Mrs. Peggy Luce from her daughter:

My mom is doing pretty well today. She says thank y’all so much for the prayers, and she would like for you to pray for her tomorrow as she is going to the doctor. We will know more after her appointments. The Lord has surely watched over her and is the Great Physician! All the thoughts and prayers mean so much to us! 😘😘 She had to joke a bit tonight and said to please not put her picture on fb lol! Glad she’s joking about it!!!

David had labs, saw a new doctor, and got his Procrit shot yesterday. While at Ochsner, he learned his blood count was 9.8, the highest it has been since the MDS diagnosis. We are so thankful for the medical staff and treatment David has received. We are also thankful for the prayers many of you have faithfully uttered daily on his behalf. We believe in prayer and are especially thankful for all of you who have prayed for us since David started this medical journey.

Yesterday, we saw three Seymour sisters that I taught years ago. We had a brief, but sweet visit. One of them has had cancer. We have prayed for her as she received treatment. She looks great and is doing well now. They have pray for us, just as we have prayed for them. That’s what it is all about!

We also saw another couple we know. Although they are younger than we are, life has also started to have some medical issues for them. I ask you to remember to pray for these friends too!

Scripture Writing for October 22 – John 10: 5-8.

Yesterday, it rained on us all the way to Baton Rouge in early morning traffic and back home again. I thank God for watching over us. Although I drove locally almost daily to get to work, the grocery store, etc., David drove us any time we were together. It has been a big change for me to drive all the time, especially to all the places David has needed to go for medical attention. I have had some family members to help with the driving, but have done most of it. Sickness brings about numerous life changes that we don’t expect. God has been faithful to “ride” with us on the highway and all the other new experiences too! Many of you have offered to drive us and do things for us. We appreciate your offers and your help. It humbles us, but makes us appreciate sweet friendships so much more. Thanks for being there for us and for others when we reach our limitations. May God richly bless you for your ministry to us and to others.

Anna Lee

Friday

Nothing is wrong at our house today. Our schedule has been turned around though. The Scripture below about being downcast does not describe us today, but the portion about hope does. It was sent to me today.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

~Psalm 42:11~

Scripture Writing for 10-18-19 – 2 Corinthians 5: 15-21

I certainly am enjoying the cooler temperatures this morning. I hope you are too! David went to sit on the porch, but came right back in. God blessed us with needed rain and cooler temperatures this week. I’m thankful!

Pray for Micah Simpson and his family. Micah will be leaving for the Marines during November. Pray for the family as they adjust to Micah not being there. Pray for Micah as he learns all about being a marine.

Our oldest grandson, Miles Hatchel, has joined the US Air Force. He doesn’t know when he will be leaving yet. My daddy, who was in the Army Air Force during WWII, will be happy about this choice.

Pray for all those in our military. Be proud and thankful they love our country and are willing to serve.

Do you believe in prayer?

Anna Lee

Thursday

Listen to advice and accept discipline,

and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

~Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV)~

Please pray for Betty Taylor’s sister, Glenda Z. Phelps. She was rushed to the doctor today because of a heart issue. She will be having surgery soon, but the family does not yet know when.

Smiley Conerly still has questions, but no answers. David an I can relate to this. Many of you can too. Pray for Smiley and Carol Jean as they continue tests and waiting.

Pray for the unrest in our world today. Pray for the president and other leaders too.

The obituary for John Fulda is not available yet.

Scripture Writing for October 10 – I John 2: 1-6

Thank God for the little things people do for us that have a big impact on our lives. Last night, someone shared some freshly killed game. That’s what I’m cooking today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For to me, to live is Christ

and to die is gain.”

~Philippians 1:21 NIV~

David had lab work, saw a NP, and got his weekly injection of Procrit yesterday. The good news is that his blood level held at 8.6, which is good for him. As always, we are so thankful for your prayers. Please feel free to continue to pray for us.

Jonathan Edward Serigne

Jonathan Edward Serigne, AKA Batman, took final flight October 4, 2019. As a Holy Cross alumnus of 2001, he made it just in time to get the best seats for the hundredth game against Jesuit. Jonathan always lived life to the fullest and encouraged others to do the same. His infectious smile, confident personality, and caring demeanor attracted friendships everywhere he went. Even in his final days, he kept a smile on his face. Along with Holy Cross, he loved his LSU tigers, Nicholls Colonels, fraternity TKE and Saints. He leaves behind a wife, Randi Rousseau Serigne, two children, Jacques and Stella Serigne, his father and mother, Jack and Bonnie Serigne, brother and sister, Jack Serigne III and Stephanie Kostopoulos, and dozens upon dozens of grieving and loving family and friends. Losing him has left a void in all of us and is apparent by the number of people who’ve prayed and reached out to him. Just like Batman, he has one super power, he never gave up! He fought to stay with those who loved him till the very end. We all hope to see him again, as Jonathan would say, “same bat time, same bat channel.” Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will begin at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private. To celebrate and honor the life of Jonathan, the family requests guests wear their favorite Batman inspired attire.

(Jonathan is the son-in-law of our friend, Darryl Rousseau of Ponchatoula.)

Scripture Writing for October 8 – Jeremiah 33: 2-3

Today, I would like to share this inspirational thought shared by Pastor Rick Warren. I hope you will take time to read this.

“Happiness Habit: Give Your Life Away”

https://pastorrick.com/happiness-habit-give-your-life-away/?roi=echo7-36164328694-54695940-5f611e740859c52b84bbf39fabc76d44

Cooperative Program article from Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/53709/cooperative-program-sealed-for-missions

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Reading articles and sites like these give information and enlighten our minds. Spend some time each day reading good articles.

Anna Lee

Bring Your Bible to School Day

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

As you have heard from the beginning,

his command is that you walk in love.

~2 John 1:6~

Today, our students are encouraged to “Bring Your Bible to School”.

Jan Hammons sent me an update on Jonathan Sarigne. He is a little better, but needs to improve some more to get chemo. The family asks you to continue to pray for him at 8:30 each night. He is 36.

Smiley Conerly’s cardiologist said Smiley’s problem is not his heart, so they are continuing to search for answers. Pray for Smiley and his family as they deal with the uncertainly of now knowing what problem is the root of his illness.

My childhood neighbor and life-long friend, Mrs. Juanita Pritchett, passed away. She had three boys and lived next to us, a family with three girls. She has been hospitalized a number of times in Greensburg where we were able to see her. I visited her last year at her home and bought some Roseland cookbooks. Recently, David and I saw her in Walmart. She said her boys were good to her, but just didn’t buy the groceries she wanted, so she drove herself to the store and was shopping for what she wanted to cook. She had some real tragedies in her life, but never let them get the best of her. I’m glad I knew her! One more thing, she was exactly a year older than my mother.

Juanita Singleton Pritchett

March 26, 1928 – October 02, 2019

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2019 at her home. She was born March 26, 1928 in Roseland, LA and was 91 years of age. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and WMU. She loved gardening, cooking and spending time with her family. She is survived by 2 sons, Chester Pritchett and fiancé, Linda Cutrer, Roseland, and John Pritchett, Jr. and wife, Virgie, Roseland ; grandchildren, Clay Pritchett and wife, Elizabeth, Houston, TX, Roddi Lynn Blackmon and husband, Jason, Jersey Village, TX, Rhonda Hoolahan and husband, Donald, Hammond, Amy Ballard and husband, Jimmy, Roseland, Shane Hendry, Roseland, Clint Hendry and wife, Beckie, Roseland; great-grandchildren, Julian and Alaina Pritchett, Keeli Blackmon, Baylor Blanchard, Emilee Edwards, Hallie Hendry, Logan Ballard and Seth Hendry; 1 sister, Almeda Miller, Arcola. Preceded in death by her first husband, Dixie Clay Pritchett; her second husband, John Henry Pritchett, Sr.; son, Rodney Earl Pritchett and wife, Judy; parents, Harvey Felix Singleton and Alma Thompson Singleton; 6 brothers, Theodore, Henson, William, Hayden, Dudley and Samuel; 2 sisters, Augusta, Susie, and Clarice Singleton. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Roseland from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Rick Elder. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing – October 3 – I Timothy 6: 6-10

Today, at 1 P.M., we will again meet in the fellowship hall of FBC, K. to paint “shoeboxes” for Operation Christmas Child. You are welcome to join us there. Come, join the fun. We will soon have all our boxes painted and can plan for the packing party later this month. Artistic talent is not required. Just willingness and a spirit of fun.

Thank-you for praying each day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I don’t mean to say I’m perfect.

I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be.

No, dear brothers, I’m still not all I should be.”

~Philippians 3:12-13 TLB~

Smiley Conerly‘s problem has not be identified yet. Pray for Smiley and Carol Jean as they continue to seek answers.

Pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden and Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher as they work to maintain their health. Mrs. Ruby Dillon is at home. Her son, Dr. Illey Dillon has been with them for a few days.

David and I were able to attend the last day of the senior adult revival. It was a blessing to be a part of the group in attendance and to see many friends from other churches.

Operation Christmas Child Update: We have a number of shoe boxes painted, put together, and stacked in the fellowship hall for our packing party next month. We will be working on more boxes Saturday at 1 P.M. Join us in the fellowship hall.

We are now collecting money for postage for the shoeboxes. We need $9.00 per shoebox that is being shipped. Mark your gift as “Operation Christmas Child Postage”.

Scripture Writing – September 26 – Psalm 119: 105 – 112

I don’t have an attendance count, but I can say there was a large number of youth at the See You at the Pole celebration at the Lighthouse last night. Let’s pray these youth will be examples for the friends and classmates as they live as Christian examples for others.

Prayer works. Don’t forget to use this powerful tool God has given us.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

~Philippians 3:8 NLT~

“Miss” Ruby Dillon is home! Pray for her as she regains her strength after spending a week in the hospital.

I haven’t given an update on David in a while. He is doing well despite his two terminal illnesses. Yesterday, his blood level was 8.6, the highest it has been in a long time. The increased amount of Procrit has been credited with helping him. His oncologist is leaving Ochsner to be in an area nearer family members. We hate to see him go, but understand his situation.

The Two Rivers Senior Adult Revival will be at MBC this morning.

We will meet in the fellowship hall of FBC,K at 1 P.M. today to paint and fold shoeboxes. Feel free to join us.

Scripture Writing – September 24 – Psalm 92: 1-8

I’m looking forward to sharing with you in the morning.

Anna Lee