Category: Family

Thursday

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:30-31~

 

Continue to pray for Bettye Fussell, please.  She may possibly be able to come home Friday.  Pray for a good day for her today.

Estelle Raborn in home.  Pray for her and her husband, Bobby, as they continue her long battle.

Phillip Strickland is in the waiting stage between treatment and surgery.  Please pray for him and his family.

Andy Boone continues to be at Ochsner.  Your continuing prayers will be appreciated.

David got good news from his electro physiologist (heart specialist who did David’s ablations) yesterday.  David had done well since the last ablations and was released unless he needs the doctor again .

 

Daily Bible Reading – Deut. 4-6 and Ps. 54 . It’s time to watch the video “Deuteronomy the Covenants” which can be found at JoinTheBibleProject.com.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Do not those who plot evil go astray?

But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

~ Proverbs 14:22 (NIV) ~

“May God Depend on You?

How I miss the songs of my childhood.  My faith grew so much because of them and the lessons they taught me!

The question is: Can God depend on you?

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“There is no one holy like the LORD;

there is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

~1 Samuel 2:2~

 

Please continue to pray for Bettye Fussell and Mr. Phillip and “Miss” Annie Bell Harrell.

David and I had a good visit with Debbie R. Miller yesterday.  She was glad to see us, as always.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

It seems we had been to a number of wakes and funerals lately.  That represents a number of friendships.  We never regret the special friendships God has blessed us with.

 

I have a good report to share.  David’s brother and sister-in-law from Holden finally got a trailer to live in while they continue to repair their home that was damaged in the August floods.  They are enjoying sleeping and eating in their new environment.

 

Donna M. Brown

September 04, 1965 – February 18, 2017

Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com
Bible Reading  – Numbers 35-36 and Psalm 52
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,”
“You shall not murder,”
“You shall not steal,”
“You shall not covet,”
and whatever other command there may be,
are summed up in this one command:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love does no harm to a neighbor.
Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
~ Romans 13:9-10 (NIV)~
“Blessed Assurance”

I hope you have that assurance.  If not, search for someone today who can guide you to that special, life-changing assurance.

Anna Lee

 

Thursday

“Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor,

serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.”

~Romans 12:11-12 NIV~

 

Please pray for JoEllen F. Carruth of Greensburg.  She has another complication from her knee surgery, but it NOT a blood clot.  Thank the Lord for that.

Diane Turner continues to have thyroid and a-fib problems.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Dan Turner is having problems with one of the pumps he has to control seizures.  Pray this problem can be corrected.

Pray for Phillip Strickland who has started treatment.  Pray for his family too.

Tish Fairburn will be having surgery Tuesday to have a spot on her kidneys removed.  She’ll be at North Oaks.  Please pray for her.

Pray for all the families who have lost a loved one recently.

 

Scripture Reading – Genesis 38-40 and Psalm 12

 

Associational WMU Quarterly Meeting Monday – Our memorial service for WMU ladies who passed away in 2016.  Please let me know of any dear lady from any of our churches who passed away.  We will meet at East Fork at 10 and conclude with a potluck lunch.

 

Friday Morning Bible Study – John 14

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“Don’t just pretend to love others.

Really love them.

Hate what is wrong.

Hold tightly to what is good.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.”

~ Romans 12:9-10 NLT, 2nd Ed. ~

“Love Devine, All Loves Excelling”

 

Children in Action studied about the Good Samaritan last night and went home with a band aid that said “I love my neighbor.”  I remember learning that my neighbors were not the Pritchetts and the Henrys.  Our neighbors are all people.  Do you love your neighbor or only the people next door?

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

“The harvest is abundant,

but the workers are few.

Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest

to send out workers into His harvest.”

~Matthew 9:37-38 HCSB~

 

Gail Morris Smith began her chemotherapy yesterday.  Please pray for her and for her family as they stick with her.

Mr. Harlon Toney is doing well.  He has an appointment on the 19th.  Thank you for praying for this man.

Sandy Wilcox went home from the hospital and is trying to eat.  She may have the needed tests later when she gets stronger.

Charlsee Hawkins, another classmate, has pneumonia.  Please pray she recovers completely soon.

 

Bridgett Frazier Denicola

May 20, 1979 – January 9, 2017

http://www.resthavenbatonrouge.com/services.asp?locid=36&page=odetail&id=72087

John Quincy Wheat

November 19, 1934 – January 7, 2017

http://obits.theadvocate.com/obituaries/theadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=john-quincy-wheat&pid=183545482

Jesse James Grice, Sr.

May 14, 1937 – January 10, 2017

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4063481

Debbra Raborn Smith

April 16, 1960 – January 09, 2017

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4063623
Bible Reading Plan – Genesis 35-37 and Psalm 11
Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Associational WMU Meeting
  • Monday, January 16
  • Memorial service for ladies who served in WMU
  • East Fork Baptist Church
  • 10 A.M.
  • Potluck lunch to follow

 

“Just as our bodies have many parts

and each part has a special function,

so it is with Christ’s body.

We are many parts of one body,

and we all belong to each other.”

~Romans 12:4-5 NLT, 2nd Ed.~

“Serve the Lord with Gladness”

 

Last night, David and I met a lady who gladly told us she attends church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening.  She is 91 years old!  She lives a life that has served and is serving with gladness,

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures

and presented him with gifts of gold,

frankincense

and myrrh.  

And having been warned in a dream

not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

~Matthew 2:11-12~

Hymn of the Day – “We Three Kings”

 

Remember the Don Alexander family in your prayers.  Contact Dawson Primes to help.

 http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/crime_police/article_3d6dd7fe-cc6f-11e6-82e2-8f1493a817fe.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share

(This fire was at the location of the site of where David and I lived our from 1967-1970, long before the house was built.)

 

William Joseph “Billy” Guzzardo
Robert “Bob” Lee Holmes

 

Scripture Writing – Philipians 2:9-12

Article shared by our son-in-law, Boyd

https://www.imb.org/2016/12/27/five-fundamentals-of-mentorship/

I think there is a message/opportunity for all of us here.

Children in Action and other regular services for adults and youth will be held tonight at FBC, Kentwood.  I’m looking forward to seeing the children at 6 P.M.

 

What does God have planned for you today?

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Wednesday, Part 2

In my haste, I did not publish part 1 for today.  I just realized that.  Better late than never!

 

David and I got to see our grandson, Braden Alford, receive the Eagle Scout Honor last night.  We were so thankful David got permission to travel there after months of not being able to do so.  God’s timing was perfect!

 

Scripture Writing – Day 14 – Matthew 1:21-25

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Mission Opportunities for Students – “Bring the Savior to the Slum” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=00fc9b66-eb35-4abd-a31b-d4f8f3b0b796&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

 

“Joy to the World”

I hope that despite any losses, sadness, or problems you may have in your life, you can still find the JOY of JESUS!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“You will all be joined together,

and you will give glory to God

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ accepted you,

so you should accept each other,

which will bring glory to God.”

~Romans 15:6-7 NCV~

 

Mr. Philip Harrell has his ups and downs.  Today, he did not feel his best.  Please pray for him and “Miss” Annie Bell.

The Harrells said their son-in-law’s mother in Johnson Station, MS had a stroke overnight.  Earlier this week she had her children pray that she would spend Christmas in heaven this year.  That surely sounds like a lady who is ready to “go home”.  Please pray for Don Yarborough and his family.

Update on Mrs. Anne Hurst:

Anne Hurst met with the Doctor again on Friday because of a poor health week at home.  More test made and new prescriptions.   Praying for a better week ahead.  She asks for continued prayer.

Those of us who were not affected by the flooding in August and who do not travel in those areas can go on with our lives as usual.  That’s not true for everyone though.  I’m reminded of some friends who are hoping to be in their home for Christmas.  Tonight, we learned that David’s brother and sister-in-law will get a temporary trailer before Christmas.  They are still sleeping in a camper on the back of a pick-up.  It was their way to stay close to their house.  I also recently heard there are still people who are living in tents.  It is good to hear of improving conditions for some of them and wonderful to hear of groups who are still helping individuals, churches, schools, etc.  What can I do to help?  What can you do to help?  What are we willing to do?

 

Two Baptist Press stories I want to point out to you:

  1. “Gatlinburg fire suspects elicit churches’ sympathy” – http://www.bpnews.net/48022/gatlinburg-fire-suspects-elicit-churches-sympathy

  2. “Journey to pastorate included jail time for Fla. pastor” – http://www.bpnews.net/48026/journey-to-pastorate-included-jail-time-for-fla-pastor

Special Dates

  • 14th – Birthday Party for Jesus in Children’s Missions (6 P.M.)
  • 15th – Third Thursday at the Cabin (6:30 P.M.)
  • 18th – Cantata music by adults and children – 6 P.M.
  • 20th – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe (11 A.M.)
  • 21st – Church-wide Christmas Caroling (5 P.M.)
  • 24th – Christmas Eve Service (5:30 P.M.)
  • 25th – No services at FBC

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

The tree is up in the sanctuary.  Red and green ornaments will be placed on the tree as money is received.  When we accomplish our goal, the next ornaments will be gold and represent gifts toward our Hallelujah goal.

 

Since there is a focus on missions, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, this month, I’ve chosen a Christmas Carol that tells us to go and tell, two of the components of missions.

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

 

 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Friday

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation

or shadow of turning.”

~James 1:17 NKJV~

 

David had three good doctor visits in the last week.  I told you Dr. O’Sullivan, the retina specialist, said David’s eyes looked the best he has seen since we started there.  Monday, David saw Dr. Paddock to get a lens prescription for the right eye.  Glasses will be ready in a couple weeks.  Wednesday, he saw the heart electro physiologist who did the heart ablations.  If David has one more good visit, in three months, he will be released by that doctor.  Thanking God for traveling this journey with us and carrying us when we had those days when the medical reports were so difficult to hear.  We knew there would be more good days and thankfully, David is driving again, able to lift more, etc.  How wonderful it is to get to this phase of life at the Christmas season!

I need to report that David and I delivered 639 stamped Christmas cards from Kentwood and Spring Creek churches to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail Wednesday.  While waiting for someone to come out to us, a lady who came in shortly after us commented on my purse (that I had made for Momma).  Later. she heard us talking to the prison employee about the cards.  As we turned to leave, she very sincerely thanked us for providing the cards so the inmates can write to their family members.  She was there to turn in some paperwork.  Apparently, one of her children is an inmate.  She was so appreciative of the cards you helped to provide.  I will remember her comments as I affix stamps to cards next year and in the years to come.  (Remember, right after Christmas is a good time to get some religious Christmas cards for next year.) . What a blessing it was to meet her and to see through to a mother’s heart!  Thanks-you to all who provided cards or stamps for this mission project.

Yesterday, FBC Kentwood provided Christmas and a devotional for the residents of Kentwood Manor.  Another group will be going on the 21st at 5 P.M.  Please join us!

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“And they devoted themselves to . . . prayer . . . And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved”.                                                                                        ~Acts 2:42, 47~

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

 

Now is the time for the faithful of the Lord to “share the good news that Christ was born”!

Anna Lee

 

 

Saturday

But be sure to fear the LORD

and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24~

 

New Baby! – Tanner Cayle Miller, son of Josh and Nikki, was born at 9:45 yesterday morning.  He weighed 6 lb. 13 oz. and is 20 in. long.  His big brother is excited!

 

Coach Elton Shaw came home last night. Please pray for him as he continues to improve.

Mrs. Anne Hurst also came home.  Ten days was a long stay for her.  Pray for her continued health.

David received another good report yesterday!  We are so thankful!  The doctor was as excited for David as we were.  God was given all the credit.

Jean Gunnells Trout

August 22, 1944 – December 02, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4028443&fh_id=10545

 

Spring Creek Baptist Church will present “Meeting at the Manger” tomorrow morning at 11 A.M.  You are invited to attend.  It’s always a blessing to see children in a Christmas program.

Two Rivers WMU will have their annual Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood Sunday afternoon at 2 P.M. for all ladies from 3 to 103.  You are invited to come begin the Week of Prayer for International Missions with us.

 

Scripture Writing – Isaiah 11:1-5 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11%3A1-5&version=NIV

 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35 (NIV)

“Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

 

Do something today that will impact a life forever.

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

I will give thanks to the LORD

because of his righteousness;

I will sing the praises

of the name of the LORD Most High.

~Psalm 7:17~

Mrs. Margaret Callihan is now hospitalized in North Oaks where she will possibly have surgery next week.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Tomorrow morning, the ladies of Pine Ridge will host their monthly breakfast.  Donations will be used to help a family in need.
Thankfulness, Day 26 – Today, I’m thankful for the freedom of worship we have and all the area churches that have impacted my life or the life of my ancestors.  There is great joy in going into the church where your family attended and served three or four generations ago.  It helps you connect with people you didn’t know.  I’m thankful to say my family has a rich history of church service, which I hope I’m passing down to my descendants.  I have made several meaningful church connections since we moved to the Pine Ridge community.
Scripture Writing – Psalm 118:8-14
Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Homebound Video Ministry – If you know of church members who are unable to attend church, please give me their names.  Thank-you!
“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~
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Anna Lee