Category: Family

Friday Afternoon

We are at home, not at the hospital for another retina surgery!  Ringing in my ears are the words “miracle” and “God” as spoken by Dr. O’Sullivan and a prayer spoken by David in the examination room with the doctor’s consent.  David has a lot of recovery to do, but thankfully we are not in the hospital preparing for retina surgery on the left eye tonight.  The doctor said, “Surely you had a lot of people praying for you!”.  We had to agree.  Thanks so much to each of you.  It’s not often one person can have two different doctors dealing with two different health issues give full credit to God and speak of a “miracle”.  I heard those words twice this year concerning David.  I know God wants to continue to use him.

Thursday Afternoon

We made it to Slidell and back.  The surgery reattached the retina in the right eye.  When we see the specialist tomorrow, he will make a decision about doing the same to the other eye.  He said it was a 50/50 possibility at this time.  If so, the surgery will be done in New Orleans tomorrow night.

David is home and face down in a styrofoam cube for the next two weeks.  Please give him some time to overcome all the trauma to his eyes.  He took a pain pill and is trying to rest in a very uncomfortable position.

David and I thank you for your many prayers.  Please stick with us in the coming days.  We can do this with God’s help and your prayers.

Thursday

It’s been a long do, so I am going to be brief and post this early.

Mrs. Lillian Creel Brister has had a stroke and surgery.  Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

David is having retina issues with both eyes.  He had laser surgery on one and will have surgery on the other eye in Slidell in the morning.  Pray for Dr. O’Sullivan as he works with David tomorrow.

Scripture Writing – Psalm 121:1-4

 

Tuesday

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands

~Psalm 19:1~

Are you a cloud watcher?  I am when we are riding.  Many of you are when you have a camera, especially when there is a rainbow or two in the sky.  The clouds and rainbows are symbols that remind many of us of the work of the Lord.  Take some time today to notice God’s creations today.

 

Many people, both victims and volunteers, are tired both physically and emotionally.  Do something today to help out in some way.  As people struggle to deal with the flood damage, life also goes on in other ways.  Today, my request is for prayer for one such victim.  Sharon Courtney of Holden and her family had water to flood their home.  They have been working daily to overcome that.  Today, they will take a break for her to go to Ochsner in Jefferson to interview/apply for a liver transplant.  Yesterday, David was with his brother in Holden visiting some people who had flooded.  They visited the home of Larry and Sharon Courtney.  She needs a liver transplant.  David and I have a friend, Johnny Belgard, who is beginning to return to a more normal life, including teaching his Sunday School class at FBC, Amite, following a liver transplant.  David was able to share Johnny’s story as words of encouragement.  You never know when or how God will give you an opportunity.  Be “on your toes” for Him.

 

Scripture Writing – Proverbs 21:1-3

Baptist Press – Bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

Coming back to being a cloud watcher, David just told me about two of the Disaster Relief Leaders, Richard and Richard from FBC, Franklinton.  David said they went outside early to was the sunrise and the cows.  The men, the “white hat” and a “blue hat” focus on the sunrise as a part of their daily routine from the hill of The Lord’s Church.

Today, would be a good day to “Reach Out and Touch Someone”!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Watch to see where God is working

and join Him in His work.

~Henry Blackaby~

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

10 That is why, for Christ’s sake,

I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,

in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10~

 

Kristi Alford

Anna Lee would U Plz do a update on my grandchildren’s Mother Kristi Alford . She heard back from her labs concerning a mass they found on her pelvic which had a stem into her ovary . The Drs R discussing some form of treatment . She will know shortly seems as though they R leaning toward radiation . Thk U for adding her to the prayer link ..

Debi Bales wrote the above message.  George Bales gave James Rimes permission for me to say that Kristi is going to M.D. Anderson for treatment.  Please pray for Kristi, her family, and the great medical staff she will have in Houston.

Please continue to pray for Sherman Cutrer and his family.  Sherman is in McComb.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “When it rains, it pours”, that could describe the Sharkey family and all the health issues they have experienced lately.  Let’s “pour on” some prayer for them.

David’s eye issues/treatment seem to have gone on for a long time.  Today, he sees the cornea specialist to be sure the new lens is properly placed, removed some stitches, and check the overall health of his eye.  David has loved helping in flooded homes.  Pray he has not done anything or been exposed to anything that will slow down the healing process.

 

There were fifteen “young” ladies present to celebrate the birthdays of four ladies who were able to be with us yesterday: Frances Gay, Fay Shoemaker, Ferrie Gene Blackmon, and Sue Connelly.

Many flood victims find it hard to believe how people, like Southern Baptist Disaster volunteers, can give of their time freely and work so hard in homes of people they do not know and charge absolutely nothing!  I love to see so many of our churches and God’s people being the church throughout our state.  As Dr. Wendall Fortenberry of New Zion Baptist Church so often says, “To God be the glory”.

I’m so thankful for ladies who step up to do what they can in disaster relief.  They are eager to do their part.  I love the ladies’ sweet, generous spirit and generosity of time, talents, and money.  I suppose that deserves a “To God be the glory”.

Thanks to all who have shopped and shopped again for Operation Christmas Child.  We are making good progress.  Ladies will help with a “shoebox” project Friday and children will help next Wednesday.  Missions is coming alive through so many of you who have shopped and contributed.  God is pleased because the “shoeboxes” not only represent gifts, but also the opportunity to have Bible lessons.  They change young live eternally.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2: 12-16 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Do something that makes a difference today.  It is your mission project.  It can be a personal project or a group effort.  The main thing is to do something!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“We are each responsible for our own conduct.”

~Galatians 6:5 NLT, 2nd ed.~

(I suppose that includes both what we do and what we fail to do.  Think about it!)

I am so thankful for all those, both locals and people from other areas, both male and female, from teens to retired folks , who came and worked to help people recover from the flood.  David worked with a team of retired people including an 80 year old retired pastor.  They inspired David with the distance they traveled, their work ethics, their love for people, and their love for the Lord.   Yesterday, one cancer patient went to check on another cancer patient and found a discouraged man sitting alone in the midst of his wet home.  Within minutes, a pastor from another domination had fourteen men there working!  Some who had lost everything are out helping others.  The stories are endless.  The love for others and desire to do anything for them is inspiring.  I’ve seen females, nurses and school personnel, after working all day.  They have been dirty and sore, but so thankful to have been given the opportunity to help others.  I know many people who have washed “tons” of wet laundry for people they do not know in an effort to help them save some things.  I’ve witnessed gallon after gallon of water being removed from out church basement.  I’ve seen ladies working in kitchen from early to late because there were volunteers to be fed.  I’ve seen the piles of belongings of friends on the side of the road.  I have friends who have driven hundreds of miles to take food, clothing, cleaning supplies, water, etc. to the places where it is needed most.  I know people that we prayed for recently because of medical problems who are out cooking and giving the food away day after day. I know pastors who have involved their whole families, including children,  in helping others. I’ve had unchurched people respond to my offers of help from the Baptist Disaster Relief.  I was touched because I know they need the love from Christians and they were able to admit it. I know God is using people to be His hands and feet in innumerable ways and I’m blessed and encouraged.  I’ve seen people “letting their light shine” in so many ways.  

 

Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief is here until it is all over!  If you need help, know of anyone who needs help, or would like to volunteer in any way please call Bro. Stan Statham or The Lord’s Church (229-8521).

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2:1-3 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A1-3&version=NIV
Devotional,Scripture, and a Song – This is today’s Our Daily Bread.  I had already written my observations and comments before I found TODAY’s Our Daily Bread!

“Lord, may we fulfill Your calling today by walking the road of faith and encouragement with others.   The Christian life is meant to be lived in company with others, not alone.” – Our Daily Bread, 8-21-16

“To God be the Glory”!!!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“And who knows

but that you have come to your royal position

for such a time as this?”

~ Esther 4:14 ~

 

Sherman Cutrer‘s surgery went well.  He is in ICU now.  Physical therapy awaits him as part of the next step to complete recovery.  Keep Sherman and his family in your prayers.

Henry McKenzie is home and doing well following out-patient surgery.  Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Mr. Bobby Simpson celebrated his 83rd birthday yesterday with the arrival of a new great, granddaughter, Murphy Evans.  I’m sure that made the day especially nice for everyone.

Robert “Scotty” Webb

September 28, 1971 – August 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3862474&fh_id=10545

 

Disaster Relief by Baptists is amazing.  They are sending truck and trailer loads of supplies which are passed on to areas that are most in need of them.  Teams of workers have been on the job sites with some locals.  Four of the men David worked with yesterday were from Tupelo, Mississippi and all David’s age or older.  They drove a day, will work three days, and then drive a day to return home.  Hard workers!  Fine Christian men who are sleeping on cots in a Sunday School classroom right now so they can be available to get busy early in the morning.  They represent only one of many teams that have arrived or will soon be arriving to help Louisiana.

Local people helping are sometimes those you would expect, but often those you would never dream of helping.  They are there doing a part.  It is such a blessing to learn who is helping and how they are helping.  For every person tearing our floors and cutting and hauling out sheetrock, there are people transporting supplies, serving in kitchens, helping people complete applications, serving as chaplains, etc.  I have seen the fruits of good, Godly leadership.  My heart has been touched by the way people have responded.

People who have had their homes destroyed are learning how to say “Less is better” and “God is good”!  Women are doing work you often think of as men’s work, but have stepped in to work with the men to help as many people as they possibly can as quickly as can be done.  I love seeing your love in action.

Others, who are still working regular jobs, find ways to add in disaster relief and Christian love to their daily schedules.  Some have traveled the roads lately collecting and delivering items needed immediately.  Others have cooked and given away food, sometimes a plateful at a time and sometimes in huge quantities.  There is a way for everyone to help!

People who are being helped have such of sense of love coming from church members, friends, neighbors, and total strangers.  Lives on both sides, victims and helpers, have been changed this week.  Changed forever!

To God by the glory!

 

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:19-20

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Operation Christmas Child

The flooding at church has created a lot of work for us, but it also has brought attention to the space being used for storage and organization.  It has been lot, hot, wet, and messy, BUT it is so much better now.  It’s easy to recognize the good that has come about because of the flooding.

Items are being counted, grouped, and organized for preparation for our packing party.  If you want to take care of a need, just ask me what is needed.  If you want to help me work, just let me know when you are available.  If you don’t shop much, let one of us do the shopping for you!  The point is, this is a group effort.

Yesterday, I had three projects related to OCC ready yesterday morning.  The ladies who came to Bible study chose to complete the projects before we had Bible study.  They worked quickly and efficiently.  When we finished, they helped me transport and store the items until needed in two months.  What a sweet blessing the ladies are to me.  They quietly work to serve God in so many ways!

 

The August “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be be on the 23rd.  I hope you are planning to come honor some of our ladies.  Meet at The Cafe in Kentwood at 11:00 A.M.

 

The Children in Action and Mission Friends are learning about missions and missionaries.   We’ve started to send a birthday card to a MK, missionary kid, every month.  If you have children in the family from the age of three through the fifth grade, please be sure they get to participate.  Our offering last month purchased highlighters for OCC.  Our mission activity was preparing some items, bars of soap, pencils, and glue sticks, for our packing party by removing the packaging, counting, and bagging them.  They were tremendous helpers and enjoyed hearing about Operation Christmas Child as we worked. We meet on Wednesdays from 6-7 P.M.

In addition to helping her class purchase some items, one lady is going to pack additional boxes with her grandchildren.  If you wish to do that, please let me know.  I will supply you with boxes, instructions, and labels.  You can teach your children, grandchildren, nieces, neighbors so much as you shop and pack.

Our packing party will be Saturday, October 29th at 6 P.M.  Please plan to be there with a Christmas treat to share as we party and pack.  We will have a sweet prayer time for the boxes.

One more thing I would love for you to do is to write a note or draw a picture to place in a shoebox.  You can do as many as you like.  Be sure to include your name and  address.  One day you may be surprised to get a letter in return.  I think I many even include a stamped, self-addressed envelope in some boxes.  If you choose to do that, it would be wise to put three stamps on each envelope.  It costs more to mail internationally.  Think how exciting it will be to hear from some of the children who receive shoeboxes from us.  It’s okay to send your picture too!

 

So much to thank God for!  So many opportunities to help others!  So many ways to reach out to children at Christmas!  So many….

Anna Lee

Friday

When did we see you a stranger

and invite you in,

or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison

and go to visit you?’

 “The King will reply,

‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:38-40 (NIV)~

 

 

Sherman Cutrer’s hip surgery has been rescheduled for 11:00 this morning in McComb.  Please pray for the medical staff, for Sherman, and for his family.

Joyce Phelps
(October 27, 1939 – August 17, 2016)

http://www.jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3860695&fh_id=12269

Operation Christmas Child donations were endangered by flood waters at FBC, Kentwood.  I’m thankful to report that much hard work has “saved the day” so out shoeboxes can be packed at the end of October as planned.  Today, after Bible study, ladies will be working to prepare soap and washcloths and toothpaste and toothbrushes for shipping.  The Children in Action group has already done some preliminary work to make today’s task easier.  They also used their offering from last month to purchase highlighters for the shoeboxes.  Thank-you to all who have contributed so far.  Plan to be a part of the packing party on October 29th.

 

Everyone except one couple at the cabin last night had family members with flood damage.  Even that family had several friends with flood damage.  What a precious time it was as David led the devotional that touched many hearts last night. We all know of the faithfulness of God and our need to “Count Your (Our) Blessings” and to have “Joy, Joy, Joy”, a song written, played, and shared by Mr. Harlon Toney.  We expressed our appreciation for churches and individuals who have worked tirelessly this past week to help others and continue to do so.  For example, Bubba Roberts worked clearing out homes all day and still came to sing and play for us last night.

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:15-18 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A15-18+&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

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

 

Do something helpful to others today.  Share some Jesus in the process.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Consider it pure joy,

my brothers and sisters,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that

the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

~James 1:2-4~

Once again, I must confess that I did not search for this verse today.  God provided it!

 

Sherman Cutrer fell over the week-end and broke his hip.  He will have surgery in McComb, possibly tomorrow.  Due to other health issues, this surgery will be more complicated.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Henry McKenzie will be having outpatient surgery tomorrow in McComb.  Pray for him.

David saw the retina specialist yesterday.  He said both eyes are improving.  We were so thankful to hear that.  Please pray for continued healing.

Frances Gay was also in Covington yesterday.  Her tests indicated the ulcer is healed.  Thank God for this good report.

Justin and Becky Tanner Nowell’s daughter, Carrie, had surgery to repair a hole in her heart.  All went well yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery and a healthy future for Carrie Nowell.

Harrell Sharkey is still at home and improving.  The family is so thankful for all the prayers on his behalf.

 

Brian Piner’s mother, Delores, passed away.  Please be in prayer for the Piner family.

 

Children in Action and Mission Friends will meet from 6-7 P.M. tonight.

 

 

Highway 51 is closed in the Roseland-Amite area due to a water leak.  Think your travel plans through before heading that way.

New Covenant Baptist Church in Denham Springs will house the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief work in that area just as The Lord’s Church is the one for our association.

Disaster Relief would appreciate prayers, volunteers, and donations.  They had a good day yesterday working to gut houses that had water damage.

 

Scripture Writing – Mark 2:15-17

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

We WILL have the Third Thursday Gathering at the cabin tomorrow at 6:30.  I think we have much to THANK God for this week.

I am so thankful to see how many of the area churches are helping others in these difficult post-flood days.  I know God loves seeing His people help others in so many ways.  

Anna Lee

Sunday

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us

and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement

and good hope, 

encourage your hearts

and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17~

(Once again, I did not look for this Scripture.  It came to me on a day when “encouragement is definitely the word we need.)

 

I’ve see the television reports, looked at pictures on the internet, and talked with relatives who are trapped in upper levels of homes.  It’s not happy, but it is real.  Let’s offer words and actions to help those who need so much at this time.  Let’s also remember that more than food, clothing, and shelter, people need Jesus.  Let’s make sure we do our part to be “On Mission” right here.  Some people/churches seem to have been busy doing so even while the first rain was falling, but many are lagging at this point.  Let’s not waste this opportunity.

Bro. Don Meadows and The Lord’s Church will host a disaster relief meeting at 2 P.M. today.  Be there to learn how you can help.  In the meantime, you might want to gather some of these supplies: Diapers, Bottled Water, Food, Cleaning Supplies, Linens
Blankets, Paper products, Individual Bottles of Gatorade.  You can deliver them to The Lord’s Church.

Pray for Martha and Joe Drago.  He was admitted to Hood Memorial and transferred to North Oaks during the heavy rains we have had.  Pray for them and others who are facing medical needs in addition to weather related needs.

Once again, remember our first responders, medical workers, electrical workers. telephone repairmen, etc. who have been out and working while most people have been home and dry.

Schools will be closed again Monday.  I’m sure that will be the case in some neighboring parishes too.  Stay updated!

Realize that even though the water in your area has receded, there may be road damage, trees down, etc.  Take your time and be careful if you must get out.

Scripture Writing – John 15:1-4 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-4&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminder – This week we have a Third Thursday gathering at the cabin.  I look forward to seeing many of you at 6:30 P.M.

Anna  Lee