Category: Family

Saturday

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,

and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

~1 Corinthians 1:25~

I don’t know God’s plans, but I know He has plans and is in control.

 

 

 

Please add Rene Deck Terrell to you prayer list.  She fell at home over a week ago when she tripped over a stool and has some bad cuts and bruises.  Pray for her as she sits and heals while thinking of things she had planned to do.

 

 

 

Please pray for Stan and Bettany Simmons young son, Ollie, who is facing surgery today on a knee infection that has been hard to diagnose.  You can pray based on that limited information.  Tommy and Wanda Simmons can fill you in if you ask them.

 

 

 

David and I have been quarantined for six and a half weeks.  I never thought that would happen to us, but it has and it is not bad.  The future length of the quarantine for us is likely to be longer than for most of you, but we just take this one day at a time.  Join us in praying for all those who are fighting the Covid – 19 virus and all those who are caring for them.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 25th

  • Judges 4:1-5:31
  • Luke 22:35-53
  • Psalm 94:1-23
  • Proverbs 14:3-4
  • If you get behind a little, just keep reading.  You can read extra and catch up, finish in over a year, or simple enjoy and learn from the parts you do read.  Either way, you will benefit from reading.
  • If you read and check-off the “yellow page” you received at church, you know you will be needing a new list at the end of next week.  Please check with “Miss” Janice at the church office for the next page next week.

 

 

Pray for the disaster relief teams working just north of us in McComb.  They are doing a good job of helping people get their homes and lives back after the rounds of tornados we have had recently.  If you know someone who is working, give them a special thanks.  If you are trained and available, contact LA Baptist Disaster Relief and volunteer.  If you would like to provide something to the teams, you can also call LA Baptist Disaster Relief.

 

 

 

Once again, the weekly services from FBC, Kentwood will not be open for you to attend.  However, you can join them via Facebook or YouTube.  Sunday services are at 10:30 and 6:00 with Wednesday’s service at 6 P.M.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

I think this is a great five day/week news source.  It focuses on things that are eternally meaningful.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

Praise the LORD, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits . . . . 

~Psalm 103:2~

 

 

 

My cousin, Scott Tolleson, got to leave the hospital after six days.  No more infection, so he is back at home.  Everyone was both thankful and tired last night.

 

 

 

Robin Alford, Walton and Peggy’s second daughter, is continuing to improve from her ankle injury.  Six weeks down and six more weeks to go.  Peggy and her sister, Polly, are still there to help Robin manage all the stairs.  Robin in looking forward to moving into a one-level home soon.  Thank you for your continued prayers for Robin.

 

 

 

Kami Frazier Bourque, a former student, who is studying to be a nurse has had Covid – 19, but is now home.  Pray for her as she continues her recovery and returns to nursing school.

 

 

 

Jameson McDaniel was born yesterday.  He weighed 5 lb. 3 oz. and was 18.5 in. long.  Celebrate the birth of this child with Austin and Brittany.

 

 

 

An article the will be a guide to church leaders as they plan to reopen their churches in the coming weeks:

https://elbamissions.org/dr-richard-blues-blog/f/info-reopening-our-churches?fbclid=IwAR3esFlPfUQzQS1k7_1epG2qJmKOvzeDH63h3gsYE9N-qt8zuVdgWK8tVJY

 

 

 

Rebecca Ann Anderson Desmond

April 20, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, Becky passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020, at her home. She was born September 26, 1950 in New Orleans, LA and was 69 years of age. Becky was a skilled and compassionate nurse, and generous and dedicated supporter of many philanthropic causes. She served on the boards of many community organizations over the years, both in Louisiana and her longtime home state of North Carolina. She is survived by her husband, Tim Desmond, MD; mother, Frances Snell Anderson; sister, Claire Anderson Bel; brothers, Andy Anderson and Pat Anderson; nieces, Angie Anderson Danielson (J.R.), Megan Bel Miller (Joel), Erin Newman (Craig), Hannah Anderson, and Molly Bel (Danny Strickland); great-nieces and great-nephews, Abbie Holmes, Savannah Danielson, Luke Danielson, Millie Danielson, Parker Miller, Caroline Miller, Anna Newman, and Anderson Newman; and sister-in-law, Kim Andrews Winslow and husband, Eric. Preceded in death by her father, Edwin Stanley Anderson; brother-in-law, Buddy Bel; and sister-in-law, Nadine Anderson. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 22

  • 3 Judges 1:1-2:9
  • Luke 21:29-22:13
  • Psalm 90:1-91:16
  • Proverbs 13:24-25

 

 

 

May your help to bring some “Sonshine” in lives today!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise.”

~Colossians 3:16 (TLB)~

 

 

 

Smiley Conerly is still able to be at home.  A recent change in medication is helping.  Please continue to pray for Smiley and Carol Jean.

 

 

 

Austin and Brittany McDaniel’s baby will probably be delivered today.  Pray for this excited young couple.

 

 

I am so pleased to share two reposts concerning special ladies.

 

 

 

My cousin, Scott Tolleson, is still hospitalized and seems to be improving.  As you pray for him, please pray for his wife, Brenda, who is having a terribly hard time adjusting to not being able to care for him.

 

 

 

David went to The Grove, new Oshsner in Baton Rouge, yesterday.  Due to the virus, that will be our destination for a while.  There were many precautions in place so the virus would not be spread.  I got to wait in the car again.  I enjoyed reading from the book of Mark this time.  David’s blood level was 10.5, another good number, the best one so far.  The nurse practitioner he saw yesterday asked about the lack of his walker.  She was totally amazed to see him.  She told him to continue doing whatever he is doing.  We thank God for each of these days and thank you for your many prayers.

 

 

 

Dianne Strickland

March 16, 1946 – April 18, 2020
Dianne, age 74, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family Saturday, April 18, 2020. She was a native of Kentwood and a longtime resident of Hammond. Dianne loved the Lord and was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church for many years. Her family always came first. Dianne was a loving partner, mother, grandmother, and friend who is already dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Dianne is survived by loving partner, Ed Chehardy and her “favorite child,” Shadow; her daughter, Rhonda Strickland Hartis and husband Charles; daughter, Jeannie Strickland Sciacca and husband Tony; son, Jesse ‘Jay’ Strickland and wife Tammy; grandchildren, Jessica Hartis, Landon Hartis, Brayden Stephens, Cole Sciacca, Jordyn Sciacca, Justin Strickland, and Cody Wilson; great-grandchildren, Jace Strickland, and Conner Strickland; sisters, Frances Varnado Griffin, Celia Smith, and Rachel Coggins; and brother, Deloy Smith, Jr.

Dianne is preceded in death by her daughter, Deanna Dianne Strickland, parents, Deloy and Neva Smith, Sr.; cherished aunt, Willie Mae Sumrall; and great-grandson, Karson Husser.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider making a donation in the name Neva Dianne Strickland to Ameracare Family Hospice, 303 W 21st Ave, Covington, LA 70433, 985-893-3301, www.ameracare.com.

Due to the current order by Gov. Edwards, the family is not able to invite the public to a visitation or funeral services as intended.

 

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 21

  • 1 Joshua 22:21-23:16
  • Luke 20:27-47
  • Psalm 89:14-37
  • Proverbs 13:17-19

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Don’t forget to plan to have Prayer Meeting with FBC, Kentwood tomorrow night at 6 P.M.

 

Saturday

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

~Colossians 2:6-7~

 

 

 

Buddy Morris got home from North Oaks yesterday.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

 

 

 

One of my first cousins who has Huntington Disease has been having a difficult time lately.  He is hospitalized in NE Louisiana because of an infection, but five of his six children live in Texas.  Pray for Scott Tolleson and his family.

 

 

 

Plan today what church service or services you want to watch tomorrow.  There are many available in our area and across the country.  I been watching some local, and not so local, services.  When I start a new one, David usually recognizes the voice and joins me.

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 18

  • Joshua 16:1-18:28
  • Luke 19:1-27
  • Psalm 87:1-7
  • Proverbs 13:11

 

 

Did you do something to bless someone yesterday?  Who will you bless today?

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

~John 11:25~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 15

  • Joshua 11:1-12:24
  • Luke 17:11-37
  • Psalm 84:1-12
  • Proverbs 13:5-6

 

 

Prayer meeting at FBC, Kentwood will be broadcast live on Facebook and You-Tube at 6 P.M. tonight.

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Ellen Morris vande Vuss added to her dad’s Caring Bridge page.

Caring Bridge – Buddy Morris

 

 

 

David and I have been officially quarantined by our daughter for five weeks.  No one, but the home health nurse, has been in our house during that time.  There have been a few people here who stayed at a distance outside.  I feel like we will self-quarantine for a while when the rules loosen us.  So far, so good!  Thank-you, God!

 

 

 

Gladys Lee Bennett Burton

August 26, 1931 – April 13, 2020

Gladys Lee Bennett Burton a resident of Summit, MS, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020.She was born August 26, 1931 in Amite, LA and was 88 years of age. She was an employee of B.C. Roger’s as a QC Supervisor in McComb, Ms. and later on retired and started sitting with elderly. She loved family get togethers and loved cooking for all. She enjoyed playing with her grand children and great- grandchildren. Special thanks to St, Luke Home Health and Hospice and a very special thanks to Shalanda Smith her sitter of McComb, MS. Who was always just a phone call away. She is survived by two daughters, JoAnn Daily of Greensburg, LA and Vickie Stogner of McComb, MS; 3 grandchildren, Tanya McDavid(Adam) of Hutto, Tx, Lindsey Aguila(Juan) of Huntsville, AL and Tommy Ballard of Amite, LA; 6 great- grandchildren, Savannah Ballard, Chase Ballard, Jonah and Jacob McDavid and Conner and Cameron Aguila. Preceded in death by one son, Dennis Eugene McAlister; mother, Emma Bennett; father, Edmore Bennett; husband, John Burton; sisters, Lula Smith ,Clara Granger, Nellie Goldmon, Emily Miller, Vergie Brasse and Lena Westmoreland; brother, Homer Bennett. Services will be private. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

The Covid-19 virus is not finished in our area.  Take precautions.  Stay home.

 

 

 

There’s much to pray about today, as any other day.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves.”

~Colossians 1:13 (GW)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible on 2020 – April 7

  • Exodus 26:1-27:21
  • Matthew 25:1-30
  • Psalm 31:1-8
  • Proverbs 8:1-11

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

I want to start with a happy thought.  Josiah Huckaby decided it was time to pull himself up to a standing position and did just that!  What a blessing he is to so many people!  What special parents he has who chose him over all the babies that needed a home!

 

 

 

Beth Graham Lee shared this need at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite on Facebook.

If you can spare it, needed items include: antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer and/or Clorox- or Lysol-brand disinfecting wipes. Supply donations will be accepted by appointment. To schedule a drop-off time, please send us a Facebook message.

We are truly uplifted and humbled by the many offers of help we are receiving as we continue to care for our community.

 

 

Social distancing is not always our chosen thing to do, but it is working to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.  Staying at home is even more difficult for many.  Do these two things for a while.  We will all reap the results.

 

 

 

I will post an update on Buddy Morris when Eleanor gets a report from the hospital.

 

 

 

While I waited in the car for David I read a number of chapters from Matthew where I had a marker in my Bible.  I didn’t plan this, but the chapters included the events that happened in the life of Jesus between Palm Sunday and Easter!  God had a plan for my Bible readings!  Today, I will pick up where I was reading when David came out to the car.

 

 

 

Yesterday, to brighten the day and my spirits, I played a CD as we traveled to and from Ochsner.  It was a gift from Bill and Velta Morris a couple years ago.  The CD contained twenty hymn sung by the Morristown church and choir at a special “Hymn Singing”.  My hands and fingers did a lot of tapping!  David and I both smiled all the way to Baton Rouge and back!  I wish you could have been along for the music and the messages.

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Buddy Morris was admitted to North Oaks last night.  He had surgery today and will probably be 24 hours before he can come home.  Pray for Buddy.  Please also pray for Eleanor who cannot be with him.  As you pray for hospital patients, be sure to pray for their family.  It is very hard to leave your loved one and wait for a phone call.

 

 

 

David went in at Ochsner by himself today to get bloodwork, test results, and a Procrit shot.  We are back at home.  He got the shot because his blood level had dropped to 9.4 today.

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you.”

~Isaiah 43:2 (TLB)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 4

  • Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26
  • Luke 10:38-11:13
  • Psalm 76:1-12
  • Proverbs 12:15-17

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Today, I want to look on the positive side of the Coronavirus.

  • Lucus, Debra Sitman’s grandson, got “negative” on his test.  Additional testing is continuing.
  • Ryan “Rufus” Williams is leaving North Oaks and going to rehab today
  • David and I are both able to hold our breath for ten seconds this morning.
  • We had three good meals here at home yesterday.
  • His medicine that needs to be approved every three months was approved and picked up.
  • We are removing plants from the greenhouse.
  • Garden bulb plants I have planted the last few years have made for a colorful yard.
  • David is much better!  Every day is a gift!
  • Our oldest grandson was flown to his next base to begin training.
  • We talked with him for 25 minutes after his graduation Thursday.
  • Our other grandchildren are able to complete schoolwork from home.
  • Boyd, Jennie, and Becki can continue their work from home.
  • A lady who works with Jason and who had the virus is better.
  • Jason is very careful at his office and when he gets home.
  • The weather has been beautiful!
  • We can still get news about the virus any time of the day.
  • Our vehicles have gas and are ready to roll.
  • Our phone enables us to connect with friends and family.
  • I have supplies to do OCC work for “shoeboxes” when I choose.
  • Samaritan’s Purse and other organizations are out on the battlefront.
  • Nurse and doctors voluntarily face the disease every shift.
  • Help is available if we need it.
  • The pantry and freezers are full.
  • Traffic is almost nonexistent.
  • Church services are available from numerous churches online.
  • We are thankful to be Americans.
  • God is still on His throne and looking out for all of us.

 

What are you most thankful for today?

Anna Lee

Friday

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

~Mark 16:15~

 

May God continue to open the eyes of Christians, letting them see the mission opportunities that abound at this time.  It is great how much Christian organizations are so beneficial in times such as this.  I love hearing and seeing their work on television and in ptint.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I found this song. but chose not to publish it.  Today, after finding this Scripture, I decided I needed to publish them at the same time.

Heal Our Land

If my people will humble themselves
Humble themselves and pray
If they seek my face and humble themselves
And turn from their wicked ways

I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins
I will hear from heaven and heal their land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, we vow our knee, we humble ourselves
Humble ourselves and pray
Lord, we seek your face and humble ourselves
And turn from my wicked ways

Father in Your mercy, forgive our sins
Father in Your mercy, come heal our land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

(Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land)
Hear our cry and heal our broken land

The chorus was used as an anthem in the hymnal I was using.  I think we can benefit from using the chorus as a prayer.

 

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 3

  • Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
  • Luke 10:13-37
  • Psalm 75:1-10
  • Proverbs 12:12-14

 

 

 

Yesterday, we missed the graduation of one of our grandsons, but got to watch it on the computer screen.  We even got to hear hiss voice the the first time in weeks.  I’m thankful to technology in so many ways at this time.  Please pray for all the young airmen as they continue their training in various places.

 

 

 

Joseph Anthony Farace, Jr.

Died: April 1, 2020

“The lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” – Psalm 23
Joseph was born in Hammond, Louisiana April 10, 1959. He passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at his residence in Tickfaw, Louisiana. He loved spending time with his grandchildren more than anything, making sure everyone had a full stomach when leaving and drinking coffee with friends. Joseph is survived by children: Brennon Farace (Brianne) of Poplarville, MS; Brooke Farace of Baton Rouge, LA; and Brock Farace of Amite, LA; a brother, Daniel Farace of Tickfaw, LA; a sister, Marilyn Farace Lejuene (Timothy) of Tickfaw, LA; and niece Abby Lejuene; his four grandchildren, Baelyn Farace, Rhett Diamond, Blaine Honore and newest bundle of joy West Farace. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Anthony Farace Sr., and mother Mary Grace Morales Farace, sister, Melissa Farace and nephew Samuel Lejuene. Due to COVID-19 his service and memorial mass will be held at a later date.

 

 

Stay at home.  Use a mask when you have to go anywhere.  Wash your hands frequently.  Let’s help this time get over sooner, rather than later.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

~Matthew 6:25 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 31

  • Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
  • Luke 9:7-27
  • Psalm 72:1-20
  • Proverbs 12:8-9

 

 

Song of the Day 

  • “The Doxology”
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
  • “Near to the Heart of God”
  • “They’ll Know We are Christians (by our love)”
  • “Victory in Jesus”
  • “There’s Something about that Name”
  • “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength”
  • “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”
    • I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
      Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
      I would tell you how He changed my life completely,
      He did something that no other friend could do.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

      All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me,
      All my heart was full of misery and woe;
      Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me,
      And He led me in the way I ought to go.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

      Ev’ry day He comes to me with new assurance,
      More and more I understand His words of love;
      But I’ll never know just why He came to save me,
      Till some day I see His blessed face above.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lg9c8EhLw4

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

From Ginger Miller Hutto:

In the midst of turbulent times, God sends unspeakable joy!
Welcome JOHN LEVI MCELVEEN!
March 27, 2020. 8:45 am. 7 lbs 11 oz. 21 in long. Our 6th grandchild!

 

 

Buddy Morris has had some issues which led to an adjustment of medication.  Pray this works out for him.

 

 

 

Henry McKenzie has a brother, Marion, who is hospitalized in Hattisburg,  Pray for him and his family,

 

 

 

Dennis Price has been in North Oaks and will get a defibrillator today.  Pray this is helpful to Dennis’ health.

 

 

 

 

Today is the day we were to leave home to travel to our grandson’s military graduation from the Air Force boot camp.  Needless to say, none of the families will be represented.  Graduation will be a hard day for the graduates and their families.  Let’s not focus on ourselves, but on others today.

Today, we can use prayer as a weapon in helping ourselves and others through this virus experience,  Set your clocks to remind you to pray each hour.  Choose one of the requests listed below to be your focus for that hour.  The next hour, choose another one.  Pray.  Take your mind off yourself as you pray for others.  If you have your television on, you can use the commercials as signals to pray.  Find a method to pray regularly throughout this day.

Focus on the needs of others.

  • Pray for the young people like those in this group as they move on to the next step.
  • Pray for students who won’t graduate in May as planned.
  • Pray for couples who postponed weddings.
  • Pray for families who had a death and cannot receive the normal support from others.
  • Pray for students who were not able to get home during this time.
  • Pray for sick people who have no loved ones to sit with them.
  • Pray for people who live alone and who have not heard from anyone in a long time.
  • Pray for people who are sick and unsure about going to the doctor/hospital.
  • Pray for healthcare workers who go in for another day at their worksite.
  • Pray for pastors as they attempt to minister to their “flock” in creative ways.
  • Pray for churches to be a “shining light” in their communities.
  • Pray for grandparents and grandchildren who cannot see each other.
  • Pray for parents who are healthcare workers and who have seen the need to pass their children on to another relative for this time period.
  • Pray for teens and young adults who do not realize the seriousness of the situation.
  • Pray for new parents who are entrusted by God with a baby at this time.
  • Pray for low-wage workers who are called in to work without protective gear.
  • Pray for healthcare workers who have to go into homes where the virus is thriving.
  • Pray for those who do not have adequate food at this time.
  • Pray for those who have spend their money on other things, not necessities.
  • ETC.

 

 

Remember to pray regularly today!

Anna Lee