Category: Family

Sunday

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

~Psalm 55:22 (NIV)~

 

Koltyn Gafford

Last Saturday morning

Just wanted to update all our Prayer Warriors. Koltyn is stable now. He has a slight temp. O2 has been dropped from 100% to 70% so he is breathing a lil on his own. A second chest x-ray was taken abt 3:30 this morning and they said it looks as though there is a very slight positive change but not much. We’ll take any kind of positive change!! He is resting much easier now. Thank you all for prayers. We are extremely blessed to have such an awesome community & social media family to think of us during such a difficult time. I’m just so ready to hear that sweet lil voice call out to me.

Late last night

Koltyn is continues to slowly improve. They are slowly weaning his ventilator. His blood pressure and pulse remain stable and has not required any increase in medications. He continues to run a low grade temp which is expected under these circumstances. His pupils react to light which is wonderful. He does have some spontaneous movements. We will update you all again in the morning after his doctor makes rounds. Again we appreciate your love, calls, and prayers. Your prayers are working! …the Gaffords, Russell’s and Newman family.

Kai Harris Relan was born Christmas Eve and has needed some special attention.  His parents are Jordan and Mechelle Relan.

The baby spent Christmas in NICU at North Oaks.  He has an infection and will spend about ten days in the hospital getting antibiotics.  He has had a spinal tap to check on the infection possibly moving to the brain, but that was clear.  Now, he has been moved to intermediate care.  The parents thank those who have been praying.  It looks like Kai doesn’t have any big problems.

“RETIRED FORMER JUDGE WILL BE LAID TO REST MONDAY IN FRANKLINTON” (Judge James)

http://www.actionnews17.com/Home/retired-former-judge-will-be-laid-to-rest-monday-in-franklinton-218392

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Grateful for Collective Giving” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=13341&LanguageID=1709#.VJ_vtcAAs

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “A Piece of the Puzzle” – http://odb.org/2013/11/13/a-piece-of-the-puzzle/
  • God has set the members,                                                                                        each one of them,                                                                                                          in the body just as He pleased.                                                                                               ~1 Corinthians 12:18~
  • “Count Your Blessings” –  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/c/o/u/countyou.htm 

Today, as I count my blessings for another year, I am blessed in many ways.  One is extra special today!  I’m so excited.  The Hatchel family arrived mid afternoon yesterday and Boyd and Jennie will be speaking at FBC, K at 10:30 this morning.  That makes me especially blessed today!

Anna Lee

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Luke 2 New International Version (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 2014

  “Training Takes Travel and Time” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=13342&LanguageID=1709#.VJuh-MAAs

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel, missionaries supported through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, will share during the 10:30 service Sunday morning at FBC, Kentwood.  You are invited to join us in worship.

SBC Disaster Relief – If you are on Facebook, you may want to “friend” this group to receive updates on work in Mississippi following the tornado this week and other projects they are working on.

Recovery from the Amite Tornado – A number of groups and many individuals are helping friends, relatives, and complete strangers put their lives back together in Amite.  What a Christmas blessing they are to those who had  so much damage.

Samaritan’s Purse – I watched Rev. Franklin Graham on the Fox News Christmas Special last night.  This link takes you to that and to other stories you may be interested in.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Last night, Christmas Eve, David and I were privileged to attend a Christmas Eve service at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church.  Bro. Kevin Smith read Scriptures from Luke 2.  The familiar carols were beautiful.  Communion was special.  We held candles as we sang “Silent Night”.  What a wonderful service with a packed sanctuary.

Bro. Kevin’s message, “An Announcement from a Stable”, contained these three main thoughts.

  1. God humbled himself to be like us.
  2. Christmas is a time for family.
  3. Christmas is for everyone.

Carry those thoughts with you throughout this day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

But when the time had fully come,

God sent his Son,

born of a woman,

born under law,

to redeem those under law,

that we might receive the full rights of sons.

~Galatians 4: 4-5, NIV~

 

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

 

Christmas Eve Services

  • Pine Ridge United Methodist Church – 5:00 Wednesday afternoon
  • Hillsdale Baptist Church – 6:30 P.M.

Christmas Service

Spring Creek Baptist Church – 6:00 Thursday in new church facilities

What a blessing!

An electrical fire at Tangipahoa United Methodist Church did no structural damage. The Tangipahoa Church will meet with the Pine Ridge Church Sunday.

What an opportunity!

Many area church collected shoeboxes of gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and are now collecting funds, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO), to support missionaries and their work.  Missionaries Boyd and Jennie Hatchel will be sharing at FBC, Kentwood at 10:30 on Sunday, December 28th.  They and their ministry, including giving out the OCC shoeboxes, are supported through the LMCO.  You are invited to join us for the service.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 

“Because You Gave” – a photo essay –http://www.commissionstories.com/asia/interactives/view/because-you-give-chalkboard-gives-insight-to-imbs-work

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

But when the time had fully come,

God sent his Son,

born of a woman,

born under law,

to redeem those under law,

that we might receive the full rights of sons.

~Galatians 4: 4-5, NIV~

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.”

~Isaiah 60:3, HCSB~

 

I want to start off with “flu”, because many area people seem to be coming down with flu.  If you are sick, stay home and get well.  If you are well, try to stay that way.  I’m praying for those who have already come down with the flu and for those who are trying not to get sick.

Estelle Watson asked for prayer for her niece.  I forgot the first name, but the last name was Losson.  Estelle’s niece is in the final stages of cirrhosis of the liver.

Carol Ann Cleveland, a classmate from my school days in Amite, has a granddaughter with multiple health issues!  Check out the Facebook page, “Mattie’s Miracles”.  Then, pray.

Pray for those who will travel during the next few weeks.  Pray each home celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.  Pray for safety in all the travels.

Pray for those who will be alone during the Christmas season.  David and I were included in another family’s Christmas last week.  We felt so special!  We will have Jennie’s family after Christmas, but there are others who will not have family at all.

Pray for families who have lost members of their family during the past year.  The first year after a death is extra hard for most people.  Include these people or do something special to help them get through the Christmas season.

David and I will host the monthly Third Thursday meeting tomorrow at the cabin.  Join us at 6:30.  We fully expect another sweet spirit time with others.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions

Jesus is the only reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Ora Lee Wilson just called saying a three-year old in her sister’s family is in the critical care unit at OLOL pediatrics.  So far, the doctors have run lots of tests, but have not found a diagnosis, so treatment is not even possible yet.   The child has been hospitalized for almost a week.  Hearts of the family members are breaking.  Please pray for Landon Walker and his family.

Mrs. Grace Chadwick is better and back at home in Roseland.  Say a pray for thanks.

Mallory was able to go to church Sunday and school yesterday.  Thank-you so much for praying for her.

Saturday

“You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion …

your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  

~2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)~

 

It’s not in what you have acquired,

but what you are able to share that counts.

Be thankful for what you can share.

Riches are not counted in dollars!

 It’s hugs, smiles, words, and other actions!

It’s Jesus living in you!

I hope you gave and received this week.

I’m rich in blessings and so thankful!

Kathy Wales shared an update on Wayne Criswell.

I received a call from Mary Criswell this afternoon to let us know that Wayne had a doctor’s appointment today. Hospice has been called in for him. I know that Wayne knows where he’s going and is ready but his family and friends really need our prayers.
Thank you,
Kathy

Mallory is recovering from her burns well enough to get out among people again.  She is looking forward to going to church tomorrow and school Monday.  Thank you to each one of you who had a part in her healing by praying for her.

Nellie Jean Miller Davis Cook

Born: January 04, 1936
Died: November 27, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2831359&fh_id=10545

Johnny Jones

Born: September 12, 1942
Died: November 27, 2014

         http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2830859

Devotional, Scripture, Quote, and a Song

  • “Happy Ending” –  http://odb.org/
  • I saw a new heaven and a new earth.                                                                                                        ~Revelation 21:1~
  • The gains of heaven will more than compensate us for the losses of earth.                                                                                                             ~ODB~
  • “10 Awesome Songs about Heaven” – http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-awesome-songs-about-heaven/

Reminder – Lottie Moon Tea

  • Tomorrow
  • 2 P.M.
  • FBC, K (an event of Two Rivers Association, not just for Kentwood ladies)
  • All ladies, ages 2-102
  • Bring your daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, niece, neighbor, friend, etc.

Thankfulness – Day 29: Home

It’s always good to get away for special reasons, but eventually we all learn there’s no place like home!  I’m sure many of you are winding down from the holiday and looking forward to or beginning to enjoy being at home again.  Enjoy that too!  Thank God for homes!

Be generous and be blessed this very day.  Share from your heart.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thanksgiving

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

For the Lord is the great God,

And the great King above all gods.”

~Psalm 95:1-3, NKJV~

 

Happy Thanksgiving!  Read the Scripture above and be thankful today!

I have a new reason to be thankful today.  Mallory received a good report at the hospital yesterday.  She is healing well, is released from house confinement, and doesn’t have to go back for three months unless there is a problem.

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “A Lesson in Praise” –  odb.org
  • Praise the Lord!                                                                                                                         ~Psalm 150:1~                                                                                                                                      “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from…the Father.” ~James 1:17~
  • “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/praisegf.htm

Please take time to make a list of all the reasons you are thankful.  I hope Jesus is at the top of your list.  If not, talk with someone TODAY who can help you put Him there.

Anna Lee

Saturday Addition

Mallory is on the way home!!!

Beth Brabham asked that we pray for her mother, Mrs. Mildred Birch, who will be having surgery in about three weeks.

Please pray for seventeen (17) members of Montpelier Baptist Church are are serving as missionaries in Nicaragua this week.  This is their second trip this year.  They have been going for several years.

 

 

Friday

“God has listened;

He has paid attention to the sound of my prayer.”

~Psalm 66:19, HCSB~

 

Thankfulness: Day 21 – Third Thursday Gatherings 

David and I love to have others come to our Third Thursday gatherings.  As many as we have had, we almost always have some new people (two last night).  We consider ourselves so blessed to have these meetings and know we are blessed more than anyone else.  As I have said before, the meeting is the highlight of each month for us.  That’s saying a lot!  If you were present you know about “JOY”.  I think it leaves with our guests and lingers in our hearts after our gathering.  We are so blessed!  We are very thankful God has blessed us this way!

Macy Gueldner –   http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/546eb38d4db921a50f7d231d

Karen Miller’s mom, Mrs. Rigby, was readmitted to the hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama yesterday.  Please continue to pray for Mrs. Rigby, her family, and friends.

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Today – Hannah
  • Next week – no study

Tuesday – Birthday Party at The Cafe  

  • 11:00 A.M.
  • Honors “young” ladies from FBC, Kentwood

Hope Center

  • Three more freezers arrived yesterday.
  • An addition seems to be in our future.
  • Call me to volunteer for the next couple of weeks.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee