Family – Page 70 – The Prayer Link

Saturday

“If you continue in My word,

then you are truly disciples of Mine.”

~John 8:31 NASB~

Jadon’s Story

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Thought for the Day: He was a stranger

The owner of an old-fashioned corner grocery store in a small country town was fond of quoting a scripture after each sale. He had three old friends that would sit around a pot-bellied stove, playing checkers on a faded board. His ability to produce a scripture for all occasions never ceased to amuse the old timers, and they would listen to see what verse he would come up with that was relevant to the sale made.

A lady purchased some material and he said, “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” A man bought a sack of flour and he said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” A little boy bought some candy and as he rung it up he quoted, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”

It was nearly closing time when the chimes over the door jangled loudly. A well-dressed young man, obviously a stranger from one of the larger towns down the road, entered. “Can I help you?” offered the proprietor.

“I need a blanket for my horse,” said the man. “He’s out in his trailer and it’s too cold for just one. Bring me the nicest one you’ve got!” The store owner went in the back store room and came back with a brown blanket. “That’ll be five dollars.”

“Five dollars? You’ve got to be kidding!”, said the man. “This horse is a thoroughbred. He gets only the best! He wouldn’t stand still for an old five-dollar blanket.” Without comment, the store owner took back the blanket, then merely selected a different color and brought it out. “This one’s $25 dollars.”

“Now, look,” said the young man, “Perhaps I didn’t make myself plain. This isn’t just any old horse! He’s worth thousands! Now I want the best, most expensive blanket you’ve got! Understand?” The owner once more went into the store room, pulled out another color of the same material and brought it back. “This is the only one left, and it’s $100.” “Now that’s more like it!” enthused the fellow as he paid. Throwing the five dollar blanket over his shoulder, he left.

The old timers stared silently at the shopkeeper as they waited to see what possible scripture he could come up with for that sale! Going behind the register, he rung up the hundred dollars and said, “He was a stranger, and I took him in.”

I feel certain that’s not what Jesus meant when he spoke of the need to take in strangers! In Matthew 25, Jesus is very concerned about our attitude (and actions) toward those who are in need. If fact, Jesus connects our concern for the needy with eternal salvation.

Do we make a conscious effort to see the needs that exist around us? What have you done lately to help meet those needs? Just a gentle reminder in the midst of a hectic month.

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deut. 10:17-19)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Do something special for someone today!

Anna Lee

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thank God for family and friends who were spared in the tornado outbreak yesterday. Pray for families who lost homes and businesses. Say special prayers for families that lost loved ones.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

We received a call today from the hematologist. The lab work for Boyd showed no evidence of a blood clotting disease – either hereditary or acquired. He will stay on the blood thinner medication for an additional six weeks. We are anticipating a return to Europe in early May. Thank you for your prayers.

Marsha (Mrs. Larry) Bankston of Arcola has been sick for a few days. She was taken from the doctor’s office to the hospital via ambulance. She has internal bleeding. Please keep her in your prayers. Pray they can locate and solve the problem quickly.

The BCM lunch at SLU was great today! They had a lot more students than last year. The jambalaya was delicious. Thanks to Marty and Gretchen Simpson, James Rimes, David and Anna Lee Alford, Bro. Joey Miller (speaker), Eleanor Morris, Judy Fowler, Fay Shoemaker, Ora Lee Wilson, and all those who contributed salad, beans, dessert, tea, or rolls. Five of us chopped food for more than two hours last night to have everything ready to this morning. The Simpson home STRONGLY smelled of onions. We all had tears in our eyes and smiles on our faces. Today, one BSU student asked how often our church prepares the meal. I told him we do it every year. He sadly said, “Only once?”.

The last word I received about Cliff Titus was that he was “about the same”. Keep praying for the family.

Kathryn Sandifer Sanders
(February 4, 1919 – February 28, 2012)

Kathryn Mae Sandifer Sanders died Tuesday morning at the age of 93. Born on Feb 4, 1919 to Floyd and Alice Willson Sandifer, Kathryn lived her childhood in Osyka, MS until her family moved to Kentwood where she became a member of the Kentwood High School Class of 1936. She worked for Rodgers Grocery in Bogalusa until she married her high school classmate, Woodrow Sanders, in 1939. Together they owned and operated the Kentwood Ice Plant, later Kentwood Feed Mill, until their retirement in 1974. A committed member of her community, Kathryn was involved in all aspects of town life. She served as president of the Kentwood Music Club, a group to which she belonged since the 1940’s, Worthy Matron of the Ira Chapter of the Eastern Star, President of the Band Boosters Club at Kentwood High School, President of the PTA, a Rotary Ann, and a Cub Scout den mother. An inspiring member of First Baptist Church where she was a member since 1935, she served as Sunday School teacher, on several committees, and was secretary to the primary grades at the time of her death. She was honored as Kentwood Ledger’s first Mother of the Year in 1981 and as Grand Marshall of the Kentwood Christmas Parade in 2006.On the occasion of her 92nd birthday, the town of Kentwood proclaimed February 4, 2011 as “Kathryn Sanders Day.” She was preceded in death by her husband Woodrow, her parents, her son, Sandy, her brother, Bill, and sisters, Meryl and Mildred, and daughter-in-law, Jo. She is survived by her children, AliceMary and husband, Donnis Honeycutt, Chuck Sanders, and Kathemarie and husband, Larry Humphreys; grandchildren, Kris and Joy Honeycutt and Kate and Pat Gray, Alison and Ryan Nesbitt and Charlie Humphreys, and Chad Sanders; great-grand children Logan Honeycutt, Regan and Jared Gray, Ava Kathryn, Quinn, and Grant Nesbitt; and daughter-of-the-heart, Shirley Jackson. Beloved by all who knew her, she was a great friend and support. Kathryn’s joys were her community, her church, and her family. She was “Mama Kat” to an entire town. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 12 Noon until religious services at 4:00PM Friday, March 2, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the church of your choice or the Kathryn Sanders Steeple Fund at First Baptist Church in Kentwood. For an online guest book, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Wednesday Update

Update on Boyd written by Boyd

‎”Tests today showed that the blood clots have dissolved. Doctors are still running additional labs to determine the cause and potential for reoccurrence. I will remain on blood thinner medication for at least six more weeks. We are thankful for good doctors, great insurance, and great caregivers in family and a local church.”

That means they will probably be going back to Prague in a few months. We are all glad the health situation is not a major issue. It was good to see smiles on the faces of those four grandchildren when they heard they will be going home soon. We are all thanking God for this news today.

Wednesday

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart,

and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

‘Brothers, what shall we do?’

And Peter said to them,

‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of your sins,

and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

~Acts 2:37-38, ESV~

Gloria Gill asks for prayer for Lindsey Sanders who is in Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS with pneumonia and a thyroid that is not working properly. Thank-you for praying.

Boyd sees three doctors today at Ochsner in New Orleans. Pray he doesn’t have any blood clots today and the doctors will have determined the cause of the ones he had.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Thought for the Day: A difficult word

I heard about an office whose answering machine was set up to instruct callers to leave their name and address, and to spell any difficult words.

Early one Monday, when the secretary was reviewing the weekend messages, she heard an enthusiastic young woman recite her name and address, and then confidently offer, “My difficult word is reconciliation. R-E-C-O-N-C-I-L-I-A-T-I-O-N.”

Reconciliation can be a difficult word. It’s not that it’s difficult to understand. Webster defines the word “reconcile” as “to restore to friendship or harmony, to settle or resolve.” The word can be used in a variety of ways, but when it’s applied to people it basically means to get two separated people back together again. So we talk about a husband who wants to be reconciled to a wife who has left him. A father who wants to be reconciled to a wayward son. And a lost sinner who needs to be reconciled to God.

While not difficult to understand, reconciliation can be a difficult word to put into practice. It can be very difficult to get two family members who are at odds to be reconciled. And it can sometimes seem very difficult for us (or for others we know) to be made right with God.

A man once went to a preacher because he was having some family problems. He wasn’t a very well-educated man and sometimes got his words confused. He said, “Me and my wife need a re-cancellation.” What he meant to say was reconciliation, but the word re-cancellation wasn’t a bad choice. Because there can be peace for those who have been separated only when sin has been canceled. As sinners before a righteous God, we need a “re-cancellation”. And that’s exactly what Jesus made available when he died on the cross.

“….by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” (Col. 1:20-22)

Thanks be to God for making this difficult word a reality in our lives.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

I hope we all get to enjoy a beautiful day today.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Everyone who hears these words of mine

and puts them into practice

is like a wise man

who built his house on the rock.”

~Matthew 7:24 NIV~

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and Girls Invited

Saturday, Feb. 11th 9:30 A.M.

FBC, Amite

Bring a dozen breakfast muffins to share and a mug to use.

New Bible Study

FBC, Kentwood

Detains coming soon

Special Guests sharing in AWANA tonight – Mallory and Madison

Richard “Dick” Stamm
(July 27, 1924 – February 2, 2012)

Richard Stamm, 87 years old, passed away on February 2, 2012, due to complications of pneumonia. He resided in Greensburg, LA, for the past five years. Richard “Dick” Stamm was born on July 27, 1924 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and spent his youth in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Army Air Force in World War II. Afterwards he attended & graduated from optometry college in Chicago, IL. However he pursued a career as an engineer working in the automobile industry, then the space program with Chrysler Corporation and Martin-Marietta. The Apollo space program took him and his family to Bay St. Louis, MS, where he remained until Hurricane Katrina. He and his wife, Nadine, owned “Nadic Arts”, an antique and art gallery for many years. Dick’s zest for life included working on hydroplane race boats in Detroit, rebuilding antique cars, and flying and building radio controlled model airplanes. Dick is survived by his wife, Nadine, residing in Greensburg, his two daughters, Maureen Lok and Penny Rizan, and son, Richard, four grandchildren, Andre, Brandon, Michele and Dana, and one great grandchild, Ethan. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Cornerstone Church of Amite on Monday, February 6, 6:00-8:00p.m. Funeral services at Port Hudson National Cemetery will be private. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarship Fund, ATT: April, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thought for the Day: Saved from embarrassment

The source (and veracity) of the following story is unknown:

It was July 4, 1954, I Corps Artillery, Korea. The armistice had been signed the summer before. The I Corps Commander, a three star general, had scheduled his baseball team to play the Corps Arty’s team.

It may seem strange, but Corps Arty is much larger than I Corps. I Corps is strictly a tactical headquarters unit, it has very few men assigned or attached to it. Corps Arty, on the other hand, is much larger. At the time, we had perhaps 18 battalions attached, each battalion consisting of from 600 to 800 men. The Corps Arty Commander, a two star general, took his baseball very seriously. He had a full-time team consisting mostly of professional players who were drafted by Uncle Sam.

I Corps was the visiting team. Three men up, three men out. Bottom of the first. Lots of hits and home runs. No outs. I Corps ran out of pitchers. Their catcher, a sergeant, tried his arm at pitching. Score 0-18, still bottom of the first, still no outs.

The sergeant left the mound and approached the Corps Arty Commanding General. He wiped the sweat from his face, stood at attention, saluted, and in a loud voice boomed, “Sir, request permission to call the game on account of snow.”

The general stood up, returned the salute, and in an equally loud voice, “Permission granted.”

I’ve been in similar situations, on the losing side of a terribly lop-sided game. It’s embarrassing and humiliating! What strikes me about this story is the willingness of the general to take an action that would alleviate as much embarrassment as possible to the pitiful losing team.

It seems to me that’s what love does. In the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), there is a distinct effort on the part of Jesus to draw attention away from the woman to relieve some of her embarrassment (though he still held her accountable for her actions).

That’s a difficult thing to do, but something that must strive for — to hold our friends accountable for their actions, while seeking to minimize their embarrassment. I’m thankful for friends in my life who have done that for me in the past.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ ” (I Peter 4:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

I realize I had my days confused as I posted The Prayer Link last week. I think I have everything straight now.

This is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Continue earnestly in prayer,

being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

~Colossians 4:2~

If we are to “continue earnestly in prayer” for some of those we have been praying for, I will remind you of some families to pray for.

Jadon Pailet Family of Ian Russ Guzzardo Family of Catherine Simmons

Carol Jean Gill Family of Roy Russell Family of William Ed. Hatcher

Pauline Strickland Family of Lorna Smith Family of Jason McKean

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel Family of Dorothy Ricks Family of Kelly Dunn Sofge

Earlo LaBauve Avis Sullivan Andy and Betty Taylor

Jill Brister Gail Pittman-McDaniel Family of Tripp Roth

Susan Rimes Billy Carl Strickland Velta Morris

Dr. Derry Magee Raymond Anthony Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby

KaLeigh Powers Jimmy Tolar Jimmie Shaw Family

These are some of the people for whom we have prayed. You can pray for these and your own additions.

Jadon Pailet (Late last night)

Please pray for Jadon. We were admitted to childrens today because his blood cultures were positive. We will not know what kind of bacteria it is until tomorrow. The culture may have been contaminated but they don’t think so because he is so sick. We need prayers right now.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thought for the Day: When everything goes wrong

Here is a list of "Murphy's Laws for Churches" (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on "Bring A

Friend" Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you'll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks

will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying "Let us pray" or singing "Just As I Am" causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher's question right, nobody remembers; when you

are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees

below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90

degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes

will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy's Law ("Whatever can go wrong will go wrong") manifests itself in a multitude

of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going

wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, "Everything will turn out all right eventually"? We

may be living in a dream world.

Do we react by saying, "How could God do this to me"? Our bitterness may cause

us to turn away from God.

Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see

us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to

preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, "Now, look on their threats, and grant

to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word...." (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down

around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much

they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to

manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Knowing Russ Guzzardo, I don’t think he will mind me sharing his thoughts on Facebook last night, just hours after burying his newborn son.

Just want to thank God for comforting me today. I want to thank him for all the people who have been praying for my family and put there words to action today by attending or participating in the services today. God you are an awesome GOD. Thanks for family and friends, I love you all.

With all the sadness around, especially the last two weeks, let’s remember we serve and awesome God who loves us dearly!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

From Mary Ann Cutrer concerning her granddaughter KaLeigh Powers

KaLeigh went for her checkup today and for the pathology report. Praise God the report was negative. No malignancy noted and no precancerous cells. God is so good.
Thanks to all who prayed for her. That really meant alot to her and her family. Never under estimate the power of our WONDERFUL GOD, because He will take care of His children.

David’s great-niece is expected to be about to leave the hospital today, without having surgery. Thank God Harley was spared from having surgery.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan has been admitted to Hood Memorial to receive antibiotics to fight a stubborn infection. Pray she gets better quickly.

Mr. Earlo LaBauve will probably begin temporary dialysis tomorrow at North Oaks. Pray for him and for his family.

Jadon Pailet has been admitted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans today. Jadon is again running a high temperature. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

Tuesday Afternoon

Wall McKneely said Jadon continues to do well today. It doesn’t hurt to cover his family with prayers each day.

I saw Pat Felker. She said “Miss” Grace Helen had knee surgery again and is expected to be in the hospital for 4-6 weeks. B.J. saw the doctor yesterday, but continues to have an infection in the incision on her leg. Pray that clears up without her having to be hospitalized again.

David’s great niece, Harley, is doing well. The doctors did not see the need to discuss surgery today. If she continues to do well, Harley may be able to go home tomorrow.

Mrs. Carol Jean Gill‘s family said she is still about the same. Keep her name on our lips throughout the day as to petition God to continue to watch over her and her family.

David and I have been to 8 wakes and/or funerals in the past 12 days. The memorial services have been very memorable. I’m thankful for each life that touched me and for memorial services that were equally special and touching. Pray for the many hurting families in our area. It’s really touching to see hurting families reaching out to other hurting families. We have some great Christian people in our area! May that always be true!

Tuesday

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6~

David’s niece Janet A. Melanxon has a teen daughter hospitalized in Baton Rouge. Pray for Harley to get better soon, so she can continue her school week.

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland to get stronger and for her children Donna Fay, Firma Kay, and Billy Carl as they help take turns with a sitter to care for her. The family thanks you for your continued prayers for “Miss” Pauline and for themselves.

Today is the day the Hatchel family were scheduled to return to the Czech Republic. Due to blood clots in his left calf, doctors and he IMB have put the return trip on hold indefinitely. Pray for them as they seek God’s leadership during this time. Also, pray for the doctors who are working with Boyd.

Modern slavery is known as human trafficking. It is real and exists all over the world.

Slavery is a bigger problem today than it has ever been in human history. It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves around the world–most of them involved in human trafficking. In India alone millions of girls are without hope as their bodies are sold again and again. http://ow.ly/8CXMg Pray for these victims to be set free–physically and spiritually.

Dorothy B. Ricks
(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for Diane and her family in the coming days. Caring for “Miss” Dot has been one of her primary activities for a long time.

Thought for the Day: Fighting the Battle Alone

The story is told of an old lady who had moved to the United States from Europe when she was a child, but now she wanted to officially become a citizen of this country. After months of going through all the necessary red tape, she was finally ready to take the required oath.

“Raise your right hand, please.”

She raised her right hand.

“Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all its enemies, domestic or foreign?” was the first question.

The little old lady’s face paled and her voice trembled as she asked in a small voice, “Uhhh . . . all by myself?”

I know the feeling. When I read what the apostle Paul had to say about the great spiritual battle going on, I tremble a bit. Paul said,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

The thoughts of waging such a battle alone is enough to cause even the most stout-hearted to tremble. But we don’t go into battle alone! We go forth as a part of the army of God, led by the Son of God in all his glory, and side by side with every brother and sister in Christ on the face of this earth. The battle is still a difficult one. There will be many casualties along the way. But, thank God, we do not fight it alone!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

I’m sorry to be late posting today. I packed too many miles, people, and events into Wednesday!

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed.”

~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~

Pray for Andy Taylor as he has surgery this morning in Hattisburg at 10:30. Pray for peace, rest, good results, and a great spirit. God has surely used Andy as a testimony to us especially during the last months.

Mrs. Lorna Smith‘s elbow surgery went well yesterday. She’s at home now.

Debbie Luce is recovering from her back surgery and hoping to be free of her back brace soon.

Pray for Paul Howell of Amite. His health has declined lately.

Mrs. Mickey Cade is recovering from knee surgery and complications, but was able to get to the funeral home to support extended family yesterday.

Pray for Taylor Breeland as she goes through challenging times. Pray for her family as they “travel this journey” with her.

Many of you have asked about Boyd and me.

I’m doing very well, just waiting until I can have a MRI in three more months.
Boyd Hatchel has no more information about his blood clots. I’ll give you a report when he goes back to that doctor.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk on

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Holley

God is good all the time. All the time, God is good!

Anna Lee