Category: Family

Friday

‎”For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6~

Pray for Mrs. Katherine Sanders.  She is scheduled to come home today.

From Judy Fowler

Frances (Gay) is in Lakeview Hospital, Mandeville. She has a blood clot in her leg. Will be in for 2 to 5 days. I am going down today. I will keep you updated.

Pray for my momma. Dot Smith, today as she sees the cardiologist as a follow-up to some tests.

THE FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

The following ideas about science were gleaned from essays, exams, and classroom discussions.  Most were from 5th and 6th graders.

*  Q:  What is one horsepower?
A:  One horsepower is the amount of energy it takes to drag a horse 500 feet in one second.

*  The law of gravity says no fair jumping up without coming back down.

*  When people run around and around in circles we say they are crazy.  When planets do it we say they are orbiting.

*  South America has cold summers and hot winters, but somehow they still manage.

*  Most books now say our sun is a star.  But it still knows how to change back into a sun in the daytime.

*  Water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees.  There are 180 degrees between freezing and boiling because there are 180 degrees between north and south.

*  Vacuums are nothings.  We only mention them to let them know we know they’re there.

*  Some oxygen molecules help fires burn while others help make water, so sometimes it’s brother against brother.

*  Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun.  But I have never been able to make out the numbers.

*  We say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation.  Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.

*  To most people solutions mean finding the answers.  But to chemists solutions are things that are still all mixed up.

*  I am not sure how clouds get formed.  But the clouds know how to do it, and that is the important thing.

*  Water vapor gets together in a cloud.  When it is big enough to be called a drop, it does.

*  Isotherms and isobars are even more important than their names sound.

*  It is so hot in some places that the people there have to live in other places.

*  Genetics explain why you look like your father and if you don’t why you should.

Oh, the wisdom of children!  I especially like that last one.  I would say that, in a similar way, the Bible explains why those of you who are Christians look like your Father, and if you don’t why you should!

That’s our goal, isn’t it?  To learn to love as He first loved us.  To have the kind of patience that He has shown with us through the years.  To grow in the wisdom to make right choices, as He is perfectly wise.  To be holy, just as He is holy.

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).

Here’s a personal question to cause you some reflection:  When people look at you, do they see the family resemblance?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Rita Garon Ricks

(June 16, 1924 – December 16, 2010)

A resident of Roseland, she died at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. She was born June 16, 1924 in Independence and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her son, Arthur Ricks, Jr. and his wife, Madeline, Roseland; sister, Bertha Folisso, Hammond; brother, Brownie Garon, Independence; 8 grandchildren including Carrie Ricks, Joshua Ricks, Matt Huckabee, Robert Dyson and Gary Dyson; 6 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Ricks; daughter, Carol Ricks; father, Leon Garon; mother, Beatrice Garon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2010. Interment Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa.

Have a blessed day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus . . .

And all went to be registered, each to his own town.”

~Luke 2:1-3, ESV~


“Miss” Annie Bell and “Miss” Katherine both looked like they were feeling better yesterday.

Rev. Gary Wieborg is progressing well and is scheduled to be “back in the pulpit” on December 26th.  Please continue to pray for him, his family, and his congregation.

I tripped on a footstool and “tore away some bone” in my right shoulder area.  I will be seeing a specialist and would appreciate your prayers for the next few weeks.  “Nurse” David will also need some prayers!

Sheriff Eugene Holland was born October 13, 1934 and passed away at 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. He was 76 and a resident of Greensburg.

Arrangements will be posted after 2:00 p.m.,Wednesday, December 15, 2010.

Denise Holland Lee requests prayer for her family.

Baptist Press Stories for Dec. 14, 2010
—————————————
  • Unrest in Haiti prompts volunteers’ return to U.S.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34255
  • ‘Rebuild Haiti’ to help suffering survivors
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34254
  • Fed. panel: Iraqi Christians need protection
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34256
  • 99 leaving NAMB as part of downsizing
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34257
  • Poll: Recession catches up to U.S. churches
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34258
  • Judge rejects mandate in health care law
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34262
  • Theologian Roger Nicole dies in Fla. at 95
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34259
  • FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Let earth receive her King!
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34260
  • BP Ledger: Dec. 14 edition
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34261

Open doors in the rubble

The South American country of Chile was rocked Feb. 27, 2010, by an earthquake. Then its coastal areas were saturated by the tsunami that followed. Missionaries living in Chile were remarkably safe, but immediately began ministering to those who most needed help, healing and the hope of Christ.

Missionary Trent Tomlinson assessed needs in the hardest-hit areas just two days after the quake. About 50 people representing churches from several denominations met in Tomlinson’s home, forming a plan to fan out and meet needs generated by the disaster. “This is an open door,” said Tomlinson. “We’re earning the right to be heard here.”

Tomlinson knows that meeting the physical needs of hurting people gives him and other Christians opportunity to share the Gospel.

Tomlinson drives an SUV paid for by LMCO funds. Without it, he wouldn’t be able to travel to the areas where he is most needed. Since the earthquake, fuel for one week has been at least $150. Cell phone, land lines and Internet, which are vital to the ministry in Chile, have gone from $90-$100 a month, to $120-$200.

It isn’t cheap to live and minister in times like these, but Southern Baptists understand the importance of giving so that we’re right where we need to be when God needs us.

Thanks for praying daily.
Anna Lee

Monday

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me.”

~Psalm 34:4a~

Thank-you for the prayers for Jon-Michael Williams.  He was able to show encouraging signs over the weekend.  He will have more tests today.  Keep praying.

Mr. Gordon Price is hospitalized in McComb because of pneumonia.  Please add him to your prayer list.

Callie Cole

Hey,
All is well.  Callie is continuing with her therapy as this thanksgiving holiday comes to a close.  Hope you all have had a joyous, thankful season.  We sure have an abundance to be thankful for like health and salvation not to mention all the little blessing He bestows on us.
This week we ask for your prayers as we travel to Callie’s doctor appointment.  We will be traveling back to Atlanta for a follow up visit.  We do have several questions and are hoping for suggestions that will help us better serve her needs.
Thanks so much for all your prayers.  Please remember the reason for the season.  May I challenge you to do something different this year…….like a silent, unmentioned blessing for someone that needs a Jesus kiss!!  Something that gives only Him the glory.  Think outside the box!!
Keep it real.

Frances

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions

Day Two

The people of Cuba

Retired Cuban Baptist pastor Víctor González is a “walking evangelist” along the rugged roads of Cuba’s mountainous countryside. Last year he made 2,640 home visits—all on foot—to share the gospel with rural Cubans.

A 90-year-old widower, Victor shows no signs of slowing down. “Pray that the Lord will lengthen my life to be able to keep on working in His service,” he says. “Pray that Cuba and the whole world will be won to Christ.”

Víctor’s zeal for evangelism is typical among Christians in Cuba, who are seeing one of the fastest rates of church growth in the world.

Cuban Baptist churches numbered 210 in 1960. In the 1990s, a church-planting movement began. Today, there aren’t enough churches to hold all the believers. Cuban Baptist traditional churches, missions, and house churches number more than 6,200; most meet in houses, garages, yards or on rooftops.

This growth has created a demand for more church leaders. To help meet that need, a team of IMB missionaries travels frequently to Cuba to help Cuban Baptists train leaders. Your gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® support this ministry.

“This is God’s time for Cuba,” says one of these missionaries.

Pray God will raise up church leaders for the harvest. Pray a sufficient number of leaders will be trained.

Lottie Moon Thank-You from the Hatchels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSdrfzKMVg8

I hope you have time to view this.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“May the peoples praise You, O God;

may all the peoples praise you.”

~Psalm 67:3, NIV~

Pray for Harrell Sharkey as he has double knee replacement today and then begins the recovery process.

Jon-Michael Williams

The First United Methodist Church invites the public to a community prayer service at 11 a.m. Wednesday to offer prayers for a Hammond High School senior who was injured in a head-on collision in Amite Monday night.

Pray for my Texas relatives, the Tollesons.  Thanks!

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Wednesday, November 24, 2010

“I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving,” (Psalm 69: 30, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, giving thanks with you for God’s work around the world.

In looking over prayer items, it is impossible to miss phrases like these: “Since this month is Thanksgiving month, please join us in thanking God for His bountiful blessings.” Or “when many pause specifically to give thanks, let us offer thanks to our Father for the future He has for . . .” our city. One team expressed their special thanks: “We are so grateful for what our Father provides for us to accomplish His work. We are blessed by the generous giving of Southern Baptists and the infinite prayers you lift up on our behalf.” As you celebrate with family and friends, please give thanks that the Lord involves all of us in His work. “Keep your eyes on the goal: that Christ will be known” and worshiped throughout the world–person by person, city by city.

The Project Taipei Team, Taiwan, is one of those teams writing: “Please join us in thanking God for His bountiful blessings. There are 41 campuses located in Greater Taipei. We are now on six of those and have six churches that have partnered in reaching those students. A national Baptist church has prayed for Junior High students and teachers in Taipei for many years. Next month, the church will host a party for the English students in the seventh grade along with their families. We are also thankful for partners who are willing to be trained to reach the not-yet-believers.”

* Please pray that workers will remain faithful to the task even when they do not see immediate fruit.

* Ask the Lord to bless teams–like Team Corsica, the Futa Toro Team, the team in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the Basque Team–who are hosting Thanksgiving meals that they will be able to engage their neighbors in deep spiritual conversations.

* Praise the name of our great God and magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“One person standing alone is easily attacked and defeated,

but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.

Three people are even better,

for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

~Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)~

Mr. Frank Smith, Sr. was a little better this weekend.  Do you think it could be because his granddaughter Terri got to visit him?  Continue to pray for the Smith family.

Jadon’s Story


After mommy increased my medicine Thursday night. I had a great night. I sleep the entire night. I can’t remember the last time if ever that has happened. Well when I woke up that morning, I had a cluster of over 90. I had a pretty good day after that with very few spasms. I’m having less clusters throughout the day but I’m having so many spasms in each cluster. I’m actually having more spasms than before. So we really don’t know what is better. We increased the medicine again this morning for the last time. Mommy and daddy are going to see how I do the next couple of days and then call my doctor. So we will see how I do on the increased dose. We are thinking I was doing better at the beginning of the week because they took me off the clobazam. I’m still more vocal and staying awake more. I have learned to hold my own sippie cup. I used to could hold it while laying down but now I can do it in any position. So mommy took my bottle away and I get everything through my sippie cup. I don’t miss my bottle at all. I’m satisfied to drink out of my sippie cup. I’ll update in a couple of days and let you know what my seizures are doing. Please continue to pray!!!

Boyd and Jennie were blessed to be able to be in the first service of a new church plant for the Roma in Prague yesterday.  Be thankful for this new opportunity for the Roma.  Pray for God’s leadership in all that is done there.

Holly K. is spending her last day in West Africa.  Tomorrow, she will land at the New Orleans airport.  Thank God for the experiences and blessing Holly has had for the past two years.  Pray for God’s continued leadership in her life.

Jacob “Bro. Jake” Williams was ordained yesterday.  Pray God’s blessings on his ministry!


INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, October 18, 2010

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,’” (John 6:35, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for the people of Pakistan.

Two months of the year in Pakistan comprises the rainy season. These two months are essential for crop growth and cultivation throughout the year, as well as energy production. This year’s rains, however, brought the worst flooding in recent history to the country. The flood waters in August and September destroyed towns, villages, crops, homes and livestock throughout the Sindh province. Thousands of displaced Sindhis fled the floods to live with relatives or in camps in other parts of the province. Many of the Sindhi-speaking people from the villages who lost everything had farms with crops and livestock that played a vital role in their survival. Pray for the farmers and their families as they start to think about rebuilding their lives.

As a result of flooding in all the major provinces of Pakistan, several thousand people lost their lives and countless millions were left without homes and hope for the future. The repercussions of the devastation have affected more people than both the 2005 tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake combined.

Workers are seeking to share the love of Christ in a tangible way with people who have been brought to the deepest place of need in their lives. Tents, food and basic essentials are being purchased and delivered to flood-affected areas in the name of Jesus. The relief effort is moving ahead thanks to the help of locals who are aiding in the distribution process.

* Please pray that Pakistanis will come to view Christians as people they can trust.

* Pray, especially, that Pakistanis will come to see that God loves them and wants to give them not only physical, but spiritual provision.

* Pray for the body to be unified in representing Christ as the One who provides the Bread and Water of Life for all who will believe.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
OCTOBER 18, 2010

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” (Matthew 9:37-38)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei (southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malalysia).

BAMBARA OF MALI (BAHM-bah-rah). Many months ago, you began praying that God would send workers to Mali to help with the ‘Foundations for Farming’ project during the planting season. The Bambara Team writes: “Give thanks to God for sending us a volunteer to help in the field. The work is hard and tiresome, but our volunteer doesn’t mind. Thank God for this young man! You also prayed that God would provide the rains that the fields so desperately need. Praise Him that the rains have come! Please pray that the fields will produce an abundant harvest.” http://www.gobambara.org/

HIGHLAND SINGERS OF CENTRAL ASIA. As the group gathers in the evening, on one side of the living room the men talk about the crops or the weather, while on the other side of the room are the women, with babies and health care usually topping their lists of concerns. After a bit, the preacher takes his place and begins with prayer. The room rings with “Amens” chiming in during the pastor’s prayer. After the service, the preacher talks about issues facing them, and discussion follows sometimes deep into the night. Is this somewhere in the United States, some home group down the street? No, this group and groups like them meet every week in the Highlands. This is Ismailism, a religion that teaches peace, kindness and a love of knowledge, and it even honors other religions, including Jesus–but it is “a different Gospel.” Pray for the people to have dreams of Jesus, and pray that He will be honored, loved and cherished as the King! highlandsingers@gmail.com

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Friday

I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me for a couple of days.  A backhoe took me out of service for a while.  Thankfully, I’m back!

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

~Psalm 18:2~

Today is World Cancer Day!  Please pray for a cure.

CaringBridge

Mrs. Mildred Birch’s surgery went well.  She has some stents and a balloon.  The doctor said it was a blessing she had this warning before a major heart attack.  “Miss” Mildred should be home by now and able to drive tomorrow.  What a blessing this family has received.

Cheryl Hughes Green said her lab reports went well.  The tumors in her arm were all fatty tissues.  Join Cheryl in thanking God.

Jadon’s Story

  • So my seizures are a little better. I’m still having alot but they are better. I was having them all day long. Now I’m only having them when I go to sleep and wake up. I had one bad cluster of 30 this morning but the other clusters were only about 12. I had a few single spasms here and there but overall they are better. I’m estimating about 70. I was having over 100 in Boston. We still have to increase the medicine two more times. So maybe this medicine will work. We will continue to pray that it will be our miracle drug. I am totally off my clobazam and I can’t tell you how excited I am. I am not tired all the time. I am napping just like a normal 1 year old now. I have never done this. I have always slept like an infant. Now I’m taking only two naps a day. I’m also more vocal and I’m moving around more. I just wish we could have stopped that clobazam earlier. I will keep you updated. Please continue to pray for me. I love you, Jadon
  • My seizures continue to get better. They are still not controlled but they are better. I’m only having them when I go to sleep, when I wake up, and then just a few here and there. I’m also sleeping much better. In fact, last night I only woke up 1 time. I had 15 spasms and then went right back to sleep. They is a significant decrease at night. I’m also still only taking two naps a day. I sleep about 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. This makes us so happy 🙂 We will increase the banzel again tonight. Please continue to pray for improvement. Your prayers are working. We are praying that once I get on the full dose we will have control of these spasms. Thanks for caring and praying, Jadon
Willie Mae Graves
(March 10, 1922 – October 14, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, LA, died on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born March 10, 1922 in Amite, LA and was 88 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 noon Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Linda Graves Cutrer, Amite, and Catherine G. Courtney, Bossier City, son, Charles Wayne Graves, Amite, 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Preceded in death by, husband, Charles W. Graves, parents, Marley and Arry Mapes Pittman, granddaughter, Donna Lynn Courtney Tilli, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.
Emma Thompson Phillips
(May 10, 1923 – October 14, 2010)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 10, 1923 in Hillsdale, LA and was 87 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 12 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whiddon. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Survived by daughter, Camille P. Russell, Independence, sister, Eula Mae T. LaPorte, Port Vincent, 4 grandchildren, Brandon C. Hammons, Scotch D. Phillips, Kendall P. Woods, and Hagan T. Hammons, 9 great-grandchildren, Cannan Hammons, Banner Hammons, Gyvan Hammons, Taylor Phillips, McKenna Phillips, Ella Rose Phillips, Hudson Woods, Hayden Woods, and William Woods. Preceded in death by husband, Haynie H. Phillips, son, Howell H. Phillips, parents, Johnny R. Thompson and, Katie Hardy Thompson, brother, Alvin C. Thompson, and sister, Loneta T. Binder.


Mary Jane Cuti Dickson
(July 25, 1918 – October 13, 2010)

Mary Jane Cuti Dickson or “Maddie”as she was lovingly known by family and friends, passed away on October 13, 2010. Born July 25, 1918, she lived a full life, always happily caring and giving to her family and friends. She worked for many years at Lallie Kemp Hospital from where she eventually retired. However, her favorite job was caring for her family. She was always in the kitchen cooking, ready for whomever stopped by. Mangia! was one of her favorite phrases. She used food as her personal way to show her love. Mary’s final days ended at the Richard Murphy Hospice House with her family by her side.A lifelong resident of Independence, LA, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Lyle Dickson, her father and mother, Sam and Annie Cuti; brother, Vincent Cuti; sister, Josephine Cuti Alfano; brother Victor Cuti. She is survived by her two sons, Salvador Dickson and Michael Dickson, both of Independence; five grandchildren, Karl Dickson of Severn, MD; Shawn Dickson of Hammond, LA; Missy Dickson Miller of Albany, LA; Michael Dickson of Independence, LA; and Kristine Dickson of Baton Rouge, LA; as well as eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Funeral arrangements have been made through McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA. Services will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church on Friday, October 15, 2010. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to11:30, followed by the Mass. Burial services will follow at Colonial Cemetery.

Ionia Hill
(April 9, 1921 – October 13, 2010)

Ionia Lucy Kirkland Griffin Hill, born April 09, 1921 near Headland, AL died early Wednesday morning, October 13, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was the daughter of Paten and Mellie Brown Kirkland. Ms Ionia married the love of her life, Joseph David Griffin July 01, 1945. They made their home in Jackson, LA where they raised their three children; Polly, Wade and Joe Jr. Her husband, Joe died at the age of 54, and Ionia married Herman Coyt Hill; a preacher from Carthage MS.; who also preceded her in death. Visitation will be at The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, Saturday from 8 a.m. with a service at 10 a.m. Following, there will be visitation and a funeral service at the First Baptist Church in Jackson, LA from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m, Saturday. Services will be conducted by Rev. Don Meadows and Rev. Joe Nesom. Internment will be at the Jackson Cemetery. She is survived by her children Polly Griffin Bridges of Kentwood, LA. Wade Griffin and wife, Debby, of Baytown, TX; Joe Griffin Jr. and wife, Kathey, of Jackson, LA. Grandchildren are Joseph W. Bridges and wife, Jennifer; Mitchel A. Bridges and wife, Donde, of Kentwood. Step grandchildren Mark Stites and wife, Devon of Houston, TX; Penny Stites Morrison and husband, Earl of Dear Park, TX; Joseph Russell and wife Danielle of St. Francisville, LA and Johnny Russell and wife, Becky of St. Francisville, LA. Great grandchildren are Will, Matt, Rebecca. Ashton and Kirkland Bridges; all of Kentwood Lauren, Jonathan and Owen Stites of Houston, TX and Mallory, Mackenzie and Max Morrison of Dear Park, TX, Emily and Mallarie Russell. She was preceded in death by sisters Julia Whitlock and Juanita Dean, brothers Odell, Crawford, Alvis, Horace, Eudolph and Quincey Kirkland. She was an active member of The Lord’s Church, 1936 Hwy. 440, Kentwood, LA 70444 and a longtime former member of the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 155, Jackson, LA 70748. Memorials may be given to either of the above churches or to the Christian ministry of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Starret Dewaine Cleveland
(October 20, 1952 – October 12, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, he died on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 in Hammond. He was born October 20, 1952 in Amite and was 57 years of age. Rev. Cleveland was a pastor at churches in Mississippi and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Iris Strahan Cleveland, Greensburg; daughter, Diedra Cleveland Chavers and her husband, Chris, Albany; son, David Cleveland and his wife, Monette, Albany; Pop had 4 grandchildren, Meredith, Micah, Asher, and Sophia. Also survived by a sister, Phyllis “Dell” Gatewood, 2 brothers, Ira Cleveland, Jr. and his wife, Carol Ann, and Mike Pierce, 2 half-sisters, Susie Capdeboscq and Kay Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Passman Pierce and father, Ira Cleveland, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. David Fortenberry. Interment Friendship Cemetery, Amite, LA. Memorial contributions may be made to youth or children’s funds at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, or Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Amite.

Have a great evening!

Anna Lee

Tuesday's Thanksgiving

My aunt just called from Texas.  Her son, Scott, called to say the evaluation for his son, Micah, at M.D. Anderson this morning was completed.  Micah does not have a tumor.  He has a hole where a tumor was removed.  He will be monitored by M.D. Anderson and treated for seizures, but not cancer!  This is a miracle!  Thank God for this good report.

Saturday

Each of us will have to give a personal account to God.

~Romans 14:12 (NLT)~

Pray for my Texas relatives as Micah is evaluated by M.D. Anderson next week.

(in)ecourage:http://www.incourage.me/2010/10/has-anyone-told-you-lately-how-amazing-you-are.html

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

Sharon R. Wunstel
(April 15, 1951 – October 8, 2010)

She passed away at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010 at her home in Kentwood. She was born April 15, 1951 and was 59 years old.

Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Friday

Your attitude must be like my own,

for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served,

but to serve and to give my life.

~Matthew 20:28 (LB)~


Cheryl Hughes Green got home about 3:30 from same day surgery.  All went well.  Cheryl should get lab results next Wednesday.   Keep her in your prayers.

 

Pray for Randy Relan who is hospitalized again.

Mrs. Willie Mae Graves is also hospitalized.  Her family is meeting with the doctor this morning.  Pray for them as they make plans for her care.

Continue to pray for Erin Evanoff as she waits for lab reports.

Stacey Scarle has completed another chemo and only has two more left.   The next one will be on the 27th.  She appreciates all the prayers for her.

Holly K. will be home in twelve days.  Pray with her family and friends as she completes her teaching in West Africa and moves into the next phase of her life.  Pray for guidance in the decisions she will be making in the coming months.

CaringBridge

Some of you may be interested in following this blog for Jadon who is a year old.  Prayers will certainly be appreciated by the family.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, October 8, 2010

“Having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,” (Hebrews 10:21-22a, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for the Turks of Marmara, Turkey.

The Marmara (pronounced MAR-mah-rah) area is the smallest of seven geographic regions of Turkey, but it is the most densely populated. Thirty percent of the country’s population lives there. Istanbul is a very modern city with a population of approximately 13 million. There are subways, high-speed Internet, modern highways, and an efficient public transportation grid. Yet there are also Gypsies selling flowers and riding horse-drawn carts on the interstates. There are beggars and stray dogs and cats at most busy intersections. The literacy rate for women is less than 50 percent. Honor killings are not a thing of the past. The Marmara area of Turkey is in tension. There are forces pushing to the West and the East . . . Asian and European . . . conservative and liberal . . . Islamic and secular. There is little room in this mix for local Christians.

Many millions of these Turks have been raised in moderate Muslim traditions. They dress as Westerners, call themselves “modern,” and participate in only the bare minimum–if any–Islamic practices.

One of these modern Turks is J. Through dreams about Jesus, reading a Turkish Bible (a gift from her neighbor, who is a worker), many conversations with her neighbor and other workers about Bible stories and Truth, and many prayers, J seems to have come to faith in Jesus! Recently J told her neighbor that her father “believes like I do”! He has been visiting J for a month and has watched her copy of the “JESUS” film countless times.

* Please pray for J’s father and other modern Turks as they turn to Christ and grow as disciples.

* Ask God to open doors among students so that they may hear His truth.

* Intercede for Christian workers to serve with a true heart in full assurance of their faith.

Thought for the Day:  SOAK IN THE MUD

Albert walks in to his doctor’s office for his yearly physical exam as he has done the same time every year that he can remember.  The doctor takes him through all of the motions, does the normal tests and then leaves to get the results.  After about 30 minutes, the doctor returns with a very sad look on his face.

“Well Doc, what kind of shape am I in this time?” Albert asks.

“Albert, I don’t know what to say.  The news is bad.  Really bad.”

“What is it Doc?”

“I hate to have to give you such bad news. I can’t find the words to tell you. I really don’t know what to say.”

Albert, being a strong man who appreciates straight talk, tells the doctor, “Ok, don’t beat around the bush.  Tell me what you know.  I can take it”.

“Well”, says the doctor, “Let me put it this way.  I think that you should go to Arkansas and visit the hot springs there for a nice relaxing mud bath.  Spend some time soaking in the mud.”

“Oh, so I need to relax a little bit, eh?  Will that cure me, Doc?”

“No, Albert, it won’t cure you.  And it won’t help you relax.  But it will help you get used to being covered in dirt.”

From time to time, we all need to be reminded of our mortality.  “As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.  For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” (Psa. 103:15)

It is only when we are convinced of the limited time we have on this earth that we feel motivated to plan for where we will spend eternity.  That’s why Solomon said, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.” (Eccl. 7:2)

The house of feasting is certainly more fun.  But while we are in the house of mourning, we are reminded that death will come to us all.  As someone has put it, we are all “terminal.”  May we “take it to heart” and live accordingly.

Oh, and if you happen to be in Arkansas anytime soon, I highly recommend the mud bath.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Count your blessings today.
Anna Lee