Saturday

This is why we never give up.

Though our bodies are dying,

our spirits are being renewed every day.

For our present troubles are quite small

and won’t last very long,

but they will produce for us an immeasurably great glory

that will last forever!

So we don’t look at the trouble we can see right now;

rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen.

For the troubles we see will soon be over,

but the joys to come will last forever. 

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT~

Terry Bankston had a second surgery yesterday.  It did not go quite as well as the first one did.  Please continue to pray for Terry and Iris Courtney Bankston of Amite.  Terry is in room 4110 (ICU) at Tulane Hospital.

Momma is doing better and beginning to focus on going home.  That will be a while yet, but the goal is enough to encourage her to work extra hard to get better.

Daddy is having a side-effect from a new medication.  Pray we can get his tended to before it develops into a bigger problem.

The Lay Renewal at FBC, Kentwood is next weekend.  Pray for the final preparations to run smoothly.

Have a great Saturday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward

according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a~

Terry Bankston was rushed to Tulane Hospital over the weekend for surgery.  He will have addition surgery Saturday and possibly several more times.  Pray for his family as they are so concerned about him.  I would guess Terry is in his 40’s.

Momma was much better yesterday.  Thanks for all the prayers and calls.

Pray for the Lay Renewal at FBC, Kentwood.  It will be the weekend of August 19 – 21.

Alan Smith’s Thought for the Day

Being Prepared
Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared for such a
 disaster can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some 
tips someone has offered to help you and your loved ones make it through 
a quake:

~ Those living in areas not prone to earthquakes can respond quickly to 
the plight of disaster victims in quake zones by complacently smirking 
and saying, "I told you so."

~ To minimize loss and damage in a quake, try not to own things.

~ Practice your burrowing-out-from-under-40-tons-of-rubble skills ahead 
of time.

~ Look out your window often. If you see a large, zig-zag-shaped crevasse 
moving rapidly from the horizon toward your home, step either to the right 
or the left.

~ For those who fear earthquakes, it may comfort you to know that a 
majority of the damage during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake did not 
come from the tremors themselves. Instead, it was from the raging, 
out-of-control fires that consumed most of the city.

~ A doorway is the safest place to be during a quake. Eat, sleep, and work 
in doorways.

~ Be sure to mail your house-insurance payments a full five business days 
before a major earthquake strikes.

~ If you are caught in a major earthquake in Southern California and are part of the entertainment industry, take a moment or two to reflect on how grossly you've wasted your life.

As several of the suggestions above point out (with tongue firmly in cheek!), the problem with an earthquake is its unpredictability.
A few months ago, Hurricane Ike devastated the Galveston area, but there 
was at least warning for several days that danger was coming. With an 
earthquake, there is none -- it simply strikes!

Jesus described his second coming as an event like that. He used terminology
like "a thief in the night" to describe the unexpectedness of the moment. 
His purpose in using that image was not to suggest that he is coming to 
steal something. Rather, he is coming at a time when we least expect it. 
And the only way to be ready for that moment (just as with an earthquake) 
is to stay prepared all the time.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The skies will disappear 
with a loud noise. Everything in them will be destroyed by fire, and the
 earth and everything in it will be burned up. In that way everything will
 be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be?
You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward 
to the coming of the day of God." (I Peter 3:10-12a, NCV).

My prayer is that you will be prepared so that you, too, can truly "look 
forward" to that day (whenever it may be!).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Thanks for reading and praying today.
Anna Lee

Monday

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision,

‘Do not be afraid,

but go on speaking and do not be silent,

for I am with you,

and no one will attack you to harm you,

for I have many in this city who are my people.’”

~Acts 18: 9-10, ESV~

CaringBridge:KathyJoThompson

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathyjothompson

CaringBridge:LoganWatts

 http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

Momma seems to be a little better.  Hopefully, she will be strong enough to begin some new physical therapy today.  I have her a nice wardrobe of clothing to choose from.  After 32 days of hospital gowns, anything different will be an improvement.  Pray she gets to have new physical therapy experiences.

The Hatchel family headed back to New Orleans a few minutes ago.  Thanks for the way you welcomed them to Kentwood and made them feel so welcome.

Time for a nap.  I’m on the night shift this week, so The Prayer Link will be delayed each day until I get home from the hospital.  Please be patient with my schedule.

Anna Lee

Friday

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; 

do not depend on your own understanding.”

~Proverbs 3:6 NLT~

Jimmy Schwartz is undergoing tests at North Oaks to determine why he is anemic.  He has received two units of blood.  Keep him in your prayers.

Momma is now is room 112 at Specialty Hospital in Hammond.  We hope she will regain some strength while there.

 

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel will be speaking in the morning worship service (10:30) Sunday at First Baptist Church of Kentwood.

 

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918
Tune: CONVERSE, Meter: 87.87 D


 

1.	What a friend we have in Jesus,
	all our sins and griefs to bear!
	What a privilege to carry
	everything to God in prayer!
	O what peace we often forfeit,
	O what needless pain we bear,
	all because we do not carry
	everything to God in prayer.

2.	Have we trials and temptations?
	Is there trouble anywhere?
	We should never be discouraged;
	take it to the Lord in prayer.
	Can we find a friend so faithful
	who will all our sorrows share?
	Jesus knows our every weakness;
	take it to the Lord in prayer.

3.	Are we weak and heavy laden,
	cumbered with a load of care?
	Precious Savior, still our refuge;
	take it to the Lord in prayer.
	Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
	Take it to the Lord in prayer!
	In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
	thou wilt find a solace there.
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh526.sht

Continue to pray for the families who are grieving.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I sought the Lord,

and He heard me.”

~Psalm 34:4a~

Adrian Phillips

Adrian Phillips, my first cousin, had a major heart attack over the weekend. He is in critical care at Lady of the Lake. He has four blockages and will receive two stints Tuesday. He is not a
candidate for the needed by-pass surgery because his kidneys are not functioning propoerly. Please pray for the families as they care for him and Janet who is at M.D Anderson for treatment.

James Rimes

CaringBridge:LarkinDorris

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

Romanian Mission trip (Victoria Nielsen)

God blessed us with such a wonderful day today! got to minister to children today! 😀 they were so precious! God is just doing such awesome things! counted about 40 kids today who prayed to recieve Jesus as their Lord and Savior! praise Jesus! thank you for all your prayers, please continue to pray!

A movie will be shown at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M. Sunday night.  Bro. Butch is previewing and selecting the movie.  I’ll post the name of the movie when he makes a decision.

Continue to pray for the Vacation Bible Schools this week.

Pray for the Brister family as Mr. Tom prepared for triple heart bypass surgery in the morning at Lacombe.

Heart to Heart with Holley: If not for grace

http://www.holleygerth.com/heart-to-heart-with-holley/2011/6/19/if-not-for-grace.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+

dayspring%2FaSfH+%28Heart+to+Heart+with+Holley%29

It is such a privilege to see God use Christians to help solve a fix someone got themselves into and to point the person/people to God.  Use the opportunities that God sends to your doorway!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

to you, O LORD, I will make music.”

~Psalm 101:1, ESV~

 


CaringBridge:LoganWatts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

 


John Easley, son of Cheryl Hughes Green is having surgery this morning to repair a cartiage in his left knee. We would appreciate any and all prayers. It is also his 23rd birthday today. God bless.

 

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is having additional tests done today.  Please pray for a diagnosis.

 

Mrs. Othell Williams looks good and continues to do well with her pacemaker. Please keep Mr. Joe and “Miss” Othell in your prayers.

 

Mrs. Rena Cutrer is also 97, but the person who told me that was not sure if she was older than Mrs. Blanch Wheat was.

 

Baptist Press Stories for Jun. 14 2011

—————————————

Wright urges adoption of 3,800 unengaged peoples     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35534
Wright re-elected SBC president

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35535
Coverage from SBC 2011 in Phoenix

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35535
Selflessness SBC’s only hope, Page says

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35536
Messengers approve 7 EC recommendations     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35537

Pastor jailed in Haiti honored at SBC

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35538

Unity, cooperation pledge tops EC agenda

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35539

Rainer reports on LifeWay’s health, focus

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35540

Seek God’s vision of people, pastors urged

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35541

‘Go where lost people are,’ Iorg urges WMU     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35542

‘SBC Conservatives’ voice concerns

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35543

Baptist journalist William Junker dies

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35544

FIRST-PERSON: Why adopt?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35545

 

 

Have a great day!  Thank you for praying!

Anna Lee

 

Monday Addition

Rev. Ernest Graham and family visited in morning worship yesterday at FBC, Kentwood.  It was great to have a few minutes to visit with them and get updated on everyone.  Pray for them as they continue to serve the Lord at Amite Baptist.

We will have the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin at 6:30 this week.  If you are interested contact me for more information.  We would love to have you join us for supper, fellowship, devotional, and prayer.  Come and be blessed!

The meal for the family of Mrs. Blanch Wheat will be at the church following burial at East Fork.  I think “Miss” Blanch was the oldest member of FBC, Kentwood.

 

Monday

Technical difficulties solved this morning!

“Again, the kingdom of heaven

is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

When he found one priceless pearl,

he went and sold everything he had,

and bought it.”

~Matthew 13:45-46, HCSB~

 

Rain! Thank-you, God, for the little doses of rain you have sent the last few days. The garden and the flowers are so thankful.

Karen P. Lane had her tonsils removed Friday.  Pray for her as she goes through the recovery period.

Roger Pittman is waiting for the last test results.  Pray he begins to feel better.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is home, but still not feeling well.  Keep her on your prayer list.

Curt Martin will be seeing a doctor today to check on swelling of his face.  Pray he improves quickly.

VBS was wonderful from a child’s prospective and from an adult’s prospective!  Many lives were touched by God’s Word.  Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools in other churches this summer.

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts/journal

 

Pray for Stacey Scarle.  Pray this week is better than the last one.

Pray for Ferrie Gene Blackmon as she has surgery this week.

 

 

 

 

1183164.jpg

Blanche Stewart Wheat
(January 21, 1914 – June 11, 2011)

Blanche Stewart Wheat passed away Saturday June 11, 2011 at Old Jefferson Community Care Center in Baton Rouge at age 97. She was a resident of Kentwood and graduated from Kentwood High School in 1932. At a young age, she was given the responsibility of raising her four children alone. At that time, she bought land on which she farmed, raised cows, pigs, and chickens to help support herself and her children. She was a hard worker and enjoyed working outside. She was employed by Brown Morris Grocery and Hardware for over 30 years. She taught the four year olds, for many years, at First Baptist Church where she was an active member. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Eirick Frey of Baton Rouge, Gloria Thompson and husband, Charles of Gonzales; one son, Roger Wheat and wife, Joyce of Zachary; and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Savoie Wheat of Prairieville; two sisters, Othell Williams and husband, Joe Williams, Jr. of Kentwood, Erline Allen and husband, Rev. Bill Allen of Denham Springs, and sisters-in-law, Alpha Stewart, Irene Stewart, and Betty Tate. Also, grandchildren Greg Eirick , Sherri Ingram, Tammy Roberts, Teresa Miller, Dereck Wheat, Tiffany Dyason, Misty Whipple and L.J. Bankston; 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, D.W. and Etta Wilson Stewart; her husband, Curtis D. Wheat; a son, Marvin E. Wheat; a grandson, Mark Eirick; sister, Lillian Raborn; brothers, L. D., H.B., and Eldrige Stewart. The family would like to thank Old Jefferson Care Center and Hospice Compassus for their care and help. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G in Kentwood from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday June 13. Visiting will resume at First Baptist Church, 5th St., Kentwood, on Tuesday from 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Burial at East Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, East Fork Community.

 

More later….

 


Friday

“Encourage anyone who feels left out,

help all who are weak,

and be patient with everyone.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:14 (CEV)~

 

 

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts/journal

 

Please continue to pray for Sherry Day.  She has completed four weeks of radiation and is doing well.

 

Please continue to pray for Stacey Scarle.  Her last treatments were very hard on her.

 

Several people have expressed interest in volunteering with the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief.  If you are interested in volunteering or just want to learn more please check out the following link.

http://www.lbc.org/DisasterRelief/

 

We had another great day of VBS yesterday!  We only have today and the program tonight left.  The memories and the efforts will continue in hearts forever.

 

UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOD SAYS

A Swiss guy, looking for directions, pulls up at a bus stop where two Americans are waiting.

“Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?” he says.  The two Americans just stare at him.

“Excusez-moi, parlez vous Francais?”  The two continue to stare.

“Parlare Italiano?”  No response.

“Hablan ustedes Espanol?”  Still nothing.

The Swiss guy drives off, extremely disgusted.

The first American turns to the second and says, “Y’know, maybe we should learn a foreign language….”

“Why?” says the other, “That fellow knew four languages, and it didn’t do him any good.”

It’s true.  Knowing a lot of languages is no guarantee that you can communicate with someone (though it may increase your chances!).  Even Jesus, the great communicator, found that there were people who couldn’t understand what he was saying.

“Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand….” (Matthew 13:13)

Why?  It wasn’t a problem of languages; it was a problem of the heart.

“For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” (Matthew 13:15)

Father, there are times when I am so slow to understand what you would have me to say and do.  Though you speak clearly to me through your Word, my heart is not always receptive to what you have to say.  Please help me to open my eyes and ears, and to get rid of everything that stands in the way of me hearing your voice.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Baptist Press: Tim Tebow

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35506

 

 

Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;

incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

~Psalm 17:6~

 

 

There were 188 in attendance at VBS at Kentwood yesterday.  Thanks to parents for entrusting your children to us.  Thanks to our workers for doing a great job in conducting VBS.  I’m looking forward to today.

Todd Lee had double knee replacement yesterday.  All went well.  Pray for him as he goes through physical therapy.

Clint McDaniel’s surgery went well.  Pray for his recovery time.

Momma fell and badly bruised her ribs.  She now has a good egg on her head as well as the one on her hand.  Pray for relief from pain as she moves about.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier has been hospitalized to determine the problem with her back.  They haven’t identified the problem yet.  “Miss” Shirley should be released today with additional testing scheduled.  Pray for her to find relief from her back pain.

Betty Taylor’s mother, Mrs. Ziegler, also fell.  Thankfully, she didn’t break anything, but she’s in pain.  Pray for this pain to be eased.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar asks for prayer due to his health issued.  Please honor his request and pray for him.

Jadon’s Story:

Home but sick again 😦

Posted: 08 Jun 2011 12:08 PM PDT

Sorry I didn’t update when we got home. We made it home Saturday afternoon because the steroid wasn’t working. My seizures are continuing to get worse everyday. We thought it might be the increase in lamictal but I started running fever today. Mommy brought me to the pediatrician and I have adno virus which is causing me to have high fever and red throat. You probably remember that I was in the hospital a little over a month ago with this virus. We are doing our best to stay out the hospital this time. The pediatrician said to keep pushing as much liquids as possible and keep our fingers crossed I don’t have to be admitted again. The good news is I have been drinking some fluids today so I’m not dehydrated at this point. The pediatrician said I probably picked it up at the hospital because that is the number 1 virus in the hospitals right now. So frustrating that I went in the hospital to try and get better and the steroid didn’t work and I got sick because of it. Please pray that I will stay hydrated and feel better soon!!!

Thank God for the rain!
Anna Lee