Category: FBC

Thursday

“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~


From Hannah Tate:

Hey again everybody! We decided on a name for her today and it is, Laura Joy Tate. She is such a sweet baby, and we love her so much! The only danger she is in is that of over handling, while she has seven siblings to hold her! We are hoping Mama and she can come home tomorrow, though they may have to wait till Friday. Mama is recovering very well.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

~ Hannah

Standing on the Promises~Jeanne Tate, wife to Wonderful Chuck

Mama to 8 Awesome Tater Tots~

Hannah 15, Rebekah 12,

Elizabeth 10, Benjamin 9,

Sharon 7, Abigail 4,

and Joshua 2, and Laura 2 days!


Updates on others:

Mrs. Faye Price – Progressing in Regency Rehab in Covington

Kitty Bennett Lapreyrolerie – Doing much better in B.R.

Carl Wayne Stevens – Surgery in Jackson, MS at 7 A.M. today

Frann Smith Clark – Still in ICU in Texas; Many concerns; Improving

Walter Dykes – Surgery went well; Waiting for lab report

Bobby Simpson – Waiting for lab report

Jimmy Schwartz – Doctor appointments and tests

Annie Bell Harrell – Better; Still needs prayers

Cliff and Lauree Titus – Appointments Friday

Lauren Fowler – Baby within two weeks

Wade Boone – Surgery soon

Stacey Tolar – Surgery soon

Hellen Morris – Back/leg issues & tests

I.W. Simmons – Treatment completed; Home

Bennie Simmons – Home; Prayers needed

Aubrey Perry – More concerns; Additional treatment

Tracey Williams – Rehab in Gonzales; Much bette

Greg Fortenburry – Home

Orin Davidson – Hanging in there; At Naomi’s


FBC Announcements:

Beth Moore Study “Stepping Up”– Tonight at 6 P.M. or Sunday at 4:30 P.M.; Book $13.oo

Movie “Fireproof” – Friday @ 6:30 P.M.; Invite your friends & family

Easter Drama – Now signing up

Gaither Homecoming – March 21st in Jackson, MS; Sign up by Feb. 15th

On Mission in Kentwood – Saturday at 8 A.M.; Minister to someone else and receive a blessing

Church-Wide Valentine Banquet – Youth fund raiser; February 13th @ 7 P.M.; Tickets $15.00

Canadian Mission Trip Meeting – Sunday, Feb. 15 @ 4 P.M. for those interested



 OLDER THAN DIRT?

Today’s humorous story actually comes in the form of a quiz. How many of these do you remember ?

1. Bazooka chewing gum
2. Little wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside
3. Television broadcasts ending at night and not coming on until late morning
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed bottles
5. Hamburger joints with table side jukeboxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Telephone “party lines”
8. Newsreels shown before the movie
9. Butch wax
10. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive-6933)
11. Peashooters
12. The Howdy Doody Show
13. 45 RPM records (and record players)
14. S&H Green Stamps
15. Television test patterns
16. Metal ice trays with levers
17. Mimeograph paper
18. Blue flashbulbs
19. The Amos and Andy show (radio or TV!)
20. Roller skate keys
21. Cork popguns
22. Drive-in theaters
23. Studebakers (they were automobiles)
24. Wash tub wringers
25. The television day beginning and ending with The Star Spangled Banner

If you remembered 0-7, you’re still young (ish)
If you remembered 8-14, you’re getting older
If you remembered 15-20, don’t tell your age
If you remembered 21-25, you’re older than dirt!

I remember the first time I started feeling really old. My wife and I were playing a game with some college students and Johnny Carson’s name came up. One of the students asked, “Who’s that?” Suddenly, I realized that I was a member of “another generation”!

The things on the list above are things I don’t expect my children to be familiar with. They’re too young. They weren’t around back then. In fact, I wasn’t even around for some of those things!

There once was a conversation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders in John 8. Jesus made a reference to Abraham, and the Jews were amazed. They said, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (John 8:57). He was too young to know such things — over a thousand years too young.

But, though they could not understand it, Jesus had indeed seen Abraham. “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58).

What the Jews failed to realize (and what we must acknowledge) is that Jesus was not just a man. He was God and had been in existence for all eternity. In fact, he is the only person who ever lived who you could honestly say was “older than dirt”! All praise be to the God who took on flesh and blood for our sakes!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Enjoy this Thursday, a gift from God!

Anna Lee



Wednesday

“We give thanks to You,

O God,we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare

that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

New baby in Tate family

Hello everyone! We are happy to announce the birth of our little sister! We don’t have a name yet but will soon.
She was born today ( 2/3/09 ), by C-Section, at 12:10 p.m. and weighed 8lbs. 14oz. and was 21” long!
She and Mama are doing well and hope to come home on Thursday. Thanks for your prayers! We will try to get a name for her soon!

She is so sweet!

Hannah

(Hannah Tate, oldest daughter of Chuck and Jeanne Bond Tate)



Kathy Dyer’s surgery was successful in that the tumor in the colon was removed. However, 3-4 small tumors (of the same type as the original one)were found in the small intestine and could not be removed during this surgery. She is to have 6 more months of chemotherapy. Kathy is recuperating well and thanks everyone for the prayers. Please continue to lift Kathy and her family up in prayer.


Don Denton

We were up at 6am this morning. Don and I headed down to Springfield for his Lumbar puncture. We did get very good news. The opening pressure of the brain is normal! We feel really good about this. It means that healing is happening. He still has Hydrocephalus and inflammation, but it is getting better.

WE have more doctor appointments this week and next. No improvement with the vertigo that continues to be a source of discouragement for Don.

No news as of yet with respect to the insurance issues, but I did get some good advice today from one of Don’s students mother. I am so grateful to her for the advice.

There are two special prayer requests that I have today. When Don, Josh and I were up at Mayo our friend Arwen introduced me to a friend of hers whose son has had brain cancer. I saw allot of hard things that families go through while at Mayo.

This young man’s name is Will. He is 10 years old. The doctors believe his cancer has returned again. He has medulloblastoma. Please pray for this boy and his family.

Also please pray for my brother’s wife Lynn. Her cancer has returned and it looks like they won’t be able treat her with anything other than a hormone drug.

Joshua continues wake up every night. But he is wanting to play with his friends more and that is huge. Well, I better go….I get to put dishes in my new dishwasher that came…..yeah! Whirlpool replaced it for us.

Don gets his new glasses tomorrow. Hopefully that will help him see better so he can read.

Take care,

Diane


MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. “Family members of several of our team members are suffering from major health issues. Pray that the Lord will provide His peace and comfort for everyone involved. Pray that team members can continue to focus on their work in spite of their desire to be with family to offer support. Ask the Lord to send others to minister to these families in the place of team members who are so far away.”

Nancy Sue Morgan
(May 18, 1948 – February 3, 2009)

Nancy Sue Morgan

Nancy Sue Morgan was born on May 18, 1948 and passed away at 8:51AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at her residence in Independence, LA. She was 60 years old.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

HE SAT ALONE in the right hand corner of the front pew — just left of the pulpit…

As I recall, he was a relatively short man in terms of physical stature. He wore thick, black-framed glasses and had a red flat top hair cut. He had a broad smile. He always wore a dark suit on the Lord’s Day to the worship assembly. He sang bass — I mean real d-e-e-p bass. His loud voice would resonate throughout the auditorium during services. I learned to love singing bass largely because of Joe. He sang well, and it was obvious that he loved to lift his gift of praise to the Father.

Joe was my Wednesday night Bible class teacher one year. Always prepared. Very knowledgeable. Concerned about his students. Friendly. Supportive. Personally interested.

One of Joe’s classes sticks out in my memory above all others. For some reason, the rest of my fellow students didn’t make it to Bible study this particular night. So this evening I was Joe’s only pupil. Other teachers might have been tempted to send me to another classroom, since I was the sole student. Not Joe. Like I said, he took a personal interest. To him Bible class wasn’t just about imparting information, it was about making connections with people. Nobody had to “strong arm” Joe to teach the Word; he did so gladly. Well, he sat down with me that night and talked to me about my soul — about my salvation. We didn’t go through the Bible class workbook, we just talked about how to become a Christian — what I needed to do to be saved and why. A few days later — May 17, 1972 — I put on Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:27). Much of the reason I did so was because of Joe Flannary and out little one-on-one Bible study that one Wednesday night at the Overlook church in Dayton, Ohio.

Observations:

Jesus valued people as individuals. He talked one-on-one withe Zacchaeus (“…For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”– Luke 19:10). He held a night study with the Pharisee, Nicodemus (“…Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”– John 3:3). He conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well “…Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst”– John 4:14). It’s not surprising that Jesus gave His attention to individuals like these; He knew the worth (cf. Matt. 16:26; 10:29-31) of one soul.

Like the Master, Philip knew the worth of one. Remember Philip (Acts 8)? He left his work with many in Samaria (Acts 8:6, 12) to speak to just one from Ethiopia (“…Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him”– Acts 8:26ff). It has been suggested by some that the eunuch made his way back home to Ethiopia following his conversion and then, in turn, preached the Word to his fellow-countrymen and spread it through the region. I have no way of affirming or denying that proposition, but I do know that even if the eunuch lived and died the only Christian in Ethiopia, it was worth Philip’s efforts and time.

What if only one student came to your Bible class this week? Like Jesus, would you give him your individual and undivided attention? Like Philip, would you get in your vehicle and drive a long distance, even if you knew only one person would be present to hear God’s message? Like Joe, would you stay with him in class and talk to him about eternity and his soul, or would you send him over to another teacher because you only had one student?

Jesus practiced one-on-one teaching. So did Philip. So did Joe. All three were effective. What about you, dear Christian…? Would you be willing to teach just one…?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matt. 28:19-20).

The movie “Fireproof” will be shown at 6:30 P.M. Friday night. It’s free! The story is about a fireman and his wife. You will cry and laugh while you are crying. You will also learn to work to strengthen your marriage. I suggest you make plans to attend if you have not already seen the movie.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. May you be a blessing to someone today.
Please feel free to share requests, praises, and updates. Many others are willing to pray with you.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Again I say to you

that if two of you agree on earth

concerning anything that they ask,

it will be done for them

by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three

are gathered togetherin My name,

I am there in the midst of them.”

~Matthew 18:19-20~

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/livingston_tangipahoa/38844597.html

We are proud of Andy (a family friend) and his church in Albany for responding to a big need in a big way. May God bless each person who participated as He blesses and sustains those who are experiencing hardship because of the weather condtions.

Ronald Putman is now up and beginning to try to walk again. He will be able to return to Kentwood when he can get around a little on his own. The famiy is appreciative of your prayers.


Carl Wayne Stevens’ surgery has been postponed until Thursday. Pray for the medical staff as they deal with health issues that caused the delay. Pray for Carl Wayne and his family as they wait a little longer.


Frann Smith Clark has been in ICU for three weeks. Doctors are in the process of trying to remove the vent. Pray for Frann, the medical staff, and her family as they check on her daily.


Amy Hood Conti’s heart procedure last week went very well. Thank you for praying. Continue to remember Amy in your prayers as she continues to recover.


Debbie Miller called to request prayer for a co-worker’s cousin. Margie Seals asks for prayer for Vickie Bankston of Jackson, LA. Vickie has lung cancer. Please pray for Vickie, her family, and the doctors treating her.



Joan Hagan’s update on her cousin, Kitty:

Kitty got a great report from the doctor today, he removed the spcial suction machine that was doing the wound care and told her to change the dressing twice a day and to come back to see him in four weeks. this was the surgeron.


Update on Don Denton:

Today is one of those days, I have been on the phone with the insurance company. I finally was able to sit down last night and open “all” of our medical bills. Don was in hospitals a total of 78 days. I had to buy an expandable file just to keep up with all the different providers. I am having to “fight” the insurance company again. We have record that they would approve Mayo as being “In Network” because he had already been to (2) in-network hospitals that could not help him. They agree to cover as in network and now they are not.

The insurance company is saying that we are responsible for $120,000.00. Mayo is now sending us bills for this amount. I have also discovered that there are procedures they are refusing to pay for. These are medically necessary. Our persription coverage has had it challenges too. The insurance company is trying to dictate coarse of treatment with medicines as well. They are not allowing Don a certain med that he needs on a regular basis. It is a weekly struggle. Fortunately the doctor we see here in Bolivar is trying to help us get approval on that one.

Don continues to be dizzy all the time. We have lumbar puncture tomorrow. We are hoping that we will find answers to this sooner than later.

We had a great day yesterday as a family. We watched the Super Bowl and the team Joshua was hoping to win, did. It was allot of fun to have that time together.

Well, this week more doctor appointments for Don and myself.

take care

Diane

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
CARS GO THROUGH a systemized process in their formation…
They don’t just build themselves from iron and elements found in soil; they’re formed and fashioned in automotive factories. Likewise, concertos are birthed through composers, paintings come from painters and inventions by the hands of a person. If we acknowledge that this world consists of incredible and intricate designs, how can we not point to the hands of a Designer? (Alex McFarland)
“Every house is builded by some man; but He that built all things is God” (Heb. 3:4).

Beth Moore’s study of Psalms will begin this week at FBC, Kentwood. You may choose between the group the meets at 6 P.M. Thursday evening or the group that meets at 4:30 on Sunday Afternoon. The cost of the book is $13.00. Jan Hammons will be facilitating the study.

Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

Good morning. Thank-you for reading and praying today. May you be blessed as you do so.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anna Lee

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

I heard about a couple who received a set of two horrible bedside table lamps as a wedding present from a distant aunt. Since the lamps were so ugly, this couple didn’t want to actually use them, so they put them in storage and bought a nicer set themselves. That worked for a while, but a few years later, this particular relative came to a family celebration. Knowing she would be there, the couple quickly set up the aunt’s lamps on the tables and hid their usual ones under the bed.

When time came to show the aunt around the house, the wife said, “Come and see how nice your lamps look in our bedroom.”

She turned on the switch on the wall — and suddenly an intense luminosity emerged from under the bed…..

Oops! How embarrassing! I am reminded of the following statement made by Jesus:

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.’ ” (Mark 4:21-22).

Jesus’ point here is not quite the same as it is in the more familiar passage in Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light so shine before men…”). Here in Mark, Jesus has apparently just begun to speak in parables. To the apostles, it may have seemed that Jesus was trying to hide the truth from people by speaking with such obscurity. But Jesus points out that wouldn’t make much sense; it would be like lighting a lamp (to bring light) and then placing it under a bed (to hide the light). His reason for using parables wasn’t to hide God’s truth, but to set it on a lampstand so that it could give forth as much light as possible.

Father, we thank you for sending One who not only came to show us the light, but who is Himself “the light of the world”. May our lives and conversation be such that we will never be embarrassed by an attempt to hide that light under our beds. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Nothing in all creation

is hidden from God’s sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of him

to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Update on Don Denton:

It is a privilege and we feel honored that you all would take time today to lift us up in prayer today.

I woke this morning with a peaceful and thankful spirit. Don continues to be moved by the love of family and friends. One of his precious students wrote him and email today that lifted his spirits.

I have to confess to you all that I have never been strong through this long illness. I have been weak and most days are hard. So I too struggle. Yet, I know what is true. I know even when my feelings are saying one thing that my heart believes in what is true. And the big picture here is this – Don is alive and with us. God has heard our cries, our prayers. We have so much to be thankful for and that is my prayer.

We had doctor appointment yesterday and that went well. This doctor wants Don to see a specialist in Kansas City. This doctor specializes in area of dizziness. And Don goes to Cox South Tuesday for a lumbar puncture. Don will be getting new glasses and I feel that will help as well.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

This morning at 7 A.M. FBC, Kentwood will host a superbowl prayer breakfast. Everyone is invited to attend.

Miss Virgie Bridges was returning home from work as a nurse when she found my grandpa, G.R. Smith, Sr., at the gate to what was then his farm. It is now our cabin. After Katrina, David was delivering supplies all around Kentwood. He “found” Miss Virgie. After a couple of meetings and lots of question about who he was and where he lived, she revealed she found Grandpa G.R. Needless to say, she became someone special to us. It was a long overdue friendship and a special connection we were glad to finally make.

Miss Virgie passed away Thursday night. Her wake will be at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 10:00 to the funeral service at 1 P.M.

Reuel Townsend Adams, Jr.
(September 13, 1927 – January 29, 2009)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book

U.S. Veteran REUEL TOWNSEND ADAMS, JR., AGE 81

And a resident of Mt. Hermon died at 5 PM Thursday, January 29, 2009 at East Jefferson General Hospital. He was a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, vice president of Ruritan Club, former member of Franklinton Lion’s Club, secretary/treasurer of Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, active member of the Camellia Society and AHS. He was a WWII veteran of U.S. Navy.

Survived by: Wife: Bobbie Wilkes Adams of Mt. Hermon, 4 Daughters and sons in law: Suzanne Seale of Florence, MS, Beverly and Mike Taylor, Cheryl McElveen all of Mt. Hermon, Kim and Bret Allain of Jeanerette, 1 Son and a daughter in law: Craig and Lisa McElveen of Baton Rouge, 12 Grandchildren: Laurie Schexnider, Michael and Melissa Walker, Shea Taylor, Amber McElveen, Mac McElveen, Quin, Emma, and Robert Allain, Ashley McKenzie, Erin and Ryan Seale, 4 Step grandchildren: Tia, Crystal and Cole Taylor, Tyler Simmons, 3 Great grandchildren: Jace Schexnider, Hayden McElveen, James McKenzie, 2 Brothers and sisters in law: Robert and Joan Adams of Jacksonville, FL, John and Sherry Adams of St. Augustine, FL, He was preceded in death by a son Robert Townsend Adams, his parents Reuel T., Sr. and Pearl Rogers Adams and a brother Ben Adams.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home from 5 PM until 9 PM Friday, January 30, 2009 and after 8 AM Saturday, January 31, 2009. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Joe Baugh and Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Ellis Cemetery.

Monday

Jesus told him,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (NLT)

Mrs. Bill Hughes continues to need our prayers for her continuing health issues.

Mr.James Miller’s oldest daughter is hospitalized. He would appreciate you praying for her.

John Wesley Parker
(March 29, 1926 – January 24, 2009)

John Wesley Parker

U.S. Veteran Died at 1:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was a native of Dossville, MS and a resident of Kentwood. Age 82 years. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II and retired from Baton Rouge, Zachary, Angola and LSU Fire Services. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Sandburg and Rev. Joe Starns. Interment Centre Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife, Myrtis Newsom Parker, Kentwood; 4 sons, Wilbur G. Parker, Kentwood, Floyd W. Parker and wife, Rosemary, Waskom, TX, John M. Parker and wife, Janice, Central, and Wesley A. Parker, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Flo Goynes, Baton Rouge, and Retta Bellgraph and husband, Eugene, Zachary; 3 brothers, Carlton Parker, Zachary, Shade M. Parker and wife, Evelyn, Springfield, IL, and Amos Parker and wife, Colleen, Summit, MS; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elva Wooten Parker; 4 sisters, Marie Bankston, Agnes East, Pauline Walker, and Roxie Parker; 3 brothers, James, Gus and Guy Parker. Pallbearers will be Travis Parker, John Parker, Jason Parker, Blaine Parker, Jimmy Parker and Blanton Burgess. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Firemen’s Association.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

PEOPLE AROUND THE world reacted with shock in September 2006 when news broke that Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” had died…

His enthusiasm for life and for God’s creatures was contagious, making him a favorite personality worldwide.

When his wife Terri was interviewed shortly after Steve’s death, her love for him was obvious as she said through her tears, “I’ve lost my prince.” What an affectionate way to memorialize her husband! She saw him as her prince and her best friend.

The husband-wife relationship is often viewed today as anything but the tender one Terri and Steve must have shared. We see bitterness, insults, and animosity presented in the media as the norm. How much more desirable it is to see true love—to see a husband unashamedly cherish his wife, to unselfishly be her “prince.”

How can a husband continue to love his wife in a more princely way? Try these suggestions: Listen—enjoy those tender times when she can unburden her heart without fear. Love life—find ways to add fun to your marriage. Lead spiritually—guide the way into prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord.

Men, be a prince to your princess. (Dave Branon)

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7).

There will be a free showing of the movie “Fireproof” at FBC,Kentwood. If you have not seen this movie, please work this event into your schedule. The movie’s focus is on improving marriages.
Have a marvelous Monday!
Anna Lee

Monday Addition

The associational WMU meeting will be this morning at FBC, Kentwood @ 10:00. You are invited to attend. The speaker will be Gloria Wheat Thompson daughter of Mrs. Blanch Wheat. She and her husband have served with the North American Mission Board.

http://www.baptistmessage.com/articledetail.php?articleID=898cc8465b5f86c979231bc103bbb656

This article explains the changes being made to “The Baptist Message”. You may be interested in reading the article.

Sunday

“Watch therefore, and pray always

that you may be counted worthy

to escape all these things

that will come to pass,

and to stand before the Son of Man.”

~Luke 21:36~

Latest post from Emily Panter

One of the pros of being a P.K.

by Emily Panter
This past Sunday night we had our monthy mission meeting at church. As the good Baptists that we are, we met in the fellowship hall and had food. There is a room of to the side where the kinds can play during the meeting. Noah came up to Luke while we were eating and said: “Dad, Becca is doing ….(I can’t remember).” As usual, when Noah taddles od someone Luke sent him away with a “go on son.” But then Luke happened to be walking by the room just as Noah went back in and he overheard Noah say: “Becca, I told the pastor!” Ha! I thought that was priceless:)

On a more serious note, please contine to pray for my kiddos, especially the older two. I got the stomach bug that has been going around this past week and I could see the concern of Hannah’s face. She asked me if I was sure I would be ok, and then she apparently had a very vivid and scary dream of me screaming and the whole ordeal happening again. It has really been hardest on her to deal with. She understood the implications of what might have been. I appreciate the prayers.

I continue to get stronger, and learned this week that a plus of this whole thing is that it has helped me deal with my obsesive dread of throwing up. I can now handle it much more gracefully.

Lawrence Dale “Larry” Sibley
A native of Holden and a resident of Pride living in Zachary Manor Nursing Home, he passed away at Lane Regional Medical Center at 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. He was 86, born on Dec. 5, 1922. Self-employed in the finance and railroad maintenance business for many years, he was past master of Plains Lodge No. 135, a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Acacia Shrine Temple in Baton Rouge. Visiting at Charlet Funeral Home Inc. in Zachary on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Monday from 11:30 a.m. until religious service at 1 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Greg Davis. Graveside service at Pine Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Pine Grove at 3 p.m. Monday. Survived by his daughter, Laura E. Sibley, of Pride; and a brother, Lemuel “LeRoy” Sibley, of Denham Springs. Preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Frances Dutsch Sibley; father, Lemuel Sibley; and mother, Lessie Phenald Brown Sibley; half sister, Ellen Sibley Smith, who was of Kentwood; half brother, Elvin Sibley, who was of Central; half brother, Walter Brown; half sisters, Tincey Marie Brown Booker and Flossie Brown Vickers Sibley; and adopted brother, James “Junior” Sibley, who was of Pride. Pallbearers will be Thomas Harrison, Kelvin Johnson, Lee Smith, Mark Mitchell, Henry Baxter and Robert Snider. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Harrison and Arthur Schabla. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at www.CharletFuneralHome.com.
Today is set aside as Santity of Life Sunday. I thought you might enjoy reading some of these Baptist Message articles:
Baptist Press
January 16, 2009

TEXAS–ADOPTION: Couple advocates adoption in word & deed. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29675

GEORGIA–‘Sanctity of Human Life Sunday’ set for Jan. 18. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29676

KENTUCKY–ADOPTION (Russell D. Moore): Finding Jesus in a Russian orphanage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29677

TENNESSEE–ADOPTION (Michael Foust): Journey through infertility was worth it. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29679

TENNESSEE—ADOPTION (Dwayne Hastings): Celebrating God’s gift of life during Chinese New Year. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29678

VIRGINIA–ADOPTION (Shawn Hendricks): A few fatherly thoughts for daughter Laura. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29680

TEXAS–ADOPTION (Thomas White): The heart of the Gospel. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29681

WASHINGTON–Bush: Acted for U.S. ‘best interests.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29682

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: ‘Culture of life’ made progress, Bush says; … http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29683

NEW YORK–Planned Parenthood cuts HQ staff. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29684

EL SALVADOR–Open doors abound in El Salvador. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29685

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Heroes for life. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29686

Don’t forget:
-the baby shower for Lauren H. Fowler today at 2 P.M.
– WMU meeting at 4 P.M.
-Soup Drive
– Lottie Moon Chirstmas Offering
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
HAVE YOU EVER felt truly alone…?
After my father died, I gathered with our family at a funeral home to choose the casket and arrange specifics for the memorial service. As I drove away from the funeral home, I made it only about two hundred yards before I broke down and wept, and had to pull the car over and stop.
This wasn’t the first time I’d cried after my father’s death, but it was the first time I’d cried alone, and the tears and the grief were so strong. Cars streamed past me, their passengers and drivers unaware of what was taking place in my car, and I vividly remember how alone I felt.
But in truth I wasn’t alone, because only two hundred yards away were people who loved me with all their hearts. To be comforted, all I needed to do was turn around and go back to the funeral home. I felt alone–but I really wasn’t.
For me, personally, the sense of aloneness in that moment was overwhelming; yet I know that many others have experienced far worse than anything I went through. Many have wept as I did, but could never be assured there was someone nearby they could turn to for comfort, whether two hundred yards away or two hundred miles.
And yet, even in comparison to such unbearable experiences, there’s Someone else whose pain of isolation and abandonment goes infinitely deeper.
Before being nailed to the cross, Jesus already knew what it meant to be forsaken; He had become intimately acquainted with being rejected or abandoned by men. Yet whenever it happened, He could always say, “Though forsaken by men, I am not alone, for My Father is always with Me.”
But not now.
He who for all eternity has never been alone is now wholly abandoned. Such utter desolation has never existed before in all eternity, because of the infinite love and fellowship of the Godhead, which can never be broken. But not the incarnate Son must be forsaken by the Father…because the Father is holy, and there in the Father’s sight is “the most grotesque display of ugliness imaginable.” It’s the monstrous sight of the unbounded totality of human sin resting upon one Man.
Therefore that Man must be utterly removed from the presence of the holy God, utterly separated, as far as the east is from the west.
Jesus didn’t just feel forsaken; He is forsaken. (C.J. Mahaney)
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'” (Matt. 27:46).
Have a special Lord’s Day today.
Anna Lee

Thursday

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

1 John 4:16 (NIV)

Pray for Carol (Mrs. Edward)Bridges who has had heart surgery and Nadine (Mrs. Murphy) Bridges who will be leaving the hospital and facing treatment choices.

Quinton West (13) was doing better while hospitalized. Pray he will be able to come home without another relapse due to asthma.

Pray for the Nunnery family of Kentwood who lost their home and contents in a weekend fire. Some of the family is staying with local relatives and some at a hotel in Hammond.

Mrs. JoAnn Carter continues to deal with her health issue. Pray for strength for her as she continues her battle.

Mrs. Faye Price is now in Regency Rehabilitation in Covington. Hopefully, as she improves she will be able to be moved closer to home. Please continue to pray for her, the medical staff, and the family.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell has a new doctor and is undergoing tests. Pray for a diagnosis and treatment that will be effective in improving her quality of daily life.

Continue to pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony as his health has not been good lately.

Aubrey Perry, brother of Karen Miller, had surgery Monday. Pray for him and his family as they wait to see if it will be helpful in his treatment.

Cliff Titus continues to have health issues. Pray for Cliff and Lauree as they deal with these problems on a daily basis.

Help the children of the AWANA group by bringing in cans of chunky soup which will be delivered to some of the senior adults in our community. The collection will continue through the end of the month.

Buy a ticket ($15) from a youth for the Valentine Banquet and support them as they plans for a summer mission trip. The banquet will be February 13th at FBC, Kentwood.

Pray for the Smith and Clark families as they plan a memorial service for Riley and deal with Frann’s health issues. Pray the family will see God’s love in this difficult time.

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

The Arizona Republic reported this story (so I’m assuming this story really is true!):

“As Terry Mikel was speeding toward Tucson, he passed a car, an unmarked Arizona Highway Patrol car. The officer pulled Terry over. When Terry explained that he was late for a class he was teaching at the University of Arizona, the officer took pity on him and let him off with a warning. Before he went back to his car he said, `Slow down and drive safe.’

“Terry felt obligated to correct him. `Excuse me, Sir, but it should be “Slow down and drive safely. You said, “Drive safe.”‘

“The officer walked back to his car and wrote him a $72 speeding ticket.”

We can’t do it, can we? We just can’t seem to keep our mouths shut! Looking back, we know we shouldn’t have said a word, but at the time we felt so compelled to speak.

Maybe you didn’t get a ticket as a result, but you’ve done something just as foolish, haven’t you? Maybe even this morning, before reading this message. Maybe even before leaving your house! James was so right when he wrote,

“If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body….. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue.” (James 2b,7-8a)

That’s not an excuse, incidentally, to let our tongues run wild. Rather, it’s a challenge. As hard as it may be to control our tongues, it is essential that we as Christians strive to do just that. We stand to lose more than $72 if we fail to do so.

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)

“Lord, we truly want to use our tongues to Your glory this day. As difficult as it may be, help us to guard our mouths as we resist the temptation to speak at those times when we ought to keep quiet. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Don’t forget the share group meeting at the cabin tonight at 6:30. Everyone is invited.

Be careful in the cold weather this week. Stay safe!

Anna Lee

Monday

Let us think of ways to motivate one another

to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together,

as some people do,

but encourage one another,

especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

Saturday’s On Mission in Kentwood was another busy day of helping others. The workers and the home owners were all blessed.

A week from today, January 19, the quarterly associational WMU meeting will be held at FBC, Kentwood. Gloria Wheat Thompson will be the speaker. Join us at 10 A.M. for the meeting which will be followed by a covered dish lunch.

Friendship Circle Sunday School Class will provide Soup & Salad for Senior Adults the last Sunday of February.

Holly K. shared a photo of her new home in West Africa. She is dealing with the dust and loving the people. Please continue to pray for Holly.

There will be a share group meeting at the Alford cabin Thursday night at 6:30 P.M. Join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional time.

KneEmail

Knees

abknees.jpgON FEBRUARY 26, 1829, A Jewish boy named Loeb Strauss was born in a cottage in the Bavarian village of Buttenheim…

As a young man, Loeb changed his name to Levi and wound up in California where he opened a textile company in San Francisco. One day a gold miner walked into Levi’s shop and assailed the young merchant. “Look at these,” said the miner, pointing to the pants. “I bought ’em six months ago, and now they’re full of holes!”

When Levi asked why, the miner explained, “We work on our knees most of the time.”

What you need is some really strong material,” replied Levi. “We have some canvas. It’s used to make tents. If we make your trousers out of canvas, I’m sure they won’t get holes.”

A tailor was called, and presently the miner had a set of trousers — and the rest is history. Soon minors across the West were wearing Levi Strauss’s jeans. (Stephen Van Dulken)

Christians should have the same problem that plagued that miner — pants with worn-out knees — for we ought to do most of our kingdom work on our knees.

“For this reason I bow my knees

to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Eph. 3:14

Posted by Mike Benson at December 19, 2008 1:48 PM

I don’t “wear out the knees” enough. Do you?

Anna Lee

Saturday

Work hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

For God is working in you,

giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)



Read the first three news articles from Baptist Press to get a modern day example of God using a young man who is very well know and still a servant witness for Him. You may have heard his name – Tim Tebow!


Baptist Press

January 9, 2009

FLORIDA–Scripture & faith were ‘secrets’ to parenting Tim Tebow, mom says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29633

FLORIDA–Pastor calls Tebow ‘servant leader.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29634

FLORIDA–Tebow’s faith takes center stage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29635

GEORGIA–Recession prompts NAMB to enact spending slowdown. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29636

TENNESSEE–SPLASH people with God’s love. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29637

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: India’s Christians celebrate Christmas in peace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29638

CALIFORNIA–Missions thrust readied for San Diego & Tijuana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29639

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (O.S. Hawkins): God’s economy in 2009. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29640

ISRAEL–FIRST-PERSON (Jim Sibley): The news from Jerusalem. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29641

Mrs. Nadine Bridges’ surgery went well yesterday. The doctor was very optimistic about the results. Please remember to pray for “Miss” Nadine as she recovers from surgery.


Quinton West is home. Doctors told him to stay in for a few days. Pray for him and his family in the next few days.


On Mission in Kentwood will be this morning at 8:00. Come out and join others as they minister in Kentwood. Pray the rain does not keep the needed work from being done.


Don’t forget AWANA and children’s choir will be resuming after a Christmas break. Pass the word. Pray for both ministries to be effective in influencing you lives in a positive Christian way during the coming months.


Margaret Constantino DiVincenti
(December 4, 1926 – January 9, 2009)

Margaret Constantino DiVincenti

Died at 9:52 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 82 years. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 8:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Phyllis DiVincenti, Amite and Mary Margaret DiVincenti, New Orleans; son, Louis G. DiVincenti, Jr., New Orleans; sister, Mary Rose Tarsney, Metairie; She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis G. DiVincenti, Sr.; parents, John and Mary Constantino; 3 sisters, Catherine Fasullo, Elizabeth Gagliano and Frances Barcelona; brother, Leo Constantino.

KneEmail

Tell

I HEARD ABOUT a baby camel that asked, “Mom, why do I have these huge three-toed feet…?”

The mother replied, “To help you stay on top of the soft sand while trekking across the desert.”

“And why the long eyelashes?”

“To keep sand out of your eyes on our trips through the desert.”

“Why the humps?”

“To store water for our long treks across the barren desert.”

The baby camel considered that and then said, “That’s great, Mom. We have huge feet to stop us from sinking, long eyelashes to keep sand out of our eyes, and humps to store water, But Mom…”

“Yes, son?”

“Why are we in the zoo?”

That’s a question for all of us to consider. If we’ve been given all the resources we need to carry our Lord’s message far and wide, and if we’re completely equipped to fulfill the Great Commission, why do we keep it within the four walls of our church buildings? The Gospel isn’t something we come to church to hear; it’s something we go from church to tell. (David Jeremiah)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all things

that I have commanded you…”

( Matt. 28:19-20a).

Posted by Mike Benson at January 8, 2009 11:12 AM

Have a super Saturday!

Anna Lee