9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator

~Colossians 3:9-10~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. She’s home and learning more and more about living independently.

Continue to pray for those who are homebound. Make a call, deliver a meal, send a card, or just visit them. You will both be blessed.

David had two medical visits yesterday.

He learned his blood level has increased since Tuesday. The Procrit must be working.
He went to a dentist because he was having trouble eating and his gums were sore, He will begin some new dental work Tuesday. I think the dental issue is a result of the fall he had outside on Christmas evening.
We never know which way this journey will take us, but we know God is with us on the journey.

Hazel Elizabeth McKnight

May 14, 1939 – January 03, 2019

Hazel Elizabeth “Beth” McKnight, 79, born in Clinton, LA and a resident of Zachary, went to her eternal home on Thursday, January 3, 2019. She worked for Nunn Electric Supply for 21 years before retiring.
Visitation will be at Zachary United Methodist Church on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 9:00 am until service time at 11:00 am conducted by Dr. Greg Davis, Rev. Harold Babin and Rev. Rickey Willis. Burial will follow in Day’s cemetery, Greensburg.
Beth is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Charles McKnight, nieces and nephews, Denise Dyer Stewart(Blake), Rickie McKnight(Kelli), Randy McKnight(Kelli), Todd Castello(Desiree) and Earl Allen (April) and special great nieces, Ashby Warren(Steven) and Aley Stewart.
She is preceded in death by her father, Toler Hurst, Mother, Hazel Hutchinson Hurst and sister, Beverly Hurst Dyer.
Pallbearers will be Mark Hurst, Rick Hurst, Blake Stewart, Rickie McKnight, Randy McKnight and Todd Castello. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Travis, Donald Duncan and Mike Ray. She was a member of United Methodist Women for many years, Emmie Montegeudo Circle and loved greeting all of her church family on Sundays.

Read (and Write) the Bible

Psalm 17:15
Psalm 18:49
Psalm 22:22

Be sure to underline “I will” in each part.

The college and career class of First Baptist Church returned from “Passion” in Atlanta. Thank God they were able to go to the event and grow from the experience. Also, thank God for their safety.

The items to bring during January for Operation Christmas Child are scarves, hats, and gloves. You can bring them to my Sunday School classroom. Thanks! It’s time to start over for the boxes we will send toward the end of the 2019 year.

You never know which way your journey of life will take you, but you can know God is with you. If you don’t have that assurance, contact a local pastor or church member. That could be the best decision you make during your lifetime.

Anna Lee

Friday

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

~Micah 6:8 (NIV)~

Buddy Morris had a clear scan yesterday and was given another three months with no treatment. Thank-you, Lord! Pray for Eleanor Morris as she makes plans for hip surgery.

Please continue to pray for others who have tests, treatment, traveling, etc.

Buddy Waller
Linda Callihan
David Alford
Bryan Tate
Phillip Strickland

Read the Bible and mark “I will ….”.

Psalm 16: 7-8
Psalm 17:3

You are invited to attend Sunday School with the Friendship Circle class. Judy Dickinson will be teaching out lesson this week.

Pray for the college and career class of FBC, Kentwood as they return from a conference in Atlanta and begin applying what they learned.

I’m thankful for the ending of this rain we have had. Now, let the roads, pastures, yards, playgrounds, etc. dry up for a while.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“God can do anything, you know—

far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!”

~Ephesians 3:20 The Message~

Remember the many families with sickness or loss of loved ones.

Lila Jean Watson

March 01, 1966 – January 01, 2019

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond. She was born March 1, 1966 in Independence and was 52 years of age. She is survived by her husband, David Watson, Sr.; 2 sons, David Watson, Jr. and Randy Watson; 5 grandchildren, Brenlee, Carson, Kayden, Noah and Addie Watson; 3 sisters, Shirley Cooper, Faye Carney, and Ruthie Dykes; 3 brothers, Edward Dykes, Jackie Dykes, and Jerry Dykes and his wife, Cathy; brother-in-law, Michael Watson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by father, Coy Dykes, Jr.; mother, Martha Traylor; brothers, Eugene Travis, Phillip Dykes, William Dykes, Carl Ray Dykes, Tommy Lane Dykes, and Jimmy Dykes, Sr. Visitation at My Father’s House Church, Tangipahoa, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 4, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Melvin Rushing. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Message – http://www,baptistmessage.com

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

Operation Christmas Child suggests we purchase hats, gloves, and scarves during January. Also, it is always suggested you make purchases that are bargains at any time. You can bring your items to my classroom.

I hope you enjoy some of the videos from OCC that I post. They encourage me to get back into the collection stage of this process.

The college and career class of FBC, Kentwood is in Atlanta for a conference. Pray for hearts to be touched. Also, please pray for safety as they travel.

Read the Bible and mark the ‘I Will’s”. (Writing the verses is optional.)

Psalm 9:1-2
Psalm 13:6

Use your talents for the Lord today.

Anna Lee

New Year’s Eve

Update on Dee Dee Stokes Gill – She’s getting better with more feeling on the left side of her body.

Pray for the College and Career Class of FBC, Kentwood. They will be going to a conference for a few days this week.

My unspoken request continues to be in much pain. Continued prayers will be appreciated.

Ethel Elaine Woodard, the mother of Margaret Caraway of Greensburg, passed away.

New Year’s Eve – Posted Early

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name;

lift up a song to him.

His name is the LORD.”

~Psalm 68:4 ESV~

I don’t know how much money was contributed to the Lottie Moon Offerings, but will post the amount when it is given to me. Thanks to all who participated in the Lottie Moon March!

Please offer of prayers for Mr. Kent Raiford of Arcola and for his faithful caregivers.

Update on Bryan Tate:

He’s finished 4 rounds of chemo. Now we start 4 rounds of antibodies that will search and attack any active cancer cells that might have “ got away”. He is in remission ( no active cancer cells) at this time. This will carry us through month 8 of treatments. Not sure what the last four months of treatment will be. But we know it’s a year of active treatment. Then we hope he will be in maintenance. It’s a long journey 2-3 years but blessed with great Doctors and treatments. God has blessed us with the best Dr., team, friends and family. Our Dr. team has commented on our support from home several times. We look towards 2019 with praises and assurances that our Lord will bless us and provide our needs.

Pray for David and me as we travel to Baton Rouge on another holiday for his healthcare.

Claude D. “Pete” Gill

July 31, 1950 – December 29, 2018

A resident of Spring Creek passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at North Oak Medical Center in Hammond. He was born July 31, 1950 in Spring Creek and was 68 years of age. He was a member of Osyka Baptist Church and a retired dairy farmer and boilermaker. He is survived by his wife, Gloria McNabb Gill; daughter, Becky Lynn Grimes and husband Joseph; son, Tristan Gill; grandson, Aidan James Grimes; brother, Edgar Ray Gill. Preceded in death by parents, Jewel and Minnie Gill; two brothers, Gene and Fred Gill; two sisters, Edna Mae Hoyt and Patsy Lee. Graveside Services will be held at Spring Creek Cemetery at 11:00AM on Monday, December 31, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Jacob Williams. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Cynthia Maddox Almond

May 02, 1939 – December 29, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born May 2, 1939 in Haynesville and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Perry Wayne Almond; 2 sons, Donald Stewart and wife, Suphin Stewart, and Patrick Stewart; 3 grandchildren, Rawlin, Rath and Ryan Cauthron; 3 great-grandchildren, Rawlin Raith, Randilyn, and Chance Cauthron. Preceded in death by daughter, Ann Renee Starkey; granddaughter, Randilyn Starkey; parents, Sam and Lena Maddox; 2 brothers, Jerry Paul Maddox and Ray Nelson Maddox. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Thursday, January 3, 2019. Interment James Chapel Cemetery, Holden. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Bible Reading Plan for 2018 – Last Day! Those who followed this plan have read the whole Bible this year.

Malachi 3-4
Psalms 150
Matthew 28

I pray you know the Lord and Savior as this year, 2018, ends and we begin 2019.

Anna Lee

Saturday

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.

I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

~Ezekiel 34:12~

My unspoken request – Continued prayers needed for pain relief and a good report on latest treatment.

Prayers for Cal Schuler’s family. He passed away suddenly yesterday. He and I have mutual relatives in Shreveport and NE Texas.

Obituary for Wayne Langley

Wayne Lavelle Langley

July 18, 1939 – December 26, 2018
Arrangements for Mr. Wayne Langley are at Bailey’s Funeral Home, Springhill, LA Monday December 31st Visitation 10a-12p. Service to follow. Burial will be at Old Sarepta Cemetary, Sarepta, LA. (northeast of Shreveport).

Read the Bible

Zech 13-14
Psm, 149
Matt. 25-26

Read the Bible in 2019 – We will be following Biblical themes in 2019. In January our theme will be “I Wills” from Psalms.

You have options of how you will follow this in 2019. One, you may read the verses and focus on the “I Will”. Second, you may choose to write the verses in a notebook or even make a computer file and underline all the “I Will”s. Copies will be available at FBC, Kentwood to those who wish for a hardcopy. You may also ask me to send you an email.

This will require less time than most Bible reading plans and will be an option. Of course, you are welcome to follow any plan you choose. This is one of the options provided by Sweet Blessings.

I think you may enjoy checking out the web site to see all the things they offer. http://www.swtblessings.com/2018/12/january-scripture-writing-plan-psalms-i.html

FBC, Kentwood will have their annual march for the Lottie Moon Christmas. You can participate if:

You are putting in your gift Sunday
You a have already given.
You plan to give next week.
You are not giving, but will support the fund given through your prayers.

Thank-you for checking in and praying today.

Anna Lee

Merry Christmas

“Out of sheer generosity God put us in right standing with himself.

A pure gift.

He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be.

And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

He sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin.”

~Romans 3:24-25 The Message~

Pete Gill’s procedure went well. Now, treatment will begin. Pray for this family during this Chirstmas Day.

Another Spring Creek family is in the hospital. Jimmy Rufus Williams may get to come home today. I know the family will celebrate being at home together and the birth of Jesus long ago.

David found some Christmas spirit in the good news he received yesterday and was able to attend the service at FBC, last night. It was beautiful from the beginning to the end. I know there were other special services last night. I hope you were able to attend one. We are extra thankful not to be going to Baton Rouge for a unit of blood today.

Mary Jo Gauthreaux Childress

February 5, 1950 – December 23, 2018

Mary Jo Gauthreaux Childress

Mary Jo Gauthreaux Childress, 68, of Laurel passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018, and
is in the arms of Jesus after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Mrs. Childress was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a
member of First Baptist Church of Laurel where she served as a Sunday School teacher and
Bible Drill leader for many years. She adored children and was a teacher for Jones County
School District’s Star Reach Program.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph E. Gauthreaux of Biloxi, and her grandparents
John and Mary Gates of Pensacola, FL, and Joseph and Theresa Gauthreaux of Biloxi.
She is survived by her loving husband, David Childress of Laurel; her two daughters, Molly
(Carson) Humphries of Richardson, TX, and Mary Katherine “Katie” Childress of New York, NY;
her mother, Mary Helena (Gates) Gauthreaux of Biloxi; her sister Nancy (Jim) Pledger of
Natchitoches, LA; and four grandchildren, Hannah, Lydi Kate, Wiley, and Ellis Humphries.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel on Wednesday,
December, 26, 2018, followed by services at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m.
in Mendenhall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Foundation of Laurel, Inc.
First Baptist Church Foundation of Laurel, Inc.
P.O. Box 4452
Laurel, MS 39441-4452

Read the Bible today.

Zech 4-6
Psalm 147
Matt. 21

Read about the birth of Jesus today.

Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. That’s amazing, but not the end or the story. He left heaven to live on earth and prepare the way for us to have salvation and to eventually live with Him forever. That’s the greatest story ever told. I hope you get to tell this story to someone today.

Happy birthday to our daughter.

Katera McMillian shared the following pictures and stories with me. I’m passing them on. Then, I’m going to get my “Christmas arch” out for this special day. It was a gift a number of years ago.

Merry Christmas Around the World

https://www.imb.org/2018/12/24/christmas-celebrations-world/

The story is the same even though the celebration is different in other countries. Focus on the meaning of Christmas as told in the Bible.

Anna Lee

Christmas Eve

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Galatians 4:4-5

“Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11 NIV

Read the Christmas story – Luke 24

Read the Bible today – Reflect on God as Emmanuel.

Nancy Pledger’s sister passed away after having had dementia for more than sixteen years. Nancy’s brother-in-law faithfully cared for his wife every day.

My friends in Indonesia are fine. The tsunami did not cause then any concern. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones though.

Pray for my college friend, Fannie Seal. She is having knee replacement surgery today.

FBC, Kentwood, like many other area churches will have a candlelight service this evening at 6 P.M. You are invited to attend and bring your company with you.

Pray for the many people who will be traveling to celebrate Christmas with their family today.

Remember, this day and this holiday is about Jesus.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

~Isaiah 7:14~

Read the Christmas story – Luke 15

Read the Bible

Micah 1-3
Psalms 143
Matthew 13

Baptist Press -A wounded warrior’s baptism – http://www.bpnews.net/52109/firstperson-a-wounded-warriors-baptism

Special Prayer Requests Today

Those who are alone
Those who are sick
Those who are grieving
Those who cannot meet the needs of their family
Those whose homes lack basic needs
Those who do not know Jesus

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Open Heart” – https://vimeo.com/287329587

I trust you will be in church tomorrow, if possible. If not, you are invited to watch a live stream video of one of our local churches. The FBC site on Facebook begins at 10{30 and can be found at KentwoodFBC on Facebook.

Anna Lee

Friday

[The Birth of Jesus Foretold]

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.

The virgin’s name was Mary.

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

~Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)~

Last night I tracked some of the shoeboxes FBC sent. I learned some went to Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, and some went to “Hard to Reach Areas”. That last area had never appeared on my list before, so I did some research. This is what I found.

You can go to the following site to learn more about hard to reach areas.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child-countries/hard-to-reach-areas/

This excites me. I pray the boys and girls who receive the shoeboxes will learn about and accept Jesus into their hearts.

Jimmy Williams is to be released from the hospital today with surgery scheduled for next Wednesday. Please pray for Jimmy and Linda.

Ok, I just got the word on Jimmy’s
open heart surgery. He will be discharged tomorrow and we will have to come back early, next Wednesday the 19th and surgery will be at 7 am. We cannot thank all of you enough for your thoughts and prayers.
This will be the 2nd time he’s gone through this. The first was almost 10 years ago.

Read the Christmas story: Luke 14

Read your Bible today

Jonah 3-4
Proverbs 25
Matthew 12

Louisiana Baptist Message: http://baptistmessage.com/

Today is a good day to do a random act of kindness.

Anna Lee