“A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

~John 13:34~

Rev. Bill Ichter, former minister of music in FBC, Amite and long-time missionary in Brazil is hospitalized with the flu. Please be in prayer for him and his family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden may be released from the hospital today, but will be returning to the hospital in two weeks for more surgery.

The Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood was very good last night. If you missed it, plan now to be there next year. Thanks, Youth and all others who helped to provide a great night and to earn some serious money for the youth to go to camp.

James Rimes will be featured at the cabin Thursday. He sings and plays in a way that lets you clearly see his heart. David and I hope to see many of you at 6:30.

We will call next Saturday Children’s Missions Day, but it will really be an opportunity for ALL of you to share in doing mission projects. Sign up on the RED clipboards. Let’s have an focus on doing for others so they may be introduced to Jesus.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 4-5
Proverbs 18
Mark 5

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.”

~Mark 12:30-31~

Pray for Jim and Fay Carol C. Todd. Jim has some serious heart issues and may need to make some difficult decisions. Pray for God’s leadership as they face Jim’s health issues.

Tonight is the Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood. If you enjoy your meal, thank the cooks. If you think it is pretty, thank Heather Sharkey and her crew of decorators. Most of all thank the youth and Bro.. Wendell.

The next Saturday will be our Kid’s Missions Day. It is set up to be a kids’s day, but at our church it will be for everyone. My house is “exploding” with crafts for boys, girls, youth, and adults to do so we will have many fillers to send along with our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Our fillers will be used to complete shoeboxes that are not completely full. I am excited about this opportunity as well as packing some shoeboxes as a family. Let’s reach out to others in a big way! I hope to get a couple volunteers tomorrow to prepare a kid-type lunch Saturday. I hope the rest of you will be signing the lists on the red clipboards so we will know how many people to plan for.

Items I will be needing that some of you may be able to contribute:

Beads
Fishing supplies (hooks, lines, sinkers, floaters, etc., but no poles)
Fabric scraps
Small colorful pictures
Buttons (colorful and assorted sizes)
Pillow stuffing
Lace or ribbon scraps
Sewing tape measurer
Scissors for older girls
Glue sticks
Used greeting cards, especially Christmas cards

I will have a red basket near the front door of the church tomorrow. You can leave your items there tomorrow.

Thanks to those who so faithfully purchase Bibles for the inmates at the Tangipahoa parish. Once again our donations of Bibles and 2018 calendars were delivered this week. Once again they were greatly appreciated. A clear tote is under the stairwell for your donations. This is an ongoing project.

Friday Morning Bible Study will have three more weeks of Ezekiel before we begin a study of the book of Romans. Plan to join us from the beginning. There is not cost. Just bring your Bible.

The Third Thursday Gathering will be this week. See you Thursday at the cabin at 6:30 P.M.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 1-3
Psalm 18
Mark 3-4

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net

Do your preparations for the Lord’s Day today. That way getting to church will be less complicated. That’s always good.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever,

no matter what”

~Psalm 119:112 CEV~

Pray for Eric Lee as he has surgery. Pray for peace for him and for each member of the family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden will have additional surgery tomorrow in Baton Rouge to try to help blood flow in her legs. Pray for her, please.

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving from rehab to her apartment tomorrow. Pray for her.

Mrs. Betty Simpson asked me to share the following medical update about her niece, Dee Dee Matthews. The update was written by Dee Dee’s daughter.

Thanks everyone for the prayers. She is stable but in lots of pain. Her blood pressure is staying kind of low so they aren’t able to really give her much pain meds until her pressure rises some. she had some internal bleeding, her spleen was ripped, her liver was bleeding but they were more concerned with where the seatbelt was on her stomach. They had to take out a portion of her small intestines and are waiting a day or so to make sure she doesn’t because septic before reconnecting it. She has a very large laceration on her leg, her femur is broken close to her hip, and we are thinking her ankle is broken as of right now. the orthopedic surgeon is coming in tomorrow to let us know more about what’s going on and if there are anymore broken bones. she is sedated and on a breathing machine as of now. please keep the prayers coming. My God is awesome and I know my Mama will pull through!

Tish Fairburn has made another trip to MD Anderson and came back with the report she is cancer-free. Let’s join her in thanking God for this report.

Michelle Murphy will be going to MD Anderson to get an evaluation. Please pray for Michelle and for her family.

Edward “Jeff” Davis

June 07, 1966 – February 07, 2018

Edward “Jeff” Davis, a resident of Amite, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home. He was born June 7, 1966 in Amite and was 51 years of age. He was employed by the Tangipahoa Parish Government and enjoyed working, fishing, gardening, and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan O’Brian Davis; daughter, Julie Davis; grandson, Landon Davis; 3 brothers and 1 sister, Troy Davis, Tammy Scafidel, Mike Davis, and Roy Daniel Davis; step mother, Elaine Davis; step brother, Troy Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews and close nit group of friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy E. Davis and Norma Neal Davis; daughter, Alicia Davis; and step brother, Gary Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 PM until 9 PM on Thursday and from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Friday, February 9, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Dewitt Coleman. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Calvin Ray Cernich, Sr.

April 08, 1927 – February 06, 2018

A resident of Greensburg passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. He was born April 8, 1927 in New Orleans and was 90 years of age. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Merchant Marines. He is survived by 13 children, Carolyn Cernich, Calvin Cernich, Jr., Edward Cernich, Lloyd Cernich, Lawrence Cernich, Claire Thompson, Joan Allen, Albert Cernich, Daniel Cernich, Florence Addison, Andrew Cernich, Norma Nicholas and Oscar Cernich; sister, Nora Cernich McCullough; 2 brothers, Willie Cernich and Alfred Cernich; 28 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Marie Cernich; son, Byron Vincent Cernich; 11 brothers and sisters. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 37-38
Psalm 17
Mark 1

Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood – There are a few more places open for the meal Saturday night. You can also order take-out boxes. This will be for a steak dinner. Cost $15.00. Today is the last day to purchase tickets!

Children’s Mission Day on Saturday, February 17th is for everyone. Youth and adults can come to set a good example for out children. There will be projects that everyone can work on. Please call the church office to get your name on the list.

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Consider the blameless,

observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37~

Josiah Huckaby

Update: Josiah is doing much better. His infection seems to be gone & they are weaning his sedation by small amounts daily. He will most likely have withdrawls from all the strong meds. We are praying for a smooth, calm transition off of all the sedation meds. They have also been able to wean his vent settings & oxygen. The plan is to start CPAP trials tomorrow…which is a scheduled amount of time on CPAP and then swap back to the vent and so on…YAY!!! Also, Josiah will be 11 months old Friday! Where has the time gone?!?! God is so good!!! We are so grateful for our sweet little man & can’t wait to get him home!!! 💙💛💙💛💙#TheLuckyFew #ExtraSpecial #OurLittleLagniappe

Joseph Roy Giardina

October 11, 1957 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at his home. He was born October 11, 1957 in Baton Rouge and was 60 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Ardillo Giardina; brother, Charles Giardina; sister, Lillian Giardina Massey and husband, Michael; nephew, John Lucas Massey; niece, Sarah Kate Massey; and companion of 11 years, Dinah Stelley. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph P. Giardina. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12 Noon on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Frank Braden Bateman

September 27, 1941 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Hammond, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born September 27, 1941 in Tyrone, PA and was 76 years of age. He was a retired manager of Winn Dixie with over 41 years of service. He is survived by his 2 sisters, Nancy Beichler and Jo Anne Tidwell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Kathleen Spears Bateman, and his parents, Joseph and Norma Frye Bateman. Funeral Services will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 10 AM. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

There are a number of Facebook sites that give hints about Operation Christmas Child crafts. Spend some time looking to find the ones you wish to join.

Read the Bible

Exodus 35-36
Proverbs 16
Matthew 28

Children’s Mission Day

We will be filling old prescription bottles with fishing and sewing items after we wash the bottles and cover the labels with contact paper. If you have some medium and large bottles, please drop them off in the red basket at church. Thanks!

I have been preparing for our first Children’s mission day. It will be a lot of fun, but don’t let the children get all the fun. Join us on the 17th from 9 A.M. to Noon. Adult skills, both male and female, will be very helpful to guide the children in their projects.

Catch a vision of how you want to spend your ministry time. Be available. God will fill in the answers to your questions.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is doing well. Her boys take turns staying with her. She’s blessed to have them.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon received a good report yesterday.

Today, let’s pray for all the senior adults who live alone. I will let you make your own list. Once you get a list, make an effort to contact them periodically and minister to their individual needs.

Read the Bible

Exodus 33-34
Psalm 16
Matthew 27

I will place a large red basket at FBC, Kentwood to receive Mardi Gras beads, Walmart style loose beads for kids to string, and toys received in “kid” meals at drive in places. I still have the large plastic box for soft-cover Bibles and 2018 calendars. I don’t mind emptying them periodically, so bring your items any time. The Bibles and calendars will be distributed through the jail ministry at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. The beads will be used for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The smaller the bag of beads, the easier it is to detangle them to organize them with that in mind, please.

There is a sign-up list at the church, on RED clipboards, for adults, youth, and children to sign up to participate/help with our projects for the filler boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We will meet from 9:00 A.M. to noon on Saturday, February 17th at FBC, Kentwood. Anyone who cannot be there that morning can help us collect items of do tasks such as cutting out. I also have some take-home crochet and cutting projects. Everyone can be involved in our Children’s Missions Day! You can also call the church and ask for your name to be added to the list.

As a WMU member, I’m so pleased that some churches in our association are beginning to get involved in women’s ministry again. If you belong to a church that need to organize or reorganize a women’s ministry, please contact me. I can give you some ideas and connect you to other ladies who can assist you. I know it is better when we are able to work together.

Have a great day. Maybe a little rain will cause us to do some indoor ministry, calls, letters, cooking, etc., today.

Anna Lee

Monday

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it

~Psalm 34:14~

Some people in our neighborhood frequently hike. Saturday, while hiking, Tommy Travis slipped off the trail and fell 15 feet landing with his forehead on a log. He has 26 stitches and 26 staples now. Let’s pray for complete healing as Tommy gets lots of rest in the next week. Let’s also thank God that Tommy was not more seriously hurt.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is hospitalized in Baton Rouge where she had some stents put in her leg last week to help increase circulation. Pray for all involved in her treatment. Today, they plan to attempt to add more stents. I know she will appreciate your prayers.

Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson has been seeing doctors about her lung issue. Yesterday, she shared that a doctor has recommended surgery. Pray for her as she gets a second opinion and makes decisions.

Read the Bible – Reflect on God as Lord and do any necessary catch-up reading

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

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

Children’s Mission Day – Sign up to be a part of this special day that is coming up on the 17th. We will make some items that will be shipped as fillers for shoeboxes for children at Christmas through Operation Christmas Child. One way many of you might be able to help is to bring us some carnival beads. It is best if they are bagged in limited numbers so we can easily untangle and sort them for packaging. There will be many activities going on. You can choose the ones you wish to do or to help the children do. We will meet at 9:00 A.M.

Many people seem to be fighting a lingering cough. Let’s pray for this to stop spreading.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

~Romans 12:2 NIV~

Read the Bible

Exodus 31-32
Proverbs 15
Matthew 26

I’m getting excited and working hard on preparing for the Children’s Missions Day. Remember to check for the RED clipboards under the balcony stairwell if you wish to participate in any way. The items we make will be used for Operation Christmas Child.

There of many churches available to you today. If you are needing a church hope, I feel sure you will be welcome in any of them.

Even in the difficulties of life, it is good to be able to see a bright spot.

Happy Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

I want to invite you to a special event.

We will have Children’s Mission’s Day in two weeks, Saturday, the 17th from 9 A.M. – Noon. Sign-up sheets for adults and youth helpers, both male and female, and for children are on RED clipboards under the staircase to the balcony. We will be learning about missions, making things to send to other children for Christmas, and having lunch together. Don’t miss this fun day. There will be something for everyone!

Items that would be helpful:

Front cover of used Christmas cards, birthday cards, and “thinking of you” cards
Project (Exacto) knives
Beads
Narrow, bright colored ribbon
Ziplock bags (snack, quart, and gallon sizes)
Large buttons, jewels, or rocks (about 1 inch)
Glue guns and glue sticks

If you bring items by next week or tell me they are coming, I won’t have to make duplicate purchases. Get involved on any and all levels you can.

I also am looking for a roll or partial roll of brown paper (Think about a light-weight paper bag). If you know where I can purchase some, please let me know.

Children’s Mission Day can get all of us involved in doing mission projects. Let’s support our children and provide gifts for children internationally. You’ll be greatly blessed!

Friday

2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

~Psalm 3:2-6~

Update on Eric Lee from the family:

Our family would like to thank you all for the phone calls, texts and support we’ve received over the past few days. A lot of people have asked for an update on how dad is doing. For those of you who don’t know, dad went into the hospital last Thursday. He was jaundice & they thought a stone was in his bile duct. When they did the procedure to remove the stone, there was no stone. They ordered an MRI and found a mass on his pancreas. Mom & Dad went to Dallas to Baylor Charles A. Simmons Cancer Center for further testing. Today, the oncologist/surgeon confirmed that the mass needed to be removed as soon as possible. Surgery is scheduled in Dallas for Thursday morning. They will send the mass to pathology and see what steps to take next. We will update as we know more. We really appreciate all of the love, support and prayers from everyone!

Pray for Mimi Sneed as she is seeing a doctor in Hammond Monday.

Pray for the homebound people. I cannot imagine not being able to get out, but sometimes life makes that impossible. Call, visit, write someone who is at home unless they are seeing medical personnel.

Sherry Day recently had a routine check-up. She is doing well. Keep her in your prayers.

Read the Bible

Exodus 27-28
Proverbs 14
Matthew 24

Today’s Bible Study

The new temple
Ezekiel 40
Fellowship hall
10 A.M.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

What, then, shall we say in response to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

~Romans 8:31~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. She will be seeing a doctor today about her toe problem to make an important decision.

Eric Lee is at a hospital in Texas concerning a recently diagnosed problem. Please pray for him and his family.

David and I saw Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Simmons Sunday. He is now hospitalized because of a breathing problem. Pray for him and his family.

Two young children whose father was a pastor at New Zion have scarlet fever. Pray for both the parents and children.

William “Little Bill” Ersin Geismer

September 19, 1966 – January 05, 2018

William Ersin “Little Bill” Geismer, 51, passed away at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans on January 5, 2018. He was a resident of Kentwood and a native of Istanbul, Turkey. He is survived by his wife, Paige Brown Geismer; 5 children, Kacie LaFleur, Colby Geismer and wife, Megan, Thomas Geismer, Randi Geismer and Kason Geismer; step daughter, Kaila Lester; mother, Turkan Geismer; father in law and mother in law, Bill and Eugenia Brown; sister, Barbara Sonnier and husband, Jason; sister in law, Danielle Brown; brother in law, Hunter Brown and wife, Mindy; 5 grandsons, Kaleb, Connor and Karson Guerra and Gage and Logan Geismer; niece, E’stelle McKinney; and nephew, Oscar Sipes. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Katie Lee Geismer; father, William Henry Geismer; and his grandparents, Oscar Henry Geismer and Elizabeth Black. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 11 AM until Memorial Service at 2 PM, on Saturday, February 3, 2018. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 25-26
Psalm 14
Matthew 23

Children’s Missions Day

F.B.C., Kentwood
9 A.M. – Noon
Ages K – 5th Grade

Five Consistent Sources of Discouragement for Pastors – Rainer Report #1 and other recent posts

http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Thanks for reading and praying each day.

Anna Lee