Category: Hymn of the Day

Monday

For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Romans 8:38-39~

 

 

 

Today’s hymn – “The Love of God”

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 27

  • 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
  • Romans 10:14-11:12
  • Psalm 21:1-13
  • Proverbs 20:4-6

 

 

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

 

 

Thanks to all who have contributed to Operation Christmas Child purchases.  Special thanks to the classes who have made bulk purchases and to their super-shopper, Wanda Smith.

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for the individuals and families who are fighting the Covid-19 battle at this time.

 

 

 

As you pray for the children who will soon be going back to school in one form or another, please add prayers for teachers in all the schools and all grade levels.  They are going back to school this year in a whole new situation.  It’s like the first year for every teacher!  Big hearts for lots of students and the joys of teaching help them as they prepare.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.  Pray for good health for all.

 

 

 

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“ . . . He will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

festive praise instead of despair . . . ”

~Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)~

 

 

 

Pray for Randy Wilson and his family.  He has had emergency surgery and is facing recovery and possibly more surgery.  He requested his family sell the dairy cows.  Pray for all the family as they make big adjustments.

 

 

 

Pray for churches, schools, businesses, etc. as they make decisions about how to address Covid -19 on a continuing basis.

 

 

 

Also, pray for those with health concerns as they make decisions about daily living in the present conditions.

 

 

 

Nick P. Ardillo, Sr.

September 08, 1926 – July 05, 2020

Nick P. Ardillo, Sr., a resident of Amite, LA, passed away at 6:35 AM on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at his home, surrounded by loving family and listening to a favorite hymn, “Be Not Afraid.” As a family we are terribly sad to have lost the companionship and guidance of our father but are heartened by the knowledge that he will rise to be with our Father in heaven.

Nick was born September 8, 1926, in Amite, LA, and was 93 years of age. He had many jobs over the years, beginning at age 12 pushing a broom at Ardillo’s grocery. He spent some time as a cowboy on horseback rounding up his dad’s cows and driving them home after they spent the day grazing amongst the trees near the current location of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board. When he graduated from high school at 16, he went north to Carbondale, Illinois, to attend railroad school to work for the Illinois Central Railroad. At 18 he left to train for WWII and the invasion of Japan. Before shipping out to the Philippines, he paid another soldier to take the swimming test for him so he would not be required to wear a lifejacket for the entire trip. When the war ended abruptly, Nick was assigned to drive a general at Yokohoma. Nick explained that at only 5’4” tall, his feet could not reach the pedals of the general’s staff car, so he had to settle for driving a colonel. While in Japan Nick learned to play golf and later became one of the charter members of the Springview Golf Club.

On June 26, 1950, he married the love of his life, Angie Bellavia. He worked with his father Roy, stepmother Josie, brother Tony, and sister Little Josie for many years and was eventually president of Ardillo Inc. For many years he was a board member of Central Progressive Bank and was a longtime member of the board and president of Progressive Developers. He suffered many trials during his long life, losing his mother Mary when he was seven and his father when he was thirty-six. He also was the last survivor among his siblings. He lost his son and namesake Nicky in 2001 and his beloved wife Angie in 2002. He lost two more sons Roy and Rube in 2012 and 2017 respectively.

Nick lived at home with grandsons Joseph and Jonathan Ardillo, maintaining his independence until he went into the hospital on June 28th, when he dressed and made his coffee that Sunday morning. The doctors, nurses, and staff of both Hood Memorial and North Oaks Medical Center made a valiant effort, but in the end the best thing was to do was what Nick had directed and let God decide. His family brought Nick home on Friday afternoon where he was met by The Reverend Mark Beard and given the Holy Eucharist and Last Rites.

He is survived by his daughter, Jo Anne Ardillo Falcone and husband, Vincent, Jr.; two sons, Joseph “Jay” Ardillo and wife, Kerri; and Thomas Frank Ardillo and wife, Michelle; grandchildren, Cindy Ardillo Ridgel and husband, Tim; Richard S. Ardillo and wife, Laura; Melissa Ficklin Clark and husband, Cori; Amanda Ficklin Mixon and husband, Chad; Jason Ficklin; Vincent Falcone, III; Nikki Messina and husband, Marc; Joshua Falcone; Joseph Ardillo; Jonathan Ardillo; Margaret Ardillo; and Madeline Ardillo; and great-grandchildren, Michael Gill and wife, Nichole; Matthew Gill; Justin Ridgel and wife, Shelby; Rayanne Ridgel; Maylyn Jude Ardillo; Eric Easley and wife, Julia; Christopher and Laurel Brown; Qway and Jon Bang Clark; Nilaina and Cy Mixon; Ryleigh, Sophie and Marc Messina; and great-great granddaughter, Olivia Gill; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; two brothers-in-law, Thomas Bellavia; and Frank Bellavia and wife, Brenda. Preceded in death by his wife, Angie Bellavia Ardillo; sons, Roy S. Ardillo, II; James “Rube” Ardillo; and Nick P. Ardillo, Jr.; parents, Roy S. Ardillo and Mary Conti Ardillo; stepmother Josie Bellavia Ardillo; brothers, Steve and Tony Ardillo; sister, Josie Walsh. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons. The family would like to thank Shirley Jackson and Julia Mae Holloway for their friendship and care.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, services will be held privately. A memorial service will be held at a later date for extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Helena Catholic Church or charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 7

  • 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17
  • Acts 25:1-27
  • Psalm 5:1-12
  • Proverbs 18:19

 

 

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

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Online shopping has been used to make a number of purchases this year.  Thanks to those who gave and those who “shopped”.  As you thank God for the givers and the shoppers, also pray for those who will receive the boxes along with the opportunity to learn about Jesus.  May their heart be open for Jesus.

 

 

 

Make today a day of prayer, encouraging, and action to benefit others.  Remember that great old hymn, “Others”.  

Anna Lee

 

Friday

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

~Mark 16:15~

 

May God continue to open the eyes of Christians, letting them see the mission opportunities that abound at this time.  It is great how much Christian organizations are so beneficial in times such as this.  I love hearing and seeing their work on television and in ptint.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I found this song. but chose not to publish it.  Today, after finding this Scripture, I decided I needed to publish them at the same time.

Heal Our Land

If my people will humble themselves
Humble themselves and pray
If they seek my face and humble themselves
And turn from their wicked ways

I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins
I will hear from heaven and heal their land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, we vow our knee, we humble ourselves
Humble ourselves and pray
Lord, we seek your face and humble ourselves
And turn from my wicked ways

Father in Your mercy, forgive our sins
Father in Your mercy, come heal our land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

(Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land)
Hear our cry and heal our broken land

The chorus was used as an anthem in the hymnal I was using.  I think we can benefit from using the chorus as a prayer.

 

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 3

  • Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
  • Luke 10:13-37
  • Psalm 75:1-10
  • Proverbs 12:12-14

 

 

 

Yesterday, we missed the graduation of one of our grandsons, but got to watch it on the computer screen.  We even got to hear hiss voice the the first time in weeks.  I’m thankful to technology in so many ways at this time.  Please pray for all the young airmen as they continue their training in various places.

 

 

 

Joseph Anthony Farace, Jr.

Died: April 1, 2020

“The lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” – Psalm 23
Joseph was born in Hammond, Louisiana April 10, 1959. He passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at his residence in Tickfaw, Louisiana. He loved spending time with his grandchildren more than anything, making sure everyone had a full stomach when leaving and drinking coffee with friends. Joseph is survived by children: Brennon Farace (Brianne) of Poplarville, MS; Brooke Farace of Baton Rouge, LA; and Brock Farace of Amite, LA; a brother, Daniel Farace of Tickfaw, LA; a sister, Marilyn Farace Lejuene (Timothy) of Tickfaw, LA; and niece Abby Lejuene; his four grandchildren, Baelyn Farace, Rhett Diamond, Blaine Honore and newest bundle of joy West Farace. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Anthony Farace Sr., and mother Mary Grace Morales Farace, sister, Melissa Farace and nephew Samuel Lejuene. Due to COVID-19 his service and memorial mass will be held at a later date.

 

 

Stay at home.  Use a mask when you have to go anywhere.  Wash your hands frequently.  Let’s help this time get over sooner, rather than later.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

~Matthew 6:25 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 31

  • Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
  • Luke 9:7-27
  • Psalm 72:1-20
  • Proverbs 12:8-9

 

 

Song of the Day 

  • “The Doxology”
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
  • “Near to the Heart of God”
  • “They’ll Know We are Christians (by our love)”
  • “Victory in Jesus”
  • “There’s Something about that Name”
  • “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength”
  • “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”
    • I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
      Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
      I would tell you how He changed my life completely,
      He did something that no other friend could do.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

      All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me,
      All my heart was full of misery and woe;
      Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me,
      And He led me in the way I ought to go.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

      Ev’ry day He comes to me with new assurance,
      More and more I understand His words of love;
      But I’ll never know just why He came to save me,
      Till some day I see His blessed face above.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lg9c8EhLw4

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

From Ginger Miller Hutto:

In the midst of turbulent times, God sends unspeakable joy!
Welcome JOHN LEVI MCELVEEN!
March 27, 2020. 8:45 am. 7 lbs 11 oz. 21 in long. Our 6th grandchild!

 

 

Buddy Morris has had some issues which led to an adjustment of medication.  Pray this works out for him.

 

 

 

Henry McKenzie has a brother, Marion, who is hospitalized in Hattisburg,  Pray for him and his family,

 

 

 

Dennis Price has been in North Oaks and will get a defibrillator today.  Pray this is helpful to Dennis’ health.

 

 

 

 

Today is the day we were to leave home to travel to our grandson’s military graduation from the Air Force boot camp.  Needless to say, none of the families will be represented.  Graduation will be a hard day for the graduates and their families.  Let’s not focus on ourselves, but on others today.

Today, we can use prayer as a weapon in helping ourselves and others through this virus experience,  Set your clocks to remind you to pray each hour.  Choose one of the requests listed below to be your focus for that hour.  The next hour, choose another one.  Pray.  Take your mind off yourself as you pray for others.  If you have your television on, you can use the commercials as signals to pray.  Find a method to pray regularly throughout this day.

Focus on the needs of others.

  • Pray for the young people like those in this group as they move on to the next step.
  • Pray for students who won’t graduate in May as planned.
  • Pray for couples who postponed weddings.
  • Pray for families who had a death and cannot receive the normal support from others.
  • Pray for students who were not able to get home during this time.
  • Pray for sick people who have no loved ones to sit with them.
  • Pray for people who live alone and who have not heard from anyone in a long time.
  • Pray for people who are sick and unsure about going to the doctor/hospital.
  • Pray for healthcare workers who go in for another day at their worksite.
  • Pray for pastors as they attempt to minister to their “flock” in creative ways.
  • Pray for churches to be a “shining light” in their communities.
  • Pray for grandparents and grandchildren who cannot see each other.
  • Pray for parents who are healthcare workers and who have seen the need to pass their children on to another relative for this time period.
  • Pray for teens and young adults who do not realize the seriousness of the situation.
  • Pray for new parents who are entrusted by God with a baby at this time.
  • Pray for low-wage workers who are called in to work without protective gear.
  • Pray for healthcare workers who have to go into homes where the virus is thriving.
  • Pray for those who do not have adequate food at this time.
  • Pray for those who have spend their money on other things, not necessities.
  • ETC.

 

 

Remember to pray regularly today!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.”

~Psalm 37:7 (NLT)~

 

 

 

Please be in prayer for Jacob Martello, grandson of George and Debbie Bales.  He has a tooth infection and is scheduled for oral surgery today.  Pray for calmness and for relief from pain.

 

 

 

Danielle Thornton’s infant niece did not have heart surgery as planned.  It was postponed.  I’ll try to post when her surgery is rescheduled.  In the meantime, remember baby Charlotte and her parents in your prayers.  THE SURGERY IS NOW PLANNED FOR TODAY!

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 27

  • Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
  • Luke 7:36-8:3
  • Psalm 69:1-18
  • Proverbs 12:1

 

 

 

Today, think about your friends and neighbors who are housebound just like you, but are the only ones there.  Nobody to talk to, nobody to ride bikes with, nobody to picnic with, nobody to enjoy the flower, birds with, nobody to rock on the porch with, etc.  What can you do to SAFELY change their situation?  Be sure to wear a mask and to practice social distancing so you will be safe!

 

 

 

Song of the Day 

 

 

We are one day closer to being able to worship together again.  In the meantime, use the technology you have available, your Bible, and other religious material to keep your “Spirit” up.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Wednesday

“God does speak—

sometimes one way and sometimes another—

even though people may not understand it.”

~Job 33:14 (NCV)~

 
David and I have completed two weeks of quarantine.  It’s not totally different from our regular routine.  The road certainly does seem empty out here!  It’s a lot quieter than just our normal “peaceful”.  Join with me in praying for others to remain in quarantine and slow down the spread of Coronavirus.

 

 

 

I’m so thankful churches have stepped up and are posting sermons or services online.  I already have a list of Wednesday night services I want to watch.  You can’t do that when you have to attend in person.  Let’s continue to look for the “silver linings”.  The Methodist church is requesting all members stop at noon today and say the Lord’s Prayer.  I’m sure they won’t mind if some non-Methodists join in with them.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 25

  • Deuteronomy 4:1-49
  • Luke 6:39-7:10
  • Psalm 68:1-18
  • Proverbs 11:28

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

Continuing my song list today . . .

  • “The Doxology” 
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”

  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gua-NE8y8lE

This was done in 1952.  It seems so appropriate today!  Maybe, today is a                               good day to teach this song to some of our younger generation.

I trust parents are building strong children with strong faith during this                                 time.

 

 

 

During this time when patients cannot have family members with them in hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, nursing homes, etc. it is very hard on the patients and the family.  It’s also hard on families when there is a death and the services are so limited.

 

 

Encourage someone today!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Monday

“If you want to know what God wants you to do,

ask him,

and he will gladly tell you,

for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him.”

~James 1:5 (TLB)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 23

  • Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
  • Luke 6:12-38
  • Psalm 67:1-7
  • Proverbs 11:27

 

 

 

I want to remind you of the OCC list of items you are asked to purchase during March.  I know we are not shopping now, but possible one person could shop online for the class.  When we are able to get out again, your items would be ready to take to the church.

 

Operation Christmas Child, March, 2020

Nursery & Preschool Large Erasers
Grades 1-5 Hair Brushes
Youth  Pens
College and Career Checkers
Gateway GIrls’ Underwear (Sizes 2-14)
Joy & Friendship Circle. Colored Duct Tape
Bank  $1.00 Calculators
New Creations & Renewal Bandanas
Rebekah  Toothbrushes, Holders, & Floss
Seekers, City Hall, & Staff Marbles
Faithful Clothes Pins & Rope

 

 

 

 

If you have children in your home, you may want to download this app.

     Greatest Journey – samaritanspurse.org/TGY-app

This will be entertaining and educational at the same time.

 

 

I watched four church services yesterday.  Jason’s church suggested having children make “Loving One Another Cards”.  I think this would be wonderful for adults too.  Once your cards are made, they can be left in the mailbox for the mail carrier or dropped in the outdside box at the post office.  Even when housebound, do your part to minister to others.

 

 

Here’s my song list for today.  I hope you sing along.

 

 

 

Stay home!  Don’t spread this virus!

Anna Lee

 

 

Happy Lord’s Day!

[The Armor of God]

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

~Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 22

  • Numbers 33:40-35:34
  • Luke 5:12-28
  • Psalm 65:1-13
  • Proverbs 11:23

 

 

Bro. Stan Statham posted a video for us to watch about a prayer line.

 

 

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2020 & Josiah Huckaby

Not how we planned to spend it. We didn’t get to wear our cute shirts or crazy socks but we did have fun. Although we sure are missing daddy! I’m just glad technology allows us the opportunity to see each other during hospital stays.

Josiah has definitely been making improvements on his oxygen. They did quite a bit of weaning today. Hopefully he will continue to do well on the new oxygen settings tonight.

To God be the glory! 💙💛💙💛💙

 

 

Joey “Buck” Cutrer

November 03, 1957 – March 20, 2020

A resident of Livingston, LA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at his home. He was born November 3, 1957 in Clinton, LA and was 62 years of age. He was a loving father and grandfather that would do anything for anyone. He was a kind hearted soul that is now at peace. He is survived by 2 sons, Joey Cutrer and Drew Alan Cutrer and wife, Lauren; granddaughter, Ava Cutrer; brother, Ric Cutrer and wife, Donna; sister, MaryJo Cutrer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carly Lou Cutrer; and parents, Joe and Mary Lou Cutrer. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the funeral and viewing will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Saint Elmo Saxon, Jr.

February 22, 1943 – March 20, 2020

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born February 22, 1943 in Foxworth, MS and was 77 years of age. He was a husband, father, brother and friend who was better known as Daddy, Honey, Elmo or simply “Saint.” He was a man of many talents, loved the outdoors and was an American patriot having served in the U. S. Army. His world was his family showing his love every day with his abounding love. He traveled throughout the world, many times alone, sometimes with his love and family,  bringing back many stories and souvenirs from the trips. Being a man that loved to work, he taught his work ethic to anyone who would loan him a hand, follow him around, learning with every step. If you were lucky enough to attend a Saxon gathering where family and friends were, you caught him in his glory. He is survived by his wife, Kay Crawford Saxon; 3 daughters, Milissa Pirnar, Tissie Gorman, and  Angela Saxon; son, Chris Saxon and his wife, Brigitte Saxon; grandchildren, Brugge Gorman, Dillon Gorman, Skylar Pirnar, Noah Steptore, Domonique Pierce, Anna Barber, Stone Saxon, and River Saxon; great-grandchildren, Abygayle, Anslee and Aniston Rae Barber; 2 sisters, Linda Russell and Mary Johnson; brother, John Wayne Saxon. Preceded in death by parents, Saint Elmo Saxon, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Forbes Saxon; son, Brian O’Neal Saxon; daughter, Tina Marie Saxon; and brother, Linnie Saxon. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the funeral and viewing will be private. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Most of us will be at home today and watching our church service via live-streaming video.  Many will not have the opportunity to attend a Sunday School class.  There are several option:

  • Each person prepares their lesson and discusses it.
  • One person teaches the family each week.
  • Watch a video and discuss it as a family group.

Bible project will be giving us a video to watch as a family each week.  Then, discussion can follow.  The lesson for today is “Generosity”.

https://bibleproject.com/videos/generosity/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=quarantinemail&utm_content=generosity

  • I suggest doing your Sunday School during your church’s regular Sunday School time.

 

 

Churches present the worship service online.

  • Most churches will present the worship service online, many of them doing so for the first time today.
  • If your church is not live-streaming this morning or if you choose to watch multiple services as we did last week. you will have plenty of opportunities.  On Facebook, join Kentwood First Baptist Church at 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M. today, and 6 P.M. Wednesday.  I think following the normal schedule will keep us from feeling like we are missing out as much.

 

 

 

Now that hospitals are not allowing any visitors like the special living facilities, we need to pray extra hard for both the patients/residents and the family members.  What a change this is!

 

 

David and I haven’t been out in days.  He makes a lot of calls to check on people.  If you have a name for me to add to The Prayer Link, please send me a  message like Danielle Thornton did yesterday.  I will be glad to add your prayer concerns.

 

 

 

Here’s my song list for today.  I hope you sing along.

 

 

Make this “Lord’s Day” special and one you and your family will remember for a long time.

Anna Lee