Tuesday

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

 but in humility  

consider others better than yourselves.

~Philippians 2:3~

Marie Skaggs Raymond

Born: May 27, 1916
Died: March 01, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2991193&fh_id=10545

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions

Jonathan and Shelby Land http://anniearmstrong.com/land/

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

  • SBC presidents send open letter to Obama
  • WEEK OF PRAYER: A heart for Mormon-heavy Utah
  • NRB attendance up 15% at wide-ranging convention
  • 365 DAYS: Prayer warriors stand on knees in Ukraine
  • War in E. Ukraine aids church planting in west
  • Christian media oppose FCC Internet ruling

Read the Bible in 2015 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Hope Center

Volunteers at Hope Center will be removing winter clothing and replacing it with summer clothing beginning this morning.  In a couple days, put you coat on and come check out the spring/summer items!

Time Change

  • Sunday
  • Move your clocks ahead an hour.
  • Forget, and arrive late for Sunday School Sunday!

Lunch for BCM students at SLU

  • March 4th – WMU of Two Rivers Baptist Association
  • March 11th – FBC, Kentwood
    • If you are providing food on the 11th, food needs to be in the church kitchen by 9 A.M.
    • If you are working, meet at the church at 10:00 unless you are involved in cooking the jambalaya.
    • Thanks to Jason Dean and James Rimes for continuing in Marty Simpson’s place in preparing the jambalaya.

From the hymn for today, “May God Depend on You?”.

May the Lord depend on you?
Loyalty is but His due;
Say, O spirit brave and true,
That He may depend on you!

Anna Lee

Monday

“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,

and His ears are open to their prayers.”

~1 Peter 3:12a, NKJV~

 

Pray for Ladell and Nancy Birch.  He has just had some stents put in.  She is in Greensburg hospital for some testing.

Pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell.  She did not seem her best when we saw her yesterday.

Chip Caraway will soon be having surgery for throat cancer.  Pray for him, his surgery team, and his family.

Arthur Danny Richardson

Born: September 09, 1944
Died: February 28, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2990385&fh_id=10545

Mrs. Margaret Caraway told me yesterday that the associational senior adult trip has been postponed to September due to her son’s surgery.

Annie Armstrong Offering – Travis and Staci Kerns

http://anniearmstrong.com/kerns/

Time Change – Next Sunday, you set your clocks ahead an hour (and get to miss an hour of sleep if you don’t go to bed earlier).

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “A Deadly Weapon” – http://odb.org/
  • Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;                                                            . . . they shall run and not be weary,                                                                                             they shall walk and not faint.                                                                                                                                                                                                   ~Isaiah 40:31~
  • “Trust and Obey” http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/r/trstobey.htm

Read the Bible in 2015 Genesis 32 – 35

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+32-35&version=NIV

Enjoy the rain.  Be thankful it is not ice and snow.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“The godly give good advice to their friends;

the wicked lead them astray.”

~Proverbs 12:26 NLT~

 

Today, we begin the annual week of prayer for North American missions.  The theme this year is “Send>>America”.

Today’s prayer focus is on Daniel and Linda Yang.  Check out this link and learn more about them, their mission field, and the work they are doing in Canada.

http://anniearmstrong.com/yang/

Read the Bible in 2015I Corinthians 1-2

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Learn the Cost” – http://odb.org/
  • You were bought at a price.                                                                                                                                  ~1 Corinthians 6:20~                                                                                                                           Without the shedding of blood                                                                                                           there is no remission of sin.”                                                                                                                                                   ~Hebrews 9:22~
  • “Nothing but the Blood” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/b/nbtblood.htm

Don’t forget the Frozen Food for Families this morning,  Bring your donations to my classroom before Sunday School.  The food will be delivered today.  

Hope Center will be changing from winter clothing to spring/summer clothing this week.

  • If you wish to work some time this week, please let me schedule you.
  • If you want to get a good look at the new clothing, give us a few days and then check it out.

Operation Christmas Child – Please check the table near the kitchen in the fellowship hall. Our goal is to pack about 50% more boxes than last year.  That means working all year to collect the items listed on the bags.  You can shop as individuals or as classes.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,

joy,

peace,

patience,

kindness,

goodness,

faithfulness,

gentleness and

self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

~Galatians 5:22-23~

 

Please pray for the family of Mrs. Avis Sullivan and get ready to hear her sing again in heaven one day.  Margie said she didn’t know yet what the arrangements will be.

Koltyn Gafford

Yesterday made 1 week since we brought Koltyn home from the hospital. Things surely are a quite bit different.
Sleeping habits are extremely different for him than before. He now goes to sleep between 3 & 5 every afternoon and sleeps til 3 or 4 in the morning. Most everyone that knows me, knows I am not a morning person but, I have managed to do quite well with the new bedtime schedule.
We’ve already made three trips to Baton Rouge, Monday we had evaluations for Occupational, & Physical Therapy & Wednesday an evaluation for Speech Therapy. Yesterday we had a follow-up appointment with his regular Pediatrician, also in Baton Rouge. He will have therapy twice a week, 45 mins sessions of each therapy on Monday & Wednesday’s for at least a year. Next week they are going to mold his feet for his AFO’s (ankle foot orthosis – A strong and lightweight solution for children & adults with mild to moderate drop foot.)
His Speech Therapist is already talking about working on trying to get his mouth and throat ready for liquids by mouth. He has already made progress making different sounds. We can now tell the difference between a hurt cry, a wet/dirty diaper cry, or just a simple whin which means he just wants to be held and loved on! My favorite of them all!!
He also knows the difference between Mommy & Daddy’s bed (which he used to sleep in every night) and his bed. Brad laid down with him in our bed one night while mommy took a shower, then put him in his bed when we were ready to go to sleep and abt 30 mins. later he started to fuss and we laid him in bed with us and he went sound to sleep. Definitely is a good sign that he remembers that was his normal place to sleep. Brad & I both are loving all the snuggles at bedtime. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers. We still have a long recovery ahead of us! Keep the Prayers coming. We love you all

Brad Gafford & Kristin Russell Gafford

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015Matthew 23-25

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

  • “Catching Up with Us” – http://odb.org/
  • When I kept silent,                                                                                                                                    my bones grew old through my groaning.                                                                                                                                                  ~Psalm 32:3~                                                                                             Though your sins are like scarlet,                                                                                                            they shall be white as snow.                                                                                                                                                                   ~Isaiah 1:18~
  • “Jesus Paid it All” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/p/jpaidall.htm  –  (Be sure to read the story that goes with this hymn.)

Have a wonderful day.  Spend some time reading God’s Word and singing His praises.

Anna Lee 

 

Friday

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 and teaching them to obey everything

I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age.”

~Matthew 28:19-20~

 

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/54efd3714db921bd1cdf641c

Ladies’ Night: Love Letters

We had a good time last night with ladies from at least seven different churches. Thanks to all who prepared food, decorated, participated in the program, etc.  Join us for our spring meeting on April 23rd at 6:15.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “A Consistent Life”http://odb.org/
  • He knelt down on his knees . . .                                                                                                             and prayed and gave thanks before his God,                                                                                   as was his custom since early days.                                                                                                                                                                        ~Daniel 6:10~                                                                                   

In Him we live and move and have our being.                                                                                                                                                               ~ Acts 17:28~

Read the Bible in 2015Isaiah 45-50

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Let’s live to Jesus today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.

~1 Chronicles 16:11~

 

Andy and Betty Taylor ask for prayer for Rickie Mapes.  He has cut his right hand and could not be stitched together.  This is his “working” hand.  Pray it can heal quickly and with no complications.  (She told me Sunday, but I forgot.)

Mansell Stinson‘s doctors have found a way to increase his circulation!  Pray that it is enough to prevent surgery.

Renee Deck Terrell is having some health issues that make walking difficult.  Pray for the best for her.

Smiley’s sister, Frances McKenzie, and her family are in need of extra prayers.

Continue to pray for Joe and Jean Easley.  She will be having surgery at 6 this morning at Tulane.  He is in rehab in Hammond.  Thankfully, they have family and friends who have stuck by them through all their difficulties.  They are lovely people who have had a very difficult time over the past few years.

Mrs. Nadine Council called yesterday.  Dr. Earl Council is continuing to improve.

Mrs. Nadine Bridges was taken to North Oaks over the weekend.  I do not have an update, but I’m sure prayers are always appreciated.

Frances Strickland has a new short-term roommate.  This is working our well for both of them.  Pray for her as she continues to make needed adjustments.

Mr. Bobby Lawson continues to have hospice care at home.  Pray for him and his family during these unpredictable days.

Rev. Tim Jones had a change of medication that seems to be helping.  Pray for him as he faces additional testing.

Pray for Mrs. Cecile Alford and her family.

Koltyn Gafford is doing pretty well.  The family is making the necessary adjustments to being at home, but have certainly found and enjoyed the advantages of being back in Amite.

Pray for one of my neighbors who is having some problems.  We can best help by praying for her.

Pray for Mrs. Hellen Morris and her family.  She’s in rehab in McComb.

Terri Easley thanks everyone for praying for her.  She will be fine soon.

Alan Douglas Graham lost his battle to cancer yesterday.  Pray for his family in the coming days.

Noma Ann Dreher Newell

Born: October 18, 1947
Died: February 24, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2982699&fh_id=10545

Samaritan’s Purse

  • “Samaritan’s Purse is 45 years old today! We are humbled and honored to be part of God’s work these last 4 decades. …Join us in praising God for all he has done.”
  • “Malnutrition after Rebels Attack”

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/malnutrition-after-rebel-attacks/?&utm_source=SPFacebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=m_Y000-SOCM_SocialMedia&utm_content=2-24DRCBlog

  • “Responding to the Ice Storm”

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/responding-to-ice-storm/

Women’s Life Ministries Pregnancy Center (in Amite, west of the post office)is in need of volunteers. You can choose your free hours. A great place to gain a sense of giving back to our community through helping young women throughout their pregnancy. There are many areas that your experience can be of help. Please call Mrs. Teresa Ragusa for more information at 985-747-0602 .

Hope Center (Roseland) will be transforming from selling winter clothing to summer clothing next week.  If you are an volunteer, call me to set up some extra hours to help.  If you are a customer, begin to think spring, even if it is cold outside.

February 26th is here!  Ladies’ Night (for ladies from 3 to 103) will begin at 6:15 with desserts!  Can you think of any better way to celebrate?  Program participants will include members of Kentwood, New Zion, Kedron, and Roseland.  It may be cold outside, but it will be warn in the fellowship hall and in our hearts.  Bring a friend.

Tomorrow’s Ladies’ Bible Study will be on Esther.  We will meet at 10:00 A.M. in the fellowship hall.  Our Scripture will focus of Esther 2,4,7, & 9.  Studying her courage may help us have courage for a trying situation.

Baptist Press has a number of very interesting articles waiting for you at bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Changed Perspective” – http://odb.org/                                                                                               We certainly need a change of perspective periodically.
  • Now while Paul waited for them at Athens,                                                                                     his spirit was provoked within him                                                                                                     when he saw that the city was given over to idols.                                                                                                                                                     ~Acts 17:16~
  • “Change My Heart, O Lord”

Read the Bible in 2015Job 17-18

Thanks for “tuning in and praying” today!  May our prayers be blessed.

Anna Lee

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.  

~Hebrews 11:1~

 

Please say special prayers for Mrs. Hazel Smith and Mr. Bobby Lawson.

Howard Ricks Fussell

July 13, 1937 – February 22, 2015

Howard Ricks Fussell passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2015 in Covington, LA. A native of North Tangipahoa Parish, LA, he was born on Tuesday, July 13, 1937, to Edna Ricks and Freler Fussell.

The beloved husband of Laura Varnado Fussell, he is survived by three sons – Jeffrey F. Fussell (Kelly), Howard Michael Fussell (Shannon) and Stephen L. Fussell (Jill); two brothers – Harold L. Fussell (Bettye) and Paul F. Fussell (Delphine); and nine grandchildren – Mikki and Dalton, Amanda, Megan, Bryce, Jacob and Madison, Lanie and Kate; and one great grandchild – Marla. His parents precede him in death.

Growing up in North Tangipahoa, Howard graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1955. In 1959 he graduated from LSU with a degree in Journalism and worked for Gulf States Utilities as a copywriter and photographer. Earning his M.A. in History from Lamar University, Howard’s Master’s thesis was published by the Texas Historical Society. He went on to earn his J.D. from LSU, joining the law firm of Barranger, Barranger and Jones in 1968. Howard took great pride in his professional career and along with its partners; the firm grew to become what it is today… Jones Fussell, LLP. Although retiring in 2009, Howard remained close to his Jones Fussell family. The American flag that flies over the offices of Jones Fussell will be flown at half-staff Friday through Sunday.

Howard loved football and watching their three sons play at Covington High School, where he was active in the athletic association. LSU football was also a big part of his social life, usually enjoyed with the 10th Street Rowdies and neighborhood friends. He enjoyed officiating games for many years and was a member of the Louisiana High School Officiating Association.

An avid reader, Howard enjoyed music, history and to travel. He sang with the First Baptist Church Celebration Singers, Christwood Singers and the First Methodist Church choir, where he was a member.

Most of all, Howard loved his family, his wife of 57 years, three sons and their exceptional wives, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend memorial services at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave. Covington, LA 70433.

Visiting hours are scheduled to take place Friday, February 27, 2015 from 5-8:00 PM and also on Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM.

Immediately following Saturday’s service, the Fussell family would like to invite everyone to join them at the Covington Lion’s Club to raise a glass in celebration of Howard and a life well lived.

Interment will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covington Food Bank, 840 N. Columbia St. Covington, LA 70433 or to Heifer International, www.heifer.org or by calling (855) 948-6437.
Sign the family guest book or offer condolences to our tribute wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Howard Ricks Fussell please visit ourSympathy Store.

Samaritam’s Purse

  • Operation Christmas Child

Two weeks ago in Mexico, over 140 children received their shoebox gifts! One young girl, Duce, waited patiently to receive her box. When she opened it and found the photo of the children inside, she immediately clasped her hands over her mouth in surprise and began to cry. The little girl in the photo was a friend – she described the girl as her only friend in 3rd grade – whom she recognized from when she had lived in the United States. Duce and her brother, Jonathan, were born in the US, but returned to Veracruz about four years ago with their mother and she has not been in touch with her friend since then. You can read the full story here:http://bit.ly/OCCDuceStory

  • Happy Birthday Samaritan’s Purse—45 years old today! The purpose of Samaritan’s Purse is to meet emergency needs in crisis areas around the world and to do that in the Name of Jesus Christ. In all that we do, whether here or abroad, we want to make Christ known. I thank God for the donors and prayer warriors who stand behind us faithfully year in and year out.
Baptist Press bpnews.net
Read the Bible in 2015
Devotional, Scripture, and a Song
  • “His Choice” – http://odb.org/
  • God from the beginning                                                                                                                             chose you for salvation.                                                                                                                                 ~2 Thessalonians 2:13~
  • “A Child of the King” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/h/childkin.htm 

Ladies’ Night: Love Letters 

  • Thursday at 6:15
  • Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood
  • Begins with desserts
  • Program participants from Kentwood, New Zion, Kedron, and Roseland
  • All ladies from 3 – 103 invited

 

  • I hope you are planning to be there.
  • I will have it nice and warm for us.

Stay warm and dry today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“You are a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

a people for His possession,

so that you may proclaim the praises of the One

who called you out of darkness

into His marvelous light.”

~1Peter 2:9, HCSB~

Today, I would like to introduce you to the teenage granddaughter of a former classmate and best friend, Carol Ann Cutrer Cleveland, from my school days. I was blessed to see her Sunday.

Maddie’s Miracle (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maddies-Miracles/390075544489525?fref=nf

Obituaries

  • W. E. “Bill” Dykes

    Born: October 23, 1925
    Died: February 23, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2974776&fh_id=10545

  • Harold and Paul Fussell’s brother – I have not located an obituary yet.
  • Kenneth Evans (1932 – 2015)

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/clarionledger/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=174226311

“Living in a Time of Crisis” by Steve Horn

http://stevehorn.org/2015_02_23/living-in-a-time-of-crisis/

Fifteen Reasons Our Churches Are Less Evangelistic Today

 ThomRainer.com

Baptist Press 

bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015

Devotional, Scripture, a Quote, and a Song

  • “Expect Great Things” – http://odb.org/2013/03/01/expect-great-things/
  • Who through faith . . .                                                                                                                                 out of weakness were made strong.                                                                                                                                       ~Hebrews 11:33-34~
  • “Expect great things from God;                                                                                               attempt great things for God.”                                                                                                                                        ~William Cary~
  • “To the Work” http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/To_the_Work/

Frozen Food Sunday

This is the week we send frozen food to two families.  Bring the food to my Sunday School classroom before Sunday School.  It needs to be about 2 cups of food frozen in a quart size bag.  One family needs one course foods such as beans and rice, gumbo, soup, chicken and dumplings.  The other needs fresh or frozen foods that have not been processed or made with processed ingredients – your canned or frozen fruits and vegetables and/or fresh fruits and vegetables.  Delivery will be made to the families Sunday afternoon.

I’m looking forward to a great birthday party today to honor some of our “young” ladies who have been “working” for the Lord for many years.  If you are available, you are invited to join us at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.

Anna Lee

Monday

There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves punishment,

and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

~1 John 4:18, NASB~

 

Please pray for Mrs. Nadine Bridges.  She was taken to North Oaks yesterday evening.

Pray for Ms. Shira Easley.

Terri Easley is doing better.  Thanks for your prayers for her.

Debi Bales is having trouble with a knee and with vertigo.  Please pray for her.

April 4th – Annual “He is Risen” Walk in the Kentwood area.  Stay tuned for more information as time gets closer.

Women’s Ministry this Week

  • ” Ladies’ Birthday Party”
    • Tuesday at 11:00
    • The Cafe in Kentwood
    • Honors ladies with February Birthdays
    • Dutch treat
  • Ladies’ Night: Love Letters
    • Thursday at 6:15
    • Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood
    • Begins with desserts
    • Program participants from Kentwood, New Zion, Kedron, and Roseland
    • All ladies from 3 – 103 invited
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
    • Friday at 10 A.M.
    • Fellowship Hall of FBC
    • Women of the Bible: Esther
    • Esther 2,4,7, & 9
  • Operation Christmas Child
    • Check the boxes on the table in the hallway.
    • Let’s buy item all along this year.
    • We want to bless many children with small gift and the opportunity to meet Jesus.
  • Mission Offerings
    • The Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions is ending.  I’ll get a total from the church later today.
    • The Annie Armstrong Offering for North America begins next Sunday.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Genesis 28-31

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “The Unseen World” – http://odb.org/
  • The Angel of the Lord [was] standing in the way.                                                                                                                                            ~Numbers 22:23~
  • “In His Hands, He’s Got the Whole World” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck6cCyvo5vo

Thanks so much for reading and praying.  You make a difference in so many situations.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Even youths grow tired and weary,  

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. 

~Isaiah 40:30-31~

Mrs. Cecile Alford

This sweet lady has been hospitalized and is in ICU.  Pray for all the family, especially for Rebecca who will be flying home tomorrow.

Cory’s Father-in-Law (From Chris Wales)

Please pray for Melanie Wales in the loss of her father, Kenneth Evans, this morning, Saturday 21. The funeral will be at 11:00 AM in Byram, MS, Wednesday February 25. Burial will follow later in the day in Vicksburg, MS.

Camp Living Waters will be hosting Men’s Night for the men of our association.  Supper will be at 5:30 with a speaker to follow at 7:00.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church

  • Breakfast at 8:00
  • Benefits a worthy need each month

Read the Bible in 2015

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

I’m looking forward to a great Lord’s Day.  I trust you are too!

Anna Lee