Category: Inspirational

Saturday/4th of July

“Walk with the wise and become wise;

associate with fools and get in trouble.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)~

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 4

  •  2 Kings 23:31-25:30
  • Acts 22:17-23:10
  • Psalm 2:1-12
  • Proverbs 18:13

 

 

 

North America Missions – Christmas in August –

http://wmu.com/?q=article/national-wmu/christmas-august&inf_contact_key=7341bff6a73ce07f421efe4061ed8229f651f238aa2edbb9c8b7cff03e0b16a0

 

 

 

Five lessons I learned from a COVID-19 spike at our church

http://www.bpnews.net/55034/firstperson-five-lessons-i-learned-from-a-covid19-spike-at-our-church

 

 

 

Highland Avenue engages next generation in missions

http://www.bpnews.net/55030/highland-avenue-engages-next-generation-in-missions

 

 

 

I hope you enjoy reading these articles and can ways to apply them in your place of service.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

~Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)~

 

 

 

I have a few more ideas for those of you who are going shopping for Operation Christmas Child:

  • Markers
  • Crayons (24-count)
  • Marbles
  • Playdough (8 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree)

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 30

  • 2 Kings 17:1-18:12
  • Acts 20:1-38
  • Psalm 148:1-14
  • Proverbs 18:6-7

 

 

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

 

 

Update on David – I haven’t shared much about David lately, but today I will tell you he still has two terminal diseases, but the good news is that he is stronger than he has been in several years.  He is here 18 months since he was told he had three months to live.  He has gained weight and is able to do one of the things he loves most, work out in the yard.  The golf cart helped him get around as he was getting better.  Now, he is able to cut grass, weed-eat, clean out brush, water flowers, etc.  Yesterday, he added something he hasn’t done in years.  He cooked pork chops and sausage, our favorites, on a grill.  It topped off a day that started off with a “bummer”.

When we checked in at oncology yesterday by phone, we were told to go home because he blood level was too high to receive a procrit shot.  The report of the blood level was good, but driving to Baton Rouge for nothing was a bummer.  After sitting in the car for a few minutes we decided to celebrate the good news, not focus on the unnecessary trip.

We stopped in Walker and visited Walmart.  Remember, we buy all our groceries at Walmart pick-up.  We went in and purchased a $20 grill and charcoal.  After getting back to Kentwood, we went to Cutrer’s and bought sausage and pork chops.  David cooked out on that grill for several hours.  We ate and have two plates of leftovers, some to eat and some to freeze.

We had a wonderful day of “Making lemonade from the lemons”!  We looked for the good and focused and celebrated that, rather than focusing on the negative.  This weeks makes four months since Jennie told us to “Stay home”.  She was thrilled we carefully broke the rules and celebrated good news!

Thanks to God, your many prayers, hard work, and determination we are “making lemonade” every day!  Eighteen months and counting . . . .

Anna Lee

Good Friday

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

~John 14:2-3 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Bro. Tom Higginbotham is home from the hospital.  It’s early, but his doctors decided the chance of catching the virus in the hospital was great, so they let him go home.  Pray for Bro. Tom and Patti.

 

 

 

Linda Birch Williams has been concerned about her son having the Covid-19 virus, but now her attention has changed to her husband, Jimmy.  He fell and couldn’t get up.  The hospice nurse told her to call 911.  Long story short, the ambulance took him to St. Tammany Hospital where he was checked out for a broken hip.  Thankfully, it wasn’t broken, so she got to bring him home last night.  Pray for Jimmy as he recovers from the fall and Linda as she takes care of him.  Please pray for Jimmy and Linda Williams.

 

 

 

As the height of the Covid-19 crisis seems to be coming near or passing, please don’t slack up on staying at home and being careful to wash your hands frequently.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 10

  • Deuteronomy 34:1- Joshua 2:24
  • Luke 13:22-14:6
  • Psalm 79:1-13
  • Proverbs 12:26

 

 

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

 

 

 

Baptist Message –https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

 

On this Good Friday, I hope you will find some programs on television or videos on You-tube to watch after you read the account of the events of the day from the Bible.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves.”

~Colossians 1:13 (GW)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible on 2020 – April 7

  • Exodus 26:1-27:21
  • Matthew 25:1-30
  • Psalm 31:1-8
  • Proverbs 8:1-11

 

 

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

 

 

 

I want to start with a happy thought.  Josiah Huckaby decided it was time to pull himself up to a standing position and did just that!  What a blessing he is to so many people!  What special parents he has who chose him over all the babies that needed a home!

 

 

 

Beth Graham Lee shared this need at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite on Facebook.

If you can spare it, needed items include: antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer and/or Clorox- or Lysol-brand disinfecting wipes. Supply donations will be accepted by appointment. To schedule a drop-off time, please send us a Facebook message.

We are truly uplifted and humbled by the many offers of help we are receiving as we continue to care for our community.

 

 

Social distancing is not always our chosen thing to do, but it is working to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.  Staying at home is even more difficult for many.  Do these two things for a while.  We will all reap the results.

 

 

 

I will post an update on Buddy Morris when Eleanor gets a report from the hospital.

 

 

 

While I waited in the car for David I read a number of chapters from Matthew where I had a marker in my Bible.  I didn’t plan this, but the chapters included the events that happened in the life of Jesus between Palm Sunday and Easter!  God had a plan for my Bible readings!  Today, I will pick up where I was reading when David came out to the car.

 

 

 

Yesterday, to brighten the day and my spirits, I played a CD as we traveled to and from Ochsner.  It was a gift from Bill and Velta Morris a couple years ago.  The CD contained twenty hymn sung by the Morristown church and choir at a special “Hymn Singing”.  My hands and fingers did a lot of tapping!  David and I both smiled all the way to Baton Rouge and back!  I wish you could have been along for the music and the messages.

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

 

 

 

Friday

“Being cheerful keeps you healthy” 

~Proverbs 17:22 GNT~

Who do you think of when you read this?

 

 

 

 

Boyd Hatchel: “So humbled that the first group mentioned in 175 years Commemorative chapel at IMB moving from ‘Unreached’ to ‘Reached’ people group was the Roma. So thankful for God’s kindness and grace during that season of our lives with great personnel and partners.”

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling

This makes my heart so thankful!   Now, let the work continue so the other 96% can be reached!

 

 

 

David and Smiley visited over the phone last night.  Please continue to pray for Smiley and Carol Jean,  May we be faithful in praying….

 

 

 

Mrs. Ruby Dillon is having trouble with her arthritis pain.  Pray for her to have some relief.

 

 

My sister, Julie, shared these pictures on Facebook.  She has spent her time recovering from surgery working on Operation Christmas Child.  What a blessing she and her talents are!

No photo description available.

No photo description available.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 7

  • Exodus 26:1-27:21
  • Matthew 25:1-30
  • Psalm 31:1-8
  • Proverbs 8:1-11

 

 

 

Pray for some friends who are former missionaries in Europe.  They came to the States a couple weeks ago to visit family.  Due to the caronavirus, they do not have any idea when they will be allowed to return to China where they now live and he teaches.

Pray for all those who have been exposed and/or diagnosed.  I understand the mortality rate is higher than the regular flu we are familiar with.  Pray for the researches to learn more quickly so lives can be saved and many people can return to their normal lives.

Chinese American churches react to coronavirus

http://www.bpnews.net/54279/firstperson-chinese-american-churches-react-to-coronavirus

 The good news is, most people infected with coronavirus can expect to recover, but all people plagued by sin have no escape from death. There is no cure, except the gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus our Lord and Savior. May this terrible tragedy drive people to the arms of Jesus.

 

 

 

Missionary died thinking he was a failure; 84 years later thriving churches found hidden in the jungle

http://godreports.com/2014/05/missionary-died-thinking-he-was-a-failure-84-years-later-thriving-churches-found-hidden-in-the-jungle/?fbclid=IwAR2OwnN_fe08Ns5kDWYZiaFuz0tmITq4tOk1EvFqzqhtNdB2nJh6ikI5qCI

 

 

 

May our lives also bear “fruit” whether or not we are aware of it.  That should be our greatest goal in life.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

~2 Peter 1:16~

 

 

 

We have prayed for Dollie Frazier and her eye problems recently.  We need to continue to do so.  She has been having mini strokes in both eyes and is now hospitalized at North Oaks to help her save her vision.

Calling all Prayer Warriors I am now having strokes in my right eye as well. Dr Rhodes put me in the hospital at North Oakes for a few days to try and save my right eye. Thank you for prayer. God is Master Physcian!

Let’s support her with our prayers.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for October 19 – Acts 4:11-12

 

 

 

Baptist Friendship House needs our support.

http://www.wmu.com/?q=article/national-wmu/wmu-blog/support/national-wmu/baptist-friendship-house-transforming-lives-new&inf_contact_key=c72ce04736805f4f5d807870080f9865f651f238aa2edbb9c8b7cff03e0b16a0

 

 

 

Two Rivers’ WMU will meet Monday at FBC, Kentwood.  Attend to learn.  Leave to do missions.  Keep your church involved.

 

 

 

One week from today, at 1 P.M., FBC Kentwood will have their packing party.  You are invited to come pack and pray for shoeboxes.  Wear your Christmas colors and bring a Christmas “goodie” to share with the other packers.  Packing always goes quickly, so don’t be late.

 

 

 

Yesterday, I shared that I believe in praying.  A reader responded with example of how prayer has working in their family.  The more we believe, the more we will pray!  I had an older friend who now resides in her heavenly home.  She told me for several years about all the things she wished she could still do, but couldn’t.  She always ended by saying she could still pray.  She faithfully prayed for my family and the families of many of you.  As soon as David and I would get settled in to visit with her, she would begin to ask about those she had been praying for.  She wanted her prayers to be timely and consistent with the current needs.  I miss my friend, but I greatly miss her Christian example.  I’m thankful for the lessons I learned from her.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For to me, to live is Christ

and to die is gain.” 

~Philippians 1:21 NIV~

 

 

 

David had lab work, saw a NP, and got his weekly injection of Procrit yesterday.  The good news is that his blood level held at 8.6, which is good for him.  As always, we are so thankful for your prayers.  Please feel free to continue to pray for us.

 

 

Jonathan Edward Serigne

Jonathan Edward Serigne, AKA Batman, took final flight October 4, 2019. As a Holy Cross alumnus of 2001, he made it just in time to get the best seats for the hundredth game against Jesuit. Jonathan always lived life to the fullest and encouraged others to do the same. His infectious smile, confident personality, and caring demeanor attracted friendships everywhere he went. Even in his final days, he kept a smile on his face. Along with Holy Cross, he loved his LSU tigers, Nicholls Colonels, fraternity TKE and Saints. He leaves behind a wife, Randi Rousseau Serigne, two children, Jacques and Stella Serigne, his father and mother, Jack and Bonnie Serigne, brother and sister, Jack Serigne III and Stephanie Kostopoulos, and dozens upon dozens of grieving and loving family and friends. Losing him has left a void in all of us and is apparent by the number of people who’ve prayed and reached out to him. Just like Batman, he has one super power, he never gave up! He fought to stay with those who loved him till the very end. We all hope to see him again, as Jonathan would say, “same bat time, same bat channel.” Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will begin at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private. To celebrate and honor the life of Jonathan, the family requests guests wear their favorite Batman inspired attire.

(Jonathan is the son-in-law of our friend, Darryl Rousseau of Ponchatoula.)

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for October 8 – Jeremiah 33: 2-3

 

 

 

Today, I would like to share this inspirational thought shared by Pastor Rick Warren.  I hope you will take time to read this.

“Happiness Habit: Give Your Life Away”

https://pastorrick.com/happiness-habit-give-your-life-away/?roi=echo7-36164328694-54695940-5f611e740859c52b84bbf39fabc76d44

 

 

 

Cooperative Program article from Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/53709/cooperative-program-sealed-for-missions

 

 

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

 

 

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

 

 

Reading articles and sites like these give information and enlighten our minds.  Spend some time each day reading good articles.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

For apart from me you can do nothing.”

 ~John 15:4-5 NLT~

 

 

 

Last night, I tried to write TPL for today because we were leaving for Baton Rouge at 5:45 this morning.  I didn’t get it done. During the night, I once again thought I was going to write it, but again it didn’t happen.  We are home from Ochsner and a very good stop at Dollar Tree near the hospital.  I love shopping for Operation Christmas Child and getting to answer questions about what I am doing.  Two ladies provided me most of the money I spent today.  Thank you C. and A.!

Yesterday, two ladies turned in the boxes they chose to pack individually.  Other ladies turned in items that will help to fill several boxes.  One sweet, faithful class turned in many bags of items that were purchased last week.  Thanks to all of you.

I will be working in the OCC room some this week.  If you would like to help, please contact me so we can schedule a suitable time.

 

 

 

 

Today, David‘s blood level was 8.1, the highest it has been in months.  The increased dosage of Procrit is helping!  The early drive and the rain made the drive more difficult than usual, but with thankful hearts, we are glad to be home again.  Your regular prayers are getting us through these days.

Several others from Kentwood are also doing well amid treatments.  Please continue to pray for Bryan Tate, Linda Callihan, and Buddy Morris.

Gaylon Cutrer is having a few more problems than usual, so spend some extra time on your prayers for him.  He and his family will be very appreciative.

Today, with a heavy heart, I share that Lori Rhodes has some serious health issues.  Lori and her husband, Keith, served in our church working with the youth.

“Lori has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. This rare disease is in the Parkinson’s family, but Lori does not have Parkinson’s She has MSA-C (c standing for cerebellum). There is no cure. Life expectancy ranges from 6 years to 15 years based on the onset of symptoms (we really don’t know when her symptoms began but could be up to 5-6 years ago).”

The full report on Lori is on my facebook page.

I also what to share there has been another death, a man from Greensburg.  I’ll post the complete obituary when it becomes available.

Thomas Dover

July 25, 1952 – July 16, 2019

 

 

Jeff Van, the pastor of South McComb Baptist Church, share quotes that seem to touch my heart often.  Today’s quote is:

“It’s easy to praise Him in the sunshine, but your breakthrough comes when you praise Him in the dark…He’s there, we must simply trust the process.”

                                                                                                                              -Tony Evans

Thankfully, my family and the families of many of you understand praising God “in the dark”.  If you don’t, please locate someone who can help you get to this point in your life.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 26 – Habakkuk 3:3-4

 

 

 

Yesterday, I was asked about what size cans of food were needed for the LA Baptist Children’s Home in a few weeks.  The answer, is buy items like you would for your family.  The man is going to buy a couple cases of canned goods.  That plan might work for you too!  The pick-up time at FBC is early Monday morning, three weeks from today.

 

 

 

Enjoy the sound of the rain again, but please try to stay dry.

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body.

We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do.

So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others” 

~Romans 12:4-5 TLB~

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite verses.  I like to think of the people who attend church and see them as the individual parts – the one who made the curtains, the ones who help in the kitchen, the ones who volunteer in the nursery, the ones who pick up in the sanctuary for a funeral, the one who fixes squeaky doors, the ones who help others who need help getting in and out, the ones who welcome newcomers faithfully, the ones who handle the money each week, the ones who teach a class regularly, the ones who fix anything that is broken, etc.  I also love the quiet spirit with which they work.  Look at your church.  Don’t look at the big picture.  Look at all the individuals who do the little things that make your church run smoothly.

Church is not all about what you receive.  It is also about what you do/give of yourself.  Look at your church family in a new light today.  Appreciate each part.  Thank people for their contribution.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for August 25th – Isaiah 6:3.

Anna Lee