Inspirational – Page 27 – The Prayer Link

Monday

“A virgin will be with child and bear a son,

and she will call His name Immanuel.”

~Isaiah 7:14b, NASB~

Yesterday, was a church filled day from Sunday School to a wake last night. I was too tired last night to start The Prayer Link or get up as early today as usual.

Thankfully, Susan Rimes is feeling much better and was able to be at church yesterday.

Pray for Penny Dees McDowell as she has surgery at noon today at Touro in New Orleans to make some repairs from the last surgery. This surgery is hoped to be less difficult on on even allowing her to be recovered enough to enjoy Christmas with the family.

Pray for Donna Fay Miller as she sees her doctor again tomorrow. Pray for a good report.

Pray for Bro. Mike of East Fork Baptist Church and others as they do chain saw work as part of Baptist disaster relief in Oklahoma.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Living Backward”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “Mommy”

http://academictips.org/blogs/mommy/

Hymn of the Day – “The First Noel”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/frstnoel.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Lottie used the smell of freshly baked cookies drifting out her kitchen window to draw in children who were forbidden to talk to the “foreign devil”. Then. she became known as the “cookie lady”.

From the Web site for Woman’s Missionary Union (www.wmu.com):

As a way to earn the trust of the people and show her goodwill, Lottie Moon made tea cakes for the children in her village in China. Once the children ate the cookies, they would take Lottie to their homes where she would share the gospel with their mothers. The children began calling Lottie “the cookie lady” instead of “foreign devil.”

Plain Tea Cake (As made by Lottie Moon)
Three teacups of sugar
One teacup of butter
One teacup of sour milk
Four pints flour
Three eggs, well beaten
Half a teaspoon of soda
Flavor to taste, roll thin, bake in a quick oven.

Adapted recipe:
2 cups flour
½ cup butter
1 heaping cup of sugar
1 well-beaten egg
1 tablespoon cream

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix well. Add the flour and cream. Dust a board with flour. Roll the dough very thin. Cut cookies with a round cookie cutter. Place on a buttered or nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 475 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Have a wonderful day! Jesus was born to die for our sins. He chose to follow His Father’s plan and prepare a path to salvation for all of us.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive,

have a son,

and name him Immanuel.”

~Isaiah 7:14, HCSB~

Dr. Earl Council

Dr. Council is doing much better now. He no longer has pain in his legs or his back. “Miss” Nadine, speaking for the family, thanks you for praying.

East Fork Baptist Church (from Dana Hendry)

Join us at East Fork tomorrow morning (today) as all choirs take part in our Christmas Celebration! Bible Study will begin at 10:00 AM and the Morning Worship at 11:00.
Our Deacons/Wives annual Christmas meal will be at Mr. Whiskers following morning worship!
Plan now to be at East Fork tomorrow!

7th Annual Two Rivers Associational Lottie Moon Tea

2:00 P.M. today!

FBC, Kentwood

FBC, Kentwood’s Christmas Program tomorrow at 6P.M.

I keep hearing reports of choir members who have been sick the past few days. The old devil is working to hinder the Christmas program tonight, but I fully expect him to lose out and God to be glorified.

Third Thursday Meeting

We will be meeting this week at the Alford cabin.

6:30 P.M. Thursday

We promise great food, fellowship, and a sweet devotional/worship time!

Renew some friendships; make some new friends who honor and serve the Lord.

Albert Joseph Ashmore
(June 24, 1945 – December 14, 2013)

A resident of Greensburg, LA, he died at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet. He was born June 24, 1945 in Plaquemine and was 68 years of age. He was a retired Major with the Louisiana Department of Correction. He is survived by his wife, Janie M. Ashmore; daughter, Laura R. Ashmore; grandson, Michael Joseph Cardy; 5 sisters, Lillie Bovard, Linda d’Monye’, Faye Dunlap, Jan LaBorde and Dale Rochel; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Albert F. Ashmore and Delta M. Richardson; 2 sisters, Virgie Ann Beach and Birdie Ashmore; brother, David Aucoin. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley and Rev. Leroy McElveen. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Tom McNabb, Jimmy Harrell, Jeff Dunlap, Ralph Cardy, Aubrey McMillan and Gary Halvin. Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Frazier, Lance LaBorde and Buddy Bovard. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

We sat behind him at NZBC Sunday night. We never know!

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Canceled Christmas”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Story – “Christmas Miracle – A Real Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/christmas-miracle-real-story/

What did “Santa” do? He prayed at Sarah’s side at the hospital.

Hymn of the Day – “What Child is This?”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Lottie’s Life in Brief

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/aboutlottiemoon.asp?PageNavID=110

Without Christmas, there would be no Easter!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“But as it is written:

‘Eye has not seen,

nor ear heard,

nor have entered into the heart of man

the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'”

~1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV~

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “A New Force”

http://odb.org/

Mr. Harlon Toney said he doesn’t believe in singing songs about the birth of Jesus without including a song about the crucifixion/resurrection.

Wendell Rhodus posted on Facebook, “The cradle without the cross misses the true meaning of Christ’s birth”.

Moral Stories – Religious – “The Christian Drummer Boy”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-christian-drummer-boy/

Of all the stories of this nature that I have suggested you read, this is by far my favorite, especially for this time of year!

Hymn of the day – “All to Jesus, I Surrender”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/s/isurrend.htm

This is the hymn I think of as I ponder on that Jewish surgeon!

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/aboutlottiemoon.asp?PageNavID=110

Watch this brief video who was so inspirational in encouraging support for international missionaries.

Obituary – Johnny Fay Jenkins

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2348772&fh_id=10545

“The cradle without the cross misses the true meaning of Christ’s birth.”

Anna Lee

Friday

“Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.”

~Isaiah 60:3, HCSB~

Choir Members

Pray for the choir members at FBC, Kentwood and other churches who have practiced and practiced for the Christmas programs they will be presenting. It seems like all the practicing, the weather, and the devil all work against those who will be sharing with us again this year.

Ray Davis

We have a request from Ms. Fay Shoemaker to pray for Ray Davis of Texas who is having major surgery today. Be sure to honor her request.

Ms. Martha Traylor

Ms. Martha is still hospitalized at Hood Memorial in room 4 with bronchitis and fluid around her heart. The family would appreciate your prayers and your words of encouragement for her.

Linda Phillips

Linda has been released from North Oaks. Thanks for praying for her.

Jerry Doughty

Jerry has also been released from North Oaks. Thank for praying for him too.

Special Christmas Prayers

Pray for families celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one and for those who will not be celebrating with their families this year. Pray for those who will be working while their families are gathering, for those traveling, for those who are not together because of other responsibilities.

Our Daily Bread – “Lasting Rewards “

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “The Real Pearl Necklace”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-real-pearl-necklace/

Hymn of the Day – “O Holy Night”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/h/oholynit.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “What are the Global Needs?”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11939&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – Wonderful stories as usual!

BPNews.net

Enjoy your Christmas activities, but be sure to focus on the reason for the holiday.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“She will give birth to a son,

and you are to name Him Jesus,

because He will save His people from their sins.”

~Mathew 1:21, HCSB~

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Costume or Uniform?”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Religious Stories – Planting Potatoes

http://academictips.org/blogs/planting-potatoes/

Hymn of the Day – “Bringing in the Sheaves”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/r/bringing.htm

Lottie Moon Christ Offering – “What Happens When You Give”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11748&LanguageID=1709

Rev. Dennis Walker invited us to attend church/supper at his church, Bethlehem Baptist, in Albany last night because of a special speaker they had to promote the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The visiting missionaries are based in Prague, Czech Republic, where Jennie and her family live and serve. What a joy and a blessing to hear Will and Rachel speak to the group and to us personally. May God continue to bless their ministry and to give them comfort as they leave their oldest child to attend college at Southeastern.

Living Christmas Tree

Sunday – Tuesday at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Albany

If you have never experienced a living Christmas tree, I highly recommend this. My Texas uncle, Charles Tolleson, did this with his choirs. This has been done at FBC, Amite in the past. Now, it is in Albany. Be blessed and be put in the right mood for the holiday – to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

“KING OF GLORY, KING OF LOVE”

FBC, Kentwood

Sunday, December 15th at 6:00 P.M.

Lottie Moon Christmas Tea

FBC, Kentwood

Sunday, December 15th R 2 P.M.

Rev. Franklin Graham said ten million shoe boxes were given through Operation Christmas Child this year. Thank God for those who packed and prayed over each box and for the child who will receive each box in the coming days.

Rev. Billy Graham, 95, is still hospitalized. He is weak. The family would appreciate you prayers for him.

Have a wonderful day. Remember, Jesus is the Only reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“The angel answered and said to him,

“. . . I have been sent to speak to you

and to bring you this good news.”

~Luke 1:19, NASB~

Mrs. Martha Traylor

Mrs. Martha Traylor was admitted to Hood Memorial yesterday morning. She’s in room four. Please, take time to pray for her.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Hope for Skeptics”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Inspirational – Determining Your True Path

http://academictips.org/blogs/determining-your-true-path/

Hymn of the Day – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “What Happens because You Give”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11938&LanguageID=1709

Ladies and Girls

You are invited to the Lottie Moon Tea Sunday at FBC,Kentwood at 2 P.M.

JESUS is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”

~Isaiah 11:1, NKJV~

Pat Hoosier

Pray for Pat Hoosier and his family. Thank God for the wonderful spirit they were able to keep during this journey.

Lavelle Case (Mother-in-law of Rev. Mike Foster)

The doctors at M.D. Anderson feel it will be best for the family to be close to the hospital at this time, so they will be there for Christmas. Everyone is looking forward to January when she should be able to return home.

Henry Charles Fron

R.C. and Holly Fron are proud to announce the arrival of their first child, a son. Henry Charles Fron was born yesterday and weighed in at 8 lb. 7 1/2 oz. His proud grandparents include Kentwood/Osyka/Franklinton locals, Milton and Pam Kliesch.

Kimberly Doughty

Pray for Kimberly Doughty. Her mother. Linda, is still hospitalized following surgery. Her dad, Jerry, was taken to the ER last night and admitted. As you pray for this caregiver, please pray for both of her parents.

Lloyd Pye

Lloyd Pye, formerly of Roseland, passed away yesterday morning. The family requests privacy as they prepare to release details of arrangements. They also thank those who have prayed for him during his illness.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “A Giving Competition”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Two Castles Builders”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-castle-builders/

Hymn of the Day – “What Child is This?

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Why should I give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?”

Bottom of http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/abouttheoffering.asp?PageNavID=109

Jesus is the reason for the season!

I don’t mean Christmas trees, parties, and Santa. I mean the real reason, a reason so much more important than all the other things. Because He was born on earth, died, and rose again, we have His sacrifice for us that can lead to salvation with we have faith.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6, NKJV~

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner

Naomi Draughon Tolleson Orr

Please continue to pray for my aunt, Momma’s sister, and for her family members who are sitting with her.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Serious Fear”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Motivational – “Don’t Be Afraid”

http://academictips.org/blogs/dont-be-afraid/

Hymn of the Day – “Angels We Have Heard on High”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/n/angelswe.htm

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions

Day 8 – “Embrace Partnership Sees Fruit”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/n/angelswe.htm

I hope you are enjoying this season of the year. You can, IF you remember it is all about Jesus and His life on earth so that He could rise from the dead and go to Heaven to prepare a home for us eternally.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

~James 1:17, NKJV~

Two special ladies

Pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher and Mrs. Yvonne Birch. They had lingering health issues.

Local National Guard Unit

They have landed stateside after serving in the Middle East. When you see one of these young men or women, take time to thank them for their service and for spending this time away from their family to help make us safe back at home.

Pray for the McMichael family.

Louise Nystedt McMichael
(July 24, 1919 – December 5, 2013)

Louise Ann Nystedt McMichael left her earthly house for her eternal home on December 5, 2013, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born July 24, 1919, in St. Charles, Illinois and lived an amazing and blessed 94 years. A child during the depression, she graduated from Oak Park Illinois School of Nursing and went to San Francisco to receive post graduate orthopedic training at Shriner’s Hospital. While there she joined the US Navy as a nurse and was stationed during WWII in San Diego, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. There she met Navy Supply Officer, G. P. McMichael, Jr. whom she married in San Diego on December 31, 1945, at the conclusion of the war. Louise and Philip made their home on his family farm just south of Amite. She eventually returned to nursing at Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, LA retiring in 1995 after working in general patient care, the emergency room and the outpatient clinic. Louise, an active member of her church and her community, was a charter member of the Stem and Stamen Garden Club, PTA president, Cub Scout as well as Girl Scout leader, and a volunteer at God’s Storehouse. As a member of the First United Methodist Church for 67 years, she attended not only Sunday School and church services but circle meetings and Bible studies. Ladies’ groups DMA (Don’t Mention Age) and Brown Bag were part of her social life after retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, her mother, Nina Tebell Nystedt, and her father, John Nystedt, a brother, Warren ”Bud” Nystedt and a sister, Ruth Nystedt Hamper as well as a brother-in –law, Robert McMichael, and sister-in-laws, Mary McMichael and Ora Belle Compton. Louise is survived by three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with another one due in March. Her children are Susan Jenkins (Russell) of Amite, G.P. (Joy) of Pensacola, FL, and John (Rebecca) of Knoxville, TN. Her grandchildren are Rusty Jenkins (Mary), Robyn Jenkins-King (Mark), Phil McMichael (Rachel), Jessica Kastner (Mik), Chris McMichael (Manda), and Ryan McMichael (Richele). Her great-grand children are Russ and Jillian Jenkins, Avery, Sydney, Lydia and Emma McMichael. Also surviving her is her younger sister Norma McMichael, her sister-in-laws, Sarah Lou Wilson and Frieda Nystedt and eleven nieces and nephews, their children, and grandchildren. Visitation will be held Monday, December 9, 2013, from 9-11:30 A.M. at Amite First United Methodist Church, 800 N. Duncan Ave. Services conducted at 11:30 AM by Rev. David Melville. Burial in the Mulberry Street Cemetery. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Building Fund at Amite First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. A special thank you to the staff of Live Oak Village, the staff of Hood Hospital and the care givers from Wilkinson’s Care Giving as well as Louisiana Hospice.McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 6

“His Hands and His Feet”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=11775&LanguageID=1709

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Christmas Lights”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Don’t Hope, …Decide”

http://academictips.org/blogs/dont-hopedecide/

Hymn of the day – “The First Noel”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/frstnoel.htm

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Ten Ways to Show Gratitude the Rest of the Year

http://thomrainer.com/2013/12/03/10-ways-to-show-gratitude-the-rest-of-the-year/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thomrainer%2Frss+%28thomrainer.com%29

Opportunities

During the month of December, we are collecting blankets, jewelry, and toys for Re-Store in Amite. You can leave your items by the main entrance or the office entrance of FBC. Kentwood.

Line Creek Baptist Church Christmas Program – “An Out-of-the-Box Christmas”

SUNDAY DEC 8TH @ 10:00 AM
Christmas Play

Jesus is the REASON for the season!

Anna Lee

Friday

“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.

Everywhere and in all things

I have learned both to be full and to be hungry,

both to abound and to suffer need.”

~Philippians 4:11-12~

Susan Rimes

Susan will be seeing her doctor in Hammond for a procedure which will hopefully give her some relief. Keep her in your prayers.

Jimmy Schwartz

Jimmy got another good report on his blood count. Thank God for that. Pray he continue to have good days.

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal

Read the latest two journal entries.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 6 – “Closer than You Think”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=11774&LanguageID=1709

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “More than Enough”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Motivational – “Triumph over Cancer”

http://academictips.org/blogs/triumph-over-cancer/

Hymn of the Day – “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/e/beautgar.htm

Mayberry Bible Study

10:00 A.M. this morning in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood

No cost! No preparation! No homework!

If you are getting out in the next few days, be sure to be alert to the weather conditions and the weather changes.

JESUS is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee