Category: Inspirational

Monday

“This poor man cried,

and the Lord heard him.”

~Psalm 34:6a~

 

World Cancer Day

This is a day to pray for a cure and/or more effective treatments.  Most families have been touched by this dreaded disease.

Connor Corkern

Facebook – The Adventures of Connor Man

Macy Gueldner

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

Susan Rimes

Susan will be having a scope done early this morning and a stent put in for stones to be removed later.  Please pray this long battle is now on the road to better health for her.  She and her family thank you for praying.

Larry Hendry 

Larry will be having four by-passes this morning at 7:30.  Pray for Larry, his medical team, and for the family as they wait.

Dr. and Mrs. Earl Council

The Councils send greeting from South Carolina.  Dr. Council has had back surgery, but is still having some issues.  Please be in prayer for him/them.

Miranda Foster’s mom, Lavelle Case

Day 31 @ MD Anderson

Mom and Dad have gotten settled back into the blessing of a condo that they’ve been able to use during this long stay in Houston! Today they planned to get out and take a short drive and enjoy the outside a few minutes. Tomorrow will be a day of appointments at the MDA clinic which is the reason she will continue to “live” in Houston for a while.
Everyday is a day of “Thanksgiving” for them as we discussed today! We are thankful for the friends and family that have fervently prayed since Day 1 and thankful for the brilliant doctors and nurses that have cared for her through it all.
Enjoy your gatherings over this week with the ones you love!
Blessings and prayers for each of you! Happy Thanksgiving!

“Young” Ladies Birthday Party

We will be celebrating November birthday Tuesday at 11:00 at Nyla’s.  Ladies being honored this month are:

  • Fran Walker
  • Kim Schwartz
  • Velma Anthony
  • Billie Jo Hutchinson
  • Fay Gehringer
  • Rita Tate
  • Ruby Schwartz
  • Theople Hurst
  • Kay Forman
  • Hazel Smith

Thanksgiving  – Day 25

Today, as we look ahead to the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer next week, I am thankful for missionaries.  They have a strong desire to share the “Good News” even if it takes them to destinations unknown to them and far from home (and family).  We, as Southern Baptists, are so blessed to have missionaries serving and more on the sidelines waiting to serve.  They are focused on winning the own people group to the Lord.  As someone told me Sunday morning, “I wish I had that boldness”.  Not everyone is called to serve as a missionary, but thankfully, many who have been called have accepted the call and the challenge!  They are reaping the blessings!

We also have missionaries who serve with the North American Mission Board and individual states.  I thank God for each and every one of them.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Spiritual Plagiarism”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Believe in Yourself”

http://academictips.org/blogs/believe-in-yourself/

Hymn of the Day – “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/wasttttn.htm

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week.  “Count Your Blessings” and see how God wants you to share with others this week.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“And I pray this:

that your love will keep on growing

in knowledge and every kind of discernment.”

~Philippians 1:9, HCSB~

 

Community Thanksgiving Service

  • 6:00 P.M. Tonight
  • FBC, Kentwood
  • Fellowship (fingerfoods) after the service

Ladies online Advent Bible Study, Dec. 1 – 24  

You will need to have both Facebook and email. If any of you would like to join us, please let me know by sending me your email address and your Facebook name.  I just completed the Thanksgiving study.  It is not very demanding, just about twenty minutes a day at any time that is convenient for you.

Thankfulness – Day 24

Today, I would like to thank-God for pastors/ministers, youth/children’s directors, senior adult pastors, music ministers, educational directors, outreach/hospital pastors, etc.  Some church leaders are bi-vocational, while others are full time.  Some churches only have one staff member, but others have several.  No matter the number in a particular church, I thank God for their dedication and leadership.  They set the tone for what happens in the church.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “What Time is It?”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Helpless Love”

http://academictips.org/blogs/moral-tale-helpless-love/

Hymn of the Day – “Living for Jesus”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/i/livingfj.htm

This is a good day to remind you to bring new or gently used blankets to FBC, Kentwood so they can be shared with those who need them to stay warm.

Have a great Lord’s Day!  Don’t shortchange Him!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Trust in him at all times, you people;

pour out your hearts before Him.

God is our refuge.”

~Psalm 62:8~

 

 

Continue to pray for Jesse Dean as he recovers from shoulder surgery.  Pray for those caring for Jesse too.

Clint Smith is doing well.  He will be working on the recovery process now.  Due to his young age and good physical activity, his recovery may go smoother and quicker than most older people who have heart surgery.  Pray for his young family as they go through this time with him.

Macy Gueldner 

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

Christy Haynes’ father had heart surgery in Florida yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery period.

It’s time to finish up packing the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.  Get them turned in tomorrow.  Imagine the children’s faces as they open each box.

The monthly “Young” Ladies Birthday Party will be Tuesday morning at 11:00 at Nyla’s.  Come celebrate some November birthdays with us.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Living Letters”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Keep Your Dream”

http://academictips.org/blogs/keep-your-dream/

Hymn of the Day – “Trust and Obey”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/r/trstobey.htm

Thankfulness – Day 23 – Christian Writers

I do not meet many Christian writers, do I do meet them through their finished products.  As I read book or study devotionals, Bible studies, or weekly Sunday School lessons, I know someone had the heart to share and did the research necessary to write.  Then, they survived the editing,rewriting process, and publishing process.  That gives us an accurate, interesting book or article to enjoy and learn from.  I trust if you are dreaming about becoming a Christian writer, you will follow that dream and see where God leads you.

Enjoy the day with or without the sun.  Know that the Son is always there.

Anna Lee

 

Friday

   “Bless the LORD, O my soul;

and all that is within me,

bless His holy name!  

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from destruction,

who crowns you with lovingkindness

and tender mercies,

who satisfies your mouth with good things.”

~Psalm 103:1-5a~

 

Macy Gueldner

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

Susan Rimes had an appointment with her new doctor today.  She has an infection and a number of stones.  Pray for procedures that will be fully effective and timely.

Wanda Smith has had treatment on one foot that doesn’t seem to have helped yet.  In the meantime, she has developed problems with the other foot.  Pray for her as she continues therapy and doctor’s care.

Yvonne Birch and Smiley Conerly are slowly improving, but not at the rate they had hoped for.  Pray for them as they continue their recoveries from surgery.

Pray for Larry Carruth,  Randy Taylor,  and Jessica Garner and their families.  Pray for caregivers also.

Wanda Bridges and her good friend, Dana Reid, are both hospitalized in Baton Rouge.  Wanda has has a procedure done and should be home soon.  Dana had a heart attack.  I’m not sure what will be done for her or how long she will be hospitalized.

Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch shared that Holly Kliesch Fronn’s baby boy may arrive a little early due to pregnancy problems.  Pray for Holly and her baby, as well as R.C., the proud daddy. The due date had been December 15th.

Continue to pray for Clint Smith.  Thank God that he got a quick diagnosis and surgery today.  Pray his recovery will be complete when he recovers from the surgery.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier, Mrs. Evelyn Bridges, M/M Joe Williams, and M/M Phillip Harrell need our continued prayers as they face their health issues daily.

Ruby Schwartz’s sister, Linda Boudreaux, had back surgery today and is already home.  Pray for Linda and Paul and their family.

Jimmy Schwartz shared tonight that he is doing surprisingly well.  He body is now producing blood rather than destroying it.  Thank God for Jimmy’s good report.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Overshadowed”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Face Difficulties Positively”

http://academictips.org/blogs/face-difficulties-positively/

Hymn of the Day – “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thankfulness –  Day 22 – Transportation

Having a vehicle or other means of transportation gives us numerous opportunities. People who live in cities can often get around well without their own transportation, but for those of us who live in small towns or rural areas, a vehicle is usually necessary. Think of all the opportunities to worship, ministry, etc. we have access to because of owning a vehicle.  Be sure to use you transportation to help/serve/encourage/minister to other.

We had another great night at our Third Thursday meeting.  What a blessing it is to me!  We took some time to “count our blessings”.  They are many!

Tomorrow morning at 10:00, we will begin the “Mayberry” Bible Study.  This will be a four-week study and will be completed before Christmas.  We will skip the day after Thanksgiving.  We meet in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Everyone is welcome to join us.

Have a great day!  If you haven’t packed your shoebox(es) for Operation Christmas Child, the deadline is upon us.  Sunday will be the last day to turn in boxes this year at FBC, K.

Anna Lee

 

Thursday

“I have learned in whatever state I am,

to be content.”

~Philippians 4:11~

 

Macy Gueldner

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

Ann Huff’s cataract surgery went well yesterday.  Pray for her as she follows medical instruction for the next few days.

Alan Ray Blackwell

Please pray for Alan Ray Blackwell.  He’s home.  Pray for his caregiver too.

Spencer Clair Webb is at St. Jude’s.  She learned yesterday her eye is cancer free.  That means she can receive her artificial eye this week.

Susan Rimes will be seeing her new doctor this afternoon.  Pray she can get some information/treatment that will relieve some of her kidney stone pain.

Pray for Ruby Schwartz’s sister, Linda.  She will be having surgery today.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “That Name”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Don’t Hope – Decide”

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

Hymn of the Day – “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/i/jisnikno.htm

Thankfulness – Day 21 – “Ability to Read”

Today, I thank God and my teachers for the ability to read.  With that, I can select the articles I want to add to The Prayer Link each day.  I can check on the news and the weather with a couple clicks on my computer.  I can read emails from my family and friends.  I can prepare for my Sunday School and Bible study lessons, as well as read my Bible any time I choose.  I’m not the best Bible student in Kentwood, but I can learn more any time I choose to put forth the effort.  I thank God for the ability to read.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

It’s not too late to turn in your Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Be a blessing to some children around the world through the love you send in a shoebox!  Sunday is the deadline at FBC, Kentwood.

I’m excited we will host out monthly Third Thursday meeting tonight.  This is the highlight of our month.  We love having friends gather here and seeing which ones can come each time.  We enjoy seeing people eat and enjoy visiting each other.  We’ve been especially blessed to have friends share in devotionals and music.  What a sweet spirit they bring and share!  Prayer time is always special too.  This is my “spiritual high” each month.  It’s not that I don’t have other such times, but this is the one that blesses me most.  Join us tonight at 6:30, if you choose.  We’ll be so glad you are here.

Anna Lee

Anna Lee

Wednesday

 “How awesome is the LORD Most High,

the great King over all the earth!….

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing to him a psalm of praise.

God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on his holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:2,7-8~

Infant John Varnado

Little John’s surgery went well! Thank you all so much for all of the
prayers! Words can’t express how much we all appreciate every thought
and prayer from all of you!! The 1st big surgery is behind him now.
His next surgery will be in 3-6 months and the last one will be in a
couple of years. Still praying for a great and speedy recovery!

From Melissa Johnson

Please put Kayla (Johnson) on the prayer link again. She is in the hospital in Covington at lake view . Has bad head ache and they are running test. Hopefully will know something in the morning.

Ann McNabb Huff will be having cataract surgery this morning.  She will be appreciative of your prayers.

Request from Sue D. Tucker

I request prayer for Robert Collins (my neice inlaw’s nephew) who fell
from a building today and has multiple injuries including a broken
back and he is in East Jefferson hospital and unconscious. Thank you.

Macy Gueldner

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

Mark Addison passed away Tuesday evening.  Pray for his family.

Frank Joseph Patanella
(November 7, 1938 – November 18, 2013)

A resident of Amite, died on Monday, November 18, 2013 at his home. He was born November 7, 1938 in Independence and was 75 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Jesse E. Chapman, Sr.
(January 26, 1952 – November 18, 2013)

A resident of Loranger, he was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather who lost his battle with cancer on Monday, November 18, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born January 26, 1952 in Independence and was 61 years of age. He was a member of Briar Patch Hunting Club. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Diane Chapman, Loranger; daughter, Velma Chapman and fiancé, Jason Wehner, Loranger; grandson, Ian Chauvin; 3 sisters, Emily Starns and husband, Wayne, Walker, Betty Husser, Ponchatoula and Linda Widas, Roseland; sister in law, Sheila Porter, Amite; brother in law, Frank Shaffett and wife, Kim, Amite; mother in law, Mary Thames, Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Charles and Velma Chapman; 2 sons, Jesse Chapman, Jr. and Jonathan Chapman; brother, Donald Ray Chapman; father in law, Wilson Shaffett; brother in law, Junior Shaffett; sister in law, Lisa Shaffett. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Jim Carlisle. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

SHIRLEY HARTZOG POWELL

(JANUARY 22, 1929 – OCTOBER 21, 2013)

Shirley Hartzog Powell, 84, of Groves, Texas passed away on Monday, October 21, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on January 22, 1929 to Florine Robin Hartzog and Preston Hartzog in Kentwood, Louisiana. Shirley graduated from Kentwood High School. She was a resident of the area since 1949.  She was a homemaker as well as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.
Visitation was on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Funeral service was at 9:30 AM Thursday, October 24, 2013 in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Hulon Powell of Groves, Texas, her daughters, Gayle Felps of Groves, Texas, Kay Godwin and husband Terry of Groves, Texas, her sons, Douglas Powell and wife Dee of Winnie, Texas, Michael Powell and wife Martha of LaGrange, Texas, 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sister, Phala Simmons of Walton, Kentucky and a brother who is a Trappist Monk, Bro. Laurin Hartzog of Conyers, Georgia as well as several nieces and nephews.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Genuine Concern”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Live and Work”

http://academictips.org/blogs/live-or-work/

Hymn of the Day – “There is a Balm in Gilead” (I doubt you have heard this one lately.)

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

Thankfulness – Day 20 – Christian Men and Women

Today, I want to thank God for all the many Christian men and women who have influenced my life.  Some were connected through church, but others through their profession.  Some are living, but some are no longer living.  Some were relatives, but some were not.  Some were church leaders, but others were not. Some influenced my life when I was a child, but some influenced me during my adult years. The thing they all had in common was that they made a difference in my life – my life here on earth and for eternity!

Reminder – It’s not too late to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“And the word of God continued to increase,

and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem,

and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

~Acts 6:7, ESV~

Caring Bridge – Macy Gueldner  (Three updates)

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

Quincy Lee Travis 

(October 22, 1921 – November 17, 2013)

A resident of Greensburg, he died on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Greensburg. He was born October 22, 1921 in Gillsburg, MS and was 92 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Lee Alice McLean and husband, Sonny, Greensburg; 4 grandchildren, Danny Travis, Becky Jerke, Amber McLean and Jennifer Miller; 8 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Loyce Holmes Travis; son, Keith Travis; granddaughter, Chandra Nicole McLean; great-granddaughter, Courtney McLean; parents, Bart and Mary Jane Travis; 9 brothers and sisters, Eva Welch, Otis Travis, Bill Travis, Felder Travis, Clyde Travis, Emma Morgan, Myrtis Woodard, Alma Travis, Wilson Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Jerry Holmes and Rev. Larry Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Joshua and Matthew Suggs, Kenneth Travis, David Alford, Jimmy Coker and Mitch Miller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Spring and Walter Travis. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Thankfulnes – Day 19 – Service Workers

I’m not sure I categorized this correctly, but I want to let you know I’m thinking about the people who provide services for us and for our homes – people employed by utility companies, restaurants, stores, etc.  I’m thankful they are there to provide items for us to purchase, bring mail to our homes,, cuts our hair, provides a road for us to travel on, give us telephone service, provide electricity, the person who does your hair, and  make life more comfortable for us.  Think how different life would be if we if these people were not her and doing their everyday tasks. Tell one or more them thank-you today.  Let them know they are appreciated.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Traveling Companions”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “The Little Boy” (This will really touch your heart.)

http://academictips.org/blogs/moral-tale-the-little-boy/

Hymn of the Day – “Jesus Loves the Little Children”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/e/jesloves.htm

Coming later this week:

  • Prayer Meeting
  • Third Thursday
  • “Mayberry” Bible Study
  • Operation Christmas Child

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“I have made you a light for the Gentiles

to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

~Acts 13:34b~

Yesterday, Spencer Clair Webb was it church.  It was great to see four generations of the family, all female, sitting together on the same pew.  Today, the Webb family will travel to St. Jude’s.  Later this week, Spencer will receive a new eye.  I thank God this beautiful child is free of cancer and will soon have her replacement eye.

Jesse Dean continues to improve at home.  Please continue your prayers for Jesse and for Majel as his recovery continues.

Operation Christmas Child gives small boxes of toys, clothing, and sweets to children around the world.  They also receive some Christian literature in their language and on their lever.  I think helping children is a very worthy cause.  The deadline for turning in “shoeboxes” is FBC, K is Sunday.  Check with your local church for their deadline.

Thursday will be the Third Thursday, so if you wish to come to the cabin and join us, please do so.  We meet at 6:30.  If you cannot attend this month, maybe you can another month.  You are always welcome.

Thankfulness – Day 18 – Healthcare Workers

I did my best for many years to go with my parents to their appointments and to listen and document what was said and done.  My family members did not choose careers in healthcare, but we did our best to stay informed and answer questions our parents later had.  We often felt inadequate.  It was good to be able to turn to the computer and healthcare workers in our need for medical care for our parents.  I thank God for all those who received and answered the call to become doctors, nurses, x-ray technicians, first responders, lab workers, etc.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Welcome Back”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “The Story of a Blind Girl”

http://academictips.org/blogs/moral-tale-the-story-of-a-blind-girl/

Hymn of the Day – “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling”

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/s/o/f/softlyat.htm

Have a great week.  Spend some time this week thanking God and thanking people in your life.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Other seeds fell into the good soil,

and as they grew up and increased,

they yielded a crop

and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

~Mark 4:8, NASB~

 

Pray for Beverly “Doodle” Williams Watson and her family.  Her mother, Ms. Elvira, passed away Friday night.

Macy Gueldner

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

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Hero over Sin”

http://odb.org/

Moral Story – “Poisoning Mother-in-Law” -Strange idea, good ending!

http://academictips.org/blogs/poisoning-mother-in-law/

Hymn of the Day – Life’s Railroad to Heaven

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/l/r/h/lrheaven.htm

Thank-you for praying for me yesterday as I shared about Lottie Moon.  The luncheon went well.   I met lots of nice Christian ladies at the meeting.  They were eager to learn about Lottie and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Thankfulness – Day 17 – Law Enforcement

Today, I am thankful for the men and women who serve in law enforcement – federal agents, state police, sheriff’s office, local police, probation and parole, wildlife and fisheries, school security, etc.  They are there to help us, so please do not teach your children to fear them.  Be thankful they are there when you need them.  Thank a law enforcement worker today.

Today is Sunday, the Lord’s Day.  He expects us to give this day back to Him.

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

“Paul and Barnabas, along with many others,

remained in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the message of the Lord.”

~Acts 15:35, HCSB~

Please continue to pray for Jean Easley and her family as they care for her.

From Becky Carruth Lindsey

It is with a heavy heart that I come to you once again to ask for
prayers for our family. Daddy (Larry Carruth) will no longer be
treated for his cancer. Today, we met with his Oncologist and at this
point, Daddy has decided he no longer wants to receive treatment. He
has been admitted to hospice and will remain at home. Please keep our
family in your prayers as we take this journey.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Our missionaries in the Philippines

http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=12593&LanguageID=1709#.UoaNhGTthe7

A national pastor in the Philippines

Filipino family of 6 count Baptist aid as ray of hope from typhoon

Prague – The Atheist Capitol of Europe

In Prague, college grads form real-life networks

Day 16  – Thankfulness – Day 16 – Teachers

Today, I would like to say thank-you to all the teachers who taught me and helped me on my path to education.  Some of them are still living, but most have passed away.  I am so thankful for the way they encouraged and enlightened me.  I’m also thankful for the teachers who taught my children, who taught/teach my grandchildren, and those who worked with me as I taught.  Think of all the things you know and can do because you had teachers.  Be sure to express your thanks to them too.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “To Whom it is Due”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Determining Your True Path”

cademictips.org/blogs/determining-your-true-path/

Hymn of the Day – “Blest be the Tie that Binds”

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/b/b/t/bbtttb.htm

I ask special prayers today as I speak about Lottie Moon and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at 11 A.M.  I hope to share information that informs people and encourages them.  I thank God for the opportunities He gives me to share with others.

Anna Lee