As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.

I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

~Ezekiel 34:12~

Tyler Smith‘s surgery went well at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. They kept him overnight, but he will probably come home today. Continue to pray for Tyler as her recovers.

Loren Williams is in North Oaks with some broken bones following an accident Thursday night. Hunter Brabham and family seem to only have minor injuries. Let’s thank God for His protection for all these people.

Ora Lee Wilson has been dealing with a collapsed lung. Pray for her as he waits to learn what will happen to correct the lung problem.

Dominic Terrase of the Loranger area is a former classmate. I’m happy to report he is doing much better now than he was a couple months ago. Thank you for praying for him.

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving to Atlanta. Pray for her as she makes this transition.

Pray for caregivers. They often have long-term situations to be responsible for. This job is hard both physically and emotionally.

Read the Bible – You may read the Scriptures of your choice today. I have a 2018 plan to share Sunday at FBC, Kentwood. We will begin it Monday. You can pick up a copy of the plan or check The Prayer Link each day.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

The weather we will be having for the next week will be unusually cold. Pray for people to maintain heat, water, and electricity. Prepare now, so you don’t have to get out any more than necessary. Help someone who might not be able to make all the preparations or repairs themselves.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I delayed posting and got caught by the rain again. That’s the nature of satelites and life in the country. Hopefully, better technology will get out here one day….

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is improving following her back surgery. Pray for her and her two caregiver sons, Chester and John.

Philip Strickland’s surgery went well at Ochsner (NO) yesterday. Pray for him to have a good recovery period.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, had a procedure at Ochsner (BR) that will hopefully lead to the next step in Jimmy’s treatment. There is a more hopeful attitude in his situation now.

Mays I. Morris, Sr.

April 08, 1932 – December 17, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He was born April 8, 1932 in Amite and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his son, Mays I. Morris, Jr.; son, Arthur D. Morris; daughter, Martha Ann Morris; step children, Sherry Allen Rowland, Gwendolyn Allen Watts, Timothy Brian Allen, Matthew Wayne Allen and Brenda Allen Creekmore; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jones Morris; son, Michael Morris; step son, Dennis Gatlin; brother, Andrew J. Morris, Jr., and sister, Imogene Barber Morris. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until religious services at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Reginald E. (Reggie) Goldsby, MD

August 09, 1943 – December 18, 2017

Long time Amite Mayor and beloved family physician, Reginald (Reggie) Goldsby, age 74, passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was born August 9, 1943 in Amite to Omar and Mamie Roberts Goldsby who preceded him in death as did his brother, Myles Goldsby. He is survived by his daughter, Laken Goldsby, and many Goldsby and Kennedy cousins whom he loved dearly and who loved him. He was a faithful charter member of the First Southern Methodist Church of Amite. As an honors student of LSU Medical School, he was exempt from a semester’s final exams. Later in his career, he became an LSU Clinical Professor. He was an avid LSU football fan and not only played football for Amite High School but remained a loyal fan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his personal attendants, Mike and Rachel Constant, for their loving care and devotion to Reggie during these difficult times. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I checked on the location of the shoeboxes sent out through our church as part of Operation Christmas Child. So far, I was able to track boxes to both Mexico and Ecuador. I’m excited the boxes are in their country of destination already. I hope you are still as excited as I am for the boxes and what an impact each box will make on the lives of children and their families.

Some of these shoeboxes will be delivered by our international missionaries. Our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions help keep them “on the field”. That means our shoebox gifts might be a part of the ministry we provide through the LMCO. We help get the boxes to the children by collecting items, packing boxes, paying postage, and supporting our missionaries. Thank-you for all your help.

Tomorrow night, we will gather at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday meeting. I can hardly wait to share this sweet time with others.

Read the Bible – Revelations 14-16 & Psalm 45.

There will be NO Bible study this Friday morning, but we will meet the following Friday.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow their regular schedule for the morning and have a candlelight service at 6 P.M. that night. I hope you will be in church somewhere!

Anna Lee

Monday

Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

~Isaiah 60:3 HCSB~

There are many with cold, allergies, flu, bronchitis, etc. First, pray for those you are aware of. Second, do something to help them out.

There have been a number of deaths in our community lately. Please pray for the families who have lost their loved ones during the holiday season.

Sunday, December 17th, FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Lottie Moon Missions March. Come walk inside the walls of our sanctuary to say you support missions. It’s also a good time to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions.

“Why the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Collected at Christmas” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/06/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-collected-christmas/

Read the Bible – I John 1-2, Psalm 36, & video on I-III John

Baptist Press –http://bpnews.net

Ladies’ Bible Study – We missed class Friday due to the snow. We will put Friday at 10 A.M. back on our schedule for this week.

Next Week

Tuesday (19th) – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party celebration at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
Thursday (21st) – Third Thursday at the Cabin at 6:30 P.M.

I think the snow was pretty, but I’m glad it is melting away now. Let’s keep praying for those who still do not have electricity!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“We know that in all things

God works for good with those who love him,

those whom he has called according to his purpose.”

~Romans 8:28 TEV~

There are many people having tests, waiting for results, dealing with cancer treatments, having surgery, etc. Please pray for those that you are aware of.

Students are facing semester tests in some schools. Pray for them as they prepare.

Rusty Benoit‘s heart surgery went well at Ochsner yesterday. He’s in ICU now. Please continue to pray for him, the medical staff, and his family.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will continue the study of Ezekiel Friday.

Read the Bible – James 4-5 & Psalm 32

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Day 5 – https://www.imb.org/day-5/

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

The weather has been both cold and wet. Be careful to stay healthy and safe.

Anna Lee

Friday

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of Your people Israel.

~Luke 2:30-32 NKJV~

Rob Anderson, son-in-law of Robert and Ora Lee Wilson, is back in the hospital. He’s having severe pain. Let’s pray for his problem to be identified and cleared up quickly.

“Miss” Ruby Dillon is home again! She came home early yesterday afternoon.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford of Holden, sent an update that said the doctors are considering three options. A decision will be made December 11th. Jimmy asked for your continued prayers.

Ladies who need to decorate a table for the tea will meet at the church at 10 A.M. Saturday unless other specific plans have been made. The tea is Sunday at 2 P.M. It will be a time you shouldn’t miss, but if you do, there is no second opportunity to attend the annual Lottie Moon Tea for 2017.

Sunday is the time to bring your STAMPED Christmas cards that will be given to area prisoners so they can send messages home at Christmas. The more we get, the more families we can touch this holiday season.

Our friend who has religious services at the prison said we have been an awesome source of soft-cover Bibles for her to distribute. If you have some you are not using, please get them to me. Thanks!

The ladies Bible study group will meet in the Heritage Room this morning. We will be studying Ezekiel 22 today.

Read the Bible – Hebrews 3-4 & Psalm 26

November, our special month for thankfulness, is being replaced by December, our month for celebration of Christ’s birth. I cannot think of any better reason to celebrate!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

~ I Chronicles 16:34~

Please pray for the Dillons. “Miss” Ruby has been admitted to North Oaks with some dehydration and an infection. She’s in room 4102. Mr. “Cete” is with her.

I have an update on Kayla J. Evans and her baby girl, Finley. They are both doing well at this point.

Russell Wiley Crawford

December 09, 1939 – November 27, 2017

A resident of Spring Creek passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence. He was born December 9, 1939 in New Orleans and was 77 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran and a member of Spring Creek Baptist. He is survived by wife, Marilyn Kelting Crawford; daughter, Becky Crawford; son, Randy Crawford; 2 grandchildren, Chase and Kaysie Crawford; sister, Carol Fairburn, all of Spring Creek. Preceded in death by parents, George and Flora Crawford; sister, Margaret Roberts; 2 brothers-in-law, Fred Roberts and Gerald Fairburn; nephew, Scott Fairburn; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eugene and Lucille Kelting. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Russell. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Philemon, Psalm 24, and video of Philemon at http://bibleproject.com

Work is progressing on the Two Rivers Associational Annual Lottie Moon Tea. Let me invite all ladies (3-103 years old) to come to First Baptist Church, Kentwood at 2 P.M. Sunday. In additional to some tea and other treats, you’ll hear a missionary who has returned to the states and witness the musical talents of the children and youth of our local churches. The ladies will be decorating their tables Saturday morning. I know they will be beautiful! If this is your first holiday event, it will put you in a Christ centered focus for the Christmas season. If you miss it, there will be no second chance. I’m looking forward to seeing you Sunday at 2 P.M. We are thankful to have our children and youth help with serving of food, as well as singing.

The children of FBC, Kentwood will have missions tonight and work in a little last-minute practice time for the tea. We begin in the sanctuary at 6 P.M.

The ladies will have their regular Bible study, of Ezekiel, Friday morning at 10 A.M. The prophesy is interesting. We are comparing those days to the present days and praying for our nation and world to turn back to Jesus.

The “shoeboxes” we packed are getting the Christian literature that will introduce them to Jesus added this week and boxes divided up for their final destinations as well as packaging for overseas shipping. The boxes might travel by plane, ship, boat, wagon, bus, car, truck. camel, horse, on even be carried in on the backs of people. All opened boxes will bring joy and an introduction to Jesus!

Sunday, we will begin our Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We received slightly more than our goal for the Georgia Barnett Offering for North American missions. I look forward to exceeding this goal too! We will again have our Missions March as introduced to us by Dr. Tom Higginbothan, a former IMB missionary who served as interim pastor at FBC, Kentwood a few years ago.

Sunday is the deadline for bringing in STAMPED Christmas cards for the prisoners at the parish jail. David and I will personally deliver the cards to the jail next week. No number of cards is too large or too small! We’ll pray each one impacts a family with the true Christmas message this holiday season.

It’s a great week! Follow Jesus in the Christmas season this year! Merry Christmas!

Anna Lee

Monday

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

~Isaiah 12:4~

Before the Christmas season, it seems like we will be experiencing the flu season. I understand the schools, the nursing home, and families are experiencing lots of flu cases. Be careful not to get the flu and if you do, don’t share it.

Finley Lauren Evans was born yesterday. Both Kayla and the baby are doing well. Pray for baby Finley as she adds new excitement to the Simpson and Evans families

Ronnie Brabham’s daughter, Emma, was in an accident yesterday. Her baby, Luke James, was born weighing 3.6 lbs. Pray for mom and baby.

James Rimes has been “under the weather”, but is improving. Pray for him to soon be 100%.

Please continue to pray for David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, and sister-in-law, Janie.

Our granddaughter, Mallory, was here for a few days, but had a successful flight and drive back to college. I thank God for this mature, young lady in the family.

Read the Bible – II Timothy 1-4, Psalm 22, & video on II Timothy found at http://bibleprojecct.com

Next Sunday is collection day at church and during the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea for stamped Christmas cards for Tangipahoa parish prisoners.
The Tea will be at 2 P.M. at the FBC fellowship hall.

Have a great Monday and a great week!

Anna Lee

Monday

Come to Me,

all of you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28 HCSB~

Dr. Jerry Barlow of NOBTS and a former pastor at FBC, Amie, passed away. I will post an obituary when one becomes available.

Johnny Belgard is having some health issues again. Let’s pray his problem is not related to his transplant.

Ora Lee Wilson told me her 50 year old nephew has had two heart attacks and is in Our Lady of the Lake. Let’s pray for him and the family.

FBC, Kentwood opens as a drop-off location for “shoeboxes” today. Monday, we will be open from 10:00 – !2 Noon. Tomorrow’s schedule is 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Fillers will be accepted along with the shoeboxes. “Fillers” are extra items you didn’t use this year. They can be sent in with the shoeboxes and used to add to boxes that are not full. If you have and items to share, be sure to put them in a cardboard box and clearly label them as fillers. I understand they are very helpful and usually in short supply. I will be sending in fillers for the first time this year.

Read the Bible – Ephesians 1-2, Psalm 8, and the video on Ephesians.

We’re looking forward to a great “Third Thursday at the Cabin” this week at 6:30.

I hope you were fed God’s Word yesterday and are ready to apply it this week.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

The Lord be with all of you

~2 Thessalonians 3:16~

Gabriel Estay had knee surgery yesterday in Baton Rouge. All went well. Pray for him during the long recovery period.

As the weather begins to turn a little cooler, please take the time to assess the needs of people you may know to keep warm this winter. Who needs a warmer jacket, gloves, firewood, propane, etc,?

Read the Bible – II Corinthians 11-13 & Psalm 4

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Reminder – FBC,Kentwood will be a drop-off location for “shoeboxes” filled with hygiene items, toys, school supplies, etc. We will begin Monday morning at 10 A.M. The schedule will vary from day to day, so be sure to check out the schedule before you come.

The Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin will be one week from tonight. I hope to see many of you at 6:30 that night.

Mark your calendar for the Lottie Moon Tea which will be at 2 P.M. on Sunday, December 3rd at FBC, Kentwood. Out guest speaker will be Rachel Robbins who served in the Czech Republic. She grew up in the Hammond area and is back in this vicinity. All ladies from three to 103 are invited to join us.

God loves you more than you will ever be able to comprehend!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

~Proverbs 13:20 NIV~

What a beautiful weather day Sunday was! Church services and activities added their joys. It was our pleasure to be able to walk around, assist a little, but mainly to get to visit and enjoy all the young families at church tonight. We were so blessed!

Read the Bible – I Corinthians 7-8 & Psalm 144

Operation Christmas Child –

Tuesday at 9 A.M., we will meet to put labels on boxes, move tables and chairs, etc. as we prepare for the packing party which will be Saturday at 4 P.M. Come help us this week. Be a part of “sending Jesus to lots of little children”. We have all the items we need for the boxes. I will post the total for the OCC postage that has been collected when that new total becomes available.

Georgia Barnett –

I will also update the Georgia Barnett poster before Wednesday. I’m thankful for the gifts that have been given so far.

Pray for David as he has to drive to Baton Rouge and then New Orleans for two minor appointments. The stress of the day will be driving in both cities the same day.

Anna Lee