Category: Needs

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

Monday

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

~Colossians 3:13 (NLT)~

 

 

 

Did you thank God for waking you up this morning?

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 29

  • 2 Kings 15:1-16:20
  • Acts 19:13-41
  • Psalm 147:1-20
  • Proverbs 18:4-5

 

 

Operation Christmas Child

For those of you who are asking about what to purchase and when, now is the best time to buy school supplies such as markers, crayons, large erasers, one-subject notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, school scissors, pencil boxes, etc.  Happy shopping!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Vacation Bible School at FBC, Kentwood begins a week from today.  If you have a child or grandchildren attending, please contact the church office at 229-8111 to be sure your child is registered and and paperwork in order.

 

 

 

We all know churches were closed for a while.  Some people have been watching online.  Others have found different things to do.  Pray they find they way back to church services in person or online,

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”

~James 1:21 (NLT)~

 

 

 

Please pray for our country.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 24

  • 2 Kings 6:1-7:20
  • Acts 15:36-16:15
  • Psalm 142:1-7
  • Proverbs 17:24-25

 

 

Mission Opportunity Nearby – Request from Bro. Stan

Bro. Robert Brandal, Pastor of Crossroad Fellowship Baptist Church in Two Rivers Association, needs help with painting and laying floor tiles in the Sunday School building at the church. They have all of the supplies but need volunteers to help. The church is located west of Amite on Highway 16. If you are able to volunteer, please email the BASELA missions office at missions@basela.org or call the office at 985-839-3827.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

My internet connection is on and off this morning.  I’m thankful I was able to have service for a while.  I’m hoping I can get this much posted….  Thankful for rain and for a roof that doesn’t leak!

Anna Lee

Friday

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

~2 Corinthians 4:17~

 

 

Today is a good day to take care of basic hurricane preparations.  We are being told to expect rain and moderate winds.  The power companies are getting ready for possible problems.  Hurricane season has arrived.  Help those who might need some assistance.

 

 

 

Summer is an important break for the school system.  It will be extra busy/difficult this year because of the pandemic making decision making even more difficult.  Pray for those who  are making decisions about school situations for the fall.  Also, pray for colleges and students who await information about the fall semester.

 

 

 

Pray for businesses that have been closed during the pandemic to be able to hold on until they are allowed to reopen.

 

 

 

Pray for people, older ones especially, who have been limited to being at home for a long time.  Many of them have only left home for doctor appointments.

 

 

 

Pray for those who have lost their jobs.  Pray their income will meet the basic needs to get families through until work can resume.

 

 

 

Also, pray for families with someone in the hospital.  Both the patient and the family members struggle with not being able to be together.  Understanding the need for new rules and being the one that the new rules apply to are two totally different things!

 

 

 

Continue to pray for medical professionals who have been asked to work through this difficult time with limitations forced upon them.

 

 

 

Pray for police and others in law enforcement.  I think you can understand the need there.

 

 

 

Pray for churches as they seek new ways to minister to members and to do outreach in this time with limited contact.  Be thankful for technology that has allowed most churches to remain in contact with fellowship.  May people seek God during this time.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 5

  • 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
  • Acts 3:1-26
  • Psalm 123:1-4
  • Proverbs 16:21-23

 

 

 

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

There’s much to pray about today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 2

  • 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
  • John 21:1-25
  • Psalm 120:1-7
  • Proverbs 16:16-17

 

 

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

 

 

 

This morning I ran across “Sammy Tippit” Ministries.  This started back when I was a teenager.  He wasn’t much older than me and was from Louisiana.  I remember seeing/hearing him several times.  I’m so thankful for those who set good examples and serve their lifetime continuing to do so.  https://www.facebook.com/watch/sammytippitministries/. I plan to spend some time today learning more about his current ministry of hope.  https://sammytippit.org/

 

 

Pray for our students, teachers, bus drivers, janitors, etc. who are officially beginning their real summer vacation.

 

 

 

Pray for our churches and staff to be leaders and examples of “light” in a time of darkness.

 

 

 

Pray for Christians to set/follow good examples of how to live in a country in turmoil.

 

 

 

Pray for parents and grandparents to set good examples for their younger generations.

 

 

 

Pray for our young adults, teens, and children to be good decision makers in the world they face daily.

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for those who are:

  • America, as a whole
  • Police officers
  • Firemen
  • National guard
  • Regular military
  • Political officials
  • Public citizens
  • Medical workers
  • Religious leaders
  • Political leaders
  • News people
  • Common everyday folks
  • Peaceful protesters (happened in Hammond yesterday)
  • Rioters to “see the light” and protest peacefully
  • Etc.

 

 

Zilpha Lea Varnado Smith

February 18, 1925 – May 27, 2020

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, of natural causes. She was 95 years old. Zilpha Lea was a devout Baptist who loved people, gardening, traveling, playing games, and spending time with her family and friends. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her loving daughters, Connie Oubre and husband, Bootsie, Cathy LeJeune and husband, Brian, Richelle Latham and husband, Bert; 4 grandchildren, Bruce LeJeune and wife, Jennifer, Kimberly Cleveland and husband, Darryl, Zachary Oubre and wife, Becky, Alisha Lee and husband, Dustin; 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ashford and Mae Varnado; her husband of 51 years, Dick Smith; brother, Donald Varnado; sister, Myrthe Erwin; and granddaughter, Monica Latham. The family would like to thank Golden Age Healthcare of Denham Springs for their loving care. Visitation will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood on Saturday, May 30, 2020, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM with a service at 12:00PM conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood.  Serving as pallbearers will be Bruce LeJeune, Tyler Genre, Andrew Genre, Don Gates, Mark Varnado, and Dustin Lee. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Albert Wendell Blackwell

June 15, 1939 – May 29, 2020

Albert Wendell “Wimp” Blackwell, 80, of Amite, LA passed away at home surrounded by family on May 29, 2020. Wendell loved sports, especially football, and was a high school All American player, playing college ball at Delta State University and Mississippi State University and later drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs before a career ending injury. He was also a member of the state championship track team at Cleveland High School. Later in life he coached high school football teams at Bayou Academy, winning a state championship, Oak Forest Academy, earning district awards and Silliman Institute, also winning a state championship. Wendell’s other love was animals, especially horses. He was a horse trainer for many years and was well known for owning and standing the quarter horse stallion The Promoter. Wendell is survived by his sons, Clay “Rawhide” Blackwell (Sally) of Loranger, LA and Thad Blackwell of Amite, LA, sister Louise Tidmore (A.C.) of Merigold, MS, brother Phillip Blackwell (Linda) of Peachtree, GA, brother Gerald Blackwell (Ann) of Cheyenne, WY, granddaughters Samantha Lynne Perkins (Daniel) of Centreville, MS, Kasey Rae Blackwell of Pine Grove, LA, Macy Blackwell of Loranger, LA, Cher Blackwell of Loranger, LA, grandsons Ben Davis (Carie) of Westlake, LA and Trey Hill of Cullman, AL, great-granddaughters Jenifer and Lena Davis and great-grandsons Ayden Varnado and Stetsan Hill and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Cordell Blackwell of Cleveland, MS, his brother Harold Blackwell of Lafayette, LA and his son Wendell “Skeeter” Blackwell of Montpelier, LA. Memorial services for Wendell Blackwell will be held at Montpelier Baptist Church with visitation on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10:00 A.M., and memorial service at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude for Wendell Blackwell I.D. # 12033429. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Lester Kirby Bennett

September 11, 1941 – May 30, 2020

Lester Kirby Bennett a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born September 11, 1941 in Amite, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Belinda Sylvester, Velvet Crowe and Vanessa Johnson; 1 son, Kirby Bennett; 12 grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Jones Hinze Bennett and Emma Bennett; brothers and sisters, Lawrence Bennett, Calvin Bennett, Leche Bennett, Dewitt Bennett, Bernice Bennett, Bobbie Jean Poirrier, Myrtle Lee Newland and Alma Bennett. Graveside Services will be held at Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11:00AM Friday, June 5, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading my words today.  May we all grow in the Lord today!

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

~Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)~

 

 

When you go through the difficult times in life,

God is there to protect us.

 

 

This pandemic is one of the difficult times.  I don’t know how or when it will come to an end, but I am confident God is going through this pandemic with us – walking each step with us and holding our hand.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 13

  • 1 Samuel 14:1-52
  • John 7:31-53
  • Psalm 109:1-31
  • Proverbs 15:5-7

 

 

 

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

Today, I want to lead us to pray for the younger adults at church.  I won’t try to make a complete list, just a sampling.

  • Nathan Daniels
  • Hope Brister
  • Phillip Miller
  • Frank Fowler III
  • Nikki Rhodus
  • Courtney Creel
  • Micah Simpson
  • Rhondi Booty
  • Mallory Womack
  • Haley Cerise
  • Josh Thornton
  • Maryanna Lee

 

 

Don’t let the days of being homebound go be without some accomplishments.  

  • Call a friend.
  • Send a card.
  • Take care of your house & yard.
  • Clean out a cabinet, closet, or storage area,
  • Read your Bible.
  • Watch some sermons of pastors other than your own.
  • Cook something to share.
  • Experiment with preparing new foods for your family.
  • Stop by a friend’s house and visit a few minutes from your vehicle or the porch.
  • Read your Bible.
  • Use your computer/phone to encourage others.
  • Etc.

 
As our state moves into Phase One of returning to a more normal life, be sure to follow the rules.  It is better to be overly cautious than to do activities too soon that lead to sickness and other issues.

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

 

 

 

Thursday

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

~Proverbs 3: 5-7~

 

 

 

Hospitals have new rules because of Covid-19.  They include not having any visitors or family members there with patients.  Thinking about my family members who have been hospitalized, I cannot imagine this.  It’s a case of heart vs. common sense.  Pray for people to have understanding and common sense about this change in policy.  This was the case this week with David’s nephew who had neck surgery in Baton Rouge.  When new rules “hit home”, we sometimes have a harder time appreciating them.

 

 

 

Pray for Dr. Ben Trappey, who grew up in Kentwood. as he is beginning three weeks of working in a COVID – 19 center.  He asks for your prayers.

 

 

 

Please add Ryan “Rufus” Williams to your prayer list.  He’s in North Oaks due to pneumonia.

 

 

 

Keith Newell is recovering from removal of a kidney.  Yesterday, he learned the one that was removed was cancerous.  Thank God for Keith’s surgery and good progress in recovering from the surgery, as well as the decision to remove the whole kidney.

 

 

 

Pray for Danielle Hammons Thornton’s infant niece, Charlotte, who will be having heart surgery in New Orleans today.

 

 

 

Pray for our healthcare workers, the biggest heroes of this Convid-19 pandemic.

 

 

 

Pray for all the new homeschool teachers.  Let’s pray they can give the time and the patience their children/students need.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 26th

  • Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
  • Luke 7:11-35
  • Psalm 68:19-35
  • Proverbs 11:29-31

 

 

 

 Today’s hymn is “Near to the Heart of God”, my grandmother’s favorite.

  • “The Doxology” 
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
  • “Near to the Heart of God” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UnFNHWJ0tA

 

 

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

 

Real crisis of COVID-19 still to come

http://www.bpnews.net/54522/stetzer-real-crisis-of-covid19-still-to-come

 

 

 

Feel free to send your prayer requests for me to share.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”  Rend your heart and not your garments.

Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 24

  • Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
  • Luke 6:12-38
  • Psalm 67:1-7
  • Proverbs 11:27

 

 

Louisiana’s governor, Jon Bel Edwards, has called for day of prayer and fasting today.  I think Louisiana could use all the prayers today.

 

 

 

Yesterday, as we went for David’s blood work and grocery pick-up, I was pleased to see the number of people wearing masks.  We wore masks too!  I’m thankful for the people who are making masks to share and for those medical professionals who are sharing their supply with others.

 

 

 

My special prayer concern today is for those hospitalized without family members with them and for family members who cannot be with their loved loves,

 

 

 

I will post again to include the song of the day.  Check back later.

Anna Lee