Friday

“Remember this:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

~2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV~

Pray for our grandson, Miles as he prepares to leave Monday to serve in the air force.

Please continue to pray for Donald Alford. Today could possible be the day he gets his first radiation treatment. Pray for his wife and children as they faithful stick with him during this difficult time.

Every time I work on the donations for Operation Christmas Child, I think of the link between two people, the person who donates and the person who will receive the items in the shoeboxes. They will probably never meet, but one knows Jesus and hopefully the other one will know Him soon. Thank-you to all who have given during January. Now, it’s on to February. Below you will find the items we suggest you donate at FBC, Kentwood during February.

Operation Christmas Child, February 2020

Nursery & Preschool	Bandaids
Grades 1-5	Pencil sharpeners (Dollar Tree)
Youth	Small cars
College and Career	Plastic animals, large (Dollar Tree)
Gateway	Boy’s underwear (Size 2-16)
Joy, Friendship Circle. & Bank	Batteries (AAA)
New Creations & Renewal	$1.00 solar calculators
Rebekah & Seekers	Spoons for eating, not cooking
City Hall & Faithful	Ziplock bags
Staff	“Barbies” (Dollar Tree)

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 31

Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15

It’s hard to believe January. 2020 is ending today. Let’s end the month doing something that is meaningful to others, not just ourselves!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:

‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

~Zechariah 4:6~

My sister’s surgery went well. She’s home and ready to heal. Please continue to pray for Julie Smith Eudy.

Please continue to pray for Kristi Alford, Chuck Brister and Donald Alford. Pray also for their families.

Terry Gray Voight

September 22, 1934 – January 27, 2020

“Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:21

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020 at her home. She was born September 22, 1934 in Amite, LA and was 85 years of age. She retired fom the State of Louisiana after 33 years and performed volunteer work after retirement. She won numerous awards for her volunteer service and was an advocate for child literacy in our community, parish, and state and was a former Girl Scout leader and 4-H leader. She is survived by son, Weston Voight of Amite; daughter, Kimberly Pinion and husband, Jeffery, of Amite; grandchildren, Brandon Voight and wife, Lauren, Crystal Alexander and husband, Wendell, Todd Voight and wife, Georgette, Whitney Guitrau and husband, Dustin, Jaci Dinger and husband, Marion; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Lee Gray and wife, Patsy; sister, Vera Brennan and husband, Paul, of Kingston, NY; numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lewis Voight; mother, Norma L. Davis; father, Henry Gray; daughter-in-law, Catherine “Lalou” Voight; grandson, Stephen L. Voight; sister, Mary Ellen Davis; 2 brothers, Bert and Jack Gray; step-parents, Ernest Davis and Pat Gray; in laws, C.Y. and Aurie Belle Voight. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Paul Brennan. Interment Shiloh Church of Christ Cemetery, Amite, LA. Special thanks to Modern Hospice, Runekia Bran and Natasha Barnes. In lieu of flowers donations may be made CYE c/o Justin Simmons, P.O. Box 411 Glenmora, LA 71433. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 29

Exodus 8:1-9:35
Matthew 19:13-30
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 6:1-5

We had a number of items turned in at church Sunday for Operation Christmas Child. They have all been opened and grouped for shoeboxes. Lots of love is going into the shoeboxes. David and I are dedicated to/addicted to shopping, organizing, and packing for them.

I love to tell about shoeboxes and do “shoebox show and tell”. Pray with me as I consider how to best spread the word about the shoebox ministry.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Trust in your money and down you go!

Trust in God and flourish as a tree!”

~Proverbs 11:28 TLB~

Julie Smith Eudy, my sister, is having surgery midmorning today at Ochsner on Jefferson. Please pray for her today and during her recover during the coming weeks.

Pray request sent by Lois Pittman: Donna Manning & Kelsey Schillings

Donna is my niece, lives in Mt.Hermon,she has health problems,Kelsey has been in Tulane since last Sun.,she is on a feeding tube right now ,please put them both on the prayer link,thank you,she also lives inMt.Hermon

Operation Christmas Child – We are almost at the end of our first month of church-wide collection by Sunday School classes for OCC. FBC, Kentwood has continued to prove how generous they are when it comes to missions. Thanks to the OCC team of Frank Fowler, Beth Lee, and Wanda Smith for helping to get the message out to the classes. Looking ahead, what a joy it will be for many children to open the shoeboxes that you helped send at the end of this year. Thank you for your love for missions.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 27

Exodus 4:1-5:21
Matthew 18:1-20
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 5:15-21

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

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

If you have some time to dedicate to working on OCC, please let me know. You can even get a friend or two to come with you. Come learn what goes on “behind the scenes” and receive a great blessing as you work and consider all the hands that help to get our boxes to the children each year.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

~Psalm 34:8~

Marion Antoinette “Doll” Gray Willson

July 09, 1936 – January 24, 2020

A life-long resident of Kentwood, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born July 9, 1936 in Kentwood and was 83 years of age. She was a retired dairy farmer and a member of Pine Ridge United Methodist Church. She is survived by 2 sons, Paul Willson and wife, Mary Ann, Kentwood and Jimmy Willson and wife, Laurie, Houston, TX; daughter, Tracy Willson Desselles and husband, Gary, Abita Springs; 7 grandchildren, Jim Willson, J.J. Willson, Adam Willson and his wife, Lori, Bracy Willson Pinegar and husband, Jeff, Cristen Willson Blades and her husband, Landon, Colby Desselles and Bailey Desselles; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Nancy Birch and husband, Ladell, and Peggy Varnado and husband, Dr. Jimmie W. Varnado; 2 sisters-in-law, Kay Gray and Toni Gray; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Willson; parents, James and Nettie Gray; sister, Velma Georgia Gray; 5 brothers, James Hulon Gray and wife, Minette, Huey Gray and wife, Dorothy, Leahman Gray, Philip Gray, and James Monroe Gray. A graveside service will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge, LA at 1:00PM on Monday, January 27, 2020 conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 26

Exodus 2:11-3:22
Matthew 17:10-27
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 5:7-14

David and I had a good week with OCC. Today, we are announcing what the classes at our church are purchasing for February. If you are not finished shopping for January, it is never too late.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast benefit this morning at 8 A.M. Enjoy the fellowship and food. Contribute to a need in the community chosen by a team of ladies who are always alert to needs and have a heart to help out.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

~Ephesians 3:16~

David’s brother-in-law

Harold Benton Newman

June 5, 1933 – January 20, 2020
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Harold Benton Newman, originally of Hammond, LA, died Monday, January 20, 2020, at his home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, at the age of 86. He was born June 5, 1933, to the late Shelby and Anita Newman. He was a resident of Mississippi for the past 33 years.
Harold is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bonnie Alford Newman; brothers Shelby William (Bill) Newman, Glenn Earl Newman, and Rudolph Paul (Rudy) Newman, sister Joyce Love Newman, children Harold Keith Newman, Sharon Kay Newman Ott (Mike), and Matthew Eric Newman (Susan); grandchildren Becky, Christina, Bryan, Miranda, Mikayla, and Kaylen; and 6 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Ann Newman Mulkey and Elsie Jean Newman Smith, and daughter Diana Sue Newman Brown.
Harold was a veteran of the Army National Guard, and retired from the Louisiana Department of Transportation (Highway Department). He was an animal lover, an avid outdoorsman, and a life-long fisherman.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in Harold’s honor at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Louisiana, on February 1, 2020, from 11 am to 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Harold’s love for animals, the family asks you make a donation to Raven Woods Animal Sanctuary in Arcola, Louisiana or Tangi Humane Society in Hammond, Louisiana.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 25

Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10
Matthew 16:13-17:9
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 5:1-6

I have been crafting for OCC. It has been a real joy! If you like to craft and know the value of OCC, you may want to get with me for some joint projects. If you are shopping monthly, you will realize the first month is ending. Are you pleased with what you purchased or crafted in January? Stay tuned for our February needs….

Anna Lee

Wednesday

The LORD gives strength to his people;

the LORD blesses his people with peace.

~Psalm 29:11~

Update on Smiley Conerly: Port this week and treatment begins next week.

My classmate, Georgia, is with her husband, Joe, at the hospital in Hammond. He is having seizures and kidney issues. Please say a prayer for Joe and Georgia.

David’s brother-in-law, Bonnie’s husband, Harold Newman, passed away in Bay Saint Louis. The services for him will be February 1 at McKneely’s in Hammond.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 22

2 Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13

Julie and I have made over 400 washcloths for OCC. I also have fifty more marble bags to add to our stash. David and I will continue to work in the OCC room, but not on a regular schedule. Call to check on when you might want to work with us or just catch us working at the church.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Mr. Sherrill Caraway was able to return to his home yesterday after spending an uncertain week in the hospital in Baton Rouge. Pray he will feel good and improve at home.

Christian Ratlliff’s ear surgery went well. Once he is healed from surgery, his new devices will be turned on. Pray all go as smoothly as planned.

Julie Smith Eudy, my sister, will be having surgery at Ochsner Hospital on Jefferson Monday. Please begin to cover her with your prayers. Please pray for the surgery and the recovery period.

Julie and I have completed the process of cutting, surging, folding, and grouping more than enough colorful washcloths for the shoeboxes we will pack in October. They are beautiful! I am anxious for the children to have them to enjoy for many years. Our present projects include stuffing two-pocket folders for the boys and girls in the two older age groups.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 21

Genesis 42:18-43:34
Matthew 13:47-14:12
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 4:7-10

The January Bible Study of Jeremiah is going well at New Zion Baptist Church. There are two more nights. It’s not too late to join the group. They start at 6:30 P.M. with Bro. Darryl Miller teaching the group.

The Kentwood youth are planning for the annual Valentine Banquet which will be Saturday, February 8. A steak supper will be served that night. You can purchase your $20 tickets at the church office or from a youth. Proceeds from the banquet will help with the cost of youth camp this summer.

We all know about being selfish. Let’s practice being selfless today in our prayers and actions.

Anna Lee

Saturday

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

~Isaiah 26:3~

Sherrill Caraway of Greensburg is still in the hospital in Baton Rouge. The newest concern is his kidneys. Pray for Sherrill to get well and to be able to return home.

Preston Day of the Pine Ridge community had a horse accident this morning and is now in the ER. Pray for Preston, please,

Mrs. Nina Pye, formerly of Roseland, passed away yesterday. Pray for her family.

David and I have family members driving and other family members flying to the East Coast today. Pray for them as they adjust to a new assignment, new school, another home, etc.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 18

Genesis 37:1-38:30
Matthew 12:22-45
Psalm 16:1-11
Proverbs 3:27-32

Associational WMU meeting Monday at East Fork at 10!

Yesterday the family and friends group worked to open packaging, sew, etc. Even though our day was cut short, we now have 160 more washcloths for our shoeboxes and many more cut and ready for surging. We have pencils, stickers, etc. out of packaging and ready for packing in the coming months. We generated eight small bags of trash, so you can see we were busy.

Who is going to get a friend or two to help with the next workday for OCC at FBC,K? I’ll be waiting to hear from someone….

We are using used medicine bottles for some kits for OCC. We would appreciate you saving, washing, and removing labels to help us out. You can bring these to church for me.

If you have items that you purchased for OCC, you may leave them in the classroom next to the choir room, in one of the totes with a big red bow, or in the church office. You can also hand them to Beth Lee, Wanda Smith, or me when you see us at church. Thanks for all your support.

What opportunity will you use today to say or do something to share Jesus with others?

Anna Lee

Wednesday

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Dr Ajanette Varnado is having cancer surgery today, please pray for her and her family

Shared by a TPL reader

We will certainly want to pray for her and her family today.

Milton “Buddy” Bel

January 26, 1945 – January 12, 2020

Milton Duaine “Buddy” Bel, mayor and lifelong resident of Amite, passed away at the age of 74 on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at North Oaks Medical Center. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and he, along with his wife, owned Cabby’s Restaurant for over 20 years. He was previously elected as a school board member and Amite City council member. Buddy was preceded in death by parents, Milton J. Bel and Gwen Evans Bel; brother, Richard; and brother-in-law, Dick Toups; nephews, Taylor Bel and Scott Toups. He is survived by his wife, Claire Anderson Bel; daughters, Leigh Anne Bel Lambert, Megan Bel Miller (Joel), and Molly Bel (Danny Strickland); sister, Betty Jo Toups; brother, Patrick Bel (Elena); and grandchildren, Marie, Hunter, and Jaden Lambert, and Parker and Caroline Miller. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 8 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amite First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice, in memory of Buddy Bel.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 15

Genesis 31:17-32:12
Matthew 10:24-11:6
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 3:16-18

Don’t forget to bring extra 2020 calendars for the Tangipahoa Parish Jail ministry.

I worked on the donations for Operation Christmas Child yesterday. I will post a running total after the end of the month. You can leave your donations in the classroom next to the choir room or in one of the totes in the fellowship hall or under the stairwell to the balcony.

Looking forward to some of God’s sunshine today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“We refuse to wear masks and play games.

We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes.

And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves.

Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.”

~2 Corinthians 4:2 The Message~

Donna Fay Miller continues to improve at home. Thank-you for your prayers for her and her family.

Buddy Morris is seeing his cardiologist this week in hopes of approval for surgery. He has already had one neck artery done.

George Pike will be having gamma knife surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia tomorrow morning. That is the surgery that made such a difference for me in 2011. Pray with the family that George also has good results.

Buddy Bel, mayor of Amite, passed away yesterday afternoon. Please be in prayer for his family.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 13

Genesis 28:1-29:35
Matthew 9:18-38
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 3:11-12

Last night at church, I heard some reports that some classes are doing well with their January collections for Operation Christmas Child. I’m excited and thankful. We have two more Sundays in January!

Do you and a friend or two want to plan an Operation Christmas Child project day, morning, or afternoon? Let me know. I can supply everything we need or you can bring what you want to. Ideas: crochet party, painting shoeboxes, making bead dolls, making matching games, tote bags for marbles, cutting out for sewing day, etc. You may come up with your own idea.

I don’t do many things with an eye on the weather, but using my computer has become one thing that can be determined by the weather. I think I will post this before the rain comes back this morning. Have a great day, despite the rain!

Anna Lee