He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:3~

Donna Fay Miller is home from the hospital . Please continue to pray for her as she progresses through her recovery. Thank you

Firma Kay

Pray for my cousin Scott, who lives in Shreveport. He has Huntington’s disease. The past few days he has been hospitalized and has developed an infection. Pray it can quickly be cleared up. I usually call him my Texas cousin, but the family has moved east a little bit. Pray for Scott’s wife, Brenda, as she carries a big load for Scott and others in the family.

Read the Bible in 2020: Day 12

Genesis 26:17-27:46
Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 3:9-10

Join me in thanking God for protection for our area during the storm.

Pray for our country as we face another difficult week. Ask God to guide the politicians and other people in a way that they can work together again.

Anna Lee

Friday

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

~Ezekiel 11:19~

I don’t plan to turn this site into a daily weather report, but know we can possibly have some bad weather in the next few days. Stay alert. Pray for all the people who will be affected by this front moving through our area.

Mrs. Annaliese Neal – Corrected information. Mrs. Annaliese was taken to Hood Hospital for tests and released to go home.

Donna Fay Miller is now a patient at Ochsner on O’Neal in Baton Rouge. Please add her to your prayer list.

Buddy Bel, Amite’s mayor, fell night before last and is now hospitalized at North Oaks with a concussion. Please pray for him.

Larry Bankston is doing better and may be released from North Oaks to go home Saturday or Sunday. Pray for him to continue to improve.

Read the Bible in 2020 – December 10th

Genesis 23:1-24:51
Matthew 8:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 3:1-6

It’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Operation Christmas Child! David and I missed out on so much last year when he was not healthy, but are making up for lost time this year. We have had some good help already this year. If you have a couple of hours to give, please let us know. We’ll plan to meet with you and work together. If you are available to shop, check the list on the bulletin and happy shopping. Thanks to those of you who shopped the first week and already turned in some items. I pray this is our best year of shoeboxes ever! Last year’s 415 boxes X 7 people each one influences = 2,905 people who had an opportunity to learn about and grow to love Jesus. The possibility for more people being influenced is up to each of us!

Quote from Andy Stanley:

“You have no idea the number of people that God may want to influence through you.”

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“People who promise things they never give

are like clouds and wind that bring no rain.”

~Proverbs 25:14 GNT~

Please add Larry Bankston of Roseland to your prayer list. He is in ICU at North Oaks.

David‘s blood level was 9.1 yesterday. He got his Procrit injection and is lined up for another one last week. That number is lower than it has been in recent weeks, but higher than it was for many months. David surprised another nurse practitioner who saw him in the hallway. She was shocked to see him with a cane, not a walker! God has been so good to us! Thanks for your many prayers.

Read the Bible – Day 8 of 2020

Genesis 18:16 – 19:38
Matthew 6:25 – 7:14
Psalm 8: 1-9
Proverbs 8:6-15

https://oneyearbibleonline.com/nltaudio/?nltdt=0108

As we consider the problems in the Middle East today, let us focus on Joshua 1:9.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” NIV

This lets us know that NOW is a good time to pray for our country!

Our trips to Ochsner in Baton Rouge have allowed us to stop and shop some for Operation Christmas Child. That’s like “taking lemons and making lemonade”!

Enjoy the change of temperatures today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Today I am giving you a choice.

You can choose life and success or death and disaster.

I am commanding you to be loyal to the LORD, to live the way he has told you, and to obey his laws and teachings.

You are about to cross the Jordan River and take the land that he is giving you.

If you obey him, you will live and become successful and powerful.”

~Deuteronomy 30:15-16~

Randy and Melody Walker are asking for prayers as they await results of a MRI to be done tomorrow. Their 16 year old daughter, Leah Grace, who has already had a brain tumor removed will be the patient. She had not problems following the original surgery.

There is much sickness and several procedures happening for friends and family. Please be thankful if you are healthy and prayerful for those who have problems.

Sunday morning, we stayed home to miss the big crowd due to David’s fragile health, but were watching the live broadcast. We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the service that way. We are thankful for another couple joining our church Sunday. Next Sunday, the service will begin with another baptism. Way to go, God!

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 7

Genesis 16:1 – 18:15
Matthew 6: 1-24
Psalm 7: 1-17
Proverbs 2: 1-5

Thanks to the Sunday School classes/individuals who have made their plans and started to shop for Operation Christmas Child. I hope the participation will help people understand how they can be missionaries to children/families in other parts of the world.

I realize many people don’t sleep at night. Let’s pray for them to get the rest they need at night to function as necessary during the day.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“May [God] keep us centered and devoted to him,

following the life path that he has cleared,

watching the signposts,

walking at the pace and rhythms

he laid down for our ancestors.”

~1 Kings 8:58 The Message~

Read your Bible in 2020 – Day 5

Genesis 11:1 – 13:4
Matthew 5: 1-26
Psalm 5: 1-12
Proverbs 1: 24-28

Several people have important appointments/procedures next week. Keep them covered with your prayers.

Smiley Conerly
Ferrie Gene Blackmon
Donald “Red” Alford

Ida Mae Lindsey Carter

November 30, 1934 – January 03, 2020

Ida Mae Lindsey Carter, a resident of Kentwood, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born November 30, 1934 in Kentwood and was 85 years old. She is survived by her sisters, Margaret Cutrer, Thelma Guillory, Betty Howell and husband, James “Buddy” Howell, and Virgie Slaven; aunt, Pearline Smith; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Louella and William Lindsey, II; husband, Daniel Leroy Carter; sisters, Geneva Wall and husband, Daniel Wall; Viola Bennett, Bessie Travis, and Tempee Williams; brother, William Lindsey, III, and wife, Mae; and numerous aunts and uncles; nieces, Sharon Howell, Barbara Jean Lindsey, and Chrissie Garner; nephew, Clarence Lindsey; great-niece, Melissa Ricks; great-nephews, Sidney Ricks, Jr. and Hunter McGregor. The family would like to thank Tommy Simmons, Kentwood Fire Department and the staff at North Oaks Medical Center for their help during this time. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, January 6, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Week one of our Operation Christmas Child focus is changing into week two. I trust you have/will donate money or the suggested item for your class/age group. You have all month to contribute as the Lord leads you. Don’t try to reach for a certain number. Just do what God leads you to do. It’s not about us! It’s about the recipients of the shoeboxes and their introduction to Jesus. How important is that to you? This is one way we can all be missionaries! I’m thankful to say that David is feeling stronger now and has been helping me shop and open packages for OCC. We both love this opportunity and make it a twelve month per year project at our house. Get involved and get excited! Think of the children and their families who will be impacted by out “shoeboxes”!

Have a great Lord’s Day!

“May [God] keep us centered….”

Anna Lee

Saturday

“May [God] keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path that he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.”

~1 Kings 8:58 The Message~

Daily Bible Readings for Saturday, January 4

Genesis 5:1 – 10: 32
Matthew 4: 12-25
Psalm 4: 1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23

A large number of people at FBC, Kentwood picked up a daily Bible reading guide. There were only a couple left yesterday, so more were printed and are now available. I’m thankful that many are interested in reading together this year. Let’s keep it up for the entire year. If you miss a day, just read extra the next day. If you didn’t start yet, it’s not too late, You can get a copy of the plan Sunday and make Sunday day one or read a little extra each day for about a week and be caught up by this time next week. It doesn’t even matter if you choose to read at a slower pace as long as you choose to read your Bible. Remember, extra copies are available at church for those who didn’t get one yet.

My sister, Julie, and I worked on cutting and sewing the cutest wash cloths I have ever seen yesterday. We made 182 before running out of fabric. I’ll be purchasing more soon. Who would want a plain wash cloth when they can have a colorful one with dogs, balls, etc.? We also made them in varying sizes for the three different age groups. I think they will be a big hit! We will be working again in two weeks to make more so we will have enough for all the “shoeboxes” we pack.

I also was able to make a number of matching games yesterday. I didn’t get a count yet. I love the idea of working together to make items that will lead to boys and girls learn about Jesus. Isn’t it wonderful how God can use simple things like washcloths, games, tooth brushes, school supplies, and even soap to help introduce children around the world to Jesus? Remember, each “shoebox” impacts and average of seven lives for Jesus!

You can be a part of this ministry too. Let me know how you want to contribute – items, shopping time, labor, funds. I will also be happy to show any of you our project/storage room. It will bring a smile to your face. I know it did for my sister yesterday. It is very rewarding to us to realize the eternal value of this mission project.

Please be in prayer for this ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. It has grown so much and now reaches out to more and more people each year. It’s easy and very rewarding to be a tiny part of sharing Jesus with others. If you know of anyone who needs help getting started packing “shoeboxes”, I will be glad to help them get started.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Bro. Joe Baugh has a saying he uses to encourage people to get involved. It goes something like this: “If you are not excited about ________. your firewood must be wet!”

I love telling others about Jesus. Our mission is to go and tell. I think “shoeboxes” do an excellent joy of giving us an unlimited opportunity to go and to tell.

Anna Lee

Friday

It’s smart to be patient.”

~Proverbs 14:29 CEV~

Donald “Red” Alford is home again after spending several more days in St. Tammany. His oncology visit has been postponed for a couple weeks. Please pray for Donald and his family as they make adjustments at home for him.

God Is Using a Small Texas Church to Bless Many Thousands of Children

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/god-is-using-a-small-texas-church-to-bless-many-thousands-of-children/?utm_source=OCCFacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_YOCC-20SM&utm_content=010220_link_ARTICLE_brumbelows&fbclid=IwAR2NtVE4ERoPjsbkQFxFTEu2qQpqBI-b70DE7kRfmuSrpAi1aBkdteqOA50

The Greatest Journey

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/tgj-game-app/?utm_source=OCCFacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_YOCC-20SM&utm_content=10220_link_APP_greatest-journey-announcement&fbclid=IwAR28h1EI0sPRVXx8CbxnjjZCEvzVHWQnmYHJ4GFQqPW6zg4e54MnuVfP69A

Read the Bible in 2020 – Day 3

Genesis 5:1 – 7: 24
Matthew 3: 7 – 4: 11
Psalm 3: 1-8
Proverbs 1: 10-19

I pulled out an old Bible to use for my readings this year and purchased some fine-point colored pins to underline, circle, star, etc. That method keeps me fully involved in reading and learning.

David and I shopped briefly yesterday and found some 2019 calendars. I will cut the pictures and place them inside the cover of the shoeboxes. If you are capable of cutting and gluing paper, let me know when you are available to help. Today, my sister and I are planning to make washcloths for all the shoeboxes. I’m looking forward to our work today.

It’s smart to be patient.”

~Proverbs 14:29 CEV~

How are you wisely and patiently using your time for others?

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“There is a right time and a right way to do everything, but we know so little.”

~Ecclesiastes 8:6 GNT~

Please add our long-time friend, Bruce Fussell, to your prayer list. Bruce grew up in Roseland and graduated from AHS. He has lived in Livingston for many years. We happened to see his wife, Dorothy, my classmate, in Walker yesterday. Bruce is dealing with several health issues now.

Little Jules Tanksley is out of Children’s Hospital and back in the Sixth Ward. Doctors identified her problem as minor and something she will outgrow. Thank-you for praying for Jules and her family.

Scripture Writing for December 31st – Choose your own verse to close out this year.

Thanks for the prayers for others today. I think that is a great way to end 2019 and begin 2020.

Pick out the version of the Bible and the specific Bible you will read as we read the whole Bible in 2020. I will be using a children’s version in NIV that I bought a few years ago.

David and I shopped for Operation Christmas Child yesterday and loved every minute. I hope you learn to enjoy it as much as we do.

Anna Lee

Sunday

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~

Scripture Writing for December 29 – James 1: 16-18

Starting on January 1st, I will begin a new year of reading the Bible all the way through. I hope you will join me. Copies will be available at FBC this morning. They will be printed on colored card stock so they will hold up well and be easy to locate in your Bible. If you cannot read all the Scriptures for a day, choose to write part of it each day. I will be sharing passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day. You may want to use the plan and just read through one of these this year, one next year, etc. If you have never read the Bible through, 2020 will be a great year to do so.

David and I are so excited about Operation Christmas Child for 2020. If you want to help us open, sort, organize, craft, etc., let me know when you are available to help. There is always something to do from now until the boxes leave Kentwood just before Thanksgiving. If you have a serger sewing machine and would like to help with a project let me know. You can bring it to church and work with us Friday, choose another day to work, or work from home on your own schedule. Let me know….

The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.

This is one of my favorite sayings. I find it truthful and lasting! May 2020 be the year we focus on others in many ways and not ourselves!

Anna Lee

Saturday

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:11-12

Scripture Writing for December 28 – Philippians 2: 9-11

LSU long snapper ‘doing sports God’s way’ – http://bpnews.net/54103/lsu-long-snapper-doing-sports-gods-way

Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday was a good afternoon for OCC work with two young friends. They made matching games for almost thirty boys and girls, opened packs of pencils, counted items already collected, etc. I love to train them to do OCC work. They plan to take my place in a few years!
Another joy is watching someone catch the vision and finding what they can do for OCC. David’s nurse has been purchasing items for shoeboxes in discount stores. She is helping fill my bins with pencils for next fall. Last year, she purchased spiral notebooks, pencils, and crayons which have already been sent to children.
One of the joys of doing OCC work at church is working with others on projects. Next week, my sister will be helping make washcloths. When do you want to set up a date for an OCC project? What do you enjoy doing?
David has always been a big supporter of OCC. Last year, he was not able to help, but this year he has already given many hours letting me shop for OCC on the way home from the doctor, putting together shelving for the storeroom, and his favorite – opening numerous packages of items I buy in quantity. Even with his health issues, he has found what he can do and gladly does it because he has seen boys and girls receive the shoeboxes and will never forget their joy. Knowing they get introduced to Jesus is priceless!
I would love to share this joy with any of you who want to get involved in this mission project at your church or at FBC, Kentwood. What a blessing it has been to me personally!

Have a wonderful Saturday! Keep your eyes open to the opportunities God has for you!

Anna Lee