Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6~

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – James 5: 10-11

Please pray for Bro. Ernest Graham and two others from East Fork Baptist Church as they do mission work in Canada this week. Pray those they minister to will have their eyes and hearts open to Jesus.

Barbara Dale Travis Carter

May 15, 1954 – July 19, 2019

Barbara Dale Travis Carter died Friday July 19, 2019 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center of Covington. She was 65, a native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana and a long-time resident of Franklinton, Louisiana. Barbara was a graduate of Greensburg High School, Southeastern Louisiana University, and LSU Law School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Huey Marvin Travis and Araminta (“Polly”) Bennett Travis; and her sister Connie Kathleen Travis Jenkins. She is survived by her husband Clay Alston Carter; her son Lee Alston Carter, daughter-in-law Annie Cazenave Carter, and grandson Jackson Thomas Carter; son Thomas Travis Carter; sister Valerie Suzanne Travis Lane; and brother Huey Marvin (“Bubba”) Travis. Barbara was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton. Her love for her community was only surpassed by her love for her family. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana with religious services to follow conducted by Rev. Brian Ridgedell. Burial will follow in the Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton at 1015 Cleveland St., Franklinton, LA 70438. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I know I have been sharing about the Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes” lately. I do so because I believe in sharing the gospel. “Shoeboxes” have proven to be an effective outreach to many, many children each year. Today, I am going to ask you to commit to making some purchases for OCC this week. I ask you to purchase school supplies for boys and girls who are between the ages of 2 and 14. This site, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/, will be helpful in guiding you this week. I like to buy multiple items of several different categories when I shop. You may find you enjoy buying for one boy or girl, but want to buy everything they will need. The choice is yours. Don’t think two year olds are too young for school supplies. Think of thick crayons, coloring books, blank paper, pencils, water colors, rounded scissors, glue sticks, etc. Bring your purchases to the church office by next Sunday morning. I will be grateful for your purchases and excited for the children who will receive the boxes and have an opportunity to learn about Jesus, much like our local boys and girls do at Sunday School.

This is my challenge to you this week. Get out and enjoy shopping for school supplies for a child or children from very disadvantaged countries. Let’s work together to make this world a better place for others. Let’s work together to help others learn about Jesus. One week! School supplies!

If FBC, Kentwood is not your church, find out how your church, school, organization, etc. is working to help. You can work through another group or you can help us in Kentwood.

I’m thankful to report that David is better than he was a few months ago and a year ago. He has been able to sit and help unpackage items, sort items, create useful items, etc. I feel so blessed that he can help now. Ask him about helping our son-in-law give out shoeboxes in Romania a few years ago. He has some awesome stories to share. He and I are firm believers in this Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse project. I hope you will want to join us again or for the first time.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

Bill Frazier‘s neck surgery went well yesterday. Pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

A small church in our association is again sending s mission team to another country. This trip will include 14 mission volunteers and lots of support from others who cannot make the trip. They are small in size, but BIG on missions!

Tangipahoa Baptist Church is also sending a mission team to a central American country. I got this information verbally and do not have an exact number of those going. I did learn the church gathering items to send. I’ll post a list of items if I can get one.

V.R. “Cuestick” Blades, Jr.

August 12, 1933 – July 15, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019 at his home. He was born August 12, 1933 in Greenlaw, LA and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Shelia Anderson; 2 sons, Gary Blades and James Allen Blades; 2 sisters, Evelyn Glenn and Pearline Coker; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Dunn Blades; his mom, Annie Rhodes Blades; his dad, Vernie Red Blades, Sr.; 1 son, Brian Scott Blades; and 1 daughter, Rebecca Blades. Interment was held at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarity Hospice. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – James 5: 7-9

Operation Christmas Child in very important to me. I am enjoying some time shopping and gathering as well as unpackaging and organizing. Let me know if you want to help in any way – purchasing, crafting, organizing,

A neighbor brought me three bags of medicine and baby food containers she washed and prepared for packaging small items. A lady gave me money for fishing supplies. I bought some items needed and look forward to packaging for boys to enjoy using. Another lady gave me money to shop with. I bought pencils and pens with her money. One class at church has purchased bandanas and stuffed animals. A lady gave me some handmade stuffed animals. Another lady drew faces on them.

Do you need me to shop for you? Do you need me to give you suggestions for your purchases? If so, Walmart has one subject composition books for a quarter. It certainly would be helpful if some of you would purchase boxes for these while they are on sale. Do the math. That is a good deal on notebooks. You can leave your purchases in the church office or in the classroom by the choir room.

I can always use more craft items like beads, school supplies like highlighters, crayons, and markers, and soap and washcloths. We open the soap and let it harden so it doesn’t mold and so it will last longer. I certainly have learned lots of tricks.

If you have time and a pair of scissors, I can always use help cutting t-shirts to make jump ropes. I think there is an opportunity for everyone.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves torment.

But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

~1 John 4:18~

I have three good reports to share today.

Carol Bennett Sealey is again improving. This lady is a fighter!
Adrian Phillips – “All was good at Heart Dr today Next goes to Oral Surgeon to have all teeth pulled before he goes to have Heart Valve Surgery His stents are doing good.”
David‘s blood count was up to 7.7. The nurse practitioner said David will get a larger does of Procrit next week which should help his blood build itself up.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

Look for some bargain buys today for the “shoeboxes” we will pack in a couple of months as part of Operation Christmas Child.

There are churches having VBS this week. Get the kids involved, especially if they have not had the opportunity to another VBS this year.

Have a great day as you make someone’s day brighter.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.”

~Mark 12: 30-31~

This day will be a good day to practice these verses.

Fay Chadwick Todd is doing well following surgery. She thanks those who prayed for her.

The storm, Barry, is still around and still forecasted to bring us a lot of rain today. I know some churches have cancelled services for today. Other churches have adjusted schedules. Some churches will have church as usual. Other churches have not made a decision yet. Be sure you are aware of your church’s schedule.

I don’t know of any flooding or serious problems in our area. I do know that the Baptist Disaster Relief will be busy helping people who have damage. I did read about one church that had roof damage.

Are you able to help? Are you willing to help?

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Peter 2: 19-23

Need some interesting reading today? Try Thom Rainer’s blog.

https://thomrainer.com/blog/

Thankful to have electricity this morning! Thankful to have water! Thankful to have a roof! Thankful to be safe and dry!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”

~Romans 10:9-10 NLT~

Please pray for Tommy Strickland and family as the search continues for Tessie in Colorado. Also, pray for safety for those who are searching for her.

Almost two weeks later, woman swept away in stream remains missing

https://pinerivertimes.com/articles/106705

Please pray for my lifelong friend, Fay Chadwick Todd, from Roseland. She is having surgery today in Baton Rouge. Fay and her family will appreciate your prayers.

David has seen doctors Monday and Tuesday. He is “hanging in there”. Yesterday, his blood level was 7.6. He got the Procrit injection.

Madison was back here last night. Jennie and Madison are “On the Road Again” traveling to Texas. Pray they have a good traveling day.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Ecclesiastes 3: 11-14.

Ladies, don’t forget to mark you calendars for Monday so you will be in Spring Creek for the Two River’s Quarterly WMU meeting. Janie Wise will be there!

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.

But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them . . . I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’”

~Nehemiah 1:8-9 NLT~

Beth Graham Lee gave a gift with numerous items for boys and girls to Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood in honor of David. I thought that was great for OCC and certainly an honor because David firmly believes in OCC because in addition to the gifts they receive, boys and girls around the world in the poorest countries have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I think I will have to package some gifts in honor of some people. You may want to do the same. I will place the package from Beth on display so you can see it and get some ideas. School supplies, small games, small puzzles, jump ropes, brushes, plastic dishes, spoons, toothbrushes, flashlights, and other small items would be perfect items to pack.

Scripture Writing Plan – Psalm 25:1-5

Janie Wise, the Louisiana WMU director, will be speaking at the WMU meeting at Spring Creek next Monday morning at 10. Make a special effort to meet this sweet lady who loves Jesus and loves missions. She’ll bless your heart.

Let’s get busy and see how many people we can honor by giving gifts to OCC this year.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

~Isaiah 61:1~

Great news to share this morning. Carol Bennett Sealey has been moved to rehab and dialysis. Please continue to pray for Carol and her family.

Jimmy R. Williams is at Lakeview hospital with a possible heart attack. Testing is being done. Please pray for Jimmy and Linda.

Mr. John Phillips is still in rehab. Pray for him as he continues to improve following two broken arms.

There is no news about Tessie Strickland this morning. Keep praying!

Heather Miller is home from her Ukraine trip. Pray for her as she continues to serve where God sends her.

Matt and Shea Williams are beginning a long journey to Mississippi where they will be staying for a while. Pray for them as they travel and get to spend some time with family.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 62: 5-8

Coming soon – Two Rivers Associational Meeting – July 15th at Spring Creek

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

The Lord’s Day

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

~Galatians 5:1~

Pray for the mission team from Line Creek Baptist Church as they leave for Houston today.

Pray for friends from Alabama who are in Mexico on a mission trip. Part of their work there is rebuilding storm damaged church property.

Please add Lisa Taylor back to your prayer list. She went home from the hospital Tuesday and has developed issues that have her back at North Oaks.

Tessie Strickland is still missing. Keep praying! As you pray for her, please pray for safety for the rescue teams and for peace and comfort for the family.

It’s the fifth Sunday of the month. Many area churches are having special music, food, and other activities. Join in and be blessed.

Some churches are concluding VBS. Others are beginning. I love to hear boys and girls tell of their time in VBS. Churches are doing a wonderful job this year, as always.

Youth from some churches have returned from camp. Other youth are leaving for camp. Hearts are touched and lives changed forever. Pray for each one.

Scripture Writing Plan – Romans 8: 28-32

May this Sunday be a blessing to you! May you be a blessing to others today!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Be on your guard;

stand firm in the faith;

be courageous;

be strong.

~1 Corinthians 16:13~

Sandra Hughes‘ hip surgery went well. Please keep her in your prayers as she goes through rehab.

Gaylon Cutrer had a good week after a rough time the week before. Pray for him as he has his regular Monday and Tuesday appointments this week. Pray for “Miss” Ruth as she is his primary caregiver.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I an in Christ” – Philippians 3: 20-21

Line Creek in having Youth Sunday today.

Spring Creek is having lunch to benefit the youth today. Lunch is $10.00.

Don’t forger the 8:00 A.M. breakfast at Pine Ridge this morning. Enjoy the buffet and help meet a need of someone in the community.

Anna Lee

Saturday

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.”

~Joshua 1:9~

Jane Blades is back in the community. Additional testing did not show a heart problem. She has a new medication and an appointment with her cardiologist.

Mr. Frank Erwin had another procedure yesterday that will hopefully help him. He and “Miss” Barbara will appreciate your prayers.

Bryan Tate has completed another phase of treatment at MD Anderson. Pray for him and Rita as they get to spend more time at home and less time in the hospital.

The Hatchels who flew into the country Tuesday have now driven to Kentwood. Granddaddy and I were so thrilled to see them. Four years since seeing three of them is too long! We will be having a good time together.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will have their monthly breakfast Sunday morning at 8:00 A.M. You are invited to join them for a delicious buffet and donate to a worthy cause they have chosen to support this month.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Matthew 5:13=16.

Please continue to pray for the youth of FBC, Kentwood as they continue to be at camp at Ridgecrest in North Carolina.

Several churches has very successful Vacation Bible Schools this week. If you have children who are interested in one to the coming week, I’m sure there will be one or more to choose from.

I’m so thankful for all of you who pray for these and other needs. You make a difference!

Anna Lee