Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Friday Afternoon

We are at home, not at the hospital for another retina surgery!  Ringing in my ears are the words “miracle” and “God” as spoken by Dr. O’Sullivan and a prayer spoken by David in the examination room with the doctor’s consent.  David has a lot of recovery to do, but thankfully we are not in the hospital preparing for retina surgery on the left eye tonight.  The doctor said, “Surely you had a lot of people praying for you!”.  We had to agree.  Thanks so much to each of you.  It’s not often one person can have two different doctors dealing with two different health issues give full credit to God and speak of a “miracle”.  I heard those words twice this year concerning David.  I know God wants to continue to use him.

Friday

Lord, let your ear be attentive

to the prayer of this your servant

and to the prayer of your servants

who delight in revering your name.

Give your servant success today

by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

I was cupbearer to the king.

~Nehemiah 1:11~

 

Mr. Harlon Toney was being released from the hospital in Lacombe when I called yesterday afternoon.  Pray for his health to continue to improve.

 

Scripture Writing – Psalm 121:5-8
Our Daily Bread – “How to Carve a Duck” – https://odb.org/2016/09/02/how-to-carve-a-duck/
Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Thank-you for reading and praying today.
Anna Lee

 

Thursday Afternoon

We made it to Slidell and back.  The surgery reattached the retina in the right eye.  When we see the specialist tomorrow, he will make a decision about doing the same to the other eye.  He said it was a 50/50 possibility at this time.  If so, the surgery will be done in New Orleans tomorrow night.

David is home and face down in a styrofoam cube for the next two weeks.  Please give him some time to overcome all the trauma to his eyes.  He took a pain pill and is trying to rest in a very uncomfortable position.

David and I thank you for your many prayers.  Please stick with us in the coming days.  We can do this with God’s help and your prayers.

Thursday

It’s been a long do, so I am going to be brief and post this early.

Mrs. Lillian Creel Brister has had a stroke and surgery.  Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

David is having retina issues with both eyes.  He had laser surgery on one and will have surgery on the other eye in Slidell in the morning.  Pray for Dr. O’Sullivan as he works with David tomorrow.

Scripture Writing – Psalm 121:1-4

 

Tuesday

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands

~Psalm 19:1~

Are you a cloud watcher?  I am when we are riding.  Many of you are when you have a camera, especially when there is a rainbow or two in the sky.  The clouds and rainbows are symbols that remind many of us of the work of the Lord.  Take some time today to notice God’s creations today.

 

Many people, both victims and volunteers, are tired both physically and emotionally.  Do something today to help out in some way.  As people struggle to deal with the flood damage, life also goes on in other ways.  Today, my request is for prayer for one such victim.  Sharon Courtney of Holden and her family had water to flood their home.  They have been working daily to overcome that.  Today, they will take a break for her to go to Ochsner in Jefferson to interview/apply for a liver transplant.  Yesterday, David was with his brother in Holden visiting some people who had flooded.  They visited the home of Larry and Sharon Courtney.  She needs a liver transplant.  David and I have a friend, Johnny Belgard, who is beginning to return to a more normal life, including teaching his Sunday School class at FBC, Amite, following a liver transplant.  David was able to share Johnny’s story as words of encouragement.  You never know when or how God will give you an opportunity.  Be “on your toes” for Him.

 

Scripture Writing – Proverbs 21:1-3

Baptist Press – Bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

Coming back to being a cloud watcher, David just told me about two of the Disaster Relief Leaders, Richard and Richard from FBC, Franklinton.  David said they went outside early to was the sunrise and the cows.  The men, the “white hat” and a “blue hat” focus on the sunrise as a part of their daily routine from the hill of The Lord’s Church.

Today, would be a good day to “Reach Out and Touch Someone”!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Our purpose is to please God, not people.

He alone examines the motives of our hearts”

~1 Thessalonians 2:4b NLT, 2nd ed.~

 

I forgot to tell you that another sister of Mrs. Mickey Cade passed away.  I know you will want to remember the family in your prayers.

Three members of the late Mrs. Wanzie Williams family are in need of our prayers.  They are Stan Williams, her older son, her sister, Julie Kay, and Julie Kay’s daughter.  The last one, Julie Kay’s daughter is especially ill.  Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Karen Miller’s grandson, Christian Smalley, was taken to the hospital because of a heart issue.  According to Bro. Joey yesterday afternoon, Christian apparently had a-fib which cleared when he was sedated for a conversion which became unnecessary.  He will be watched closely.  Christian seems otherwise healthy, so doctors think he will do well.

Please pray for Beverly “Doodle” Watson again.  Her disease has reappeared.  Pray for strength for a continued battle.

 

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A16-18&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “The Ultimate Road Trip” – http://odb.org/2016/08/29/the-ultimate-road-trip/
  • In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.                                                                                          ~ Isaiah 40:3~
  • “I Surrender All”

Looking ahead:

  • This is another good week to volunteer to help family, friends, and strangers recover from the flood.  We do not all have to tear our sheetrock.  There are ways we can help.  Check around.  Make yourself available.  God can use you.  You will be blessed even greater than those you are helping.  Call me TODAY to volunteer.  I promise you will be able to do these things.  Special thanks to those who have served for a short time or day after day.  Consider the Scriptures about the Good Samaritan who helped a stranger.  We have that opportunity many times over.
  • The children’s missions classes will be working on mission projects this week.  They will help with Operation Christmas Child Wednesday night at 6.  It will be fun and teach the children so much.
  • Looking ahead, adults can help in a new way with Operation Christmas Child this year.  FBC, Kentwood will be a collection center.  We will meet with volunteers from other churches to learn about the collection process and our responsibilities.  You can call or see me to volunteer.  Our meeting will be at 10 A.M. on October 1st.  The collection days are November 14-21.
  • Bible Study continues on Friday mornings at 10 A.M.
  • Suggested items you can provide this week:
    • Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home – Dishwasher detergent, Disinfectant spray, and/or Dryer sheets.  These can be brought to the area under the stairwell at that office entrance to the church.
    • Suggested items for Operation Christmas Child – one or more small balls less than 3″ in diameter.  These can be brought to my Sunday School classroom.
  • The annual Georgia Barnette Offering emphasis will be Monday, September 5 at NZBC at 10 A.M.  A potluck lunch will follow the meeting.  Much money is coming into our area to help with flood relief.  All ladies are invited to come learn with us.

 

Thanks for allowing to come into your home with my thoughts and messages.  

Anna Lee

 

Friday

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in heaven.

~Matthew 5:16~

Has your light been shining, especially during the past two weeks?

Harrell Sharkey, Jr. received the better of two possible diagnoses that the doctors were considering.  I’m simplify the results by saying he does NOT have cancer.  He has something that is treatable with antibiotics and steroids for the remainder of his life.  Join lots of family and friends in thanking God for this diagnosis.

Annette W.  Kauffman is now feeling better and back at home.  Thank you for praying for her.

 

The flood clean-up and recovery is continuing and will continue for many months, possibly years.  I hope you have been involved in helping the victims and/or volunteers in some of the numerous ways available to us.  Thank God for all those who have left their homes and families daily or for long periods of time to help those they don’t know, but care about anyway.

 

Scripture Writing – 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

Operation Christmas Child Story  – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-kojo-and-a-yo-yo/

A few weeks ago I heard a lady talking about hearing Kojo speak in person.  She was so impressed with his story and the young man he has become because of his “shoebox”.  I challenge you to share this story with the children in your family, your church, etc.  You can print it out and read it or show the video.  Please hare this during the coming week.  Think of the blessing this story can be to our American children.  Help mold hearts to know how they can impact others.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

There are many opportunities to “Live(ing) for Jesus”  today.  

If you don’t know of any, please contact me, a disaster relief center, or a church actively working on a daily basis to help people in one of the biggest needs of a lifetime.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

~1 Chronicles 16:10~

Times of heartache are opportunities to help people in physical and spiritual ways.  This is certainly one of those times in Louisiana!

 

 

I have four people who have been very sick I want to suggest you pray for today.

  • Sherman Cutrer has been moved from Southwest to North Oaks Rehab.  He’s in room 1717 and can have visitors from 4 PM to 9 PM.
  • Annette Williams Kaufman, daughter of Rufus and Margie, has had stomach issues for several years.  She had again been admitted to the hospital for this problem.
  • Mary Estelle Raborn has been sick for quite a while.  She’s in specialty hospital in Hammond.  Please say a prayer to her this morning,
  • Justin Lambert continues to make small steps of improvement.  He recently got a wheelchair that allows him to spend some time outside.  Getting outside that hospital for brief periods of time surely was a boost to his spirits.

 

Scripture Writing – 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, Quotes, and a Song

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has completed a number of jobs in our area and is working again today in several places.  You are welcome to join them at 7 A.M. any morning at The Lord’s Church.  You do not have to be Baptist to receive help.  You only need to complete an application and have your problem evaluated.  People are coming from many churches.  People from many areas are giving.  People from our area are benefitting.  Don’t miss the opportunity to be blessed.

Find some opportunities and take advantage of this historic flooding to make an eternal difference in/for the people of our communities.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Watch to see where God is working

and join Him in His work.

~Henry Blackaby~

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

10 That is why, for Christ’s sake,

I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,

in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10~

 

Kristi Alford

Anna Lee would U Plz do a update on my grandchildren’s Mother Kristi Alford . She heard back from her labs concerning a mass they found on her pelvic which had a stem into her ovary . The Drs R discussing some form of treatment . She will know shortly seems as though they R leaning toward radiation . Thk U for adding her to the prayer link ..

Debi Bales wrote the above message.  George Bales gave James Rimes permission for me to say that Kristi is going to M.D. Anderson for treatment.  Please pray for Kristi, her family, and the great medical staff she will have in Houston.

Please continue to pray for Sherman Cutrer and his family.  Sherman is in McComb.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “When it rains, it pours”, that could describe the Sharkey family and all the health issues they have experienced lately.  Let’s “pour on” some prayer for them.

David’s eye issues/treatment seem to have gone on for a long time.  Today, he sees the cornea specialist to be sure the new lens is properly placed, removed some stitches, and check the overall health of his eye.  David has loved helping in flooded homes.  Pray he has not done anything or been exposed to anything that will slow down the healing process.

 

There were fifteen “young” ladies present to celebrate the birthdays of four ladies who were able to be with us yesterday: Frances Gay, Fay Shoemaker, Ferrie Gene Blackmon, and Sue Connelly.

Many flood victims find it hard to believe how people, like Southern Baptist Disaster volunteers, can give of their time freely and work so hard in homes of people they do not know and charge absolutely nothing!  I love to see so many of our churches and God’s people being the church throughout our state.  As Dr. Wendall Fortenberry of New Zion Baptist Church so often says, “To God be the glory”.

I’m so thankful for ladies who step up to do what they can in disaster relief.  They are eager to do their part.  I love the ladies’ sweet, generous spirit and generosity of time, talents, and money.  I suppose that deserves a “To God be the glory”.

Thanks to all who have shopped and shopped again for Operation Christmas Child.  We are making good progress.  Ladies will help with a “shoebox” project Friday and children will help next Wednesday.  Missions is coming alive through so many of you who have shopped and contributed.  God is pleased because the “shoeboxes” not only represent gifts, but also the opportunity to have Bible lessons.  They change young live eternally.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2: 12-16 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Do something that makes a difference today.  It is your mission project.  It can be a personal project or a group effort.  The main thing is to do something!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

In the same way,

faith by itself,

if it is not accompanied by action,

is dead.

~James 2:17~

With so many people working through different churches and organizations, I am happy to say faith in action abounds in our area.  One again, a Scripture so appropriate to our day, our area, and many of our churches has been waiting on my computer for me to post today.  I am so thankful to be here and see what many people/churches/organizations are doing.  The love of God abound is shown through the actions of so many.

If you have been helping, God bless you!

If you haven’t been helping, may God lead you to many opportunities to help.

Pray – Please pray for those working in homes. Pray for those traveling to being help.  Pray for those in other states who are giving and sending.  Pray for the leadership in organizations that do so much, especially those that share Jesus as they work.  May God watch over each one and bless them in each and every thing they do.

Give to worth causes.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A+7-11&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminders

  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at 11 A.M. this morning.
  • OCC item for this week at FBC, Kentwood – Jump Ropes  (Last week – Hats)  You can bring  your items to my Sunday School room on Sunday mornings.
  • Fall Food Roundup items for LA Baptist Children’s Home – This week – Condensed Milk, Cooking Oil, and Corn Meal (Last week – Bottled juice (apple, orange, grape, fruit punch), Chili w/o beans and Clorox)  You can leave your donations under the stairs that go upstairs at the office entrance.
  • Ladies’ Bible Study will meet at 10 Friday morning and continue John, chapter 9.  We will also spend a few minutes preparing some items for shipment in the OCC shoeboxes.
  • Children in Action and Mission Friends are bringing and offering each week.  This will be used in a project we choose monthly.  They are also doing a project each month.  Pray the children will learn the importance of missions and develop an love for doing missions.

As God calls you, be sure to listen.

Anna Lee