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

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

Thursday

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”

~Proverbs 3:27 NLT~

K.K.’s update on Josiah Huckaby

Happy baby
Weaning off some of his medications
Soon to be three
Starting school when he turns three
Happy and smiling

Little Adrian Strickland will soon be home. Doctors at CHNO took care of his dental issues.

Jules Tanksley is home from CHNO. She received beads representing all she has been through at the hospital.

Donald Alford does not fit the same age category as they three I already listed. Donald was called back to the hospital Tuesday and has been undergoing texts and observations there. He should be able to return home today. Please continue to pray for Donald and his family.

Read the Bible in 2020

January 2

Genesis 3: 1-4, 26
Matthew 2: 13 – 3:6
Psalm 2: 1-12
Proverbs 1: 7-9

I’m stopping now because of the weather. Hopefully, this will post.

Anna Lee

1-1-20

“When you make a promise to God,

keep it as quickly as possible.”

~Ecclesiastes 5:4 GNT~

Mrs. Barbara Gill is doing well. She’s still in Our Lady of the Lake and looking ahead to some time in rehab. Keep remembering her in your prayers, please.

Pray for Sharon Phillips. She is in St. Tammany and expecting to have pacemaker surgery tomorrow.

Your prayers for “Little Adrian” Strickland will be appreciated. He has been moved from McComb to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. Join the family in praying for this little guy.

Elizabeth Carol New

December 21, 1945 – December 28, 2019

Elizabeth Carol New passed away on Saturday December 28, 2019 at the age of 74. She was born and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana and was a graduate of Kentwood High School class of 1963.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Lucille “Bootsie” New, and her sister and brother-in-law, Flora Lee and Jules Hatcher.

She is survived by her niece, Julee Hatcher, and her daughter and granddaughter, Madison McDonald and Lucille VanMieghem, all of Lafayette, La, as well as her nephew, Jeff Hatcher, his wife, Julia Hatcher and their children, J.C. Hatcher and Eliza Hatcher, all of Badger, Iowa.

Also left to cherish her memory is her friend, Michelle Forrest, and her children and grandchildren, without whom “Libba Carol” would have been lost. Michelle provided so much beyond just friendship and love and our family is forever grateful.

As it was her wish to be cremated, no funeral services will be planned at this time. A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later date.

New Orleans’ Baptist Friendship House Marks 75 Years

http://www.bpnews.net/54110/new-orleans-baptist-friendship-house-marks-75-years?fbclid=IwAR2zIIRxT7vfSH4FOcCf2SehQzQN_QdK_QYCZNu_KfToH3ILJEMkclFsELg

“If you have all that you need and see someone else in need and do not reach out to them, how can the love of God be in you? Let us not love merely through words and tongue but in action and in truth,” I John 3:17-18

Today, we begin a new round of “Read Your Bible Through this Year”. It doesn’t matter whether or not you were successful in the past. I have completed a full year and failed to complete a full year. Do your best to read each day! Remember, you can get a copy of this plan when the FBC, Kentwood office opens in the morning or Sunday at regular services.

January 1

Genesis 1:1 – 2:25
Matthew 1:1 – 2: 12
Psalm 1: 1 – 6
Proverbs 1: 1-6

We don’t know what 2020 holds for us, but we do know who holds our hand as we travel through this new year. He will be 100% faithful to us! Let’s do our best to remain faithful to Him.

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

Monday

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

~Psalm 119:165~

Scripture Writing for December 30th – Titus 3: 3-7

Read the Bible in 2020 – You can pick up your copy of the Scripture references for January through April at FBC, Kentwood. Ask for the yellow copies in the church sanctuary. Get your paper now so you will be ready to read on the 1st. I will be posting each day for those who choose not to get a paper of their own. How many of us will complete the readings this year? I know I have finished some years and other years dropped off during the year. Even then, I was glad I had read the portion of the Bible I read. There is never a failure when you read God’s Word!

Please continue to pray for Donald “Red” Alford. His next scheduled appointment is January 7th.

Pray for Dennis “Big D” Price. He is fighting some blood clots and a-fib. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Thank-you for reading and praying.

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 Additions

Mrs. Barbara Gill fell requiring hip replacement surgery in Baton Rouge this morning. Please pray for her as she faces the recovery/rehab process.

Little Jules Tanksley was admitted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Her heart seems to be fine. Pray for the doctors as they work to identify the problem. Pray for the family as they await some answers.

Elizabeth Carol New passed away this morning. There will be a memorial service for her at a later date.

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