Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Thursday

“[God’s] intent was that now,

through the church,

the manifold wisdom of God should be made known …”

~Ephesians 3:10 NIV~

 

Jadon’s Story: Two more weeks!

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2011/12/2-more-weeks.html?spref=fb

Mrs. Pauline Strickland  is now in ICU at Baton Rouge General.  Her condition is still very serious.  The family requests your continued prayers.  Doctors fell they will be able to give the family more information Friday.

Susan Rimes is home and continues to do much better than expected.  She has been sick for several months, but hopefully will make good progress now.

Keep Renee Deck in your prayers as she faces another hospital stay and surgery.

Baptist Press (Always great reading)

http://www.bpnews.net/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Balkan Platforms

Overview: There is tremendous lostness in the Balkan region (Southern Europe). In many cases, legitimate access to these countries is very difficult. The right platforms provide not only that access, but natural (supernatural!) avenues for building relationships and sharing the gospel with people. The fervent prayer of IMB personnel in Kosovo, Bosnia, Greece, Albania, and Macedonia is that as development and educational projects are carried out under the auspices of these platforms that many people would come to faith and a wave of multiplying churches would be planted.

Strategic Ministries: Seminary, Non-Government Organization, Education, Health, Church Planting

‘Tis the season for giving and sharing!  Make Christmas special for someone who is not a relative!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

~Luke 2:15b, ESV~

Jesse Dean seems to be having a problem with his cumadin level.  Pray for him as another adjustment is made.

FBC, Kentwood will go Christmas caroling tonight.  As they do so, they will distribute gift bags.  May they bless many lives tonight.

I don’t normally mention birthdays and anniversaries, but I think we should take note of one today.  Mr. and Mrs. Joe (Othell) Williams are celebrating their 70th anniversary today.  What a blessing!

FBC, Kentwood will be receiving the gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at the special 10 A.M. service Christmas morning.  Here is an example of how funding is needed in Europe.

Abundant Gospel Sowing among European Peoples
Overview: Simply put, this project is about abundantly sowing God’s word among the European peoples. The overwhelming majority of Europeans have never held a Bible or heard it proclaimed. We will not see a great moving of God’s Spirit among Europeans apart from His word being heard, believed, and shared. Missionaries and partners will facilitate publication of Scripture, personally distribute and share Bibles, the Jesus film, MP3 oral format Bibles, and gospels.

Strategic Ministries: Internet, Radio, Literature, Orality, Discipleship, Church Planting

Baptist Press had several very good articles yesterday.  Spend a little time reading at http://www.bpnews.net 

WHAT WAS ELIJAH DOING?

A couple of stories to illustrate how our children explain what happened in the Bible:

A Sunday school teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem.  A young girl answered:  “Because they couldn’t get a babysitter.”

Another Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the prophet and his contest with the false prophets of Baal.  She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the bull in pieces and laid it upon the altar.  Then Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of  water and pour it over the altar.  He had them do this three times.  “Now,” said the teacher, “Can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord had Elijah pour water over the bull on the altar?”  A little girl in the back of the room raised her hand with great enthusiasm.  “To make the gravy.”

It was a good question.  Why DID the Lord tell Elijah to pour the water over the altar?  The answer is obvious (and it has nothing to do with gravy).  The Lord wanted to exhibit His power in an absolutely incredible manner.  When God was finished, no one was going to say, “Well, maybe Elijah used a flame he kept tucked away in his cloak.”  No!
The fire from the Lord burnt up the wet sacrifice, the soaked wood, and even the rocks used to build the altar!

If there is any lesson to be learned in this story, it is that our God is a powerful and awesome God!

Though we ourselves may not see displays of God’s power like what happened on Mount Carmel, it is comforting to know that the God who hears and answers our prayers is the God who has such power.

“Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!  We will sing and praise Your power.” (Psalm 21:13)

Praise be to our all-powerful and truly awesome God!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Give of yourself today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Updates

Mr. Jimmy Tolar is home and looking forward to Christmas with family. Thank God for good care that has him at home again.

Susan Rimes’ surgery went well, but she will still send the night at OLOL.  Thank God for removal of this last kidney stone.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier will begin treatment with a new doctor.  Pray this solves her problem and do so quickly.

Dorothy “Dotsy” Binder Konzelman
(September 16, 1932 – December 19, 2011)

Dorothy “Dotsy” Binder Konzelman was born September 16, 1932 and passed away at 4:33 p.m., Monday, December 19, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Mrs. “Dotsy” was 79, a native and resident of Amite.

Mrs. Dotsy was survived by 2 sons, Jackie Konzelman, Amite and Randy Konzelman and wife Ruth, Kentwood; 2 daughters, Julie K. Bennett and husband, Wayne, Amite and Carroll Jo K. Miller and husband, Lane, Kentwood; daughter -in-law, Cynthia Konzelman, Amite; 7 grandchildren, Kim Webb and husband Wil, Flora, MS, Brandon Blades, Amite, Mark Konzelman and wife Elizabeth, Osyka, MS, Shellie Miller, Kentwood, Lanny Miller, Kentwood, Sarah Konzelman, Kentwood and Matthew Konzelman, Kentwood; 3 great-grandchildren, Baylor Travis, Flora, MS, Emilee Webb, Flora, MS. and Manning Rhett Konzelman, Osyka, MS; brother, Fenwick Binder and wife Candy, Gonzales, LA; 2 sisters Veronica Kirby and husband Shelby, Greensburg and Gail Whitener and husband W.H., Amite; lifelong special family friend, Pete and Ann Danna, Amite; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John “Jack” Emile Konzelman, Jr.; son, Dennis Marshall Konzelman; parents Joseph H. and Nina Husser Binder; 4 brothers, Charles Binder, Sr., Leland Binder, Joseph Binder, Jr and Albert Binder.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the St. Helena Catholic Church on Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Father Mark Beard officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

Family request memorial donations be made in Mrs. “Dotsy” Memory to St. Helena Catholic Church Parking Lot Fund, 122 S. 1st Street, Amite, La 70422.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

 Mary Samson Ditcharo
(December 5, 1971 – December 19, 2011)

Mary Samson Ditcharo was born December 5, 1971 and passed away at 11:02 p.m., Monday, December 19, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was 40, a native of St. Louis, MO and a resident of Pine Grove.

Mary is survived by 2 children, Megan Ditcharo and Andrew Ditcharo both of Central; mother, Gwen Samson, Pine Grove; 2 sisters, Lindsay Carter and husband Matt, Denham Springs and Kristen McNanus and husband Chad, Ft. Worth, TX; brother, Chris Samson and wife Lisa, Gonzales; aunt, Toni Samson and husband Wick, Central; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her son, Nicholas Ditcharo; sister, Sharon Bush; father, Charles Ray Samson

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, December 23, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 1:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Mike Agnello officiating. Private Interment at a later date.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Tuesday

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

~Luke 2:14~

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland who is in Baton Rouge General and very sick. Pray for her family and all those caring for her.

Pray for Carol New today as she sees her doctor again and learns if she can have the next surgery yet.  She hopes so, because she is ready to begin walking again.  Pray all goes well at today’s appointment.

Mrs. Mickey Cade has surgery today.  Pray for the medical staff, “Miss” Mickey, and her family and friends.

Susan Rimes will be in OLOL on the large kidney stone that has been resistant to previous attempts to remove it.  Pray for success today and for a good recovery period for Susan.

Baptist Press: ‘Isaiah’ surprises seminary with chapel message

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36820

What a lesson in preaching!  I know the students will always remember the fine example set forth by the NOBTS professor.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Pray!

YANGON, MYANMAR. Throughout history, religious pilgrims have come to Yangon’s hilltop pagoda, bringing offerings and hoping for enlightenment. Black markets, karma, bamboo huts, paying homage to golden images define the daily routines of 6 million residents. Yangon is being intentionally engaged with God’s Word. Although, spiritual strongholds loom as high as the walls of the pagoda, these barriers can be broken. *Living Lord, may Your Spirit bring people to Your saving grace. *Creator God, reign in hearts of individuals so that You are worshiped as the One and only God.

Heart to Heart with Holley: The best gift this year

Hello Friend!

Have you been to the stores lately? I’ve seen the shelves piled high with gadgets, new styles, and the latest-whatever-you-want.

And I’m telling you, I think I’ve found the best gift this year.

It’s not available in retail locations, online or for $29.95 plus shipping and handling.

Can you lean in and listen close while I whisper this secret?

Psst…it’s you.

Or, really, Jesus in you.

Yes, my friend, you offer Him to the world in a way no one else can.And no one else ever will.

You are a one-of-a-kind original. Not replaceable or exchangeable.

Beautiful just as you are because of your Maker.

Designed just as He intended.

More amazing than you even realize.

Loved, needed and more valuable than all those fancy things in all the stores in the world.

Yes, ma’am.

You’re the real deal and don’t you forget it. Promise?

With love,

Holley

 The gift bags for the nursing home residents and the homebound people will be packed with much love and excitement today.  Thanks to all who have given, baked, or shopped.  Pray for those who will be caroling and delivering the bags tomorrow and those who will receive one.  May the true meaning of Christmas be clear to all involved in this ministry!

Christmas is not Christmas without Jesus!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Don’t be afraid, for look,

I proclaim to you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people:

today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born

for you in the city of David.”

~Luke 2:10-11, HCSB~

Yesterday was a special day at FBC, Kentwood.  The musical, A Song in the Air, really put forth the real Christmas spirit.  Our church is blessed to have so many people with musical talent.  The dinner and candlelight service last night added to the joy of the day and the season.  I feel so blessed to have been in church yesterday.  What a difference that little baby Jesus made to the world when He was born and still today!

Susan Rimes has surgery tomorrow in Baton Rouge.  Renee Deck has surgery Thursday.  Please be in prayer for these two ladies.

Jason Dean is now able to work half a day.  Continue to pray for him as he heals and returns to normal activities.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at work in Europe

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=8037&LanguageID=1709

Thought for the Day: Kid’s view of love

I have enjoyed these thoughts from kids, though I do not know the original source:

CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE

“I think you’re supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful.” –Manuel, age 8

ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE

“Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life.”
–John, age 9

“If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want
to do it. It takes too long.” –Glenn, age 7

ON THE ROLE OF BEAUTY AND HANDSOMENESS IN LOVE

“If you want to be loved by somebody who isn’t already in your family, it doesn’t hurt to be beautiful.” –Anita, age 8

“It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.”
–Brian, age 7

CONCERNING WHY LOVERS OFTEN HOLD HANDS

“They want to make sure their rings don’t fall off because they paid good money for them.” –Gavin, age 8

CONFIDENTIAL OPINIONS ABOUT LOVE

“I’m in favor of love as long as it doesn’t happen when ‘Dinosaurs’ is on television.” –Jill, age 6

“Love is foolish … but I still might try it sometime.”
–Floyd, age 9

“Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.” –Dave, age 8

“I’m not rushing into being in love. I’m finding fourth grade hard
enough.” –Regina, age 10

SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU

“Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores.”
–Del, age 6

“Don’t do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain’t the same thing as love.”
–Alonzo, age 9

Those of us who are older smile because we know that children have such a limited understanding of what love is (although Alonzo has learned something that many adults haven’t yet learned!). And yet, our own view of love is limited as well. And certainly our expression of love is limited and faulty.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (I John 4:7-8)

May you look to God for the ultimate example of love as you seek to be more loving toward others today.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Jesus is the reason for the season and each and every day!

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

We saw Naomi Tolar’s brother and sister in Amite.  They told us Jimmy Tolar has been hospitalized in Baton Rouge this week.  If he improves, he may get to come home the first of next week.  Please keep Mr. Jimmy in your prayers.

 

Jackie Nell Williams
(April 10, 1959 – December 14, 2011)

A resident of Greensburg, she died at 9:01 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at her home. She was born April 10, 1959 in Baton Rouge and was 52 years of age. She retired from her only job at East Louisiana State Hospital in Jackson. She is survived by her daughter, April Boyd Eaton, Greensburg; son, Jason Boyd and his wife, Brittany, Clinton; father, Charles E. Williams, Greensburg; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Opal McElveen Williams; brother, Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams; her grandparents, Bernard and Florence Williams, Houston McElveen and Iona Mae Hunt Frazier. Pallbearers will be Adam Boyd, Jesse Boyd, Ralph Boyd, Ronald McMillan, Sidney Frazier, Homer Ellis, Jr. and Joey Duncan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Thursday Afternoon

From James Rimes

Susan’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday,December 20 at 11:00 A.M. at OLOL. This is to remove the large stone in her left kidney. Please pray.

 

Jesse Allen Sanders
(August 6, 1935 – December 14, 2011)

Mr. Jesse Allen Sanders was born on August 6, 1935 and passed away at 5:31 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 76, a native and resident of Amite.

Mr. Jesse worked as a car salesman for many years and also a detective for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet Sue Blackburn Sanders, Amite; 2 daughters, Christina Ann Mayeux, Amite and Andree Bordeaux Headings, Jacksonville, FL; son, Allen Lee Sanders, Hammond; sister, Joanne Sanders Furr; 2 cousins, Dennis Sevens, Prairieville and Alma Stevens LaMarca, Independence. Preceded in death by his parents Hines B. and Loney Stevens Sanders.

Private Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Mark Beard officiating will be held at a later date.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55(Exit#46) and Hwy. 16W. next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic & Holiday Inn Express.

 

Wednesday

Andy Taylor learned this morning that is right wrist is healing, but is not strong enough to remove the rod yet.  Andy goes back to the doctor in five weeks to see if that is God’s timing for the next step.

Continue to pray for Billy Carl Strickland.  His next appointment is December 28.  If all is well, they will schedule treatment.  Keep Billy Carl and his family is your prayers.