Praises, Requests, & Updates – Page 385

Thursday Addition

John Easley

Mrs. Anna Lee, They cancelled John’s surgery at the last minute because his brace rub a sore on his leg. They want the sore to heal before surgery. They re-schedule it for June 29th. Thank you for all the prayers and we still need everyones prayers. God bless and love everyone with the love of the Lord. Cheryl

Stacey Scarle

Well I should have done this Wed but I just didn’t get to computer that day.

Stacey had a check up with the oncologist last week and she got a good report. The radiation buns were still bad enough for her to need pain meds. She has to return in a month when she will probably start oral chemo. They want to give her a chance to heal.Wed. we saw the surgeon’s assistant at office who was pleased with the healing process.We return in 3 months. Things are looking up and she is feeling better. She stayed with us while she was having so much trouble with the burns but went home Wed pm. Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and calls.

Friday

“And Paul went in, as was his custom,

and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer

and to rise from the dead, and saying,

‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.’”

~Acts 17:2-3, ESV~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Shirley Frazier as she continues to seek a diagnosis for her back problem.

Pray for Mrs. Mary Womack as she continues to recover from her recent surgery.

Pray for the mission team in Romania.

There are many people who volunteer their time and efforts to do “thankless jobs” in our churches. Think of some of these people and give them a big “thank-you”.

THANKLESS JOBS

I heard recently about a stay-at-home Mom. One evening she went to a PTA meeting and her husband and her oldest daughter got together and decided they would clean up the kitchen for her. They put up all the food, wiped all the counters, washed all the pots and put them away, put the dishes in the dishwasher and ran it. They swept and mopped the floors and then sat down, and awaited her arrival.

Two hours later she returned from the meeting, took off her coat, hung it up, walked through the kitchen into the den, grabbed the remote control, and began watching television. They followed her over to her chair and stood by her side. Finally she felt them looking over her shoulder and looked up at them and said, “What?”

Her husband said, “The kitchen.”

“The kitchen. What?”

“The kitchen. We cleaned up the kitchen. Didn’t you notice? It’s sparkling clean. We cleaned it for you.”

The woman replied, “Yes, I noticed. Thankless job, isn’t it?”

It is so true that a lot of what our wives and mothers do goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Please don’t let that happen in your home! But the same thing can happen at work or around the church. My guess is that there are many people around you who do important tasks but who go unnoticed and unappreciated.

For example, when is the last time you thanked one of your elders for the work that they do? These men have a very difficult job that involves a great deal of responsibility (and they likely don’t get paid a dime for their efforts). They spend countless hours leading, guiding, shepherding the flock. Take a moment to let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

Most churches give much thought to the teachers for their children’s Bible classes (except when they’re absent!). We just assume they’ll just show up and do their job, without considering the hours of preparation each week, not to mention their willingness to deal with a room full of active (and sometimes unruly) children week after week. Take a moment to let your children’s teachers know how much you appreciate them.

The list could go on and on because there are so many people around you who serve in so many ways, and many of them don’t want the spotlight. They prefer to work behind the scenes. But, please don’t take the efforts of others for granted. Keep your eyes open to the good work that others are doing and “Render therefore to all their due…honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7). Thank you to all of you who serve in a variety of “thankless jobs.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Happy Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

From Rev. Ronnie Nielsen

We are so glad to be in Romania. Most of our luggage has arrived; however we still need two of our medicine supply bags – please pray about this for us. Today was a day of needed rest, plus a time to plan and stock up on some supplies we needed to buy locally. Our ministry in the villages begins tomorrow (Friday, June 17). Thanks for praying for all of us.

Thursday

“This is to my Father’s glory,

that you bear much fruit,

showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

~John 15:7 (NIV)~

CaringBridge: LoganWatts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

Please continue to pray for Mark Shaw and his family. He’s improving!

Mrs. Bill Hughes, sister of Mrs. Anne Hurst, is back in North Oaks with pneumonia. Please remember her in your prayers.

The children of FBC, Kentwood are at camp in Eunice, LA this week. Pray the week was meaningful in drawing them closer to God.

Vacation Bible Schools

East Fork – This week at night
The Lord’s Church – June 26th -30th (6:00 – 8:30 P.M.)

Reminder: You are invited to the cabin at 6:30 tonight for our Third Thursday Share Group. We will fellowship, eat, and have a devotional. Contact me if you need more information.

Linda Headrick is doing better. Her daughter, Kristy, said Linda’s medicines had to be adjusted. Pray the medicines are now correctly adjusted.

CHIP

tvRAY CHARLES observed, “Nowadays they say you need a special chip to put in the TV so kids can’t watch this and that…

In my day, we didn’t need a chip. My mom was the chip. End of story.”

THOUGHT: I believe you will agree that moms need to get back to guiding the house in this way. Wade L. Webster, “A Special Chip,” Riches From My Reading,The Searcher, April 17, 2011

KneEmail: “Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” 1 Timothy 5.14

. . . Posted by Mike Benson at June 15, 2011 5:40 PM

Be careful in this hot weather!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

to you, O LORD, I will make music.”

~Psalm 101:1, ESV~

CaringBridge:LoganWatts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

John Easley, son of Cheryl Hughes Green is having surgery this morning to repair a cartiage in his left knee. We would appreciate any and all prayers. It is also his 23rd birthday today. God bless.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is having additional tests done today. Please pray for a diagnosis.

Mrs. Othell Williams looks good and continues to do well with her pacemaker. Please keep Mr. Joe and “Miss” Othell in your prayers.

Mrs. Rena Cutrer is also 97, but the person who told me that was not sure if she was older than Mrs. Blanch Wheat was.

Baptist Press Stories for Jun. 14 2011

—————————————

Wright urges adoption of 3,800 unengaged peoples http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35534
Wright re-elected SBC president

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35535
Coverage from SBC 2011 in Phoenix

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35535
Selflessness SBC’s only hope, Page says

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35536
Messengers approve 7 EC recommendations http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35537

Pastor jailed in Haiti honored at SBC

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35538

Unity, cooperation pledge tops EC agenda

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35539

Rainer reports on LifeWay’s health, focus

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35540

Seek God’s vision of people, pastors urged

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35541

‘Go where lost people are,’ Iorg urges WMU http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35542

‘SBC Conservatives’ voice concerns

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35543

Baptist journalist William Junker dies

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35544

FIRST-PERSON: Why adopt?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35545

Have a great day! Thank you for praying!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Pray for Ronnie and Victoria Nielsen who are trying to get out of Jackson for a mission trip to Romania.

Our mission team of 17 got bumped from last night’s flight out of Jackson due to plane trouble. We were re-scheduled to another flight this morning & just got bumped a 2nd time because of engine trouble. We need for you to please pray & ask the Lord to intervene and help us find flight(s) that will get us to Romania ASAP. Thanks for lifting this up in prayer.

Pray for Gabriel and his family.

Asking for prayers for Gabriel as he goes for heart catherization on Friday and his third open heart surgery on Monday – June 20th. Also pray for Sasha and Chris during these days. I is extremely hard to wait in that waiting room for news on how your baby is doing. I know first hand. I also know that God is in control and he has a devine purpose for baby Gabriel.

Alice O’Hern

Tuesday

“From him the whole body …

grows and builds itself up in love,

as each part does its work.”

~Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)~

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

Our Georgia granddaughter, Peyton, had a bicycle accident with a mailbox last night. She broke both bones in her lower forearm. They are taped for now. Peyton will get a cast in a week. Please pray for her.

Today marks six months since I broke the top of my right upper arm (at the shoulder). It is still not 100%, but is much better than it was at first. I see the doctor again at the end of the month. Pray for continued improvement.

“Miss” Blanch Wheat’s funeral will be this morning. Pray for her family.

“Miss” Blanch was four months older than one of my junior high teachers, Miss Evelyn Courtney, who passed away. They were both 97 years old.

Evelyn Genevieve Courtney
(May 4, 1914 – June 11, 2011)

A lifelong resident of Amite, she died on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Destin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Destin, FL. She was born May 4, 1914 in Amite and was 97 years of age. Miss Evelyn was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Amite and was the last living member of her Amite High School graduating class. After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, she was a teacher for many years at Amite School, Valley Forge Academy and Oak Forest Academy where she left a lasting impression on the students she taught. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including David Courtney “Buddy” Hanby and his wife, Mae, Dorothy “Dottie” Hanby Hall and Carol Hanby Waller. Preceded in death by parents, Lafayette and Lillie McGinty Courtney; 3 sisters, Lillian Courtney, Margie “Hannah” Courtney Hanby and Stella Courtney Hanby; 4 brothers, Henry, Young, Will and Harvey Courtney. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011 conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Beyond your limits…

Beyond your limits…

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 06:51 AM PDT

A new week unfolds, full of possibilities. Yet I feel questions closing in on me like the walls of a box too.

Do I have what it takes?

Is there enough time?

How will it all work out?

Then a line my pastor spoke a few weeks ago at church drifts into my heart…

Your potential is not limited by you because you have a limitless God living in you.

Suddenly the walls disappear and I’m free, standing in wide open spaces and looking ahead to all God has for me.

Whatever you face this week, it is not too big for Him.

And whatever you think your limitations are, you are not too small for Him to use you.

So go for it, friend!

{I’m cheering you on as you do.}

Have a terrific day!

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Rev. Ernest Graham and family visited in morning worship yesterday at FBC, Kentwood. It was great to have a few minutes to visit with them and get updated on everyone. Pray for them as they continue to serve the Lord at Amite Baptist.

We will have the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin at 6:30 this week. If you are interested contact me for more information. We would love to have you join us for supper, fellowship, devotional, and prayer. Come and be blessed!

The meal for the family of Mrs. Blanch Wheat will be at the church following burial at East Fork. I think “Miss” Blanch was the oldest member of FBC, Kentwood.

Monday

Technical difficulties solved this morning!

“Again, the kingdom of heaven

is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

When he found one priceless pearl,

he went and sold everything he had,

and bought it.”

~Matthew 13:45-46, HCSB~

Rain! Thank-you, God, for the little doses of rain you have sent the last few days. The garden and the flowers are so thankful.

Karen P. Lane had her tonsils removed Friday. Pray for her as she goes through the recovery period.

Roger Pittman is waiting for the last test results. Pray he begins to feel better.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is home, but still not feeling well. Keep her on your prayer list.

Curt Martin will be seeing a doctor today to check on swelling of his face. Pray he improves quickly.

VBS was wonderful from a child’s prospective and from an adult’s prospective! Many lives were touched by God’s Word. Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools in other churches this summer.

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts/journal

Pray for Stacey Scarle. Pray this week is better than the last one.

Pray for Ferrie Gene Blackmon as she has surgery this week.

Blanche Stewart Wheat
(January 21, 1914 – June 11, 2011)

Blanche Stewart Wheat passed away Saturday June 11, 2011 at Old Jefferson Community Care Center in Baton Rouge at age 97. She was a resident of Kentwood and graduated from Kentwood High School in 1932. At a young age, she was given the responsibility of raising her four children alone. At that time, she bought land on which she farmed, raised cows, pigs, and chickens to help support herself and her children. She was a hard worker and enjoyed working outside. She was employed by Brown Morris Grocery and Hardware for over 30 years. She taught the four year olds, for many years, at First Baptist Church where she was an active member. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Eirick Frey of Baton Rouge, Gloria Thompson and husband, Charles of Gonzales; one son, Roger Wheat and wife, Joyce of Zachary; and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Savoie Wheat of Prairieville; two sisters, Othell Williams and husband, Joe Williams, Jr. of Kentwood, Erline Allen and husband, Rev. Bill Allen of Denham Springs, and sisters-in-law, Alpha Stewart, Irene Stewart, and Betty Tate. Also, grandchildren Greg Eirick , Sherri Ingram, Tammy Roberts, Teresa Miller, Dereck Wheat, Tiffany Dyason, Misty Whipple and L.J. Bankston; 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, D.W. and Etta Wilson Stewart; her husband, Curtis D. Wheat; a son, Marvin E. Wheat; a grandson, Mark Eirick; sister, Lillian Raborn; brothers, L. D., H.B., and Eldrige Stewart. The family would like to thank Old Jefferson Care Center and Hospice Compassus for their care and help. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G in Kentwood from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday June 13. Visiting will resume at First Baptist Church, 5th St., Kentwood, on Tuesday from 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Burial at East Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, East Fork Community.

More later….

Friday

“Encourage anyone who feels left out,

help all who are weak,

and be patient with everyone.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:14 (CEV)~

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts/journal

Please continue to pray for Sherry Day. She has completed four weeks of radiation and is doing well.

Please continue to pray for Stacey Scarle. Her last treatments were very hard on her.

Several people have expressed interest in volunteering with the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief. If you are interested in volunteering or just want to learn more please check out the following link.

http://www.lbc.org/DisasterRelief/

We had another great day of VBS yesterday! We only have today and the program tonight left. The memories and the efforts will continue in hearts forever.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOD SAYS

A Swiss guy, looking for directions, pulls up at a bus stop where two Americans are waiting.

“Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?” he says. The two Americans just stare at him.

“Excusez-moi, parlez vous Francais?” The two continue to stare.

“Parlare Italiano?” No response.

“Hablan ustedes Espanol?” Still nothing.

The Swiss guy drives off, extremely disgusted.

The first American turns to the second and says, “Y’know, maybe we should learn a foreign language….”

“Why?” says the other, “That fellow knew four languages, and it didn’t do him any good.”

It’s true. Knowing a lot of languages is no guarantee that you can communicate with someone (though it may increase your chances!). Even Jesus, the great communicator, found that there were people who couldn’t understand what he was saying.

“Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand….” (Matthew 13:13)

Why? It wasn’t a problem of languages; it was a problem of the heart.

“For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” (Matthew 13:15)

Father, there are times when I am so slow to understand what you would have me to say and do. Though you speak clearly to me through your Word, my heart is not always receptive to what you have to say. Please help me to open my eyes and ears, and to get rid of everything that stands in the way of me hearing your voice. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Baptist Press: Tim Tebow

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35506

Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee