Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Sunday

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked.

“Anything is possible if a person believes.”

~Mark 9:23 NLT~

Pray for Holly K. as she completes a move to a new house down the street from where she has been living.  Also, please pray for the team she ministers with as they address the need for co-workers, especially young men. Holly will be stateside Oct. 20th.  Pray she completes her assignment well and for Mallory who will be replacing her.

Rev. Bobby Eads, who now servers in Alabama, continues to recover from his heart procedure.  Suzie thanks you for your continued prayers.

Mrs. Mathilda Noel Blanchard
(September 27, 1921 – May 29, 2010)

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=626547&fh_id=11426&s_id=21FE63CEE165E29E113AE0F7F888A3F2

It’s quite a Sunday morning surprise to read of the deaths of a former student and a former classmate!

Claude H. Brumfield,Jr.
(November 25, 1957 – May 29, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood died on Saturday, May 29, 2010. He was born November 25, 1957 and was 52 years of age. He was the husband of Deanie Ricks Brumfield and the son of the late Hank and Cricket Vessier Brumfield.

Arrangements are incomplete at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite and Kentwood, Inc.

Jerry Chadwick
(December 25, 1947 – May 28, 2010)

A resident of Amite, died at 10:26 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Centery in Hammond. He was born December 25, 1947 and was 62 years of age.

Arrangements are incomplete at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.

TWITTER

twitter.jpg

WE ARE LIVING in the Information Age…or should it be called the Useless Information Age…

The three giant social networking Web sites…Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter allow their users to share their thoughts with friends and strangers. If you want to let people half way around the world know that you just saved $8 at Kroger, you can. You can share your deepest thoughts and your shallowest feelings. You can air your political views or cheer your favorite team. Whether or not people actually care your opinions is beside the point. It is all about sharing what is on your mind.

Twitter’s concept is the simplest of all the social sites. Users can give 140-character opinions on any and every issue. These updates are called “tweets.” The author’s subscribers are known as “followers.”

I wonder what the apostle Paul would have tweeted to his followers when he was writing his thirteen preserved epistles. He might have tweeted these thoughts:

Romans: “All have sinned. All deserve death. But there is no condemnation in Christ.”

1 Corinthians: “A divided church is a poor representative of Christ.”

2 Corinthians: “My apostleship and your benevolence are genuine.”

Galatians: “Moses’ law served its purpose. We now live by faith and walk by the Spirit.”

Philippians: “Don’t let circumstances dictate your faith. Live with joy. Be content.”

Colossians: “Human philosophy distorts the gospel. Live for Jesus.”

1 and 2 Thessalonians: “Jesus will return and many people will not be ready. Be prepared for that day.”

1 and 2 Timothy: “Ministry should protect the gospel and serve the needy. There is no better work.”

Titus: “The grace of God teaches us to live godly lives.”

Philemon: “People from all backgrounds can be useful in the church.” James Hayes, “If Paul Had A Twitter Account,” Glad Tidings of Good Things, Vol. 30/January 21, 2010

“How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house.” Acts 20:20

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a great Lord’s Day!  Be sure to make Him a part of His day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away.

Slowly,

steadily,

surely,

the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.

If it seems slow,

do not despair,

for these things will surely come to pass.

Just be patient!

They will not be overdue a single day!”

~Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, May 28, 2010

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver

and her profit better than gold.”

~Proverbs 3:13-14, ESV~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for businessmen.

“Although not considered an official ‘people group,’ professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and architects are often unreached,” writes the Rural Interior Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo Team of Brazil. “They can be a difficult group to reach with the Gospel of Christ, because many feel that they ‘already have everything they need’ and they have a hard time recognizing their need for someone to save them from sin. Also, their need for hope and salvation is often not as outwardly obvious to the rest of us as are the needs of the physically and financially poor.”

Team members have recently been told that the local medical training facility for doctors, nurses and physical therapists has a reputation for being one of the worst in the area, and that many of the students are involved with drugs and other dangerous activities. Please pray with the Rural Interior Team that they can find a ‘person of peace’ (Luke 10:6) within the medical school and that they can reach these students through Bible studies.

A one-day business seminar is being held in Dalian City, China. Please pray for the Christian business people to bring their lost colleagues and friends to hear good ethical business practices and also to hear how Christian business people follow God in their businesses. Several local believers will also complete special training courses.

* Please pray for conference participants to put this training to use and to train others. Ask that great multiplication will take place.

* Intercede for professionals who are trapped in substance abuse that they will recognize the risks they take before it is too late.

* Pray for businessmen and women to realize that the one who gets understanding is blessed and gains more than the temporary reward of silver or gold.

Larkin Dorris

Update from Kelly…

Today we are very happy to report that the MRI results were negative for cancer cells in both the spine and brain. We celebrated with her first dinner out at PF Changs. Tomorrow if her blood chemistry looks good she will have her “buddy” removed. We will find out when we can leave for home as well.
Thanks,
Kelly Dorris

I got the call while exercising today.  I think I made some men in the treadmills around me a bit uncomfortable as tears of joy ran down my cheeks.  I had a big smile on my face and I had an AMAZING workout!!!  Thank you for your love and support and prayers.  Thank you, God!
with a lot of love and a lot of joy,
Larkin’s Aunt Meg

THINGS CHANGE WITH TIME

Here are some new concerns for the “Boomer generation”:

Then: Long hair
Now:  Longing for hair

Then: Acid rock
Now:  Acid reflux

Then: Moving to California because it’s cool
Now:  Moving to California because it’s warm

Then: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor
Now:  Trying not to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor

Then: Paar
Now:  AARP

Then: Worrying about no one coming to your party
Now:  Worrying about no one coming to your funeral

Then: Rolling Stones
Now:  Kidney stones

Then: Obsessing over PSATs
Now:  Obsessing over PSAs

Then: Passing the driving test
Now:  Passing the vision test

Then: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
Now: Children begging you to get their heads shaved

Then: Disco
Now:  Costco

Then: Getting out to a new, hip joint
Now:  Getting a new hip joint

Most things change with time.  We grow old, gain wrinkles and lose hair.  People around us move away and die.  You may change jobs, and move from city to city every few years.  Ever gone back to the place where you grew up to see what it looks like now?   Things change.  And life can be very unsettling if it is not grounded on something that does not change through the years.

Fortunately we have this assurance:  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).

Even if we become faithless, he remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13).  When all others let us down, his love will still be there for us.  You can count on it.  What comfort and assurance that gives us!  Praise be to God for his unchanging nature!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for making a difference in so many lives by praying!

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Mrs. Lorna Smith just called to ask for prayers for Mr. J. D. Smith.  He was involved in an accident last week and seemed to be okay.  He went to the doctor today because of some problems.  Later, he was called back to the emergency room at Our Lady of the Lake.  He is getting settled into a room now and will be treated for a head injury.  Please pray for the Smith family and for those who are caring for him in the hospital.

Thursday Afternoon

Rev. Bobby Eads (written by Suzie)

…thank you SO MUCH for your prayers, love and encouragement. The patient and I are home now and he is doing well. The nurses spoiled him throughout the night with lots of choc. ice cream and that helped him to feel better! Again, thanks so much and we love you all! Mostly, we are thankful to our Heavenly Father for how He cares for us and watches us with those eyes of Love and Mercy.

Obituary for Jack Taylor

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=625198&fh_id=11426&s_id=9D9149DC5F0FF4AB06D0704D5954CFA1

Thursday

CaringBridge

From Lynda Newman

Madox was released from the hospital tonight. All test came back normal. They are saying that it was something viral. Thank you for your prayers, I know his family was very appreciative of each prayer.

Stacey Scarle did well with her first chem.  Please continue to pray for Stacey and her family as they travel through her health problem.

Pray for Harrell Sharkey and Judy Liberto as they also deal with health issues.

Rev. Bobby Eads had heart surgery yesterday.  Hopefully, he is on the way to getting much better.

Obituaries

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“But when you ask him,

be sure that your faith is in God alone.

Do not waver,

for a person with divided loyalty

is as unsettled as a wave of the sea

that is blown and tossed by the wind. . . .

Their loyalty is divided between God and the world,

and they are unstable in everything they do.”

~James 1:6, 8 (NLT)~

Jesse Dean continues to improve.  Keep praying for him .  Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Daddy saw the infections disease doctor yesterday and got a good report.  Daddy said he knew he got well because of all the prayers that were said for him.  Thanks for your part in helping Daddy get better!

Pray for all the students who have completed their school year or who will do so soon.  Pray for safe summers for them.  Pray for Vacation Bible Schools, church camps, and other church activities that will help point them in the right direction.  Thank God for those who will be working with them.  May they be led to say the things that will make a difference in their lives here on earth and point them to a heavenly home for eternity.

Baptist Press Stories for May. 24, 2010
—————————————
Iran’s apostasy charge dropped against 2 women
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32993

Budget gaps lead states to gambling
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32994

ERLC: treaty threatens parental rights
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32995
Pastors: 400 more Haitian churches needed in N. America
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32997
FIRST-PERSON: Gambling: What is at stake?
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32998

G

whine2.jpgALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites all got sick…

They all caught a deadly virus. It was far more virulent and lethal than the SARS virus that brought death an destruction to our world. It was the G virus — the “grumble” germ…

All but two occurrences of “grumbling” in the Old Testament are found in six chapters of the Pentateuch: Exodus 15, 16, and 17, and Numbers 14, 16, and 17. Of all the sins of the fathers, God counted this one of the worst. It is one of Satan’s most effective weapons because it robs us of God and robs God of us!

Sometimes learning what God thinks about our grumbles helps us to deal with them. First of all, God hears us when we gripe and grumble. Numbers 11:18 says, “The LORD heard you when you wailed.” Over and over again the Bible says that God heard the Israelites’ griping and their grumbling. We need to know that God doesn’t want to hear it!

Our son and daughter-in-law have seven children. There is a sign displayed in a prominent place in their kitchen that says briefly and succintly: “No whining!” Whining is unacceptable behavior to those parents, and it is unacceptable to God . It poisons the environment and spoils relationships. It makes God sad to hear us whine, and it also makes Him mad! “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD. And when He heard them His anger was aroused” (Numbers 11:1). God wants us to know that wailing and whining are unacceptable behaviors. Jill Briscoe, “The Other Side of Redemption,” Here Am I Lord…Send Somebody Else!, 80-81

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Now glory be to God,

who by his mighty power at work within us

is able to do far more

than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—

infinitely beyond our highest prayers,

desires,

thoughts,

or hopes.”

~Ephesians 3:20 (LB)~

Update (Stacey Scarle)

We got word today that Stacey starts her chemo tomorrow at 9:30. Please pray for her as she begins this process.

Update (Madox Blades)

Just heard from Stephanie Blades, Madox’s grandmother. All test so far are negative. He is eating good but they still can’t seem to break the fever. They are thinking that it is something viral. They must stay at least 48 hours until the cultures come back. Please continue to pray for this precious baby boy and for Heather and Brock as we all know it is not easy to have a child admitted to the hospital in any circumstance. They are very grateful for any prayers.

CaringBridge

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

Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams
(October 25, 1961 – May 24, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg , died on Monday, May 24, 2010 near Greensburg. He was born October 25, 1961 in Independence and was 48 years of age. He retired from the Department of Corrections and also was an employee of Baton Rouge Health Care and St. Francisville Country Manor. He is survived by his parents, Charles E. and Opal McElveen Williams, Greensburg; sister, Jackie Williams, Greensburg; niece, April Eaton and husband, Ellis, Olive Branch, MS; nephew, Jason Boyd and wife, Brittany, St. Francisville; Godchild, Sara Venable, Greensburg; Godniece, Lillie Venable, Greensburg; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernard and Florence Williams, Houston McElveen and Iona Mae Hunt Frazier. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson and Rev. Joe Baugh. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville. Pallbearers will be Marlin Venable, Dale McElveen, Jason Boyd, Ellis Eaton, Mark Cartwright and Joey Duncan. Honorary pallbearers will be Leroy McElveen, Sid Frazier, Peyton McDaniel, Earl Gill, Scott Thompson and Delmar Windham.

Luther Earl Gunnells, Jr.
(February 3, 1943 – May 24, 2010)

A resident of Roseland, died at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, May, 24, 2010 at his residence in Roseland. He was born February 3, 1943 in Lettsworth, LA and was 67 years of age.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, entrusted with arrangements.

Mrs. Nell McDaniel Sharkey
(February 15, 1928 – May 24, 2010)

Mrs. Nell McDaniel Sharkey was born February 15, 1928 and passed away at 5:20 p.m., Monday, May 24, 2010 at Speciality LTAC of Hammond. Mrs. Nell was 82, a native and resident of Amite.

Arrangements will be posted on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Announcement

The Dumplin Valley Trio from Morristown, TN. will be leading a Saturday Night Worship Service in Southern Gospel Music at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church 64671 Hwy 1054 Roseland, La. on Saturday Night May 29,2010 at 6:30P.M. This Worship Service is free to all and a love-offering taken. A Fellowship meal Will follow. For any other information the Church/Pastor..Bro. Larry Blades can be reached by phone at 985-748-8272.

God Moves in Music City

http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=6035&BA=1979&QR=169

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
MAY 25, 2010

“In my distress I called upon the Lord,

and cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,

and my cry came before Him,

even to His ears.”

~Psalm 18:6~

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Michael Somare of Papua New Guinea (southeastern Asia).

AMERICAN PEOPLES. Sometimes finding a meeting place is not easy. After several moves, one congregation finally found a Christian woman who told them that they could meet at her house. Unfortunately, her non-Christian husband didn’t want them inside, but he allowed them to use the area between the house and the neighbor’s fence. The space is just wide enough for two folding chairs, a tiny aisle you have to turn sideways to walk down, and one more chair. The preacher stands under a tree at one end of the narrow space, and the congregation stretches back for the length of the house and spills into the front yard when there are too many people to fit in the narrow space between the house and the wall. Pray that God will provide a more adequate meeting place for this and the many other house churches springing up in this spiritual harvest field.

JZ CITY, CHINA. S is a young college student who has decided to follow Jesus. Recently he asked, “How can I really know what God wants me to do with my life?” As he and a believer discussed different passages from the Bible that talked about this, he requested a piece of paper so that he could write them down. Other students present who were not believers listened eagerly and asked other questions. Pray that young men and women in JZ City will understand that they can have real guidance in their lives from the One who has a special plan for each of them. Ask that their lives will be a testimony to those around them who are searching for truth.talthgoeast@pobox.com

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

From Lynda Newman

Please add Madox Forrest to the prayer link. He is the 2 month old baby son of Heather and Brock Forrest who was admitted to the hospital early this morning. There had not been a diagnosis but he has a high fever. Their family has been through a lot lately and this is one more thing added to the throws of life. Your prayers will be greatly appreaciated.