Quote(s) – The Prayer Link

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.

Now choose life,

so that you and your children may live.

Good Morning everyone. Monday update from me. All is going great and I am doing everything that is important for me to go home to my precious husband of almost 52 years. He is my life. My Daughter Terri Smith Merklein is an angel and my son Joel is there to keep me in smiles all the time. His sweet smile just brings tears of joy. My Hayden Lance Merklein and Lia Lucero Smith are just super in all they do. Lance makes me the best food. The grandkids are just special to me. They are handling things great. Tanner Roberts and Erin McGinnis I love these special grandkids. I just want to thank all of you for the prayers and concerns and will still need them so e every one please wear your mask, wash your hands and social distance. Learned a lot here in hospital and it works. Do it 3 weeks and let’s flip this sad scenario. May God Bless all of you and love you all.

A former students asks for prayers for her mother who has a respiratory problem that she deals with periodically, not the virus.

Another former student shared he lost a parent to the virus and urges others to wear a mask so they do not have a similar experience.

Debbie Miller Wilkinson of Amite, and her family, need to be in our prayers. What a special lady she is!

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 14

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17
Romans 2:1-24
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 19:8-9

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

I found these words. but don’t know the original source. They are worthy of out thoughts today.

If you see someone falling behind,

walk with them.

If you see someone being ignored,

find a way to include them.

Always remind people of their worth.

One small act could mean the world to them.

Be careful in the extreme heat today. If you are outside, drink extra fluids so you don’t become dehydrated.

Anna Lee

Friday

As we grow weary of staying home and/or missing our normal routine, let’s refer to the Scripture from Jeremiah and the words of a wise pastor.

“‘I know what I am planning for you,’ says the LORD.

‘I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.

I will give you a hope and a good future.

Then you will call my name.

You will come to me and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.’”

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NCV)

“Trust in the Father in the midst of the storm.

When the storm hits, go to the Father.”

Pastor Jarred

West Rome Baptist Church

Rome, Georgia

March, 2020

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 10

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14
Acts 27:21-44
Psalm 8:1-9
Proverbs 18:23-24

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Be an encourager today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

So if the Son sets you free,

you will be free indeed.

~John 8:36~

Andy and Betty Taylor ask you to please pray for their daughter, Penny, who is working in a Covid-19 unit in Phoenix.

The virus is alive and well in our area. Please be careful and pray for others to be careful too.

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 1

2 Kings 18:13-19:37
Acts 21:1-17
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 18:8

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Need encouragement today? Read this article on Baptist Press. http://www.bpnews.net/55021/vice-president-speaks-during-first-baptist-dallas-annual-patriotic-celebrate-freedom-sunday-service

Anna Lee

Friday Update

James and Susan are home from her surgery in Covington at 11:15. The surgery went well. Pray for them in the coming days as Susan heals and she works to regain the use of her wrist.

Bounus: I read that we should not think of ourselves as “stuck at home, but safe at home” during this pandemic.

Saturday

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.

For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

~2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)~

Laura Lee Robertson had stomach surgery yesterday at Ochsner in New Orleans. She did well and in recovering nicely. Please pray her through the recovery and rehabilitation period.

had fluid removed from his chest area yesterday. He’s back at home and enjoying being there.

Please pray for the family of James Morgan. Sometimes, decisions are tough!

Here is a quote I found yesterday.

“Keep calm and pray. Don’t panic. God is in control.”

So far, the following churches in our area have announced they will be having church Sunday.

Taylor Creek Baptist Church
Spring Creek Baptist Church

It is okay to stay at home if you are sick or medically compromised. Think about others as well as yourself. Pray for everyone.

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 14

Numbers 21:1-22:20
Luke 1:26-56
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 11:9-11

“No matter what I say,

what I believe,

and what I do,

I’m bankrupt without love.”

~1 Corinthians 13:3 The Message~

Thankfully, Paul Morgan will be going home today, more than two weeks following his heart attack. Pray for Sandy and Zach as they assist him at home for a while.

Kristy Alford passed away. She fought a long, hard battle! I’ll post arrangements when they are available. Please pray for her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed by many people.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 29

There is no assigned reading for today because the 29th of February only come once every four years. Use this day to read something you choose.

Last week, as I went about my daily life, I had the opportunity to tell three people about Operation Christmas Child and how it impacts so many children and families for Jesus. At Ochsner, I always speak to one lady and ask about her weekend. Then, she asked about mine. I told her I spent a portion of my weekend on Operation Christmas Child. She didn’t know about OCC. I explained it was a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. She had not heard about that either. I began to explain that when a man said he knew. He and his wife are both fighting serious illnesses. After the big flood in Livingston Parish, Samaritan’s Purse rebuilt his home. God had the right person walk up and share his personal experience. She was impressed! I can hardly wait to see her Monday. I will be taking her some literature from Samaritan’s purse. That was the first opportunity. I had two other wonderful opportunities to share this week. God blessed me with these opportunities. I look forward to the opportunities he has for me this week.

Yesterday, my sister, Julie, delivered 250 beautiful t-shirts and a number of beautiful owls she lovingly made to add to our OCC collection. I would love to show them to you. Thank-you, Julie, for sharing your wonderful talents with the children who will receive your gifts.

In closing, I want to share this quote that I saw yesterday. I don’t know who to credit for it, but is is not original to me. Thought the days we, and many of you, have faced lately, this is a reminder many people need to hear.

“Nothing you face today is out of God’s control. Trust Him!

Anna Lee

Friday

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

~Ezekiel 11:19~

I don’t plan to turn this site into a daily weather report, but know we can possibly have some bad weather in the next few days. Stay alert. Pray for all the people who will be affected by this front moving through our area.

Mrs. Annaliese Neal – Corrected information. Mrs. Annaliese was taken to Hood Hospital for tests and released to go home.

Donna Fay Miller is now a patient at Ochsner on O’Neal in Baton Rouge. Please add her to your prayer list.

Buddy Bel, Amite’s mayor, fell night before last and is now hospitalized at North Oaks with a concussion. Please pray for him.

Larry Bankston is doing better and may be released from North Oaks to go home Saturday or Sunday. Pray for him to continue to improve.

Read the Bible in 2020 – December 10th

Genesis 23:1-24:51
Matthew 8:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 3:1-6

It’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Operation Christmas Child! David and I missed out on so much last year when he was not healthy, but are making up for lost time this year. We have had some good help already this year. If you have a couple of hours to give, please let us know. We’ll plan to meet with you and work together. If you are available to shop, check the list on the bulletin and happy shopping. Thanks to those of you who shopped the first week and already turned in some items. I pray this is our best year of shoeboxes ever! Last year’s 415 boxes X 7 people each one influences = 2,905 people who had an opportunity to learn about and grow to love Jesus. The possibility for more people being influenced is up to each of us!

Quote from Andy Stanley:

“You have no idea the number of people that God may want to influence through you.”

Anna Lee

Saturday

“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~

Daily Bible Readings for Saturday, January 4

Genesis 5:1 – 10: 32
Matthew 4: 12-25
Psalm 4: 1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23

A large number of people at FBC, Kentwood picked up a daily Bible reading guide. There were only a couple left yesterday, so more were printed and are now available. I’m thankful that many are interested in reading together this year. Let’s keep it up for the entire year. If you miss a day, just read extra the next day. If you didn’t start yet, it’s not too late, You can get a copy of the plan Sunday and make Sunday day one or read a little extra each day for about a week and be caught up by this time next week. It doesn’t even matter if you choose to read at a slower pace as long as you choose to read your Bible. Remember, extra copies are available at church for those who didn’t get one yet.

My sister, Julie, and I worked on cutting and sewing the cutest wash cloths I have ever seen yesterday. We made 182 before running out of fabric. I’ll be purchasing more soon. Who would want a plain wash cloth when they can have a colorful one with dogs, balls, etc.? We also made them in varying sizes for the three different age groups. I think they will be a big hit! We will be working again in two weeks to make more so we will have enough for all the “shoeboxes” we pack.

I also was able to make a number of matching games yesterday. I didn’t get a count yet. I love the idea of working together to make items that will lead to boys and girls learn about Jesus. Isn’t it wonderful how God can use simple things like washcloths, games, tooth brushes, school supplies, and even soap to help introduce children around the world to Jesus? Remember, each “shoebox” impacts and average of seven lives for Jesus!

You can be a part of this ministry too. Let me know how you want to contribute – items, shopping time, labor, funds. I will also be happy to show any of you our project/storage room. It will bring a smile to your face. I know it did for my sister yesterday. It is very rewarding to us to realize the eternal value of this mission project.

Please be in prayer for this ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. It has grown so much and now reaches out to more and more people each year. It’s easy and very rewarding to be a tiny part of sharing Jesus with others. If you know of anyone who needs help getting started packing “shoeboxes”, I will be glad to help them get started.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Bro. Joe Baugh has a saying he uses to encourage people to get involved. It goes something like this: “If you are not excited about ________. your firewood must be wet!”

I love telling others about Jesus. Our mission is to go and tell. I think “shoeboxes” do an excellent joy of giving us an unlimited opportunity to go and to tell.

Anna Lee

Monday

“A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

For apart from me you can do nothing.”

~John 15:4-5 NLT~

Last night, I tried to write TPL for today because we were leaving for Baton Rouge at 5:45 this morning. I didn’t get it done. During the night, I once again thought I was going to write it, but again it didn’t happen. We are home from Ochsner and a very good stop at Dollar Tree near the hospital. I love shopping for Operation Christmas Child and getting to answer questions about what I am doing. Two ladies provided me most of the money I spent today. Thank you C. and A.!

Yesterday, two ladies turned in the boxes they chose to pack individually. Other ladies turned in items that will help to fill several boxes. One sweet, faithful class turned in many bags of items that were purchased last week. Thanks to all of you.

I will be working in the OCC room some this week. If you would like to help, please contact me so we can schedule a suitable time.

Today, David‘s blood level was 8.1, the highest it has been in months. The increased dosage of Procrit is helping! The early drive and the rain made the drive more difficult than usual, but with thankful hearts, we are glad to be home again. Your regular prayers are getting us through these days.

Several others from Kentwood are also doing well amid treatments. Please continue to pray for Bryan Tate, Linda Callihan, and Buddy Morris.

Gaylon Cutrer is having a few more problems than usual, so spend some extra time on your prayers for him. He and his family will be very appreciative.

Today, with a heavy heart, I share that Lori Rhodes has some serious health issues. Lori and her husband, Keith, served in our church working with the youth.

“Lori has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. This rare disease is in the Parkinson’s family, but Lori does not have Parkinson’s She has MSA-C (c standing for cerebellum). There is no cure. Life expectancy ranges from 6 years to 15 years based on the onset of symptoms (we really don’t know when her symptoms began but could be up to 5-6 years ago).”

The full report on Lori is on my facebook page.

I also what to share there has been another death, a man from Greensburg. I’ll post the complete obituary when it becomes available.

Thomas Dover

July 25, 1952 – July 16, 2019

Jeff Van, the pastor of South McComb Baptist Church, share quotes that seem to touch my heart often. Today’s quote is:

“It’s easy to praise Him in the sunshine, but your breakthrough comes when you praise Him in the dark…He’s there, we must simply trust the process.”

-Tony Evans

Thankfully, my family and the families of many of you understand praising God “in the dark”. If you don’t, please locate someone who can help you get to this point in your life.

Scripture Writing – August 26 – Habakkuk 3:3-4

Yesterday, I was asked about what size cans of food were needed for the LA Baptist Children’s Home in a few weeks. The answer, is buy items like you would for your family. The man is going to buy a couple cases of canned goods. That plan might work for you too! The pick-up time at FBC is early Monday morning, three weeks from today.

Enjoy the sound of the rain again, but please try to stay dry.

Anna Lee

Friday

“You are members of God’s very own family . . .

and you belong in God’s household with every other

Christian.”

~Ephesians 2:19 TLB~

Scripture Writing – August 23 – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Statistics for Operation Christmas Child “Shoeboxes”

In 2018, over 10.6 million shoebox gifts were collected worldwide. 8.8 million of these were from the US.
16.8 million shoebox gifts have been delivered to children in need in more than 160 countries since 1993.
2019 US Collection Goal – 9.1 million.
2019 Worldwide Collection Goal – 11 million.
Over 9.000 volunteers serve in the US year-round.
More than 400 Volunteer Area Teams are active around the US.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations receive shoeboxes during Nation Collection Week.
National Collection Week is November 18-25, the third week of November annually.
Over 100,000 volunteers serve in the US during National Collection Week and processing season.
Shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at eight major processing centers across the US.
- Atlanta
- Baltimore/Washington
- Boone, N.C.
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Dallas/Fort WorthDenver
- Southern California
More than 260,000 volunteers serve overseas.
Shoebox gifts are collected in the US, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Spain, and the UK.

I like to share OCC “Shoebox” information with others as encouragement for you to get involved. I hope you are not mission out on the joy of “shoeboxes”. If you need more information about how you can help, contact me or someone else that knows the value of “shoeboxes” and eternity for boys and girls around the world.

Anna Lee