Thursday

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;

we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9~

 

Mrs. Alice Faye Lee fell Tuesday night and broke her shoulder.  She saw a specialist in Baton Rouge yesterday.  Pray for her as she heals.
Clinton H. “Bud” Callihan, Sr.

Born: May 19, 1929
Died: December 16, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2865611&fh_id=10545

Shared by my friend, Carol Bennett Sealey, who worked processing “shoeboxes” in Atlanta last week:

Just learned that yesterday the Atlanta Processing Center finished processing 1,445,117 boxes for 2014. Wow!!! That’s a lot of souls that will be touched and witnessed to. I am so excited that I was able to be a part of a group from our church that went and participated in this awesome event.

Spring Creek Baptist Church Drama Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEoX9X46W0k&sns=fb

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  •  Sunday, at FBC, Kentwood, we will have a missions march to show support for missionaries.  Gifts can be received at that time or later.
  • Quotes from Lottie’s time in China
    • “What we need in China is more workers. The harvest is very great, the laborers, oh! So few. Why does the Southern Baptist church lag behind in this great work?”
      Nov. 1, 1873, Tungchow
    •  “How many there are … who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime object of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God.”
      Sept. 15, 1887, Tungchow
    • “Why should we not … instead of the paltry offerings we make, do something that will prove that we are really in earnest in claiming to be followers of him who, though he was rich, for our sake became poor?”
      Sept. 15, 1887, Tungchow

Third Thursday (TONIGHT) – Tonight at 6:30 at the Alford cabin

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Tomorrow at 10:00
  • Studying Lois and Eunice
  • Acts 16:1-3 &  2 Timothy 1:1-8

Pregnancy Testing, Questions Answered, Information Shared 

  • Friday (9:00-4:00)
  • The vehicle will be parked at Hope Center on Highway 51 in Roseland.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Share the spirit of Christmas and the true reason for Christmas with someone today.

Anna Lee

Monday

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)~

 

Thank God for the progress Cindy Carmadelle has made.  Her leg is much better.  Doctors are still keeping a careful watch.  She’s had such a beautiful attitude despite her injuries.

Kathy Jo Thompson had another brain surgery last week.  There were some complications, but this is what she has to say about her present situation, “God has his hands on everything!”  She is such an inspiring young lady.

Mrs. Mildred Birth got a good report from Dr. Liner yesterday.  The area they have been considering a mass seems to be scar tissue from three previous surgeries.  Thank-you, God for giving this friend a good report and making lots of family and friends have a happier holidays because of it.

Nancy Carruth continues to deal with kidney stones.  Pray for her to get past this problem so she can continue to pass on her happy attitude that overflows from her all the time.

There have been so many difficult situations lately, I thought we needed to focus on the good reports today!  I hope this gets your day started off “on the right foot” so that you can have a positive attitude all day long!

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

See if you can locate the following statements.

“While still working on his master of divinity degree, Rice was called to serve as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Greensburg, La. He served the church for three years.”

Devotional, Scriptures, Quotes, and a Song

  • “A Ukrainian Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/16/a-ukrainian-christmas/
  • Glory to God in the highest,                                                                                     and on earth peace,                                                                                             goodwill toward men!                                                                                                                              ~Luke 2:14~                                                                                        For there is born to you this day in the city of David                                     a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”                                                                                                                                                            ~Luke 2:11~
  • “Christ is born!”                                                                                                                                                     “Let us glorify Him!”                                                                                                                                                                            ~Our Daily Bread  (12-16-14)~

Lottie Moon – http://scottsvillemuseum.com/portraits/homeRS15acdRS04.html

Read this short article to gain more insight into the heart of someone whose greatest desire was for others to have Jesus in their hearts.  The more we understand her heart, the more our heart will be touched to share Jesus in the ways He has called us to share.

Mrs. Yvonne Curtis has a sweet, easy singing voice.  She will be singing Christmas music today at New Zion Baptist Church at 10:30.  Come get some Christmas joy today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion …

your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  

~2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)~

 

It’s not in what you have acquired,

but what you are able to share that counts.

Be thankful for what you can share.

Riches are not counted in dollars!

 It’s hugs, smiles, words, and other actions!

It’s Jesus living in you!

I hope you gave and received this week.

I’m rich in blessings and so thankful!

Kathy Wales shared an update on Wayne Criswell.

I received a call from Mary Criswell this afternoon to let us know that Wayne had a doctor’s appointment today. Hospice has been called in for him. I know that Wayne knows where he’s going and is ready but his family and friends really need our prayers.
Thank you,
Kathy

Mallory is recovering from her burns well enough to get out among people again.  She is looking forward to going to church tomorrow and school Monday.  Thank you to each one of you who had a part in her healing by praying for her.

Nellie Jean Miller Davis Cook

Born: January 04, 1936
Died: November 27, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2831359&fh_id=10545

Johnny Jones

Born: September 12, 1942
Died: November 27, 2014

         http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2830859

Devotional, Scripture, Quote, and a Song

  • “Happy Ending” –  http://odb.org/
  • I saw a new heaven and a new earth.                                                                                                        ~Revelation 21:1~
  • The gains of heaven will more than compensate us for the losses of earth.                                                                                                             ~ODB~
  • “10 Awesome Songs about Heaven” – http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-awesome-songs-about-heaven/

Reminder – Lottie Moon Tea

  • Tomorrow
  • 2 P.M.
  • FBC, K (an event of Two Rivers Association, not just for Kentwood ladies)
  • All ladies, ages 2-102
  • Bring your daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, niece, neighbor, friend, etc.

Thankfulness – Day 29: Home

It’s always good to get away for special reasons, but eventually we all learn there’s no place like home!  I’m sure many of you are winding down from the holiday and looking forward to or beginning to enjoy being at home again.  Enjoy that too!  Thank God for homes!

Be generous and be blessed this very day.  Share from your heart.

Anna Lee

 

 

Sunday

 “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,

and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” 

~Psalm 34:18~

(Holidays are extra difficult for some people.  Do something to help ease their pain.)

Bad weather will be in our area this morning.  Make wise decisions.

Tresa Rhodus

Born: August 23, 1964
Died: November 22, 2014

       http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2816425

New Zion Baptist Church will hold a Thanksgiving dinner this morning after morning worship.

Tonight, the  Community Thanksgiving Service will take place at the Kentwood Methodist Church.

Today ends the collection process for OCC Shoeboxes.  I’m thankful to hear the numbers in our area are good, but know we could always do better.  Our goal for next year has been set.  We hope to meet, and exceed, that new goal.  I trust our other local churches, schools, and organizations plan to do the same.  Blessings will abound!

Next Sunday, we will have the annual Lottie Moon Tea for our association in combination with Ladies’ Night.  All girls and youth are invited to come with their mother, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers.

Devotional, Scripture, Quotes, and a Song

  • “Outlasting Bitterness” – http://odb
  • If anyone has a complaint against another;                                                     even as Christ forgave you,                                                                                       so you also must do.                                                                                                                                                        ~Colossians 3:13~                                                 Notice that next to last word.  It’s not easy,                                                       but “must” leaves no room for doubt!
  • Hate hurts the hater more than the hated,

            no matter how justified it may seem.                                                                                                      

                                                                ~Our Daily Bread~

            When we forgive someone,    

             we look more like Jesus than at any other moment in our life.                                            

                                                                                                            ~Our Daily Bread~

Thankfulness: Day 23 – Today, I want to thank God for “timeless truths” (the site used above, but mainly the truths we have been taught which were taught to generations of families before us and will continue to be taught for generations of families until the Lord returns.

Hanging on to “timeless truths”!  We can both share them and still keep them!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Tell to the generation to come

the praises of the LORD,

and His strength

and His wondrous works that He has done.”

~Psalm 78:4b, NKJV~

 

Thankfulness: Day 20 – Today, I want to share how happy I am that God sees and plans the “big picture” of our lives. My newest example is that Boyd and Jennie, who were living in Prague, were offered a job for one year in the States.  God had it all arranged, even though those who do this special assignment are usually older and more experienced.  Since that time, Boyd’s dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor and passed away.  Being stateside made it much easier for the family to have some quality time with his family.  Now, Mallory has been burned and is being treated in one of the best burn centers.  It doesn’t just happen by accident that they are living only 20 miles from one of the best burn units in the country!  God is so good.  He sees the “big picture” and plans our lives in accordance to what is best for us!

Those who need our continue special prayers:

  • Mr. Bud Callihan – North Oaks
  • Mr. Bobby Lawson – home
  • Sherman Cutrer – doing well and soon to come home
  • Theresa Rhodus and her family – Lafayette
  • Mallory Hatchel – Richmond
  • Jimmy Schwartz – completing radiation this week
  • Martha P. Drago – getting ports today for treatment to begin soon
  • Macy Gueldner – home, but continuing treatments
  • Mrs. Nyra Rigby – home in Alabama
  • Ray Blackwell – home
  • John Alan Blackwell – home
  • Susan Rimes –  home
  • Don Dickinson – home
  • Anne Hurst – home

Pray for the youth of many churches as they attend the Youth Evangelism Conference which begins this weekend.

Community Thanksgiving Services 

  • Sunday, November 23rd at 6 P.M.
  • Kentwood Methodist Church
  • Fellowship to follow

Lottie Moon Tea

  • 2 P.M. Sunday, November 30th
  • Fellowship Hall of FBC,K
  • Ladies of all ages from all churches are invited.
  • Music, Skits, Missions, Lottie’s special cookies, etc.
  • Program involves people from a number of churches

Mission Project – Bring postage stamps in multiples of ten and place in the jar on the table under the stairs to the balcony of FBC, K or turn in to Anna Lee or the church office.  The stamps will be placed on Christmas cards for prisoners to send to their families.

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Third Thursday Meeting – 6:30 tonight at the cabin

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

  • 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at The Cafe
  • Honoring Fran Walker, Kim Schwartz, Velma Anthony, Billie Jo Hutchinson, Fay Gehringer, Rita Tate, Ruby Schwartz, Bessie Hayden, Theople Hurst, Kay Forman, and Hazel Smith

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Meets tomorrow, but not the day after Thanksgiving
  • 10:00 A.M. at Fellowship Hall of FBC,K
  • Studying women of the Bible

Team Kid

  • No meeting on the 23rd due to the community Thanksgiving service
  • Meets of Nov. 30th and Dec. 7th before a Christmas break

Devotional. Scriptures, Quote, and a Song

  • “Can You Help?” – http://odb.org/
  • Faith by itself,                                                                                                               if it does not have works,                                                                                           is dead.                                                                                                                                                      ~James 2:17~                                                                                          

             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8zbLfPjkos

Thanks for praying each day.  After praying, decide how you can best be a doer, not just a hearer, today.
Anna Lee

Sunday

“I call on You, God,

because You will answer me;

listen closely to me;

hear what I say.”

~Psalm 17:6, HCSB~

 

Thankfulness Day 9:  Today, I am thankful for Hope Center.  What a benefit this place has already been to those who have received food, shopped, etc.!   In such a short time, Hope has given hope and love to many families  In addition, the people there are ALL VOLUNTEERS, yet not a day has rolled around that Hope wasn’t adequately staffed with some special Christian people.  Not a day goes by that we cannot easily give away crosses, Bibles, and Christian literature.  I’m thankful I can be involved.  I’ve been so blessed!

Please pray for these people who are hospitalized:

  • Bud Callihan – Hammond
  • Bobby Lawson – McComb
  • Chris Wales – Baton Rouge
  • Don Dickinson – Baton Rouge
  • Anne Hurst  – Greensburg
  • Macy Gueldner – Baton Rouge

 http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/545e72874db921492b4086e9

Devotional, Scriptures, Quote, and a Song

  • “Tear Down the Wall” – http://odb.org/
  • He comforted them and spoke kindly to them.                                                                                                             ~Genesis 50:21~                                               You meant evil against me;                                                                                     but God meant it for good . . . .                                                                                 And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.                                                                                                       ~Genesis 50:20-21~
  • “Anger builds walls;                                                                                                love breaks them down.”                                                                                                                             ~ODB~

If you have prepared your Sunday School lesson, you may find this devotional refers to the same Joseph.  The lesson is “Overcome Hard Times”.  That we all can do if we let God have control.

Have a Sunday that is beautiful in every way.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“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, NKJV~

 

Mr. Bobby Simpson broke his food Monday while working at the family cemetery.   Yesterday, the doctor said it was a clean break of a small bone in the side of his foot.  Today, they will learn what will be done to help correct the break.  Please be in pray for Mr. Bobby.

Nancy  Carruth was admitted to a hospital in Baton Rouge last night.  She had a couple of kidney stones that she would like to be rid of.  It may be necessary to have some stents today.  Add her to your prayers today.

Pray for Betty Taylor as she sees her eye doctor again today.  Thank God she has a doctor who will help her maintain her vision.

Pray for Andy’s sister, Cindy Juban, as she continues her battle with a tumor.  She is slowly losing her vision.

I asked Cheryl Santangello for an address when we can send cards to her son, Johnnie “Lil Man” Santangello.  The good news from the family is that Johnnie and Megan will be getting married this week.  You can send cards to him/them at Post Office Box 294, Independence, LA 70443.  Please continue to pray for the Johnnie and the family.

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/543eaf20ca16b4230d8a81bf

and

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/543eaf4eaf3d79422080be21

(Be sure to click on the picture so it will enlarge for you.)

Mr. Earl Dees of Fluker passed away last night.  Please continue to pray for the family as they begin a new phase of like without him.  He will be missed by many people.

Third Thursday – It’s that great day!  Come to the cabin at 6:30 tonight for Christian fellowship.  It is my favorite day of the whole month!  If you need directions, call or message me through the “Contact” link on this page.  I’m looking forward to another great night.  It certainly is smelling good in here!

Baptist Press   bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, a Quote, and a Song

  • “Mysterious Detours” –  http://odb.org/
  • Our fathers trusted in You;                                                                                   they trusted, and You delivered them.                                                                                                                   ~Psalm 22:4~
  • We don’t need to see the way when we stay close to the One who does.                                                                                                  ~Today’s Devotional on Our Daily Bread~

Thanks for “tuning in” today and doing the requested exercise, praying.  You are so important in God’s big plan for our life on earth.

Anna Lee

Monday

“For the Son of Man has come

to seek and to save the lost.”

~Luke 19:10, HCSB~

 

Mr. Bobby Lawson will be having surgery today in Hammond.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Wayne Criswell – Wayne’s cancer of five years ago has returned.  He will begin chemo today and continue at three week intervals indefinitely.  Mary asks that we pray for Wayne and for the family.  I’m sure you will.

Young at Heart will meet at 10:30 Tuesday at New Zion Baptist Church for a brief program and a pot-luck lunch.

We will host the Third Thursday Meeting at the cabin at 6:30 Thursday.

Operation Christmas Child 

  • “Our shoebox lady went home to be with the Lord this year in May. She was a retired teacher and loved kids. She would fill 600 shoebox gifts each year. This year in Memory of Elaine we are working to add 600 extra shoebox gifts wrapped in gold, red and green foil papers to bring together and then take pictures of the boxes to send to her family.” – Christine P.
  • “While our world is shaking and crumbling, we need to realize that one thing will never change, and that is God. He is the same today as he was ten million years ago, and will be the same ten million years from today.” – Billy Graham
  • “My 104 year old Mom carefully packing her Shoebox for 4 special little girls. Never too old to send a little doll and a teddy bear and spread the love of Jesus through this shoebox.” – Claire. A. — with Jennifer Mcafee.
  • Nikola is a young boy living in Serbia being raised by his grandmother and grandfather. In his shoebox gift, Nikola got a toy car, which he loves more than anything else in the world. He also got a teddy bear that he sleeps with every night. He calls it his brother.
  • “I have 3 grandchildren, so I do 3 shoeboxes. The whole family is in on collecting items for the boxes all year. It warms my heart when one of my grandchildren puts a Sonic toy or some other small item on my desk and tells me ‘it is for the boxes’. At the time I pack them I add a Christmas card and a Birthday card for that child. The birthday card can be an avenue to start the conversation about Christ’s birth. I’ll never know what impact my boxes have on anyone but I know I have done what my heart felt lead to do to share Christ’s LOVE.” – Peggy D.
  • Have you put your heart into OCC this year.  If you have, thank you.  If not, it’s not too late.  We have until the end of this month to make original or additional purchases. – ala

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Timely Words” –  http://odb.org/
  • A word fitly spoken                                                                                                     is like apples of gold in settings of silver.                                                                                                           ~Proverbs 25:11~
  • “Wonderful Words of Life” http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Wonderful_Words_of_Life/

I haven’t heard or even thought of this song in a long time.  I hope it “plays” in my heart and mind all day today.

Family Update – David and I made emergency flights to Richmond and kept our grandchildren so their parents could be in Texas with family members during  a difficult time.  We were so blessed by that experience.  We got to witness their everyday life both as grandparents and parents.  I am so thankful we had that time together, especially because their parents were much needed in Texas.  We got home last night and look forward to learning what we missed and getting back in our routine.  Home always looks extra good after being away.

Thanks for your faithfulness to God, family, friends, and total strangers through your prayers.  One prayer I have had lately is for more prayer time and more depth to my prayers.  I’m sharing it with you so I will be more diligent to do that.  You will be my accountable partners.  Thanks, friends.

Anna Lee

Friday

I FORGOT to do TPL this morning!  That is a first!

“He is Lord of heaven and earth

and does not live in shrines made by hands.”

~Acts 17:24b HCSB~

 

Porgie Scarle has completed three treatments and will have a break of about a month before continuing.  Please pray for Porgie, Joanie, Scacey, and Pat as well as other family members.

Mrs. Jerry Pulliam passed away at Heritage Manor in Franklinton about 1 P.M.  yesterday.  Please pray for her family and many friends.

Pray for the Hatchel family as they have the memorial service at FBC in McKinney, TX  at 1 P.M. today.

Ladies’ Friday Bible Study – No meeting this week.  Look for a paper in your Sunday School class to help you prepare for the next meeting.  This will be addressed through our Disaster Relief teams.

Hope Center – Distribution of the first 100 boxes is food will be this morning.  There is already a list of people who will receive their monthly box next week.  Pray for those working in packaging and distribution the boxes as well as those receiving the food.

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

Baptist Message – You may want to check your Baptist Message this week to learn how Southern Baptists in Louisiana are preparing for an outbreak of ebola and praying it will not happen.

Devotional, a Quote, Scripture, and a Song

  • “We can all work hard, but now, let’s work smart”                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                         ~John Mabry, IHS Principal~

  • “Let us not grow weary while doing good.”

                                                                    ~Galatians 6:9~

 

Be sure your work is pleasing to God today!

Anna Lee

Friday

I was working on The Prayer Link EARLY this morning.  When the weather got bad, I shut down the computer thinking it would save my work as has always been done.  I suppose the bad weather prevented the satellite from getting my post, so now I am starting over.  This may not be as good as the first, but I will try to get it posted as quickly as possible.  Please excuse the delay.

“Sing to the LORD, who dwells in Zion;

proclaim His deeds among the nations.”

~Psalm 9:11, HCSB~

 

Connor Corkern

Connor is back in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.  Please pray for him to feel better soon.

Morgans

Paul had an angiogram and stent Wednesday.  His mom, Virgie, had an angiogram yesterday.  Please thank God for modern heart procedures the prevent bigger problems.

Jambalaya Lunch

  • FBC, Kentwood on October 12 at noon
  • Benefit – Hope Center in Roseland
  • Donations only!
  • Area churches can participate by calling in a number by Wednesday.  Pick-up at 11:30 on the 12th.
  • Jambalaya by Marty, White beans by Mike, Dessert by ladies of the church

Georgia Barnett Offering for Louisiana Missions

FBC,K has already collected 72% of the $8,000 goal for 2014.  Let’s surpass the goal again!

Operation Christmas Child

  • The fabric totes for each shoebox are almost all made.  Thanks to the ladies who have helped cut, stitch, or put in drawstrings.
  • Some boxes need to be put together all need to be filled.  This will happen on November 1st.  Plan to attend our first OCC Christmas Party.

Hope Center

  • Hope is reaching out in a big way!
  • Gravel was put on the new clay driveway around the building yesterday.
  • Sixty-five families have been signed up for food.
  • The first food will be delivered Monday.
  • Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon will be the times for more applications.
  • Friday morning, we will distribute the first food.
  • The thrift store is doing well.
  • See/call me to volunteer for the thrift store or the food bank.

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

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Filtered Light” –  http://odb.org/2014/10/03/filtered-light/
  • It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,                   who has shone in our hearts.                                                                                                                                                                   ~2 Corinthians 4:6~
  • “The Light of the World is Jesus” –  https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1018

                          Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
                          Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
                         Once I was blind, but now I can see;
                         The light of the world is Jesus.

I like that this site also allows you to see the music for the melody just by clicking a                     tab.

 

Come to the Light (Jesus)!

Anna Lee