Category: Scripture Writing

Sunday

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

~Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)~

 

 

 

Please pray for the following friends with Covid-19 or recovering. Some are progressing better than others. These friends are asking for your prayers.

Diane Easley

Debbie Luce Clark

Wayne and Nona Jones

Harrell and Susie Sharkey

Please pray for Joe Easley who is hospitalized with pneumonia. Thankfully, he has again tested negative for Covid-19.

 

 

 

If you missed the Christian rally in Washington yesterday, you can find video footage online.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 27

Isaiah 54:1-57:14
Ephesians 6:1-24
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 24:8

 

 

 

If you are not attending church in person, you have many online services available as well as the old standby, televised services. I’ll post a facebook link to services at FBC, Kentwood just before 10:30 this morning and 6:00 this afternoon.

 

 

 

Pray for churches in our country and other countries that pack “shoeboxes”. May lots of love, prayer, and gifts be shipped in the coming months.

Today, lets pray for the churches around the world where the “shoeboxes”will be distributed. May they use the “shoeboxes” in such a way to influence the boys and girls to want to learn about Jesus.

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“Commit yourself to instruction;

listen carefully to words of knowledge.”

~Proverbs 23:12 (NLT)~

 

Please continue to pray for our country.

 

A Call to Prayer for our Country!

Today

Rev. Franklin Graham

  • We need to pray for PEACE, because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).
  • Pray for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
  • Pray for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4).
  • And pray for an OUTPOURING of His wisdom and direction for our leaders and officials who are dealing with this crisis. Ask God to change hearts and heal this divide in our nation.
  • We need to pray for PEACE, because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

 

 

 

Most of out local churches will have services inside or outside their church buildings today at their usual time.

 

 

 

Wilbur Gene Parker

March 03, 1945 – May 27, 2020

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at his home. He was born March 3, 1945 in Osyka, MS and was 75 years of age. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran and a retired industrial electrician with IBEW Local #995. He is survived by his 2 brothers, Wesley Parker and John Parker (Janice); nieces and nephews, Travis Parker, Cassie Parker, Bridget Parker Magee (Juan), John Mitchell Parker (Tabby), Amanda Freeman, and Jason Parker (Tori). Preceded in death by parents, John Wesley Parker and Myrtis Newsom Parker; brother, Floyd W. Parker. A Memorial Service will be held at New Zion Baptist Church at 10:00AM on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Jerry Spring

June 16, 1934 – May 27, 2020

Jerry Spring, 85, of Amite, LA passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020, from natural causes. Jerry was born on June 16, 1934, to Mattie Lee Lewis and Samuel Emmett Spring in New Orleans, LA.  He attended Possum College in Amite, LA.  Jerry enlisted with the United States Air Force in December 1951, and served during the Korean War Conflict until he was honorably discharged in December 1955, as S/SGT.  He was a Lineman for LP&L.  At the time of his death, he lived in Westminster Albany Apartments where he made many friends.  His family says he was a simple man that loved joking and laughing.  He is preceded in death by his mother Mattie Lee Lewis, father Samuel Emmett Spring, and step-father William Claude Wilkinson.  He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Tonilyn Spring, grandchildren Remy and Danna, and numerous family members. A grave site ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 11:00am at Spring Cemetery in Amite, LA.  In lieu of flowers, his family asks that a donation be made in memory of Jerry Spring to Quad Area Community Action  Agency @ quadarea.org. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

The Hope Center is now open at its new location south of the big curve in highway 51 on the west side of the highway.  It is back from the highway, but visible from highway 51.  They are open Tuesday – Saturday.  The Hope Center is operated Two Rivers Baptist Association.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 31

  • 2 Samuel 17:1-29
  • John 19:23-42
  • Psalm 119:129-152
  • Proverbs 16:12-13

 

 

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“If you want to know what God wants you to do,

ask him,

and he will gladly tell you,

for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him.”

~James 1:5 (TLB)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 23

  • Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
  • Luke 6:12-38
  • Psalm 67:1-7
  • Proverbs 11:27

 

 

 

I want to remind you of the OCC list of items you are asked to purchase during March.  I know we are not shopping now, but possible one person could shop online for the class.  When we are able to get out again, your items would be ready to take to the church.

 

Operation Christmas Child, March, 2020

Nursery & Preschool Large Erasers
Grades 1-5 Hair Brushes
Youth  Pens
College and Career Checkers
Gateway GIrls’ Underwear (Sizes 2-14)
Joy & Friendship Circle. Colored Duct Tape
Bank  $1.00 Calculators
New Creations & Renewal Bandanas
Rebekah  Toothbrushes, Holders, & Floss
Seekers, City Hall, & Staff Marbles
Faithful Clothes Pins & Rope

 

 

 

 

If you have children in your home, you may want to download this app.

     Greatest Journey – samaritanspurse.org/TGY-app

This will be entertaining and educational at the same time.

 

 

I watched four church services yesterday.  Jason’s church suggested having children make “Loving One Another Cards”.  I think this would be wonderful for adults too.  Once your cards are made, they can be left in the mailbox for the mail carrier or dropped in the outdside box at the post office.  Even when housebound, do your part to minister to others.

 

 

Here’s my song list for today.  I hope you sing along.

 

 

 

Stay home!  Don’t spread this virus!

Anna Lee

 

 

Friday

Today is day ten of our quarantine which was imposed by our children.  I see many more ahead.  We certainly have wise children who look out for us.  I’m glad I have several Operation Christmas Child crafts I can work on at this time.

 

 

 

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;

do not fret—it leads only to evil. 

For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

~Psalm 37:8-9~

 

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 20

  • Numbers 30:1-31:54
  • Luke 4:1-30
  • Psalm 63:1-11
  • Proverbs 11:20-21

 

 

Rev. Glynn Stone a former pastor at West Rome (GA) Baptist Church and present pastor in Longview, TX was killed in an automobile accident.  Please pray for the family, especially as they face the same Caron Virus issues we are all facing.

https://www.news-journal.com/news/mobberly-baptist-pastor-glynn-stone-dies-in-auto-wreck/article_50ac45e8-6a38-11ea-b873-effe4fe7ad87.html?fbclid=IwAR37gB21pbthYBthvxYc-Yg1H9l5kzyWEZU_S-Ybm4030Jig3f7_hQKjTLo

We were blessed to have met and heard this mission minded pastor while he was in GA.

 

 

Josiah Huckaby is back at the hospital.

And in the blink of an eye…we are back in the hospital!

We went for an appointment in Memphis today & he started having some respiratory trouble. They went ahead & sent us home from clinic but told us to come back to the ER if he got worse. Half way home he got really flushed looking & was having more trouble. We checked his temp & it was 104.6 so we turned around & came back to the ER. I always have Tylenol with us so we gave that & by the time we got back to Memphis his temp was down to 101.9 and was at 100.5 about 2 hours ago. So far his X-ray shows pneumonia in his left lung, they have started antibiotics, & they are running some tests to determine if he has a bacterial or viral infection. We are still in the ER but hopefully we will be in a room soon.

To God be the glory! Job Huckaby

 

 

 

Keith Newell is able to move around some following his Tuesday surgerty.  His nurse wife has been an asset to his recovery.  She was sent home from the hospital last night.  It is doubtful she will be allowed back in today.

 

 

 

Joseph Anthony Liuzza

July 22, 1943 – March 18, 2020

Joseph Anthony (Joe Joe) Liuzza, born in Amite, LA on July 22, 1943, passed away peacefully at age 76 on March 18, 2020 at North Oaks Regional Medical Center in Hammond, LA.

Joe was a successful sales person and entrepreneur throughout his life. From owning and operating a campground and recreation park, to bars, restaurants and many other business ventures, he always poured his heart into his endeavors. Friends and family would tell you that Joe was “real”. Ask him what he thought about a subject and he would tell you…. like it or not!

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Steve Paul Liuzza and Catherine Rispone Liuzza.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years and caregiver for many more, Elaine Swinney Liuzza; children, Chris Liuzza and wife, Connie, David V. Liuzza and wife, Stacey, Melissa Liuzza McCallister and husband, Luther, Cathy Liuzza McCallister and husband, Roland; Grandchildren, Lindsey, Steven, Carolyn, Jake, Cristian and Brecca; brothers, Jack V. Liuzza and wife, Fay and Steve P. Liuzza; nephew Anthony V. Liuzza.

Joe’s wishes of no funeral or memorial services has been honored by his family. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date at his home in Amite for the immediate family.

Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS in charge of arrangements.

Share condolences at sharkeyfuneralhome.com

 

 

 

PAULETTE “POLLY” STEVENS DIBENEDETTO

Paulette “Polly” Stevens DiBenedetto, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at the Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Hammond surrounded by her family. She was born December 9, 1959 in Amite and was 60 years of age. She retired from Hood Automotive in Amite. She was married to the love of her life for 35 years and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all. She is survived by her husband, Anthony G. DiBenedetto; 2 sons, Dustin A. DiBenedetto and Brody S. DiBenedetto; 1 grandson, Jude E. DiBenedetto; sister, Linda S. Cutrer and fiancé, Chester Pritchett; brother, J.D. Stevens and wife, Toni S. Stevens; and nephews, Bruce “Binky” E. Cutrer, II, Jerod R. Stevens, and Jace D. Stevens; niece, Keeli L. Cutrer; and great-niece, Laney R. Stevens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie L. “Rip” Stevens and Mary Nicosia Stevens. Due to the extenuating circumstances caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic, the services will be limited to immediate family members only. Interment will be in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.

 

 

 

Church will be livestreamed only!  We will not be attending services at FBC, Kentwood for a while, but all services will be available on the Kentwood, First Baptist Church FB page.   You can watch services in real time or any time you choose.

  • Sunday @ 10:30 A.M. and 6 P.M.
  • Wednesday @ 6 P.M.

I’m thankful my church has been doing this for a while and has worked through some of the problems that arose. 

We will not have Sunday School at this time, but you certainly can use your present book and study on your own.

 

 

 

I have a thought.  Each day choose one word (faith, peace. love, hope, compassion, etc.) each day.  Look that word up in your Bible, phone, computer, etc.  Make an entry in a notebook information you gain and how that word applies to you at this time.

We are in this together.  Don’t forget to check on others via phone or computer.  Person visits are not good at this time.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Stay in unless you HAVE to get out.  David and I have found a little ride, with no stops, helps us some afternoons.  We are blessed to be able to continue David’s medical treatment during this time.  I will be sitting in the car while he goes in Ochsner alone.

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

 

 

 

Tuesday

“There is a right time and a right way to do everything, but we know so little.” 

~Ecclesiastes 8:6 GNT~

 

 

 

Please add our long-time friend, Bruce Fussell, to your prayer list.  Bruce grew up in Roseland and graduated from AHS.  He has lived in Livingston for many years.  We happened to see his wife, Dorothy, my classmate, in Walker yesterday.  Bruce is dealing with several health issues now.

 

 

 

Little Jules Tanksley is out of Children’s Hospital and back in the Sixth Ward.  Doctors identified her problem as minor and something she will outgrow.  Thank-you for praying for Jules and her family.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for December 31st – Choose your own verse to close out this year.

 

 

 

Thanks for the prayers for others today.   I think that is a great way to end 2019 and begin 2020.

 

 

 

Pick out the version of the Bible and the specific Bible you will read as we read the whole Bible in 2020.  I will be using a children’s version in NIV that I bought a few years ago.

 

 

 

David and I shopped for Operation Christmas Child yesterday and loved every minute.  I hope you learn to enjoy it as much as we do.

Anna Lee

Monday

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

                                                                       ~Psalm 119:165~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for December 30th – Titus 3: 3-7

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – You can pick up your copy of the Scripture references for January through April at FBC, Kentwood.  Ask for the yellow copies in the church sanctuary.  Get your paper now so you will be ready to read on the 1st.  I will be posting each day for those who choose not to get a paper of their own.  How many of us will complete the readings this year?  I know I have finished some years and other years dropped off during the year.  Even then, I was glad I had read the portion of the Bible I read.  There is never a failure when you read God’s Word!

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Donald “Red” Alford.  His next scheduled appointment is January 7th.

 

 

 

Pray for Dennis “Big D” Price.  He is fighting some blood clots and a-fib.  Your prayers will be appreciated.

 

 

 

Thank-you for reading and praying. 

Anna Lee

Sunday

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

~Ezekiel 34:12~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing  for December 29 – James 1: 16-18

 

 

 

Starting on January 1st, I will begin a new year of reading the Bible all the way through.  I hope you will join me.  Copies will be available at FBC this morning.  They will be printed on colored card stock so they will hold up well and be easy to locate in your Bible.  If you cannot read all the Scriptures for a day, choose to write part of it each day.  I will be sharing  passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day.  You may want to use the plan and just read through one of these this year, one next year,  etc.  If you have never read the Bible through, 2020 will be a great year to do so.

 

 

 

David and I are so excited about Operation Christmas Child for 2020.  If you want to help us open, sort, organize, craft, etc., let me know when you are available to help.  There is always something to do from now until the boxes leave Kentwood just before Thanksgiving.  If you have a serger sewing machine and would like to help with a project let me know.  You can bring it to church and work with us Friday, choose another day to work, or work from home on your own schedule.  Let me know….

 

 

 

The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.

This is one of my favorite sayings.  I find it truthful and lasting!  May 2020 be the year we focus on others in many ways and not ourselves!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Saturday

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:11-12

 

 

Scripture Writing for December 28 – Philippians 2: 9-11

 

 

LSU long snapper ‘doing sports God’s way’ – http://bpnews.net/54103/lsu-long-snapper-doing-sports-gods-way

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child

  • Yesterday was a good afternoon for OCC work with two young friends.  They made matching games for almost thirty boys and girls, opened packs of pencils, counted items already collected, etc.  I love to train them to do OCC work.  They plan to take my place in a few years!
  • Another joy is watching someone catch the vision and finding what they can do for OCC.  David’s nurse has been purchasing items for shoeboxes in discount stores.  She is helping fill my bins with pencils for next fall.  Last year, she purchased spiral notebooks, pencils, and crayons which have already been sent to children.
  • One of the joys of doing OCC work at church is working with others on projects.  Next week, my sister will be helping make washcloths.   When do you want to set up a date for an OCC project?  What do you enjoy doing?
  • David has always been a big supporter of OCC.  Last year, he was not able to help, but this year he has already given many hours letting me shop for OCC on the way home from the doctor, putting together shelving for the storeroom, and his favorite – opening numerous packages of items I buy in quantity.  Even with his health issues, he has found what he can do and gladly does it because he has seen boys and girls receive the shoeboxes and will never forget their joy.  Knowing they get introduced to Jesus is priceless!
  • I would love to share this joy with any of you who want to get involved in this mission project at your church or at FBC, Kentwood.  What a blessing it has been to me personally!

 

 

Have a  wonderful Saturday!  Keep your eyes open to the opportunities God has for you!

Anna Lee