Wednesday

“If you love Me,

keep My commandments.”

~John 14:15~

Scripture writing plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Hebrews 6:13-15

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

Operation Christmas Child – I’m so thankful David is well enough now to help me with getting items ready for Operation Christmas Child. He was unable to help last year. David is great at removing the packaging and letting me put things in the proper place. His walker is perfect for carrying bags and boxes from the car to the room at the church. Without his help I would not have made as much progress as I have. If you have some free time and would like to help, there is always something to do for Operation Christmas Child. Of course, you can always help by shopping. I love walking into the church office or the Sunday School room and finding items someone left for OCC.

I am appreciation of someone asking for boxes to pack and for others who have given money to help with purchases. You can pack your own boxes or purchase items to add to the collection so we can pack the boxes at our packing party.

One thing we use a lot of is clear plastic bags, snack, quart, and gallon size. If you can supple some bags, that will be a big help.

If you are going to pack individual boxes and want to use the red and green ones, please let me know. I will make sure I have some ready for you.

If you want to come pray over the items that will be shipped, please do so. It is never too early to pray for how the boxes will be influential in the lives of boys and girls.

This morning, David and I have already talked about the progress that has been made. I’ve already looked up some new crafts for us to try. OCC is firmly in our hearts and often in our conversations.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? . . . You hypocrite!

First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend’s eye.”

~Matthew 7:3, 5 NCV~

Remember that today is the day for the birthday party for “young” ladies over 50. All ladies are invited to meet at the Burger Basket at 11:00 to honor the birthday ladies. Lunch is Dutch treat.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Hebrews 6:10-12

I have been sharing news of friends who are involved in missions. Several local groups are doing missions now. I just learned that a cousin and his sweet family from another state will be serving in Honduras this week. Ricky, I’m so thankful for the way you and your family serve the Lord every day of the year and especially today. May this trip be fruitful for the Lord!

James Rimes told me Buddy Waller has been sick due to a change in medicine. A change to correct the problem has already been made. Pray to God for remove this time of sickness so Buddy can return to his routine.

Beth Brabham saw a surgeon yesterday and will have gall bladder surgery next Monday. Pray for her as she waits until this health issue can be corrected. She will be at North Oaks for surgery.

Frances Gay asks for prayers for her granddaughter Kaylee Houeye who will have out-patient surgery this morning at North Oaks to remove her tonsils. In addition to praying for her surgery, please pray for the recovery time for her. Your prayers will be appreciated.

My brother-in-law, Donnie Eudy of Ponchatoula, continues to fight damage the sun has done to his fair skin. He latest report is leading to additional appointments and procedures. Keep Donnie and others with the same issue in your prayers.

David saw his oncologist yesterday. The blood level was a little lower, 7.3, but the decision was made NOT to get more blood at this time because of the additional fluid his body would have to deal with. The Procrit injection was increased from 40,000 to 50,000 units. It seems the body is making the blood, but the liver and spleen are acting like sponges and absorbing it. In the meantime, David’s exercises are helping him regain strength and endurance.

David has been strong enough to sit and help unpackage items for Operation Christmas Child and was able to shop for more OCC items in a store on the way home from Baton Rouge. This is rewarding to both of us because we have been in another country when the “shoeboxes” were distributed. Not only do the boys and girls get needed items like toothbrushes and soap and they get school supplies and gifts, but they get an opportunity to learn about Jesus. Each box is found to impact an average of seven people with the message of Jesus. We believe this is a great mission opportunity and costs us so little.

If you need to know how to get involved with OCC, please ask us. We would love to give you an opportunity to get involved.

Anna Lee

Monday

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

~Psalm 27:1~

Scripture Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – 2 Peter 1:5-9

The monthly “Young” Ladies Birthday Party will be tomorrow at 11 at the Burger Basket. Join the group in celebrating July birthdays. Everyone is invited to have lunch with us Dutch treat.

It was good to see Kenneth Birch back in church yesterday. Let’s continue to pray for good results from his back surgery.

Beth Brabham will be seeing a surgeon today to set up a date for gall bladder surgery. Let’s pray for her to get relief soon.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Frank and “Miss” Barbara Erwin. I certainly miss seeing them when they are unable to be in church.

Mr. “Cete” and “Miss” Ruby Dillon were back in church yesterday. They enjoyed hearing Bro. Wendell Rhodus preach yesterday.

Gaylon Curter‘s blood level got low so he was admitted to the hospital for platelets and two units of blood. He is home and feeling better now. Continue to pray for him and his family as his continues to fight his battle with MDS.

Don’t forget to purchase some school supplies for OCC this week. You can drop them off in the church office any day but Saturday. School will be beginning soon. School supplies will be less available them. Every shoe box we pack will need school supplies so help us get enough for all the boys and girls. Thank-you!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6~

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – James 5: 10-11

Please pray for Bro. Ernest Graham and two others from East Fork Baptist Church as they do mission work in Canada this week. Pray those they minister to will have their eyes and hearts open to Jesus.

Barbara Dale Travis Carter

May 15, 1954 – July 19, 2019

Barbara Dale Travis Carter died Friday July 19, 2019 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center of Covington. She was 65, a native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana and a long-time resident of Franklinton, Louisiana. Barbara was a graduate of Greensburg High School, Southeastern Louisiana University, and LSU Law School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Huey Marvin Travis and Araminta (“Polly”) Bennett Travis; and her sister Connie Kathleen Travis Jenkins. She is survived by her husband Clay Alston Carter; her son Lee Alston Carter, daughter-in-law Annie Cazenave Carter, and grandson Jackson Thomas Carter; son Thomas Travis Carter; sister Valerie Suzanne Travis Lane; and brother Huey Marvin (“Bubba”) Travis. Barbara was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton. Her love for her community was only surpassed by her love for her family. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana with religious services to follow conducted by Rev. Brian Ridgedell. Burial will follow in the Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton at 1015 Cleveland St., Franklinton, LA 70438. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I know I have been sharing about the Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes” lately. I do so because I believe in sharing the gospel. “Shoeboxes” have proven to be an effective outreach to many, many children each year. Today, I am going to ask you to commit to making some purchases for OCC this week. I ask you to purchase school supplies for boys and girls who are between the ages of 2 and 14. This site, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/, will be helpful in guiding you this week. I like to buy multiple items of several different categories when I shop. You may find you enjoy buying for one boy or girl, but want to buy everything they will need. The choice is yours. Don’t think two year olds are too young for school supplies. Think of thick crayons, coloring books, blank paper, pencils, water colors, rounded scissors, glue sticks, etc. Bring your purchases to the church office by next Sunday morning. I will be grateful for your purchases and excited for the children who will receive the boxes and have an opportunity to learn about Jesus, much like our local boys and girls do at Sunday School.

This is my challenge to you this week. Get out and enjoy shopping for school supplies for a child or children from very disadvantaged countries. Let’s work together to make this world a better place for others. Let’s work together to help others learn about Jesus. One week! School supplies!

If FBC, Kentwood is not your church, find out how your church, school, organization, etc. is working to help. You can work through another group or you can help us in Kentwood.

I’m thankful to report that David is better than he was a few months ago and a year ago. He has been able to sit and help unpackage items, sort items, create useful items, etc. I feel so blessed that he can help now. Ask him about helping our son-in-law give out shoeboxes in Romania a few years ago. He has some awesome stories to share. He and I are firm believers in this Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse project. I hope you will want to join us again or for the first time.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

Bill Frazier‘s neck surgery went well yesterday. Pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

A small church in our association is again sending s mission team to another country. This trip will include 14 mission volunteers and lots of support from others who cannot make the trip. They are small in size, but BIG on missions!

Tangipahoa Baptist Church is also sending a mission team to a central American country. I got this information verbally and do not have an exact number of those going. I did learn the church gathering items to send. I’ll post a list of items if I can get one.

V.R. “Cuestick” Blades, Jr.

August 12, 1933 – July 15, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019 at his home. He was born August 12, 1933 in Greenlaw, LA and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Shelia Anderson; 2 sons, Gary Blades and James Allen Blades; 2 sisters, Evelyn Glenn and Pearline Coker; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Dunn Blades; his mom, Annie Rhodes Blades; his dad, Vernie Red Blades, Sr.; 1 son, Brian Scott Blades; and 1 daughter, Rebecca Blades. Interment was held at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarity Hospice. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – James 5: 7-9

Operation Christmas Child in very important to me. I am enjoying some time shopping and gathering as well as unpackaging and organizing. Let me know if you want to help in any way – purchasing, crafting, organizing,

A neighbor brought me three bags of medicine and baby food containers she washed and prepared for packaging small items. A lady gave me money for fishing supplies. I bought some items needed and look forward to packaging for boys to enjoy using. Another lady gave me money to shop with. I bought pencils and pens with her money. One class at church has purchased bandanas and stuffed animals. A lady gave me some handmade stuffed animals. Another lady drew faces on them.

Do you need me to shop for you? Do you need me to give you suggestions for your purchases? If so, Walmart has one subject composition books for a quarter. It certainly would be helpful if some of you would purchase boxes for these while they are on sale. Do the math. That is a good deal on notebooks. You can leave your purchases in the church office or in the classroom by the choir room.

I can always use more craft items like beads, school supplies like highlighters, crayons, and markers, and soap and washcloths. We open the soap and let it harden so it doesn’t mold and so it will last longer. I certainly have learned lots of tricks.

If you have time and a pair of scissors, I can always use help cutting t-shirts to make jump ropes. I think there is an opportunity for everyone.

Anna Lee

Friday

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way for the wicked leads to destruction.

~Psalm 1:6~

Pray for Bill Frazier today. He is having neck surgery at 1 P.M today at OLOL in Baton Rouge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

I’ve had updates on Carol B. Sealey and Carl “Chicken” Gaines. They are both improving.

Disaster relief response update

Disaster relief response update

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do some more shopping for Operation Christmas Child. I’m so excited to get all these items from the trunk and start to prepare and organize them for the “shoeboxes”.

Yesterday, someone gave me money to spend on fishing items. That was done too.

Some of the items I was able to purchase were school crayons, highlighters, small toys, flashlights, craft supplies, soap, dishcloths, pencil sharpeners, large erasers, pens, pencils, marbles, eating utensils, craft felt. scissors. plastic tablecloths, and pencil holders.

I had a great time buying these items and will have a good time working with them in the coming days. I have to get busy now, so the shoeboxes can be ready for November collection. Don’t miss out on the joy of “shoeboxes”!

If you want to pack your own shoeboxes, let me know. I will have them ready for you Sunday morning. If you want to shop and turn in items for us to pack together, you can drop your items off at the church office or the classroom next to the choir room. If you want to donate you can give through the offering at church and labeling your donation to “OCC” or “shoeboxes”. If you want me to shop for you, I’ll do that and give you a copy of the receipt.

There are many ways to get involved. The main thing is that you “get involved” and pray for the boys and girls who will receive the shoebox gifts and an opportunity to learn about Jesus. That is the main reason for “shoeboxes”!

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Colossians 1: 9-11

What will be the most important think you do today?

Check on someone in the hospital
Deliver food to someone
Call and encourage someone
Take someone to lunch
Study your Bible
Share a plant or flowers
Give someone a ride
Babysit for a young mother
Purchase items for Operation Christmas Child
Invest some time in a chid or teenager
Be a role model for newlyweds
________________________________________

Anna Lee

Thursday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

Frances Pehota McElveen

July 31, 1921 – July 17, 2019

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at her home. She was born July 31, 1921 in Middlefield, CT and was 97 years of age. She was a U. S. Navy Veteran. She is survived by 2 daughters, Carol Jenkins and Pamela Alston; son, G.G. McElveen and wife, Cathy; sister, Stasia D’Aquilla; 2 brothers, Donald Pehota and wife, Ann, and Eugene Pehota and wife, Judy; 10 grandchildren, Brandon McElveen and wife, Ashley, Kacey Leyrer and husband, Greg, Lori Trahan and husband, Cory, Ryan Jenkins and wife, Misty, Daniel Alston, Matthew Alston and wife, Claire, Kelli Schwebel and husband, Jacob, Katie Derbins and husband, Peter, Patrick Alston, and Dustin Alston; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Glynis G. McElveen; parents, John and Caroline Pehota; brother, Tom Pehota, 4 sisters, Florence Sokolaski, Nell Beckley, Cecilia Stannard, and Helen Iverson; 2 sons-in-law, Gerald Jenkins and John Alston. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 19, 2019. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Two weeks short of being 98! She’s certainly one of the ladies I have know who have lived a lone time!

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

We received a call last night about the need for trained disaster relief workers to help with flooded houses as a result of that storm named Barry. If you care trained and able to give some time to help others, call the to volunteer,

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

If you haven’t picked up some items for Operation Christmas Child yet, today would be a good day to do so.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves torment.

But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

~1 John 4:18~

I have three good reports to share today.

Carol Bennett Sealey is again improving. This lady is a fighter!
Adrian Phillips – “All was good at Heart Dr today Next goes to Oral Surgeon to have all teeth pulled before he goes to have Heart Valve Surgery His stents are doing good.”
David‘s blood count was up to 7.7. The nurse practitioner said David will get a larger does of Procrit next week which should help his blood build itself up.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

Look for some bargain buys today for the “shoeboxes” we will pack in a couple of months as part of Operation Christmas Child.

There are churches having VBS this week. Get the kids involved, especially if they have not had the opportunity to another VBS this year.

Have a great day as you make someone’s day brighter.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. ~Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV)~

Please pray for Mr. John Fulda of Amite. He is having a heart procedure today.

David W. Bennett

May 15, 1965 – July 12, 2019

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born May 15, 1965 in Amite, LA and was 54 years of age. David’s legacy will live on through the multiple “gifts” he donated through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. He is survived by his loving mother, Dorothy Davidson Bennett; 1 son, Michael Rogers; 2 brothers, Lonnie Lee Bennett and wife, Stacy, and Darryl Keith Bennett; nephews, Brock Layne Bennett and William Brogan Bennett; nieces, Mary-Catherine Bennett and Raelynn Nicole Jackson. Preceded in death by his father, Edgar Lee “Bear” Bennett; 1 brother, Donnie Ray “Bo” Bennett; 2 sisters, Connie F. Bennett and Krissy N. Bennett; grandparents, Homer Lee Bennett, Janie Barlow Bennett, Sim Thomas Davidson and Ida Lee Galloway Davidson. Memorial Services will be scheduled on a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Timothy 5:11-16

The Hope Center in Roseland is is need of clothing for premie babies. If you have some and are willing to share, they will have items to give to meet needs.

Operation Christmas Child – School supplies are now widely available in stores. As you shop, keep your eyes open for items that will be useful in shoeboxes. Suggestions are single subject notebooks, copy paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, pencil sharpeners, big erasers, safety scissors, glue sticks, pencil boxes, etc. Your purchases can be left in the church office or in the Sunday School room next to the choir room. Thank-you for helping to provide items for the shoeboxes. Don’t miss the good deals.

Operation Christmas Child – fishing kits! I have received a bag of small containers that will be perfect for fishing kits. Items needed are fishing line, hooks, weights, and small floats.

Operation Christmas Child – Clothesline kits – Items needed are wooden clothespins and clothesline string.

Operation Christmas Child – Tic Tac Toe games – Items needed are flat glass stones and small felt or foam sheets.

Operation Christmas Child – Eating utensils. – Teaspoons are used in most places. You can either purchase spoons alone or you can get sets with a knife, fork, and spoon.

Operation Christmas Child – Sewing kits – Small spools of thread, sewing needles, assorted buttons, small scissors, etc. If you want to add some small pieces of fabric and trim, that would be good.

Operation Christmas Child – Necklace/bracelet kits – Assorted beads, cording, etc.

Operation Christmas Child – Miscellaneous items – Washcloths and soap, $1.00 flashlights and extra batteries, small stuffed animals, small dolls, small balls, jump ropes, dominoes, small plastic animals, small trucks and cars, small farm figure, but now military figures or weapons.

What would you as an individual, your family, your class, your club be willing to do to provide some of the items for children in many poor countries this year? Remember, now is the time to collect. We have to pack the boxes and ship them by November. I am available to answer questions you may have. Call me or contact me through this page.

Anna Lee

Monday

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

~Matthew 5:7 NLT~

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Please continue to pray for Mr. Frank and “Miss” Barbara Erwin. They are improving. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Kenneth Birch is recovering from hip surgery. Keep him in your prayers,

The WMU meeting scheduled for this morning at Spring Creek has been postponed. You will be notified when it is rescheduled.

Yesterday, I noticed a door hanger I have that says “Give Thanks”. November is not the only time to be thankful! Storm Barry can be described in many ways. This morning, I want to give you some examples of how people are giving thanks concerning Barry.

First, most people in Baton Rouge and New Orleans are thankful water was diverted from the Mississippi River preventing flooding in the cities. Meteorologists made some educated predictions that were helpful in people being prepared for the storm. Based on information available to them, some experts decided not to call for evacuation from areas that have previously flooded. This seemed risky at the time, but was apparently the correct call and avoided thousands of people from leaving their homes and cities unnecessarily.

Many people were first responders. I’m thankful for them and for not being one in the story named Barry. I thank God for their willingness to help and their safety as they helped others.

I personally know a number of people who elevated their furniture, but didn’t flood. One family that did that is Roy and Diane Turner. The work was hard. Their home did not flood, but they were prepared. They are thankful their home was spared and that they were able to prepare “just in case”.

I told David the route I was choosing to travel to church and back yesterday based on the number of trees that could have potentially fallen. Later, we saw Sherry Gill Simpson and her parents. They witnessed a tree falling across a highway, but they were still far enough away to be safe. They were thankful they were spared.

I know people who had camps to flood, but homes that are not flooded. I think they have to be thankful for a place to live that did not flood.

I know Louisiana Baptists will be working hard in the coming weeks to help those who had flooding. I’m thankful to be a part of this group, even though I cannot personally help this year. I know the home and business owners will be thankful for people who are willing to help them. I remember all the trips David and others made to the lower ninth ward of New Orleans following Katerina. People were thankful for help. David and the other volunteers were thankful to be able to help out. This is also true for the more local flooding in August 2016. Thanks to all those who help with disaster relief in any way.

Our power went off twice, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. I’m thankful for the local men who work for Demco who got out in the bad weather and returned service to us. We were prepared to be without service for a longer period of time, but so thankful when it came back on.

I’m thankful for store employees who had to deal with lots of people wanting bread, snacks, etc. The delivery drivers we saw were working diligently for all the customers who would be purchasing food within a short period of time.

Who and what are you thankful for? Did you take time to thank God for your safety and that of your property, your church, your neighbors, etc? Did you think about the hours of family time people gave up to make life more convenient for us. We all benefitted from time and effort of many others. Were we polite and appreciative when we saw the people working?

Today is a good day to count our blessings! Where will you start? Who will you thank when you see them in the coming days? Does God know you are thankful? Did you tell Him?

We are receiving a hard rain right now. We are dry. The lights, television, etc are working. We are in our own home. Our neighbors are too. We’re thankful! How about you?

Anna Lee