Wednesday

I can do all this through him

who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4:13~

I have some updates I failed to give earlier.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden has not had foot surgery yet. She home and resting for now.”’

Miss Fay Shoemaker is doing very well. She is pleased with her “apartment” which have a large picture window to allow her to watch birds, a long-time joy. I failed to get her address, so if you have it and would share it, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Adrian Phillips is back at home. He received the care he needed at Greensburg and is thankful to be feeling much better.

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher has been home for about a month. Her Sunday school class has been faithful to visit and share with her.

Pam Sellers’ friend, Vicki, who has a brain tumor is being monitored and has not required surgery yet. Pam thanks all the “prayer warriors” for praying for Vicki and Chris.

Edgar “Bear” Bennett

March 10, 1938 – January 22, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018. He was born March 10, 1938 in Amite and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Jane Davidson Bennett; surviving children, Lonnie Bennett and wife, Stacy, David Bennett and Darryl Bennett; grandchildren, Brock Bennett, Michael Rogers, Emily Wales, Mary-Catherine Bennett, Brogan Bennett, and Katelyn Bel; only great granddaughter, Kimberly Bennett; brother, Earl Bennett and wife, Nell, and his daughter in law, Susan Fitzhugh. Preceded in death by his father, Homer Bennett; mother, Janie Barlow Bennett; son, Donnie “Bo” Bennett; daughters, Connie and Krissy Bennett; brothers, Jerry and Ronnie Bennett; and his sister, Mildred McDaniel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 AM until religious services at 1 PM Thursday, January 25, 2018. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. Pallbearers will be Justin Bennett, Daniel Bennett, Brock Bennett, Brogan Bennett, Bryan Dykes and Jack “Catfish” Granger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 11-12
Proverbs 10
Matthew 20

Don’t get discouraged if you fall behind. You have several options that are much better than quitting.

You can work steadily and catch up at some point.
You can pick up where you are and read as often as possible and just take a little longer to complete the Bible.
You can choose a variation of this plan, such as reading the Old Testament passages this year and reading the others next year.
The point is to READ! Find what works for you.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

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

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

I’m looking forward to seeing the children for missions class tonight. They are practicing some of the things they have learned at their young ages. One joy each week is our circle prayer time for missionaries.

Let’s all continue to learn the things God would have us to learn and then, to apply those things. It’s never too late to work at such a wonderful goal!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

The LORD gives strength to his people;

the LORD blesses his people with peace.

~Psalm 29:11~

Adrian Phillips felt much better after some fluid was removed. Keep praying,

Pray for Andy Taylor. He has had a difficult time staying healthy lately. Pray for his faithful wife/caregiver, Betty, too.

Pray for Cheryl (Iley) Dillon as she has retina repair in Mobile today.

The Kodiak, Alaska area had an earthquake that has caused a tsunami warning for Alaska. Pray for people as they try to get to higher ground now.

Katherine Blood Cheramie

November 17, 1946 – January 20, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018. She was born November 17, 1946 in Convent, LA and was 71 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Robert V. Cheramie; 2 sisters, Beth Sabella and husband, John, and Carol Schneider and husband, Mike; 2 nephews, Matthew Sabella and Christopher Schneider; and her niece, Lauren Schneider. Preceded in death by her parents, William CJ Blood and Marie Canatella Blood. Graveside Services will be held at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite at 10 AM Wednesday, January 24, 2018. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party this morning at 11:00 at The Cafe. We’re celebrating January birthdays. All ladies are welcome.

Read the Bible

Exodus 9-10
Psalm 10
Matthew 19

FBC, Kentwood received enough money for missions Sunday to add another “light” to the poster.

Today is a good day to share the love of Jesus.

Anna Lee

Monday

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

~Proverbs 18:10~

Pray for Adrian Phillips. He is hospitalized in Greensburg.

Please continue to pray for all who have the flu.

Operation Christmas Child!

I received mail at church yesterday. It was a letter and a picture of a girl in Mexico who received one of the shoeboxes. I was thrilled. In all the years I have sent shoeboxes, this is the first time, I heard from a child who was a recipient. Special thanks to the lady from New Jersey who took the picture and sent it to me.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

We will meet tomorrow at The Cafe at 11 A.M. Come join us for lunch and birthday cake as we honor ladies with January birthdays.

Read the Bible

Today, reflect on God as ALMIGHTY.
Read Scriptures of you choice.
Catch up on something you missed.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

May God bless you today. May you be a blessing to others.

Anna Lee

Sunday

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Jimmy Alford – Jimmy has a bad cough he has not been able to shake this week. Pray he can get better soon. Janie had it too, but she is better.

Marshall Carlton Miller

October 18, 1935 – January 19, 2018

A resident of Walker passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was born October 18, 1935 in Amite and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Miller; daughter, K-K Miller and partner, Elizabeth Loftin; step children, Dana Boyd and wife, Terry and Heather Botsford and husband, John; grandchildren, Marshall McNabb and wife, Angela, Karla McNabb, Logan Hollman, and Connor Miller; great grandchildren, Parker, Ava, Blaise, Allie, Kane, Hayden, Micah and Lucas; and his sisters, Maxine Soileau and husband, John and Teresa Ponder. Preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Eudora Miller; son, Karl Ross Miller and his 3 sisters. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Roger Smith, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on January 17, 2018, at the age of 36. He was born on August 2, 1981. He is survived by a son, Dakota Smith, and a daughter, Elizabeth Smith. Father, Jimmie Blackwell; Brother, Adam Smith and wife Laura; Sister, Megan Collette and husband John Brent; Nieces and nephews, Desiree and Steven Smith, and Harlie and Weston Collette; Girlfriend, Nikki Casanova; 2 step-daughters, Destiny Cooper and Joanna Casanova. Proceeded in death by mother, Shirley Blackwell; Grandparents, Dock and Myrtle Blades, and Jessie Smith. Visitation is at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, Monday January 22, at 10 am until services at 12pm. Services will be conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment at Central Cemetery, Greensburg.

Read the Bible – Exodus 7-8, Proverbs 9, & Matthew 17

I will add another “light” to the poster by the piano. Let’s put several on for next week.

Women’s Ministry Project – We are collecting 2018 calendars for the inmates at the parish jail in Amite. We will always take the paper/softcover Bibles for them too.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.

~Isaiah 26:3~

Larry Bankston had a heart procedure yesterday. It went well. After staying last night, if all continued to go well, Larry will be able to leave Cypress Point and go home.

Josiah Huckaby – Recent Updates

January 8

Update: Josiah’s surgery will be next Wednesday.

We had a care conference Friday about Josiah and what our steps are for getting to bring him home. Josiah is going to need a trach since he is having some trouble weaning down to the home oxygen settings. He will be able to come home on as much oxygen as he needs with the trach. Also, they think he has some upper airway obstruction (big tongue, small mouth, narrow airway) so the trach will bypass that until he grows enough for those things not to be an issue for him. This will be a long term temporary deal (probably a couple of years). ENT called today and he will most likely have surgery Wednesday. We definitely feel this is the best thing for him. It will be a long tough road but will be so worth it to have him home. We are praising God for the opportunity to get him home soon. He is the toughest little boy & I’m constantly amazed at how he continues to fight & improve daily. Also, several people have been asking about Josiah’s medical bills. His bills are 100% the agency’s responsibility until the adoption is finalized…just one more way God has provided!!! A huge thanks to everyone for your prayers and for all the help with gas/food money as we have traveled back and forth from Memphis over the last 10 months!!! We have the most amazing family, friends, church family, & support system ever!

January 17

5:26 pm: Josiah made it back from surgery around 3:30 pm. It took them a lot less time than they originally told us it would take. Everything went great! He is back in his room resting & will slowly be weaned off the vent as his body allows. They are taking extra precautions to try to prevent a pulmonary hypertension crisis…so he’s getting a few extra meds & is on low stimulation orders for the next few days. Thanks for all the prayers before & during surgery! Hopefully he will continue to do great & they can start weaning his sedation within the next couple of days. God is so good!!! (Sorry it took so long for the update. It took a little while to make sure our immediate family was update & all of his initial assessments were done.) 😊

1:40 pm: They just took him back to prep for surgery.

9:45 am: Today Josiah will be having surgery to get his trach put in. This is going to help with his respiratory needs. He is at a higher risk for this surgery because of his respiratory issues but our amazing team is doing everything they can to be prepared for any possibility today! He is on the schedule for 3pm but there is a possibility it could be earlier if any of the outpatients cancel because of the weather. It is about an hour long surgery & he will be gone for about 2 hrs total. Thanks for the prayers! God is good! 😊

January 18

God is so good!!! Josiah seems to be doing good so far. The first 24 hours post-op are behind us. Praying he continues to do good!

Betty Istre Phillips Lawyer

August 25, 1930 – January 14, 2018

Betty Lawyer died on January 14th, 2018 at Provision Assisted Living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She suffered from dementia and simply expired from old age.

She was born Betty Jane Istre on August the 25th of 1930 in Jennings, Louisiana. She was thpe fourth of six children born to Jack and Lily Istre. She grew up in Jennings, Louisiana. After graduating Jennings High School in 1947, she attended a business school and then worked as a secretary.

She met Neal Phillips as he was passing through the Jennings Church of Christ as part of a missionary team. They married on September 15th of 1953 and were steadfast in their marriage until his untimely death in January of 1990. She and Neal had three sons: David born in September of 1955, Dwayne born in November of 1958, and Dennis born in 1962. Neal Phillips was a Minister of the Gospel. They moved among Church of Christ congregations and lived in Mobile, Alabama, Gallatin, Tennessee, Dallas, Texas, Cardiff, California, and Independence, Louisiana.

After Neal’s death, she married Kenneth Lawyer, also a Minister of the Gospel, in 1992. They were married until his death in 2002.

She is survived by her sister Jeannette Mesh of Lake Charles, Louisiana as well as her sons David with wife Emily in Ellisville, Mississippi, Dwayne with wife Karen in Reston, Virginia, and Dennis in Independence, Louisiana. She is also survived by five grandchildren (Susan Phillips Rogers, and Seth, James, Nathan, and Adam Phillips) several step grandchildren, and four great grandchildren (James, Leah, Olin, and Stephen Phillips).

First and foremost, Betty was a Christian. Raised in the love of the Lord and the study of the Bible at the Jennings Church of Christ, she married two preachers and was faithful in the duties of “the preacher’s wife” teaching children’s Bible classes for several generations and encouraging others in the work of the Lord.

Betty loved her grandchildren. She always took them into her Sunday school class whenever they visited her. A great joy of her life was knowing that they had all chosen to follow God and had been baptized.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2018, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 9 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Leslie Bethel

June 19, 1976 – January 15, 2018

A resident of Prairieville passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018. She was born June 19, 1976 in Hammond and was 41 years of age. She was a graduate of Amite High School in 1994 and Southeastern Louisiana University in 1998. She received a Master’s of Elementary Administrations and Supervisor Degree in 2001. She was a Kindergarten teacher at Pecan Grove Primary in Gonzales. She is survived by her wife, Marla Cutrer; sister, Rachel O’Brian and husband, Ray; niece, Lacey O’Brian; nephew, Ethan O’Brian; and aunt and uncle, Sharon and Greg Corkern. Preceded in death by her mother, Joan Hagan; grandparents, Aubrey and Betty Bethel; and 2 uncles, David and Leslie Bethel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018. Interment Arcola Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 3-4
Proverbs 8
Matthew 16

Friday Morning Bible Study WILL meet at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood. Come learn about the “dry bones”.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones;

whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.

~Luke 16:10 GNT~

Thank-you for praying for Kyle Easley yesterday. He was better and able to leave the hospital yesterday.

Larry Edwards‘ daughter said they had to delay his funeral service from yesterday to today due to the weather.

Read the Bible

Exodus 1-2
Psalm 8
Matthew 15

There will be NO Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin tonight. We’ll see you next month.

Taylor Creek will NOT have school today.

Most of the schools are still out because of the weather. Parklane will have class from 11:00 – 3:00 today.

The Friday morning Bible study group WILL meet tomorrow at 10:00.

I think this dose of cold weather has taught us how unprepared we are for this kind of weather in our area. The snow is pretty, but the resulting halt in activity has caused many issues. If we have made wise choices, we will have lived through these days, made some memories, and be ready to continue our routines.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10~

We have snow again! I haven’t been outside, but according to the road closure list, it is best to stay in and wait until the temperature warms up and the snow and ice melts. If you have something scheduled for the next couple days, it may be wise to make a phone call to see if that appointment, etc. has been cancelled.

Shirley Rhodus Booty

January 06, 1935 – January 15, 2018

Shirley Rhodus Booty, better known to all who loved her as “Granny”, a native and lifelong resident of Kentwood, LA passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the age of 83. Shirley was a multi-talented lady, a farmer’s wife, a fabulous cook, gardener, seamstress, Sunday School teacher of 45 years, and a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church and she also attended Osyka Baptist Church. Shirley loved spending times with family and friends and was a faithful servant of our Lord. She was the glue that held our family together. She enjoyed being “Granny” to all the children who came into her life. She was preceded in death by the love of her life for 65 years, Ray Allen Booty; their son, Thomas Ray Booty; parents, Willis and Lillie Cutrer Rhodus; brothers, Shelbert Hollis, Carl Otis, and Willis Jr. “Red”; sisters, Nathalie Rhodus Dick McKinney and Eula Rhodus Crites. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Booty Cutrer (Michael) of Watson, LA; and son, Talmadge Allen Booty of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren, Adam Cutrer (Heather) of Denham Springs, LA, Allen Booty (Angel) of Metairie, LA, Stephanie Arnone (Sal) of Kentwood, LA, Ashley Booty of Jackson, LA, and Melissa Young of Denham Springs, LA; great-grandchildren, Jenny, Cameron, and Halie Arnone, Jalen Roberts, Aubree Booty, Kayde Price, Anna, Emily, Claire, and Gracie Young, Matt and Jacob Alder; numerous nieces and nephews including great-nephew, Bro. Wendell Rhodus (Nikki) of Kentwood Baptist Church. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Wendell Rhodus, Dr. Danny Smith and Rev. Allen Betz. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 73372 Old Spring Creek Rd., Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Genesis 48-50
Proverbs 7
Matthew 14

I’m going to get a nap now. Today will be a good day to catch up with resting, reading, chores around the house, etc.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Lisa Piner asked for prayer for a young child, Kyle Easley, son of Kristin and David Easley. Baby Kyle is hospitalized at Our Lady of the Lake with RSV. He’s a little better, but needs our continuing prayers.

James Madison Cox

December 10, 1929 – January 03, 2018

James Madison Cox, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite, Louisiana. James was born December 10, 1929 to Albert Coy and Myrtle Lee (Childers) Cox in Orlando, Florida, the middle of five children. He graduated from Apopka High School in 1947.

After graduation, James began a career in retail, working at Woolworth’s in Miami, Florida, where he met his wife, Mary Jane Metz. They were married July 20, 1950.

James continued his career in retail becoming store manager for McCrory’s in Florida and South Carolina and then TG&Y stores in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. He rose to district manager and eventually moved to Oklahoma City where he became a Vice President for TG&Y stores.

After retirement from TG&Y, James and Mary Jane settled in Baker, Louisiana and opened a craft store. He eventually wrote a book about his childhood which propelled him into a new career teaching Life Writing in the Baton Rouge area.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane and his two brothers, Robert Cox and William Cox. He is survived by his daughters, Kandy (Cox) Ray and Jackie (Cox) Mull; sisters, Carolyn (Cox) Moon and Nancy (Cox) Duzyk; grandsons, Daryl Ray, Jr., Gerald Ray and James Russell Mull, Sr.; four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

No services will be held and in lieu of flowers, the family encourages anyone who wishes to remember James to donate to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Bobby Oneal Cutrer, Sr.

August 19, 1930 – January 14, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born August 19, 1930 in Pike County, MS and was 87 years of age. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran and a member of Tangipahoa Baptist Church. He is survived by 2 sons, Bobby Oneal Cutrer, Jr. and wife, Dorothy, Kentwood and Robert Earl Cutrer and wife, Ramona, Lake Jackson, TX; 4 grandchildren, Laura Beck and husband, Ed, Debbie Tarver, Robert McGuire, Jr. and Robby Cutrer and wife, Katie; sister, Katherine Sims, Grand Isle. Preceded in death by parents, Fleet and Maeola Bond Cutrer; brother, Roger Cutrer. Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Larry Gene Edwards

March 06, 1946 – January 14, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born March 6, 1946 in Amite and was 71 years of age. He is survived by wife of 50 years, Brenda Falgout Edwards; children, Larry Edwards, Jr. and wife, Delisa, Lynda Edwards Newman and husband, Reese, Keith Edwards and wife, Lynette, and Kelly Edwards Rainey and husband, Marcus; grandchildren, Cody Edwards and wife, Hayley, Kyle and Courtney Edwards, Shay and Cheyenne Warren, Jacob Newman and wife, Haylea, and Casey Newman, Allison, Russell and Elizabeth Edwards, Miranda and Mackenna Rainey; great-grandchildren, Baylor Newman and Ryleigh Edwards; sister, Nan Edwards Welch and husband, Johnny; brother, Joey Edwards; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Charles Lewis Edwards, Sr. and Yuvonne Bond Edwards; siblings, James Russell “Rusty” Edwards, Charles Lewis Edwards, Jr., Michael Walter Edwards, Jackie Lynn Edwards Stilley, and Donald Earl Edwards. Visitation at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades, Bro. Randel Camardelle, and Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Twin Oaks Cemetery, Wilmer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

One more obituary: Leslie Bethel, formerly of Kentwood and Roseland, passed away. Her cousin said she was thankful to have seen Leslie Saturday night for a birthday celebration. I’ll post an obituary when one becomes available.

We had a very good WMU meeting yesterday honoring three ladies who had been active in WMU who were “called home” during 2017. Dr. Ernest Graham presented a good message about how family influences our love of missions and serving God.

Sunday, I was pleased when two ladies handed me calendars for the inmates at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. I hope you have to extra calendars to share too. If not, they are easily available and probably reduced in price by now. The calendars should have staples, not spiral rings. Keep you eyes open for 2018 calendars!

Read the Bible

Genesis 45-47
Psalm 7
Matthew 14

Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin – cancelled for this week!

Stay warm and dry. Check on someone who might need some help.

Anna Lee

Monday

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

~Deuteronomy 31:6~

Please pray for Mansell Stinson who is hospitalized at North Oaks with a diabetes problem concerning his feet. This has been a long, hard battle.

Rob Anderson, who was recently hospitalized in Houston in now hospitalized in Boston, where the family now lives. Pray this is only the flu, not something related to the previous problem.

Don Yarborough, son-in-law of Mr.. Philip Harrell, fell while working in the bathroom. His most serious injuries seem to be to his head and his left arm. Pray for him today.

Freddie Rick

June 25, 1939 – January 13, 2018

A life long resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in Amite. He was born June 25, 1939 in New Orleans and was 78 years of age. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran and made a living in the welding business. He was a Past Master and 32 degree Mason with the Kentwood Lodge #248 F&M Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his son, Freddie Rick, II; 2 sisters, Jennie Rogers and Leona Spackey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Frank Rick, Sr. and Martha Louise Hughes Rick; 5 brothers, Joe Rick, Frank “Ed” Rick, Jr., Monroe Rick, Charlie Rick, and Jimmie Rick; 2 sisters, Winnie McBeth and Jessie Loraine Clement. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until Funeral Services at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Because of the extremely cold weather this week, we will NOT have the Third Thursday gathering at the cabin this month. Please put the Third Thursday of next month on you calendar.

If you are packing shoeboxes, Operation Christmas Child suggests you purchase hats, gloves, and scarves this month. You may be able to find them on sale at this time of the year.

Read the Bible

Reflect on God as a provider
Catch up if you are behind in your readings.

Don’t miss today’s WMU meeting at East Fork. We will meet as a leadership team at 9:00. Then, the regular meeting will begin at 10:00. A potluck meal will follow the meeting. Our speaker will be Dr. Ernest Graham, pastor of East Fork. Those of you off from work today are invited to join us for the morning. We gladly invite you to bring your girls with you.

Many of you did not have electricity for much of the day yesterday. I know this was especially hard on some families. I pray this doesn’t happen again during the cold we will have all this week.\

Anna Lee

Sunday

“That is why we never give up.

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.

Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”

~2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT~

Update on Jimmy Alford: Jimmy had three or four hard days following his procedure Monday, but he is now feeling much better. Keep praying for him and his family.

Sheldon Leon Dykes

February 17, 1965 – January 12, 2018

Sheldon Leon Dykes was born February 17, 1965. He went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2018. Sheldon succumbed to his brief battle with lung cancer at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, Louisiana, surrounded by those that loved him most. He was survived by daughters, Samantha (Yancy) Hughes, Shelby (Richie) Magee of Kentwood, La; Emily Dykes (fiancé, Chance Travis) of Calhoun, La; and their mother Anna Givens Hodges of Kentwood, La; Grandchildren Joshua and Charlie Hughes, and Brayden Magee; Mother, Nellie (Rodney) Perryman; siblings Donald, Walter, Betty, Libby, Raymond, Denell, Mark and Kim; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Dykes. Sheldon was a nurse by trade and worked in the health care field for over 30 years. He was currently serving as the Administrator of Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. He proudly served the community at this facility for more than 15 years in various roles. He was a pillar of strength and love for his family and all of those who knew him. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, Louisiana on Saturday, January 20th from 10-11 am. Visitation with the family before the service will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please honor Sheldon by making donations to Kentwood Manor Nursing Home.

Read the Bible

Genesis 43-44
Proverbs 6
Matthew 12

Missions poster – I put eight new “lights” on the poster Friday morning. I hope you will notice the progress we are making.

I hope all of you made it through the low temperatures last night without any trouble. Tonight won’t be so bad, but then the very low temperatures will be back. Take care. Keep warm!

Do you want to be blessed? Make a few visits to senior adults who are homebound. You will be greatly blessed. Your visit will be the highlight of their day!

Anna Lee