Category: Scripture

Christmas Eve

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

~Galatians 4:4-5~

 

The Philip Strickland family is thankful to be together after the last week was so complicated.  They are together and thankful!

 

Mrs. Grace Chadwick has been moved from the Greensburg nursing home to the hospital.  Please pray for her and her family.

 

 

Paula Genco Spear has passed away due to injuries suffered in an accident.  Please pray for those left behind.

 

 

Read the Bible – I suggest you read about the birth of Jesus from one of the gospels.

 

 

Today is a good day to show your support for missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

 

 

Think of someone who needs a call or a visit today.  Act on that need.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

~Luke 1:68~

 

Sherry Rosamond sent a request for prayer.  She has had a stress test that showed a blockage.  On January 9th, she will have an angiogram to correct the blockage.  She asks for your prayers.

 

Sierra Marie Aivazian

June 27, 2004 – December 18, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born June 27, 2004 in Hammond and was 13 years of age. She is survived by father, Shawn Aivazian and wife, Jessica; mother, Daniell Smith; sisters, Terri Aivazian, Holly Rushing, and Heidi Rushing; brothers, Ethan Smith, Dakota Smith, Jordan Aivazian, and Braydenn Ballard; great-grandmother, Janet Zarak; grandmother, Anna Benvenuti;  numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by sister, Nevaeh Aivazian; grandmother, Terri Renee Hathcock. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Mervin Strother. Interment St. James Cemetery, Holden. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible – Today’s reading was posted yesterday with yesterday’s reading.  I suppose I was anxious to help you get to the end.  If you stayed with these readings, you have read the whole Bible one and some portions more than once.  I’ll start with a new plan on January 1st.  I hope you will read along with me.  Challenge yourself and read the Bible in 2018.

 

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Don’t forget to give so others can tell a lost world about Jesus.  If we give, they will have that opportunity.

 

 

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.com

 

 

 

Many churches will have altered schedules for the next couple of Sundays.  You would be wise to check for changes before arriving for a service.

 

 

We all know many people will be traveling for the next couple of weeks.  Let’s pray for good weather conditions and drivers who are both careful and alert.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Friday

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

 

 

Philip Strickland will probably get come come home today.  Both Mindy and Lily are doing better.  Thank you for your prayers.  Philip’s dad is also doing better.

 

 

Read the Bible – Last two days

  • Friday – Rev. 19-20, Psalm 47, & video “Heaven and Earth”
  • Saturday – Rev. 21-22, Psalm 48, & video “Image of God”

I’m in the process of finalizing the plan we will be using in 2018.  We have a break until Jan. 1, so read some of you favorite passages until Jan. 1st.

 

Searcy Prays Big, God Blesses Big

http://baptistmessage.com/searcy-prays-big-god-blesses-big/

 

 

David and I were blessed to have the Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin last night.  Despite the many seasonal conflicts, people from five different churches were present.  Mr. Harlon Toney guided the singing of numerous Christmas carols.  Kim Toney Chadwick sang two beautiful songs about Mary.  We will meet again on Thursday, Jan 18th.

 

 

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow the regular morning schedule, 9: 15 for Sunday School and 10:30 for worship.  Sunday evening there will be a candlelight service at 6 P.M.  If you are available, come worship in Kentwood.

 

 

Check out the Lottie Moon poster on the wall by the piano.

 

 

Christmas if so much more than a birthday party for some more than 2000 years ago.  It is also the day we celebrate God’s wonderful plan to forgive us of our sins and give us a home for eternity in heaven.  Don’t miss this significance!  Pass on the real meaning of our holiday.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

~Luke 1:30-31~

 

 

Pray for Philip Strickland as he has a few more days at Ochsner.  He is hopeful he will be home by Christmas.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden who had toe surgery this week.

Earl Warren, from Roseland, is hospitalized and very ill.  Please pray for him.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy was scheduled to return home yesterday.  Thank God for her good reports, but keep praying.  She and her family will be very appreciative.

 

Becki Ricks Gabriel

July 29, 1950 – December 20, 2017

A resident of Amite passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at her home. She was born July 29, 1950 in Magnolia, MS and was 67 years of age. She was a graduate of Kentwood High School Class of 1968. She worked for First Guaranty Bank in Amite for 21 years and was a wife and mother of four children. She is survived by her husband of 47 years,  Parker C. “Chuck” Gabriel, Jr.; daughter, Tina G. Doughty and her husband, Jason; son, Parker C. “Charlie” Gabriel, III; 2 grandsons, Jason Todd Doughty and Parker Clayton Doughty; 2 sisters, Cathy Cutrer Raiford and husband, Stacy, and Deanie Brumfield; brother, George M. Ricks and wife, Martha. Preceded in death by daughter, Christian Rebecca Gabriel; son, Clay Milford Gabriel; parents, Milford George Ricks, Sr. and Betty Rebecca Miller Ricks; brother, Milford George Ricks, Jr. father-in-law and mother-in-law, Parker C. Gabriel, Sr. and Shirley A. Gabriel; brother-in-law, Claude H. Brumfield; 2 nieces, Carly Lou Cutrer and Mallory Claire Ricks. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Revelations 17-18 & Psalm 46.
The Lottie Moon poster is beginning to take of several different colors of “lights”.  It will continue to light up as contributions are given to the special offering for international missions.
Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net
Don’t forget to join us tonight at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday Gathering.
Spread the Good News of why Jesus came to earth as a baby and the eternal impact it can have on our lives.
Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

I delayed posting and got caught by the rain again.  That’s the nature of satelites and life in the country.  Hopefully, better technology will get out here one day….

 

 Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

 

 

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is improving following her back surgery.  Pray for her and her two caregiver sons, Chester and John.

 

Philip Strickland’s surgery went well at Ochsner (NO) yesterday.  Pray for him to have a good recovery period.

 

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, had a procedure at Ochsner (BR) that will hopefully lead to the next step in Jimmy’s treatment.  There is a more hopeful attitude in his situation now.

 

 

Mays I. Morris, Sr.

April 08, 1932 – December 17, 2017

 

A resident of Independence passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He was born April 8, 1932 in Amite  and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his son, Mays I. Morris, Jr.; son, Arthur D. Morris; daughter, Martha Ann Morris; step children, Sherry Allen Rowland, Gwendolyn Allen Watts, Timothy Brian Allen, Matthew Wayne Allen and Brenda Allen Creekmore; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jones Morris; son, Michael Morris; step son, Dennis Gatlin; brother, Andrew J. Morris, Jr., and sister, Imogene Barber Morris. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until religious services at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Reginald E. (Reggie) Goldsby, MD

August 09, 1943 – December 18, 2017

Long time Amite Mayor and beloved family physician, Reginald (Reggie) Goldsby, age 74, passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was born August 9, 1943 in Amite to Omar and Mamie Roberts Goldsby who preceded him in death as did his brother, Myles Goldsby. He is survived by his daughter, Laken Goldsby, and many Goldsby and Kennedy cousins whom he loved dearly and who loved him. He was a faithful charter member of the First Southern Methodist Church of Amite. As an honors student of LSU Medical School, he was exempt from a semester’s final exams. Later in his career, he became an LSU Clinical Professor. He was an avid LSU football fan and not only played football for Amite High School but remained a loyal fan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his personal attendants, Mike and Rachel Constant, for their loving care and devotion to Reggie during these difficult times. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

I checked on the location of the shoeboxes sent out through our church as part of Operation Christmas Child.  So far, I was able to track boxes to both Mexico and Ecuador.  I’m excited the boxes are in their country of destination already.  I hope you are still as excited as I am for the boxes and what an impact each box will make on the lives of children and their families.

 

Some of these shoeboxes will be delivered by our international missionaries.  Our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions help keep them “on the field”.  That means our shoebox gifts might be a part of the ministry we provide through the LMCO.  We help get the boxes to the children by collecting items, packing boxes, paying postage, and supporting our missionaries.  Thank-you for all your help.

 

Tomorrow night, we will gather at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday meeting.  I can hardly wait to share this sweet time with others.

 

 

Read the Bible – Revelations 14-16 & Psalm 45.

 

There will be NO Bible study this Friday morning, but we will meet the following Friday.

 

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow their regular schedule for the morning and have a candlelight service at 6 P.M. that night.  I hope you will be in church somewhere!  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

 

Steven Sealey is doing well following surgery and will be home soon, possibly today.  Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon has been feeling better the last few days.  Keep her in your prayers.

Phillip Strickland will be having surgery today at Ochsner, New Orleans.  Pray all goes well for him.  Pray for his family too.  There are several sick relatives, including his dad, at this time.

Jimmy Alford’s surgery has been changed to 9:30 this morning at Ochsner on O’Neil in Baton Rouge.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

 

Dr. Reggie Goldsby of Amite passed away.  Please be in prayer for his family.

 

Read the Bible – Revelations 12-13, Psalms 44, & video on Revelations 12-22

 

We received enough donations to add to our “lights” on the Lottie Moon poster.  We now have ten “lights”.  Thank-you to all who contributed to support international missions.

We’ll be looking for some of you to attend the Third Thursday meeting this Thursday at 6:30.  See you then.

Today. at 11 A.M., the “Young” ladies will be celebrating December birthdays at The Cafe.

It’s great to live in our community – Christmas programs bringing out packed houses to see the children, Christmas caroling by various church groups, and Christmas baskets delivered by different organizations.  It’s good to see how people think about others.

Anna Lee

 

 

Sunday

 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~

 

This morning at 8 A.M., you can begin your day by attending the breakfast buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church.  Better than the wonderful breakfast is knowing your donation goes to a worthy need in this general area.  The ladies do a great job in providing the breakfast and in selecting the person/cause to give the funds to.

 

Many area churches will be having Christmas programs of some sort either this morning or this afternoon.  FBC, Kentwood will be celebrating with the music of the children and the adults tonight at 6P.M.

 

“Three Ways Lottie Moon’a Calling was Centered in Christ” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/13/lottie-moons-calling-centered-christ/

 

“What is an IMB Missionary? – https://www.imb.org/2016/11/02/what-is-an-imb-missionary/

 

FBC, Kentwood will have their missions march for the Lottie Moon Offering this morning.  This is an opportunity to give and to make a visual statement of your support for missions by walking with those who are giving.  Of course, this is not your only opportunity to give to the offering.  You can give at any time.  I think it is great to know 100% of our money given goes directly to support missionaries and their work around the world.

 

Read the Bible – Revelations 7-9 & Psalm 42

 

I’ve been told that many people are having Christmas gathering/meals today.  No matter when you gather, remember the reason is to celebrate the day long ago when Jesus was born on this earth as a little baby.  My, the plans His Father had for Him!

Anna Lee

Saturday

For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

~John 3:16 HCSB~

 

 

Carol Bennett Sealey’s husband, Steve, had four bypasses and is doing very well.  He may be able to leave the hospital today.  Thank God for a good report.

Carl Wayne Stevens has been sick for a while, but earlier this week he was able to return home.  Thank God for His watchcase.

Rusty Benoit is home and doing well.  Thank-you for praying for Rusty and his family.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon.  She’s at home.

 

Read the Bible – Rev. 4-6 & Psalm 41

 

The Missions March for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions will be during the worship hour at FBC tomorrow.

 

There will be a Christmas Cantata tomorrow night at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.

 

 

“A Legacy of Faith – Christmas Memories” – https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/1605a49fb07005c0

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

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

Remember, this holiday is about the earthly birth of the Savior of the world.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.

We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

~John 1:14 HCSB~

 

Please continue to pray for Pam Seller’s friend, Vicki.

 

Steve Sealey is Carol Bennett Sealeys husband.  Many of you will remember Carol from Roseland or OFA.  Steve will be having three or four bypasses today.  Please pray for this procedure to be successful.

 

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy of Amite is having cancer surgery today.  Pray all goes well for her.  Pray for her many family members and friends.

 

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker is home from Ochsner.  Pray for her as she adjusts to being at home.

 

Sunday, we had an opportunity to talk with Phillip Strickland.  He told us about his trip to M.D. Anderson this week and his hopes for a good report.  He’s there now.  Let’s pray for Phillip and his family as he learns more about his health.

 

 

Read the Bible – Jude, Psalm 39, and video on Jude

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.com

The Friday Morning Bible Study will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. at FBC, Kentwood.  You are welcome to join us.

 

The monthly “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be early this month. We will meet on Tuesday, December 19th at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
The monthly Third Thursday at the Cabin will be next Thursday, one week from tonight.  We meet at 6:30.  Join us for this great night.

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  We received enough money last week to “light up” on light on our string of Christmas lights.  When all the lights are “lit”, we will have achieved our goal.  Sunday, we will be having our yearly “Missions March for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions”.  A full 100% of out gifts given through the offering goes to support missionaries who are serving somewhere in the world. We will march on Sunday.  Gifts can be given any Sunday.  I hope you are enjoying the videos at church on Sunday mornings.

 

Today, I want to leave you with this idea for sharing the Gospel.  I hope some of you will use it with your neighbors or co-workers.  https://www.imb.org/2017/12/11/christmas-hospitality-incarnation/?

https://www.imb.org/2017/12/11/christmas-hospitality-incarnation/?utm_campaign=On%20Mission%20Today&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=59341728&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–X7YWxw8jC88sIUAa6e1LfnD4ZnXMT2T2jxJ7bmnhOXf0vAu6obvptcm635YpklmVfmokw-Lc0uAMLGiZlCdCazSedPw&_hsmi=59341728

 

Share some real CHRISTmas spirit this holiday season.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

~Isaiah 7:14~

Pray for two Amite people who are fighting battles with cancer.

  1. Debbie Miller Wilkinson just got home from M.D. Anderson.  She learned her cancer is not actively growing/spreading now.  Pray for this precious lady as she continues her battle.
  2. Jimmy McGraw also just returned from M.D. Anderson.  The placebo he was taking was not effective in stopping the spread of his cancer.  He was  put on the real medication which hopefully will be more effective.

Lynette Cogan has been sick for a while.  She has a number of serious problems and is hospitalized in Huntsville.  Please add her to your prayer list.

Josiah Huckaby’s Nine Month Update

Josiah has been in the NICU for 279 days & turned 9 months old this past Friday. He had to go back on the non-invasive vent after being on high flow oxygen for several days…but once he rested & recovered, they weaned him to CPAP. He’s doing really well with that. We’ve been talking with the doctors about surgery for Josiah’s kidney & today we decided that the current risks overwhelming outweigh the benefits. He will most likely need this surgery in the future but we are going to wait until it’s an absolute necessity. He’s decided he only likes “sweet” foods (sweet potatoes, carrots, pears). The Moose is still his favorite toy. I really need to get a spare. Scooby Doo & Veggie Tales are his favorite shows. He has had the best “laugh” faces this week. He also got to go on a wagon ride Saturday…which is HUGE deal for him (and us) because he hasn’t been out of his room except to go to procedures or move rooms. God is so good & faithful to us… we can’t help but give Him all the glory!!!

Pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon.  Hopefully, her current problem can be treated without another stay at the hospital.

Jimmy Alford is feeling better and eating more now that he stopped the chemo he tried that wasn’t effective.  Pray for him as he waits for the 19th when the doctors will try something different to treat this cancer.  Jimmy is enjoying these good days.

David saw his retina specialist yesterday.  His eyes are doing well.  The doctor and David both enjoyed a few minutes of giving God the glory for David’s eyesight.  The doctor said he will always remember David as one of the worse cases he ever treated when David  went in with both eyes having detached retinas at the same time.

 

 

Anthony Julien Durio

November 21, 1939 – December 11, 2017

U.S. Veteran

A resident of Amite, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017. He was born November 21, 1939 in Opelousas and was 78 years of age. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, a member of First Baptist Church of Amite, Past Master of Amite Masonic Lodge #175, member of Acacia Shriners where he was Potentate in 2003, a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32 degree KCCH, and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by wife, Frances Lupo Durio, Amite; son, Vincent Anthony Durio and wife, Pam, Hammond; grandson, Brandon Anthony Durio, Houston, TX; sister, Rose Marie Durio Savoie and husband, Leroy, Pearland, TX; brother, John Russell Durio and wife, Renee, Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Durio and Ada Marie Zeringue Durio. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12 Noon until Memorial Service at 2 PM on Friday, December 15, 2017. Services will be conducted by Bro. William Hyde.  McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
George Richard (Dick) Toups

November 28, 1942 – December 09, 2017

George Richard (Dick) Toups, DVM, 75, of Baton Rouge, died peacefully on December 9, 2017. He was born to Wilbur A. Toups, Sr. and Virginia LeBon Toups in New Orleans on November 28, 1942. Dick graduated from Jesuit High School in 1960 where he captained the Blue Jay football team. He attended Tulane University and played football there as well. He went on to graduate in 1974 from Texas A&M University with honors, where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career as a veterinarian in Metairie and Amite before opening his practice in New Iberia, where he and his family lived for several years. In 1989 he joined the USDA as a federal veterinarian until his retirement in 2008. Survived by his wife, Betty Jo Bel Toups, whom he cherished for 53 years; daughter, Ashley Toups Raborn and husband, Jeff of Winston Salem, North Carolina; three perfect grandchildren, Jane Ashley, Jack and Hunt Raborn; his brother, Wilbur A. (Wil) Toups, Jr. (Sheryl), brothers in law, Larue delaHoussaye, Buddy Bel (Claire), Pat Bel (Elena) and numerous nieces, nephews,  cousins, and a host of good friends. Preceded in death by his parents, son, Scott Richard Toups, and sisters, Mary Toups and Theresa Toups delaHoussaye.Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Monday, December 18, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Services conducted by Fr. Harry Bugler and Deacon Wil Toups. Burial to follow at Amite Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Jay delaHoussaye, Phillippe delaHoussaye, Hunt Raborn, Jack Raborn, Tim Toups and Tony Toups. Honorary pallbearers will be Larue delaHoussaye, Joe Baiamonte, Lee Miller and Jerry Streva. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Athletic Department, 1725 NC 66, Kernersville, North Carolina 27284. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Read the Bible – I John 5 – III John & Psalm 38

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

Have a blessed day, but also be a blessing to someone today.  Remember, we celebrate the birth of Jesus during this wonderful season.

Anna Lee