Friday

[Mary’s Song] And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me

— holy is his name.

~Luke 1:46-47, 49 (NIV)~

 

Susie Sharkey’s surgery went well, but she is having trouble with pain.  Pray she gets relief today.

 

We had a great time at the cabin last night that included three new families and guests from seven different churches.  David and I are so blessed by your presence each month. The Christmas carols were a real blessing to my heart.  Mark all the third Thursdays on your 2017 calendars. 

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:7-12

Mission Opportunities for Students – “One House, One Well” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=028f0699-555e-4196-bc87-1438375d12f4&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

Friday Morning Bible Study – 10 A.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood

 

I’m making copies of a Scripture Reading Plan for 2017 today.  This one will take us through the whole Bible in book-by-book order.  See me if you would like to have one.  Now is the time to make your plans and choose your Bible reading system for the coming year.  I hope you will follow some plan, even if not the one I have chosen, to read God’s Word daily and from cover to cover.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net.

 

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” – I was able to share with the children at church Wednesday night how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem rather than Nazareth, the place where He grew up.  If you had a child in class Wednesday, ask them to read Luke 2:1-7 to you.

 

Look back to the previous post to read of events/services you might want to attend.

  • Some churches will add a special Christmas Eve service.  Check around and find one that suits you and your family.  I’m sure any church you select will welcome you with open arms.
  • Although some churches will not be having services Christmas day, most area churches will, even if the schedule is different on the 25th.  If you find yourself in such a situation, check the other churches and find one that meets your need.  They will be glad to have you in their services.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

My internet was down last night through this morning.  I apologize for the late start.

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.

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 1:30-33 (NIV) ~

 

Please pray for Bob Holmes (72) of Holden to be found soon.  He has not been seen since the end of last week.  Bob’s wife, Bonnie, is a member of the Howell family from the Amite/Roseland area.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as  she has a complete shoulder replacement today.  Pray her recovery will be complete and timely.

Pray for Kenneth Birch as he continues to recover from the last back surgery.  Pray the pain he is experiencing is aftereffects of the surgery, not something that will stay will him.  Pray for his caregivers too.

Pray for Bobbie Magee as she makes plans for wrist surgery.

Pray for John Miller.  He lost his home in a fire last week.

Buddy Waller received another good report from the doctor yesterday.  Let’s thank God for this.

Pray for Jon Carl Hammons as he faces a health concern.

Please continue to pray for George Eddie Lee, J.D. Smith, Mrs. Margaret Callihan, and Mrs. Anne Hurst who have recently had hospital stays.

Pray for the members of our community who are homebound, facing recent deaths, or without other family members during the holiday season.

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:1-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-6&version=NIV

 

Baptist Press

  • “Billy Graham Statue Finds New Home at Ridgecrest”
  • “Study: Most Churches Open for Christmas”
  • “First Person: Keep the “mas” is Christmas”
  • “Missionary Reaps Harvest as a Refuge in a Foreign Land”
  • “Teen Overcomes Fear to Spread the Gospel in S. Africa”
  • More….

 

Missions – “University Trail-Blazer” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=01cccab7-76a4-4052-9184-b7128e1b2703&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

 

Important Dates at FBC, Kentwood

  • TONIGHT – Third Thursday at the Cabin – We’re expecting music from a guitar trio tonight.
  • Friday Morning Bible Study at 10 A.M. every week
  • Christmas Cantata Sunday Night at 6 P.M. (Adults and Children)
  • Christmas Caroling Wednesday night at 5 P.M. (Adults, Youth, and Children)
  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 0n the 27th at 11 A.M.

 

“The First Nowell”

 

I trust you can live this holiday season with this joyful hymn in your hearts.  If not, seek someone who has that true joy and who can guide you.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, Part 2

In my haste, I did not publish part 1 for today.  I just realized that.  Better late than never!

 

David and I got to see our grandson, Braden Alford, receive the Eagle Scout Honor last night.  We were so thankful David got permission to travel there after months of not being able to do so.  God’s timing was perfect!

 

Scripture Writing – Day 14 – Matthew 1:21-25

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Mission Opportunities for Students – “Bring the Savior to the Slum” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=00fc9b66-eb35-4abd-a31b-d4f8f3b0b796&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

 

“Joy to the World”

I hope that despite any losses, sadness, or problems you may have in your life, you can still find the JOY of JESUS!

Anna Lee

Wednesday – Short version

“….and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

~Genesis 22:18~

Jeana Russell Lee-Newton is having problems transferred to Hammond.  Please pray for the family as they work to get her closer to home.

JD Smith is doing better and will soon be able to come us.  He still doesn’t have a diagnosis, so pray the medical staff gets it figured out soon.

Scripture Writing – Matthew 1:21-25

The missions class will have a “Happy Birthday Party for Jesus” tonight at 6 P.M.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – This Thursday at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

Tuesday

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~

 

I received this request to share.

Please pray for Tracen Schneeweiss, who has bronchopneumonia. He is the 6 month old son of Justin and Sarah Schneeweiss.

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 1:18-20

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“Five Surprising Insights about the Unchurches” by Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/2016/12/five-surprising-insights-unchurched/

 

Luke 2 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2&version=NIV

“What Child is This”

 

Reminder – Third Thursday at the Cabin – 6:30 this week!

 

Do something special to share the Christmas spirit with someone who is sad or lonely today.

Anna Lee

 

Monday Afternoon

Mr. J.D. Smith went back in North Oaks Sunday evening.  The doctors are still trying to determine if he has pneumonia or some other problem.  Please add him to your prayer list.

Mrs. Donald  Yarborough of Johnson Station decided to enjoy the singing in heaven rather than the members of her church who were coming to sing music from their cantata. She has moved to her heavenly home.  She is Don Yarborough’s mother.  Please pray for the family.

 

Monday

The true light that gives light to everyone

was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him.

~John 1:9-10~

Kathy Dale Forrest – (I know many of you are waiting for this.)

February 12, 1953 – December 10, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4036453&fh_id=10545

 

Scripture Writing – Malachi 3:1-3

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainerp.com

 

 

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 (NIV)~

“What Child is This”

 

Children on Mission 

  • Birthday Party for Jesus
  • Wednesday at 6 P.M.
  • You don’t have to bring anything.

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin

  • This week
  • 6:30
  • Let’s sing some Christmas carols!

 

Friday Morning Bible Study 

  • John 13
  • 10 A.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

 

Share the holiday news with others.  It’s Jesus!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday

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 (NIV)~

 

Jeana Russell Lee-Newton is hopeful to be moved from the New Orleans area to Hammond before Christmas.  This is not her first Christmas to be away from her family.  Pray for all the family and all the other families not together for the holidays.

Mrs. Norma Muse is in ICU at North Oaks.  She had a slight stroke Wednesday.  Please pray for the Muse family.

Kathy Dale Forrest passed away.  She was so well known that she will be missed by many.  I’ll post an obituary when it becomes available.  Please pray for the Forrest family.

 

“The Amazing Life of Lottie Moon” – Waylon Bailey, Pastor of FBC, Covington

 

“Away in a Manger”

I trust you are teaching the little ones around you about this special baby who came to earth so long ago.

Anna Lee

 

 

Saturday

“You will all be joined together,

and you will give glory to God

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ accepted you,

so you should accept each other,

which will bring glory to God.”

~Romans 15:6-7 NCV~

 

Mr. Philip Harrell has his ups and downs.  Today, he did not feel his best.  Please pray for him and “Miss” Annie Bell.

The Harrells said their son-in-law’s mother in Johnson Station, MS had a stroke overnight.  Earlier this week she had her children pray that she would spend Christmas in heaven this year.  That surely sounds like a lady who is ready to “go home”.  Please pray for Don Yarborough and his family.

Update on Mrs. Anne Hurst:

Anne Hurst met with the Doctor again on Friday because of a poor health week at home.  More test made and new prescriptions.   Praying for a better week ahead.  She asks for continued prayer.

Those of us who were not affected by the flooding in August and who do not travel in those areas can go on with our lives as usual.  That’s not true for everyone though.  I’m reminded of some friends who are hoping to be in their home for Christmas.  Tonight, we learned that David’s brother and sister-in-law will get a temporary trailer before Christmas.  They are still sleeping in a camper on the back of a pick-up.  It was their way to stay close to their house.  I also recently heard there are still people who are living in tents.  It is good to hear of improving conditions for some of them and wonderful to hear of groups who are still helping individuals, churches, schools, etc.  What can I do to help?  What can you do to help?  What are we willing to do?

 

Two Baptist Press stories I want to point out to you:

  1. “Gatlinburg fire suspects elicit churches’ sympathy” – http://www.bpnews.net/48022/gatlinburg-fire-suspects-elicit-churches-sympathy

  2. “Journey to pastorate included jail time for Fla. pastor” – http://www.bpnews.net/48026/journey-to-pastorate-included-jail-time-for-fla-pastor

Special Dates

  • 14th – Birthday Party for Jesus in Children’s Missions (6 P.M.)
  • 15th – Third Thursday at the Cabin (6:30 P.M.)
  • 18th – Cantata music by adults and children – 6 P.M.
  • 20th – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe (11 A.M.)
  • 21st – Church-wide Christmas Caroling (5 P.M.)
  • 24th – Christmas Eve Service (5:30 P.M.)
  • 25th – No services at FBC

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

The tree is up in the sanctuary.  Red and green ornaments will be placed on the tree as money is received.  When we accomplish our goal, the next ornaments will be gold and represent gifts toward our Hallelujah goal.

 

Since there is a focus on missions, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, this month, I’ve chosen a Christmas Carol that tells us to go and tell, two of the components of missions.

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

 

 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Friday

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation

or shadow of turning.”

~James 1:17 NKJV~

 

David had three good doctor visits in the last week.  I told you Dr. O’Sullivan, the retina specialist, said David’s eyes looked the best he has seen since we started there.  Monday, David saw Dr. Paddock to get a lens prescription for the right eye.  Glasses will be ready in a couple weeks.  Wednesday, he saw the heart electro physiologist who did the heart ablations.  If David has one more good visit, in three months, he will be released by that doctor.  Thanking God for traveling this journey with us and carrying us when we had those days when the medical reports were so difficult to hear.  We knew there would be more good days and thankfully, David is driving again, able to lift more, etc.  How wonderful it is to get to this phase of life at the Christmas season!

I need to report that David and I delivered 639 stamped Christmas cards from Kentwood and Spring Creek churches to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail Wednesday.  While waiting for someone to come out to us, a lady who came in shortly after us commented on my purse (that I had made for Momma).  Later. she heard us talking to the prison employee about the cards.  As we turned to leave, she very sincerely thanked us for providing the cards so the inmates can write to their family members.  She was there to turn in some paperwork.  Apparently, one of her children is an inmate.  She was so appreciative of the cards you helped to provide.  I will remember her comments as I affix stamps to cards next year and in the years to come.  (Remember, right after Christmas is a good time to get some religious Christmas cards for next year.) . What a blessing it was to meet her and to see through to a mother’s heart!  Thanks-you to all who provided cards or stamps for this mission project.

Yesterday, FBC Kentwood provided Christmas and a devotional for the residents of Kentwood Manor.  Another group will be going on the 21st at 5 P.M.  Please join us!

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“And they devoted themselves to . . . prayer . . . And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved”.                                                                                        ~Acts 2:42, 47~

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

 

Now is the time for the faithful of the Lord to “share the good news that Christ was born”!

Anna Lee