Tuesday – Thursday

“’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your mind.’

This is the great and foremost commandment.

The second is like it, ‘

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

~Matthew 6:37b-39, NASB~

 

I’ve got some big news to share today!

Ray Blackwell

Ray Blackwell will be having major surgery because of his cancer today, Tuesday.  Please be in prayer for him, his surgeon, and his family as they wait.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Update – The surgery went well.  He is progressing as expected.  Thank-you for your continued prayers.

Jadon’s Story

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Linda B. Williams

Linda has had bronchitis for about a month.  She’s been in the ER for hours because there is no room available now.  Please pray she can get the needed help while there.

Update: She is home with her bronchitis almost gone.  She now has oxygen to use at night to help her when she seems to have the most problems.

Naomi Draughon Tolleson Orr

My aunt passed away Tuesday night in Sulphur Springs, TX.  She was here five months ago when we had services for Daddy.  Her obituary is not available yet, but I will post it when it becomes available.

Lela Fay Newman-Toler
(September 7, 1932 – January 1, 2014) 

A resident of Gloster, MS, left this world to join her heavenly father at 6:15AM on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at Field Memorial Hospital in Centreville, MS. She was born September 7, 1932 in Tylertown, MS and was 81 years of age. She was a devoted and dutiful member of Galilee Baptist Church, she loved to sing duets with her husband, was an avid gardener, a devoted wife and mother, and adored her grandchildren as they were the light of her life. Survived by her husband, Rupert Toler; 3 daughters, Janie Robertson and husband, Bill, Baton Rouge; Ruby Smith and husband, Larry, Livingston; Jan Fitzpatrick and husband, Michael, Pennsylvania; son, Rodney Toler, Gloster, MS; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by, 1st husband, Enos James Newman; son, Richard “Dickie” Oliver Newman; parents, Burl and Osea Fortenberry; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and at New Zion Baptist Church from 11:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 3, 2014. Services conducted by Rev. Brian Malone and Rev. Gibbie McMillan. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Galilee Baptist Church or The American Cancer Society. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

Yes, today is considered a holiday by many, but Nyla will be open for business.  Our “young” ladies with December birthdays will be honored.  Come out and join us at 11:00 this morning.

Update: We had a great meeting.  Our next birthday party, for the January birthday ladies, will be the last Tuesday of January.

Dick Van Dyke Bible Study

The year 2014 brings a new Bible study and a new opportunity to join the group.  Friday morning at 10:00 A.M., a new study will begin.  It begins with a segment of the television show, but moves into application to our lives with many Scriptures to point us in the right direction.  The first study will be about family.

Keep reading for the BIG news.

Baptist Press 

BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “No Appetite”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Appreciate Life’s Little Annoying Things”

http://academictips.org/blogs/appreciate-lifes-annoying-little-things/

Hymn of the Day – “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

http://academictips.org/blogs/appreciate-lifes-annoying-little-things/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Tents and Bibles”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12196&LanguageID=1709

This leads me to the big news!

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at FBC, Kentwood

Our Lottie Moon goal was $20,000.00, with an hallelujah goal of $21,000.00.  Laurie sent me an email saying we have received $23, 336.35!  I thought you might be as excited as I am.  Usually it takes us into January to meet our goal.  As far as I know, we have never reached $23,000.00.

I want to reflect back on 2013!  It was a good year in many ways.

    • I was with Jason’s family for Christmas for the first time!
    • We learned Jennie’s family has been selected to work in Richmond next year!  (It doesn’t take three airplanes to get there!)
    • David and I are healthy, as are our children and their families.
    • We celebrated forty-six years of marriage in August.
    • We love where we live and usually get to spend our time as we wish each day.
    • We love to learn about and share Jesus through our Sunday School classes, Bible studies, Third Thursday meetings at the cabin, etc.
    • We have many friends and have added lots of new ones this year.
    • Daddy lived a long life and was able to live alone after Momma passed away.
    • I was able to complete another year of theprayerlink.com.

I’m ready for 2014!  I don’t know what it holds, but I do know who holds my future!  I hope you know who holds your future.  If not, please ask me or someone else who can tell you.  

Anna Lee

Monday

“My heart’s desire

and prayer to God concerning them

is for their salvation!”

~Romans 10:1~

 

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher

Pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine as she sees her doctor about possible back surgery to help her get around better.

Mr. Ray Blackwell

Pray for him as he has upcoming surgery.

Safety on the road

Pray for traveling safety for all those who will be traveling long distances and for those just making their usual short runs in their own community.  Pray for more awareness of “the other guy” and potential problems.

Opportunities to ladies this week at FBC, Kentwood

  • “Young” Ladies Birthday Party tomorrow at Nyla’s at 11:00.  Call the church office or me for more information.
  • Bible Study Friday morning at 10:00 as we begin the Dick Van Dyke series

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Mixed Emotions”

http://odb.org/

Touching Stories – “The Miracle of Love” (True story)

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-miracle-of-love-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “Love is the Theme”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/t/lthethem.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Fruitful Relationships”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12271&LanguageID=1709

Be a blessing to someone who is sick, in need, or needs to find Jesus.

Anna Lee

Sunday Obituary

Morris E. “Junior” Easley, Jr.
(May 10, 1927 – December 29, 2013)

Born in Baton Rouge May, 10, 1927, he lived his entire life in Easleyville. He passed away December 29, 2013 at 12:25 a.m. at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections in 1999 after 44 years of service. During his career, he served as a Parole Officer, District Supervisor, District Manager and at the time of his retirement, he served as the State Director of Probation and Parole for 15 years. In addition to his service in Corrections, he was in the dairy, cattle and timber business and also ran the family’s country store. He was a member of the American Correctional Association, Southern States Correctional Association, and Executives of State Directors of Probation and Parole. He served many years on the board of the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum and the Department of Corrections Credit Union. He was a member of the Baton Rouge Scottish Rite and the Kentwood Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He was a Mason and a member of Day’s United Methodist Church where he served as Lay Leader. He also served as a Merchant Marine. Among his many accomplishments were: Appointed State Director of Probation and Parole by Governor Edwin Edwards; given the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service by Governors Buddy Roemer and Edwin Edwards; September 23, 1999 was proclaimed Morris E. Easley Jr. Day by Governor Mike Foster; and in 2009 was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. He was also honored by the National Institute of Corrections and Executives of State Probation and Parole for his outstanding leadership and as a founding member. At the time of his retirement he was considered “Dean” of the organization. He is survived by his children, Richard and wife, Lyn Smith Easley, Denham Springs, Matt Easley, New Orleans, John and wife, Anne-Marie LeBlanc Easley, Angola, Gregory and wife, Sarah Graham Flores, Baton Rouge, Theresa Flores, Hammond and Rebecca Flores and husband, Dock Davis, Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Richard Clint Easley, Easleyville, Jennifer Easley and husband, Brad Davis, The Woodlands, TX, Joffrey and Moira Taylor Easley, Watson, Kimberly Easley and husband, Shawn Bodden, Ponchatoula, Eric Quinn Davis, Baton Rouge, Megan Davis and husband, Brian Edwards, Baton Rouge, Claire Elisabeth Cox, Hammond, Emily Elizabeth and Hudson Pascal Flores, Baton Rouge, Annelise Marie and Aubrie Marie Medlin, Angola; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Tyler Easley, Watson, Matthew and Sarah Beth Davis, The Woodlands, TX, and Jillian and Eli Bodden, Ponchatoula. Preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou “Susie” McConnell Flores Easley, father Morris E. Easley Sr., and mother Lillie Mae Alford. The family would like to thank his wonderful care-givers, Annette “Cookie” and Jessie “Perry” Jenkins for their loving care and devotion to “Mr. Junior” and his family during his illness. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and at Day’s United Methodist Church, Easleyville, from 10 a.m. until Religious Services at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Robertson. Interment at Day’s Cemetery, Easleyville, LA. Pallbearers will be Joffrey Easley, Richard Clint Easley, Shawn Bodden, Brad Davis, Eric Davis, Dock Davis, Matthew Davis and Hudson Flores. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, MO 64114, 1-800-PKD-CURE, http://www.pkdcure.org or Day’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 746, Greensburg, LA 70441. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday

When life knocks you to your knees,

you’re in a perfect position to pray.

 

Let your faith be bigger than your fear.

 

Anne Ellzey

Anne was moved from intermediate care to telemetry.  The family continues to thank you for your prayers and requests you keep praying.

Maddie

Carol Ann and Ira Cleveland request prayer for Maddie.  She is having problems with her blood pressure, diabetes, and itching.  Please pray.

Normand Patrick “Pat” Hoosier
(September 16, 1950 – December 28, 2013)

A resident of Montpelier, died on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 16, 1950 in DeQuincy and was 63 years of age. Earlier in his life, he worked as an offshore roughneck and later retired as a custodian from Hammond State School, Oak Forest Academy and the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse. He was an active member of Montpelier Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Esperanza Alvarez Hoosier, Montpelier and three daughters, Audry Hoosier Hendry and husband, Kirk, Amite, Melissa Hoosier Liberto and husband, Sammy, Kentwood, and Bridget Hoosier Spears and husband, David, Kentwood; 5 grandchildren, Preston, Lawson and Cooper Hendry, Jake Liberto and Nathan Spears; brother, Robert Gilbert Hoosier and his wife, Marie, Patterson; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Gilbert Hoosier and Esther “Annie” Willie Hoosier; two sisters, Carol Primeaux and Mattie Pearl Drago; niece, Amanda Hoosier. Visitation at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9:00AM until services at 2:00PM on Monday December 30, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, 2609 River Rd., New Orleans, LA 70121 or Montpelier Baptist Church, 2241 St. Helena Ave., Montpelier, LA 70422. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Letter to a Child” 

http://odb.org/ 

Touching Stories – “If a Dog was Your Teacher”

http://academictips.org/blogs/if-a-dog-was-your-teacher/ 

 Hymn of the Day – “Near to the Heart of God”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/e/neartoth.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “A Priceless Partnership”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12189&LanguageID=1709

“Young” Ladies Birthday Party

Tuesday

10 A.M.

Nyla’s in Osyka

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

Mrs. Martha Traylor

Mrs. Martha Traylor was a little better Friday and able to eat all three meals.  Thank God for her progress and for her family members who are at her side.

Anne Ellzey

Anne ate a little yesterday.  The family thanks you for your prayers, but please continue to pray.

Mr. Patrick Hoosier

Mr. Patrick Hoosier is resting comfortably with his family at his side.  Pray for comfort for them in the difficult days ahead.

Naomi Orr

My aunt, Naomi Draughon Tolleson Orr,  is also resting comfortably.  Pray for her family also.

Sunday Worship at FBC

John Blackwell, grandson of Mr. John Alan Blackwell and the late Mrs. Mary Alice Blackwell, will be sharing his musical talent with FBC, Kentwood Sunday at 10:30.  You are welcome to worship with us.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Presentation”

http://odb.org/

Hymn of the Day – “In the Sweet By and By”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/t/intsbab.htm

Don’t miss reading the history of this hymn.  Some things were meant to be.  I believe this hymn is one of them.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Heart for Glasgow”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12177&LanguageID=1709

Pray for all the lost to find Jesus.  Pray there will be sufficient funds to continue the work done around the world to enable missionaries to reach the lost for Jesus.

Jesus’ birth and death give us a reason to celebrate today and every day of the year!
Anna Lee

Friday

“In everything

commending ourselves as servants of God,

in much endurance …

in purity …

in the power of God.” 

~2 Corinthians 6:4-7, NASB~

 

Continue to pray for my aunt’s family in Texas.  I’ll post when I have an update.

Pray for the Hossier family.  Mr. Pat had a difficult day yesterday.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Challenge of Confinement”

http://odb.org/

Hymn of the Day – “To God be the Glory”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/o/togodbe.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Two Mission Fields”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12197&LanguageID=1709

Thanking God for some good days, memories made, and many memories already treasured up in my heart.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

out of the miry clay,

and set my feet upon a rock,

and established my steps.  

He has put a new song in my mouth —

praise to our God;

many will see it and fear,

and will trust in the LORD.

 Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust…”

~Psalm 42:1-3~

 

Anne Ellzey  

Anne seemed a little better yesterday.  Please pray for continued improvement and strength, endurance, and faith for the family.

Families not together

Pray for families not together for Christmas.  For some, this was a new and difficult experience.  For others, it’s not new, but still not easy.

Christmas with sickness and death

Sickness and death make their appearance during the holidays, just like any other day of the year.  Pray for families who experienced this in 2013 and for families who celebrated the first Christmas with a friend or loved one in heaven for the first time this Christmas.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Signs of the Gospel”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12366&LanguageID=1709

Hymn of the Day – “Grace Greater than our Sins”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/g/ggreater.htm

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Be Present”

http://odb.org/

Be careful if you are traveling today.  Many others will be on the roads also.

Anna Lee

Christmas

Merry CHRISTmas!

Please take time to read to your family from the second chapter of Luke this morning.  

Luke 2

King James Version (KJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner

Today is also a good time to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Christingle”

http://odb.org/

Linda Phillips

Linda is still trying to overcome her bronchitis.  Please continue to pray for her.

Happy birthday, baby Jesus!  Thank-you for coming to earth to die for my sins and provide me an opportunity to go to heaven for eternity!

Anna Lee

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child

and shall bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel,”

which translated means,

‘God with us.’”

~Matthew 1:23, NASB~

 

Anne Ellzey

Anne is still critical, but seems to be better.  Please keep praying for her. Thanks!

Carol Jean Bridges 

(March 29, 1945 – December 22, 2013)

A resident of Amite, died on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at her home. She was born March 29, 1945 in Wilmer and was 68 years of age. Survived by son, Richard Bridges and wife, Candace; step-daughter, Rene’ McDaniel and husband, Rodney; 2 grandchildren, Iley McDaniel and Madeline Bridges; 2 great-grandchildren, Austin L. McDaniel and Jonathan C. McDaniel; brother, Ronald Alford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Edward Bridges; parents, Albert “Son” Alford and May Bennett Alford; 3 brothers, Alton “Bob” Alford, Carl Alford and Wendell Alford. Visitation at Bethel Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Clay Spinks and Rev. Jerry Kennedy. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, P. O. Box 428, Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Nan Duncan Strickland
(January 20, 1941 – December 22, 2013)

A former resident of Roseland, LA, died at 7:41AM on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at her daughter’s home near Summit, MS. She was born January 20, 1941 in New Orleans and was 72 years of age. She is survived by her 4 children, Kathy Passman Loper and husband, Curtis, Summit, MS, Donnie Passman and wife, Vanessa, Manvel, TX, Marie Passman Bennett and husband, Joseph, Amite, and Jerry Passman, Sr. and wife, Cheryl, Watertown, TN; 11 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; brother, Oliver Duncan and wife, Priscilla, Prairieville; and other beloved friends and relatives. Preceded in death by father, James Duncan; mother, Jessie Helton Bennett; beloved step father, Marcus L. Bennett; grandson, Christopher Ryan Passman and 3 infant brothers. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Roseland, from 9:00AM until religious services at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Byron Humphrey. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, Roseland, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “One Silent Night”

http://odb.org/

I’m sure you can figure out what my hymn/carol of the day is without me putting it in writing.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Anna Lee