Monday

“I press toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call

of God in Christ Jesus.” 

~Philippians 3:14~

 

Mrs. Martha Traylor

“Miss” Martha continues to be in Hood Memorial.  Pray for her and for her family.

Anne Ellzey 

Anne is in North Oaks.  Doctors have not given the family any prognosis yet.  Pray for Anne’s children as they wait by her side.

Austin Rose

I talked with Ann LaBarbara, Austin’s grandmother, today.  She said Austin is hospitalized for his final treatment.  Then, he will be considered cancer free after six stressful months.  Pray for Austin and his family as they celebrate a wonderful Christmas thanking God for his watch-care over the family during the past months.

Patrick Hoosier

Pat had a difficult day Sunday.  Pray he will get some relief from his pain.  Pray for Pat and his family  as they celebrate the Christmas holidays.

Macy Gueldner

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

Thank God the family is headed home for the holidays.  Pray for continued strong faith and unity of this family.

Drew Williams

Drew is more uncomfortable than he expected to be.  Eating through a tube is not fun either.  Pray he will be better tomorrow.  Also, pray for his parents, Matt and Shea, as they both are staying busy with his care.

Linda Phillips and Jerry Doughty

Linda and Jerry both spent some time in the North Oaks’ ER yesterday, buy thankfully were not admitted.  Pray for them this Christmas week.  Pray for Kim as once again she has both parents sick at the same time.

Juanita M. Langston 

(December 23, 1929 – December 22, 2013) 

A resident of Greensburg, LA, died at 5:40 AM on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was born December 23, 1929 in St. Helena Parish and was 83 years of age. She was a lifelong member of Killian Chapel Baptist Church. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Woodard. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. Survived by, 2 daughters, Carolyn Athey, and Katherine Thomas; 2 sons, Carl B. and Donald E. Langston; 4 brothers, Wiley, Wilton, Milton, and Clifford McDaniel; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. preceded in death by, husband, Carl A. Langston; parents, Riley and Maude McDaniel; 2 sons, David R. and William C. Langston; 2 sisters, Christine Seely and Laura Whitehead; 2 brothers, Riley and Eugene McDaniel. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 I taught her now deceased son, Will.  All those years teaching gave me the opportunity to meet lots of people.  I have been richly blessed.

 Devotional – Our Daily Bread

http://odb.org/ 

Inspiring Stories – “The Hotel Clerk”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-hotel-clerk/

Does this story remind you of a young family looking for a place to stay as the lady gives birth to Jesus, the most special person who has ever lived?

Hymns of the Day – “Away in a Manger” and What Child is This?”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Signs of the Gospel”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm

This is a very important time of the year.  As you enjoy some time with family and/or others who are extra special in your life, remember it is not about gifts, but the greatest gift that was ever given, Jesus!

Anna Lee

Sunday

 

“He sent the message to the Israelites,

proclaiming the good news of peace

through Jesus Christ–

He is Lord of all.”

~Acts 10:36, HCSB~

 

Mrs. Anne Hurst

“Miss” Anne is doing well at North Oaks and is expected to come home Monday.  Please continue to pray for her.

Macy Gueldner

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

Dan Turner

Dan was in Kentwood yesterday and enjoying some outdoor time with family members.  Dan continues to improve.  The family is most appreciative of your prayers for him during the past year.  Please continue to pray.

Drew Williams

Drew is home now and enjoying his food through straws because of his jaw surgery. Please continue to pray for him during the coming weeks.

Austin Rose

Austin is progressing with his cancer treatment.  His family is standing with him and strongly supporting each step he makes.  They appreciate your prayers.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Christmas Wonder” 

http://odb.org/

I remember real events like this happening in my extended family.  I repeat these stories periodically.  They are always good to hear and to tell.

“Two Traveling Angels”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-traveling-angels/

Christmas Carol of the Day – “Angels We Have Heard on High”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-traveling-angels/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Staying in South America”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12178&LanguageID=1709

With this warm weather, it doesn’t seem like Christmas, but it really is that time.  What a special time it is because it was the foundation that build a plan for my salvation and yours!  Always remember, it was because of the manger there was a cross.  Without the manger, there would have been no cross and no pathway for my salvation (and yours)!

Anna Lee

Saturday Addition

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Betty C.  She has an appointment at the end of the year at Ochsner to consider surgery.

Mrs. Anne Newton Ellzey

Anne of Roseland had a stroke and a fall.  She’s in room 3112 at North Oaks.  Pray for her and her children as she is evaluated.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church of St. Helena’s Sixth Ward

Pine Ride will hold their monthly breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:00.  The meal is free, but donations are accepted for the chosen community/area need selected by a committee.

 

Saturday

“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~

 

Clint Smith, son of Lea Smith

Pray for Clint and his family as he sees the doctor again.  Clint has lost 20 pounds.  Pray things soon look better for him and his family.

Mrs. Anne Hurst

Mrs. Anne Hurst is in North Oaks now.  She was taken to Hammond because of the possible need for surgery, but it seems to not be necessary.  Pray her doctors will soon have here much better.

Chris Primes

Chris Primes asks for prayer as he prepares to have his leg amputated above the knee.  He has fought this battle for a long time and has endured numerous surgeries.  His surgery will be in January.

Macy Gueldner

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

Baptist Press – I see lots of articles I plan to read later this morning.

http://www.bpnews.net/

Young Ladies’ December Birthday Party

Our normal meeting day is the last Tuesday of the month.  We will continue that practice this month.  Our December meeting will be on the 31st at Nyla’s at 11:00.

Ladies’ Bible Study 

We complete our Mayberry study yesterday.  Our next meeting will be January 3rd when we will begin a Dick van Dyke study.  If you have not been attending, this would be a wonderful day to join us.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Light and Shadow”

http://odb.org/

Inspiring Stories – The Grass Cutting Days

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-grass-cutting-days/

Hymn of the Day – “Give of Your Best to the Master”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/i/giveofyb.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering  – “Unique Tools”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12188&LanguageID=1709

Jesus’ birth and death give us reason to celebrate our two greatest holidays of the year!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Suddenly there was a multitude

of the heavenly host with the angel,

praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest heaven, a

nd peace on earth to people He favors!”

~Luke 2:13-14, HCSB~

 

Austin Rose

Austin is doing well and will begin the next round of treatment.  Keep thanking God for each step along the road to his treatment.

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

Churches are beginning to learn where their boxes were delivered.  East Fork Baptist Church has learned their boxes went to South Africa.  Tickfaw Baptist Church has learned their boxes went to Honduras.  Think of how those little children’s faces will be smiling when they receive their own boxes.

John Q. “Clabber” Corkern
(April 29, 1928 – December 18, 2013) 

A resident of Hammond, died at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born April 29, 1928 in Amite, and was 85 years of age. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. He loved farming, animals and flowers. He was a 32 degree Mason and Past Master of Spring Creek Masonic Lodge #184, a member of the Acacia Shrine Temple , Baton Rouge Scottish Rite. and a Past Patron of Camellia Chapter #142 Order of Eastern Star. Survived by wife, Carol Gainey Morgan Corkern, Hammond; 3 sons, Thomas L. Corkern, Independence, Kenny W. Corkern, Hammond and Keith D. Corkern, Baton Rouge; step children, Tim Morgan, Hammond, Patty Robinson, Mandeville, Sharon Morgan, Hammond and Ron Morgan, Mandeville; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild; 7 brothers and sisters, Vernell Seal, Amite, Margaret Ann Seal, Franklinton, Shirley Holden, Amite, Vickie Loomis, Ferriday, Sue Robertson, Kentwood, Barbara Rae Cox, Amite, and Alfred Corkern, Ferriday. Preceded in death by parents, John J. & Viola Corkern; son, John W. Corkern; 1 infant son; 2 infant daughters; step son, Jeffrey P. Morgan and grandson, Craig Corkern. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until Masonic and Religious services at 11AM Saturday, December 21, 2013. Services conducted by Elder Mason Miley and Elder Mark Harrison. Interment Friendship Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press 

http://www.bpnews.net/

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Taking Refuge”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Story – “Things are Not always as They Appear”

http://academictips.org/blogs/things-are-not-always-as-they-appear/

Hymn of the Day – “Angels from the Realms of Glory”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/f/afrglory.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “The Long Haul”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12640&LanguageID=1709

Thanks to those who came to the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin.  We were so blessed to have all of you in our home.  

Anna Lee

Thursday

“The wisdom from above is first pure,

then peace-loving,

gentle,

compliant,

full of mercy and good fruits,

without favoritism and hypocrisy.”

~James 3:17, HCSB~

 

Drew Williams

Drew Williams’ surgery was long, as expected, but finished with the desired outcome.  Pray for him as he lives on smoothies for the next few weeks.

Connor Corkern

Connor has a restful seizuer-free day Wednesday after all the seizures he has had recently.  Pray for another good day today.

The 205th Engineering Battalion

These brave and self-less men and women returned to the United States yesterday.  They enjoyed some sweet reunions and look forward to a special Christmas back on U.S. soil.  Thanks to all of you for your service.

Baptist Press – Please take time to read some of today’s inspiring stories.

BPNews.net

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Son is Given “

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “LimBitLess – The Rachel Handler Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/limbitless-the-rachel-handler-story/

Hymn of the Day – “Hark!  the Herald Angels Sing”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/a/hhangels.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Creative Mission Tools

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12370&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – Please take time to read some of today’s wonderful stories.

BPNews.net

Third Thursday – Today is the third Thursday of the month.

Join us at the cabin for a sweet meeting consisting of visiting, eating, singing, devotional, and prayer.  We meet at 6:30.  Call or send a computer message if you need more information.

This time of great joy is always difficult for some people.  Help them recover the joy of Christmas.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Mrs. Anne Hurst is hospitalized in Greensburg with an infection and is taking antibiotics.  Her fever broke last night, so she considers that a step in the right direction.  The doctor thinks she will be there about five days.  She would appreciate your prayers.

Wednesday

“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~

 

Connor Corkern

Conner has been doing better, but yesterday the “seizure monster” returned with Connor having ten big seizures.  Please pray the doctors can get them under control and quickly.

Drew Williams

Drew will be having jaw surgery this morning in Jackson, MS.  His family returned yesterday and will be in that area until early May.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Not All Empty”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “The Miracle of Love”

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

Hymn of the Day – “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “One More Day”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12334&LanguageID=1709

“Hope Found after ALS Diagnosis” – Please take time to read this inspiring story”.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41684

Baptist Press 

BPNews.net

Help someone understand that Jesus is the Only Reason for the Season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Macy Gueldner – I think you will realize Macy has a very special mother when you read this.

Jeremy and I are completely humbled by all of the thoughts, prayers, gestures, donations, and gifts that we’ve received. This is, by far, the strongest that I’ve felt the Christmas spirit, and I have to say that it’s quite amazing. Cate regularly asks me tons of questions about God and His Son. Last night she said, “Jesus was a lucky guy.” And I replied, “Why do you think so?” And she said, “Because God was his father.” As to which I replied, “Well, God is our Father also, but I do know what you mean, and in that regard, yes he was lucky to be chosen. But it was not easy for him, because he made sacrifices for all people… people he didn’t know… people that weren’t born yet.” Then I started giving her examples of sacrifice. As I spoke, I was reminded of all of the wonderful things that people have done for us. People have sold things to make a profit for our family, people have collected money and pull tabs. People have gifted socks to hundreds of sick children. People have bought our girls presents, even though they have children of their own to buy for. All of these selfless acts have added up to give our family grand support… support that we need at the moment, but support that we are eager to give to other families. Most of all, it has opened our eyes. It has taught us how much good there is in people. It has taught our Cate a lot about giving back, sacrifice, and love. We have seen first-hand that there are many disciples of Jesus walking this earth.We are unfortunate to have to walk this journey, yet we are so fortunate to be surrounded by such Godly people.

We look forward to the day where we can be the helpers…where we can pay it forward. For now, all we can do is say a truly heartfelt “thank you.” So thank you to each and every one of you who have contributed to our family, in prayer or gift. May God bless you with a fabulous 2014!

A quick note about the kiddos: Macy has been fantastic the past few days. She’s getting smarter and sillier by the day. We are preparing for our trip to Memphis on Thursday, where she’ll receive her 3rd high dose of methotrexate. Cate went back to school on a regular basis after Thanksgiving, and I think she’s picked up right where she left off. She will be the snowman in her school’s Christmas program tonight. I can’t wait to see her shine on stage.

I am always very good (and early) with Christmas cards, but it just didn’t happen this year… I’m sure you understand. So we’ll settle with a digital card this year (if I can even get that pulled together.) We haven’t even seen Santa yet… GEEZ… this is not going over well with my personality!

Anita D. Stafford
(December 15, 1936 – December 16, 2013)

Anita D. Lewis Stafford, 77 years old, of Amite, passed away Monday, December 16, 2013 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born December 15, 1936 to Davis and Loretta Lewis. She is survived by 3 sons, Mark Stafford and wife, Kathy, Kentwood, Craig Stafford and Jeffery Stafford, both of Amite; 1 daughter, Dorrit Rick and husband, Tennis, Roseland; 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; brother, Davis Lewis and wife, Donna, Arcola; 3 sisters, Doreen Campbell and husband, Charles, Satsuma, Pam Hollifield, Arcola and Karen Kemp and husband, John, Arcola and numerous nieces and nephew. Preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Fieldon (Sonny) Stafford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2013. Interment will be at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. Special thanks to Dr. A. J. Varnado, Community Hospice, nursing staff at St. Helena Parish Hospital and Nursing Home. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Anita’s sister Pam was my classmate and friend.  Then, I taught all four of Anita’s children.  Her daughter, Dorrit, continues to be a good friend.

WILLIAM “BILLY” A. RANDOL

(JANUARY 19, 1939 – DECEMBER 9, 2013)

William “Billy” A. Randol, 74, passed away on December 9, 2013, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Catchings Funeral Home (Summit) from 5:00-8:00 PM and continue Friday, December 13, 2013 from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at Catchings Funeral Home (Summit). Graveside service will follow in Unity Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. will be officiating the services. Catchings Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Pallbearers are Cecil Randol Jr., Jesse Randol, J. J. Gilliland, Matthew Gehegan, Patrick Brown, and A J Alford. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Randol Jr., Nicholas Ferrell, Devin Peek, and Shawn Randol.
Mr. Randol was born on January 19, 1939, in Amite, LA to James N. and Alkaline Lea Randol. He was of the Baptist faith. He served in the US Merchant Marines. He loved to raise vegetables, loved sports, and to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife: Charollet Blount Randol of Fernwood; daughters: Margaret Randol Thompson and husband Lonnie of Roseland, La, Barbara Randol of Amite, LA, Janice Randol Gehegan and husband Rowdy of Springfield, LA, Billie Jo Randol Whittington and husband Nick of Covington, LA; sons: Robert Randol of Ponchatoula, LA, David Randol and wife Paula of Roseland, LA, Cecil Randol of Kentwood, LA, Mark Randol and wife Vickie of Kentwood, LA, and Charles Randol and wife Gayle of Bogue Chitto, MS; sisters: Delores Randol Genusa and husband Salvador of Amite, LA, Louella Randol Brooks Graham and husband RC of Amite, LA, and Maude Dean Randol Athey and husband Pete of Kentwood, LA; brother: Ely Randol and wife Vickie of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren: 29; great grandchildren: 13; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Condolences to the family can be submitted on-line at www.catchingsfuneralhome.com.

Billy’s wife was from the large family of Blount children of Roseland.

Tuesday

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

~2 Corinthians 9:15, HCSB~

 

Penny Dees McDowell

Penny’s surgery went well.  The doctor was very pleased with the results.  Penny should be much better soon.

National Guard

The 205th Engineering Battalion based in Hammond and Bogalusa will arrive HOME today!  Those who went are excited to be coming home.  Family members are elated to have their loved ones back at home and in time for Christmas.  Thank God for their safety while traveling and while in the Middle East.

Third Thursday

We will have our regular meeting this week.  Join us at the cabin at 6:30 for food, fellowship, and a devotional/music time.

Christmas Programs

Area churches have had numerous programs.  I managed to attend three in the last four days.  They were all very different in style, size of the choir (20-50), music (canned, praise band, orchestra), set differences, use of technology, with and without dinner, involvement of adults only vs. involvement of people of all ages, etc.   The unifying cord was the theme –  the birth and purpose of Jesus!

Baptist Press

 BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Love and Support”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “Angel Rescued Sick Girl – True Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/angel-rescued-sick-girl-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “We Three Kings”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/t/we3kings.htm

The program tonight had shepherds, wise men, etc.  As I looked at the nice costumes and gifts being delivered to the “young boy” version of Jesus, I thought of this song.  I have great memories of a number of men who were special to me playing the part of the wise men.  I also have seen teens play the part.  I marvel at their wisdom that led the wise men to worship a young child so many years ago.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

At the end of our tea Sunday, a young girl gave me a small handful of change and requested I put it in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  I told her she could take the money to her church and give it there, but she insisted I put it in the offering at Kentwood.  Sunday, when we have the missions march, I will give her envelope of change as well as my own offering.  I felt so blessed by the sweet heart of a child that is already at her young age so touched by the need for missions.

If you attend FBC, Kentwood, you may know how we are lighting up the words to “Joy to the World” as we collect money to help us reach our goal.  I’m happy to report to all you Kentwood people that enough money was given Sunday to light up six more notes of our song.  I’m looking forward to the next week and more progress toward our goal.

Thanks for taking time to check this site and to prayer.  You are so important.  I have a reminder for you: Jesus is the reason for the season (and your pardon from an eternity in hell).

Anna Lee