Thursday Afternoon

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and girls, don’t forget to join us at FBC, Amite Saturday morning at 9:30.  Bring a dozen muffins to share and a mug to use.  Plan to have a good time and learning something while enjoying the company of other ladies and girls.  Pass the word.

 

Wilkie Moak Blades

(March 7, 1942 – February 8, 2012)

A homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away in Barling, AR on February 8, 2012 at the age of 60 years old. She was born March 7, 1942 in Mt. Hermon, LA, was a current resident of Barling AR and former resident of Kentwood, LA. Wilkie is survived by her 4 daughters and 1 son, Teresa Lovell and husband, Bob, McComb, MS, Elsie Stewart and husband, Robert, Greensburg, LA, Janet Sharp and friend, Kenneth Womack, Kentwood, LA, Clyde Travis, Jr. and wife, Tammy, Pearl River, LA and Trish Givens and husband, Jason, Lavaca AR; 3 sisters, Patricia “Annie” Allen and husband, Joe, Magnolia MS, Peggy Sue Tate and husband, Roger, Kentwood, LA and Linda Gail Riggle, Vacherie, LA; 4 brothers, Woody Moak, Franklin, LA, Kenneth “Scooter” Varnado, McComb, MS, Buford “Boonie” Blades, Jr. and wife, Rosie, GA, Herman Blades and wife, Donna, TN; 4 grandchildren, Amy Carver and husband, Richard, Brandon Sharp and wife, Chrystal, Tracie Marie Travis, Jessie Lovell, Dakota Blades, Colton Blades, Tyler Givens and Savannah Givens; 3 great-grandchildren Jacob Carver, Brandon Sharp, Jr. and Elizabeth Sharp. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Eugene “Skeet” Blades; her parents, Mr. Colla “Collie” Moak and Mrs. Evie M. Moak; 2 brothers, Stanley Earl Varnado and Paul Moak; a daughter, Sherry Ann Travis; and 2 sons, Collie Columbus Travis and Clyde Columbus Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2012, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

A God-Sized Accident

http://missionaryblogdigest.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/a-god-sized-accident/

Thursday

 

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void,

but it shall accomplish what I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent.”

~Isaiah 55:11~

 

CaringBridge: LoganWatts

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

Logan is still continuing to improve at a very fast rate. He went back to Dr Karlin today for a follow up after his botox injections and his range of motion in his right leg is much better than before. He is still a little tight so he may repeat the injections in 3 months, depending on his next visit. Logan is using a walker now, pretty much as his means for transportation. Either the walker or crawling, the only time we have been using his wheel chair is for school purpose or for master’s club at church. We appreciate all the prayers for Logan but there is something specific we would like to request prayer for. Logan’s Dr suggested for us to bring him to Birmingham to participate in CI (constraint-induced) therapy. This is because that he tends to neglect his right hand. Since the injury his left side is stronger and he was left handed before  so he does what he can with his left hand, he won’t use his right hand unless he’s forced too. At this point he is neglecting his right hand/arm which could cause it to retract and draw up to his body, be very weak, and not grow in size as the rest of his body does. His brain is still re-wireing itself so they say its a good time to do this right now because there can come a point where it will be to late. Once the muscles shorten they can not be fixed. The bad part is that this intensive therapy is for 3 weeks in Birmingham, Al and just the therapy part is 8k dollars. That’s not costing our stay or Jonathan missing 3 wks of work. Please pray that we make the right decision and for God’s will to be done. We are so grateful for the amazing progress he has made thus far.

Pray for Rafe Cutrer as he sees a neurologist today.  Pray for Rafe to continue to make progress.

 

Ms. Frances Strickland is better and was able to be in prayer meeting last night.

 

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she has a MRI today to gather more information on a recent problem.

 

Stephanie McKenzie’s grandmother, Mrs. Rebecca Moak, is hospitalized and undergoing tests.  Please pray for her.

 

Continue to pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony as he sees more doctors this week as he begins chemo and radiation for a lung problem.  Pray for his family as they transport him back and forth to Hammond daily for the next six weeks.

 

Pray for Kenneth Birch who is having back problems.  Pray for his sister, Mrs. Shirley Frazier, who continue to have back problems that have kept her home for months now.

 

New Beth Moore Bible Study – James: Mercy Triumphs

Coming soon to FBC, Kentwood

Two sessions to choose from – Sunday or Thursday Evenings

Please notify the church office or me if you are interested in attending.

Workbooks will be $15.00

Thought for the Day: Looking at things differently

A teenage boy lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was no where to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the eyepiece in her hand.

“How did you manage to find it, Mom?” the teenager asked.

“We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she replied. “You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150.”

It is so true that our passion and persistence in doing something will be largely determined by its value in our eyes. For example, evangelism will never be a top priority as long as you see your next-door neighbor as simply a middle-aged guy with a pot belly. When you see him as an valuable soul whose eternal destiny will be determined by his relationship with God, suddenly things are different.

If you see your involvement at church as simply cleaning out a baptistry or corralling a herd of 4-year-olds for an hour, you will quickly lose heart. When you see your involvement as an essential element in the building up of the kingdom of God, you will not “grow weary while doing good” (Gal. 6:9).

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2)

Looking at earthly things from a heavenly perspective will change the value of things in our mind. And that, in turn, will change how diligently we seek to do the things of God.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

You will influence others today in either a positive or negative way.  Make a choice to be a positive influence.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Two reminders:

  • Mug & Muffin
    • Saturday
    • FBC, Amite
    • 9:30 A.M.
    • Bring a doz. breakfast muffins to share and your favorite mug to use.
  • Beth Moore Bible Study – James: Mercy Triumphs (8 weeks)
Jadon’s Story

 

Wednesday

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly

and be glorified, just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

 

 

From Charlene Blades

Update on my mom (Dell Phillips) she is home now. However we are making lots of adjustments. We now have nurses etc… coming in and out. A room full of medical equipment. It is a big change for us.
She felt pretty good yesterday but is very weak and tired today.
Please keep her and her caregivers in your prayers.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is back at home and doing well.  She is an amazing lady!

Jadon Pailet is doing very well four weeks after surgery.  He has had some ups and downs, but has been seizure free for four weeks!   Yesterday, he added a new phrase to his vocabulary – “Go bye bye”.  He’s a miracle in so many ways!

CaringBridge: AdriunnaCavanaugh

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

Mildred Ann Bass Spence
(June 7, 1949 – February 7, 2012)

Mildred Ann Bass Spence, 62, passed away at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

She was born June 7, 1949 to George and Vickie Baham Bass. She was a lover of learning and education where she attended Southern Mississippi University.

In 1980 Mildred “Millie” married Lowell Spence and together they raised their five children. Millie adored and loved her children and especially her 3 grandchildren. Millie was very committed and close to her husband and family. She enjoyed gardening and helping others with family plans.

Ms. Millie is survived by her husband of 31 years, Lowell R. Spence; children, Greg L. Spence, John S. Tucker and wife Beth, Darby W. Tucker and wife Gabby & Amy L. Tucker; brother, George Bass, Jr. and wife Pat; sister, Shirley Ellzey; 3 grandchildren, Devon Tucker, Jacob Spence Langford & Nicholas Spence Langford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Vickie Baham Bass, Sr.; son, Lowell Spence, Jr.; sister, Victoria Wilkins and husband Charles.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 10:00 a.m.at Chappapeela Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Weaver officiating. Interment in the Spring Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers family request Memorial Donations be made to Chappapeela Baptist Church Building Fund, 61407 Vining Road, Amite, LA

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and the Holiday Inn Express.

 

Thought for the Day: Enjoy the grape

I read a parable recently that bothered me when I read it the first time. It is a story that was
reportedly told by Buddha: A traveler, fleeing a tiger who was chasing him, ran till he came to
the edge of a cliff. There he caught hold of a thick vine, and swung himself over the edge.

Above him the tiger snarled. Below him he heard another snarl, and behold, there was another tiger,
 peering up at him. The vine suspended him midway between two tigers.

Two mice, a white mouse and a black mouse, began to gnaw at the vine. He could see they were
quickly eating it through. Then in front of him on the cliffside he saw a luscious bunch of
grapes. Holding onto the vine with one hand, he reached and picked a grape with the other. How
delicious!

That's the end of the parable. That's it??? If you're like me, you want to know how the story
ends. Does the man get eaten by one of the tigers? Does he manage to find a way of escape? We
don't know. And how can a man possibly stop to enjoy eating a grape while in the midst of such
a crisis???

I can't tell you for sure what the parable was intended to teach, but after giving it considerable
thought, here's the lesson that I gained from it. We are sometimes so focussed on wanting to know
what's going to happen in the future that we fail to enjoy what we have right here, right now.

What is the doctor going to find when I go in for these tests? How can I possibly meet the
deadline my boss has given me since I have more work to do than I can possibly get done? How will
my wife react when I talk to her about the need to go see a counselor to deal with the deep-rooted
problems we're having? How am I going to pay the bills that are due next week when there's not
enough money in the bank to cover them? How should I react to the racial prejudice that's causing
students to say ugly things to me at school?

None of those things are unimportant (nor are the countless other trials and difficulties you
could add to that list from your own experience); some may even be life-threatening But today,
all day long, I am surrounded by countless blessings from God -- a beautiful sunrise, the changing
autumn leaves, a child's kiss, a bunch of grapes, a warm bed, hot water, and the list goes on and
on. Is it possible to focus on the blessings at hand even when we are surrounded by difficulties
and we don't know how the story will turn out? For a child of God, it is not only possible, it is
essential that we learn to do so.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever 
the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have 
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether
well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:11-12)
Are you surrounded by tigers today? Take a moment to enjoy the grape that God has placed right in
front of you.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith


It's easy to see the miracles in Jadon's life, but do we see them in our own lives?  


Today is a great day to pay attention and see what God is doing in our own lives.


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Tuesday Addition
	


	
	
	

		
Mrs. Carol Jean Gill‘s sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Creel, called to speak for the family and say the family appreciates your continued prayers for all of them.  “Miss” Carol Jean is still about the same.   The staff of ICU have been wonderful to the family and are working to keep her comfortable.  Thanks for supporting the family with your prayers and other kind actions.  That’s what Christian friends are for!

	


	





	

		
		
Tuesday
	


	
	
	

		
 


 


 


“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources


 he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” 


~Ephesians 3:16 NLT~




Great sorrow seems to have settled in with many families lately.  I don’t ever remember going to so many wakes and funerals of friends and family.  I refuse to continue to count them.  I ache for families who have lost loved ones lately, most of them in unexpected situations.  I know these times are much easier with God carrying us through the difficult days.  I cannot imagine what it would be like without that knowledge.


“Stand in the storm.  When the going gets tough, make adjustments, but keep standing.”           Unknown author


Life has given me some storms lately, but having God stand with me allowed me to seek Him more and to keep on standing.  I pray each individual and each family touched by problems of any kind will be able to keep standing because they have God walking through the journey of life with them.


I’m doing well with the storms of my life.  I can smile, face people, encourage others, etc.  Life doesn’t give “free passes” to us. We have to know God is with us and wants us to continue on.  If He is not your journey mate through life, I pray you will seek someone who can steer you in His direction.   He is the one and only way to travel through life!


That’s my sermon for today!




Baptist Press News


http://www.bpnews.net/


 


 


Thought for the Day: Jesus will give you rest (parts 1 & 2)


I heard a story about a young mother with three children. The phone rang one day and a voice on the other end of the phone said, “Honey, it’s Mom. I called because I know that you’re busy with the kids, and I want to give you some help. I’m going to stop by to clean the house, take care of the baby, and prepare dinner for when the boys get home from school.


“I want you to get ready to go to my beautician, I’ve paid her already, and she’s going to give you ‘the works,’ your appointment is at 1:00. Give George a call at the office and tell him that you’ll meet him at Olive Garden for dinner, it’s on me…”


At that point, the young mother interrupted and said, “George, who is George?”


“Your husband.”


She said, “My husband’s name is Fred.”


“Oh. Is this 365-3212?”


“No this is 365-3213.”


The caller said, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ve got the wrong number.”


After a pause, the young mother said, “Does this mean that you’re not coming over?”


Do you ever feel like you could use a phone call like that? Do you ever find yourself wishing someone would just come along and take care of things for you so that you can have a little rest?


I remember back in the 1970’s, there was a big concern that computers and technology would radically change how many hours a week people would work. In fact, there was testimony given to a Senate sub-committee forecasting that within 20 years, the average American would be working only 22 hours a week. They said, “The great challenge would be figuring out what to do with all the excess time.” Now here we are, 30 years later, after major advances in technology — how many of us are wondering what to do with all the excess time on our hands?


Our world has become the world of the Red Queen of Alice in Wonderland. She said, “It takes all the running you can do to stay in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that.”


That’s why what Jesus offers is so very precious. He says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)


It’s one of the most beautiful promises in all the Bible. It was a promise made to the Israelites as they headed toward the land of Canaan — forty years they traveled and traveled in the wilderness, until finally they arrived at a land of rest. And it’s the promise made to those of us who are Christians as we look forward to heaven. The Hebrew writer says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9).


I don’t know about you, but one of the things that I’m most looking forward to when I get to heaven is being able to rest. I’m not talking about sitting down in a Lazy-Boy recliner with my feet propped up and a remote control to a big screen television in my hand. That’s not heaven. I just know that heaven will be a place where we won’t experience the feeling of being so tired, so utterly worn out. Sometimes when people ask me how I am, I just want to say, “I’m tired. I’m just so very tired.” Heaven is going to be place of rest.


“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…that they may rest from their labors.” (Revelation 14:13)


But when Jesus said, “I will give you rest”, I think he was talking about more than just heaven…..


(to be continued)


Have a great day!


Alan Smith




In 1930, something very unusual happened. It’s still an open case in the FBI missing-person file. On August 15th of that year, after dining with his family, a New York State Supreme Court Justice named Joseph Carter hailed a cab and was never seen or heard from again. The FBI thought his disappearance might be worked-related because the judge had heard a lot of mob cases. But there was no real evidence to support that theory. All the investigations led to a dead end. The only clue was a note Joseph Carter left for his wife and family. It said: “I am very, very tired. Love, Joe.” That was it. That was the last anyone ever heard from him.


I can’t help but feel that there’s a lot of us who feel the same way. And Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted, to the person who is worn out, frustrated and weary. He offers rest.


“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)


As I said in part one, we are looking forward to the rest that awaits us in heaven. But I don’t think Jesus is talking about heaven here in Matthew 11. I think he’s offering rest for our souls here and now. Somebody to help carry our burden. In Galatians 6:2, Paul says to “Bear one another’s burdens” and we can do that for one another. There have been some times in my life when I’ve gone through some things that I just don’t think I could have handled if I didn’t have brothers and sisters in Christ to be there for me. But what we do for one another in a small way, Christ does for us to a much greater measure.


Whatever burden you are carrying right now, Christ says he’ll be there for you. Whether it’s problems in your marriage, or maybe your children are in trouble at school or with the law. Maybe it’s burdens of loneliness, burdens of taking care of sick relatives, burdens of disappointment, of rejection, of addictions. Maybe the burden of not knowing which way to turn next. Life is filled with stress, with cares, with worries.


The reality is that life can be very difficult. But these are the very kinds of burdens that Jesus wants us to bring to him. Jesus is saying, “Come to me all you who are struggling with life in any way and those of you who have burdens that you can’t carry alone, and I will help you with your struggles.”


Do you remember the last time you made a trip to the airport with all your luggage? A couple of years ago, we took our daughter to the airport. She had absolutely crammed her suitcases as full as she could get them because she was moving to Germany. One of them weighed 65 pounds and the other one weighed 83 pounds. Fortunately they had the little wheels on them, because I can’t imagine what it would have been like if we had to lug those things all over the airport trying to find the right ticket counter. And, I want to tell you, when the ticket agent took those suitcases from us and we didn’t have to carry them around anymore, that was a wonderful feeling. No more burden.


That’s what Jesus does for us. Jesus is always on the lookout for hurting people. People who are bold enough to admit — Lord, I need some help. I can’t carry these problems alone.” And he’s promised to do it. He said, “I will give you rest.”


Have a great day!


Alan Smith


 


 


Thankful for the journey-mate and the rest!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Monday Afternoon
	


	
	
	

		
Continue to pray for Earlo LaBauve in room 2204B at North Oaks.  Pray his kidneys improve so he can get off dialysis.


 


Tripp Roth


http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/


Check out the March issue of “Reader’s Digest”.


 


Ladies of this area, please let me know if you are interested in joining a Bible study on Sunday nights or one night during the week at FBC, Kentwood .  A count would be helpful in ordering books.  I’ll post more information in a day or two.

	


	





	

		
		
Monday
	


	
	
	

		
“Rejoice always, 


pray without ceasing, 


in everything give thanks;


 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 


~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~


Continue to pray for Mrs. Carol Jean Gill and her family.  Pray for improvement on her part and peace and comfort for the family as they wait.


Mrs. Gail Pittman-McDaniel is now back in Kentwood for some rehab.  Continue to pray for her and her family.


Mr. Earlo LaBauve, Sharon Martin’s dad, is improving, but still being treated at North Oaks.  Please continue to pray.


Andy Taylor is improving, but still has a ways to go to get past the gall bladder surgery.  Keep him in your prayers.


Continue to pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland and for her family as they help care for her.


The wake for Mr. William Ed. Hatcher will be from 6-9 this evening at McKneely-Vaughn Funeral Home in Amite. Please continue to pray for his family.


Thought for the Day: Does God know about this?


There's a couple in Arkansas who have given their six-year-old son 


strict instructions to come home from playing every afternoon no later 


than 5 p.m. He is allowed to play with his friends, but his parents are 


quite serious about his curfew. If he is not home by 5 p.m., they begin 


to worry and call around the neighborhood to find out where he is. The 


boy knows this, though, and is careful to arrive every day on time. One


 April Monday, however, the day after Daylight Saving Time went into 


effect, the boy was late coming home. When he finally arrived, a few minutes


 before 6 p.m., his mother scolded him for being late. "You know you are


 to be home by five," she said, "and here it is nearly six." Puzzled, 


the little boy pointed out the window. "But the light," he protested, "the 


light; it's the light that tells me when to come home." Realizing what had


 happened, his mother smiled and gently explained that the day before the 


time had been changed, that everyone had reset their clocks and, now, the 


daylight lasted longer. The boy's eyes narrowed. "Does God know about this?" 


he asked suspiciously. It's easy to see why a young boy would ask such a 


question, but no matter what the circumstance prompting the question, the 


answer to "Does God know about this?" is always, "Yes, He knows." David 


reflected on this quality of God in Psalm 139: "Lord, you have examined 


me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I 


get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where 


I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do. 


Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are 


all around me -- in front and in back -- and have put your hand 


on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can 


understand." (Psalm 139:1-6)


 At times, it is a bit frightening to realize that God knows so much about


me, but ultimately it is a comforting thought -- that someone knows so


much about me, yet still loves me. Because God knows me so well, He knows 


my deepest needs. May you take comfort this day in the realization that


God knows everything about you there is to know. 


Have a great day! 


Alan Smith

	


	





	

		
		
Sunday
	


	
	
	

		
“Everyone who hears these words of mine


 and puts them into practice 


is like a wise man 


who built his house on the rock.” 


~Matthew 7:24 NIV~


Mug & Muffin


Ladies and Girls Invited


Saturday, Feb. 11th                  9:30 A.M.


FBC, Amite


Bring a dozen breakfast muffins to share and a mug to use.


New Bible Study


FBC, Kentwood


Detains coming soon


Special Guests sharing in AWANA tonight – Mallory and Madison 


Richard “Dick” Stamm

(July 27, 1924 – February 2, 2012)


Richard Stamm, 87 years old, passed away on February 2, 2012, due to complications of pneumonia. He resided in Greensburg, LA, for the past five years. Richard “Dick” Stamm was born on July 27, 1924 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and spent his youth in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Army Air Force in World War II. Afterwards he attended & graduated from optometry college in Chicago, IL. However he pursued a career as an engineer working in the automobile industry, then the space program with Chrysler Corporation and Martin-Marietta. The Apollo space program took him and his family to Bay St. Louis, MS, where he remained until Hurricane Katrina. He and his wife, Nadine, owned “Nadic Arts”, an antique and art gallery for many years. Dick’s zest for life included working on hydroplane race boats in Detroit, rebuilding antique cars, and flying and building radio controlled model airplanes. Dick is survived by his wife, Nadine, residing in Greensburg, his two daughters, Maureen Lok and Penny Rizan, and son, Richard, four grandchildren, Andre, Brandon, Michele and Dana, and one great grandchild, Ethan. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Cornerstone Church of Amite on Monday, February 6, 6:00-8:00p.m. Funeral services at Port Hudson National Cemetery will be private. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarship Fund, ATT: April, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.


Thought for the Day: Saved from embarrassment


The source (and veracity) of the following story is unknown:


It was July 4, 1954, I Corps Artillery, Korea. The armistice had been signed the summer before. The I Corps Commander, a three star general, had scheduled his baseball team to play the Corps Arty’s team.


It may seem strange, but Corps Arty is much larger than I Corps. I Corps is strictly a tactical headquarters unit, it has very few men assigned or attached to it. Corps Arty, on the other hand, is much larger. At the time, we had perhaps 18 battalions attached, each battalion consisting of from 600 to 800 men. The Corps Arty Commander, a two star general, took his baseball very seriously. He had a full-time team consisting mostly of professional players who were drafted by Uncle Sam.


I Corps was the visiting team. Three men up, three men out. Bottom of the first. Lots of hits and home runs. No outs. I Corps ran out of pitchers. Their catcher, a sergeant, tried his arm at pitching. Score 0-18, still bottom of the first, still no outs.


The sergeant left the mound and approached the Corps Arty Commanding General. He wiped the sweat from his face, stood at attention, saluted, and in a loud voice boomed, “Sir, request permission to call the game on account of snow.”


The general stood up, returned the salute, and in an equally loud voice, “Permission granted.”


I’ve been in similar situations, on the losing side of a terribly lop-sided game. It’s embarrassing and humiliating! What strikes me about this story is the willingness of the general to take an action that would alleviate as much embarrassment as possible to the pitiful losing team.


It seems to me that’s what love does. In the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), there is a distinct effort on the part of Jesus to draw attention away from the woman to relieve some of her embarrassment (though he still held her accountable for her actions).


That’s a difficult thing to do, but something that must strive for — to hold our friends accountable for their actions, while seeking to minimize their embarrassment. I’m thankful for friends in my life who have done that for me in the past.


“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ ” (I Peter 4:8)


Have a great day!


Alan Smith


I realize I had my days confused as I posted The Prayer Link last week.  I think I have everything straight now.


This is the Lord’s Day!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Saturday
	


	
	
	

		
Thought for the Day: Too many rocks!


This list is circulating among Forest Service employees. These are actual comments left on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:


“A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”


“Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”


“Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.”


“Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”


“Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.”


“Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.”


“Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.”


“Need more signs to keep area pristine.”


“The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”


“Too many rocks in the mountains.”


Too many rocks in the mountains? I suppose the sky is too blue, there are too many leaves on the trees and too much water in the ocean as well! It’s hard to imagine anyone complaining about God’s creation. I stand in awe every day of His handiwork, from the mountains to the deserts to the beaches and everything in between!


“Praise the LORD!….Praise Him, sun and moon;


 Praise Him, all you stars of light! 


Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! 


Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created….


Fire and hail, snow and clouds; 


stormy wind, fulfilling His word;


mountains and all hills; 


fruitful trees and all cedars; 


beasts and all cattle; 


creeping things and flying fowl….


Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; 


His glory is above the earth and heaven.”


~Psalm 148:1a,3-5,7-10,13~




Next chance you get, walk outside, take a look around, and offer your praise to God who created it all.


Have a great day!


Alan Smith


Share God’s love today!


Anna Lee