Tuesday

“Be friendly with everyone.

Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others.

Make friends with ordinary people.”

~Romans 12:16 CEV~

 

CaringBridge: Caroline Cutrer

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

Carol New is looking forward to getting her new knee in two weeks.

Baptist Press: Missions-minded grandma confronts thief — and wins

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36774

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

What is the average cost to support an individual missionary?

• $46,700 a year
• $3,890 a month
• $900 a week
• $128 a day
• $5.30 an hour
• $.09 a minute

Reported April 2011. Support includes housing, salary, children’s education, medical expenses, retirement and more.

http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=4426&LanguageID=1709

Devotional: Is There Room?

You may have heard the story about Wally. Wally was big for his age — seven years old. Everyone wondered what role the teacher would give him in the annual Christmas play. Especially considering the fact that he was also a slow learner. Perhaps he could pull the curtain. To everyone’s surprise the teacher gave Wally the role of the innkeeper. The boy of course was delighted. After all, all he had to learn was one line: “There is no room in the inn.” He had that down in no time.

Then came the night for the program. The parents took their places. Every seat in the auditorium was filled. The children entered singing “Oh come all ye faithful.” The lights dimmed. A hush moved over the audience. The curtain opened on Scene One. Mary and Joseph entered the stage and walked up to the inn. “Please sir, my wife is not well. Could we have a room for the night?”

Wally was ready for his line. He had rehearsed it all night. He began, “There is…” and he hesitated. He started over again, “There is…” and again his mind went completely blank. Everyone was embarrassed for him, but poor Wally just didn’t know what to do. Joseph thought he would improvise and started walking away toward the stable on stage left. Seeing him walking away, Wally called out in desperation: “Look, there’s plenty of room at my house, just come on home with me.”

The important question — not only at this time of year but all year round — is, “Do we have room in our lives for Jesus?” Our lives are so busy — with things that are good and things that are not so good. By the time we’ve filled our lives with time at work, time with the family, going to football games and the children’s recitals, shopping, watching television and the latest movie, our lives are so very crowded. I don’t know anybody who has “spare time” on their hands. The cry I hear from all around me is, “I wish I had a few more hours every day to get done when I need (or want) to get done.”

Looking back, we may find ourselves thinking that if the innkeeper had known that Mary was about to give birth to the Savior of the world, he would have made room. But I’m not so sure. The reason I question that is because I see what happens when we are faced with a question similiar to one that was asked of the innkeeper. Jesus wants to know of us, “Do you have room in your life for me?” And I see how often in our busy, hectic lives — even though we know who Jesus is — we allow other things to crowd Him out.

Will we open our hearts to Jesus, or will we allow the busy-ness of life to crowd Jesus out? The answer we WANT to give is easy to come up with; the answer we give by the way we live is sometimes disturbing. May we have a heart that desires to speak with the tenderness of Wally’s heart when he said, “”Look, there’s plenty of room at my house, just come on home with me.”

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season!  Does the season make your heart warm with love, peace, and joy?  Share Jesus with others today!

Anna Lee

Monday Evening Obituary

Ruby Fairburn Didone Bedwell Stokes
(September 15, 1928 – December 11, 2011)

A good hard working Christian woman and care giver moved to her heavenly home on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born September 15, 1928 in Lexie, MS, was 83 years of age and a resident of Kentwood. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday, and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011. Services conducted by MINISTER. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. Survived by husband, Aubrey Stokes, Kentwood; 5 daughters, Pearl Steele, Kentwood, Sue Tucker and husband, Kenny, Huntsville, AL, Barbara Didone, Kentwood, Linda Baker and husband, Don, La Porte, TX and Glenda Williams, Sugar Land, TX; 3 sons, Frank Bedwell and wife, Amy, Kentwood, Earl Didone and wife, Barbara, Crosby, TX and Michael Bedwell and wife, Christina, Marion Junction, AL; 2 sisters, Rose Carlin, Denham Springs and Verlie Ann Reeves, Magnolia, MS; a brother, Preston Fairburn, Tylertown, MS; 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jesse Didone, Sr. and Frank Bedwell; daughter, Marie Coffin; parents, Quinton and Elizabeth Fairburn; brother, Jerome Fairburn; sister, Ola Bezar; 2 sons, Eddie Didone and Jesse Didone, Jr.; grandson, Cory Didone; great-grandson, Ryan Didone. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Monday Death Notices

Linda Smith Hatjiefstratiou
(July 26, 1953 – December 11, 2011)

A resident of Metairie, she died at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2011 at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie. She was born July 26, 1953 in Independence and was 58 years of age. Survived by 2 daughters, Cynthia Reviere Dibeh and husband, Ramzi, Gretna and Erin K. Reviere, Franklinton; a son, Anthony Reviere and wife, Melissa, Franklinton; 8 grandchildren, Jonathan Hudspeth, Dakota Withers, Summer, Joseph and Jordan Reviere, Marouf, Nassim and Jenna Dibeh; sister, Patsy Smith Luper, Franklinton; brother, Paul Everett Smith, Franklinton; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Edgar Ray Smith, Sr. and Launa Mae Brumfield Smith; brother, Edgar Ray Smith, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with religious services at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Dorman Fleet Varnado
(November 14, 1929 – December 10, 2011)

Dorman Fleet Varnado, 82 years old, a life long resident of Amite was born November 14, 1929 and departed December 10, 2011. He was a business man of 40 years, owner of Varnado Well Service, Amite. He is survived by eight children, Johanna Varnado Bowman and husband, Lloyd E. Bowman, Amite, Deanna Varnado Bateman, Franklinton, Sheilah Varnado Ellzey, Amite, Greg Varnado and wife, Melisa Ailes Varnado, Amite, Janeth Varnado DeBenedetto and husband, Martin DeBenedetto of Baton Rouge, Patrick Layton Varnado, Amite, Holly L. Varnado Shafet and husband, John Shafet of Madisonville, D. Keith Varnado and wife, Cheryl G. Varnado, Mountain Home, Idaho, 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Fisher Varnado, his parents, Herbert Layton Varnado and Angie Holton Varnado, two sisters, Venta M. Varnado and Annette Varnado Pittman, son-in-law Bruce Wayne Bateman, grandson, Joseph David Hayden, and great-grandson, Bruce Wayne Bateman. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Services conducted by Bro. Walter Mixon and Bro. Willie Westmoreland. Interment will be at Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery, Franklinton. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Monday

“They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph,

and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.

After seeing [them], they reported the message

they were told about this child.”

~Luke 2:16-17, HCSB~

Yesterday morning at church, Bro. Joey said Walter Dykes had been taken to the ER with symptoms that sounded like a heart attack.  Last night, Bro. Butch said a heart attack was not the problem.  Additional tests are being done.

Jesse Dean’s sister, Patsy B., is in North Oaks.  She seems to have symptoms of a stroke.  Pray for the Patsy and her family.

Bro. Joey and Karen both seem to have a cold or some other winter problem.  Pray for them and all the others with similar problems to get well as quickly as possible.

Chloe Neyland had her little procedure to complete the last surgery last week and is doing well.  Everyone is home and glad to have that behind them.

The movie, “Christmas with a Capital C”, was very good.  I hope it puts us in the correct mood for the Christmas season.

The Third Thursday share group will meet this week at our cabin.  I hope some of you will come join us at 6:30.

John Leeston Smith
(October 27, 1937 – December 10, 2011)

John Leeston Smith was born October 27, 1937 and passed away after a lengthy illness at 6:55 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

He was 74, a native of Brookhaven, MS and a resident of Roseland. Mr. John was retired from LP&L after 40 years of service and he loved to shop at Wal-Mart.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Wachtel Smith, Roseland; 4 daughters, Dr. Christina B. Givens and husband Waylon, Amite, Dr. Angela B. Lyle and husband Matthew, Rogers, AR, Lisa B. Cambre and husband “Tee”, Orlando, FL and Marie B. Landry and husband Lance, Metairie; 2 sons, Warren A. Buonagura and wife Tara, Metairie & Kirk Patrick Smith; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Jimmy Glenn Smith and wife Faye, Brookhaven, MS & Jack Randall Smith and wife Dorothy, Union Church, MS; also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Garland Lee and Julia Vivian Waldon Smith; son, Brian Ashley Smith and a grandson, Warren Buonagura, Jr.

Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church, Amite, on Friday, December 16, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 6:00p.m. with Rev Brady Whiddon officiating. Interment will be in New Hope Church Cemetery, Lloyd Star, MS on Saturday, December 17, 2011

Family request Memorial Donations be made to First United Methodist Church, Amite, 800 N. Duncan Ave., Amite, or New Hope United Methodist Church, Brookhaven, MS.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

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 16 W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

 2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – His Hands, His Heart, and His Voice

 If you are a follower of Jesus, you are part of the task to fulfill the Great Commission.

Paul says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Jesus has commissioned us to be His heart, His hands, His voice. Through praying, giving, and going, Southern Baptists have fulfilled this legacy for more than 160 years.

Yet billions remain lost and time may be running out for them. We must pray more intentionally and give more sacrificially than ever before. Our churches must take direct responsibility for helping reach the nearly 3,800 unengaged, unreached people groups that missionaries may never be able to get to.

And, since most unreached people groups likely are represented in the world’s urban centers, we have unique challenges and opportunities to reach the world through the cities, as illustrated in this year’s week of prayer features.

What can you do, individually? Start by being “Southern Baptist missions” through your prayers to be an extension of His heart, hands, and voice through unprecedented giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.

Have a great day!  Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.” ~Psalm 54:2~

Mrs. Ruby Dillon is better.  Pray for continued improvement.

Mrs. Laura Lee Robertson had double knee replacement and is now is rehab. Pray she continues to improve.

Carol New is still in rehab.  She will be released after two more weeks.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Day 6

-http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9343&LanguageID=1709

Day 7

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9344&LanguageID=1709

Day 8

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9345&LanguageID=1709

Jesus is the reason for the season!  Today is the Lord’s Day.  Let Him into your time and you heart today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Jadon’s Story

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2011/12/1-month.html?spref=fb

I know I’ve skipped the LMCO the last couple of days, but I will catch up when I get off this laptop.

Find a church to worship in tomorrow.  That will get you in the mood for Christnas better than any mall!

Remember the movie tomorrow night at FBC, Kentwood.  It will begin at 5:30.  It is “Christmas with a Capital C”.

Jesus is the real and one and only reason for the season1

Anna Lee

Friday

This is the day our son-in-law receives his diploma for a doctorate in missiology.  We are proud of Boyd’s latest achievement.  We are also thankful for the opportunity to spend some extra time with four of our grandchildren.

Please continue to pray for the needs that have been mentioned lately.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Thursday Afternoon

The following request us from Jeanne Bond Tate  of Gillsburg.

 

Prayer request for a large family with the father possibly dying at any hour.

From our friends:

  • We have just gotten back home from being with Allison and seeing Tim.  The outlook is so very bleak.  The surgeon was clear that folks do not survive an aneurism… most of the time.  He said Tim probably won’t live past the next 24 hours, and if he does, then he won’t likely live for the next 24.  He said, they will follow this pattern of one day at a time for 2 weeks, and if there are no complications then Tim may survive, but there is no way to judge what his level of physical or cognitive function will be.  Heart broken!!!!  Allison invited the surgeon to pray with us b4 he left and he did, even wrapping up in a plea for a miracle in Jesus’ name.  After this we were told Tim would be moving to ICU, and we could see him there. So we waited another 2 hours and finally got to see him. Of course Allison and other family members went first. We went in to see this very gregarious, funny, intelligent friend of ours lying there with tubes up his nose, a ventilator, iv in his neck, tubes in his arms, wraps on his legs…  very swollen and stomach very distended. We wept.  They had to give him 20 units of blood in surgery, and have had to continue to give him blood since. We gathered our emotions and prayed there for Tim, aloud so he could hear our voice.  As we were leaving the hospital to head home, Allison was heading home to tell their older children as much as she could of the situation.  Please remember the children, too, in your prayers: Sylvia, 12; Peter, 10; Nick, 8; Tommy, 7; Samuel, 5; Dan, 3; Robbie, 22 month; T-Rex, 3 months.
  • Pray that they will not have to give him anymore blood, and that the internal bleeding would stop. That his blood pressure would level off.  Pray for PEACE.  ~Jeff Young and Family

Latest Prayer request:

  • Specific prayer right now is that he can be weened of the Ventilator, and that his body will process nutrients.  The scan after surgery showed that his right kidney showed no function and we are praying that his kidneys, liver, gall bladder, spleen, etc, will function and process.  Allison is concerned about his brain function since there was a period of time when his brain was not getting oxygen.

Thursday's Early Edition

Beginning next Wednesday, prayer meeting will begin at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.

Surgery has been scheduled for Mrs. Mickey Cade.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Dr. Stan Statham is now home, but may need another surgery soon.  Please continue to pray for him.

Virginia McKenzie said her granddaughter, Chloe Neyland, will probably need another surgery to correct a minor problem from the last surgery.  Pray for this family as they face another hospitalization for Chloe.

Please continue to pray for Taylor Breeland (14) and her family.  She is having five more days of testing before having her surgery.  She will be in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

Penny Mapes, daughter of Andy and Betty Taylor, has been hospitalized for tests.  She out of the hospital now, but will have several more tests as doctors try to determine her problem.

Renee Deck will have rotator cuff surgery on her right arm on Thursday, December 22nd.  Begin to pray for her now.

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 5

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9342&LanguageID=1709

Isn’t it great to learn of the Lord’s work being done all around the world. Don’t you know Lottie Moon would be amazed and very pleased as well as anxious and determined the work would continue to spread around the world?

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee