Thursday

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.”

~Psalm 27:7~

Chloe Neyland is home!  She no longer has two holes in her heart!  She still has a pacemaker, but it has been turned down because her own heart is doing the work.  Thank-you, Lord Jesus, for sparing this little life one more time.

Renee Deck is still in ICU at Southwest at McComb with an infection.  She is getting better.  Pray for her recovery to be complete.  Thank-you for Renee’s strong faith and the way she “puts feet to her beliefs”!

Carol New’s doctors have been working to get rid of an infection in her knee.  Then, she will have another knee replacement and spend about six weeks at the Specialty hospital in Hammond.  For now, she is still at Baton Rouge General.

Jewel Kay Y. Cutrer’s knee surgery was extensive.  Pray for her as she heals and goes through the rehabilitation period.

Pray for Mrs. Mickey Cade and Mrs, Mary Womack as they continue with tests/biopsies and await results.

Susan Rimes takes “one step forward and two steps back” with her kidney stones.  Pray for her as she sees the doctor again tomorrow.

Tripp Roth

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/

Bridget Venable’s mother-in-law has been very sick for a while.  Her funeral will be today.

Doris Yarborough Venable

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31. A beautiful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend died Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at her daughter’s home in Zachary. She was born in Greensburg on March 12, 1931, to H.O. and Gussie Williams Yarborough. She married Vernon Venable, her “Dearie Pie,” on March 27, 1948. He preceded her in death in 1995. She was also predeceased by her parents; brothers, Aubrey and Junior Yarborough; and a sister, Hilda Hanks. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Stan and Cheryl Venable, Rod and Bridget Venable, Kathy and David Thibodeaux, and Paula and Cliff Wheat. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life; each was her favorite. She was “Granny” to Brad Venable, Jaimie Venable, Leah V. Stewart, Shelly V. Dehner, Matt Thibodeaux, Megan Thibodeaux, Chad Zylks, Whitney Zylks and Crystal Wheat. Her great-grandchildren are Houston, Harrison and Hollyn Stewart, Trafton, Colton and Madeleine Dehner, Kiersten, Rylee, Hayden and Cayde Zylks; and expected great-grandchild due to arrive in June 2012. She is also survived by her sister, Alyne Campbell; brother, J.E. Yarborough; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. until funeral service at noon. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Brad Venable, Chad Zylks, Matt Thibodeaux, Scott Campbell, David Campbell and Jim Aronstein. The family thanks LifeSource Hospice for the kind, compassionate care given during her final days.


Cosma Birch Currier Hodges
(December 27, 1919 – November 16, 2011) 

A resident of Amite, she died at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. She was born December 27, 1919 in Memphis, TN and was 91 years of age. She retired from the Louisiana State University Accounting Department. She is survived by 2 daughters, Madeleine C. McElveen and her husband, Ray, Amite and Louise C. Peterson and her husband, Melvin, Amite; a son, Neil Currier, Amite; 5 grandchildren, Michael, Donald and Kevin McElveen, Monta Graves and Gerrid Hodges; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Marcelle Cuti, Amite, Ruby Wohlken, Baton Rouge and Margaret Estess, Kentwood. Preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow W. Hodges, Sr.; son, Woodrow W. Hodges, Jr.; grandson, Clyde Blades; parents, Leon Birch and Jessie Alford Young; sister, Thelma Merle Humphry; 2 brothers, Clovis Birch and Herbert Birch. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011. Services conducted by Bro. John Fulda. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite.

Operation Christmas Child

Thanks to all of you in various churches of various denominations who contributed “Shoeboxes” for children around the world.  I look forward to the Christmas season and thinking of all the children who will be blessed because of the shoeboxes.

If you missed that opportunity or if you are ready for another one, Christmas Toys for Migrant Children and Christmas Cards for Parish Inmates will be collected at First Baptist Church, Kentwood and other churches.  They will be combined at FBC, Amite at the end of the month and distributed.  Here’s an opportunity for you.  Be sure to include a stamp for each card.

There will be a Community Thanksgiving Service at the Kentwood United Methodist Church Sunday, November 20th at 6:30.  A time of fellowship will follow the service.  Everyone is invited.

Ladies and girls, mark your calendar for the first Saturday in December.  Greensburg Baptist Church will host the annual Lottie Moon Tea at 2:00 P.M.  Come learn more about this pioneer missionary who served in China.

Thought for the Day: More than we ask or imagine

A 60-year-old couple was celebrating their 40th year of marriage. During
the celebration, a genie appeared and said, “Because you have been such a
loving couple all those years, I would like to give you each one wish.”

The wife quickly chimed in, “I want to travel around the world.” The genie
waved his arms and, POOF!, she had the tickets in her hand.

Next, it was the husband’s turn. He paused for a moment, then said shyly,
“Well, I’d like to have a wife 30 years younger than me.” The genie waved
his arms and, POOF!, he was 90.

We seem to be fascinated by stories of magic genies granting wishes (why is
it usually three wishes?). Which of us hasn’t sat and wondered at some
point in time, “If a genie granted me three wishes, what would I wish for?”

God is not, as some imagine Him, a magic genie waiting at our beck and call
to give us everything we ask for (see James 4:3). But there is certainly
that level of power and ability at His disposal. Listen to these words of
Paul:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the
church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV).

God is able to do more than I ask of Him. That’s pretty amazing,
considering that I have some pretty difficult requests. Furthermore (and
this is really mind-boggling), God is able to do more than I can even
imagine! I don’t know about you, but I can imagine quite a bit. Yet, Paul
assures us that God is not only able to do all that we ask or imagine — he
is able to do more, immeasurably more!

When things in life are beyond my control, I find comfort in knowing that
God has such power — not the power of an imaginary genie but the power of
a living awesome Father. Sometimes we offer to pray for others saying,
“It’s the least I can do.” How wrong we are. Considering the power of
God, it’s the most we can do!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone church of Christ
Boone, NC

Don’t forget the Third Thursday meeting tonight at the cabin at 6:30.  Join us for food, sweet fellowship, a thoughtful devotional, and sincere prayer times.

Anna Lee

 

 


 

Wednesday

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” ~Luke 19:10~

I’m very thankful for the rain last night and for God’s protection over all of us, especially for the family that had the tornado visit them south of Tangipahoa Baptist Church.

http://www.wafb.com/story/16051473/tornado-watch-remains-in-effect-until-10-am

Please remember Mrs. Ruby Dillon in your prayers.  Her hip problem is healing slowly preventing some of “Miss” Ruby’s normal activities.

Remember those who have been sick such as Renee Deck, those who have surgery such as Jason Dean, and those who have had a family member to pass away such as Mrs. Bill Hughes family.  Be an encourager to others in these and similar situations.

Baptist Press – a continuing story we have been following

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36578

Thought for the Day: Missed Opportunities

The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer’s beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, “Son, go stand out in that field and I’m going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.”

The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood – pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber – as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed… but the bull had no tail!

Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.

The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors — opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.

“Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message.” (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10).

May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Try to take advantage of the opportunities God gives you.  You won’t be disappointed!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Jesus said,

“Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed;

because your true life is not made up of the things you own,

no matter how rich you may be.”

~Luke 12:15 (GN)~

Pray for me as I see my gamma knife surgeon for my two week check-up.  Pray for us as we travel.

Heart to Heart with Holley: What makes you beautiful?

As a little girl, I believed anyone related to you automatically thought you were beautiful. The kids at school might tease me but aunts and grandmas gushed, “Look at those cheeks! Look at that hair!”

Over time, I realized my little theory might not quite be true. I just happened to belong to an especially gracious (and very southern) family who chose to see the best in me.

But for the longest time I thought blood ties made you beautiful.

Pushing a vaccuum through the hall the other day, hair in a messy ponytail, I felt anything but lovely. I thought of my sweet relatives and wished someone were there to gush over me–even in my unsightly state.

Then I realized that Someone in my life did see me as beautiful right here, right now.

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I paused for a moment in my cleaning, leaned back against the wall and smiled.

Aha!

It turns out I’d been right all along…

Blood ties do make us beautiful. 

Perhaps not always the kind that flow through family trees but forever the kind that flowed down a tree made into a cross.

Yes, He takes all of our unloveliness and turns it into what only He can…

all beauty. 

–Holley

Baptist Press: Condoleezza Rice voices faith & optimism

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36567

Thank God for the rain He is providing today.

Anna Lee

Midday Monday

Pray for Rufus, Malone, and other members of the Williams family.  Their brother, Terry from Monroe, passed away.

...
In Loving Memory
Clifford Terry Williams
2/18/1931 – 11/12/2011		 ...

Funeral services for Clifford Terry Williams, 80, of Monroe, will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at North Monroe Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Dye, Rev. Warren Eckhardt, and Rev. David Worthington officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

Mr. Williams went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 12, 2011, after a brief illness. He was born on February 18, 1931 in Kentwood, LA. Cliff served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, 1952 – 1954. He received a B. S. Degree with honors in 3 years in Agriculture at Southeastern Louisiana University and a Masters Degree from LSU in Wildlife Management graduating in 1957.

Cliff was a District Supervisor for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for 32 years. He received the Paul Martin Sportsman Award and was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Marion Williams; and his brothers, Thomas and Marion.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Rhodus Williams; three children, Donna Benes and husband Bob of Coppell, TX, Terri Gullatt and husband Patrick of Haughton, LA, and Doug Williams and wife Kasia of Lafayette, LA; six grandchildren, Ellen and Emily Benes, Natalie Brixey and husband Nathan, Taylor Gullatt, and Zachry and Connor Williams; brothers, Howard Williams of Ferriday, LA, Rufus Williams and wife Margie of Kentwood, LA, and Malone Williams and wife Becky of Kentwood, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the MICU nursing staff and doctors at St. Francis Medical Center as well as the Encouragers Sunday School Class at North Monroe Baptist Church.

Online Registry/Condolences: http://www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Monday

“We must support believers who go on trips like this

so that we can work together with them in spreading the truth.”

~3 John 1:8 (GW)~

If you did not get your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox turned in at FBC, Kentwood yesterday, you will still have about two more days before they are delivered to the collection center.  Complete your box and take it to the church office with a check for $7.00 to cover shipping.  You’ll be blessed!

Another blessing you can have this week is to attend our Third Thursday Share Group at the cabin.  We meet at 6:30 for a time of food, fellowship, devotional, and prayer.  Nobody is ever put “on the spot”, so feel free to come check it out.

Pray for Carol New as she has knee replacement surgery today.

Continue to pray for the many who have lost loved ones recently as well as those who are not well.

Pray for safety for those who will be traveling in the coming weeks.

Pray for boldness for those who have family members and friends who have not accepted God into their hearts.

Be thankful for all the blessing you and yours have received.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Thought for the Day: He will provide

One Saturday Ken Erickson’s wife cleaned out leftovers from the refrigerator. She gave the one remaining portion of tortellini to their 6-year-old son, Jeremy. Their 8-year-old son, Matthew, also wanted some, so bickering ensued. After several unsuccessful attempts to mediate the dispute, Ken decided on a theological approach. Hoping to convince Jeremy to share his portion with Matthew, he said, “Jeremy, what would Jesus do in this situation?”

Jeremy immediately responded, “Oh, Dad, He would just make more!”

What a beautiful truth — Jesus will provide! I’m not saying that he would have provided for his own personal need (because he never did that in a miraculous way), but time and time again Jesus showed both his willingness and his ability to provide for those who were around him.

It was a truth the apostles needed to learn. Surrounded by thousands of people, Jesus said to them, “Give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16). Their answer indicated their recognition that Jesus had asked the impossible. They didn’t have the resources. But Jesus did.

It is a truth we all need to learn. Whatever your need may be, whatever crisis you may be going through, whatever strength you need to cope with the struggles in your life, Jesus will provide. He has both the willingness and the ability to provide for those in need.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

He will provide!  Sometimes that’s all people can say about their situation in life.  I pray God will use you to “provide for others”.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Be generous: Invest in acts of charity.

Charity yields high returns.

Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around.

Be a blessing to others.”

~Ecclesiastes 11:1-2a (MSG)~

Thought for the Day: Appreciating God’s Blessings

Two old friends bumped into one another on the street one day. One of them looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, “What has the world done to you, my old friend?”

The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you. Three weeks ago, an uncle died and left me forty thousand dollars.”

“That’s a lot of money.”

“But you see, two weeks ago, a cousin I never even knew died, and left me eighty-five thousand free and clear.”

“Sounds like you’ve been blessed….”

“You don’t understand!” he interrupted. “Last week my great-aunt passed away. I inherited almost a quarter of a million.”

Now he was really confused. “Then, why do you look so glum?”

“This week… nothing!”

That’s the trouble with receiving something on a regular basis. Even if it is a gift, we eventually come to expect it. Someone once suggested to me a way to test someone’s character. Give him (or her) $5 a day for a month. Then stop, and see what his reaction is. The natural tendency is that if we receive a gift long enough, we come to view it as an entitlement. We feel hurt, even angry, if we don’t receive it any longer.

It’s the same way with the blessings God gives us every day. I don’t deserve the comfortable home I live in, the beautiful scenery around me, the clean water that I drink. But after receiving these gifts (and a multitude of others) for years, I sometimes fail to be grateful. I’ve come to expect these good things. And when one of them is removed for a short while (like the water being cut off), I get upset.

Make an effort today to recognize the blessings you’ve come to take for granted. Focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t have, and see if it doesn’t improve your attitude.

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Make this Lord’s Day meaningful to others and yourself.

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

Darla Lynette McNabb Woodard
(February 2, 1961 – November 12, 2011) 

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died at 9:09AM on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born February 2, 1961 in Magnolia, MS and was 50 years of age. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2011, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Bill Galloway and Rev. Richard Sandberg. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by husband, Ronald Woodard, 4 daughters, Courtney Woodard, Mallory Brabham and her husband, Joseph, Brittany Norwood and her husband, Josh, and Shelby Woodard, parents, John H. McNabb and Monnie B. McNabb, mother-in-law, Betty Woodard Coley, sister, Monica McNabb Miley, brother, Mike McNabb, aunt, Ann Huff, grandchildren, Isabella Brabham, Danica Woodard, Branson Norwood, Drew Brabham, and Jaxton Norwood. Preceded in death by, father-in-law, Lanice Woodard, Jr. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.