Friday

“She gave thanks to the Lord,

and spoke of Him to all those

who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

~Luke 2:38, NKJV~

Thought for the Day: Christ at the center

A few years ago Fast Lane magazine conducted a survey to find out whose lives its readers would most like to emulate. Lt. Colonel Oliver North placed first. President Ronald Reagan placed second. Clint Eastwood was third. Fourth place was a tie between Lee Iacocca and Jesus Christ. That’s a sad commentary on our society!

I heard about a young woman who went into a Denver jewelry store and told the clerk she wanted to purchase a gold cross on a chain to wear around her neck. The clerk turned to the display case and asked, “Do you want a plain one, or one with a little man on it?”

We live in a world where Jesus ties for fourth place with Lee Iacocca and is referred to as a little man on a piece of jewelry. But, for Christians, Jesus Christ can be nothing less than the very center of our lives. Paul wrote:

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (I Corinthians 2:2)

Are we truly consumed with knowing Jesus Christ? Oh sure, we understand the necessity of the cross and the resurrection, we understand its connection with salvation and forgiveness from sin. But do we really recognize the importance of Jesus Christ continually in our lives?

Do we see Christ as the Lord of our lives, telling us what to do? Do we see Christ as the model of our lives, showing us how to do it? Do we see Christ as the power in our lives, giving us the ability to do it?

May Christ have his rightful place at the very center of our lives.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

In our modern world to technology, I’m including ways to learn how the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Internation Missions works in Central and South America.  I hope you enjoy there and share them.

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=9866&LanguageID=1709

As families get busy with all the secular events of Christmas, I hope you will still have time to learn more about the LMCO and how it introduces people around the world to Jesus.

FBC, Kentwood will have an emphasis on the LMCO Christmas morning.  I hope you find it in your heart to bring an offering that morning and that your offering for the LMCO is greater than your gift to any individual on your Christmas list!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

From James Rimes

Susan’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday,December 20 at 11:00 A.M. at OLOL. This is to remove the large stone in her left kidney. Please pray.

 

Jesse Allen Sanders
(August 6, 1935 – December 14, 2011)

Mr. Jesse Allen Sanders was born on August 6, 1935 and passed away at 5:31 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 76, a native and resident of Amite.

Mr. Jesse worked as a car salesman for many years and also a detective for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet Sue Blackburn Sanders, Amite; 2 daughters, Christina Ann Mayeux, Amite and Andree Bordeaux Headings, Jacksonville, FL; son, Allen Lee Sanders, Hammond; sister, Joanne Sanders Furr; 2 cousins, Dennis Sevens, Prairieville and Alma Stevens LaMarca, Independence. Preceded in death by his parents Hines B. and Loney Stevens Sanders.

Private Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Mark Beard officiating will be held at a later date.

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

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

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

 

Thursday

“Only those who give away their lives for my sake

and for the sake of the Good News

will ever know what it means to really live.”

~Mark 8:35 TLB~

 

Lottie Moon Stories to Share with Your Children or Grandchildren

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=8034&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Heart to Heart with Holley: God’s Heart for You This Christmas

In the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the season I keep forgetting.

I keep forgetting that it’s not about being busy but being blessed.

I keep forgetting that it’s not about pleasing but being loved.

I keep forgetting that it’s not about who I am but whose I am that matters most.

Then God taps me on the heart and seems to whisper, “You don’t have to try so hard. Rest. Remember. Enjoy what you’ve already given and received.”

I slow, smile. Yes, that’s right. This is what Christmas is all about.

Jesus.

And the beautiful love that compelled Him to come all the way here for me, for you.

It’s about the little things too.

And what’s smaller than a baby in a manger?

One gift I can offer back this season is simply to remember what’s already true.

I am loved.

In Him, I am enough.

Because of His grace, I am blessed beyond measure.

This is God’s heart for us this Christmas season–and always.

—Holley

Don’t forget the meeting at the cabin at 6:30 tonight.  Join us for food, fellowship, prayer, and a devotional.

Have a terrific Thursday!  Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Evening

Jesse Allen Sanders
(Died December 14, 2011)

Mr. Jesse Allen Sanders passed away at North Oaks Medical Center on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. He was a native and resident of Amite, La. where he worked as a car salesman for many years and also a detective for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. Arrangements have been trusted to McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home in Amite. Please check website for further details on Thursday. http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

Wednesday

Andy Taylor learned this morning that is right wrist is healing, but is not strong enough to remove the rod yet.  Andy goes back to the doctor in five weeks to see if that is God’s timing for the next step.

Continue to pray for Billy Carl Strickland.  His next appointment is December 28.  If all is well, they will schedule treatment.  Keep Billy Carl and his family is your prayers.

Wednesday

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy–the Son of God.”

~Luke 1: 35, ESV~

Jesse Dean’s sister, Patsy, is doing better.  A diagnosis is getting closer.  Plans are being made to transfer her to rehab.  Continue to pray for her.

Pray for Andy and Betty Taylor as they return to the doctor.  Andy hopes surgery will be scheduled to remove the rod in his right hand.  Pray all goes well with them.

Mike Moore of West Monroe learned last week that he has a melanoma behind one eye.  Yesterday, a doctor told him the melanoma usually travels through the blood to the liver, but this hasn’t happened yet with Mike.  Surgery to remove the melanoma has been scheduled for the first week of January.  Pray for the family.

FBC, Kentwood will make a schedule change tonight.  Prayer meeting will begin at 6 P.M. to fit better with the youth schedule.

I broke my arm at the shoulder one year ago today.  Since then, my life has been a whirl of doctors, tests, and hospitals because of my broken arm, Momma’s sickness and death, and my brain tumor.  I thank God for bringing me through this year and walking each step with me and my family.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®

Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 57 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.

Thought for the Day: Did You Remember to Light Your Candle?

A circus owner walked into a restaurant to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.

The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheeling and dealing they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.

Three days later, the circus owner runs back to the restaurant in anger, “Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn’t dance a single step!”

“So?” asked the duck’s former owner, “did you remember to light the candle under the pot?”

Well, that might be one reason that someone would put a lighted candle under a pot, but that’s not what candles are for! As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, candles are meant to “give light to all who are in the house.” In like manner, our Christian lives are to “shine before men.” (Matt. 5:16-17). The reason is that we are to be a positive influence on others around us.

We sometimes speak of a “secret Christian” as if that’s a possibility. The truth is, unless our lives are reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, we’re not living Christian lives at all. If we don’t influence the world around us for Christ, the world will influence us.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).” (Eph. 5:8-9)

Did you remember to light your candle?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season!  Let your light shine for Him!

Anna Lee

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