Monday

“But you are a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

a people for His possession,

so that you may proclaim the praises of the One

who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9, HCSB~

Gwen Harper Pedalahore is about the same, but maybe a little better.  She continues to need our prayers.  Pray for her family and friends.

Please continue to pray for Frances Allen and Billy Carl Strickland.  They have big battles ahead,

Mike Nason lost his battle on earth yesterday.  There is no obituary yet, but I heard the wake will be Tuesday night.  Mike had nothing but friends and those who admired his sweet spirit as he fought a battle that would not go away.  I’m glad I got to know him and will miss him sitting behind me at church, especially his FIRM handshakes.

We will not have our Third Thursday Meeting this month.  Please plan to join us next month for food, fellowship, a devotional, and sweet prayer time.

What Could Be More Beautiful?

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. “You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!”, a boy in the line cried.

Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. “I love your freckles,” she said. “Not me,” the girl replied. “Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles” she said, tracing her finger across the child’s cheek. “Freckles are beautiful!”

The girl looked up. “Really?” “Of course,” said the grandmother. “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”

The little girl peered into the old woman’s smiling face. “Wrinkles,” she answered softly.

What a beautiful story of love! How wonderful it is when those who are filled with the wisdom that comes with age can still see the beauty in those who are younger and have much to learn. And how wonderful when those just learning to spread their wings can see the beauty in those who have flown so long they have grown weary of flying.

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

With a heart of love, may we see the beauty of God’s children both young and old.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

“Stand in the storm.  When it gets rough, make adjustments, but keep standing.”  I’m so thankful my “storm” has been identified and hopefully the adjustments will be well on the way by this time next week.

Anna Lee

Sunday Obituary

Hazel Corking Simpson
(October 15, 1925 – October 16, 2011)

Hazel Corking Simpson, age 86, was born October 15, 1925 in Detroit, MI and passed away October 16, 2011 at her residence. She was a resident of Kentwood, having lived in Liverpool, England. She was well known around the area as “The Cake Lady”. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Burnell Simpson, two sons, Wayne and wife, Susan Simpson, Ricky and wife, Sherry Simpson; daughter-in-law, Martha Simpson; five grandsons, Jason and wife, Hollie, Kerry and friend, Amanda, Matthew and wife, Celeste, Brandon and wife, Laura and Britt; three great grandsons, Zac, Mason and Kolby; one great granddaughter, Piper; four sisters, Ella Nichols of Yeovil, England, Irene Rolfe of Myrtle Beach, SC, Lillian Barton of Greer, SC and Vivian Roblin of Clemmons, NC. Preceded in death by infant daughter; son, Randy Simpson; and parents, George Ernest Corking and Ethel Cranham Corking. Pallbearers will be Jason, Kerry, Matthew, Brandon and Britt Simpson and Tommy Simmons. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Monday from 6pm to 9pm and from 8am until service at 11am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller and Dr. Danny Smith. Burial in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood.

 

 

Early Sunday Addition

Evan Brister, son of Robert and Jill Brister, had a four-wheeler accident yesterday and broke his collar bone.  Be in prayer for him.

Mrs. Burnell Simpson died last night while sleeping.  She was brought home from the hospital in Greensbury last night and then died at home.  Pray for Mr. Burnell and other family members who will miss her so much.

Rosemary Y’darraga passed out after her son’s wedding yesterday in Mississippi.  She was checked out at Hattisburg and found to be in good shape except for a virus.  Thankfully, that was all it was.

Sunday

And all of you must put on the apron of humility,

to serve one another;

for the scripture says,

‘God resists the proud,

but shows favor to the humble.’

~1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)~

 

Please pray for this young mother.

Please put Gwen Harper Pedelahore (of Amite) on the prayer link. She has developed sepsis (a serious blood infection) and pneumonia. She is in ICU and sedated to keep her comfortable, according to Kim’s Facebook post.  Gwen is in Ochner on O’Neal.

Julie Eudy

Jadon’s Story

I’m on day 3 of my final medicine increase and I’m still having seizures. My mommy has talked to my neurologist in Boston. He is in the process of talking with the neurologist in Detroit. He will then get in touch with my mommy and let her know his opinion on the surgery. I have 3 neurologist and we want them all to agree with the surgery. I know it’s seems crazy that we are being so cautious. Most people say go ahead with the surgery if it could stop the seizures. Well easier said than done. You see it is a very dangerous surgery. On top of that they can’t tell us that it will definitely stop the seizures. They are pretty sure it will but can’t be 100%. You also run the risk of taking something out that I’m using which means I would regress or even lose function of my right hand. If I do regress they are hopeful that I will regain the skills. It’s just alot to consider and it makes us sick at our stomach everytime we think about it. We are spending lots of time praying right now. I have to be honest and tell you it’s hard to not be mad at God right now. Why do I have to suffer? Why doesn’t the medicine help? Why are we in this situation? Why is it that my family has done everything possible and can’t get me any relief? We have to sit down and think about how far God has brought us and how He has never left us through this all. My mom and dad will never forget the day the neuro in Detroit walked in and said wow he is very high functioning considering his situation. This tells us God is with us even though we don’t understand why I’m having to go through this. Please continue to pray for me and my family. It’s very hard for my mommy to have to leave me for work right now and she is having a hard time. Also pray for the decisions we are having to make. Keep praying for these seizures to stop. We know that even though the medicine isn’t working God can still heal me. We are continuing to trust God as I continue to fight this battle.

Love you all,

Jadon

What Can I Do for You?

It had been a hard winter in the Appalachian area. The snow had piled up deeper and deeper, the mercury dropped, rivers froze, people suffered. The Red Cross used helicopters to fly in supplies. One crew had been working day after day — long hours. They were on their way home late in the afternoon when they saw a little cabin submerged in the snow. There was a thin whisper of smoke coming from the chimney. The rescue team figured they were probably about out of food, fuel, perhaps medicine.

Because of the trees, they had to put the helicopter down a mile away. They put on heavy packs with emergency supplies, trudged through heavy snow, waist deep, reached the cabin exhausted, panting, perspiring. They pounded on the door. A thin, gaunt mountain woman opened the door and the lead man gasped, “We’re from the Red Cross.”

She was silent for a moment and then she said, “It’s been a hard winter, Sonny, I just don’t think we can give anything this year.”

I don’t think the story is true, but it certainly could be. I am convinced that there are two kinds of people — givers and takers. And even in dire times, those who are givers are always thinking about “What can I do for you?” rather than “What can you do for me?” Statistically speaking, the group which gives the greatest percentage of their money to charity every year is the group of people with the lowest income.

There may be several different reasons for that, but truth of the matter is (and this is true among Christians as well), the more we have, the greater is our tendency to hold tight to it. What a great example the Macedonians are to us:

“…in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2 Cor. 8:2).

Did you notice that? The group of Christians that Paul held up as an example of generous giving to those in need were themselves in “deep poverty”. Yet they gave so much that Paul was reluctant to receive the money, until they implored him “with much urgency” to take their gift.

I look at my own life and see that there are many times when I’m reluctant to give to others, not because it might affect providing for my needs, but because it might affect me having the things I want. Like everyone else, I’m tempted to look out for “number one” and I want to know what you can do for me. But, considering the example of Christ, Paul said:

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil.2:4)

“Father, please forgive me. Help me to develop a heart of selflessness and love for others that constantly seeks to find ways to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day.  Do something for someone else today.

Anna Lee

Midday Saturday

Robbie Lynn is now in St. Dominic’s with pain and fever.  She undergoing more tests.  Please stop what you are doing and pray for her.

 

Christopher James Edwards
(July 26, 1963 – October 14, 2011)

A resident of Roseland, he died on Friday, October 14, 2011 at near Tickfaw. He was born July 26, 1963 in Baton Rouge and was 48 years of age. He retired from the Amite Police Department. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Survived by wife, Brenda Brister Edwards; parents, Frank Edwards, Jr. and Dora Jean Miller Edwards; 3 sons, Chris Edwards and his wife, Emily, Michael Blake Edwards and Chance Edwards; 1 sister, Alice Edwards Stevens and her husband, Alvin; 6 brothers, Frank Edwards, III and his wife, Kathy Sue, Clay Edwards and his wife, Dianne, Andrew Edwards and his wife, Belinda, Morgan Edwards, John Bel Edwards and his wife, Donna and Daniel Edwards and his wife, Blair; mother-in-law, Lillian Creel Brister. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Rudolph and Ouita Husser Miller and Frank Edwards, Sr. and Lillian Bel Edwards, father-in-law, Louis Brister, and brother-in-law, Kenny Brister. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Saturday

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

Pray for Mr. Kenneth Felker.  He’s having trouble with his legs and back.

Continue to pray for Mike Nason and his family.  Mike is in ICU at North Oaks.

Pray for Brenda Brister Edwards in the death of her husband, Chris.  Brenda is still working to get through the death of other family members.  Pray too for the Edwards family in the loss of a son, brother, and uncle.

The news says the search for the wanted man in Kentwood was called off again last night, but will resume this morning.  Pray this dangerous man is caught without anyone being hurt.  Pray for the safety of people in the area who are nervous in their home, especially after dark.  Pray the life of this man will be changed by contact with Christians who are eager to “save” him for eternity.

Thought for the Day: Prison Thoughts


These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complains that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complains because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sues after lightning knocks out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he must watch network programs, which he says contain violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sues to be served fruit juice at meals and three pancakes instead of two. (Spradley v. Rathman)

~ An inmate sues to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sues for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sues to be served fresh rather than reconstituted milk. (Gerteisen v. Bowers)

~ An inmate sues for right to conduct martial arts sparring and full-contact fighting as part of his religion. (Gibson v. Miller)

~ An inmate sues because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate — who has filed more than 140 actions in state and federal court — sues over finding gristle in his turkey leg. (Attwood v. Bowers)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison(and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which comes from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same.

There is much to be thankful for!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee 37188

Let’s not worry about the frivolous things of life, but those of eternal value.  Today is a good day to encourage/uplift someone.  What are you waiting for?

Anna Lee

Friday

I am not saying this because I am in need,

for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

~ Philippians 4:11 (NIV)~

 

 

On the local level, be safe.  I can find nothing that says the convict on the run has been captured.  Days like we had yesterday and today should make us more aware of the dangers around us all the time.  Ask for Go

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, October 14, 2011

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near,” (Psalm 75:1, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to join the European peoples affinity in a Day of Prayer this Sunday, October 16.

More than 97 percent of the people of Europe do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. They trust in themselves, their governments, their jobs, their families, their education, etc. Those who are “religious” follow church traditions and rituals instead of the truth found the Bible. Western Europeans tend to be post-modern in their thinking, and Eastern Europeans are still influenced by the ideals of their former communist, atheist governments.

Approximately 700 Southern Baptist supported missionaries are currently living and sharing their faith among the world’s 817 million Europeans. A missionary in Malta shares this story. “‘Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?’ my neighbor asked. I immediately said yes, having learned that while Maltese are extremely friendly people, invitations into their homes are not common. We spent an hour and a half and I shared some Bible verses and prayed with her. She showed me the 600-year-old icon that has been passed down through her family and assured me that she respected ‘my religion,’ but she had her own. ‘Jesus loves everyone, but he especially loves those who are good,’ she said.”

In May, 2011, more than fifty Roma met in Prague, the Czech Republic. They were not protesting lower wages, higher unemployment, educational discrimination, or persecution. They were celebrating God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy. They were singing, praying, and praising in the Romany/Gypsy language.

* Please pray today and especially Sunday, October 16, for the work among European peoples, giving thanks in advance for God’s answers to prayer.

* Intercede for European peoples that they will recognize their need for a Savior and place their faith in Jesus.

* Pray for missionaries that they will be encouraged and strengthened as they do the “good work” of spreading the gospel.

***Visit the website europeanpeoples.imb.org to locate the 2011 prayer guide for European Peoples.***

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Heart to Heart with Holley: When it’s time to burn your candles

http://www.holleygerth.com/

Thursday Evening

Luther Ricks took his first steps in a few weeks today.  Continue to remember Luther and his family in your prayers.

Susan Rimes went to the doctor today.  Seven more stones were found.  Keep praying for Susan and her family.

Diane Strickland is out of surgery.  According to Jill, all went well.  Pray for a good recovery.

Robbie Lynn continues to be in a lot of pain.  Physical therapy was hard today.  She should be hospitalized for a couple more days.

Thursday

Enjoy prosperity while you can.

But when hard times strike,

realize that both come from God.

That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life.

~Ecclesiastes 7:14 NLT~

 

 

 

Miss Bill Hughes is at home once more. She said that she is doing better but is still in some pain. (I called her at home. And then I called Mrs. Anne Hurst.) Both Miss Bill and Mrs. Anne Hurst went home last night from their hospitals. Mrs. Hurst said that she was definitely feeling better.

Laura Joiner

 

Jadon’s Story: Eye appointment

I had my eye appointment today. After a 3 hour wait they said my vision is fine. I have to go back in 6 months to see if there has been any change. Other than that my seizures are still the same. We have to talk to the Dr. In Detroit tomorrow. II will let you know what he says. Please continue to pray!!!

 

Mr. Harrell Sharkey’s heart is fine.  Doctors will be searching for what his problem could be.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar also had a heart cath. with good results.

Taylor Breland, a 14 year old student at Sumner Middle School, was recently diagnosed with cancer.  Pray for Taylor and her family as go to Childrens’ Hospital.

Dr. Earl Council always requests prayer for unborn babies and their mother.  That is a very valid request and one we should all add to our prayer lists.

Andy Taylor has a place in his stomach that is not healing as well as the doctors would like.  Pray that Andy heals so additional attention is not needed.

Pray for the family of Mrs. Georgia Gaines Zachary as they deal with her loss and the circumstances of the accident.  Life and death can seem so unfair at times.

Thought for the Day: Some things money cannot buy

The story is told of a professor was gave a big test one day to his students. He handed out all of the tests and went back to his desk to wait. Once the test was over, the students all handed the tests back in.

The professor noticed that one of the students had attached a $100 bill to his test with a note saying “A dollar per point.”

The next class the professor handed the tests back out. This student got back his test score and $64 change.

We live in a world where virtually anything can be bought with money. It’s important to be reminded every now and then that there are some things that money can’t buy.

“….Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (I Peter 1:17b-19)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ

White House, Tennessee

 

May you have the peace of God today in all you do!

Anna Lee