Wednesday

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

~James 5:16b~

From Robert Callihan

Robbie Lynns cat scan came back showing no return of cancer. The only thing they found was a sever urinary tract infection.

ON mom her cat scan did not show up any major problems. She has been dealing with recovery from gall bladder surgery. Not able to keep anything down. Throwing up and have made two return trips to hospital. She is still in hospital but will be coming home tomorroe and she says she is feeling much better and hopes that she has turned the corner toward recovery. Was extremely miserable for a week or more. Thanks for all the prayers. They definitely make a difference.

Continue to pray for the Harrells.

is wearing a brace on his left wrist. He is left handed and continues to be in pain. He said he “fell for five minutes”. Others who have fallen will be able to relate to that statement.

Baptist Press News

http://www.bpnews.net/

God is good, all the time!

All the time, God is good!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I am the Lord,

and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

I will free you from being slaves to them,

and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm

and with mighty acts of judgment.

I will take you as my own people,

and I will be your God.”

~Exodus 6:6-7a (NIV)~

Mr. Phillip Harrell broke his wrist. Please add him to your prayer list.

Others on our prayer list

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell
Mrs. Avis Sullivan
Rufus and Margie Williams
Stacey Scarle
Margaret Callihan
Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby
Chole Neyland
Roger Pittman
Harley Kliesch
Cora Morris
Mrs. Bill Hughes
Frankie Gehringer
Kathryn Sanders
Catherine Yarborough
Dot Smith
Jon-Michael Williams
Joan Hagan
J.D. Smith
Joe and Othell Williams
Wenous Goings
Susie Wales
Bernie Gill
Grieving families
Easter drama

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

What Keeps You Going?

The following is reported to have been seen in the window of an English company:

“We have been established for over one hundred years and have been pleasing and displeasing customers ever since. We have made money and lost money, suffered the effects of coal nationalization, coal rationing, government control, and bad payers. We have been cussed and discussed, messed about, lied to, held up, robbed, and swindled. The only reason we stay in business is to see what happens next.”

As I read that sign, I couldn’t help but think of the apostle Paul who listed all the trials that he experienced in his Christian life:

“I have worked much harder than they. I have been in prison more often. I have been hurt more in beatings. I have been near death many times. Five times the Jews have given me their punishment of thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three different times I was beaten with rods. One time I was almost stoned to death. Three times I was in ships that wrecked, and one of those times I spent a night and a day in the sea. I have gone on many travels and have been in danger from rivers, thieves, my own people, the Jews, and those who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities, in places where no one lives, and on the sea. And I have been in danger with false Christians. I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty, and many times I have been without food. I have been cold and without clothes. Besides all this, there is on me every day the load of my concern for all the churches.” (2 Cor. 11:23b-28).

You almost expect Paul to say, “The only reason I keep serving Christ is to see what happens next.” But, a more accurate statement would be: “The reason I keep serving Christ is out of appreciation for all he has done for me.”

I raise the simple question: Why do you keep serving Christ, even in the midst of trials and hardships? When things get tough and nobody seems to understand why you persist in your commitment, what keeps you going? Just something for you to think about!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

I suppose that devotional asks us to check our attitudes. I did. Did you?

Anna Lee

Monday Evening

From Robert Callihan

Mom (Mrs. Margaret Callihan) is back at North Oaks having problems getting over her gall blader surgery. Robbie Lynn (Callihan Kirby) has to have a CT Scan in morning to check and see if cancer may have returned. My sister is with mama and Linda has gone to b with Robbie Pray for both of them and Emily who is running the store for us I (Robert Callihan) am stuck in middle working and doing drama. Thanks for your prayers God can take care of it all.

Monday

My morning post did not post for some reason. Sorry!

School Of Hard Knocks

By Joe Stowell

Of all my childhood memories, one stands out above the others. While I have no idea what my teacher said, I clearly remember telling her to “shut up.” She sent me home, so I got up and left my kindergarten class to walk the half-block home. Walking down the sidewalk, I saw my mother weeding in the garden behind our house. I was now faced with a strategic decision—continue on my way and tell my mother why I was home early from school, or turn around and go back to face my teacher.

When I returned to the classroom, I was immediately escorted to the restroom where my teacher washed my mouth out with soap. That kind of discipline probably wouldn’t happen today, but take it from me, it was effective! To this day I am acutely sensitive about the impact of my words.

God is passionately interested in our positive growth as His children. At times He needs to confront us with unpleasant circumstances to catch our attention and reorient our lives to more consistently produce the “peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11).

Don’t resist God’s corrective hand. Respond to His reproofs with thankfulness that He loves you enough to care about what kind of a person you are becoming.

Because our Father’s heart is grieved
Each time we go astray,
He lifts His chastening hand in love
To help us to His way. —D. De Haan

God’s correction is our hope for a better life.

There are two more performances of the Easter drama at FBC, Kentwood. If you are interested, please call the church office (229-8111) for tickets for 7:00 tonight or tomorrow. Pray for the drama to be meaningful to those participating and to those viewing.

If you are available Thursday night at the cabin at 6:30, join us for a delicious meal, sweet fellowship, and a devotional. I think you’ll be blessed.

Have a great week!

Anna Lee

Sunday

My sheep recognize my voice and follow me.”

~John 10:27 (NLT)~

From Becky Graham Purvis

Our son, Jeremy Purvis, and his wife, Sarah, just had their second child, Isaac Graham Purvis, Thursday night, April 14, in Chattanooga. Isaac was 8# even and 21 inches long. Mom and Baby are doing well. Big sister is Kendra Nicole. Grandparents are Rusty and Becky Purvis and the great-grandparents are Edsel and Mary Ann Graham and Dr. Ben and Judy Purvis.
Also, another bit of good news. Jeremy is Minister to Students at Hixson First Baptist Church outside of Chattanooga but has just accepted a call as Minister to Students at Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA, so he will be back in the area.

The Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood begins today. Tickets are $2.00 and available at the church office (229-8111). Sunday afternoon and night performances are already sold out, but 7 P.M. presentations for Monday and Tuesday still have some tickets available.

Please be in prayer for the drama to be a good outreach ministry and for the bonding of the choir and cast. May God be honored and glorified by this presentation~

Heart to Heart with Holley: What are the warning signs?

The map flashes red on the television screen. “Take shelter immediately,” the weatherman says, “There is a severe storm in your area.”

It’s spring in the South and pronouncements like this are quite common. So frequent, in fact, that {confession} sometimes I ignore them.

I can act the same way when it comes to my emotions. A hard day or a difficult circumstance makes my heart flash with the potential for a coming storm. But often I just keep going–and that’s when I find myself in the middle of my own personal tornado.

I’m slowly learning there a few questions I can ask myself to see if it’s time to take shelter for awhile.

Am I sad about something? Grief comes in many different forms. We can feel sadness over the loss of a job, loved one, dream, or even the plans we had for the day that aren’t going to happen.

This emotion is normal–it’s when we bury it and “fake it until we make it” that a cyclone of emotion may build and catch us by surprise. We can acknowledge our emotions with words like, “I’m disappointed” or “God, I feel hurt–please help.”

Am I trying too hard? Oh, friends, I can be a perfectionist and a half. When I find myself in that mode it always leads to a storm of some sort–and often the people in my life get rained on too.

When we find ourselves doing this, we can trace it back to the unrealistic expectation that’s putting us under pressure and replace it with one that has more grace instead.

Am I overwhelmed by life? All of us have a limit to what we can handle mentally, physically, and emotionally. When we push past that point, chaos often erupts.

We can take shelter by finding some time to restore order to our lives–whether that’s through a few minutes of quiet or reworking our schedule. Even Jesus took breaks at times and He was perfect–we need them too.

Am I personally isolated? While we sometimes need to withdraw, that’s not the way we’re intended to live all the time. We’re more vulnerable when we’re alone. It seems tornados often form quickly on wide open plains. The same can happen with our hearts minds.

We can surround ourselves with people who will encourage and support us. Hint: the best way to find those people is to be one.

When it comes to weather, storms are unavoidable. But when it comes to our lives, we can often stop them before they become destructive. Whew. That’s good news.

{And for those of you who are now worried about me–I promise to go to the closet with my hubby and the dog next time the weatherman tells me to do so. I’ll bring cookies with me too. Want to come?}

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Death

We attended a wonderful celebration of life service this morning for my nephew’s mother-in-law. How wonderful it is to leave a Christian heritage for children and grandchildren!

Clarence W. “Tut” Young
(July 14, 1936 – April 16, 2011)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died at 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at his home. He was born July 14, 1936 in Pine Ridge, LA and was 74 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by wife, Doris Booty Young, Kentwood, 2 daughters, Bonita Young Anthony and her husband, Michael, Kentwood, and Wanda Y. Miller and her husband, Larry, Kentwood, 2 sons, Ronnie Young, Pride, and Randy Young and his wife, Linda, Kentwood, brother, Donald Young and his wife, Maxine, Kentwood, 4 grandchildren, Cara Cutrer and her husband, Kevin, Jordan Miller, Jacob Miller, and Jacob Young, and 1 great-grandson, Kade Cutrer. Preceded in death by parents, Willie Young and Helen Bridges Young, sister, Juanita Young Felker, brother, George “Buck” Young.

Saturday

So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory.

Jesus did it; now you do it!

~Romans 15:7 (MSG)~

Two of David’s former co-workers died this week. First, it was JoAnn Ponder, Now, Miss Kopfler.

Arva Lynelle “Suetee” Kopfler
(September 21, 1918 – April 15, 2011)

A resident of Amite, she died at 12:26 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2011 at her home. She was born September 21, 1918 in Amite and was 92 years of age. Aunt Suetee was devoted to her family, having lived much of her life with her father and mother. She was actively involved with each niece and nephew from the time of their birth and continued this interest with great-nieces and great-nephews, etc. As the matriarch of this large family, she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her 5 nieces, Karen Lynn Robbins, Baton Rouge, Kay Lark Matthews, El Campo, TX, Dean E. Kopfler, Lafayette, Nancy G. Bass, Huntsville, AL and Anne K. Montelaro, Baton Rouge; 3 nephews, Edwin Lyle Kopfler, Jr., Slidell, Joseph G. Kopfler, Houma and James E. Gremillion, Jr., Keller, TX; 13 great-nieces and nephews; 3 great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Joseph and Dixie Varnado Kopfler; sister, Katherine Anne Gremillion; brother, Edwin Lyle Kopfler, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite.

CHUCK NORRIS, MEN AND MAN-LAWS
by Trey Morgan

A few of us guys were visiting about man-laws after church recently and the importance of teaching them to our sons. For those women who might not know, man-law is an unwritten code which men live by. I’m not a man-law expert, but I do think I know a man-law when I see one. For example here are a few man-laws that real-men live by that might not make sense to women, but totally make sense to us …

. . .

* Man-law states that grilling, no matter the weather, is always the first choice of cooking.

* Man-law clearly states that under NO circumstance do two men EVER share an umbrella.

* Man-law says that men can watch chick-flicks on occasion, BUT they are never to be watched without the presence of a girlfriend or wife. And they should NEVER be seen crying.

. . .

* There is NO reason for a man to EVER watch ice skating or men’s gymnastics. Man-law!

* Man-law states that while walking with a group to the car, a soon-to-be occupant may reserve the front passenger seat by calling out “Shotgun.” All passengers must honor and respect the calling of shotgun. On those occasions where there is a tie while calling shotgun, a race to the car decides who gets the front.

* Men can comment on how much they enjoy manly smells of things like a baseball glove, a new set of tires, the smell of gunpowder, campfire, sawdust and bar-b-que grills.

. . .

* The man-law official start date of the male shopping season is December 23rd, as compared to the female season, which opens on the day following Thanksgiving.

* And under NO circumstances shall a man EVER defer control of the television remote to a female.

As much as I love man-laws, I must never forget that “God-laws” always trump all “man-laws.” And men who follow God-laws, such as the following, are ALWAYS the most manly-men of all …

* A real man loves his wife and is faithful to her sexually, emotionally and mentally.

* A real man prays with his wife.

* A real man is involved in his children’s lives.

* A real man puts his family before his job, hobbies and buddies.

* A real man is the spiritual leader in his home.

* A real man isn’t ashamed of his faith and puts God first in his life.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Baptist Press Stories for Apr. 15 2011

—————————————

BIBLE STORYING: Ancient art form helps relay the Gospel

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35067

BIBLE STORYING, Article 3: Bible truths leading to salvation

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35068

Japan relief: ‘Let’s do it together!’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35069

Senate defeats attempt to defund Planned Parenthood

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35070

TV ‘Family Movie Night’ re-launches Sat.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35071

INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Cuban pastor freed, told not to preach

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35072

FIRST-PERSON: Another head-scratching gov’t decision

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35073

MOVIES, ETC.: Was I too rough on Soul Surfer?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35074

Friday Addition

One of my sweet nieces, Rhonda, lost her mother. Please be in prayer for the family.

Mrs. Marilyn Cross, Green

BORN: August 17, 1957
DIED: April 13, 2011
LOCATION: Loranger, LA

rs. Marilyn Cross Green, 53 years old of Loranger, LA, died April 13, 2011, in North Oaks Medical Center.
She was born on August 17, 1957, in Amite, LA.
Surviving are her husband, Wayne E. Green, daughters & sons-in-law, Rhonda H. and Toby Cardaronella, Melinda H. and Trent Ballard, grandchildren, Hannah Cardaronella, Hollie Cardaronella, Seth Cardaronella, and Ethan Ballard, mother, Helen Mansfield Cross, sisters, Lisa Brumfield, Debbie Maxey, and a brother, Henry Holden.
She is preceded in death by her father, Delbert Cross and a sister, Janie Lott.
Friends will be received Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 9:00 am until the service begins at 11:00 am at Eagle Heights Community Church with Kevin Dunn officiating.
Interment will follow in the Briar Patch Cemetery Loranger, LA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, Eagle Heights Community Church, P.O. Box 877 Hammond, La. 70404.

Friday

“And this I pray,

that your love may abound still more and more

in knowledge and all discernment.”

~Philippians 1:9

Stacey Scarle update from her mother

Update on Stacey. We have seen surgeons and she has been released for radiation therapy. Yesterday we saw the oncologist who also released her for radiation. Her blood work was all normal. Now we are waiting for radiation to be scheduled. She will have 28-30 treatments. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Please continue to pray for all the families who have had loved ones to pass away and for families who have lost members who need salvation.

Baptist Press Stories for Apr. 14 2011

—————————————

In Japan, weekly relief caravans, training under way

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35053

Nat’l Day of Prayer upheld by 7th Circuit

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35054

SBC DISCUSSION<br>2 divergent views from young pastors on Southern Baptist life

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35052

With prayer app, IMB spreads the word

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35055

BP mobile page helps smartphone users

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35056

NEWS BRIEFS: Fetal pain bills sweeping the nation; Mont. medicinal marijuana survives

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35057

WORLDVIEW: Japan: A fourth Gospel opening?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35058

Have a great Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Robert Earl Potts
(October 17, 1940 – April 14, 2011)

A resident of Kentwood, died at 6:10 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Beacham Memorial Hospital in Magnolia, MS. He was born October 17, 1940 in Osyka, MS and was 70 years of age. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m, Friday, April 15, 2011. Religious Services at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Shumock and Dr. Greg Potts. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. He is survived by his wife, Myrna Brock Potts, Kentwood; 2 daughters, Mitzi Conn and husband, Al Conn, Natchez, MS, Deana Simmons and husband, Jeff Simmons, Kentwood; son, Greg Potts and wife, Holli Potts, Dallas, GA; 7 grandchildren, Robert James Potts, William Kirk Potts, Sarah Alice Potts, David Brock Simmons, and Daniel Jeffrey Simmons, brother, W. A. Potts; sister-in-law, Juan Potts; special aunt, Bobbie Potts; Preceded in death by his parents, James M. Potts and Wilma Dean Sanders. Mr. Potts was a graduate of Spring Creek High School and earned a B. S. from SLC in 1962. He taught social studies and science in the early 1970’s at Valley Forge North with time spent in classrooms at Spring Creek and Chesbrough High School before leaving the school system as teacher to devote more time to his dairy farm in the East Fork Community. He continued to work with our parish of Tangipahoa taking on a rural school bus route #7SC for the Spring Creek School District. After retiring from the school system, he focused on his dairy until community service and the education of our youth called again. he was elected to two consecutive terms as District B School Board Member, Tangipahoa Parish. He also serviced two terms with First South Farm Credit. His love for community surpassed his own needs. He was a deacon of East Fork Baptist Church and a member of Spring Creek Masonic Lodge. He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 2010. He was a devoted husband, a provider and encourager to his children, as he was wise counsel, a “buddy” to his brother “Dub”, and an absolutely proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as “Pops” He loved farming the land an tending cattle, a good laugh and fried catfish at “The Hitching Post”. He was a man of faith, a christian, and is now reaping what he sowed in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to The Retreat at Dallas, GA, a new church started by Dr. Greg Potts, or the National Parkinson’s Foundation for Research.