Thursday

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.

~Colossians 3:23 (TEV)~

Thank God for the veterans who have served and are serving for our country.


Jadon’s Story

Sorry I did not have time to update yesterday. My mommy has been very busy studying this new diet, plus we had a very bad day yesterday. First of all, they had to wake me up during the night to check my blood sugar. Well this messed with my sleeping pattern and of course every time you mess with my sleep my seizures go up. So I had a lot of seizures yesterday. Then they tried to give me my medicines in water. Come on, do you know how disgusting that is? Can you guess what I did? Your right I vomited them right up. My mommy tried to tell them but once again they don’t like to listen to her. Well once that happened they finally decided they were going to have to give my medicines with my meals. All of this so could have been prevented. After that I wouldn’t eat my lunch. I mean who would want to eat after that dramatic experience. I finally ate around 2:30. My blood sugar also dropped yesterday morning to 49 so they had to give me apple juice. This messed my ketones up which was so discouraging to us. My mommy called one of her friends who lives in NOLA whose daughter is on the ketogenic diet. She came to the hospital and talked to my mommy which helped a lot. My mommy has a phone call in to an herbologist who specializes in the keto diet. The herbologist is going to look at my meal plans and help us with the diet. We don’t feel like they are doing enough here for me. Mommy and daddy said they will fight for me and make sure we are doing this diet correctly. The good news is my seizures are back to normal and my ketones are higher today. They are still not at my goal, but they are higher. Other than that, I am very tired and ready to get out of here. I don’t know when I will get to go home but hopefully it will be sometime this afternoon. I will keep you all updated. Please pray for us, we are very exhausted and very stressed right now. We can do this though.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
NOVEMBER 11, 2010

“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also,

because for this purpose I have been sent.”

~Luke 4:43~

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Republic of the Congo (central Africa, north of Angola).

EUROPEAN PEOPLES. “Last month we asked you to pray for the harvest celebrations that are traditionally held in Baptist churches in the Black Sea Orthodox Cluster area in the fall. Thank the Father for His answer, as seen in a new church start in the eastern Ukraine city of Donetsk. Our personnel had challenged the church to pray daily for laborers for the harvest in the two weeks preceding their harvest celebration. The next Sunday, seven of those in attendance, from 12 years to 65 years old, responded to the call to repentance and faith in Christ. Thank you for being a part of the ministry of the teams in the Black Sea Orthodox Cluster by joining us in prayer.”

ILUN OF ASIA (i-lun). Thank the Lord that there are 12 new brothers and sisters among this people group! Pray that they will be grounded in their new faith and produce much fruit for God’s glory.

Thank a veteran today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Mrs. June Pittman

At home, on the evening of November 9, 2010 June Patterson Pittman peacefully left for a greater place. June Pittman was a lady of great inspiration, amazing strength and unconditional love. She was born on February 14,1930 to parents, William & Lela Patterson in Red Bay, Alabama. She called Spring Creek, Louisiana home for most of her life. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Cecil Pittman; son, Charles “Chuck” Pittman; 2 daughters, Cecilia “Cece” Pittman and Sandra Burling & her husband, Tom; daughter-in-law, Meg Stephens Pittman; granddaughter, Amanda Love and her husband, Wesley Shoup and their children Jadyn, Brantley, and Halle June, granddaughter, Megan Hope and her daughter, Morgan Elizabeth Goings, granddaughter, Katrina Faith and her daughter, Jocelyn Faith Stewart, granddaughter, Hannah Joy, grandson, Jody Givens and his wife, Delilah and their children, Amber, Michael, and David, grandson, Tommy Ray Givens and his wife, Cindy and their children, Jaime, Cassie, Brandy, and Christina. In Heaven, she will be joining her first-born son, Jeffery “Jeff” Pittman. Also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Jean Crane and Sarah Ruth Widas, and brother, William “Ed” Patterson. June Pittman was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2010. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek.

Wednesday

I said to myself,

“Relax, because the Lord takes care of you.”

~Psalm 116:7 (NCV)~

June Patterson Pittman
(February 14, 1930 – November 9, 2010)

Mrs. June Pittman (80) passed away at her home in Spring Creek.  Arrangements are incomplete at this time.


Beatrice Higgins Jackson
(February 28, 1923 – November 9, 2010)

Beatrice Higgins Jackson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Promise Hospital in Baton Rouge. Born in Liberty, MS on February 28, 1923, she was a lifetime resident of Grangeville, LA. She is survived by a daughter, Lillian Jackson Connell; two sons, Dicky Jackson and wife, B. Carlene; and Tom Jackson and wife, Christy; ten grandchildren, Valerie Connell Banker, Travis W. Connell, Joe Jackson; Brandy Jackson Wilks; Andy Jackson; John Jackson; Gidget Jackson Sibley; Ashley Jackson and T.J. Jackson; and nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Marion Higgins and wife, Kathleen; a sister, Lorraine Higgins Jones; and a dear friend and care-giver, Geraldine Nesom. Preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dick Jackson; parents, nine siblings, a grandson, Albert Connell, Jr., and son-in-law, Albert Connell, Sr. She will be especially remembered for her enduring love and devotion in the care of her late husband, Dick, during his lengthy illness. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, November 10, 2010, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at Grangeville Baptist Church, Grangeville,on Friday, November 11, 2010 from 9 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. with burial at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andy Jackson, John Jackson, Joe Jackson, T.J. Jackson, Tory Sibley, and Jason Wilks.


KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

YUSUF WAS A Yussif 350-pound wrestling champion in Europe a couple of generations ago…

After he won the European championship, he sailed to America to wrestle our champ, whose name was Strangler Lewis — a little guy by comparison who weighed just a shade over 200 pounds.  Although he wasn’t very big, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents and it had never failed to work.  He put his massive arm around the neck of his opponent and cut off the oxygen.  Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.  The problem when he fought Yussif the Turk was that Yusuf didn’t have a neck.  His body went from his head to his massive shoulders.  Lewis could never get his hold and it wasn’t long that the Turk flipped Lewis to the mat and pinned him.

After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold.  After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast waist, he stuffed the gold into the belt and boarded the next ship back to Europe.  He was a success!  He had captured America’s glory and her gold!

He set sail on the SS Bourgogne.  Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink.  Yusuf went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body.  The added weight was too much for the Turk and he sank like an anvil before they could get him into a lifeboat.  He was never seen again.

Maybe you think, “What a fool!  He should have had a lot more sense than that!”  But, the truth of the matter is, we all tend to grasp the things of this world and hold onto them even while we’re sinking.  Solomon made this observation:  “Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun:  There is one alone, without companion:  He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches.  But he never asks, ‘For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?’  This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.” (Ecclesiastes 4:8)

Solomon describes a man, like so many today, who doesn’t know how to quit.  He can’t slow down.  He’s driven to succeed,  to achieve, to accumulate.  He works harder and harder to become that successful person he so wants to be.  And never once does he pause long enough to ask the question, “Who am I doing this for?  Why do I feel compelled to run faster and faster in the rat race?”

Success promises a view from the top.  But, without God in the picture, success will drag you down just as it did for Yusuf, the Terrible Turk.  Alan Smith

Better is a handful of quietness than both hands full,

together with toil and grasping for the wind.”

~Ecclesiastes 4:6~

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

From Judy Fowler

I do not know too many details. Billy Travis’ (New Zion)grandson, Terry’s son, was involved in a fatal hunting accident this past weekend. Funeral arrangements I think are Thursday night and Friday morning. You may be able to find out more details.

I haven’t found any arrangements yet, but will keep looking.

Anna Lee

I learned Brett was 29 and broke his neck in a fall in Kansas.  Please be in prayer for this family.

Tuesday

“Keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years

and bring you prosperity.”

~Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)~

From Janet Pike

Please add Joe and Joanna King (former youth minister at KFBC)to the prayer list. They are in the process of adopting twin girls from Russia. They left for Russia today. Please pray for their traveling safety and that the legal process will go smoothly.

From Joanie Scarle

Well we have some news I wanted to share with you all. Stacey has her last chemo on Nov. 24th. We see the surgeons on Dec. 13th and her surgery will be Dec 21st. All this depends on her getting the chemo on time. The last one was delayed a week due to a bad ear infection. She has had a tough week, sores in her mouth and feeling really bad. Hopefully the worst is over until the next time. She is very tired and a little nervous but I guess that is to be expected. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. This will be most trying holiday season for us but God willing we will get through and start fresh in the new year. Thanks for your support.

Bryan Dykes of Montpelier is hospitalized and in need of our prayers.

Jadon’s Story


I have done really well today. I ate my lunch and my dinner without any problems. I don’t really like the whipping cream but I’m drinking it out of my bottle. The dietician gave us some fun ways to eat it once we get home. They are checking my blood sugar every four hours. I don’t mind it at all. I don’t even cry. They did have to do blood work this morning. The first lady couldn’t get it so she called her supervisor. The supervisor came and was able to get my labs. Unfortunately I have to have labs Tuesday and Wednesday morning:( They are also checking my ketone levels by taking urine samples. The doctors said that if I continue to do this well, I will get to come home Wednesday. Thank you all for praying for me today. This is a major change for my family and your prayers are helping. The picture of me is me playing in my bed. I’m still very happy as you can tell. Please continue to pray for my healing. I’ll keep you update!!!

I’m happy to report that Brenda Smith, mother of Dana Hendry, was able to have her surgery yesterday and did very well.  Thank you for praying for Brenda.

Harrell Sharkey has scheduled double knee replacement for November 24th.  Please keep Harrell and Susie in your prayers.

Pray for Seante’ Bennett as she gives birth to a baby boy today.  Continue to pray for them as they make lots of adjustments a new baby brings.

Heart to Heart from Holley

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 08:27 PM PDT

grace undeserved and beauty that wraps itself around our messy lives to make us whole again,

joy that arrives like a candle and reminds us brighter days will come,

laughing until we cry and crying until we laugh,

how you hold us close in a way our hearts can feel,

for the glorious, golden leaves outside my window,

and the wind that sounds like a whisper calling my name.

The trees lift their hands as if to answer back.

I close my eyes and listen.

Everything I hear, the high and low, sounds to me like one word repeated…

grace, grace, grace.

Let’s say prayers of thanks this week. What are you grateful to God for?

Be sure to remember to thank God for all the many blessings he has given us knowing we did not deserve them!

Anna Lee

Monday Obituary

Hazel Starnes Morris
(November 6, 1921 – November 7, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood she died at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at her home. She was born November 6, 1921 in Magnolia, MS and was 89 years of age. She was a Past Worthy Matron of Ira Chapter #84, Order of the Eastern Star in Kentwood. She owned and operated her own beauty shop for a number of years in Kentwood, worked for the Kentwood News newspaper and Kentwood News Ledger for 20 years and was curator for the Kentwood Historical and Cultural Museum for 12 years. She loved and doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and shared her love of reading with them. She is survived by 2 daughters, Desiree White and Lycia M. Moran and her husband, Edward; 2 sons, Glenn Morris and Johnny Morris and his wife, Katherine, all of Kentwood; a sister, Kathleen Lea Ables, Baton Rouge; 4 grandchildren, Jay Morris and his wife, Andrea, Stephensville, TX, Lee Moran and his wife, Courtney, Kentwood, Shelly Adams and her husband, Dan, McComb, MS and Bolton Morris, Baton Rouge; 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Claude Morris; son, Joe Ellis Walker; brother, Ellis Starnes, Jr.; 3 sisters, Sybil Williams, Mildred Starnes and Desiree Starnes; great-grandson, Chase Moran. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Ken Irvin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Jay Morris, Lee Moran, Bolton Morris, Dan Adams, Stewart Miller and Aaron Pedigo.

Monday

Honor the Lord with your possessions

and with the first produce of your entire harvest;

then your barns will be completely filled,

and your vats will overflow with new wine.

~Proverbs 3:9-10 (HCSB)~


Please pray for Dana Hendry’s mother, Brenda Smith.  She has been scheduled for surgery several times, but has developed other problems that postponed surgery.  This morning, she is again scheduled for surgery in Baton Rouge.  Pray for God’s timing for surgery and for good results so she can regain her health.

Pray for Pat Hendry as he recovers from surgery.

CaringBridge

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

Hazel Starnes Morris

(November 6, 1921 – November 7, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood she died at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at her home. She was born November 6, 1921 in Magnolia, MS and was 89 years of age.

McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements

Mrs. Josie Vullo Sagnibene
(December 16, 1918 – November 7, 2010)

Mrs. Josie Vullo Sagnibene was born December 16, 1918 and passed away at 1:40 a.m., Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. She was 91, a native and resident of Amite and a former resident of Macon, GA.

Mrs. Josie is survived by a sister, Mrs. Marie Vullo Giardina and husband, Angelo J, Amite; also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her husband, Sam Sagnibene; parents, Anthony & Maria Cavaretta Vullo; son, Joey Sagnibene; daughter, Maria Sagnibene; 6 sisters, Rose V. Cacciatore, Laura V. Sagnibene, Susie V. Spera, Mamie Vullo, Pamela V. Girgenti and Antoinette V. Carter; 3 brothers, Russell, Joseph & Leon Vullo.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, November 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home, Macon, GA from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Macon, GA at 11:00 a.m. with Father Mike Ingram officiating. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Macon, GA.

Mrs. Josie’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hood Memorial Hospital and Primecare Home Health.

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

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

A New Beginning by Rev. Billy Graham

http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=6365&BA=2142&QR=120

Thank-you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

From Bennie Ray Castella

Please pray for Linda Travis. She has been very sick and undergoing alot of test. Linda is currently in Our Lady of the Lake hospital.

Diane Turner’s mother, Mrs. Ricks, is also in Our Lady of the Lake.  Please be in pray for her.  Diane is also having some problems.  As you pray for Mrs. Ricks and Diane, pray for Roy and other family members.

Callie Cole

Hey!
Just wanted to say hello this Sunday morning and wish everyone a wonderful day of rest.  Rest from work, rest from school, and an opportunity to fill your head with the love and peace found in meditation and the worshipping with your church family. Do not neglect the encouragement you can give to others as well as others lifting your spirits with a soft, kind word.
Everything continues to roll toward complete healing for Callie.  The therapy teams are great.  Callie has a full schedule and the last 7 to 10 days have been no exception.
Callie’s Mission has begun the video process to get the word out concerning this unique scholarship program.  Most interviews are complete.  Let us all pray for the editing process.  I can see the editing being a very long, tedious task.  My personal vision for all of this is for others to only see the hand print of God on Callie’s life yesterday and today.  Jim and Jonah have worked very hard and the Cole’s appreciate their hard work.
The speech device has arrived and Callie is scheduled for her personal programming on Thursday.  This is very much a praise item.  Now the work to help Callie have a voice will pick up a greater pace as we (Tom and I, Mrs. Lindy, and the other therapy teams) learn to navigate the computer.
Another praise item is that Callie has increased her time of sitting independently on the mat!!  She can correct herself when she begins to fall backward.  A baby step but nonetheless progress.  She hasn’t increased her time since our stay in Atlanta.  This is an exciting time!
We continue to be excited about the Lord’s plan for her.  There are times we get discouraged.  Personally I never dreamed in the beginning that this recovery would be at this stage a year later.  The Lord gave a peace that He would heal her and in my humanness I just kept thinking that tomorrow may be the day.  Now we are at day # 417.  We are just grateful that she has never gone backward in her recovery.  She has been at a constant, slow healing since the accident.  How can I ask for more?  I will keep praying for complete restoration until the Lord reveals something different to me.  I can be content in knowing this is what the Lord envisioned for me.  That doesn’t mean I will not grow weary, it just means I realize He will give me everything I need when I need it.  And I have made up my mind that I will not hang onto discouragement.  It means that I will keep my eyes on Him longer and stronger than ever before so I will not become a stumbling block for Callie, others or myself.  This is simply all I know to do.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Keep it real.

Love,
Frances

Sunday

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”

~Psalm 5:3~


Lloyd Hayden

Lloyd is back at home.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Jadon’s Story

Fasting and Praying

I’m feeling a little better finally. Mommy had to take me back to the pediatrician Thursday because I wasn’t getting any better. They put me on antibiotic because I have bronchitis. I just can’t get a break right now. My brother is sick too. He has an ear infection and a sinus infection. He is feeling better today too. We are 2 days away from starting the ketogenic diet. I will be admitted to New Orleans Children’s Hospital Monday and will have to stay until Thursday. I have to fast for 18 hours. This should be no problem for me. I’ve gone longer than that when I have been put to sleep for testing. We would like for anyone who wants to fast with me to do so. We will use this as a time of fasting and praying for healing. The fast and praying will start at 6:00 pm Sunday night and will continue until 12:00 p.m. Monday. If you really thing about it, its not that bad. During this time, I will be aloud to drink water with sugar free crystal light in it. We are also asking everyone to wear their Jadon’s journey shirt or purple Monday to support me. I left a picture of my mommies work people showing their support for me. Thank you all for supporting me and taking care of my mommy. She couldn’t do it without you. Please continue to pray that God will continue to heal me. I really have come a long way. Also pray for my family. We are anxious about starting a new diet. We know it will be hard, but as I’ve said before nothing can be harder than having seizures everyday. We love all of you and we will keep you posted while we are in the hospital.

Macy Gueldner

I wanted to let everyone know that Macy is doing really well. We are enjoying her sweet personality…… she’s all smiles and loves to cuddle.
Macy had a short bout with Roseola last weekend, but she’s better now. Even with a rash and fever, she stayed in good spirits.
Cate and Macy had a great time trick-or-treating last weekend. Cate was a monkey and Macy was a banana. They both looked so cute!
We’re counting down the days to our Disney trip…….. just 2 weeks away. I absolutely cannot wait to see Cate’s reactions to all of the wonders of Disney World.
I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We’ve been Blessed with two beautiful and loving daughters, Macy’s surgery is behind us, and we’re surrounded by wonderful family and friends who’ve helped and prayed for us through our trying times.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Charles W. Lee, Sr.
(December 11, 1920 – November 5, 2010)

A resident of Amite, he died at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was born December 11, 1920 in Alexandria and was 89 years of age. Mr. Lee was a retired dairy farmer and a United States Coast Guard Veteran of World War II. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2010 and from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 9, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Arcola First Baptist Cemetery, Arcola. He is survived by his wife, Doris Crumholt Lee, Amite, 2 daughters, Pat Lee Harvey and her husband, Van, Amite, and Dixie Lee McDougal and her husband, Dennis, College Station, TX, son, J. E. Lee, Amite, grandchildren, Daniel Harvey, Charles Harvey and his wife, Magan, Jay McDougal, and Denise McDougal. Preceded in death by son, Charles Wilton “C.W.” Lee, Jr., brother, Edward Lee, 2 sisters, Maxine McCoy and Helen Lee. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Billie Joe Magee
(November 11, 1962 – November 4, 2010)

Billie Joe Magee was born November 11, 1962 and passed away at 2:40 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2010 at the Baton Rouge General Medical, Baton Rouge. He was 47, a native of Independence and a resident of Summit, MS.

Billie Joe is survived by his wife, Dorothy M. Magee, Summit, MS; 3 daughters, Desiree Magee, New Orleans, Jennifer Gill and husband, Curtis, Amite and Sarah Morgan, Summit, MS; 2 grandchildren, Hunter Gill and Jenna Gill; 2 brothers, Woodie Magee and wife, Patty, Jacksonville, Fl and Troy Magee, Denham Springs; a sister, Tressie Lee Robertson Hewitt and husband, Nick, Amite; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Etroy Morea Magee; sister, Ella Magee.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, November 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy.#16 West (Exit #46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Carwash and Holiday Inn Express.

Revival at FBC, Kentwood

Sunday A.M. – Rev. Stan Statham – Director of Missions

Sunday P.M. – Rev. Gibby McMillan – La. Baptist Convention

Monday P.M. – Rev. David Fortenberry – Brookhaven

Tuesday P.M. – Rev. Pete Charpentier – Woodland Park

Wednesday P.M. – Rev. Preston Nix – New Orleans Seminary

(A.M. service at 10:30; P.M. services at 6:30)

Operation Christmas Child

The Journey of a Shoebox

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Journey_of_a_Shoe_Box/

Collection day at FBC, Kentwood – November 14th

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus
every knee shall bow…”
Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor



THERE IS A beautiful legend about a king who decided to set 
aside a special day to honor his greatest subject...


When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. 
 Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would 
select the winner.

The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist.  The king was told

that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian

efforts.  He had given much of his wealth to the poor.


The second person was a celebrated physician.  The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.

The third person was a distinguished judge.  The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.

The fourth person presented was an elderly woman.  Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress.  She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom.  What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much?  Even so, there was something about her the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.

The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence.  He asked who she was.  The answer came: “You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge?  Well, she was their teacher!”

It was James who wrote, “Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers.” (James 3:1, GOD’S WORD). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely.  He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way.  It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.

But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way.  Those of you who are teachers — who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms?  You may not see the results of your efforts for years.  In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.

Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character.  Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.  Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.

So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because you make a difference!  Alan Smith

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.”

~Romans 12:6-7~

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The proverbs of Solomon . . .

To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion–

A wise man will hear and increase learning,

And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.”

~Proverbs 1:4-5, NKJV~

Don’t forget the garage sale East Fork is having for missions from 7 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Pray for the many who have been sick/hospitalized lately.

KOMpray (Kids on Missions Pray)

http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/

I hope you will find time to read some of the prayer requests, read some stories, and watch some videos.

Operation Christmas Child

  • 8 million children received shoe boxes last year
  • Over 130 countries have received shoe boxes since 1993.
  • To demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

SWEET AS HONEY

This morning’s thought is based on a story that appeared on the Reuters news several years agoy:

“TEHRAN (Reuters) – An Iranian bridegroom bit off more than he could chew when, according to custom, he licked honey from his bride’s finger during their marriage ceremony and choked to death on one of her false nails.  The Jam-e Jam newspaper said on Wednesday the 28-year-old groom died on the spot in the northwestern city of Qazvin while the bride was rushed to hospital after fainting from shock.  Iranian couples lick honey from each other’s fingers when they get married so that their life together starts sweetly.”

While this groom’s death is a tragedy, my first reaction was that this is a beautiful wedding custom.  Isn’t it a great idea to start your wedding life out sweetly?  But, as I thought about it, I realized that the honey might be better saved for a later point in the marriage.  After all, virtually every marriage begins sweetly.  The trick is to maintain that sweetness after years and years of being together.   Starting sweetly is not nearly as important as continuing sweetly.

Those of you who are married may do well to ask if the sweetness is still there.  Husbands and wives, do you treat each other just as sweetly as you did those first few days of wedded bliss?

How about in your other relationships?  Do you communicate with others in a way that can honestly be categorized as “sweet”?  Listen to these words of Solomon:

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (Prov. 16:24)

May your life be filled with sweetness, and may you be blessed to be surrounded by sweet people.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend!

Anna Lee