Friday

“There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment;

for we brought nothing into the world

and we can take nothing out of it.”

~1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NRSV)~

Be careful in the thunderstorms we are having.  Hopefully, the rain will bring cooler temperatures.  Thank God for the much needed rain.

Pray for students, faculty, and staff.  Some schools have already started.  Some will begin next week.  Pray everyone has a successful year!  Pray for safety in the increased traffic associated with schools.

KOM Pray

Kids on Mission Pray

August 6, 2010

August 6, 2010
“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

LEARNING TO READ

Do you remember learning how to read and write? Wow! That opened up whole new worlds to you.  You can read stories about far-away places, even imaginary places. You study new subjects and learn about history or geography or truths from the Bible. It’s fun to be able to read and write.

In many countries around the world, children and women don’t have a chance to learn to read or write. That is true for many Gujjar (pronounced goo-jer) people living in Pakistan. There is so much work to do that the children don’t have time to go to school.  Every day, they milk water buffalo, gather dried manure chips as fuel for their fires, wash clothes, and cook meals. After all the work is done, a small group of Gujjar women and children get together for reading lessons.  They don’t learn English.  They study Urdu, their national language.

Workers help them learn, and recently they were able to show the “JESUS” film to the class. Even some of the men came to watch.  These Gujjar people have seen the love of Jesus in the workers and now they know the story through the film.  Please pray for these Gujjar families to accept Jesus as Savior.

There has been a really bad flood in Pakistan and many people have died. Please pray for relief workers who are trying to bring comfort to the families and help the Pakistani people find places to live and food to eat.

Pray requests from MK’s:

http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/details.asp?StoryID=7683&LanguageID=1709

PRAYING FROM THE HEART

Today’s thought is a prayer is entitled “Psalm of Single-mindedness” and was written by Joe Bayly:

Lord of reality, make me real,
not plastic, synthetic, pretend, phony,
an actor playing out his part – hypocrite.
I don’t want to keep a prayer list
– but to pray,
Nor agonize to find Your will
– but to obey what I already know,
I don’t want to argue theories of inspiration
– but to submit to Your Word.
I don’t want to explain the difference between eros and philos and agape
– but to love.
I don’t want to sing as if I mean it
– I want to mean it.
I don’t want to tell it like it is
– but to be like You want it.
I don’t want to think another needs me
– but I need him, else I’m not complete.
I don’t want to tell others how to do it
– but to do it;
I don’t want to have to be always right
– but to admit it when I’m wrong.
I don’t want to be a census taker
– but an obstetrician
Nor an involved person, a professional
– but a friend.
I don’t want to be insensitive
– but to hurt where other people hurt Nor to say “I know how you feel”
– but to say, “God knows”
and “I’ll try if you’ll be patient with me”
and meanwhile I’ll be quiet.
I don’t want to scorn the clichés of others
– but to mean everything I say
Including this.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Thanks for praying each day.  You make a difference for so many!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”

Ephesians 5:2 NIV

Please continue to pray for Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby.  She will have another surgery September 9th in Jackson, MS.  Her oncologist said her cancer was very slow growing.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough came home about 5:30 yesterday.  She will have some therapy and more appointments to follow her recovery process.  Your continued prayers will be very appreciated.

Continue to pray for Wanda Miller’s dad, Mr. Clarence Young.  He is still dealing with pneumonia.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is still hospitalized in Covington.  She has had a heart procedure.  Hopefully, she will be home soon.

Continue to pray for Jerry Glass and his family as he continues his battle with cancer.

Mrs. Maxine Strickland continues to have health issues.  Please remember her and her family in your prayers.

Mitch Orr (28) is doing well following his heart surgery.  The doctor said he had only done surgery on one person younger than 28.  Pray for Mitch’s recovery.

Pray for Bro. J.P., Jonathan, Brian, and their other family members.  Thank God for all the lives Sheri touched as she lived her life for God.

Caring Bridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5897722

Baptist Press Stories for Aug. 4, 2010
—————————————
Landmark: Judge overturns Calif. ‘gay marriage’ ban
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33457
Bill legalizing online gambling passes hurdle
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33458
Ala. Supreme Court rules against gambling
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33459
‘Do things differently,’ NAMB’s Harris urges
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33460
TRUSTEES: GuideStone trustees receives long-term plan update
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33461
FIRST-PERSON: More than just Narnia
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33462

Thank God for the rain we received.  Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

God will meet all your needs

according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:19 (NIV)~

Out Of Orbit

August 4, 2010 — by Joe Stowell

I still find it amazing that we can launch probes into deep space. But think of how wasteful it would be if on the way to Mars our probe got caught in the gravitational pull of a lesser, insignificant object. Beware! That might be happening in our lives.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He meant for them to begin a journey to passionately pursue Him. Followers of Christ have been launched into a trajectory that is defined by drawing closer and closer to Him. But in the process, we are often distracted and succumb to the gravitational pull of lesser, alluring things. When that happens, we cease our pursuit of Him and go into orbit around stuff that in the end is empty and unsatisfying.

Psalm 63 is the cure for lives stuck in orbit. David pursued God, knowing that He alone could satisfy his inner longings because His “lovingkindness is better than life” (v.3). The joy of God’s presence consumed every moment: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (v.6). David understood that true joy and purpose come not in admiring God from a safe distance, but from chasing hard after Him.

Let’s get back on track and pursue an increasingly closer walk with God!

To walk in fellowship with Christ
And sense His love so deep and true
Brings to the soul its highest joy
As nothing in this world can do. —D. De Haan

The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.

Striving to live closer each day!

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Janet Lee Varnado Grice
(September 25, 1950 – August 2, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, died at 4 p.m. on Monday, August 2, 2010 at her residence. She was born September 25, 1950 in Alexandria and was 59 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Stanley E. Grice, Kentwood; son, Shawn Fredrick Varnado, Hammond; 2 step-daughters, Kelly Grice Winget and her husband, Keith, Loranger and Dena Grice Fout and her husband, Cliff, Loranger; step-son, Darrell Eugene Grice and his wife, Melissa, Kentwood; 10 grandchildren; sister, Lisa Hitchings, Boyce; brother, Dana Varnado and his wife, Cindy, Florida; 2 nephews, Justin Hitchings, Boyce, and Matthew Varnado, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Lila Bell Varnado. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Howard Varnado & Rev. Michael Shumock. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood.

Tuesday – Obituary

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Sharon-Miles&lc=2591&mid=4336509

Sharon “Sheri” Miles, 63, went to be with the Lord Monday, August 2, 2010 in a local hospital.
A native of Colorado, Sheri had lived in Louisiana since 1972 residing in Sulphur the last fourteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in education and taught a number of years in the Sulphur Schools. Sheri was a member of First Baptist Church of Sulphur and faithfully traveled with her husband, J.P. Miles, Director of Missions for the Carey Baptist Association. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years Jonathan P. “J P” Miles, Sr; sons Jonathan P. Miles, Jr and wife Tamara of Atlanta, LA and Brian Scott Miles and wife Jennifer of Marrero, LA; granddaughter Chelsey Miles and grandsons Brock Miles and Connor Miles; brother Michael McCarty of Colorado Springs, Co.
She is preceded in death by her parents Robert H. and Tillie P. Breecher McCarty and brother Steven McCarty.
Her funeral service will be at 10:00 am, Friday, August 6, 2010 in First Baptist Church of Sulphur under direction of Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Dr. David Holder and Rev. Lonnie Gothrup will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 6 until 9 pm. Visitation will continue in the church from 9 am until the start of the service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carey Baptist Association for Grace Ministries, PO Box 1302 Lake Charles, LA 70602 or The Georgia Barnette State Missions Offerings, Louisiana Baptist Convention, PO Box 311, Alexandria, LA
71309.
Be sure to use the link at the top to see a video in Sheri’s memory.

Tuesday – Arrangements

Mrs. Sheri Miles gave and received more hugs than anyone else I can remember.  She touched many lives with her quiet ways and listening ears.

Visitation:  Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home at 2051 Napoleon St.  (337-625-9171)

Funeral:  Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at FBC Sulphur, 401 S. Huntington St., Sulphur, LA (337-527-5231)

In lieu of flowers, Bro. J. P. asked that donations be made to either Grace Ministries (they can send the donations to our office at P. O. Box 1302, Lake Charles, LA 70602) or to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.

The obituary is not posted yet.  I’ll post it when it becomes available.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Bro. JP Miles secretary called this morning.  Sheri went home to be with the Lord last night.  She had been on oxygen lately because of lung problems.  She passed away at home suddenly last evening.  Jonathan is there with Bro. JP and Brian is on his way.  She will email the church with arrangements as soon as she knows something.

Thursday is Sheri’s birthday so the funeral will probably not be until Friday.  I will let you know details as soon as I get word.

Lauree

Please be in prayer for Bro. J.P. and his family.  We don’t have to worry about Sheri.  We know where she is!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Love always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails.”

~ 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (NIV)~

Robert Frohn is doing better and is now in a regular hospital room at North Oaks.  Continue to pray for him and his family as he “walks the long road” to recovery.

Many of you know Rev. David Cutrer who works with McKneely Funeral Home.  His wife, Rhonda Cutrer, had is hospitalized at North Oaks following surgery.  Pray for her as she recovers.

Rachel Morris Muth is recovering well from her surgery last week.  Pray she continues to improve.

The mission team from FBC, Amite made it safely home.  The mission team from FBC, Kentwood will travel home today.  Thank God for those willing to give of themselves to help others learn about Jesus.

Alfred Henry Fields, III
(March 30, 1972 – August 1, 2010)

Alfred Henry Fields, III was born March 30, 1972 and passed away at 8:40 p.m. at Riverside Medical Center, Franklinton. He was 38, a native of Tokyo, Japan and a resident of Kentwood.

Alfred is survived by his fiancé’, Kim Kimble, Kentwood; mother, Helen S. Williams, Roseland; 4 children, Breanna Fields, Seth Fields, Britany Kimble and Lindsey Kimble all of Kentwood; brother, Patrick Henry Fields and wife Vicky, Roseland; 2 sisters, Kathy H. Tullos and husband, Sammy “Bo”, Amite and Shirley Hammond, Spencer, NY; Kim’s parents, Jimmie and Ellen Lowe, Kentwood.

Preceded in death by his father, Alfred Henry Fields, Jr. and grandparents, Luther & Irma Slade.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Interment in the family cemetery near Wilmer.

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

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

Mrs. Melba O’Bryant Miller
(August 26, 1919 – July 29, 2010)

Mrs. Melba O’Bryant Miller a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was born August 26, 1919 and passed away at 10:10 p.m., Thursday, July 29, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 90, a native of Warnerton, LA and a resident of Roseland. She loved gardening, cooking and family. She retired from Northlake Support and Services Center where she had a real love for the children at the center.

Mrs. Melba is survived by 2 daughters, Bobbie Miller Coyle, Roseland and Jean Miller Duncan and husband, Donald, Clinton; a son, Robert Russell Miller, Mt. Hermon; 2 grandsons, Keith Wood, St. Francisville, Jason Miller, Mt. Hermon; 7 granddaughters, Tammy Bradley, Zachary, Kathy Wade, Clinton, Jennifer Day, Zachary, Alisa Piar, Chesterton, IN, Johnna Jenkins, Franklinton, Rebekah Falgout, Mt. Hermon and Julie Singley, Mt. Hermon; 19 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elisha and Lela Whittington O’Bryant; 3 sisters, Eltra O. Pierce, Elvita O. Whittington and Bonnie O. Smith.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m in the funeral home Chapel. Interment in the Mt. Pisgah Church Cemetery, Washington Parish, LA.

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

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

Devotional

http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2010/07/contrast.html

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee