Monday

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God,

and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart

and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

This is the day Caleb Estay will be born in Houston.  Pray for the family.  I  have already assured them of our prayers.  Don’t let them down!

Pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan as she has a check-up today.  Pray for Margie Williams as she cares for her Momma and waits to hear about Caleb.

Mrs. Faye Price has an infection and pneumonia.  Please pray for her and her family to have a good day as the doctors address her health issues.

Betty Simpson asked for prayer for Mr. Bobby Simpson.  He will be seeing a surgeon on December 7th about a place on his back that has to be removed.

Dr. Earl Council will be undergoing tests in Ruston today.  Pray his problem will be located so doctors can work to return him to good health.

Who's Missing? Whose Mission?
Peoples of Ethiopia

As the sun rises in Ethiopia, thousands of people make their way to church. They worship, sing and hear sermons delivered by priests in an ancient language they do not understand.

The people place their faith in a religion with many roots in the Bible — Christianity and Old Testament traditions. This religion, however, has lost touch with biblical truth through the years.

Many worship saints and demons. They believe there are more than a dozen paths to heaven. They do not have any assurance of salvation and lack understanding of who Jesus Christ is. Most put their trust in Saint Mary.

More than 42 million people in the Horn of Africa claim this religion as “truth.”

Christian workers Renee and Ed (names changed), have dedicated their lives to sharing the Good News with the people of Ethiopia. More than 90 percent are illiterate and unable to read the Bible in their own language.

Pray
Pray for Renee and Ed as they build relationships with them and share that the only way to heaven is through God’s Son, Jesus.

Pray the people Renee and Ed meet in Ethiopia will be open and receptive to the friendship and message of hope they offer.

Pray that more workers will be called to help spread the Gospel message.

GOING AGAINST THE FLOW

The story is told about a woman who called her husband on his car phone as he was on his way home from work and she said, “Honey, you need to be careful.  I just saw on the news that there’s some nut driving the wrong way on the Interstate.”  Her husband said, “There’s not just one nut, there’s hundreds of them!”

Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever felt like trying to do God’s will makes you go the wrong way down the road?   All the traffic’s coming the other way.  Have you ever thought, “If everybody’s going this way, it’s so hard to go against the flow.  Would God really mind if I just turned around for a little while?”

An article in The London Times a couple of years ago reported that there are currently about 200 million Christians in over 60 countries who are being persecuted for their faith.  Because we have freedom in the United States to worship God, those of us who live here sometimes we forget just how many people in this world live under oppression – by Communist authorities or Muslim authorities, or authorities who simply oppose God and the people who follow God.

And even if you don’t face governmental oppression, there are no doubt many of you who live with oppression – in your home, in your workplace or at your school – oppressed by a family member or boss or teacher who makes it difficult on you as a Christian.  More and more, we all are living in an anti-God culture.  We live in an environment that makes it difficult at times for us to stand up for God.

We must remember the words of Paul:  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

No matter which way the crowd around you is flowing, may you have the courage to travel the direction that God would have you to travel.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Many of us will be returning to work after having extra time off.  Pray that we will have a productive day.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro

throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong

on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a~

Written by Cheryl Hughes Green in honor of Frances Hughes

Saying good-bye to a special lady, Aunt Frances yesterday. All could learn how she lived; she loved everybody and unconditionally. All she ever wanted was for you to love her back. Her death brought a family and old friends back together to see each other, but most of all to show their love for her. Good-bye Franni e Jo for now, we will see you again soon. Everyone have a bless day with the Lord.

Frances was really that special to all who ever knew her.  She and her family have been gone from this area for many years.  To see people who showed up at the cemetery in her honor yesterday out of love and respect for a humble, loving, hard-working family was special.  I think we are all better people for having known the Hughes family.  What an honor and a blessing to have know Frances and her family!

The Week of Prayer for International Missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering begins today.  Make this a priority!

Who's Missing? Whose Mission?
Peoples of Northern India

At 17, Moses suffered from debilitating arthritis. Like many Orthodox Hindus, he petitioned various gods and goddesses seeking help. As his condition worsened, he began to lose hope. One day a stranger handed him a Gospel tract, and Moses began reading about the Great Physician. He started attending church and soon put his faith in Jesus Christ. Fifteen days later, his arthritis was gone.

Years passed and Moses became a successful businessman, but God convicted him that he needed to do more. Leaving his wealthy lifestyle, Moses journeyed with his wife and children to remote Himalayan villages in northern India to share the Gospel.

But following Jesus is hard. Indian people are willing to “add” Christ as one of their gods, but if they believe in Christ alone, they are persecuted. Many believers are burned alive, raped, mutilated, killed or chased into the surrounding jungles. Moses and his family have been thrown out of their home numerous times after landlords learned of their faith.

Despite the hardships, Moses works alongside International Mission Board missionaries supported by the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Together Moses and the missionaries share the Gospel, disciple believers and start house churches.

Pray
Pray that God will give boldness and protection to Moses and other believers in northern India as they share their faith.

“Time is short,” Moses says. “I must go, pray and preach the Gospel.


http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5624&LanguageID=1709

Have a great day of Bible study and worship today!  Touch a life for Jesus!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Or what man is there among you who,

if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If you then, being evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

~Matthew 7:9-11~

Rufus, Margie, and “Miss” Avis got home about 8 P.M.  Thank God for watching over them as they came home.

Charles and Bea Houeye of Roseland are both doing pretty well now, even though they both have both had some difficult times.  Thank God for the good health they are enjoying now.

Sydney Dixon (Daughter of Rob and Jess Dixon)

There’s No Place Like Home

from One + One = Three by Jess

Dorothy, you weren’t kidding sister!

What a day it has been. It felt a little like a do-over of last Thursday, when we first brought her home. I had the same nervous feelings riding in the backseat next to her, the same excitement turning into our neighborhood, the same relief as we pulled into our driveway. Happy one-week birthday, Baby Girl! You’re home!

Walking through the halls of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital today on our way out, I finally saw what a great place it is. We’ve spent the last four days there, and yesterday- day three of our stay- I left room 7310 for the first time to walk around the corner to find the family laundry room. I had to ask a nurse for directions and she tried to start by telling me go back to the elevators… excuse me? There’s an elevator here? Where is that? It was a short walk, and as much as I enjoyed the fresh air, I couldn’t get back to Sydney’s side fast enough. Anyway, if I had ventured out any further, I would have seen a remarkable facility that doesn’t feel like a hospital as you walk through. But while I was impressed, if we never go back there again I’ll be totally fine with that.

As I mentioned earlier, all the doctor really could say this morning is that Sydney was looking great and they had no more reason to keep her in the hospital. While it’s a little scary and frustrating to have no concrete explanation for the distress Sydney experienced over the weekend, we’re just so thankful that the problems seem to have completely gone away. Two of doctors who treated her both said, “It is better to see a patient get better and not know what the problem was, than to know what the problem is and not see a patient get better.” I have watched Syd like a hawk today, and I’ll probably sleep with one eye open tonight, but all we’ve seen today is a content, sleeping, pooping, precious little girl!

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I am thankful for a healthy baby who has changed my life forever in the longest and shortest week ever. I am thankful for an incredible husband who I love even more every time I see him holding our daughter. I am thankful for the doctors, nurses, ER team, and other caregivers at VCH who have taken care of our whole family this week. I am thankful for friends, acquaintances, and strangers who have stopped in the midst of their busy days to pray for Sydney. I am thankful for a Great Physician Who is all knowing and Who allowed us to witness yet another miracle this week. I am thankful for the journey we’ve been on the past few days, because my faith is stronger and  I have a better understanding of Jesus’ love as a result.

There aren’t enough words to say thanks to all of you who are reading this message- you found this blog because you cared about our Sweet Sydney. Thank you for lifting her name up to heaven on our behalf.

I hope you find yourself surrounded by blessings this Thanksgiving with much to give thanks for!

The funeral for Frances Hughes will be at 11 A.M. this morning at Seale funeral home in Denham Springs.  Burial will be in Arcola for those of you who wish to attend.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

THE LORD OFTEN taught by parables; in fact, approximately one third of His recorded  teachings  were  in  parable  form…

There  are  no  parables  in  John’s gospel, but in the synoptics, these simple memorable stories with imagery convey deep  truths which are central  to His  teaching.  One of  the Lord’s  favorite  themes in these parables is “stewardship.”  A  steward  was  a  manager-someone  who  managed  the  owner’s  farm  or business. Good stewards faithfully used their master’s resources to advance his current concerns and increase his wealth. Bad stewards misused their resources for  personal  gain  or  squandered  them  out  of  laziness.  Scripture  teaches  that God is the owner of all we have. David stated, “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein” (Psa. 24:1). Paul reminds us, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have  from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

What trust God has placed in us!  This privilege, however, brings with it the responsibility  to  manage  to  the  very  best  of  our  ability  His  assets.

Most Americans regard themselves as sovereign owners, and the money, wealth, and assets we  have  are  exclusively  at  our  disposal  to  advance  our  own  interest. There  is  a  tremendous  difference  in  how we  view  possessions  as  owners  or stewards.  This concept will determine how much we give. As owners we will ask, “How much of my money will  I give  to God,” but as stewards  the question will be, “How much of God’s money will I keep for myself?”  Statistics  reveal  that  as most American Christians’  incomes  go  up, their percentage of giving goes down! This philosophy is brought about by an attitude that asks, “Do  I want  this? And  (sometimes) “Can  I afford  it?,  from  the owner.   While  the  steward asks, “How will  this affect my  ability  to advance God’s  purpose?” The  steward will  always  remember God’s  passion  to  reach the lost, and look for creative ways to subsidize this great purpose.  In  this  season of THANKSGIVING,  let us  again  renew our  gratitude  for our  personal  redemption  and  determine  that  if  our  nation  can  have  a  special time to count our physical blessings, God’s people can treasure the great spiritual blessings we  enjoy!  As  you  pray with  your  family  this week  let  every family member be reminded of the blessing of salvation!  Jerry Jenkins

“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
Thank-you for praying today.  Your prayers mean so much to so many!
Feel free to share your praises, requests, and updates by sharing through the use of “Contact Me” on the web site.
Have a great day of preparation for the Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Friday Evening

I want to give four quick updates:

  1. Mr. Cete Dillon is still not feeling well.  Pray he can get better soon.
  2. Dr. Earl Council is feeling a little better.  He hopes to go to Ruston after Sunday School for a medical test to help identify his problem.
  3. Mrs. Faye Price has been moved to a different room at North Oaks.  Please continue to pray for her and for her family as they stay close.
  4. Mrs. Jeanette McGehee is receiving good care from Mr. Ed and is progressing well after her surgery.

Thanks for praying for these needs and for needs that were not listed.  Especially pray for those who do not have family around for the holidays and for those who are far from home, especially our service men and women and our missionaries.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,

the power and the glory,

the victory and the majesty;

for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,

and You are exalted as head over all.”

~1 Chronicles 29:11~

Pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan.  She had to go to the ER this morning.  She will be kept a while for observation.  Keep her in your prayers.

From James Rimes

Please remember Bert Newton of Roseland in your prayers. He is to have an angiogram done on Tuesday at North Oaks.

CaringBridge Sites:

Baptist Press

November 25, 2009

VIETNAM–Baptists celebrate 50 years in Vietnam with hugs, tears, laughter. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31767

VIETNAM–Bobby Welch returns to Vietnam, thankful for his wounds. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31768

WASHINGTON–STDs on the rise despite sex education. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31769

MINNESOTA–Lutheran body splitting after gay pastor vote. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31770

NEW YORK–It can begin with a sandwich. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31771

INDIA–FIRST-PERSON (Peggy Uppinghouse*): Thanksgiving turkey in India. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31772

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (Stephen Wilson): Thanksgiving & adversity. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31773

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Curt Iles): 2 teachers of gratitude. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31774

ARKANSAS–Raymond Coppenger dies at 100. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31775

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Michael Foust): A church as inspiring as its films. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31776

Davis Joseph Johnson, Sr.
(March 18, 1923 – November 25, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Davis Joseph Johnson, Sr. of Independence, LA passed away on November 25, 2009. Born March 18, 1923 to the late Omar and Melina Johnson, he was a lifelong resident of Independence. Preceded in death, along with his parents, was his wife of 53 years, Clementine R. Johnson, and 3 brothers, Routis, Russell, and Luther Johnson. He is survived by two sisters and one brother-in-law, Bertha J. Rochefort of New Orleans, and Joyce J. and Leon Chambers of Independence. Surviving also are a daughter and son-in-law, Sondra J. and Gary Perry of Amite, and 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Davis Jr. and Terri K. Johnson of Hammond, and Darren and Ann P. Johnson of Bayton, TX. His grandchildren are Melinda Giardina, Christopher Perry, Jeremy Johnson, Kassie Hamilton, Garrett Johnson and Logan Johnson. Also surviving him are 7 great-grandchildren and a special friend, Joan Sirchia. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a cook under Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower in the European Theater Operation. He was a retired finish contractor for Joe E. Anzalone Contractors, warehouse manager of Leggett and Platt Mattress Company, and maintenance manager at Town and Country Mall. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Lallie Kemp Medical Center’s Emergency Room staff and the doctors and nurses in the I.C.U. Department for their outstanding care and dedicated attention given to their father and to them. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the service at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2009. Services to be conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams and Rev. Charles Kirkfield. Burial will follow at Loranger Cemetery.

Ryan Edward Didone
(April 8, 1990 – November 22, 2009)


The picture of Ryan was not available when I posted his obituary.  I thought some of you might like to see his picture.
Ryan Edward Didone

Thursday Obituary

This is Frances’ obituary from “2 the Advocate”.
Frances Hughes
A native of Roseland and resident of Harvest Manor, Denham Springs, she passed away on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Ochsner Medical Center-Baton Rouge. She was 66. Frances was an inspiration to many people who knew her and was loved by everyone. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Friday, Nov. 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service in the chapel at 11 a.m. Burial in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery. Survived by her sisters, Evelyn Stevens and husband J.J., of Athens, Texas, Viola Cody and husband Gene, of Watson, and Belle Eldridge and Wanda Davis, both of Baton Rouge; brother, Wilton Hughes and wife Sandra, of Claremont, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Floy and Johnnie Hughes; and brother, Alton Hughes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Published in The Advocate on November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ,

and individually members of one another.”

~Romans 12:5, NKJV~

Today is Thanksgiving.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I’ll not list my blessing here, but you can think through some of your many blessings and thank God for each one.

Dr. Earl Council is home now, but will be admitted to a hospital soon for additional treatment.  Please be in pray for Dr. Council, the doctors, and his family.

Larry Bankston got a good report at his post-op appointment.  Thank God for the progress Larry has made.

Theresa Flores is doing well following her kidney transplant.  She no longer needs dialysis.  Thank God for the progress Theresa has made.

Robert Ricks, the Arcola one, has completed four weeks of treatment at M.D. Anderson.  Some days the treatment has been hard, but Robert is “hanging in there”.  Doctors are planning on about three more weeks of treatment before Robert comes home.  Thank God for the quality treatment Robert has been receiving and his progress so far.

Mrs. Rena Cutrer continues to recover from a hip problem.  Thank God for her improvement.

Frances Hughes

Frances Eugenia Hughes, 65, born September 24, 1944 to Johnny and Floy Brumfield Hughes. She was a native of Roseland, Louisiana and lived in Denham Springs, Louisiana. She left this world on Monday, November 23, 2009.

She is survived by her brother, Wilton and wife, Sandra Hughes, Bolick, North Carolina; 4 sisters: Evelyn and husband, Steve Stevens, Athens, Texas; Viola and husband, Gene Cody, Watson; Isabel Eldridge, Baton Rouge; and Wanda Davis, Baton Rouge. Also 12 nieces and nephews, numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Johnny Elmer and Floy Brumfield Hughes and brother, Alton Glenn Hughes.

Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs Friday from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. with services at 11 A.M. Saturday followed by burial in Arcola.


FALLING ASLEEP

I heard recently about a college professor who had the mysterious habit of walking into the lecture hall each morning, removing a tennis ball from his jacket pocket. He would set it on the corner of the podium. After giving the lecture for the day, he would once again pick up the tennis ball, place it into his jacket pocket, and leave the room. No one ever understood why he did this, until one day. . . .

A student fell asleep during the lecture. The professor never missed a word of his lecture while he walked over to the podium, picked up the tennis ball and threw it, hitting the sleeping student squarely on the top of the head.

The next day, the professor walked into the room, reached into his jacket, removed a baseball. . . No one ever fell asleep in his class the rest of the semester!

I would imagine that many of us have had the experience of falling asleep at a time when we should have stayed awake — perhaps in a classroom or during a sermon.  In the scriptures, poor Eutychus will forever be known for only one thing — falling asleep during a sermon and falling out the window!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this Bible story (found in Acts 20:7-12), there was a young man by the name of Eutychus (a side note:  ironically, his name means “fortunate”) who attended a worship service where the apostle Paul was speaking.  No doubt, Eutychus was tired and perhaps his stomach was full.  He found a spot near a window where he could get some fresh air because oil lamps lighted the room and the air would have been a bit stuffy.  We’re told that Paul talked on and on until after midnight. Luke tells us that the young man fought sleep and gradually lost the battle.  When he nodded off, he fell out of the third-story window.  Fortunately, the story has a happy ending as he was raised back to life by Paul.

Those of us who are preachers are inclined to say that the moral of this story is that you should never fall asleep during a sermon (though I suspect others may say that the moral is that preachers shouldn’t preach so long — it can be dangerous!).  But of even greater concern than falling asleep in our worship is the fact that we sometimes fall asleep in our walk with Christ.  We grow weary, we lose our concentration, our mind drifts off to other things, and the result can be deadly!

The apostle Paul warns us:  “Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (I Thess. 5:6).

Is your mind focused on God?  Are you listening carefully to Him, submitting to His Spirit?  If you’re growing weary, it’s time to wake up!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

“Count your blessings.

Name them one by one,

Count your many blessings.

See what God has done.”

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Then He said to His disciples,

‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest

to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

~Matthew 9:37-38~

Please continue to pray for Bro. Butch Reviere.  He’s still waiting on addition tests and a timeline for what will be done in the future.

Mrs. Faye Price is in  North Oaks. Pray for her and her family as they stay close to her side.

Mrs. Jeanette McGhee is home.  Pray for her as she continues to heal.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Wednesday, November 25, 2009

“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, lifting prayers of thanksgiving to the Father for your faithful service in prayer.

As Christian workers reflect this Thanksgiving on the blessings of the past year, they will most certainly give thanks for all who have supported their continued service. Thank God for the sacrificial giving of many in churches that has allowed God’s Word to go forth continuously into the far reaches of the world, even during the global recession. Pray that both those who give and those who go to make His name known will truly delight in the honor and privilege.

Pray that genuine seekers will participate in the many Thanksgiving outreach activities that will occur this weekend, asking that through sharing about this American holiday, the gospel will also be presented and many will believe.

Many refugees live throughout the United States and will be invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with local Christians. As people from two cultures come together to share food from each culture, pray that these displaced peoples will clearly understand the spiritual significance of our holiday as a time to give thanks to God for His blessings on our nation and families.

In contrast on November 26, Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia will stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for Allah’s forgiveness, honoring their Day of Arafaat.  On November 27, others will celebrate Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice.”  Their hearts strive through works to find acceptance with God.

* Please pray for Thanksgiving hosts, whether in the U.S. or overseas, as they share the love of Jesus this weekend–and consider opening your home to someone who has never experienced God’s love.

* Intercede for those who continue in allegiance to their faith of works, asking the Lord to break through the spiritual walls they have raised.

* Pray for God to reveal His salvation to those who seek righteousness and attend one of these intimate celebrations of thankfulness.

—
International Mission Board
3806 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

AN ESTIMATED 1.5 MILLION people are living today after bouts with breast cancer…

Every time I forget to feel grateful to be among them, I hear the voice of an eight-year-old named Christina, who had cnaner of the nervous system. When asked what she wanted for her birthday, she thought long and hard and finaly said, “I don’t know. I have two sticker books and a Cabbage Patch doll. I have everything!”  The kid is right.  Erma Bombeck

“Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD,
among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to Your name.”
Psm. 30:4
What do you have to be thankful for this week?
Anna Lee