Thursday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”

~1Timothy 2:8~

Our grandson, Braden, now has a cast on his broken arm.  The surgery seems to have the bone set straight.  So far, so good now.

Pray for my daddy, Grant Smith, as he sees a specialist again about a reoccurring esophagus problem.  Daddy may require another procedure in order to eat without issues.

Continue to pray for those who have the flu and the viruses that are going around.

Thank God for a new job for Landon Estay after a two month “vacation” in Houston.  Pray for others who are searching for a job.

Continue to pray for the Allen family as David improves.  Pray for doctors to make wise decision in his case.  Thank God for all those who have prayed for David and continue to pray for David and his family.

For those of you from the Roseland area and those who can remember back more than thirty years, there is a new “little” girl in the Sloan family.  Markie is the granddaughter for Dr. John “Bro. Chip” and Martha Slaon.  Jennifer, who was born shortly after her parents moved to Roseland, is the very proud mother.  Bro. Chip was the pastor at Roseland Baptist Church for five years.  What memories we have!  Enjoy this gift from God.

Baby Markie is doing great!!! She is a chunk but beautiful. 9lbs 4 ounces, 21 inches long. Mom and Dad are doing great and very happy!! 🙂

Caring Bridge Sites:

Baptist Press
October 21, 2009

PHILIPPINES–Filipino pastors look past their own needs to neighbors. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31502

PHILIPPINES–Volunteers ‘mud out’ metro Manila, share God’s love. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31503

AMERICAN SAMOA–Team surveys tsunami damage on Amn. Samoa. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31504

OKLAHOMA–CP EMPHASIS: Church views CP as love offering. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31505

TENNESSEE–Land clarifies remarks, apologies to Anti-Defamation League. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31506

MAINE–Poll: Maine ‘gay marriage’ initiative tied. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31507

WASHINGTON–Feds relax medical marijuana policy. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31508

MISSOURI–TRUSTEES: MBTS to build new chapel complex. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31509

NORTH CAROLINA–TRUSTEES: SEBTS reports enrollment gains. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31510

TEXAS–CP EMPHASIS (FIRST-PERSON — David O. Dykes): Enlarging the channel for a Great Commission Resurgence. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31511

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Chuck Bentley): Living by God’s economy. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31512

John Naul Felps
(March 10, 1930 – October 21, 2009)

Died on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace, LA. He was a native of Baywood, LA, a resident of Reserve, LA, and a former resident of Kentwood, LA for 16 years. Age 79 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 12 Noon on Saturday until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 3 sons, Gary Felps, Rodney Felps, and Michael Felps, 4 sisters, Lilian Peevy, Alma Stearns, Louise Croft, and Pauline Vick, 2 brothers, Verlyn Felps and Donald Felps, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Delores G. Felps, 2 sons, Steven Felps and Ricky Felps, father, Luther Felps, mother, Ida Pennington Felps, sister, Betty Rodriguez, 3 brothers, Sonny Felps, Dale Felps, and Sam Felps.

THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM

There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it.  He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did.  Various attempts were made to do something about the child.

One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums.  This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar.

A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions.  The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked.

Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, “I wonder what’s inside the drum?”

Ah, the wisdom of that man!  It reminds me of the wisdom demonstrated by King Solomon when two women came to him fighting over which of them was the true mother of a baby (I Kings 3:16-28).  Solomon was, of course, known for his great wisdom.

Solomon wrote, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Prov. 3:13-15)

We need to understand, though, that knowledge and wisdom aren’t the same thing.  If you want to measure a person’s knowledge, you give them a test.  If they score 90 or above, they have a lot of knowledge.  If they score below 50, there’s not much knowledge there.  But determining the measure of a person’s wisdom is much more difficult.  You have to look at how he lives and the decisions he makes.

James Draper has said, “Wisdom is the skill to live in a way that is pleasing to God.  It is not simply information in our heads.  It is information that we put to use — where we live, where we work, and where we play.”

We live in a world where everyone seeks knowledge.  We value educaton.  We read books.  We watch news channels.  But how many of us pursue wisdom to the same extent?

Be assured that wisdom is not something that you will stumble into by accident.  It’s a pursuit.  It’s a search. It requires an attitude that says, “I want to learn from God how to live, and I want to apply those principles to my life.”

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.  And in all your getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for praying.  Your prayers mean so much to so many.  Ask someone like David Allen!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening

From Charlene Blades:

Monica and David Smith’s 2nd son arrived yesterday at 6:29p.m. he weighed 7lbs 11oz.
His name is Jacob “JAKE” Eugene Smith.
Jake and his mom are both doing great.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as she has bones in her pinkie finger fused tomorrow.  Wearing a splint for the next few weeks will be a challenge.  Please for for the fusion process and the weeks to come.

Momma, Dot Smith, had three follow-up appointments this week.  Monday’s appointment was not as good as we hoped, but today’s appointment went well.  Pray for the Friday appointment and for Daddy’s appointment tomorrow.  Keep all of us in your prayers for the appointments and the “little things” of daily life.

David Allen is doing much, much better.  He is even thinking of coming home soon.  Thank you for praying and continuing to pray.

Wednesday

“It shall come to pass that before they call,

I will answer;

and while they are still speaking,

I will hear.”

~Isaiah 65:24~

The three Allen children enjoyed visiting their daddy, David, last night.  What progress David has made!  Pray for continued improvement for David and a new sense of purpose after all he has been through in the last week.  Join the family in thanking God for David’s improvement.

Mr. Oren Davidson is in Kentwood Rehab to receive therapy following another fall.  David and Mr. Oren enjoyed visiting and talking about the past.

Carol Lynn Loving McNabb
(June 6, 1950 – October 20, 2009)

Carol Lynn Loving McNabb, 59 of Kentwood left us at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was a native of Killeen, TX.

Carol leaves behind a beloved husband, Clayton Wayne McNabb, Kentwood; son, Christian Kuss and wife, Tina; granddaughter, Rosa Kathryn Kuss; 3 step grandsons, Tyler, Justin, & Casey Proux all of Rome, GA; sister, Betty Braden and brother-in-law, Jim, Kentwood; nephew, James W. Braden & wife, Joey; 2 great nephews, Jacob and Jonah Braden; great niece Johanna Braden all of Longville, LA; niece, Kelly Thorgeson & husband, Rudy, Baton Rouge; nephew, Beau Braden and great niece Alayna Lynne Braden, Kentwood; sister-in-law, Gloria McNabb Gill & husband, Pete; nephew Tristan Gill all of Spring Creek; also numerous friends and former classmates of KHS Class of 1968. She will be sadly missed.

Preceded in death by parents, George D & Louella Gill Loving.

Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Danny Smith officiating. Interment in Spring Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Stan Gill, Jr., Tristan Gill, James W. Braden, Beau Braden, Jacob Braden, & Jason Sims. Honorary Pallbearer will be Jonah Braden.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press

October 20, 2009

TEXAS–Back on earth, astronaut reflects on trip, faith. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31495

WASHINGTON–Gay hate crimes awaits Senate vote. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31496

SOUTH AFRICA–Ministry reaches out to families ravaged by HIV/AIDS. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31497

NORTH CAROLINA–CP EMPHASIS: ‘The nations came to us.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31498

CALIFORNIA–TRUSTEES: Golden Gate adopts long-range plan. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31499

LOUISIANA–TRUSTEES: New Orleans approves new housing. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31500

KENTUCKY–FIRST PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Time to separate church & sports? http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31501

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

IN AUGUST, 1857, CYRUS Field and his company, Atlantic Telegraph, attempted to lay a telegraph cable from England to North America, but the cable broke at twelve thousand feet under the ocean surface and could not be recovered…
During the next nine years, Field and his men made three more unsuccessful attempts.  Finally, in July, 1866, they succeeded in laying hundreds of miles of cable across the Atlantic.

Israel spent almost twenty-one years rebuilding the temple.  The work began in 537 B.C. and was finally completed in 516 B.C.  Israel’s enemies continually stopped the work; one period lasted as long as seventeen years.  People of less perseverence might have given up, but Israel had a deep desire to worship God.
Paul wrote about Christ’s patience, or, more exactly, His perseverance.  We may not understand why the Lord demonstrated patient determination in His humanity, but we are to follow His pattern.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God
and into the patience of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Continue to pray for needs previously mentioned.  Add needs you are aware of.  Feel free to share needs so others can pray too!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy,

that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1~

Remember the families in our area who have lost loved ones lately.

Pray for the elderly and those with condition that make them more succeptable to colds, flu, etc.

Caring Bridge Sites:

Baptist Press

October 19, 2009

WASHINGTON–Report details impact of pregnancy centers. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31489

ALABAMA–Auburn men share faith through ‘dry’ tailgating. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31490

WASHINGTON–Huckabee leads GOP field in new poll. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31491

TENNESSEE–LifeWay special needs ministry marks 30 years. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31493

SOUTH CAROLINA–CP EMPHASIS: S.C. small church reaches the world. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31492

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Lisa Huddleston): Growing through trials. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31494

Continue to pray for the annual Georgia Barnette Offering for state (Louisiana) missions.

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

MAY I KINDLY ask a few questions for your personal study and reflection…?
How many churches did Jesus promise to build?  Matthew 16:18

Did He say, “I will build a church?”  Did He say, “I will build My churches?”
Since Jesus promised to build HIS church (singular), how can we endorse and authorize religious division today?  We have hundreds of different churches in our country.  Each of them wears a different name.  Each of them promotes a different and often times conflicting doctrine.  Is this what the Lord had in mind when He made His promise?

Is the church the same thing as the body?  Ephesians 1:22, 23

How many bodies did Paul mention?  Ephesians 4:4; cf. Romans 12:4,5; 1
Corinthians 12:20

Since the church and the body are the same thing, and since Christ is the head of the body, how can we teach different, yea even opposing, doctrines?  Does the Head of the body contradict itself?

How many faiths does Paul mention?  Ephesians 4:5

“I do not pray for these alone,
but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
they they all may be one,
as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You;
that they may be one in Us,
that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
John 17:20, 21
Continue to pray for some of the individuals and families who have been mentioned lately or for some that you know that have needs that were not mentioned.  Then, after you pray, make a phone call, send a card, visit, babysit, cook something, rake a yard, or do something else that is meaningful to that particular family.  You will be blessed as you minister to others.
Anna Lee

Monday

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost

those who come to God through Him,

since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

~Hebrews 7:25, NKJV~

Pray for Theresa Flores as she has a transplant as Ochsner in New Orleans this morning.

Pray for Stanley Reland who has had a mild heart attack.

David Allen is much better.  He’s even back on the internet!  Don’t stop praying yet.

Joellon Reagan Godwin
(November 19, 1939 – October 17, 2009)

Joellon Reagan Godwin was born on November 19, 1939 and passed away at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 69 and a resident of Kentwood.

Joellon is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Godwin, Kentwood; 5 daughters, Cathy G. Brooks & husband George, Kentwood, Judy Petty & husband, Dale, Jumpertown, MS, Monteen G. Castella & husband, Bennie Ray, Kentwood, Lisa G. Grice & husband, Tommy, Kentwood, and Kathy “Big Kathy” Godwin, Perry, FL; 3 sons, John A. Knight, Jr. & wife, Mary, Nettleton, MS, William “Billy” Godwin & wife, Sandra, Corinth, MS and William “Big Billy” Godwin, Brooksville, FL; 2 sisters, Sharon Stevens & husband, Tommy, Kentwood and Diane Stewart & husband, Don,Greensburg; 2 brothers, Rev. Chester Reagan & wife Dixie, Arkansas and Ronald Reagan & wife Gaya, Robert; grandchildren, Angela Miller, David Anthony, Laura McGuff, Ashley Bergeron, Benji Castella, Jennifer Castella, Rebel James, Jeremy Godwin, Justin Godwin, Felicia Godwin, Bennie Gilley, Jr., Amy, Brian, & Matthew; 25 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Benjamin & Ellie Hicks Reagan; a son, Steven Godwin; a sister, Mary Martinson; 2 brothers, Jerry Reagan and Chris Reagan; and a grandson, Ronald Hemphill.

Visitation will be at Kentwood Assembly of God on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. William Hyde officiating. Interment in the Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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

Norma A. Gregot Day
(January 20, 1937 – October 17, 2009)

Died on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Earl K. Long Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA. She was born Jan. 20, 1937 to F. G. and Ruby Gregot. She was a native of Kentwood and resident of Zachary. Survived by son, Frederick C. Day and his wife, Michele, Omaha, NE; a sister Shirley G. Lane, Kentwood, LA.; and a niece. Preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Gloria Mae Gregot and her grandparents.

Troy Neal Taylor
(February 18, 1939 – October 18, 2009)


Died at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Little Rock, AR and a resident of Independence, LA. Age 80 years. He was a Retired 1st Sergeant of the U. S. Marine Corps and a Veteran of Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Alice Zamora Taylor, Independence; 2 sons, Troy Taylor and his wife, Chris, Gonzales and Terry Taylor, Tybee Island, GA; 3 grandchildren, Troy, Kelsey and Karin. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Delta Taylor; sister, Jo Ann Rogers; brother, John Taylor, Jr. Arrangements are incomplete at this time with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.

Dr. Landrum Salley said he and his family still have many fine memories of Kentwood.    They continue to serve the Lord in Nashville.  Remember to thank God for their service in Kentwood and your memories of those sixteen years.

Adjust

darkness.jpg
A GOOD FRIEND of mine’s personal statement on Facebook says, “Don’t let your eyes adjust to the dark…”

He gives no explanation or elaboration, and for his friends who are unfamiliar with the Bible, the message probably makes no sense. When I first read it, I assumed it was some inside joke between him and another friend. But knowing the kind of person he is, it occurred to me that he was talking about spiritual, not physical, darkness. In fact, his words effectively summarize what Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23.

God created our physical eyes to easily adjust to dark surroundings, but He never intended for our souls to adapt to the darkness of sin and its effects. To His dismay, however, too many of His children find spiritual darkness normal, and some even find it quite comfortable. Is this true of you or me? Have our spiritual eyes adjusted to darkness when:

  • Sin saturates the shows or movies we watch, the things we read, or the websites we visit?
  • We see others hurting or suffering and yet feel no compassion for them?
  • We misuse our mouths with bad language, gossip, harsh criticism, or other cruelty?

The world is often a dark place, and its shadows can easily creep into our lives and overwhelm us. But God’s light will always eliminate the darkness of sin and as His lights, we can even make this world a brighter place. “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” ( Ephesians 5:8). Blaine Kelly

“The eye is the lamp of the body.

So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.

If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

Matthew 6:22-23 ESV

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a wonderful day and a great week!

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

I made the same mistake twice.  It is Mrs. Nadine COUNCIL who has nicely recovered from her hip surgery and completed physical therapy.  Sometimes my fingers seem to go one way and my mind another way.

David Allen is doing better today.  Please continue to pray for him, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to be at North Oaks, but is improving.  Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Sunday

Caring Bridge

Anchor

IN 1874, PRISCILLA OWENS found herself dwelling on the imagery of the anchor…

The obvious need for stability in life and her own faith in Christ led her to write:

Will you anchor hold in the
storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their
wings of strife?

When the strong tides life, and
the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift, or firm
remain?

We have an anchor that keeps
the soul

Steadfast and sure while the
billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock
which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep
in the Savior’s love.

The song provides a meditation on the theological truth that our faith in Christ provides a steady foundation for all the changes, joys and troubles of life. And that is one of the most important functions of our music–to cause us to dwell on the truths of God’s word.

Martin Luther declared he didn’t care who wrote the theology books so long as he could write the songs. He knew that people will sing and remember songs and ingest theology naturally. The theology of our songs is important. We must be sure that our worship music reflects the true teaching and accurate knowledge of God. (Chris Stinnett)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly

as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom,

and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

~ Col. 3:16 NIV~

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee