Tuesday Night

Debbie Miller called to request prayer for a friend of Loren McElveen. Rev. Don Denton is a former music and youth minister at Independence Baptist Church. He now serves in California. For the last two months, Bro. Don has been in the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota with a viral infection of the brain. You can read more about Bro. Don at http://www.caringbridge.com and typing in dondenton or you can just use this url – http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton
Don is improving. Thank God for his progress.

Emily Panter did not have such a good day. Please pray for her, the family, and those caring for all of them.
http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Herbert Grace
(August 15, 1914 – November 18, 2008)
Died at 1:13 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood. Age 94 years. Arrangements are incomplete at this time, but the online guestbook is available.

Tuesday Evening

James Lee Hutchinson, Sr.
(February 12, 1931 – November 18, 2008)
A native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA, he died at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Gulf States LTAC in Hammond, LA at the age of 77 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation resumes at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Friday from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lea Hutchinson, Kentwood; daughter, Lisa Hutchinson Simmons and husband, Wayne, Kentwood; son, James Hutchinson and wife, Malisa, Osyka, MS; 4 grandchildren, Kevin Simmons, Kristin Simmons, Heather Holmes and husband, Casey, and Leann Hutchinson; great- grandson, Hayden Holmes. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sylvia Hutchinson Wells.

Tuesday

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Common

TODAY WE MOURN the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn’t always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” ( Jas. 1:5).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 14, 2008 10:47 AM

I can relate to this. What about you?
Anna Lee

Monday Evening

Barbara Stevens works at the Tangipahoa Parish School Board office. She is requesting prayer for her daughter-in-law, Karen.

Karen has been moved to Ochsner in Kenner. They did surgery yesterday and had to remove some bone. It has gotten infected. She has two choices as of yesterday either remove her leg below the knee or try to handle the pain. Right now she has chosen to try to handle the pain. I really don’t think she can because so many nerves are exposed, but I can’t say. They will go back in today I don’t know if they will put the rods and pins back in or just another wash out. They weren’t supposed to do until tomorrow but she called last night and said they wanted to go in today. She will be there on antibiotics for a month and then come home on them by mouth if things should go well.

Thanks again for the prayers and asking about her. Please remember her and our family in your prayers.

Thanks,

Barbara

Update on J.D. Smith:
Dad wanted me to email you and let you know that he is in the hospital. He was admitted to North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond on Friday. He will most likely be there another couple of days. He is having atrial fibrillation of the heart (his heart is beating way too fast).
Tomorrow he will have a stress test done to evaluate the arteries around the heart. He is feeling pretty good and is in very good spirits. He does easily become short of breath.
If you would like to call him, I’m sure he would like that. The no. to his room is (985) 230-4008.
Debbie

Monday Afternoon

Emily Panter is much better. Thank God for a along list of miracles. Read for yourself.
http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Ronald Alford will have outpatient surgery in McComb Wednesday. Linda said they would appreciate all the prayers they could get.

Clyde Wallace Harrell, Sr.
(December 5, 1926 – November 17, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Died at 1:25 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2008 at his residence near Greensburg. He was a native of St. Helena Parish, LA. Age 81 years. He was a member of Carpenter’s Local Union “1098, St. Helena Masonic Lodge #96, Greensburg Order of the Eastern Star, St. Helena Parish Honorary Deputy Sheriff, Red Bluff Baptist Church, former board member of St. Helena Parish Hospital, a veteran of the U. S. Merchant Marines during World War II, member of the State and Local Democratic Committee and a recipient of the Good Citizenship Award in Greensburg. “Mr. Clyde” never had a dollar that he was not willing to give away. He never met a person to whom he could not relate. He lived his life to help others. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by wife, Audrey Wagner Harrell, Greensburg; 2 daughters, Belinda Moreland and husband, Don, Kerens, TX and Melanie Harrell Sharp, Prairieville; 3 sons, Clyde Harrell, Jr., Gloster, MS, Brent Harrell, Greensburg and Lake Harrell, Greensburg; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Christine Harrell, Clinton; brother, Charles Harrell, Clinton. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Harrell; mother, Ola Bryant Harrell; brother, Wallace Ray “Pete” Harrell. Pallbearers will be Riley Harrell, Dakota Harrell, Cody Thornton, Mason Thornton, Dennis Harrell and Ernest “Phil” Harrell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday with a Masonic Service at 8 p.m. and at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Stewart and Rev. Vince Estes. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

Monday

“Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them.” (1 John 5:10a GW)

Emily Panter is improving slowly. Read the latest posts on Emily Panter
http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Debbie Miller continues to improve. Thank-you for your many prayers for her.

Pray for Mr. J.D. Smith. He’s in North Oaks with some heart problems. Your prayers will be appreciated.

The church will still be accepting Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes today if you didn’t turn yours in yesterday.

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Jackpot

WHO HASN’T DREAMED of hitting the jackpot and buying a new car and taking the vacation of a lifetime…?

Not all that long ago, Nevada was the only place you could legally play the slots or poker, and New Hampshire had the only legal lottery.

By 1999, thirty-seven states had lotteries, and gambling was legal in some form in all but three states (Utah, Tennessee, and Hawaii). Collectively, we Americans now spend more on gambling then we do on movies. Gross revenues for gambling exceeded fifty billion dollars just nine years ago.

However, the cost to society is even greater. A University of Illinois study found that the social and criminal cost to states is three times as high as the profits gained from gambling. Between fifteen and twenty million of us are now in danger of becoming problem gamblers. (Brad Knickerbocker)

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 10, 2008 10:59 AM

Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Sunday Evening

I have a long list, so I thought I would work on it tonight rather than waiting until tomorrow.

Tyler Easley – Judy Easley’s preemie grandbaby is growing and doing very well.

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Achord – Steven and Charlotte got married last week.

Brett and Susan Frazier’s baby will be born Thursday in Baton Rouge, if not before.

Operation Christmas Child – Wonderful response (well over 100)! I’ll get a final count for you later. Imagine the joy the children will experience as they open their boxes!

Johnny Hurst – Having surgery at North Oaks tomorrow

Nedra H. Carter – Having surgery Wednesday.

Pray for “Miss” Anne Hurst as two of her children have surgery the same week!

Fay Price – Heart surgery Wednesday in Hammond

Church Pittman – Last report was not as good as hoped for

Jennifer Pittman – Port in place for treatment

Orin Davidson – Progressing at rehab in Kentwood

Margaret Callihan – at North Oaks, but hoping to come home soon

Charles Houeye – at North Oaks again

“Hutch” – Felt better today; still at North Oaks

Kathy Dunn – Home from surgery; doing well

Barbara Gaines – On bed rest following surgery

Glen Magee, Jr. – Back surgery was very successful!

Share Group – meets at 6:30 Thursday at the cabin; Plan to attend.

Sunday

“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him?” (Romans 10:14a, HCSB)

One way children will “hear” is through the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Our church is collecting them this morning and dedication them to “speak” to young hearts through the gifts and the printed words that Samaritan’s Purse will include in each one. Thank-you to those who have packed a box already. It’s not too late for those of you who have not done so already. Please let a church staff member or me know today if you wish to turn in a box later than today. You may go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ to learn more about Operation Christmas Child. If you didn’t participate this year, you can begin to make plans to do so next year.

The Georgia Barnette Offering for state missions is doing well. So far, we have collected $6,109.00 toward our goal of $7,500.00. If you have not given, please try to do so today. If you have already given, you might want to give more. It’s never too late to contribute. Be sure to mark your check and envelope with “Georgia Barnette”. The need to build and rebuild after recent hurricanes is great.

Bobbie Raborn and Frankie Gehringer will be the deacons of the week this week. If you have a need or know of a need, please contact one of these men.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is doing better. Pray for her and Mr. Philip as she continue to work to overcome this health issue she has been dealing with this year. Thank God for the medical personnel who have worked so diligently to help her.

The WMU of FBC will meet at 4 P.M. today in the heritage room. If you are interested in missions, please try to attend.

The next two projects for our associational WMU will be stamped Christmas cards for the prisoners at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and new toys for the children of migrants. You may begin bringing them to the church office at FBC, Kentwood.

Billy Thomas Whitaker
(September 14, 1934 – November 15, 2008)
Billy Thomas Whitaker born on September 14, 1934 and passed away at 9:55AM, Saturday, November 15, 2008 at his residence in Amite. Mr. Billy was the son of the late George B. & Viola Burks Whitaker. He was 74 and a native of Baton Rouge.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Edna Jones Whitaker, Amite; 4 daughters, Rhonda Knippers and husband, Chris, Loranger, Judy Miller and husband, Ronnie, Amite, Carolyn Spiess and husband, William, Independence, & Robin Clark and husband, Wayne, Bay Minette, AL; a son, Dennis White and wife, Susan, Lake Charles; 3 sisters, Loraine Ayer, Zachary, Irene Rogillio and husband, Ellis, Clinton, & Ola King, Baker; a brother, Edwin “Hunky” Whitaker and wife, Joyce, Zachary; 30 grandchildren & numerous great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 sons, Ray Whitaker, Kenny Whitaker & Lloyd Whitaker; 2 granddaughters, Lizzie Whitaker & Lacey Whitaker.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Monday, November 17, 2008 after 8:00AM until Religious Services at 10:00AM in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mike Hegwood officiating. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Baker, LA.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Manual

HAVE YOU EVER tried to figure out the remote control for your television set…?

I find myself calling our cable company at least once or twice a year to say, “Hey, how do I make this thing work?” Inevitably, some techie on the other end of the line asks, “Well, Sir, did you read the instruction manual?”

You’re probably like me — you either can’t bring yourself to actually read an owner’s manual or you can’t decipher the hieroglyphics if you do read it. There is nothing more irritating than a manual for whatever gadget, gizmo, or appliance you might have.

During my research, I discovered one group of professionals tha apparently isn’t into owner’s manuals. A sign in an engineering firm’s reception area read: “Real engineers don’t read owner’s manuals. Reliance on a reference book is a hallmark of the novice and coward.” Another wall held the following sign: “Real engineers don’t seek technical support. To do so is a sign of weakness.” Engineers may be the only ones in our society who can comprehend gadgets and devices without some kind of manual. The rest of us need help to figure out all the buttons, blinking lights, and electronics that overwhelm us.

As frustrated as we might become with electronic devices, there’s something far more important we need help with: our lives and the problems we face, the challenges we encounter, and the sorrows we endure. Since we are created beings with a free will and a purpose for our lives, there must be some instructions for us somewhere that ensure we will function at optimal capacity. I would like to suggest that the Bible is just such a book, put here so you and I can live up to our maximum potential. In fact, if I were given the assignment of coming up with a new title for the Bible, it might very well be:

LIFE: AN OWNER’S MANUAL
Your Tiime-Honored, Time-Tested Guide to the
Here and Now
and the
Then and There. (Mike Macintosh)

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” ( 2 Pet. 1:3).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 9, 2008 10:57 AM

Have a special Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Emily Panter (new format)
http://www.EmilyPanter.com

NOT ENOUGH CHAIRS

The new preacher loaded his car with his large family and visited an old deacon on the farm. After the introductions there was an awkward pause as the unexpected guests looked for chairs upon which to sit. The parlor had only two chairs.

“Brother, I don’t believe you have enough chairs,” suggested the preacher.

“That ain’t it,” muttered the old man. “I got plenty of chairs — just too much company!”

Some Christians make it clear they don’t want to spend too much time with other Christians, but how important is our fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ! Living in a hostile environment, we need the encouragement that comes from those who share the same hopes and goals that we do.

God knew that we would need each other, that the Christian life would be difficult if not impossible to live in isolation. That’s what the church is all about. The early Christians certainly recognized the value of being together:

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (Acts 2:46, NIV)

Take time today to spend a few moments with a fellow Christian, encouraging and being encouraged. Just be sure to have plenty of chairs ready!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend!
Anna Lee