Month: January 2012

Saturday Addition

Marguerite Bennett Baudin
(November 1, 1920 – January 27, 2012) 

 

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Friday, January 27, 2012 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born November 1, 1920 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 91 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 A.M. Monday, January 30, 2012. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Resthaven Garden of Memory, Baton Rouge, LA at 2 p.m. Survived by daughter, Carol Burke and her husband, Robert, Baton Rouge, son, John Baudin and his wife, Midori, Kentwood, 2 grandsons, Joe Baudin and Lucas Burke, 3 sisters, Louise Bennett Fletcher, San Angelo, TX, Laura Lea Waters, Central, and Bobbie Joyce Neyland, Centeral. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph H. Baudin, 3 sisters, Annie Bennett Martin, Flarrie Bennett Baudin, and Inez Bennett Ward, 2 brothers, Wallace Levi Bennett and Boyd Bennett. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Lucille White Lewis
(October 20, 1922 – January 26, 2012)

A resident of Amite, she died at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was born October 20, 1922 in Hammond and was 89 years of age. She is survived by her son, Mark Lewis and his wife, Marsha Murrell Lewis, Watson; granddaughter, Tracy Lewis; great-grandson, Ashton Lewis; sister, Gladys Harper, Hammond; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Wise and Zora Compton White; 2 brothers, Jim and Ogden White; 3 sisters, Lillian Landry, Zelda DeHann and Opal Bauerer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Williams. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 


Saturday

“Now that the worst is over,

we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,

and can face the world—

and even more importantly,

face you with our heads held high.

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part.

It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised.”

~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~

Four fine, Christian ladies were in an awful wreck last night.  Two are now in heaven.  Four families, two churches, and the whole community.

From ActionNews17.com

Troopers investigate Double Fatality Crash in Kentwood

Kentwood, LA – Shortly after 6:00 pm this evening, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a double fatality crash on LA 38 east of Kentwood in Tangipahoa Parish.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2005 Lincoln LS sedan, driven by Elizabeth Pittman (W/F age 66) of Kentwood, LA, was stopped in the eastbound lane of LA 38 preparing to make a left turn into a private drive. As the Lincoln remained stopped in the roadway, a 2007 Western Star 18-wheeler, driven by Stennis Taylor (B/M age 50) of Magnolia, MS, was eastbound on LA 38 approaching the Lincoln from the rear. Taylor failed to observe the Lincoln stopped in the roadway and attempted to pass the Lincoln on its left side to avoid a rear-end impact. As the Western Star 18-wheeler, towing a wood chip trailer, crossed into the westbound lane of LA 38, the Lincoln began to turn left and was impacted on its left side by the front end of the truck.

Pittman and front seat passenger, Carol Gill (W/F age 75), were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. Pittman was transported to Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington and Gill was taken to Northoaks Medical Center in Hammond where they remain in serious condition. The two rear passengers in the Lincoln, Lorina Smith (W/F age 74) and Catherine Simmons (W/F age 73), were not properly restrained at the time of the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. All four occupants in the Lincoln were from the Kentwood area.

Taylor was wearing a seatbelt and received no injuries in the crash. He was charged with two counts each of Negligent Homicide and Negligent Injuring and was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

Alcohol and/or drug impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash with toxicology results from each driver pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

While motor vehicle crash fatalities have consistently decreased across the state over the past several years, troopers continue to see driver inattention and lack of seatbelt use as major factors in a large percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes. The simple act of avoiding distractions and properly wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death.

Jill Brister was feeling better yesterday and will be flying home today.  Thank God for the laser surgery that has improved her back.  Pray she will be more comfortable now.

Velta Morris

TO GOD BE THE GLORY – VELTA’S UPDATE WITH ONCOLOGIST VISIT JANUARY 27

First, I want to thank you, my praying friends and family, for all the love you have shown me since I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month.  You have walked with me, prayed for me and comforted me.  I’m grateful and so very thankful for each of you.  I have received cards of encouragement from friends I have not communicated with in years! This has been such a blessing.  I’ve had prayers lifted from our fellow church members in Kentwood, LA and our church in Greenville, and just knowing we are one in the bond of love is such a source of strength.  My church here has covered me like a warm blanket in a cold, scary examining room!

Today my oncologist brought me the very best news I could have hoped and prayed for:  he confirmed that, yes, I do have B-cell lymphoma, medically defined as follicular lymphoma; it is slow-growing, low grade.  At this time he anticipates no meaningful negative impact in my daily routine.  The doctor will monitor me periodically with blood tests and scans, and if/when signs of aggression manifest later, at that time a course of treatment would begin.

Please continue your prayers in my behalf.   Having cancer is not something I would have chosen, of course.  But I want God to use this experience for His glory, and as someone aptly said, “Why not me?”  Being aware of the cancer will always be a constant reminder of my utter dependence on Him,for without Him I am nothing, as the song says, and my prayer for me is that I will honor Him with whatever number of years God gives me.

To God Be the Glory – great things He has done – and is doing!

Velta G. Morris

Baptist Press: Courageous is number one in DVD sales

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37058

Thought for the Day: Do you know where you are going?

There was a time when Albert Einstein was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with great embarrassment rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor said, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it. Everything is okay.”

The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car, he looked back and saw Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find his ticket. He came back and gently said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.”

Einstein looked up and said, “I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

Like Einstein, we often don’t know where we are going. That’s why we are often compared in the Scriptures to sheep — animals which have a very poor sense of direction. They have no idea where they came from or where they’re going. That’s one of the reasons they are in such dire need of a shepherd.

Like sheep, we have all “gone astray.” (Isa. 53:6). We need someone to show us the way. And Jesus not only shows us the way — he IS the way!

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:5-6)

Thanks be to our God, who provides us with direction.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

There is sadness in Kentwood today because of the awful wreck that happened last night.  Thankfully, we can say all four of these ladies knew where they were going.  Two of them have already made the journey.  If the same thing happened to your vehicle today to you, could your family say you were in heaven?

As you pray for the four families represented by those in the wreck, please remember to pray for Spring Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Kentwood.  Pray for Bro. Danny and Bro. Joey as they minister to the families and friends.

Anna Lee

Friday Midday

Mrs. Lorna Smith

Donna sent a message that her mother is doing very well.  She doesn’t even have a cast!  Keep the prayers coming.

 

Dr. Derry Magee

Derry was discharged from St. Joseph Rehab on Thursday, January 26, 2012  at 1:00 p.m. and transferred to  the ISLE AT WATERCREST on this same date at 1:30 p..m.  Skilled Nursing  therapists and the resident  doctor came to his room to meet him and began their evaluations.  The resident doctor will begin blood work and other assessments today.  She asked Derry’s  permission to bring her dog to visit him.  PT and OT began their evaluations last evening.  They transferred him from his bed to his wheel chair and then back to his bed.  The two ladies successfully transferred Derry with him providing the assists needed.  They will begin the PT and OT therapies today.  The Speech Therapist will begin the speech evaluation during breakfast this morning.  This speech  therapy will continue the  Vital Stem Therapy that he was receiving at St. Joseph Rehab.  Derry still does not feel comfortable swallowing water yet.  Water travels so fast down the throat that it easily goes into the lungs.   They will supplement his meals through the PEG (feeding tube) and will feed him water through the tube so that he does not become dehydrated.  He was tired last night after the move and will probably be so until all of the assessments are complete.  They asked him what time he would like to begin his therapies, and he responded “late morning.”  We will be purchasing him an I-Pad this weekend.  I have asked my nephew Patrick Schilling to shop for one.  If any of you have any suggestions on what we should buy, please give us your input.  If you are an I-pad guru, please let us know.

 

I am not allowed to spend the night with him, but I will be with him during the day when appropriate.  One perk is that they will do his laundry.  Sandra, you will not have to do the laundry anymore.  Derry really enjoys the company, cards, notes, e-mails, and mainly your prayers.  One of his former colleagues, Dr. Steve Wikse, makes frequent visits to talk with him and  read to him.  What a neat  way to minister to someone!  Steve plans to bring an AVMA journal so that they can read and discuss a veteriinary article.  Patrick’s two sons, Conner and David,  brought their Bibles last weekend and read scriptures to him.  Derry quoted Psalms: 23 as Conner read it to him.  What a blessing!  Our grandson, Bill Johnson from Nashville, TN,  sent him quotes from Ephesians 6:10-12 and some scriptures answering the question, “Is God sovereign or do we have a free will?”  I will read these to him after he has settled into his new place or Bill can read them to him when he comes to see him in a few weeks.

 

Thank you again for your prayers, love, and concern for him and our family.  You may send cards to him at: Room 314,  ISLE  AT WATERCREST, 4091 Eastchester Drive, Bryan, TX 77802, or you may send them to our home address:  9265 Brookwater Circle, College Station, TX 77845.  I will take them to him when I go daily.  He cannot receive phone calls directly into his room.  You may call me at home at (979) 695-6616, and I will give him your message.  If you choose to e-mail him, I will print it out and take it to him.  When he gets his I-pad, he will be able to communicate with the outside world via the I-pad directly.

 

In Christian love,

 

Dora

 

In God We Trust
Derry Magee, DVM
Retired
<derrym@suddenlink.net>
979-695-6616
9265 Brookwater circle
College Station, Tx 77845

Friday

“But to You I have cried out, O Lord,

and in the morning my prayer comes before You.”

~Psalm 88:13~

Jadon Pailet is making amazing progress.  He is able to scoot around on the floor much better, repeat sounds and words better than he ever has, and give a high-five with his right hand.  Go, Jadon!  Thank you, Jesus!

Mr. Kenneth Felker seems to have his hands full lately.  “Miss” Grace Helen seems to have an infection in her knee.  She will be moved back to North Oaks for more attention on her knee.

Robert Lee Beaver

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite

Robert Lee Beaver relinquished the bonds of this world to join another that he strove for his whole life on January 25, 2012. Born January 25, 1930 in Martha, West Virginia to Charles Wesley Beaver and Vesta Lovejoy Beaver. A faithful servant to God, devoted husband, father, brother and trusted friend to all he shared his rich life with. Bob was a teacher of the Word of God and the skills of the hand to many. A retiree of Union Carbide Corporation with 35 years of service. Bob was raised and lived in Hurricane, West Virginia, later residing in Luling, Amite and Zachary, Louisiana. Bob is survived by wife, Ann Welsh Beaver, 3 daughters, Donna Ericson, Diana Herrera and husband, Don, Devon Jeffcoat and husband, Jerry, son, Scott Beaver and wife, Susan, step-son, Kohn Milton and wife, Patricia, brother, Bill Beaver and wife, Jean and sister, Helen Beckett. Bob was blessed with grandchildren, Krista, Morgan, Chelsea, Mitchell, Joshua, Meagan, Steve, Adam, Thomas, Eric, Catherine and Brittany. Also sharing his love with great-grandchildren, Brianna, Carissa, Mallory and Colin. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Loretta Wise Beaver, son, Mitchell Dean Beaver, brother-in-law, Bill Beckett. Special Thanks from the family go to Zachary Manor Nursing Home for the long term care given to Robert and for the many thoughts and prayers from the special friends that have joined in the adventurous life journey with Bob. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Lakelawn Mausoleum, Metairie. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 ENCOUNTERING JESUS

A number of years ago, there was a woman in Kansas City who walked into a Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop. While she was waiting in line, she turned around to find actor Paul Newman standing behind her.  He was in town filming the movie Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, and he didn’t realize it, but he was standing behind one of his biggest fans.

Paul Newman smiled at her and said “hello.”  She took one look at those blue eyes and her knees almost buckled.  She tried to speak, but nothing came out.  Mortified, she turned back around, paid for her ice cream, then quickly walked out of the store.

When she was outside, she sat down on a bench and took a moment to catch her breath.  As she calmed down, she realized she didn’t have her ice cream cone.  She was getting ready to walk back in to get it when Paul Newman walked out. He asked her, “Are you looking for your ice cream cone?” She was still speechless but she nodded.  He said, “You put it in your purse with your change.”

There are some people who hold such great significance in our lives, that meeting them affects us in a powerful way.  But if a celebrity or an athlete can have that kind of effect on people, just imagine how much difference it would make in a person’s life to come face-to-face with Jesus Christ!

Think of the difference made in the lives of the Samaritan woman, the man possessed by a multitude of demons, Zaccheus, James and John, the lame man by the pool of Bethesda, the paralytic lowered by his four friends, Saul (later known as Paul), the woman caught in adultery, the blind man, the leper, the thief on the cross, and countless others.

There’s a popular video making the rounds on Youtube this week (with over 14 million hits!) entitled, “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus”.  There is much I like about the video and some that I don’t like.  Religion is not the problem; false religion (hypocrisy) is.  Many people fail to realize that Jesus was a religious person himself!  But, it is true that religion (in and of itself) cannot save us; Jesus can.  Religion cannot change our hearts; Jesus can.  Religion cannot empower us to live holy lives; Jesus can.

Our goal as Christians should not be to get people to follow a religion.  Our goal should be to bring people to Jesus, to let them see him for themselves, and to allow that encounter to change their lives.  Perhaps the most powerful thing we can say to people is what Philip said to Nathaniel (John 1:46) and what the Samaritan woman said to the villagers (John 4:29):  “Come and meet Jesus for yourself.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I hope you have “encountered” Jesus!
Anna Lee

Thursday

I’m sorry to be late posting today.  I packed too many miles, people, and events into Wednesday!

 

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed.”

~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~

Pray for Andy Taylor as he has surgery this morning in Hattisburg at 10:30.  Pray for peace, rest, good results, and a great spirit.  God has surely used Andy as a testimony to us especially during the last months.

Mrs. Lorna Smith‘s elbow surgery went well yesterday.  She’s at home now.

Debbie Luce is recovering from her back surgery and hoping to be free of her back brace soon.

Pray for Paul Howell of Amite.  His health has declined lately.

Mrs. Mickey Cade is recovering from knee surgery and complications, but was able to get to the funeral home to support extended family yesterday.

Pray for Taylor Breeland as she goes through challenging times.  Pray for her family as they “travel this journey” with her.

Many of you have asked about Boyd and me.

  • I’m doing very well, just waiting until I can have a MRI in three more months.
  • Boyd Hatchel  has no more information about his blood clots.  I’ll give you a report when he goes back to that doctor.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk on

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Holley

God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Joan Hagan is doing well, but please pray for her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, who is dealing with congestive heart failure.

 

Andy Taylor will be having surgery at 10:30 in the morning at Hattisburg.  Please keep Andy and Betty in your prayers.

 

Donald Ray Willson
(February 19, 1933 – January 25, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, he died at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was born February 19, 1933 in Liberty, MS and was 78 years of age. He was a retired dairy farmer and spent many years in local politics where he served as Justice of the Peace and Police Jury, 6th district, St. Helena Parish. Survived by his wife, Antoinette Gray Willson, Kentwood; 2 sons, Paul Willson and wife, Mary Ann, Kentwood and Jimmy Willson and wife, Laurie, Houston, TX; daughter, Tracy Willson Desselles and husband, Gary, Abita Springs; 7 grandchildren, Jim Willson, J.J. Willson, Adam Willson and his wife, Lori, Bracy Willson, Christen Willson Blades and her husband, Landon, Colby Desselles and Bailey Desselles; 2 brothers, Malcolm Willson and wife, Kathy, Liberty, MS and Joe Willson and wife, Carolyn, Port Arthur, TX; 2 sisters, Velma Leigh Boyd, Zachary and Tommie Stewart, Yazoo City, MS. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Easley Willson; 2 brothers, James Howard Willson and John “Pete” Willson. Visitation at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, Pine Ridge, LA, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Wednesday

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?”

~Psalm 27:1, ESV~

Pray for Jill Brister as she has laser back surgery in Philadelphia today.  Pray for the family, some still here and some there with Jill.

Pray for Susan Rimes as she goes back to the doctor today.  Pray she will soon be able to put all this behind her.

Visitation and funeral for Roy Russell at McKneely Funeral Home this morning

Jadon Pailet – Jadon’s Story: Two weeks

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Not only is Jadon’s progress so amazing, but so is the number of people praying for him and the deep spiritual lessons learned by the humbled family.

DR (Disaster Relief) teams deploy after Ala., Ark. tornadoes

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37028

Thought for the Day: A morning prayer


The following prayer came to me author unknown:

Dear God,

So far today,
I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped.
I haven't lost my temper.
I haven't lied or cheated.
I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent.

I'm very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, Lord,
I'm going to get out of bed;
and from then on, I'm probably
going to need a lot more help.

In Jesus' name, Amen

I can relate to that, can't you? Perhaps you've made some resolutions to change some things in your life. And maybe it's been fairly easy so far, but from now on you're going to need a lot more help.

If so, continue with this prayer of David:

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity....My eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I take refuge." (Psalm 140:3-4a,8a)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ


Think about that for a while!


Anna Lee