Month: January 2010

Sunday

“As for me, I will call upon God,

and the Lord shall save me.

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray,

and cry aloud,

and He shall hear my voice.”

~Psalm 55:16-17~

Larkin Dorris

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

Cheyenne Hartman

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cheyennehartman

I don’t know why we have had so many girls on Caring Bridge, be we have.  Be sure to take time to go to the Caring Bridge site to look at the photographs.  I think it will be an aid in praying for Larkin and Cheyenne.

Mona Mae Westmoreland Jenkins
(September 8, 1926 – January 31, 2010)

Mrs. Mona Mae Westmoreland Jenkins was born September 8, 1926 and went to be with the Lord at 12:40 a.m. Sunday, January 31, 2010 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Mona Mae was 83, a native and resident of Pine Grove.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ike Jenkins, Jr., Pine Grove; 3 daughters, Lounette J. Townson and husband Douglas “Bo”, Watson, Susan J. Glover and husband Lionel, Pine Grove and Rosilyn J. McKneely and husband Wall, Amite; sister, Charline W. McDaniel, Baton Rouge; 10 grandchildren, Lanell Lamont and husband Eddie, Kyle Glover, Doug Townson and wife Tabitha, Jessica T. Pray and husband Zach, Mark Thompson, Shannon Thompson, Monica M. Pailet and husband Adam, Mendy McKneely and William McKneely; 3 great grandchildren, Kendall Claire Lamont, Jacob & Jaydon Pailet; also numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Nettie King Westmoreland.

Arrangements will be added Sunday afternoon.

The family would like to thank Catherine Swicegood and Pam Smith of Community Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Community Care Hospice, 1007 West Thomas St., Suite A, Hammond, LA 70401.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Picture available at http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=505143&fh_id=11426&s_id=E29CF890FC101B02B456871AE4056399

W. M. Fortenberry, Jr.
(June 18, 1921 – January 27, 2010)

A native of Amite, LA and long time resident of Mobile, AL passed away January 27, 2010 at the age of 88. Born June 18, 1921 He served his country as a B-24 pilot in the 380th Bomb Group during WWII. He received an engineering degree from LSU and worked until his retirement for International Paper. He was an ordained Elder and long time member of Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church, serving God faithfully for his entire life. W.M. Fortenberry was preceded in death by his parents William Madison Fortenberry and Sallie Ann Newton Fortenberry and his daughter Susanne Elizabeth Wood. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara Horton Fortenberry, his brother, J. Robert Fortenberry of Amite, LA, his children Pamela Ellen (Darren) Mendel, Memphis TN, William Madison Fortenberry Jr., Kingsport TN, Nancy Fortenberry Titko of Mobile, AL, Robert Horton (Martha) Fortenberry, Pace FL, son-in-law, George Charles Wood, grandchildren Chad, Lisa, Jessica, and David Wood, J. L. Mendel, Matthew Titco, Gavin Harman, Amy, Susan, Kathryn, Robin, Madison and Davis Fortenberry, and his great grandchildren Preston, Ashton, John Seton, Paul, Austin, Justin, Will, and Bradley. He lived a full life of service to God, his family, community and his country. He was a man of great integrity that will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church, 4201 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2320 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL, 36695. Visitation will begin at 5 pm with the service at 5:30. Other services will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, LA, with visitation from 10 a.m. Monday until services at 11 a.m. Monday. Interment will be in Amite, LA on Monday.

Baptist Press News

http://www.bpnews.net/

KOM pray – Kids on Mission Pray

http://kompray.imb.org

If you are a sports fan, you may want to bookmark http://www.bpsports.net/.  You’ll find sports news from a Christian viewpoint.

Check out http://www.bpnews.net/BPCartoons.asp for cartoons from a Christian viewpoint.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth.”

~Romans 1:16~


Wayne Criswell and brothers-in-law

Wayne did well with his procedure Friday and will get the results in a few days. The Dr.s feel like this is most likely some scar tissue from an old bout with pneumonia about 30 years ago.

Please add my brothers: Jim Brent who lives in Austin had a biopsy of the prostate on Thursday, and Max Brent who lives in Ohio had back surgery on Tuesday.

Mary Criswell

Callie Cole

Forgot to remind everyone that the Callie’s Mission T-shirts are here.  You can look at the shirts on calliesmission.org, and there are several colors and designs to choose from.  The sales will go to Callie’s Mission to generate funds for those scholarship recipients selected.  There will be three students selected and sent to the uttermost parts this year.  Please pray for those interested in applying for the scholarships.  They will be writing their essays about their calling to missions, and we all know how difficult it can be to put our hearts on paper.
We are so thankful to all of you who are supporting Callie’s ultimate dream to bring others to the feet of Jesus!!

Love,
Tom and Frances

A Lesson in Pruning

by Dr. Charles Stanley
John 15:1-4

Years ago I lived in Fruitland, North Carolina. It was apple country, and several of my parishioners were growers. When I stopped by to visit one of them, his wife told me that he was in the orchard. So I walked out back to find him mercilessly cutting branches from one of the trees. Without thinking, I said, “You’re going to kill that tree!” He turned around and said, “You stick to preaching, and leave the pruning to me.”

This gentleman and I became friends, and it was from him that I learned about the pruning process. In order to produce an abundant crop of the best fruit, he had to cut as he did. It might look as if the tree was going to die, but new growth would spring from the wounds. Our conversations helped me to understand why the Lord sometimes acts as a pruning
force in people’s lives.

To get a plentiful crop of spiritual fruit, our heavenly Father must remove anything that distracts or deters us from serving Him. The process is often painful. I know I’ve cried out, “More, Lord?” when He has taken the “knife” to me. But the result is always satisfying—I am a better, more accurate reflection of Jesus Christ after God cuts away a fleshly habit or worldly attitude.

Being loved by God does not mean we will be coddled—our comfort is not His primary interest. A grower must prune an apple tree to get a bountiful harvest. In the same way, God must sometimes let us feel pain so He can bring forth greater growth and more spiritual fruit.

Have a special Saturday!

Anna Lee


Friday Afternoon

David Dewalt Lockwood

(December 12, 1953 – January 28, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, passed away at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at his home. He was born December 12, 1953 in Baton Rouge and was 56. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Tyrney Lockwood, Greensburg; 3 daughters, Crystal Renee’ St. Cyr and her husband, Brandon, Roseland, Sarah Ann Lockwood, Hammond and Emma Marie Lockwood, Greensburg; 2 grandchildren, Blane Brandon St. Cyr and Ava Ann-Marie St. Cyr; parents, H. D. and Hattie Marie Lockwood, Greensburg; 2 sisters, Janis E. Poche’, Dutchtown and Patricia Brussack, Athens, GA; niece, Kristy Anthony; nephew, Rodney Poche’. Pallbearers will be Mitch, Blake and Clay Wilson, Curtis and Justin Matherne, Brandon St. Cyr, Paul Pittman and Harlan Poche’. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy and Butch Taylor, Al Travis and Nathan Robertson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Sandburg. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA.

Photo at http://www.mckneelys.com/index.cfm

Friday

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world,

and we can take nothing out of it.

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

Chuck Pittman is home and reports that he had a good day  yesterday, the best in a while.  Please continue to pray for Chuck.

Roger Pittman will be having a procedure at North Oaks this morning.  Pray for Roger today.

Butch Reviere is getting rest in Washington Parish.  He may come to Kentwood the first of next week.  Pray for him as he continues to recover from his surgery.

From Sherry Rosamond

My friend, Lisa Westmoreland’s, mother is in the hosiptal and E would like for everyone to keep her and her mother in your prayers.

APPRECIATING VALUABLE THINGS

The story is told of a man who was sued by a woman for defamation of character.  She charged that he had called her a pig.  The man was found guilty and fined.

After the trial he asked the judge, “Does this mean that I cannot call Mrs. Johnson a pig?”  The judge said that was true.

“Does this mean I cannot call a pig Mrs. Johnson?” the man asked.  The judge replied that he could indeed call a pig Mrs. Johnson with no fear of legal action.

The man looked directly at Mrs. Johnson and said, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Johnson.”

Such name-calling is obviously wrong, but Jesus told us there are some people who are “pigs” (and not in the sense of eating too much).  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6)

There are some people who are “dogs” and “pigs” in the sense that they have no appreciation for things of a spiritual nature.  Just as a pig has no appreciation for precious jewelry, so it is that some people have no appreciation for the precious truths of God’s Word.

John MacArthur has written, “There will be times when the gospel we present is absolutely rejected and ridiculed and we will make the judgment to turn away and speak no more, deciding that we should ‘shake off the dust of [our] feet’ (Matt. 10:14) and begin ministering somewhere else.” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-7)

I agree.  There are times when those I speak to show such a lack of appreciation for God’s Word.  My greater concern, though, is making sure that I don’t have that same attitude.

“Father, I pray that my heart may always be tender and open to the valuable lessons you want to teach me.  May I never ‘trample underfoot’ those things which are truly important.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

TODAY’S PRAYER

IMB
JANUARY 29, 2010


“I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing to You among the nations.”

~Psalm 57:9~

HAITI. IMB missionary Dawn Goodwin asks that we pray that they can quickly find locations to set up base camps in Jimani, both on the border in the Dominican Republic and within Haiti itself. Doug Roberts, Sam York and Steve Flook are working hard to make that happen. Intercede for physical stamina for all the Haiti response team and for all the missionaries in the Dominican Republic who are pulling together and working around the clock! The joint Southern Baptist response to the Haiti earthquake launches this coming week with four “strategically selected” medical teams. Four “strategically selected” medical teams are being sent through the Dominican Republic to Haiti, along with two representatives from the Florida convention who will continue to make arrangements for trained disaster relief teams to travel in and out of the country. The death toll has grown beyond our ability to fathom the pain and loss, but we must remain vigilant in praying for those who are suffering infection without adequate medication. Ask God to protect Haitians living in improvised camps from the spread of contagious diseases.

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for President Alvaro Colom Caballeros of Guatemala (Central America).

BAMBARA OF MALI (BAHM-bah-rah). Bambara Team members Mitch, Arnett and Steve set out into the African bush, carrying not much more than a GPS device, a pan of cupcakes, and some sleeping gear. They didn’t know where they were going. They didn’t have a plan other than prayer and trusting God to provide them with lodging. Their mission? To find an untouched place to start a new work. In three days, they hit seven villages. True to their culture, the Bambara were hospitable to the strangers in their midst. Mitch, Arnett and Steve were offered a place to sleep each night. Along the way, they gave the traditional gift of respect, cola nuts, to a variety of village chiefs–some warm, some stern. The three sat under the stars and explained the “new religion of Christianity” to some stately elders devoted to another belief system. They ate lots of rice with their hands, endured a blister bug attack, and unwittingly terrified a few children who had never before seen white men. They were looking for a place that was open both to hearing about Jesus and to learning new ways of farming. They write: “Next year, we hope a team of volunteers can restart our ‘Foundations for Farming’ project in a new village, one more open to improved planting techniques. Please pray that God will lead us to choose the right village in which to start work. Pray that He will open hearts there and that the ultimate result will be the birth of a new church. “http://www.gobambara.org/

CENTRAL TIBETANS IN ASIA (ti-BEH-tuns). The traditional celebration of the Tibetan New Year includes many Buddhists rituals. Therefore, as the holiday approaches, many of the Central Tibetan believers will choose not to participate in the festivities, while others may give in to the pressure from family and friends to carry out tradition. Ask the Lord to give Central Tibetan believers creative ideas and God-glorifying ways to incorporate different aspects of their culture into their celebration of the New Year. Pray that they will boldly stand up for Jesus and give a clear testimony of their faith to those who question or even persecute them for not following the Buddhist traditions.

Have a wonderful day today.  Make today count for something!

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Pete Lee was better today.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.
Hugh Wayne Blackmon
(April 28, 1945 – January 27, 2010)

He was born in Evans, LA, was a resident of Belle Chasse, LA and was 64 years old. “Poppa” fought long and hard, but on Wednesday he caught the wings of an angel. Treasured husband of Ruth Reed Blackmon, sisters, B.B. Pelas and Thellis Floyd, brother, Johnny Blackmon. Father of Yvette Blackmon, Larry Blackmon, Brian Blackmon, and Laurie Blackmon Gaeta. Grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of 8. Preceded by mother, Geraldine Blackmon, father, John Blackmon, brothers, Henry and Elmer Blackmon. Celebration of life at New Zion Baptist Church, Hwy 38W, Kentwood, LA, from 7 pm on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 until services at 11 am Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010. Services to be conducted by Johnny Blackmon. Graveside services following at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

Wednesday Evening

Pete Lee

I’m sure the family of Pete Lee would appreciate your prayers as they maintain a watch at the hospital.

Adrianna Cavanagh

We are missing our daughter today but so happy to know that she is in a much better place, without any pain, without any cancer!  And I truly believe she knows how much she has impacted the lives of all of us she has left behind.  I think she is now proud of us, and of what she accomplished in such a short amount of time here on Earth.
Like Adrianna always used to tell us, “I miss you when you’re gone…..”  We will forever miss her, but always remember her with a smile and revel at all the beauty, strength, trust, hope, and love she possessed.

Memorial services for Adrianna Kate Cavanagh:
FRIDAY JAN 29TH- visitation at Crain’s Funeral Home in Franklinton from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY JAN 30TH-
Visitation at First Baptist Church of Franklinton from 9:00 am to 11 am.
Funeral and celebration of Adrianna’s life at First Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

With love and trust in the Lord,
Stephanie & Joe, proud parents of our amazing daughter

James “Stacy” Graham, a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, Stacy passed away on Monday, January 25, 2010 at Hood Memorial Hospital at the age of 40. He was originally from Amite and had lived the past 13 years in Albany. Stacy was employed with McKesson Corporation for 10 years. He had a heart of gold, full of love and devoted his free time to his wife and children.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Kevin Dunn. Interment followed in Blood River Baptist Church Cemetery in Albany.
He leaves to cherish his wife of 16 years, Denise Quave Graham; two daughters, Taylor Graham and Katie Graham; siblings, Gerald Graham and his wife, Jelaine; one nephew, Hunter Graham; two nieces, Carley and Sara Graham, along with one great-nephew, Kane Graham. Stacy also leaves behind his parents, David and Marsha Stokes Graham; paternal grandparents, L.C. and Faye Graham.
Preceding Stacy in death was his maternal grandparents, Gordon, Sr. and Loyce Stokes.
Condolences and other information are available at www.bgthompsonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home of Hammond

Billie W. Page
(July 20, 1922 – January 27, 2010)

Died at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born July 20, 1922 to Molton and Edith Watkins in Rising Star, TX. She was 87 and a resident of Amite, LA since the mid-1940’s. She retired from Louisiana Department of Welfare’s Amite office. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Amite since 1952 where she played piano at both the Amite and Independence churches. She is survived by her brother, Edward Watkins, Coleman, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dan Cline Webb and Phinus Page; sisters, Edra Claiborne, Claudia Boggs and Jo Guess; brother, Clifford Watkins. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1 p.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA.

Wednesday

“But my God shall supply all your needs
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
~ Philippians 4:19~

Wayne Criswell

Wayne Criswell is having a needle biopsy of his right lung Friday morning, at North Oaks in Hammond. Please pray for him and those doing the procedure.

Thanks,

Chris Wales

Sharla Hodges

Please continue to pray for my cousin as she adjusts to her new home.  Pray she will be in rehab soon.

ADRIANNA KATE CAVANAGH, AGE 3

And a resident of Franklinton went to be with God early Tuesday January 26, 2010 at Riverside Medical Center with her family by her side. She fought a courageous battle against cancer for the last ten months. Adrianna was born December 6, 2006 and her three short years on earth were a blessing to all who knew her. She was loved greatly by her family and supported through it all by a wonderful community. Adrianna was full of joy and brave during her fight but she had a unique understanding that God would care for her. She and her entire family felt blessed by the countless prayers from people all around the world. Her faith was peacefully rewarded with mommy and daddy holding her hands as she went to heaven.

Survived by:

Loving parents: Joe and Stephanie Simmons Cavanagh of Franklinton

Grandparents: Reggie and Judy Simmons of Franklinton Brian and Irene Cavanagh of Torrington, CT

Aunts and Uncles: Kristi and Rob Crain of Franklinton Betsy and Jason Labat of Prairieville, LA Brain Cavanagh of Torrington, CT Kate and Keith Bouchard of Unionville, CT Jackie and Wade Wilkinson of Long Beach, NY

First Cousins: Wesley, Andrew and Jacob Crain Jack Bouchard Emma Wilkinson

Also numerous great-aunts and great-uncles and other cousins

Adrianna also had a special real dog that she loved named Finn.

She was preceded in death by her uncle Matthew Cavanagh, Joe’s twin brother. Also her great-grandparents Gary and Josie Stafford, Othar and Maude Simmons, Joseph and Eileen Gormley and Fred and Ellen Cavanagh

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday January 29th from 5 pm until 9 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday after 9 am at First Baptist Church of Franklinton. A funeral service will be held at the church at 11 am with Rev. Luther Stanford and Rev. Jay Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Adrianna’s honor to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans or to bandofparents.org, an organization committed to the research and eradication of childhood cancers.

http://www.actionnews.us/News/tabid/55/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/422/Northshore-mourns-passing-of-Adrianna-Cavanagh.aspx

http://www.actionnews.us/News/tabid/55/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/433/Funeral-services-set-for-this-weekend-for-three-year-old-Adriannna-Cavanagh.aspx

Today’s devotional is entitled Misery and was written by Mike Benson.  We’ve all been there.  Us the link below to ready the devotional.

http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/

Count your blessings today!

Anna Lee