January 2011 – Page 5 – The Prayer Link

Wednesday – No. 3

Bro. Joey sent word that Jeff’s surgery has been postponed until next week. That gives us more time to pray for him.

Wednesday – No. 2

I forgot to mention Jeff Birch this morning. Please be in prayer for Jeff, his family, and Dr. Breaux as Jeff has surgery today in Lacombe.

Wednesday

“We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD,

and his might,

and the wonders that he has done.”

~Psalm 78:4b~

Continue to be very careful in this cold weather. Do you know of anyone who might need something to help them get through this cold week? Meet their need if you can. If you can, call someone who can.

Pray for the Fox family as they begin traveling this way for the graveside service Saturday morning. Pray God guides them to take the best route and takes over the steering wheel in dangerous sections of roadway.

Sam L. Levatino was born June 21, 1921 and passed away, Monday, January 10, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 89, a native and a resident of Independence.

Mr. Sam is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosalie LaMarca Levatino; 2 daughters, Cindy Martin and husband, Reggie, Independence and Cathy Russo and husband Salvadore J., Jr., Morgan City, LA; 5 grandchildren, Regina M. Martin, Jason M. Martin, Salvadore J. Russo, III, Philip A. Russo & Catherine Rose Russo. 1 great grandchild, Isabelle Rose Martin; 3 brothers, Joseph Levatino and wife Helga, Terrytown, Philip Levatino, Jr. and wife Helen, Yellville, AR, Angelo T. Levatino, Independence; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Ida Annie Magliolo Levatino; nephew, Michael Levatino.

Visitation at the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, on Wednesday, January 12, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence with Fr. Howard Adkins officiating. Interment in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.

Family request Memorial Donations in be made to Mater Dolorosa Catholic School. 483 Pine Street, Independence, LA 70443

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN EPCOT CENTER was finished in 1982, Walt Disney had already passed away…

Disney executives asked Walt’s wife to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

When she was called up to the podium, one of the executives said to her, “Mrs. Disney, I wish Walt could have seen this.”

She replied, “He did.”

Vision was essential for Epcot Center . Vision is critical for the Lord’s church as well.

QUESTION: Elders, what’s the vision of the congregation where you serve? How is it being communicated? How is it being implemented?

“Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a temple for the name of the LORD God of Israel.” 1 Kings 7.18

I pray you have a clear vision of what the Lord would have you do today and for the rest of your life.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Physical therapy is going well for my fractured right shoulder. I think God for the progress I already see and for the absence of pain most of the time.

Pray for Mrs. Leroy (Margaret Ann Daniel) Wilson who had MS, a gallstone, and now shingles.

Graveside Service of Marilyn Fox

Frank just talked to Lowry and the graveside service for Marilyn (Mrs. Lowry) Fox is scheduled for this coming Sat., Jan. 15, at 1:00 pm in Lea Cemetery near Gillsburg, MS. This is assuming that Lowry can get through the snow and ice that now has Atlanta shut down.

Fedora Inez “FiFi” Clement Langlois
(June 29, 1944 – January 10, 2011)

Fedora Inez “FiFi” Clement Langlois was born June 29, 1944 and passed away, Monday, January 10, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 66, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Independence.

FiFi is survived by her husband of 43 years, Doug Langlois; brother, Jack Clement and wife Betty Ann, Independence; nephews, Brian Clement and wife, Becky and child, Lauren & Kevin Clement and wife Kim and children, Peyton and Mollie;

Preceded in death by her parents, Claude & Lucy Populis Clement; son, Douglas “Dougie” Langlois; maternal grandparents, Rev. Lawrence and Beulah Populis.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Lawrence Missionary Baptist Church, Independence from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Services at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Elester Raines officiating. Interment in Lawrence Cemetery, Independence.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

William “Bill” Whitehead

(October 11, 1928 – January 11, 2011)

A resident of Kentwood, he died at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. He was born October 11, 1928 in Booneville, MS and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Frazier Whitehead; son, Mike Whitehead and his wife, Patsy; 2 grandchildren, Roger Temple and Rebecca Simmons, all of Kentwood; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Quay Stewart and Virginia McCoy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Alpha Lois Whitehead; 3 sisters, Mary Sue Smith, Estleen Johnson and Edith Mae Whitehead; 6 brothers, Sidney, George, J. B., Eurchile, Earl and Jerry Whitehead. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood.

Tuesday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,

for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

Jadon’s Story: Look at Me

Jadon+standing.jpg

Well I’m doing better now that I’m off the diet. My seizures are staying anywhere from 80-100. I don’t know how the diet was making my seizures worse but it definitely was. We are very sad about this. We really wanted the diet to work. We talked to my neurologist in Boston and New Orleans today. Of course Boston wants us to try Sabril. We have contacted a doctor in Philadelphia that sees patients that are on Sabril. He is a pediatric neuro ophthalmologist. We will probably go see him sometime in the near future. You know my mommy and daddy have to find the best doctors for me. My vision is kinda important though. In the meantime we are going to increase my Banzel. I will let you know how I do with the increase. Developmentally I’m doing some new things. I’m eating finger foods all by myself. I’m also putting weight on my legs. I stood for about 15 seconds yesterday as you can see in the picture. Please continue to pray for me. We really need to get these spasms down. Oh one more very important thing. When my mommy talked to Boston today they said that my CDKL 5 genetic test came back normal. Thank you God for another normal test. They also said that we need to repeat the 3T MRI and long term VEEG monitoring this summer. So we will be traveling back to Boston sometime this summer.

David and I saw Patti Hodstaff Friday. She said Harrell’s nephew from Kenner had been killed in Afghanistan. Please be in prayer for the family and all other families who have had to face such a loss.

Thought for the Day: Lessons From Prison

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complained that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complained because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sued after lightning knocked out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he had to watch network programs, which he said contained violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sued to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sued for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sued because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate sued because he didn’t like his mail being stamped in a way that indicated it was being sent from a state prison (California)

~ An inmate who was a murderer sued for $25,000, claiming a “defective” haircut resulted in lost sleep, headaches, and chest pains. (New York)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison (and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which came from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same. There is much to be thankful for!

“Father, help me to truly understand that what matters most in life is not being comfortable, being stress-free, or even being treated fairly. What matters most is that I am living in a way that brings you the glory and draws others around me closer to you. Please help me to do that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Continue to be alert to the weather conditions. Help out a friend or neighbor who might not be warm enough.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Rev. Marshall Wallace just posted this. I know you will want to pray for Rev. Langlois and his family. I’ll post more later.

Marshall Wallace

Was notified by Douglas Langlois of the death of his wife FiFi (Clements) Langlois at Nth Oaks Hsptl today around 1:30 p.m.
No arrangement have been made at this time. Will post more as soon as I receive information. I know the family would love knowing you are lifting them in prayer…

Monday Addition

Harold L. Forrest

(July 30, 1931 – January 9, 2011)

Mr. Harold L. Forrest was born on July 30, 1931 and went to be with the Lord at 4:45 a.m., Sunday, January 9, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 79, a native and resident of Kentwood. Mr. Harold graduated from Spring Creek High School and served our country in the United States Air Force. He was a retired dairy farmer, avid fisherman and a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church

Mr. Harold is survived by his wife, Mrs. Shirley Fitzwater Forrest, Kentwood; 2 daughters, Debbie Lofton and husband, Troy & Cassie Vice and husband E. J. all of Kentwood; daughter-in-law, Michelle Brock Forrest, Kentwood; brother, Milford “Ducky” Forrest and wife Johanna, West Point, MS; sister-in-law, Dorothy H. Forrest, Pawley Island, NC; brother-in-law, John Harris, Tupelo, MS; special friends, Francis McIntyre & Cade Williams both of Kentwood. 3 grandchildren, Angel Moore and husband Scott, Brock Forrest and wife Heather & Brianne Forrest; 4 great grandchildren, Dakota Forrest, Jaxon Forrest, Abigayle Forrest & Madox Forrest; 2 step grandchildren, TJ Lofton and wife Erin & Joy Lofton; a step great-grandson, Triston Lofton.

Preceded in death by parents, Herman & Clyde Strickland Forrest; son, Ivy Keith Forrest; brother, William D. Forrest; sister, Donis Forrest Harris & special friend, Charles Armette McIntyre

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, January 13, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 12:00 Noon in the funeral home Chapel with Dr. Danny Smith officiating. Interment in Spring Creek Cemetery.

Family request Memorial Donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 72937 Hwy 1061, Kentwood, LA 70444

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

Donald Ray “Coach” Moffat, age 80, left to join his Lord at home in Zachary, LA on Sunday, January 9, 2011.

Born June 15, 1930, in Royal Oak, MI, to Ray and Thelma Elam Moffat, he attended Picayune High School and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana College in 1956. He was a 4 year letterman of the baseball team and a cheerleader. He also served as president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. Don served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He was a retired math teacher and coach having taught and coached at DeQuincy High School, El Paso Technical High School, Amite High School, Sikes High School, Jackson High School. St. Francisville High School, Zachary High School, Catholic High School in Baton Rouge and George Dewey High School on Subic Bay Naval Station, Philippines; Central Private and False River Academy.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peggy Williams Moffat of Zachary, LA; two sons, David and wife Lisa of Norwood, LA, Mark and wife Malisa of Sulphur, LA; three daughters, Karen Sedtal and husband Joey of Covington, LA, Nancy of Zachary, LA and Rebecca Stocks and husband Adam of Flowery Branch, GA; eleven grandchildren, Chip Hathcox of Norwood; Robyn Waldon, Lacie Graham and Jeremy Cook of Zachary; Joseph Sedtal of Covington; Sheree’, Stephen, and Chance Moffat of Sulphur and Jessica and Courtney Bouvier and Justin Stocks of Flowery Branch, GA; a sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Charles White of Carriere, MS; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Beverly and Willie Watson of Greensburg, mother-in-law Elvira Durnin of Greensburg and one niece and four nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Roy Williams and grandson Timothy Sedtal.

Visitation is Tuesday from 5 to 8 PM at First Baptist Church, Zachary and continues Wednesday from 9 am until services at 11 AM with Rev. Basil Wicker and Dr. Reggie Bridges officiating. Burial will be 2PM Wednesday at Kedron Church Cemetery in Amite, LA.

Pallbearers will be Buck Shipp, Chip Hathcox, Jeremy Cook, Joseph Sedtal, Stephen Moffat and Chance Moffat. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Davis, Joe Schilling, Jack Darsey and James Vicellio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Hospice,10615 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Share condolences at Hartman-Sharkeyfuneralhome.com

Monday

God plans to bring all of history to its goal in Christ.

Then Christ will be the head of everything in heaven and on earth!

~Ephesians 1:10 (GW)~

Thank God the worst of the weather missed us. I have enjoyed seeing pictures of snow (some as much at eight inches) from friends and family east of us. Pray for people to be safe and to make wise decisions as they deal with the weather conditions for the next few days.

Pray for all the people who are dealing with pneumonia and other similar problems.

James William McGuff
(February 10, 1926 – January 9, 2011)

Mr. James William McGuff was born on February 10, 1926 and passed away at 1:10 a.m., Sunday, January 9, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 84, a native of Serepta, MS and a resident of Greensburg.

Mr. James is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mrs. Janie Christine Welch McGuff, Greensburg; daughter, Fran McGuff Brigance, Oxford, MS; 2 sons, William L.”Whitey” McGuff and wife Margie, Greensburg and James Eskirn McGuff and wife Patsy, Greensburg; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents, John & Corda Dover McGuff; 2 sisters, Connie Mae Baggett & Verdie Mae Duncan; granddaughter, Lisa McGuff; great granddaughter, Rose Marie McGuff.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mark Robinson officiating. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

Sherry Deneen Douglas

(April 6, 1966 – January 8, 2011)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:35AM on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at her home near Independence, LA. She was born April 6, 1966 in Houma, LA and was 44 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA, after 6 p.m .on Sunday, January 9, 2011 until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011. Services conducted by Bro. Nathan Firmen. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Survived by father, Marion Maurer, Jr., Independence, 2 sisters, Tammy Savage, Plaucheville, and Frosty Foster, New Orleans, 3 brothers, Tommy Maurer, Marksville, Ricky Maurer, Independence, and Danny Maurer, Independence. Preceded in death by mother, Glyndell Faye Maurer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Be warm and safe!

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

FBC, Kentwood will not have any activities tonight due to possible sleet.

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders is now in rehab across the street from North Oaks. Please continue to pray for her.

Pray for Bro. Joe Baugh and his family. His mother is hospitalized in Florida.

Mrs. Virginia Wickham is hospitalized in Greensburg.

Sherry Deneen Douglas
(April 6, 1966 – January 8, 2011)

James William McGuff
(February 10, 1926 – January 9, 2011)

Preceded in death by parents, John & Corda Dover McGuff; 2 sisters, Connie Mae Baggett & Verdie Mae Duncan; granddaughter, Lisa McGuff; great granddaughter, Rose Marie McGuff.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

Sunday

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,

“We should go up and take possession of the land,

for we can certainly do it.”

~Numbers 13:30 NIV~

Callie Cole

Happy New Year!! Hope you all have a wonderful new year filled with much joy!! Joy in our heavenly Father and in the work He is performing among us! May you all see where He is working and join Him.
Sorry I have not posted in quite some time. The holiday hustle and bustle along with a few new twists and I did well to keep up with my family and all their needs.
Had a great Christmas with Miss Callie. She seemed to enjoy all the festivities. I was very choosy during the holidays and did not get her out in public too much. I admit that I am very leary of all the bugs going around. I do not want to catch one and I certainly do not want Miss Callie to experience one at this time. She had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago and I was scared she had pneumonia. Thank goodness she did not.
She is anxious to get back to a ball game but many of the players and friends are experiencing the flu and cough and cold. So, we will probably wait a little longer to get through the worst part of the flu season. Her teachers that come to the house have been sick. My caregivers couldn’t work a couple of days due to a virus. So, we wait.
Callie is having a hospital bed delivered Monday. She has been working on rolling over to her side and has done very well. She needs the rails to help roll and to strengthen her trunk. She continues to experience right side weakness, but is getting rather good at using the left side. For this, we are thankful. We continue to pray and expect a full recovery. Hope you are too. Don’t stop believing.
Keep it real.

Love,
Frances

Avery Smith

Today has been such a blessing, but a very emotional day for us. Today, one year ago, I clutched my lethargic baby tight, riding in the back of an ambulance, scared to death, not knowing why or what was in store for her. I can remember like it was yesterday, feeling like I must have been dreaming, feeling like it was the worst day of my life. I have been thinking about this day for quite some time, and I must admit, I have felt a lot of anxiety as it has approached. I can’t understand why so much anxiety, because as I reflect on this year, I feel so gracious and that my life is so much more fulfilled. We had such a wonderful holidays and we just enjoyed every moment, every smile on her face, like we were seeing it for the first time.

I must apologize for the lack of journaling. When I stopped we had been in and out of the hospital, with no access to a computer, and I was by myself with Avery. Being alone in the hospital with a toddler on a IV made even the simplest tasks more difficult. When we got the “okay”, we made several trips to TX, so that we could spend some extra time with Daddy (not to mention Avery loves camping). I am so thankful for Dr. Kanter, Claire, the nurses and staff for always going above and beyond, making this years journey more comfortable. We have met so many amazing kids, and families this year that will impact our lives for a lifetime. A huge thank you to such a wonderful community of friends and people, that in such a time of distress, came together to help, without even thinking twice. Every donation, every letter, every card, and especially every prayer, is appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. I am so thankful for a loving and supportive family, and as always, a shoulder to cry on.

This year has no doubt, been the most difficult, but also the best year of our lives. I feel like I am seeing the world through totally different eyes. We have learned to take each day at a time, and we appreciate every day God gives us. It is so sad to hear that so many people waste their time and energy on petty, silly things that don’t even matter. I just wish that time could be spent thinking and praying for all of the special children and families that struggle through each day. We have seen first hand, how difficult times can bring families closer together, and some times they can tear them apart. Aj and I have become so strong not only in our marriage, but also our bond with Avery. Her treatments are not finished, but we are praying that the worst is over. Avery is now in the maintenance phase of treatment, which she will continue throughout this next year. We are now able to take most of her chemo and meds at home, so Life has somewhat gotten back to normal…we are only going to clinic every other week, and we don’t have to worry about low counts (unless there are any problems) I have started back with the frames, along with my little helper, of course. Avery’s permanent hair is growing so fast, and she is so proud of it! She is such an amazing little girl that is growing up so fast. As I have said so many times before, she is my hero, and I am so thankful God allows us to share this life together.

Please continue to pray for Avery’s health and strength as we go through cold and flu season. Please pray her spinal tap goes well on Monday, and please pray for her, as she will begin steroids again. She has to be on steroids once a month, for several days, in which she never responds well. They usually make her quite miserable, and cause some stomach irritation, so please pray for her comfort this week. Thank you again for all who keep us in their thoughts and prayers. And, PLEASE PLEASE, continue to give blood. Anyone can go to any bloodcenter and donate in honor of Avery Smith at Tulane Hospital for Children. No matter what blood type…you are saving lives!!!

Fundraiser for Bailey Leon: www.bucksforbailey.com Please continue to keep her in your prayers!

Mark your calendars for January 15th- we are having a Skeet Shoot and Live/Silent Auctions to raise money for Bailey! If interested in entering please call Cody Reed at 337-224-9122 or send an inbox message to this page. Entry fee is $100 which includes hamburger, chips & drink for the shooter. Tournament will be held at Cajun Elite Shooting Range in Jennings, LA.

Mr. Gordon Price continues go improve. He has enjoyed having company. Pray for him as he continues to receive treatment.

Sherry Douglas

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:35AM on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at her home near Independence, LA. She was 44 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA on Sunday, January 9, 2011 until religious services Monday, January 10, 2011. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Completed arrangements will be posted on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Don’t forget the special celebration for Dr. and Mrs. Joe Baugh today at FBC, Kentwood. Bro. Joe will retire after 42 years in the ministry.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee