Saturday

So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory.

Jesus did it; now you do it!

~Romans 15:7 (MSG)~

Two of David’s former co-workers died this week. First, it was JoAnn Ponder, Now, Miss Kopfler.

Arva Lynelle “Suetee” Kopfler
(September 21, 1918 – April 15, 2011)

A resident of Amite, she died at 12:26 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2011 at her home. She was born September 21, 1918 in Amite and was 92 years of age. Aunt Suetee was devoted to her family, having lived much of her life with her father and mother. She was actively involved with each niece and nephew from the time of their birth and continued this interest with great-nieces and great-nephews, etc. As the matriarch of this large family, she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her 5 nieces, Karen Lynn Robbins, Baton Rouge, Kay Lark Matthews, El Campo, TX, Dean E. Kopfler, Lafayette, Nancy G. Bass, Huntsville, AL and Anne K. Montelaro, Baton Rouge; 3 nephews, Edwin Lyle Kopfler, Jr., Slidell, Joseph G. Kopfler, Houma and James E. Gremillion, Jr., Keller, TX; 13 great-nieces and nephews; 3 great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Joseph and Dixie Varnado Kopfler; sister, Katherine Anne Gremillion; brother, Edwin Lyle Kopfler, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite.

CHUCK NORRIS, MEN AND MAN-LAWS
by Trey Morgan

A few of us guys were visiting about man-laws after church recently and the importance of teaching them to our sons. For those women who might not know, man-law is an unwritten code which men live by. I’m not a man-law expert, but I do think I know a man-law when I see one. For example here are a few man-laws that real-men live by that might not make sense to women, but totally make sense to us …

. . .

* Man-law states that grilling, no matter the weather, is always the first choice of cooking.

* Man-law clearly states that under NO circumstance do two men EVER share an umbrella.

* Man-law says that men can watch chick-flicks on occasion, BUT they are never to be watched without the presence of a girlfriend or wife. And they should NEVER be seen crying.

. . .

* There is NO reason for a man to EVER watch ice skating or men’s gymnastics. Man-law!

* Man-law states that while walking with a group to the car, a soon-to-be occupant may reserve the front passenger seat by calling out “Shotgun.” All passengers must honor and respect the calling of shotgun. On those occasions where there is a tie while calling shotgun, a race to the car decides who gets the front.

* Men can comment on how much they enjoy manly smells of things like a baseball glove, a new set of tires, the smell of gunpowder, campfire, sawdust and bar-b-que grills.

. . .

* The man-law official start date of the male shopping season is December 23rd, as compared to the female season, which opens on the day following Thanksgiving.

* And under NO circumstances shall a man EVER defer control of the television remote to a female.

As much as I love man-laws, I must never forget that “God-laws” always trump all “man-laws.” And men who follow God-laws, such as the following, are ALWAYS the most manly-men of all …

* A real man loves his wife and is faithful to her sexually, emotionally and mentally.

* A real man prays with his wife.

* A real man is involved in his children’s lives.

* A real man puts his family before his job, hobbies and buddies.

* A real man is the spiritual leader in his home.

* A real man isn’t ashamed of his faith and puts God first in his life.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Baptist Press Stories for Apr. 15 2011

—————————————

BIBLE STORYING: Ancient art form helps relay the Gospel

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35067

BIBLE STORYING, Article 3: Bible truths leading to salvation

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35068

Japan relief: ‘Let’s do it together!’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35069

Senate defeats attempt to defund Planned Parenthood

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35070

TV ‘Family Movie Night’ re-launches Sat.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35071

INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Cuban pastor freed, told not to preach

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35072

FIRST-PERSON: Another head-scratching gov’t decision

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35073

MOVIES, ETC.: Was I too rough on Soul Surfer?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35074

Friday Addition

One of my sweet nieces, Rhonda, lost her mother. Please be in prayer for the family.

Mrs. Marilyn Cross, Green

BORN: August 17, 1957
DIED: April 13, 2011
LOCATION: Loranger, LA

rs. Marilyn Cross Green, 53 years old of Loranger, LA, died April 13, 2011, in North Oaks Medical Center.
She was born on August 17, 1957, in Amite, LA.
Surviving are her husband, Wayne E. Green, daughters & sons-in-law, Rhonda H. and Toby Cardaronella, Melinda H. and Trent Ballard, grandchildren, Hannah Cardaronella, Hollie Cardaronella, Seth Cardaronella, and Ethan Ballard, mother, Helen Mansfield Cross, sisters, Lisa Brumfield, Debbie Maxey, and a brother, Henry Holden.
She is preceded in death by her father, Delbert Cross and a sister, Janie Lott.
Friends will be received Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 9:00 am until the service begins at 11:00 am at Eagle Heights Community Church with Kevin Dunn officiating.
Interment will follow in the Briar Patch Cemetery Loranger, LA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, Eagle Heights Community Church, P.O. Box 877 Hammond, La. 70404.

Friday

“And this I pray,

that your love may abound still more and more

in knowledge and all discernment.”

~Philippians 1:9

Stacey Scarle update from her mother

Update on Stacey. We have seen surgeons and she has been released for radiation therapy. Yesterday we saw the oncologist who also released her for radiation. Her blood work was all normal. Now we are waiting for radiation to be scheduled. She will have 28-30 treatments. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Please continue to pray for all the families who have had loved ones to pass away and for families who have lost members who need salvation.

Baptist Press Stories for Apr. 14 2011

—————————————

In Japan, weekly relief caravans, training under way

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35053

Nat’l Day of Prayer upheld by 7th Circuit

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35054

SBC DISCUSSION<br>2 divergent views from young pastors on Southern Baptist life

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35052

With prayer app, IMB spreads the word

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35055

BP mobile page helps smartphone users

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35056

NEWS BRIEFS: Fetal pain bills sweeping the nation; Mont. medicinal marijuana survives

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35057

WORLDVIEW: Japan: A fourth Gospel opening?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35058

Have a great Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Robert Earl Potts
(October 17, 1940 – April 14, 2011)

A resident of Kentwood, died at 6:10 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Beacham Memorial Hospital in Magnolia, MS. He was born October 17, 1940 in Osyka, MS and was 70 years of age. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m, Friday, April 15, 2011. Religious Services at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Shumock and Dr. Greg Potts. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. He is survived by his wife, Myrna Brock Potts, Kentwood; 2 daughters, Mitzi Conn and husband, Al Conn, Natchez, MS, Deana Simmons and husband, Jeff Simmons, Kentwood; son, Greg Potts and wife, Holli Potts, Dallas, GA; 7 grandchildren, Robert James Potts, William Kirk Potts, Sarah Alice Potts, David Brock Simmons, and Daniel Jeffrey Simmons, brother, W. A. Potts; sister-in-law, Juan Potts; special aunt, Bobbie Potts; Preceded in death by his parents, James M. Potts and Wilma Dean Sanders. Mr. Potts was a graduate of Spring Creek High School and earned a B. S. from SLC in 1962. He taught social studies and science in the early 1970’s at Valley Forge North with time spent in classrooms at Spring Creek and Chesbrough High School before leaving the school system as teacher to devote more time to his dairy farm in the East Fork Community. He continued to work with our parish of Tangipahoa taking on a rural school bus route #7SC for the Spring Creek School District. After retiring from the school system, he focused on his dairy until community service and the education of our youth called again. he was elected to two consecutive terms as District B School Board Member, Tangipahoa Parish. He also serviced two terms with First South Farm Credit. His love for community surpassed his own needs. He was a deacon of East Fork Baptist Church and a member of Spring Creek Masonic Lodge. He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 2010. He was a devoted husband, a provider and encourager to his children, as he was wise counsel, a “buddy” to his brother “Dub”, and an absolutely proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as “Pops” He loved farming the land an tending cattle, a good laugh and fried catfish at “The Hitching Post”. He was a man of faith, a christian, and is now reaping what he sowed in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to The Retreat at Dallas, GA, a new church started by Dr. Greg Potts, or the National Parkinson’s Foundation for Research.

Thursday Addition

Mr. Robert Potts passed away this morning. Knowing his love for singing at church, I’m sure he has already joined the heavenly choir. I suppose they don’t have to practice like choir members here on earth. They must already be singing the beautiful Easter songs. Pray for the family as they grieve his loss hear on earth.

Thursday

“And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel,

not where Christ was named,

lest I should build on another man’s foundation,

but as it is written: ‘

To whom He was not announced,

they shall see;

and those who have not heard shall understand.’”

~Romans 15:20-21~

Baptist Press Stories for Apr. 13 2011

—————————————

Chinese church won’t stop meeting, despite demands http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35042

GuideStone offers Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit resources http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35043

TRUSTEES: SEBTS adds 3 profs, updates campus master plan http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35044

‘Big Apple Adventure’ is 2011 VBS theme http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35045

‘Reuse & recycle’ for VBS decorating http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35046

VBS follow-up key for churches http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35047

VBS Tools Online can simplify records http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35048

SBC DIGEST: New book weighs denominations’ future http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35049

FIRST-PERSON: Slavery, abortion & the numbing of a nation http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35050

FIRST PERSON: Sunday School key to growing churches http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=35051

Enjoy reading some of these Baptist Press stories today.

There have been a number of deaths in our area lately. Please pray for the many bereaved family and friends.

Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has provided.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening

Laura Kathleen Pickett
(October 11, 1988 – April 10, 2011)

A beautiful woman, mother, step-mother and daughter passed away tragically with her husband, Taylor Pickett, M.D. and her sister-in-law, Jacqueline Nicole Ham on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in McComb, MS. She was a resident of Lufkin, TX and Summit, MS and was 22 years of age. She was born October 11, 1988 in Baton Rouge. She was a graduate of Sumner High School where she was in the gifted music program and was a Sumner Jewelette. She also attended Angelina Community College in Lufkin, TX. Laura touched the hearts of all who knew her and had many artistic talents besides her music. Her compassion and love will remain with all whom she touched. Taken from this world all too soon, we will join her in heaven some day. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Pickett; son, Smith King Pickett; step-daughters, Elizabeth Riley Pickett and Hannah Taylor Pickett; brother, Christopher Mitchell Ham; sisters, Jessica Danielle Campbell and Katherine Ann Foret and her husband, Benjamin; mother, Amy “Wendy” Morris; daddy, Mike Morris; father, David Ballard; step-brother, Jamie Morris; step-sister, Jenna Morris; grandparents, Louviena and Curley Ballard; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her grandparents, Cecil and Nelwyn Hendrickson; aunt, Argrea “Sue” Hendrickson; cousin, Eric Scott Sterling. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Memorial services for Jacqueline Ham will begin at 11 a.m with services for Laura Pickett immediately following. Services conducted by Bro. Michael Shumock & Bro. Robert Kusch. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Mark Kirby, Aaron Landry, Kaleb Lee, Brandon Foret, Duncan Harrison and Josh Yarborough. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeremy Willis, Shane Sterling, Cody Sterling, Nancy Hallett, Robert Hallett and Eric Soileau.

Wednesday Afternoon

Bryan E. Dykes, Sr.
(October 1, 1947 – April 12, 2011)

Bryan E. Dykes, Sr. was born October 1, 1947 and passed away at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Baton Rouge General Hospital-Bluebonnet, Baton Rouge. Bryan was 63, a native of Hammond and a resident of Montpelier. Bryan was President of Dykes Feed & Fertilizer, served 10 terms as Mayor of Montpelier from 1974 until present, board member of the Bank of Greensburg since 1981, state and local board member of Farm Bureau, past Montpelier Troop Scoutmaster, lifelong member of Montpelier Baptist Church and he served our country in the US Army during the Vietnam Era.

Bryan is survived by his wife of 40 years Gloria Mack Dykes, Montpelier; 2 sons, Bryan E. Dykes, Jr. and wife Krissy, Montpelier and William Scott Dykes and wife Heather, Hammond; father, W.E. “Bill” Dykes, Montpelier; 2 grandaughters, Mary Claire Dykes and Katelyn Alexandra Bennett Bel; sister and brother-in-law, Billie Claire Dykes Tycer and James Herndon Tycer, Montpelier; nieces Jamie Tycer Covington and husband Todd and Jessica Tycer Rutledge and husband Zach.

Preceded in death by mother, Ivyne Alessi Dykes; grandparents, George N. and Odell Stafford Alessi and Jesse and Willie Mae Dykes

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Montpelier Baptist Church, Montpelier, from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rusty Durand officiating. Interment in Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA.

Pallbearers are Judge Kenneth Fogg, Dr. Thomas “Tiger” Hulsey, Lindsey Tate, Ken Easley, Chaney Phillips & Dr. George W. Hutchinson.

Honorary pallbearers are Leonard Addison, Joe Lombardo, J.W. Cole, Scott Broom, Mack Tate, Dicky Sittman, Brad Davis, Lamon Ard, Tommy Glen Dykes, Reggie Covington, James H. Tycer, Sheriff Nathaniel “Nat” Williams, Ray Kron and employees of Dykes Feed & Fertilizer.

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 Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Wednesday Addition

Please pray for my nephew’s, Toby Cardaronella’s, mother-in-law. She is in North Oaks because of a stroke she had a couple days ago. Rhonda, Toby’s wife, said the doctor says the only thing that will help is a miracle. Rhonda has placed her mother in God’s care and will praise God no matter the outcome. Please pray for sweet Rhonda and her family.

Wednesday

“The LORD is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;

he also hears their cry and saves them.”

~Psalm 145:18-19, ESV~

Jadon’s Story: The start of week two on steriods

I slept all night last night. Yes all night!!!! I’m having anywhere
from 40-60 spasms a day. Still way to many:( I’m doing several new
things though. I’m saying ma not mama but ma. Mommy said that’s good enough for her. I’m also saying hey. We were eating at a restaurant today and someone walked through the door. I immediately said hey. I leave the y sound off but its still great news that I’m learning new words. I’ve definitely perfected da da and bye bye. I say those several times a day 🙂 If you ask me where is Mickey mouse, I look at the tv and laugh. I’ve learned to push myself to the sitting postion from my tummy. So we really aren’t where we want to be with seizure control but we are very excited about the new things I’m doing. Please pray that we can get better control. We have cut these spasms in half with this steriod and look at the new things I’m doing. Mommy says she can’t tell you how frustrating it is to know the potential your child has and to have to watch the seizure monster take that away. We just have to be thankful that I’m developing, even if it is slow. We also have to believe that one day we will get control of these. I’m a fighter and I will win in the end.

From Sherry Rosamond

McNabb Family

I would like for everyone to pray for them. Durning this time of lost.My Aunt Peggy and her kids, just lost her husband and kids there daddy.Now her daddy and kids Pawpaw. May God bless the McNabb Family and give them strenght during there lost.

Also, the wake will me in Amite, not Kentwood.

Elizabeth J. Hilbun
(May 24, 1925 – April 11, 2011)

Elizabeth Jane Roberts Freeman Hilbun, 85, passed away on April 11, 2011 at the Liberty Community Living Center in Liberty, MS.

Visitation will be Friday from 8 a.m. till services at 11 a.m. at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb. Rev. Ken Irvin and Rev. Woody Rimes will officiate; burial will be in Zion Hill Cemetery in Liberty.

She was born on May 24, 1925 in Liberty, MS. She was the daughter of the late Wiley Lamar and Ella L. Felder Roberts.

Elizabeth was a retired bank teller and a member of the First Baptist Church of McComb and also was a member of the Eastern Star Lodge #84 of Kentwood, LA. She was a member of the Senior Adult Choir and served as Associational Director of WMU.

Elizabeth was an exceptional woman, at the age of 16 she started teaching Sunday school and taught God’s word for the next 60 years. “I love to teach God’s word and I Love to teach it correctly’ was her motto. She was given a hero’s write up in the local paper which praised her for her love of God and the scriptures and yet she exclaimed to her family “I don’t feel like a hero.” She will be sadly missed and loved by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Clinton Freeman and Hollis L. Hilbun, one grandson, Levi Freeman, two brothers, W.L. Roberts and Norwood Roberts, two sisters, Velma Roberts and Annadora Roberts Caston.

She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Beverly and Charles Calcote, Sandra and Jesse Singleton and Wanda and Tommy Simmons, one son, Wendell L. and wife, Joyce Freeman, two sisters, Rose Marie Finch and Novella George, six grandchildren, Jackie Smith and husband, Roy, Kristin Perry and husband John, Stan Simmons and wife, Bethany, 1st Lt. Jacob Singleton, Michael “Dooley” Simmons and Stacey Simmons, two great-grandchildren, Jackson Perry and Riley Simmons with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Pallbearers will be Roy Simmons, John Perry, Stan Simmons, Michael Simmons, 1st Lt. Jacob Singleton and Clifton George.

Aftershocks keep Japan’s disaster survivors on edge

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35033

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

STEPHEN COVEY TELLS of an experience he had one Sunday morning while riding a subway in New York…

People were sitting quietly–some reading their newspapers, some lost in thought, some resting with their eyes closed. It was a calm, peaceful scene. Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed.

The man sat down next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people’s papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did NOTHING.

It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild like that and do nothing about it, taking no responsibility at all. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, with what I felt was unusual patience and restraint, I turned to him and said, “Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of people. I wonder if you couldn’t control them a little more?”

The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciousness of the situation for the first time and said softly, “Oh, you’re right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don’t know what to think, and I guess they don’t know how to handle it either.”

Suddenly, I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn’t have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior; my heart was filled with the man’s pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely… Everything changed in an instant.

Has this ever happened to you? It’s easy to make a snap judgment without knowing all of the facts. You can’t always tells what’s going on inside a person or know why of what they’re doing unless you ask. Listen with your eyes as well as your ears and refrain from thinking the worst. H. Norman Wright, “Love Gives the Benefit of the Doubt,” Before You Say “I Do” Devotional, 19-20

“He who answers a matter before he hears it,

It is folly and shame to him.”

~Proverbs 18.13~

I’ll post a completed obituary for Bryan Dykes this afternoon. In the meantime, pray for the family as they face Bryan’s sudden death.

Anna Lee