Month: October 2011

Thursday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Prayers Needed

I would like to ask for prayers for my daughter KaLeigh. Last year she had several lymph nodes removed and just recently we discovered a very large mass in her neck, it is putting pressure on both of her main blood vessels that go to her brain. We are unsure as to what it is. We are waiting for Childrens Hospital to contact us to arrange surgery for her. She is in good spirits but we are all afraid of what it might be, so I would like for everyone to please pray for her and the family as we go through this. It is very difficult since she came such along way from birth.
Thanks
Debbie Powers & family

Please pray for Melissa Johnson, she is in Lallie Kemp Hospital. She has fluid on her lungs and they are trying to get it off.

Thank you,
Gretchen Simpson

Mr. Pete Hyde is now is rehab.  Pray he regains his strength and gets the rehab he needs to return home soon.

Sherry Simpson will have her corrective surgery today in Nashville.  Pray everything goes well and she regains her former strength and stamina.

Robbie Lynn Kirby  is slowly recovering at home.  Pray for her and Kirby as they take one day at a time.

Gwen Harper Pedalahole is still sedated, but seems to be making some progress.  Pray for Gwen and family during some very difficult times.

Mrs. “Bill” Hughes had surgery in McComb.  Pray for this wonderfully sweet lady with a very frail body.  Pray for Mrs. Anne Hurst as she cares for her sister.

Pray Chole Neyland to stay in good health for her heart surgery next week.  If she is healthy, she will enter Children’s Hospital Monday and have surgery Wednesday.  Pray for the family as they surrender this baby to surgeons again.

Pray for the continuing manhunt east of town.  Pray for the law enforcement teams and for the residents who have lived and moved around under such stress for a week.  Pray too for the fugitive and his family.  I would like to quote a principal I had when I first started teaching – “Everybody had a momma”.  I don’t think any of us would want to be in her place today.

Jean M. Limerick

(February 18, 1925 – October 18, 2011)

Mrs. Jean M. Limerick was born on February 18, 1925 and passed away at 8:20 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Northshore Specialty Hospital, Covington. She was 86, a native of Oklahoma City, OK, a resident of Amite and a former resident of Oklahoma City, OK.

Mrs. Jean is survived by her son, Mark Fisher, Sr., Amite; grandson, Mark Fisher, Jr.; granddaughter, Shana Myers and husband Mark; 4 great grandchildren, Coleman Fisher, Gracie Fisher, Erin Myers & Ellie Myers; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Joyce Hughs Matthews; 1st husband, Edward Fisher; 2nd husband, Charles Limerick; daughter, Marcia Joyce Fisher.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.

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

Thought for the Day: Should I Forgive that Person?

 The following story comes from Glenn E. Schaeffer via Christian Reader (“Kids of the Kingdom;” September/October 1997):

During a childrens sermon one Sunday morning, I held up an ugly-looking summer shirt that I wore occasionally around the house. I explained to the children that someone said the shirt was ugly and should be thrown away.

“This really hurt me,” I explained. “I’m having trouble forgiving the person who said those mean things. Do you think I should forgive that person?” I asked the children.

Immediately, my six-year-old daughter, Alicia, raised her hand. “Yes, you should,” she said without hesitation. “But why? The person hurt my feelings,” I responded.

To which Alicia wisely answered, “Because you’re married to her.”

We live in a society that doesn’t care much at all about forgiveness. Our culture exalts those TV and movie heroes who take vengeance on others. Those who are willing to forgive are portrayed as weak, and those who refuse to forgive are strong. The result is a society filled with bitterness, vengeance, anger, hate and hostility. Marriages suffer because grudges are held and nobody’s willing to forgive. Crimes of retaliation and ridiculously excessive lawsuits are rampantly common as people seek vengeance both inside or outside the law.

But Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others. In fact, he doesn’t give us any other option, if we are to be his disciples. He said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15). That’s strong language!

Again in Mark 11:25-26, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21), Jesus responds by telling a parable about a master who forgave a servant’s huge debt, but that servant refused to forgive another servant who owed him a small amount. The story ends with an angry master turning over the unforgiving servant to the jailers for torture and torment. And then Jesus made the application in one of the harshest statements in all the gospels: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35).

Jesus makes it painfully clear that forgiving others is directly related to our being forgiven by God, and our unwillingness to forgive destroys the bridge over which God’s forgiveness comes to us. Before you ask for God to forgive you, is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Baptist Press Article

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36372

 

So many people have been a blessing to me lately.  I have been humbled by the number of individuals, including former students from many years ago, churches, and church organizations praying for me.  Wow!  I surely hope that I can be a prayer warrior for others like so many have been for me.

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28~

Pray for Linda B. Williams as she has a repeat of her previous shoulder surgery this morning.

Pray for those who are involved in the manhunt which continues in the North Hayes Road/East Fork area.  Pray too for families who live in this area and who have been under this stress for a while.

Pray for the family of Mike Nason as they travel to northern Mississippi to bury Mike today.

Thought for the Day: The Search is On

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the main computers. He dialed the employee’s home phone number and was greeted with a child whispering, “Hello?”

Feeling put out at the inconvenience of having to talk to a youngster, the boss asked, “Is your Daddy home?” “Yes”, whispered the small voice.

“May I talk with him?”, the man asked. To the surprise of the boss, the small voice whispered, “No.”

Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, “Is your Mommy there?” “Yes”, came the answer. “May I talk with her?” Again the small voice whispered, “No.”

Knowing that it was not likely that a young child would be left home alone, the boss decided he would just leave a message with the person who should be there watching over the child.

“Is there anyone there besides you?”, the boss asked the child. “Yes”, whispered the child, “A policeman.”

Wondering what an officer would be doing at his employee’s home, the boss asked, “May I speak with the policeman?” “No, he’s busy”, whispered the child. “Busy doing what?”, asked the boss. “Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the fireman”, came the whispered answer.

Growing concerned and even worried as he heard a loud noise through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, “What is that noise?”

“A hello-copper”, answered the whispering voice. “What is going on there?”, asked the boss, now alarmed.

In an awed voice the child answered, “The search team just landed the hello-copper!”

Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated the boss asked, “Why are they there?”

Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle, “They’re looking for me!”

It reminds me of how we act toward God at times. When we have done something that we know is wrong, we sometimes, like Adam and Eve in the garden, try to hide from God. Not physically, of course. But we try to distance ourselves from God by neglecting worship with God’s people, Bible study, prayer. We try to avoid God, hoping He won’t notice.

But like the little boy in the story, we know that God is searching for us, doing everything in His power to bring us back. And even at times when I’ve done something I’m ashamed of, I appreciate that so much.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?….Or what woman, having ten coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?” (Luke 15:4,8)

Is Somebody looking for you today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

I hope you have been “found and saved” today.

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday Midday

I just received a call that my surgery has been postponed two weeks, until November 4th, because more serious cases have developed.  I’m disappointed, but glad I’m not one of the more urgent cases.

Update on Susan Rimes from Katie

mom just got back to room after lithotripsy.Doc found 5 stones in just one area that he litho’d today.Go back next Tuesday for 2nd litho.

 

Larry Milton Cuzzort
(October 4, 1957 – October 17, 2011)

 

A resident of Greensburg, LA, died on Monday, October 17, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born October 4, 1957 in Jefferson, LA and was 54 years of age. He served in the United States Air Force. Graveside Services will be held at Hughes Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Kent Newell. Survived by sister, Cheryl A. Cuzzort, McKinney, TX, brother, Michael D.Cuzzort, Greensburg, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James Allen Cuzzort, Sr. and, Edith Lorena Williams Cuzzort, and brother, James A. Cuzzort, Jr. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Charles Moyse Carrier
(June 6, 1921 – October 18, 2011)

Charles Moyse Carrier, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. His military career spanned 25 years. Moyse was one of the “greatest generation” soldiers of World War II. As a double veteran, he served in the Marine Corps from 1937 – 1941 and Air Force 1942 – 1962. ” He had the right stuff”. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine Cathey Carrier and two children, Charles Carrier and Barbara Carrier Jackson, and her husband, Steven. One grandson, Sean Scott and two step grandchildren, Christopher and Wesley Jackson. Per his request, services are private and for immediate family only. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tuesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Mr. Kenneth Felker is a little better.  He is able to walk with crutches now.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Don’t forget the funerals for Mrs. Hazel Simpson and Mr. Mike Nason today.

Remember the many grieving families today and in the days to come.

What’s on the Other Side?

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was leaving the room after paying a visit, and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?! You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice that dog? He had never been in this room before. He did not know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing: I know my Master is there, and that is enough. And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with gladness.”

It’s true that while we are given a glimpse of what lies ahead, there is a great deal that we don’t know and often wonder about. Will there literally be a street of gold and a gate of pearl? Highly unlikely. Those kinds of images may be helpful in understanding how precious heaven is, but they are not of much value in helping us to know exactly what it will look like.

And quite frankly, it doesn’t matter to me, for two reasons. First of all, I trust my heavenly Father to provide nothing less than the very best for His children. And secondly, as the doctor in the story above pointed out, the only thing that really matters is that we will be in the presence of God. Living in a shack in His presence would be preferable to living in a mansion apart from Him. Whatever else heaven may be, its essence is that we have the opportunity to have intimate fellowship with God.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ ” (Rev. 20:12)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Find your blessings for today and be thankful!

Anna Lee

Mike's Obituary

Michael “Mike” Gregory Nason
(September 8, 1946 – October 16, 2011) 

 

Michael Gregory Nason, 65, a resident of Kentwood, LA for the past 9 years, died October 16, 2011 at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond. He was born September 8, 1946 in Sturgis, MS. He was the son of John Draper Nason and Gussie Weaver Nason. He was a graduate of Sturgis High School and Barber School in Atlanta, GA. He lived in Sturgis for 56 years and worked as a barber in Starkville.

 

Mike, as he was called, became a Christian at a very young age and it was evident throughout his life by the loving, caring life he lived.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents; five siblings, Vivian Pauline Jackson, John Draper Nason, II, Dorothy Ruth Gill, James Thomas Nason and Raymond Luther Nason.

 

He is survived by his loving brother and sisters, Gerald Mansel Nason, Theople Hurst, Sarah Vitula Edmonds, Annette Allen, Patsy Lanell Wilson and Bobbie Jean Magee.

 

Visitation is Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA after 6PM. Funeral services will be at 7PM with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Visitation continues Wednesday at Wake Forest Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS from 10:30AM until services at 11AM with Rev. Bruce Latimer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mr. Nason’s name be sent to Wake Forest Baptist Church, 3763 Maben Road, Sturgis, MS 39769.


Monday

“But you are a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

a people for His possession,

so that you may proclaim the praises of the One

who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9, HCSB~

Gwen Harper Pedalahore is about the same, but maybe a little better.  She continues to need our prayers.  Pray for her family and friends.

Please continue to pray for Frances Allen and Billy Carl Strickland.  They have big battles ahead,

Mike Nason lost his battle on earth yesterday.  There is no obituary yet, but I heard the wake will be Tuesday night.  Mike had nothing but friends and those who admired his sweet spirit as he fought a battle that would not go away.  I’m glad I got to know him and will miss him sitting behind me at church, especially his FIRM handshakes.

We will not have our Third Thursday Meeting this month.  Please plan to join us next month for food, fellowship, a devotional, and sweet prayer time.

What Could Be More Beautiful?

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. “You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!”, a boy in the line cried.

Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. “I love your freckles,” she said. “Not me,” the girl replied. “Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles” she said, tracing her finger across the child’s cheek. “Freckles are beautiful!”

The girl looked up. “Really?” “Of course,” said the grandmother. “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”

The little girl peered into the old woman’s smiling face. “Wrinkles,” she answered softly.

What a beautiful story of love! How wonderful it is when those who are filled with the wisdom that comes with age can still see the beauty in those who are younger and have much to learn. And how wonderful when those just learning to spread their wings can see the beauty in those who have flown so long they have grown weary of flying.

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

With a heart of love, may we see the beauty of God’s children both young and old.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

“Stand in the storm.  When it gets rough, make adjustments, but keep standing.”  I’m so thankful my “storm” has been identified and hopefully the adjustments will be well on the way by this time next week.

Anna Lee

Sunday Obituary

Hazel Corking Simpson
(October 15, 1925 – October 16, 2011)

Hazel Corking Simpson, age 86, was born October 15, 1925 in Detroit, MI and passed away October 16, 2011 at her residence. She was a resident of Kentwood, having lived in Liverpool, England. She was well known around the area as “The Cake Lady”. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Burnell Simpson, two sons, Wayne and wife, Susan Simpson, Ricky and wife, Sherry Simpson; daughter-in-law, Martha Simpson; five grandsons, Jason and wife, Hollie, Kerry and friend, Amanda, Matthew and wife, Celeste, Brandon and wife, Laura and Britt; three great grandsons, Zac, Mason and Kolby; one great granddaughter, Piper; four sisters, Ella Nichols of Yeovil, England, Irene Rolfe of Myrtle Beach, SC, Lillian Barton of Greer, SC and Vivian Roblin of Clemmons, NC. Preceded in death by infant daughter; son, Randy Simpson; and parents, George Ernest Corking and Ethel Cranham Corking. Pallbearers will be Jason, Kerry, Matthew, Brandon and Britt Simpson and Tommy Simmons. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Monday from 6pm to 9pm and from 8am until service at 11am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller and Dr. Danny Smith. Burial in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood.

 

 

Early Sunday Addition

Evan Brister, son of Robert and Jill Brister, had a four-wheeler accident yesterday and broke his collar bone.  Be in prayer for him.

Mrs. Burnell Simpson died last night while sleeping.  She was brought home from the hospital in Greensbury last night and then died at home.  Pray for Mr. Burnell and other family members who will miss her so much.

Rosemary Y’darraga passed out after her son’s wedding yesterday in Mississippi.  She was checked out at Hattisburg and found to be in good shape except for a virus.  Thankfully, that was all it was.

Sunday

And all of you must put on the apron of humility,

to serve one another;

for the scripture says,

‘God resists the proud,

but shows favor to the humble.’

~1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)~

 

Please pray for this young mother.

Please put Gwen Harper Pedelahore (of Amite) on the prayer link. She has developed sepsis (a serious blood infection) and pneumonia. She is in ICU and sedated to keep her comfortable, according to Kim’s Facebook post.  Gwen is in Ochner on O’Neal.

Julie Eudy

Jadon’s Story

I’m on day 3 of my final medicine increase and I’m still having seizures. My mommy has talked to my neurologist in Boston. He is in the process of talking with the neurologist in Detroit. He will then get in touch with my mommy and let her know his opinion on the surgery. I have 3 neurologist and we want them all to agree with the surgery. I know it’s seems crazy that we are being so cautious. Most people say go ahead with the surgery if it could stop the seizures. Well easier said than done. You see it is a very dangerous surgery. On top of that they can’t tell us that it will definitely stop the seizures. They are pretty sure it will but can’t be 100%. You also run the risk of taking something out that I’m using which means I would regress or even lose function of my right hand. If I do regress they are hopeful that I will regain the skills. It’s just alot to consider and it makes us sick at our stomach everytime we think about it. We are spending lots of time praying right now. I have to be honest and tell you it’s hard to not be mad at God right now. Why do I have to suffer? Why doesn’t the medicine help? Why are we in this situation? Why is it that my family has done everything possible and can’t get me any relief? We have to sit down and think about how far God has brought us and how He has never left us through this all. My mom and dad will never forget the day the neuro in Detroit walked in and said wow he is very high functioning considering his situation. This tells us God is with us even though we don’t understand why I’m having to go through this. Please continue to pray for me and my family. It’s very hard for my mommy to have to leave me for work right now and she is having a hard time. Also pray for the decisions we are having to make. Keep praying for these seizures to stop. We know that even though the medicine isn’t working God can still heal me. We are continuing to trust God as I continue to fight this battle.

Love you all,

Jadon

What Can I Do for You?

It had been a hard winter in the Appalachian area. The snow had piled up deeper and deeper, the mercury dropped, rivers froze, people suffered. The Red Cross used helicopters to fly in supplies. One crew had been working day after day — long hours. They were on their way home late in the afternoon when they saw a little cabin submerged in the snow. There was a thin whisper of smoke coming from the chimney. The rescue team figured they were probably about out of food, fuel, perhaps medicine.

Because of the trees, they had to put the helicopter down a mile away. They put on heavy packs with emergency supplies, trudged through heavy snow, waist deep, reached the cabin exhausted, panting, perspiring. They pounded on the door. A thin, gaunt mountain woman opened the door and the lead man gasped, “We’re from the Red Cross.”

She was silent for a moment and then she said, “It’s been a hard winter, Sonny, I just don’t think we can give anything this year.”

I don’t think the story is true, but it certainly could be. I am convinced that there are two kinds of people — givers and takers. And even in dire times, those who are givers are always thinking about “What can I do for you?” rather than “What can you do for me?” Statistically speaking, the group which gives the greatest percentage of their money to charity every year is the group of people with the lowest income.

There may be several different reasons for that, but truth of the matter is (and this is true among Christians as well), the more we have, the greater is our tendency to hold tight to it. What a great example the Macedonians are to us:

“…in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2 Cor. 8:2).

Did you notice that? The group of Christians that Paul held up as an example of generous giving to those in need were themselves in “deep poverty”. Yet they gave so much that Paul was reluctant to receive the money, until they implored him “with much urgency” to take their gift.

I look at my own life and see that there are many times when I’m reluctant to give to others, not because it might affect providing for my needs, but because it might affect me having the things I want. Like everyone else, I’m tempted to look out for “number one” and I want to know what you can do for me. But, considering the example of Christ, Paul said:

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil.2:4)

“Father, please forgive me. Help me to develop a heart of selflessness and love for others that constantly seeks to find ways to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day.  Do something for someone else today.

Anna Lee

Midday Saturday

Robbie Lynn is now in St. Dominic’s with pain and fever.  She undergoing more tests.  Please stop what you are doing and pray for her.

 

Christopher James Edwards
(July 26, 1963 – October 14, 2011)

A resident of Roseland, he died on Friday, October 14, 2011 at near Tickfaw. He was born July 26, 1963 in Baton Rouge and was 48 years of age. He retired from the Amite Police Department. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Survived by wife, Brenda Brister Edwards; parents, Frank Edwards, Jr. and Dora Jean Miller Edwards; 3 sons, Chris Edwards and his wife, Emily, Michael Blake Edwards and Chance Edwards; 1 sister, Alice Edwards Stevens and her husband, Alvin; 6 brothers, Frank Edwards, III and his wife, Kathy Sue, Clay Edwards and his wife, Dianne, Andrew Edwards and his wife, Belinda, Morgan Edwards, John Bel Edwards and his wife, Donna and Daniel Edwards and his wife, Blair; mother-in-law, Lillian Creel Brister. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Rudolph and Ouita Husser Miller and Frank Edwards, Sr. and Lillian Bel Edwards, father-in-law, Louis Brister, and brother-in-law, Kenny Brister. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.