Month: November 2011

Wednesday Update

John Nicholas “Johnny” Conti was born June 6, 1947 and passed away at 12:54 a.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. He was 64, a native of Rockford, IL and a resident of Amite.

Johnny served our country during the Vietnam Era in the US Army in which he was awarded a Purple Heart.

Johnny is survived by his wife Carol Fowler Conti, Amite; 2 sons, Brant Conti and wife Amy, Amite & Patrick Conti and wife Angela, Amite; 3 grandchildren, Devin Conti, Savannah Conti & Blake Conti; sister, Madonna C. Stewart and husband Don, Winston-Salem , NC.

Preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Costanza Conti. Johnny was a devote Amite High Warrior fan, a 1965 graduate of Amite High School, member of St. Helena Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus .

Family request Memorial Donations be made to National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St, New York, New York, 10016.

Visitation at the St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Beard officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

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

Wednesday Addition

John “Johnny” Conti
(June 6, 1947 – November 30, 2011)

John “Johnny” Conti was born June 6, 1947 and passed away at 12:54 a.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. He was 64 and a resident of Amite.

Johnny is survived by his wife Carol Faller Conti, Amite; 2 sons, Brant Conti and wife Amy, Amite & Patrick Conti and wife Angela, Amite; 3 grandchildren and a sister.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Other information will be added later today.

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

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

 

Wednesday

“This poor man cried out,

and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.”

~Psalm 34:6a~

Connor Corkern: My story

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorcorkern/mystory

Connor Corkern: My journal

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorcorkern/journal

Thought for the Day: The winds that blow

“This house,” said the real estate salesman, “has both its good points and its bad points. To show you I’m honest, I’m going to tell you about both. The disadvantages are that there is a chemical plant one block south and a slaughterhouse a block north.”

“What are the advantages?” inquired the prospective buyer.

“The advantage is that you can always tell which way the wind is blowing.”

It is important to know “which way the wind is blowing”. But it is also possible to allow that knowledge to affect us more than it ought to. I heard of a well-know hobo during the Great Depression of the 1930’s who was asked how he decided which direction he would go every morning. He said, “It’s easy. I find the way the wind is blowing, face away from it, and just let it blow me along.”

And it’s easy for us all to live our lives in just that way. We look around to see which direction everybody else is headed and we just turn our backs to the wind and drift along. And rather than make an effort to change the world (which is very difficult), we follow the easier path of letting the world determine the direction we take.

May these words serve to remind us of what our task as Christians is:

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

As you experience the wind blowing this week, remember not to always take the easiest path.  Face the wind and determine your direction in life.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

“Miss” Betty Bethel called to let us know Joan B. Hagan is much better.  She may even be well enough tomorrow to go back to her nursing home.  “Miss” Betty said, “Prayers work.  Thanks for caring”.

 

Michael Lynn Moore
(February 8, 1954 – November 25, 2011) 

 

Michael Lynn Moore was born February 8, 1954 and passed away at 8:10 a.m., Friday, November 25, 2011 in Baton Rouge, LA. He was 57, a native of Quincy, IL and a resident of Greensburg.

Michael is survived by his wife, Debra Moore, Greensburg; father, Glen Moore, Hannibal, MO; 2 sons, Christopher Moore and wife Traci, Baton Rouge & Samuel Moore and wife Carri, Neosho, MO; step-son, Jared Wayne Fredic, Sr., Denham Springs; 6 grandchildren, Juan Moore, Junior Moore, Jorge Moore, Taylor Moore, Jacob Young, & Jared Wayne Fedric, Jr.; 2 brothers, Lonnie Moore and wife LeAnn, Monroe City, MO & Glennie Moore, Hannibal, MO; also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his mother, Donna Faye Moore.

Visitation at Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, LA on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. LaVerne King officiating. Interment at Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA.

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

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

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

 

 

 

 


Tuesday Addition

Carol New has completed one week at rehab and have five more to go.  She has already seen progress.  We’ll have a “new” Carol New in a few weeks!

 

Thought for the Day: So many valuable possessions

 

This comes from the file of “stupid criminals”:

Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into the house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. Only as he turned the corner into his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had, in fact, burgled and ignited his own property. His comment: “I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions.”

While we may not do anything quite that stupid (at least nothing that makes the national newspapers), there are times when Christians need to stop and reflect, coming to same conclusion Mr. Prendergast did: “I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions.”

From family and friends to material comforts (like electricity and running water), from our basic needs (like food) to luxuries other generations never dreamed of (like the computer you’re sitting at right now), from the freedoms we enjoy to the jobs we hold, there is much that we have been blessed with that we take for granted.

Even beyond the physical blessings, there is so much that God has given us through Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

Truly, I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions. “God, forgive me for taking so much of it for granted.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Tuesday

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,

for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”

~1 John 4:7 NLT~

 

 

A Ponchatoula friend invited me to her church to see the Christmas story depicted.  I read a news article that I want to pass along to you in case some of you would like to go.

http://www.actionnews17.com/News/tabid/59/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9810/Bethlehem-comes-to-life-in-Ponchatoula-this-weekend.aspx

 

Yesterday, I wrote:

I had an appointment with the eye doctor concerning possible glaucoma because Momma was almost blind from glaucoma and Daddy is on the borderline of having it.  My last test had some inconsistencies, but today I did very well on everything.  Join me in thanking God for a good report today!!!

As David and I were talking about the good results of my appointment (not only could I see better with and without my glasses, but the glaucoma test was perfect.  David suggested it was because my tumor is shrinking and I regained my vision.  I know he’s right!  That’s is a perfect explanation.  I’m regaining brain space the tumor was occupying!  Thank-you, Lord!  Thank-you, neurosurgeons!  Yesterday’s eye exam was exactly four weeks since my gamma knife brain surgery!  I am better already!  I had been blaming my vision loss on heridity, but it was the brain tumor.  I’m so thankful it is shrinking.  Lord, help me to realize what you have brought me through and to be thankful.

 

Jewell Almarie Peavey Rymer
(Died November 27, 2011)

Jewell Almarie Peavey Rymer was born in 1913 in Louisiana where she spent most of her life. She relocated to Alabama almost 15 years ago to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She died Sunday, November 27, 2011 at UAB Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama. Tangipahoa Methodist Church, Tangipahoa, Louisiana was her home church and she enjoyed being a part of their card and telephone ministry as both recipient and contributor. In her much younger days she was a devoted Sunday School teacher. She was employed by Pike Memorial Hospital in Kentwood, Louisiana from its opening until it closed. She is survived by her daughter, Emma Dean Rymer Ricks and her husband, Donald E. Ricks; grandson, James B. Ricks; two great-grandchildren, Hogan C. Ricks and Holland C. Ricks, all of Alabama. Preceded in death by her husband, James DeLoy Rymer, parents, Frank Peavey and Nannie D. Hutchinson Peavey, and brother Lawrence Peavey. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with her simple and practical lifestyle, the best tribute to her would be for those who would like to do something in her memory to simply send a card of encouragement to some sick, needy, or discouraged person or even a perfectly healthy one who might like a nice surprise in hearing from a friend. Charity of choice would be The Gideons International. Visitation will be held at Tangipahoa Methodist Church, Tangipahoa, Louisiana from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011 conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith, Pastor. Interment in Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, Louisiana.

 

Very thankful,

Anna Lee 

 

Monday Addition

I had an appointment with the eye doctor concerning possible glaucoma because Momma was almost blind from glaucoma and Daddy is on the borderline of having it.  My last test had some inconsistencies, but today I did very well on everything.  Join me in thanking God for a good report today!!!

 

Leo Edward Givens was born October 7, 1933 and passed away at 10:50 a.m., Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood, LA. He was 78, a native of Stoney Point, LA and a resident of Kentwood.

Leo is survived by 2 sons, Jerry Givens, Kentwood & Kenneth Givens, California; brother, Marvin Givens, Franklinton; sister, Della Zachary, Stoney Point; also survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin D. and Piccola Jenkins Givens; a brother and 5 sisters.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 12:00 noon in the funeral home Chapel with Russell Zachary officiating. Interment in Stoney Point Baptist Church Cemetery, Stoney Point, LA.

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

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

Monday

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other;

let us show the truth by our actions.”

~1 John 3:18 NLT~

 

 

Jason Dean has improved enough that he was in Sunday School yesterday.  He is still unable to do some things such as driving, but is working to be 100%.

 

Continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon as she sees a specialist about her hip.

 

 

Continue to pray for Joan Bethel Hagan and her family.  She is still in ICU at Baton Rouge General.

 

 

My mother, Jewell Rymer, died this afternoon at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Funeral arrangements have not been made at this time. Please pray for the family as we make those arrangements and work out details and for our safe travels from North Alabama. McKneeley Funeral Home will be in charge of the services and should be posting information on their website when things are finalized.
Thanks, Emma Dean Rymer Ricks

 

The annual Lottie Moon Tea will be Saturday at First Baptist Church, Greensburg.  All ladies and girls from area churches  are invited to attend.  See you there at 2 P.M.

 

If you are contributing Toys for Migrant Kids or Stamped Christmas Card for Parish Inmates, you only have a couple more days to get them to your local church or First Baptist Church, Kentwood.

The Christmas spirit is found in giving!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“That you may love the Lord your God,

listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.

For the Lord is your life,

and he will give you many years in the land

he swore to give to your fathers,

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

~Deuteronomy 30:20 NIV~

Today is Sunday, the Lord’s Day!  Don’t make plans to leave Him out of the day.

Thought for the Day:  Can’t just sit around

You may have heard the story of Larry Waters of Los Angeles. Larry’s boyhood dream was to fly. When he graduated from high school, he joined the Air Force in hopes of becoming a pilot. Unfortunately, poor eyesight disqualified him. When he was finally discharged, he had to satisfy himself with watching jets fly over his backyard.

One day, Larry, had a bright idea. He decided to fly. He went to the local Army-Navy surplus store and purchased 45 weather balloons and several tanks of helium. The weather balloons, when fully inflated, would measure more than four feet across.

Back home, Larry securely strapped the balloons to his sturdy lawn chair. He anchored the chair to the bumper of his jeep and inflated the balloons with the helium. He climbed on for a test while it was still only a few feet above the ground.

Satisfied it would work, Larry packed several sandwiches and loaded his pellet gun — figuring he could pop a few balloons when it was time to descend — and went back to the floating lawn chair.

He tied himself in along with his pellet gun and provisions. Larry’s plan was to lazily float up to a height of about 30 feet above his back yard after severing the anchor and in a few hours come back down.

Things didn’t quite work out that way. When he cut the cord anchoring the lawn chair to his jeep, he didn’t float lazily up to 30 or so feet. Instead he streaked into the LA sky as if shot from a cannon. He didn’t level off at 30 feet, nor did he level off at 100 feet. After climbing and climbing, he leveled off at 11,000 feet.

At that height he couldn’t risk shooting any of the balloons, lest he unbalance the load and really find himself in trouble. So he stayed there, drifting, cold and frightened, for more than 14 hours.

Then he really got in trouble. He found himself drifting into the primary approach corridor of Los Angeles International Airport. A United pilot first spotted Larry. He radioed the tower and described passing a guy in a lawn chair with a gun. Radar confirmed the existence of an object floating 11,000 feet above the airport. LAX emergency procedures swung into full alert and a helicopter was dispatched to investigate. LAX is right on the ocean. Night was falling and the offshore breeze began to flow. It carried Larry out to sea with the helicopter in hot pursuit. Several miles out, the helicopter caught up with Larry. Once the crew determined that Larry was not dangerous, they attempted to close in for a rescue but the draft from the blades would push Larry away whenever they neared.

Finally, the helicopter ascended to a position several hundred feet above Larry and lowered a rescue line. Larry snagged the line and was hauled back to shore. The difficult maneuver was flawlessly executed by the helicopter crew. As soon as Larry was hauled to earth, he was arrested by waiting members of the LAPD for violating LAX airspace. As he was led away in handcuffs, a reporter dispatched to cover the daring rescue asked why he had done it. Larry stopped, turned and replied nonchalantly, “A man can’t just sit around.”

While there are certainly more productive (and less dangerous) things that a man can do with his time, Larry was right. God doesn’t want us to just sit around doing nothing. Far too often, we are content with our spiritual lives because “I haven’t done this” and “I haven’t done that.” Of course, the truth of the matter is, we haven’t done much of anything. God is not content just to know what sins we stayed away from. He wants to know what positive things we have done as well.

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'” (Matthew 25:44-45)

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)

A man can’t just sit around — go do something! (but stay away from the balloons!)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee