Month: January 2012

Tuesday Evening

Frances McDaniel Gay told me that she got an excellent report on her check-up.  I’m so glad for her.  Thank God for this report and for a lady who enjoys each day God has given her.

 

Ian Russell Guzzardo

Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton

IAN RUSSELL GUZZARDO,

Infant son of Russ and Ashley Guzzardo of Amite, was born into this world at 6:21 am and delivered into the arms of angels at 7:35 am Monday January 30, 2012 at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Also survived by:

Sisters: Bethainee Guzzardo; Bryelle Guzzardo

Grandparents: John and Cathy Gulotta of Independence; Mose and Jan Guzzardo of Amite

Aunts and Uncles: Lacey and Jason Esler of Hammond; Blaine Gulotta of Independence; Kim and Scott Terrebonne of Amite

Cousins: Aiden Esler, Kaleigh Terrebonne, Clay Terrebonne, Mia Terrebonne

Great-grandparents: Ralph Wascom, Sr. of Holden; Dorothy Jefferson of Arkansas

Numerous aunts, uncles, and other family members

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents Joseph and Christine Gulotta, John and Florence Guzzardo, and Earl and Elaine Russell

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 am Thursday February 2nd at Amite Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mike Foster officiating.

Pallbearers: Blaine Gulotta, Clay Terrebonne

Obituaries can be viewed online at http://www.crainfh.com

 

Tuesday Afternoon

Wall McKneely said Jadon continues to do well today.  It doesn’t hurt to cover his family with prayers each day.

I saw Pat Felker.  She said “Miss” Grace Helen had knee surgery again and is expected to be in the hospital for 4-6 weeks.  B.J. saw the doctor yesterday, but continues to have an infection in the incision on her leg.  Pray that clears up without her having to be hospitalized again.

David’s great niece, Harley, is doing well.  The doctors did not see the need to discuss surgery today.  If she continues to do well, Harley may be able to go home tomorrow.

Mrs. Carol Jean Gill‘s family said she is still about the same.  Keep her name on our lips throughout the day as to petition God to continue to watch over her and her family.

David and I have been to 8 wakes and/or funerals in the past 12 days.  The memorial services have been very memorable.  I’m thankful for each life that touched me and for memorial services that were equally special and touching.  Pray for the many hurting families in our area.  It’s really touching to see hurting families reaching out to other hurting families.  We have some great Christian people in our area!  May that always be true!

 

Tuesday

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6~

David’s niece Janet A. Melanxon has a teen daughter hospitalized in Baton Rouge.  Pray for Harley to get better soon, so she can continue her school week.

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland to get stronger and for her children Donna Fay, Firma Kay, and Billy Carl as they help take turns with a sitter to care for her.  The family thanks you for your continued prayers for “Miss” Pauline and for themselves.

 

 

Today is the day the Hatchel family were scheduled to return to the Czech Republic.  Due to blood clots in his left calf, doctors and he IMB have put the return trip on hold indefinitely.  Pray for them as they seek God’s leadership during this time.  Also, pray for the doctors who are working with Boyd.

Modern slavery is known as human trafficking.  It is real and exists all over the world.

Slavery is a bigger problem today than it has ever been in human history. It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves around the world–most of them involved in human trafficking. In India alone millions of girls are without hope as their bodies are sold again and again. http://ow.ly/8CXMg Pray for these victims to be set free–physically and spiritually.

Dorothy B. Ricks
(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for Diane and her family in the coming days.  Caring for “Miss” Dot has been one of her primary activities for a long time.

Thought for the Day: Fighting the Battle Alone

The story is told of an old lady who had moved to the United States from Europe when she was a child, but now she wanted to officially become a citizen of this country. After months of going through all the necessary red tape, she was finally ready to take the required oath.

“Raise your right hand, please.”

She raised her right hand.

“Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all its enemies, domestic or foreign?” was the first question.

The little old lady’s face paled and her voice trembled as she asked in a small voice, “Uhhh . . . all by myself?”

I know the feeling. When I read what the apostle Paul had to say about the great spiritual battle going on, I tremble a bit. Paul said,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

The thoughts of waging such a battle alone is enough to cause even the most stout-hearted to tremble. But we don’t go into battle alone! We go forth as a part of the army of God, led by the Son of God in all his glory, and side by side with every brother and sister in Christ on the face of this earth. The battle is still a difficult one. There will be many casualties along the way. But, thank God, we do not fight it alone!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Thank you for praying for Jadon again.  He is home again!

Update on Jadon Pailet

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2012/01/catching-up.html?spref=fb

“Miss” Lorna’s service was very appropriate.  I came away with two words: love & smile.  If you missed the service, be sure to ask someone.

There has been an addition to “Miss” Catherine’s obituary.  I post it as it now is.

Catherine W. Simmons was born February 23, 1938 and passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 in Kentwood. She was 73, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Spring Creek.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family, serving her church and community. She was an accomplished gardener, seamstress and quilter. She was looking forward to welcoming and rocking 2 new great-grandchildren this summer, one her namesake.

Ms. Catherine is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene L. Simmons, Spring Creek; a daughter, Janet S. Pike and husband George, Spring Creek; 2 granddaughters, Kelsey P. Williams and husband Rev. Jacob, Amite and Kendal P. Batuyong and husband, R. J., Lumberton, TX, great grandson, Noah Williams; sister, Norma Jean Rogers and husband Floyd, Brandon, MS.

Preceded in death by her son, Kevin L. Simmons and parents, Homer & Mattie Lea Waller.

Visitation will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 12 Noon with Dr. Danny Smith and Rev. Jacob Williams officiating. Interment in the Spring Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, %Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kenwood, LA 70444

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The graveside service for Mrs. Dorothy Ricks is tomorrow at 2 P.M.

 

 

Monday

“Now that the worst is over,

we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,

and can face the world—

and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high.

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part.

It was God who kept us focused on Him, uncompromised.”

~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~

  • Both “Miss” Gail Pittman-McDaniel and “Miss” Carol Jean Gill are improving.  “Miss” Gail is no longer in ICU. Continue to keep these families in your prayers.  Pray also for the families of “Miss” Lorna Smith as her memorial service is today and “Miss” Catherine Simmons’ is tomorrow.  Continue to pray for two churches and a hurting community.
    • “Miss” Lorna – Visitation begins at 10 A.M. with memorial service at 2 P.M. today
    • “Miss” Catherine – Visitation begins at 9 A.M. with memorial service at Noon tomorrow
  • Jadon Pailet was admitted to the hospital because of his high temperature.  So far, tests have not identified a problem, but thankfully have ruled out some serious problems little Jadon could have developed.  Continue to pray for Jadon and those caring for him.
  • Holly Kliesch shared a request for prayer for the people of Senegal.

http://af.reuters.com/article/senegalNews/idAFL5E8CS00520120128?sp=true

  • Barbara Ricks Reed

(Died January 28, 2012)

REED, Barbara Ricks Reed of Birmingham, AL. died at the University of Alabama Medical Center on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:45 PM. Beloved wife of Jack Ray Reed who preceded her in death. Mother of Arthur M. Boudreaux of Birmingham, AL., Mark D. Boudreaux, of Arlington, VA, Barry W. Boudreaux, of Mandeville, LA, and Rachel Reed Relaford, of Birmingham, AL. Daughter of the late Lillian Wade Ricks and Frank Albert Ricks, Jr. Sister of Janet Ricks Alfortish and Frank Albert Ricks, III. Preceded in death by grandson Joshua Mark Boudreaux. Also survived by 9 grandchildren. Wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Barbara was a prolific songwriter and singer, who performed opera, gospel, and country western music. Barbara also was the lead actress in many plays at the NORD Theatre at Gallier Hall in New Orleans. She had a strong faith in the Lord. Age 77 years. A native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Birmingham, AL. for over 10 years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood, LA from 12 Noon until services at 2 p.m. followed immediately by a graveside service at the German Cemetery, Highway 51, Kentwood, LA.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk On

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Two words for today: Walk on!
This is not easy or what we would have chosen, but this is the path we are on.
Anna Lee









	


	





	

		
		
Sunday Afternoon
	


	
	
	

		
 


Mr. Kenneth Felker said that both “Miss” Helen Grace and B. J. hav infections at the sites of their recent surgery.  Please be in prayer for this family.


Sharon Martin’s dad, Mr. Earlo LaBauve, was taken to the ER this morning with back problems.  Please be in prayer for this family.


Jadon Pailet was also taken to the ER because of 105.4 degree temperature.  Play for this child and his family.


Dorothy B. Ricks


(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)


 A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.






	


	







	

		
		
Sunday
	


	
	
	

		
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;


 perplexed, but not in despair;


 persecuted, but not abandoned;


 struck down, but not destroyed.” 


~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~








Miracle video of the day. Jadon giving me a five with his right hand 🙂


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=956775003564&set=vb.50301338&type=2&theater


A Note from (Tripp Roth’s) Granny


http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/01/note-from-grammy.html?spref=fb


Continue to pray for the families of the four ladies in Saturday’s accident.


There will be no AWANA meeting tonight at FBC, Kentwood due to the wake for Mrs. Lorna Smith.


Thought for the Day: Being prepared


Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared for such a disaster can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips someone has offered to help you and your loved ones make it through a quake:


~ Those living in areas not prone to earthquakes can respond quickly to the plight of disaster victims in quake zones by complacently smirking and saying, “I told you so.”


~ To minimize loss and damage in a quake, try not to own things.


~ Practice your burrowing-out-from-under-40-tons-of-rubble skills ahead of time.


~ Look out your window often. If you see a large, zig-zag-shaped crevasse moving rapidly from the horizon toward your home, step either to the right or the left.


~ For those who fear earthquakes, it may comfort you to know that a majority of the damage during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake did not come from the tremors themselves. Instead, it was from the raging, out-of-control fires that consumed most of the city.


~ A doorway is the safest place to be during a quake. Eat, sleep, and work in doorways.


~ Be sure to mail your house-insurance payments a full five business days before a major earthquake strikes.


~ If you are caught in a major earthquake in Southern California and are part of the entertainment industry, take a moment or two to reflect on how grossly you’ve wasted your life.


As several of the suggestions above point out (with tongue firmly in cheek!), the problem with an earthquake is its unpredictability.

A few months ago, Hurricane Ike devastated the Galveston area, but there was at least warning for several days that danger was coming. With an earthquake, there is none — it simply strikes!


Jesus described his second coming as an event like that. He used terminology like “a thief in the night” to describe the unexpectedness of the moment. His purpose in using that image was not to suggest that he is coming to steal something. Rather, he is coming at a time when we least expect it. And the only way to be ready for that moment (just as with an earthquake) is to stay prepared all the time.


“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The skies will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in them will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. In that way everything will be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be?

You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God.” (I Peter 3:10-12a, NCV).


My prayer is that you will be prepared so that you, too, can truly “look forward” to that day (whenever it may be!).


Have a great day!


Alan Smith




Repeat after me!


God is good (God is good)


All the time (All the time).


All the time (All the time)


God is good (God is good)!




This is God’s day!  Don’t take it form Him.


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Saturday Afternoon
	


	
	
	

		
I’m thankful to hear “Miss” Carol Jean and “Miss” Gail seem to be doing well, even if they are still in ICU.  Pray for healing of their hearts as well as their bodies.


Lorna Kay Smith

(May 11, 1937 – January 27, 2012)




a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the result of a motor vehicle accident near Kentwood. She was a resident of Kentwood, LA and was born May 11, 1937 and was 74 years of age. She was an active member of Community Gardenettes since 1962 and was a retired registered nurse with Public Health Unit. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, January 29, 2012, and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Spring Cemetery, Amite, LA. Survived by husband of almost 53 years, J. D. Smith, Kentwood, 3 daughters, Dorothy McCuskey and her husband, Robert, Cordona, TN, Debbie McGinnis, Kentwood, and Donna Linton and her husband, Brian, Ponchatoula, grandchildren, David Anthony and his wife, Ashley, Amanda McGinnis Foster and her husband, James, Kelly McGinnis, Lauren Linton, and Joshua Linton, 1 sister, Loretta Youtsey and her husband, Gale, Springfield, CO, Preceded in death by parents, Roger and Eva Forrest.. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.,


 Catherine W. Simmons

(February 23, 1938 – January 27, 2012)




Catherine W. Simmons was born February 23, 1938 and passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 in Kentwood. She was 73, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Spring Creek.


A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family, serving her church and community. She was an accomplished gardener, seamstress and quilter. She was looking forward to welcoming and rocking 2 new great-grandchildren this summer, one her namesake.


Ms. Catherine is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene L. Simmons, Spring Creek; a daughter, Janet S. Pike and husband George, Spring Creek; 2 granddaughters, Kelsey P. Williams and husband Rev. Jacob, Amite and Kendal P. Batuyong and husband, R. J., Lumberton, TX, great grandson, Noah Williams; sister, Norma Jean Rogers and husband Floyd, Brandon, MS.


Visitation will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 12 Noon with Dr. Danny Smith and Rev. Jacob Williams officiating. Interment in the Spring Creek Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, %Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kenwood, LA 70444


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


McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.


Frances Marie Spitale Petitto

(August 2, 1927 – January 27, 2012)


Frances Marie Spitale Petitto, 84, was born on August 2, 1927 and passed away on January 27, 2012. She was a housewife and co-owned one of the leading strawberry farms in the state of Louisiana along with her husband Frank. No one could match her culinary skills or the love of cooking. One of her passions was creating beautiful braided breads, Italian cookies, cakes, and savory foods for the St. Joseph’s altar every year as well as feeding crowds of family and friends. It was a real treasure to receive one of her exquisite hand crocheted blankets, scarves, or booties. She will always affectionately be remembered as Aunt Frances or Mawmaw by family and friends. She has fed many people in this area. If you didn’t want to eat, she pulled your ear or pinched you cheek and made you eat. Even after a hard days work in the field, she would bake cakes and deliver them to the fire department, police department, and nursing home. That was her pleaseure, giving to people. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Virginia Campo Spitale and her husband of 57 years,Frank J. Petitto, Sr. Left to cherish her memories are her four sons : Salvadore Santo Petitto of Monroe, La. and his children Santo Petitto, Jr. and Katie Petitto; Frank J. Petitto, Jr. and wife Kathy of Bossier City, La. and their children Dr. Francis Petitto, III, Dr. Jennifer Olivier and husband Shane, and Phillip Petitto; Anthony “Possum” Petitto and wife Diana of Amite, La. and their children Sara Petitto, A.J. Petitto, Jr. and Luke Petitto; Michael Petitto of Amite, La. and his children Michael Petitto, Jr., Christopher Petitto, Andrew Petitto, and Kasey Petitto; her sister Mary S. Currier of Amite, La; brothers Tony Spitale and wife Bessie of Baton Rouge; Vincent Spitale ofAmite, La; Guy Spitale of Amite, La; Nick Spitale and wife Catherine of Baton Rouge, La; and Sam Spitale, Jr. and wife Linda of Morgan City, La. Frances lived a full and active life. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. She will be remembered by her warm, loving, and inviting smile and adoring love for her family. Not dwelling on material things in life, she was sustained by the love of her husband, children , grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She was a woman of strong faith and integrity with love for God and was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday, January 30, 2012 From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, La. Rosary will held on Monday evening. Visitation will continue at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard and Deacon Michael Agnello. Interment will be a Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. Honoring “Mawmaw” as pallbearers will be her grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be her beloved granddaughters. The family would like to thank the many friends and family members who supported and loved her throughout her life. Special thanks to all the staff at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond, La. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.