Month: February 2012

Thursday Evening Obituary

Vera Lindsey Matherne was born November 28, 1934 and passed away at 1:20 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Heritage Health Center, Hammond. She was 77, a native of Kentwood and resident of Amite.

Ms. Vera is survived by her son, Leroy Matherne, Jr. and wife Josephine, Independence; 4 sisters, Pearline Williams, Ft. Pierce, FL, Mary Strickland, LaPlace, Margie Lascaro and husband Anthony, Amite & Lida Coates and husband Warren, Pumpkin Center; 3 brothers, Fred Lindsey and wife Barbara, Wesson, MS, John Lindsey and wife Barbara, Kentwood & Tommy Lindsey and wife Becky, Amite; 4 grandsons, Jessie Matherne, Justin Matherne and wife Jana, Curtis Matherne and wife Sybil, & Timmy Caldwell; great –granddaughter, Olivia Matherne; special friend, Stanley Matherne, Houma; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Matherne, Sr.; parents, John & Elaine Brabham Lindsey & daughter, Lynn Cross.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Charles Reitz officiating. Interment in New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

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 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

Thursday Afternoon Obituary

Earl Leon Hughes
(May 12, 1927 – February 16, 2012)

A resident of Roseland, he died on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. He was born May 12, 1927 in Roseland and was 84 years of age. Mr. Hughes was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Hughes, Roseland; daughter, Joyce Hughes Rohner, Amite; sister, Hazel Bennett, Brookhaven, MS; grandson, James “Scooter” Rohner and his wife, Beth, Amite; 2 step-grandsons, Mark Rohner, Holden and David Rohner, Albany; 1 great-grandson, Jayden Rohner. Preceded in death by son, Richard Earl Hughes; parents, Cecil and Willie Hughes; 3 brothers, Thomas, Carl and Sidney Hughes; sister, Linda Hughes; son-in-law, Charles W. Rohner. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Thursday Afternoon

From Debbie Cutrer Powers

Please put my KaLeigh back on the prayer list, we have to go to a ped cardiologist in the morning. She has been having some issues with a rapid heartbeat and elevated Blood pressure. Poor thing when it rains it pours for her. Just keep her in ya’lls prayers

Also, please add Chloe Neyland to your list.  Lisa had to take her back to the hospital today for some problems that had developed.  I don’t know if they are going to keep Chloe or send her home.  Prayer will be appropriate at this time though.

Thursday

“Call to Me,

and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know”

~Jeremiah 33:3~

Pray for Mr. Bobby Simpson and Mrs. Ruby Dillon as they continue their physical therapy sessions.

Pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony as he continues his cancer treatment for the next few weeks.

Pray for Jeff Tolar who is continuing to deal with neck problems.  Jeff lives in Florida.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Shirley Frazier and her brother, Mr Kenneth Birch, as they both seek relief for back problems that are plaguing them.

Pray for Mr. Earlo LaBauve and Mrs. Gail Pittman-McDaniel as they continue to improve in rehab.

Heart to Heart with Holley (Gerth): Joy Feast

http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/joy-feast.html

Third Thursday Meeting (covered dish supper, fellowship, devotional led by Mr. James Rimes, and prayer time)

  • 6:30 tonight
  • Alford Cabin
  • Call for more information.
Beth Moore Bible Study: “James: Mercy Triumphs”
  • Two groups (Sunday afternoons or Thursday evenings)
  • Workbooks – $15.00
  • Contact FBC, Kentwood or me for more information
Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Update on Carol Jean Gill from her sister-in-law:

Hi, all. Carol Jean has had a busy couple of days. She is breathing on her own but now has a trach to make her more comfortable. She also has a feeding tube in her abdomen. We are so proud of her. It is so tempting to sneak her little dog, Daisy, into the hospital to see her. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming.

Wednesday

 

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, . . .

being confident of this very thing,

that He who has begun a good work in you

will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

~Philippians 1:3-6~

 

 

Frances Gay requests prayer for Lyndy Lewis Kimbrel who is in North Oaks with pneumonia.  She’s in a step-down unit since her lung collapsed.  Additional tests have been done.  She is Becky Gill’s mother and Diane Strickland and Pam Lewis’  sister.  Lyndy is not up to company at this time, but your prayers are very much needed.

Mr. Kenneth Felker said both “Miss” Grace Helen and B.J. are improving at this time.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Lots of people seem to have colds, coughs, sinus problems, headaches, etc. now.  I suppose it might be partially blamed on the many changes in the weather lately.  Pray for everyone to be careful about spreading/sharing and to get past the days of misery these problems present.

Thought for the Day: Prayers of Intercession

I heard recently about a mother and her five-year-old son who were headed to McDonald’s one day when they passed a car accident. Usually when they would see something terrible like that, they would say a prayer for those who might be hurt, so the mother pointed to the cars and said to her son, “We should pray.”

From the back seat, she heard his earnest request, “Please, God, don’t let those cars block the entrance to McDonald’s.”

The honesty of children! But how often have we all been childishly guilty of the same thing? We are surrounded by the needs of so many people, but we often seem to be blind to them in our prayers. Instead, our prayers tend to go something along the line of, “God, please give me what is most important to ME right now. Take away all the inconveniences that make life so difficult for me, and make sure that only good things happen to me.”

When will we learn that prayer was never intended to be the divine equivalent of a vending machine? Prayer is not an attempt to twist God’s arm until he bends Himself to our will, but an opportunity for us to seek His will. We are to share our needs with God, but prayer is also a privilege God has given His children to be able to intercede for others and their needs.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (I Timothy 2:1)

Who are you praying for today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Two reminders:

  1. Third Thursday meeting at the cabin tomorrow at 6:30
  2. Beth Moore Bible study beginning Sunday evening and the following Thursday.

 Have a wonderful time enjoying the day the Lord has provided!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Rebecca Moak

I wanted to give you an update on my grandma. She is still hospitalized and will have to start dialysis soon. She was looking a little better yesterday but the doctor says her kidneys are not working like they should which is causing her to retain fluid and keep a UTI. We are hoping with her doing the dialysis she will get some of the fluid off and start to get better. She still has pnemonia, they are giving her antibiotics to help with that and some of other medicine to try to break that up. Thank You for all your prayers.

Stephanie McKenzie

Tuesday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”

~1 Timothy 2:8~

Please continue to pray for the families of all four ladies involved in the accident that occurred two and a half weeks ago.  Pray for each family individually.  “Miss” Carol Jean’s family reports she is basically about the same and thanks you for the prayers you have offered thus far.

The family of Eugene Travis requests prayers for him as he has medical tests and procedures.

Thoughts from Courtney Roth

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/02/love.html

The early sign-up for “James: Mercy Triumphs” is going well.  A second order for books has been  made.  For those interested in doing a little preparation ahead of time, read the book of James.  I even found “Mercy triumphs” in one of the verses!

Roy S. Ardillo, II
(May 29, 1951 – February 11, 2012)

A native of Amite and a resident of Pine, he died at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in LaCombe, LA. He was born May 29, 1951 and was 60 years of age. He was a U. S. Army veteran of Viet Nam. A Vigil service followed by the Rosary will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, with visitation to follow until 9 p.m. and resuming from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 12 Noon Thursday February 16, 2012. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Survived by wife, Gaynell Gaudet Ardillo, daughter, Cindy Ardillo Gill and her husband, Mike, son, Richard Ardillo, 2 step-sons, Clinton Billedeaux and his wife, Kimberly, Steven Billedeaux, father, Nick P. Ardillo Sr., one sister, JoAnne Ardillo Falcone and her husband, Vincent, three brothers, James “Rube” Ardillo, Jay Ardillo and his wife, Kerri, Thomas F. Ardillo and his wife, Michelle, grandchildren, Michael Gill, Jr., Matthew Gill, Maylyn Ardillo, Paris Billedeaux, nieces and nephews, Joseph, Jonathan, Margaret & Madeline Ardillo, Vincent & Joshua Falcone, Nikki Falcone Messina, Melissa Ficklin Clark, Amanda Ficklin Mixon & Jason Ficklin, uncles & aunts, Thomas Bellavia, Frank Bellavia, Mary Frances Ardillo, numerous cousins. Preceded in death by mother, Angelee Bellavia Ardillo, and brother, Nick P. Ardillo, Jr. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in Lacombe, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Families are so important.  A new movie, “The Vow”, gives us an example of a couple who worked through especially difficult problems to regain love and then to remarry.  I have not seen the movie, but have heard from others who did.  I think the book and/or the movie might be a plus for any family or soon-to-be family.  Take time to read what Baptist Press has to say.

 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37170

 Dr. Danny Smith, pastor of Spring Creek Baptist Church, has given me permission to share some of his thoughts periodically.  I think we can all benefit from what he said yesterday.

Pain, loss, sorrow, grief all things we have experienced and struggle with from time to time. Truth is there is no easy way to deal with any of them.

There are those who insist time heals all wounds but as time rocks on and hurts persist we find that is not right.

Then there are those who say you just have to work through it you just have to go through these steps but then we wear out the path the steps are located on and still have our ache still have our pain and they say give it time.

But there is one who can and does help in these times and He does that first by being with us.

He does it secondly by taking it from us.

And He does it finally by taking it us away from all of it.

No this does not change the pain or take away the sorrow but it sure gives us somewhere to take it and of course that is to Jesus. Where else no where! Who else? No one!

Thought for the Day: Willing to die

The following story is related by Kim Noone in the book, “A Cup of Chicken Soup For the Soul”:

“One day a drill sergeant came out and threw a hand grenade into a group of young soldiers. The men all ran away and took cover away from the grenade. Then the drill sergeant told them that the grenade was not set to explode and he just did it to see their reaction.

“The next day a newly recruited soldier joined the group. The drill sergeant told the other soldiers not to tell the new soldier what was going to happen. As the drill sergeant came out and threw the grenade into the crowd of soldiers, the new soldier, not knowing it wasn’t going to explode, threw himself on top of the grenade to prevent it from killing the other men. He was willing to die for his fellow soldiers.

“That year the young man was awarded the only medal for courage and bravery that had not been won during battle.”

How many people would you be willing to die for? Be honest now! Maybe your husband or wife, one of your children, but the list starts to get pretty short after that, doesn’t it?

Can you imagine dying in the place of a convicted criminal? Someone is scheduled to die on death row for murder, and you say, “Please let me take his place!” Not very likely, huh?

Paul was so right when he said, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8)

Why would Christ do that? As long as I define love by my own personal limitations, it will always be impossible to comprehend. Only the love of an Almighty God could be willing to sacrifice so much. I am led to respond in praise, and in a desire to give all my love and obedience to the One who loved me more than life itself.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

How many ways can you show love to others today?  You don’t have to die for them, but you can thank the One who die for us. That was love!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the Word about Christ.”

~Romans 10:17 NIV~

Please pray for Bobby Simpson as he has outpatient PT in Hammond for a while.

Earlo LaBauve was scheduled to be moved from North Oaks to North Oaks rehab yesterday afternoon.  Pray for his continued improvement.

Continue to pray for the families whose lives were changed forever in the tragic wreck that happened two weeks ago.  The families have different needs at this point, but God can supply all of these needs.  Pray for all the families involved.

Susan Rimes was able to be at church yesterday, the first time in months.  Thank God for her improvement.

James Rimes will share a devotional thought at the meeting at the cabin Thursday night at 6:00.  We will have a time to each and fellowship before James shared.  Please feel free to join us.  James does an excellent job.  He is back at popular request after sharing last month.  Contact me if you need more information.

The interest in the Beth Moore Bible study has been good.  It will begin Sunday or the following Thursday, depending on the day you choose.  It’s not too late to sign us.  Please notify me or the church office if you are interested.

New Beth Moore Bible Study: James: Mercy Triumphs
FBC, Kentwood
Choice of two groups
Sunday – 8 weeks beginning Feb. 19th; 4:30-6:00
Thursday – 8 weeks beginning Feb. 23rd; 6:00 – 7:30
Books – $15.00

Location: Classroom beneath the auditorium.  Park behind the church.

Choose Sunday or Thursday.

Thought for the Day: The God who supplies all our needs

Here is a dilemma for your consideration: You are driving along on a wild stormy night. You pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who is about to die.

2. An old friend who once saved your life.

3. The perfect man (or woman) you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car?

This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first; or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect dream lover again.

Think before you continue reading………………………………

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.

His answer was, “I would give the car keys to my old friend, and let him take the old lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the woman of my dreams.”

Why didn’t I think of that??? I was feeling pretty good about taking care of the needs of that old lady, and along comes someone who meets ALL of their needs!

It’s very much the way I feel before God. I am a person who gets pleasure from trying to meet the needs of people around me. But, so often I fall short. That’s why I’m so very thankful to have a God who can not only meet all my needs, but also the needs of everyone else I come in contact with.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Phil 4:19-20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have you noticed all the things God has done for you lately.  Take time to count you blessings!

Anna Lee