Friday

“Each of us will give an account of himself to God . . .

Try to live in such a way that you will never make your brother stumble by letting him see you doing something that he thinks is wrong.”

~Romans 14:12-13 (TLB)~

 

 

 

I have two BIG requests this morning.  I think most of you will want to put in extra prayers.

  • Lisa Zachary Klemm, formerly of Amite, asks for prayers for her dad, Mr. Lester Zachary, of Amite.  He has tested positive for Covid – 19, but seems to be doing okay now.  Mr. Lester is a resident of Tangi Pines, the nursing home in off Duncan Avenue, in Amite.   Please pray for everyone who lives or works there.
  • From Keith Rhodes, former youth minister at FBC, Kentwood.  They live in the Shreveport area.  Lori is his precious wife.   https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=110441203987079&set=a.101837138180819&type=3&eid=ARAGMH84TuO43rziOEgTup_4UMApESgnY6mKjxJZyP1fi4buXDfDMwDxA9fhWYtW6_dNo1nz2ZSbMeyj.  This link is to a picture.It’s been a while since many of you have had an update on Lori.As you may, or may not know, Lori was diagnosed with MSA-C (Multiple System Atrophy – Cerebellum) in August after a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. If you don’t know what it is, Google it so you’re up to speed.

    This picture was taken at my parent’s 50th anniversary in December. At this point, she was using her walker daily. We would only use a chair when we went out. The disease has progressed since then.

    Lori is now in a wheelchair all the time. We are able to move her, with her help, in and out of the chair. Her legs seem to get weaker every day and standing is becoming more of a challenge.

    We are fortunate to have a hospital bed for her now. That has really helped her get a better nights sleep. Getting in and out is a challenge, but we are still working together and making that happen.

    I noticed that her stridor (Google that one too) seems to have returned when she sleeps. I noticed this about 2 months ago. Three days ago, she was having trouble speaking and became hoarse. We thought it may be allergies, but scheduled an appointment with her ENT just to be safe.

    That appointment was yesterday. We learned the reason for the stridor and voice issues. Her right vocal cord is not moving anymore. Her left one in still moving, but not as well as a healthy vocal cord.

    Those of you who know Lori know that she loves to talk. She loves to sing. She could not wait to read books to our grandson and sing to him. Not being able to do either has been hard on all of us. But that’s not what upset her the most yesterday. Watching her, what broke her more than anything was the knowledge that saying the words, “I Love You!” is something she won’t be able to say too much longer to everyone.

    This has been an emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting week for all of us. But in the midst of the challenges that keep arising, God has been so faithful.

    As much as I’d like to be teaching my kids at school, I get to be here to take care of Lori 24/7. It’s a joy to spend every second with my beautiful bride.

    Lori always says, “Someone out there has it much worse than we do.” She always finds a way to make our challenges seem small in comparison to everything else going on.

    For us, we just take one day at a time.

    What can you do? Pray for Lori Lantz Rhodes. Pray that God will continue to strengthen her and ultimately, heal her. Send her a message or text of encouragement. Please don’t call because talking is something she can’t do over the phone.

    Right now, while you still can, call someone and say, “I Love You!” Don’t text it or email it. Actually say it to them. Never take that simple gift for granted.

    We love each of you and are thankful that you are (or at one point were) in our lives.

 

 

Thursday, May 7, is the National Day of Prayer

In 1952, a joint resolution of the United States Congress established a National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Reagan set that day as the first Thursday in May.

On this day, Americans from all walks of life join together around the country to call out to God for Him to work in and through our country.

Next Thursday, May 7, we ask you to join us for this day of prayer.

The SBC Executive Committee has created a prayer guide for you and your church, to pray for Seven Centers of Influence in America for the National Day of Prayer.

This prayer guide is available for download below. We encourage you to use it and join us in prayer for our nation next week.

(The download for praying is found at https://mcusercontent.com/0822e7574b80f03f1a1737970/files/4592b389-1245-484e-9018-c75607370fd3/2020_National_Day_of_Prayer.v6.pdf.)

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 1

  • Judges 13:1-14:20
  • John 1:29-51
  • Psalm 102:1-28
  • Proverbs 14:15-16

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Thank you for joining your prayers to many other prayers.

Anna Lee