Author: Anna Lee

Monday

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time;

O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.”

~Psalm 69:13~

  • Pray for Boyd Hatchel as he has more appointments today at Ochsner in New Orleans.  They are still trying to determine the cause of the blood clots.
  • Jimmy Harrell spent two days in the hospital after a slight stroke.  He is better and back in his routine.  Thank God the problem was mainly a warning to him.
  • Mrs. Pauline Strickland continues to improve.  As you pray for her, pray for her family members who are faithfully at her side.
  • Roy Russell has been hospitalized in Lacombe after having seven by-passes.  He had a good day yesterday and should be able to leave the hospital today unless a problem develops.  He will be at his sister’s (Faibra R. Cade) home for the recovery period.
  • I talked with an aunt and uncle of Jadon yesterday.  They said Jadon was doing well.  In fact, if he continues to do as well as he has been doing, he may get to come home much earlier than first planned.  Jadon’s mom wrote: Praying Jadons circulation has picked back up. CT scan at 6am. He had a great day today.
  • The associational WMU meet will be at FBC, Kentwood at 10:00 this morning.  Bring a covered dish and join us as we remember our WMU ladies who have passed away during the past year.
  • The monthly gathering for supper, sweet fellowship, and a meaningful devotion will be Thursday at our cabin.  We begin at 6:30 and hope to see some of you with us.

Randal Michael “Tripp” Roth, III

Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home

Randal Michael “Tripp” Roth III, 2 years old of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012, at home. Tripp was born on Thursday, May 14, 2009, in Hammond.

Surviving are his mother, Courtney Regina Hotard Roth; father, Randal Michael Roth Jr.; grandparents, Lawton and Anita Hotard, Randal and Rhonda Roth Sr., Pamela and Carey Bennett; great-grandmothers, Dorothy Hotard and Marie Ernst; great-grandparents, Pat St. Amant, David and Betty Robichaux; and step great-grandfather, Erick St. Amant.
He is preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Sidney Hotard and Lawrence Ernst, and paternal great-grandfather, Frederick Roth II.

Visitation will be on Wednesday1/18, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ponchatoula, from 10:00a.m. until 1:00p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00p.m.

Interment will follow in the Ponchatoula Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Tripp’s name to debra.org, or puckfund.org

A guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.

 

Arrangements for Kelly Dunn Sofge are still incomplete.  Check back to see if I have them posted later.  In the meantime, please continue to pray for Kathy Dunn and other family members.

 

Thought for the Day: Eternal Life

The joke is told about three nurses who died and went to Heaven, where they were met at the Pearly Gates by Peter. To the first, he asked, “What did you used to do back on Earth? Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?”

“I was a nurse at an inner city hospital,” she replied. “I worked to bring healing and peace to many sufferers, especially poor, helpless children.”

“Very noble,” said Peter. “You may enter.” And in she went.

To the next nurse, he asked the same question. “What did you used to do?” “Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?”

“I was a nurse at a missionary hospital in the Amazon basin,” she replied. “For many years, I worked with a skeleton crew of doctors and nurses who tried to reach out to as many people across numerous tribes, with a hand of healing and peace, and with the message about God’s love.”

“How touching,” said Peter. “You, too, may enter.” And in she went.

He then came to the last nurse, to whom he asked, “What did you used to do back on Earth? Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?”

After some hesitation, she replied, “I was a nurse at an HMO.”

Peter pondered this for a moment, and then said, “Ok, you may enter, too.”

“Whew!” said the nurse. “For a moment there, I thought you weren’t going to let me in.”

“Oh, you can come in,” said St. Peter, “but you can only stay for three days.”

Some of you personally know the feeling of being pushed out of a hospital room faster than you would like to have been. But while there are a lot of adjectives that the Bible uses to describe heaven — incorruptible, undefiled, glorious — one adjective that is never used is “temporary.”

As I look back over my life, there have been some wonderful moments that I wished would never end. But everything we experience in this life is temporary. No matter how much we enjoy doing something, going somewhere, or being with someone, it is all only temporary. But, in heaven, we have the opportunity to be with God and His redeemed for all eternity!

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” (2 Cor. 4:18-5:1)

I hope you’ve made your reservations for the party that will never end!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

 

 

Sunday

Heart to Heart with Holley:

When the Difference You Make is Hard to See

Tags:  Creativity, Uncategorized

All day long I click, type, look through the screen at the faces of people I love who live halfway across the country or even on the other side of the world.

And, sometimes, in the quiet moments I wonder if what I do really makes a difference.

“You can’t see it in person,” hisses the enemy, “You can’t touch it. How do you know it’s real?”

Then I think about how I should be doing something tangible–rocking a baby, handing out food, building a house. I feel a heart-hunger to know the results with my five senses.

I whisper this to Jesus one morning as sunlight spills in through the open window. I ask Him if I’ve gotten it all wrong–if I should be doing something else.

A verse pops into my heart like a present left on the front porch…

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I’ve always thought of those words in the context of believing in God.

But that morning it seemed the One Who Loves Us whispered that part of faith is also about believing that our obedience makes a difference–even when we can’t see the results.

Sure of what we hope for…that our words matter in the world, that hearts out there really are encouraged, that the flicker of a screen can bring light to a life again.

Certain of what we do not see…that that the bonds we make, the needs we meet, the prayers we lift up are as real as what’s right in front of us–that the great I am is everywhere and in all we do in His name.

I think then of a conversation I had with Ann Voskamp many months ago about much the same thing. We tossed and turned thoughts around between us until at the end we nodded, smiled and said…

How can we say that the virtual doesn’t matter when the Spirit is virtual?

The Kingdom has always been about more than what we can sense. Oh, friends, it’s more about what we know in our hearts–and about following faithfully the One who whispers to us there–believing that in all things He is working together for good.

Sometimes that good is something we can see, touch, taste and smell.

And sometimes it’s built of eternal things that we won’t know until heaven.

So press on, sisters.

Keep the faith.

Do what you do, be who you are, walk in that sometimes blind, always beautiful obedience.

Yes, you really are making a difference.

– Holley Gerth

When, not if, you wonder about making a difference by what you do, just be sure you are where God wants you to be.  You will make a difference!
Anna Lee

Saturday Midday

Jadon’s Story: Working hard

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

 

Sherman and Treva’s baby boy is named Cameron Michael.  He was 9 lbs. and 12.4 ozs. at birth.  His three sisters and other family members are happy Cameron is here and healthy.  Pray for this family as more adjustments are made in their daily life.

 

On another note, two year old Tripp Roth moved to his home in heaven today.  Please pray for Courtney and other family members as well as his many friends and his health care support team.

Saturday Addition

#9 Derry’s Medical Report

 

As of today, Saturday, January 14, 2012, Derry is making great strides in his swallowing. Friday, during his speech therapy, he was given to eat ground fish and mixed vegetables, apple nectar, and chocolate pudding.  The first thing he told me when I arrived was what he had eaten and he liked it.  Upon my arrival in the afternoon he happened to notice that I had Blue Bell ice cream in my lunch.  Derry immediately wanted some.  At this time, no one can feed him but the speech therapists.  I asked his therapist, Nancee Dixon, and she came down to his room and fed him a cup of vanilla ice cream.  Water flows faster through the throat and causes a greater risk of water going down into the lungs.  The nectars flow smoother and slower and goes down the esophagus better.  It was a thrilling sight watching Derry hold his cup and drink for himself.  

Last night, the nurse removed the triple line from his upper right chest area where the medications were being given.  Since he is able to swallow crushed pills in the nectar, it was time to remove the port that was no long needed.    They also administer the crushed pills through the stomach tube and will continue to do so until he is able to eat enough calories to sustain him.   He only has two tubes left to be removed:  the catheter and the feeding tube.   

He thoroughly enjoys ALL visitors.  They stimulate him and keep him aware of everything that is going on.  Derry feels very much a part of what is going on in the lives of people, School of Veterinary Medicine, First Baptist Church of CS, Football, Basketball, politics, etc.  He was so disappointed in LSU not showing up for the game.  He had a lengthy conversation with Steve, our son-in-law in Miami, about football.   Derry kept repeating, “Jefferson is no quarterback.”  “Jefferson is no quarterback.”  I thought, “What a shame the LSU coach did not know that!”  We all felt that the coach should have replaced him with Lee after the first fumble.  

Derry asked me to ask Patrick to bring Katherine by to see him.  Pat brought her by last Tuesday and Patrick, Jennifer, Conner, David, and Katherine will visit him this afternoon.  One door in his room is covered with artwork done by Nour Hilal, Sarah Hilal, Connor Schilling, David Schilling, great-granddaughter Mia Johnson from Lebanon, TN.

Derry told his nurse that when he gets well he wants to teach the physical therapists human anatomy so that they will know why one has  to be careful  sitting a male during showers, etc.  (As you know,  Derry will tell it like it is!) 

Last night, Sandra and Gerald Wynn (truest and greatest friends anyone could have)  went by our house, picked up and brought to Rehab Derry’s warm long tee shirts last night and took back to wash his new shirts and putter pant bottoms for him to use this weekend and next week.

Derry’s first cousin, Dr. Charles Bridges, passed away Thursday morning, and he has asked me to attend the wake for us.  I told him that I would and would ask someone to come sit with him while I am away for the wake (Monday evening, I believe.)

 

Wishing you a restful weekend!  Thank you for your love, acts of kindness, and prayers.

 

In Christian love,   Dora

I’m thanking God for each little step in Doc’s improvement!  What a joy it will be to see him in Kentwood again one day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“If you want to know what God really wants you to do, ask him …

but if you don’t ask in faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.”

~James 1:5-6 TLB~

Marjorie Jean Smith Cutrer

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, Bogalusa

Marjorie Jean Smith Cutrer, a long time resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord January 11, 2012 at the age of 87.

She was born July 15, 1924, the daughter of the late Eugene and Margaret Smith. A graduate of Louisiana State University in 1947, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Marjorie married Carl E. Cutrer Sr. on February 6, 1949 in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Marjorie was a homemaker until her children were grown and then she worked along side her husband at the family owned and operated Red Bird Ice Cream Company. She and her husband, Carl, were lifelong world travelers visiting numerous countries on six continents. Another of Marjorie’s passions was needlecraft. Over the course of her life she crocheted more than 50 afghans, and created beautiful needlepoint, cross-stitch, and embroidery pictures that adorn the homes of her family and friends.

Marjorie dedicated her life to serving others. As an active member of First Baptist Church in Bogalusa for over 75 years, Marjorie served as the pianist for over 50 years and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. Named Bogalusa’s Citizen of the Year in 2000, Marjorie was a leader in her community. She served in many leadership positions for organizations such as the American Red Cross and YWCA, and was a member of the Sunshine Club at Rest Haven Nursing Home, Ingleside Literary Society, Civic League of Bogalusa, and United Way of Bogalusa. One of the highlights of her life was her participation in five mission trips to Nicaragua with Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, MS.

Marjorie is survived by her beloved husband, Carl E. Cutrer, Sr.; her sons, Carl E. Cutrer, Jr. and Hardy Cutrer (Lori) of Baton Rouge, LA; her daughter, Margaret Cutrer Tynes (David) of Petal, MS; and her grandsons, Daniel Tynes (Emily), Paul Tynes (Raven), Charley Tynes, and J. Hardy Cutrer.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Bogalusa, LA on Friday January 13, 2012. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by the 11:00 a.m. service. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa, LA. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, Bogalusa, has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa (541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, LA 70427) or Carterville Baptist Church Nicaragua Mission Fund (1115 Carterville Road, Petal, MS 39465).

Infant Payton Michael Wallace, son of Heather Michelle Wallace and Jason Douglas Honaker of Kentwood passed away on January 11, 2012 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

He also survived by his maternal grandparents, Ricky & Jennifer Wallace, Kentwood; paternal grandparents, Pamela Ann Gazzle, Franklinton and Michael Ray Lachney, Opelousas; ; maternal great-grandparents, Donald & Barbara Holliday, Kentwood;maternal uncles, Justin Wallace & Daniel Holliday, Kentwood; maternal aunt, Tiffany Wallace, Kentwood; paternal aunt, Amanda Lynn Lachney, Meridian, MS; paternal uncles, Justin Lachney, Covington & Michael Ray Lachney, Gulfport, MS; also extended family members.

Preceded in death by maternal great-grandparents, Marvin Wallace & Linda Thames; paternal great-grandparents, Ruby Smokey & Michael Honaker

Graveside Celebration of Life Service at Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Gene Richards officiating. Interment in Hyde Cemetery.

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

McKneely& Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press: http://www.bpnews.net/

I trust you will click on this link and read some of these timely articles.  I can’t think of a better or more interesting front page for any Christian to read.

Heart to Heart with Holley: When it seems you will never be done . . . . 

Hello Friend!

We all have our quirks. So in the spirit of confession, here’s one of mine: I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to getting things done. If I have a to-do left on my list at the end of the day it’s like a pebble in my shoe.  Anyone else ever feel that way?

The thing is, it never gets all done. There’s always another dish to wash, another email to answer, another project to wrap up. That used to drive me just about wild. And wear me out.

Then one day it seemed God whispered to my heart, “You are never going to be done.”

At first I thought it must be the devil. And this southern girl was about to tell him where to go, y’all.

But no, the whisper kept coming quietly and gently until I fully recognized the Voice of One Who Loves Me.

And he confirmed it with Scripture too: He who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Two truths stuck in my soul from that one little sentence.

First, while I’m good at “carryin’ on” (as we say in the South) that’s not what God means in this verse. He means that he’ll take on the weight, bear the burden, make sure that what needs doin’ will get done. Our part is simply obedience.

Also, that good work in our lives is going to keep on keepin’ on until it’s complete in the day of Christ Jesus. In case you didn’t catch it, that’s code for “until heaven.” So as much as I may want to check off everything I possibly can, God is going to have more for me until the day I’m with him forever. Whew.That means I can lay day my completion compulsion and trade it for grace.

I don’t know about you, but the new year tends to put my “get it done” self into overdrive. But we don’t have to do it that way this time around. God has it covered, friend.

We don’t have to strive. Instead we can LIVE. With joy even.

 Woo-hoo! Now that’s reason for some good “carryin’ on”—the kind complete with whoopin’ and hollerin’ and a little jig thrown in just because.

What helps you trust God with your to-do list? Do tell. 

Love,

Holley

 

I no longer keep my daily “to do” list.  I also have learned to be ready for a visit with a friend, a ride in the country, grandchildren, watching the dog and cats, sitting next to David and watching TV programs I would never have selected, etc.  I’m enjoying my retirement and all the hours God allows me to do things that were not on my “to do” list, but which suddenly became important to me.  David says “no schedule”!  I know I haven’t heard those school bells ringing to remind me I should have completed one teaching responsibility and now it is time to begin the next teaching assignment.  I’m no longer driven by bells!  That means other things like a phone call from Daddy, an unannounced visitor at the door, etc. drive my day.  “That’s a good thing!” 

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Afternoon

Jadon’s Story: More great news 🙂

I am still doing really well. I’m eating and drinking. Since I’m doing this they turned my IV liquids down. I’m taking my pain medicine by mouth only and doing great with that. They were able to take one of my drainage tubes out this morning. I didn’t like it to much but it feels much better now that it is out. The plan is to take the second drainage tube out in two days. They will then do a CT scan Monday or Tuesday to see if the circulation has picked back up. If it has I will not need a shunt. So please pray my circulation picks back up. I do not have to wear the gauze on my head anymore. This makes me very happy. You know I do not like hats anyway and the gauze was bothering me. I had an excellent PT session this morning. I picked my head all the way up two times. I also moved my right arm. They put ice on my arm to help stimulate the muscles and sure enough I moved my right elbow up. Praise God!!!! I’m not moving it all around but since I did move it this morning we know that it will come. I have minimal swelling and I’m slowly getting my strength back. I’m leaving you a picture of me that we took today. I wanted everyone to see how GREAT I look!!!! Keep praying we still have a long way to go. Oh and I have been seizure free for 3 days now!!!!!!!! God is Great!!!!

 

Sitman N. “Sip” Foster was born on November 4, 1938 and passed away at 6:30 a.m., January 12, 2012 at the Louisiana Heart Hospital, Lacombe. He was 73, a native of Kentwood and a resident of Lacombe. Mr. Sip was a member of International Association Asbestos Workers Local #53 and was a US Navy Veteran.

Mr. Sip is survived by a son, Jesse D. Foster and wife Rhonda, Lacombe; grandchildren, Tristan, Devon & Cory Foster; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jesse D. and Daisy Foster; 3 sisters Mona, Rita & Linda; 3 brothers, Carl, Henry & Jesse D.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home Amite, on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel. Interment in Hutchinson Cemetery, Hwy 441, Kentwood.

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

McKneely & Vaugh 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.

Friday

“And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones

because he is a disciple–

I assure you: He will never lose his reward!”

~Matthew 10:42, HCSB~

  • Tangipahoa Parish and many other places have been drawn together in praying for two young boys, Jadon and Tripp.  Lives have been touched by these two young lives and strong families.  I’ve seen such evidence of prayer that encourages my heart.  I know you have prayed and been touched too.  May God bless these two families and each of you who have prayed for them.  I think the following blog will give you the insight into the life of one person who will be changed forever.  Keep praying!
  • Lisa Westmoreland shared this request.
    • I am asking for Prayers for my uncle Willie Westmoreland,he is having problems with his kidneys and will require a kidney transplant.
  • Debbie Luce, a teacher and a former student of mine, will have her third back surgery Tuesday.  Pray this fusion process goes well and Debbie can be free of pain and return to her teaching job.
  • Roy Russell’s by-pass surgery went well.  Today will be the third day which is usually the hardest day on the patient.  Pray Roy gets through this day without any complications.  Roy is a brother to Faibra Cade and a step-brother to J.C. Miller.
  • Continue to pray for Taylor Breeland of Kentwood.  Her prayer support has not been as evident on the internet, but I assure you those who know her have been praying.  Keep her near the top of your list as this young lady battles cancer.
KnebrokenEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

THINGS HAPPEN THAT hurt terribly…

  • A youngster breaks a leg, eliminating him from participation in a sports activity in which he was excelling;
  • A tragic accident turns life into a nightmare;
  • A “perfect” marriage is shattered by the sudden death of a partner;
  • A promising career is fractured by a merger which puts a brilliant man out of work.

Such things put faith–even strong faith–to the test.  The Bible says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23).  How?  We can’t presume to know how God works in every case.  But for starters:

1.  The good man seeks God’s will in all he does.  He doesn’t make decisions without considering God’s will.  He consults God’s Word, and prays for direction.  Then if problems come, he reasons that God may be directing in a way beyond human understanding.

 2.  He looks for good even in the painful experiences.  There will be times when even the good man fails to properly consider God’s will.  Times when he will fail to consult the Word, and pray.  Times when he will act impulsively, foolishly.

And even when he has fervently sought to do right there will be times when thing go sour and tragedy strikes.  What does he do then?  He places his trust in God–convinced that, though he doesn’t understand how, God will bring good out of it.

Maybe there are times when God causes seeming tragedy in order to send us down a different road.  More often, however, those painful experiences cannot be assigned to the Lord.  He does not cause them–but He can use them.  Even the terribly tragic experiences He can turn to our advantage.  Joe Barnett

 “. . .It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”  Jeremiah 10:23

Thanks for praying.  You touch many lives!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Tripp Roth

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/

Tripp is not doing very well.  You may want to read the latest few blogs before you pray.

Mrs. Ann Chapman sent this.  I thought it was such an appropriate timing considering all the children, especially little boys, we have been praying for lately.

Hey folks, I have discovered a new ministry that everyone can take part in. St. Jude wants our old Christmas cards or any occasional cards. Just cut the front from the back, (be sure there are no personal notes on the back of the front), they only want the front. The children will be involved in making new cards to sell.
Mail to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
100 St. Jude Street
Boulder City, NV 89005-1681

Also if you would like to order cards from them specify what you want, birthday, All Occasion, etc, religious or not.
They are $6.50 per box of 10. Order from:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
P. O. Box 60100
Boulder City, NV 89006-0100

Or call 1-800-492-3562

Thursday Addition

4 bites and an ounce of juice (Jadon Pailet)

I never knew how exciting four bites of toast and 1 ounce of juice could be. LOL Yes I drank some juice and ate some toast this morning. I’m having trouble with the right side of my mouth due to the surgery. This is normal but its making it hard to eat and drink. You know me though, I’m a fighter and I’m already doing it. I’m also moving my right hip and my toes. I haven’t moved my right arm yet but it will come. So lots of good stuff now the not so great stuff. I do not like when they come in to sit me up. I get so nervous and I break out in a rash. Everytime someone comes in after that I break out because I think they are going to hurt me. It’s so sad. I’m also fustrated because I can’t move my right arm. Everyone gets telling me I’ll get it back but I’m still not happy about it. I’m confused and don’t know what happened to my body. I’m also very weak. All I want to do is lay in my bed and hold someones hand. Everyday I’m getting stronger though. It is weird to watch me lay in my bed and not have seizures. I’ve had these for almost two years so you can imagine how weird it is to not see them. My mommy and daddy are watching me so closely to make sure they don’t see any seizures. Again we are thanking God for what he has done and praying that my recovery continues to go great. Thank you so much for praying for me. You are helping me get better.