Anna Lee

It seems scandalous to believe that’s true. And yet who am I to argue with the One who spoke the stars into place, who spread the seas as far as we can see, who numbered every hair on my messy, imperfect head?

It’s not because of who we are but Whose we are.

Not because of what we’ve done but what Love has done for us.

Not temporary but forever-and-ever because He doesn’t change.

I’m going to try to stop saying “not good enough” and instead dare to agree with the Love that will not let me go.

Want to join me?

With love,

Holley

Pamela Ann Boudreau “Maman” King

She was a retired inside salesperson and a native and resident of Baton Rouge. She died at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge. Pamela was 65. She was an avid football and baseball fan and a supporter of Denham Springs High School athletics. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation will resume at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Denham Springs on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Ann Bond and husband Joe, and Marie Louise Featherston and husband Chuck; two sons, Paul David King and wife Lisa, and Michael Sanders King and wife Angela; special daughter, Diane Vollenweider and husband Eddie; four sisters, Margaret B. McGee and husband Larry, Paulette B. Drake, Elizabeth B. Black, and Janet B. Landry and husband Bobby; 11 grandchildren, J.P., Jared and Justin Bond, Rachel and Ryan Featherston, Josh McKean, Victoria and Tyler King, Nicole LeGlue, Emily and Eric Vollenweider; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pamela was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Dale King Jr.; parents, Paul Sr. and Janet LeBlanc Boudreau; and a brother, Paul “Bubba” Boudreau Jr. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association .

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Thursday Addition

Pam King, mother-in-law of Lisa McKean King, passed away this morning after having a heart attack last night. Many of you know Lisa,my former student and Momma’s nurse, because she also is the home health nurse for many others in our area. Please be in prayer for the King family.

A former church member at Roseland. Yes, she was indeed an animal lover!

“All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderful The Lord God made them all.”

Mrs. Joyce Washburn Watson, 86, passed away at 6:26 a.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at her residence in Amite surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of Natalbany.

A life-long animal lover, Joyce spent much of her life & resources rescuing injured, abandoned and hungry animals. Dogs, cats, monkeys, birds, lizards, frogs, the occasional snake, an ocelot and at least one family of mine all found refuge in her compassionate heart. Joyce was a loving mother, a good friend and a vibrant soul. Like many of her depression-era peers, she picked strawberries as a child and rose to become a multiple award winning sales manager for Avon Products at the height of her career,

Ms. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Schon and son –in-law Bear Thompson, Amite; love of her life, Terry Lessig, Independence; sister, Bonnie Mouledous, Hammond; 2 granddaughters, Laura Hartley, Hattiesburg, MS & Cinamon Anderson, Lafayette; 5 great-grandchildren, Reagan Rodriguez, Rebecca Anderson, Ethan Hartley, Benjamin Hartley & Michael Hartley; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Henry I & Elva Gill Watson; 2 brothers, Jules H. Watson & Charles Watson; sister, Madge D. Reeves.

Family request Flowers or Memorial Donations be made to any Animal Welfare Society.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Darwin Brecheen officiating. Interment at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA.

Thursday

“But the basic reality of God is plain enough.

Open your eyes and there it is!”

~Romans 1:19 MSG~

Carol New has completed two of six weeks at Specialty hospital. Her therapy is progressing nicely. Thank God He has given Carol such a good attitude as she goes through rehab.

Pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony. He has been undergoing tests.

Pray for Mrs. Mary Womack who has had a medical procedure.

Pray for the Harrels. “Miss” Annie Belle had a fall. Mr. Phillip is still recovering from his broken wrist.

Continue to pray for the Conti/Fowler family in the death of Johnny.

Coming dates for your calendar

Dec. 3rd – Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Tea at First Baptist Church, Greensburg Saturday at 2 P.M. Ladies of any age are invited to come celebrate the life of Lottie. What a special lady she was!
Dec. 4th – Week of Pray for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Dec. 7th – Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon in the fellowship hall at 11 A.M.
Dec. 11th – We will have a movie night at FBC, Kentwood. “Christmas with a Capital C” will be shown at 5:30. No admission charge!
Dec. 18th – The choir will present a musical, “A Song in the Air” during the 10:30 worship service.
Dec. 18th – Dinner and candlelight service @ 5 and 6 P.M.
Dec. 20th – Breakfast muffins needed for gift bags which will be distributed on the 21st.
Dec. 21st – Church-wide caroling at 6 P.M.; Gift bags will be distributed.
Dec. 25th – Morning worship only – 10 A.M.

Please say special prayers for the family of the baby who was sick her whole life.

Malaysia Ta’Sha Garner
(October 1, 2009 – November 29, 2011)
A resident of Kentwood, she died on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She was born October 1, 2009 and was 2 years of age. She is survived by her parents, Brian and Donnisha Alexander Garner; brother, Brian Garner, Jr.; grandparents, Lee and Sharon Robertson and Milton and Donnise Gordon; great-grandparents, Rose Alexander, Brisco Crain and Perry Soloman; Godparents, Wendell and Michelle Anthony, Milton Gordon, Jr., Sierra Jackson, Brandon Miller and Yolanda Callihan; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other special relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Marshall Crain; great-grandparents, Neva Crain, Ruby Garner, Wilbert and Adreen Robertson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Deliverance Temple Cemetery, Kentwood.

Thought for the Day: Who are you trying to impress?

The story is told of a newly promoted colonel who moved into a makeshift office during the Gulf War. He was just getting unpacked when out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a private with a toolbox coming his way.

Wanting to seem important, he grabbed the phone: “Yes, General Schwarzkopf. Of course, I think that’s an excellent plan.” He
continued: “You’ve got my support on it. Thanks for checking with me. Let’s touch base again soon, Norm. Goodbye.”

“And what can I do for you?” he asked the private.

“Uhhh, I’m just here to hook up your phone.”

For some reason (pride?), we feel it necessary to impress others, to have others think we are somebody special or that we have special connections. And so we play games, putting on a show and dropping names, sometimes appearing very foolish in the process.

“Therefore when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:2)

Who are you trying to impress? The people you work with? Your boss? Your friends? Or God?

Don’t play games, trying to elevate yourself in the eyes of people. Just live for God seeking his favor.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

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