Author: Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Makynna (Keller) came home and she is doing wonderful…Thank you all so much for your prayers! God Bless!  Monica Smith

If you would could you plese put my granddaughter Olivia Grace Prescott on the prayer list. Her soft spot is closing up too soon and is having a CT scan and lab work done this Wednesday 7:00 a.m. at North Oaks. They also found a heart murmur. She is 3 months old. Thank you Cheryl Prescott

Sim Bankston is doing well.  He should be able to go home Tuesday or Wednesday, but will go back in a few weeks for surgery.

“Chuck” Dudley Gregory Pittman

(September 9, 1958 – February 22, 2010)

“Chuck” Dudley Gregory Pittman, 51, died peacefully in his sleep, Monday, February 22, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, LA. He was born September 9, 1958 in Independence, LA, a son of Bertha Lou Gill and Bobby Ray Pittman, Sr. He was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Chuck is survived by his wife, Lucy “Gayle” Clark Pittman, and their two sons, Chuck “Gregory” Pittman and Rodney Clark Pittman and his wife, Jennifer Jones Pittman, and their two children, Rangle Coy Pittman and Roper Cale Pittman. He is also survived by three sisters and three brothers, Marie and her husband, Milton Kimble, Roger and his wife, Lois Pittman, Janet and her husband, Bobby Tigner, Bobby Ray Pittman, Jr., Jimmy Pittman, JoEtta and her husband, Terry Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Jacob Crow. He worked at Deltak Manufacturing in Pine Grove, LA. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

A photo is available at http://www.mckneelys.com/index.cfm

Wade Franklin “Frank” Welch
(January 24, 1961 – February 21, 2010)

Wade Franklin “Frank” Welch was born January 24,1961 and passed away at 4:25 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2010 at his residence. He was 49, a native of Clinton and a resident of Amite.

Frank is survived by 2 daughters, Crystal Welch, Independence and Cheryleita Welch, Dallas, OR; 4 sons, Joseph Welch, Independence, Brandon Holden, New Orleans, Wade Welch, Jr., New Orleans, and Jordan Welch, New Orleans; father, Bonner Welch, Bradenton, FL; 3 brothers, Curtis Welch, Denham Springs, William Welch, Independence and Edward Welch, Bradenton, FL; step-sister, Melissa Stokes, Brandenton, FL; and grandson, Jacob Wheat, Independence.

Preceded in death by his mother, Belle Herbert Welch.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Bobby Carroll officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Monday

“For the Lord hears the poor.”

~Psalm 69:33a~

Pray for the Criswell family as Brent travels to meet them in Colorado today and Wayne has surgery tomorrow.  They will appreciate your prayers.

Marsha Bankston shared that Chuck Baham had to have surgery yesterday.  Please continue to pray for him.

Please continue to pray for my Texas relatives.  Several of them have health issues that at ongoing and gradually progressing.

Death notice:  http://www.mckneelys.com/index.cfm

SING WITH THE UNDERSTANDING

I heard once about a woman who spent some months serving as a missionary in South Africa.  On her final visit to a remote township she attended a medical clinic.  As the Zulu women there began to sing together, she found herself deeply moved by their hauntingly beautiful harmonies. She wanted to always remember this moment and try to share it with friends when she arrived home.  With tears flowing down her cheeks, she turned to her friend and asked, “Can you please tell me the translation of the words to this song?”

Her friend looked at her and solemnly replied . . . “If you boil the water, you won’t get dysentery.”

How many times have we been guilty of the same thing in our worship to God?  Not of singing that particular song, but of singing without being aware of the meaning of the words we were singing.

It seems to me that singing songs of praise is like driving a car.  If you drive, you’ve learned that if you follow the same route day after day, it is possible for you to make the trip without even thinking about what you’re doing.  We’ve all had the scary feeling of arriving at a location realizing that we “zoned out” en route and made the trip while our mind was on “autopilot.”

Many of us have had the same experience in our worship.  We sing all the songs (like we’ve done countless times before) but our mind is on “autopilot” and after we’ve finished, we don’t have a clue what we just sang about.

Paul said, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.  I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” (I Cor. 14:15)

For those of us who are easily distracted, it requires a bit more effort, but may we resolve to strive to pay attention to the words that we are singing.  May the songs of praise we sing truly come from a heart that exalts God!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying today and everyday.  Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Sunday Addition

From Marsha Bankston

okay everyone, this is the latest news that I have on chuck and sim. first chuck ( Baham). Talked with him mom at 8 p.m. she said that chuck has had a very bad day…  It was originally thought that he would get to go to a room tomorrow, but now his mom is not so sure…. said he has felt bad all day. Lessie is worn out, but she’s a mom and is hanging in there close by his side.
Sim (Bankston): Larry went to see him. .. Larry said that sim was feeling a slight bit better. He is still in pain but the meds help. His white count has come down a little so the antibiotics must be helping some. He has not yet found out anything as to if it’s his diverticulitis only, or his appendicts only, or a good combination of both. they have conducted some tests but have yet to release the findings. Go figure, it’s a weekend!!!!!
Jacob Duhe (the boy who was in the wreck with chuck) had a bad spell during the night with his heart. he is stable at this time and is still in a private room not icu.
please continue to pray for each of these patients and their families. There are so many people in our church (Roseland) family that need special prayers and I hope that each of you remember them when you say your prayers.

Sunday

But the basic reality of God is plain enough.

Open your eyes and there it is!

~Romans 1:19 (MSG)~

I just heard the good news and bad news about credit card rules on television….

FIRST THE BAD NEWS….

Doctor:    I have some good news and I have some bad news.
Patient:   What’s the good news?
Doctor:    The good news is that the tests you took showed that you have 24 hours to live.
Patient:   What’s the bad news?
Doctor:    The bad news is that I forgot to call you yesterday!

********************

Doctor:    I have some good news and some bad news.
Patient:   What’s the good news?
Doctor:    The good news is they are naming a disease after you!

********************

Lawyer:    I have some good news and some bad news.
Client:    Well, give me the bad news first.
Lawyer:    The bad news is that the DNA tests showed that it was your blood they found all over the crime scene
Client:    Oh no!  I’m ruined!  What’s the good news?
Lawyer:    The good news is your cholesterol is down to 130!

Have you ever had somebody come up to you say, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news, which one do you want to hear first?”  Research shows that most people would rather hear the bad news first.

And that’s what Paul does in the book of Romans.  He starts off this letter by saying, “I’m ready to come share with you the gospel, some good news….but first of all, let me tell you the bad news.”  And he’s got some bad news for us – some really bad news.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18)

It’s very important that we understand the reason Paul does this – it’s because we can’t fully appreciate the grace of God until we fully understand what we’ve done wrong and what we deserve as a result.

This is where I think we make a big mistake when we try to share the gospel with people we know.  We want to talk immediately about the “good news” without talking about the bad news.  But good news isn’t good news to someone unless they realize they need it.

We need to teach others that “there is none righteousness, no not one.” (Romans 3:10), and that includes you and me.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).  And, as a result, we all deserve to die because “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23).

Only after I understand my sinfulness and the fate that I deserve can I fully appreciate the gift of grace that God offers.  And only after I become fully aware of where I am spiritually can I understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news indeed.

Don’t be afraid to share the “bad news” before you share the “good news”!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I’ll post again later today.

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

Mrs. Faye Price is in ICU at North Oaks.  Pray for the medical staff caring for her and for her family that has been faithfully caring for her for the last fifteen months.

Continue to pray for the Pittman family.  The doctor made the decision to leave Chuck at North Oaks.  Family members are taking turns staying with him.  Roger will wait three or four weeks to see if the procedure done yesterday afternoon was successful.

Your prayers will be appreciated by both the Price and Pittman families.

New Request

Monica Smith sent this request for prayers for the Keller family.  Makynna Keller is four years old.

Makynna was put in St. Tammany Hospital around lunch on Friday, she was running fever and throwing up. She continued to run fever last night and they are waiting on blood work to come back. Krista her wonderful mother is carrying her 3rd child and as we all know you can get very worn out staying at hospitals, please pray for her too, Makynna wanted her to sleep with her so she didn’t get much sleep.

Saturday

Jesus told him,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.

~John 14:6 (NLT)~

From Tom Tolar:

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Darbi Claire Tolar. 6.5lbs. 18.5 inches. Mom and Darbi are absolutely perfect. God is Good.

Caring Bridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

Good News Club

Thanks for your prayers….things went well today. Still working out a few kinks….maybe we’ll have it down by our last meeting! Only 4 more!

Tricia

Baptist Press:  BPNews.net

Baptist Press – Olympics:  http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=166

Devotional:  http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2009/10/inheritance.html

Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

All Scripture is inspired by God

and is useful to teach us what is true

and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

It corrects us when we are wrong

and teaches us to do what is right.

~2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)~

Wayne Criswell

We have had two Dr. visits since we arrived in Denver. Todays visit was a surgical consult with the Dr. who will perform Wayne’s surgery. He is scheduled for Tuesday. Brent will fly in on Monday to be here for the surgery. The average stay after this type of surgery is usually 4-5 days.
I will let you know more when the surgery is completed.
Please keep all of us in your prayers.

Mary

Sambo Cutrer

Please add my dad, Sambo Cutrer, to your prayer list. He has an infection in his body and has to have antibiotics by drip every 4 hours for the next 4 & 1/2 weeks. We have already been doing it for 11 days. He also has to have a 2nd antibiotic every 18 hours. We were trained to administer these medications to him. Also, remember my mom as she has to do it more than my sister or myself. We know that we can’t survive without the help of God.

Thanks, Debbie

Chuck Baham, Jason Duhe, & Sim Bankston

Larry and i went to north oaks for the 5 p.m. visit with chuck. his mom was going to the cafeteria to eat some supper so we got to stay a while with chuck. i really couldn’t believe how much better he was and how much more alert he was as compared to Tuesday night. He said that his somach does not hurt as much when he touches it. His blood level has seemed to level out and is not dropping by much at all. Praise God, it seems to have sealed itself off. He said he still gets nauseated, but the new med is helping a lot better. He said he’s not in too much pain, unless he coughs, hiccups, or starts heaving and throwing up. His stomach is so sore that he has to ask for something for the pain when he starts these things. He said that they are going to start some sort of rehab on him tomorrow if the blood work comes back okay. It will probably be getting him up and sitting in a chair. I am already grunting for him!!!! Ouch!!!! I was so glad to see chuck doing better. It really lifted my spirits. Ii told him that so many people are praying for him and he said good and that he feels the prayers working because he knows that God is with him.
The other driver, Jacob Duhe, is now in a regular room. He is doing a little better and his room was filled with family and friends. He still has a long road to recovery. His family are asking for prayers also. They are all praying for chuck also.
Last night Sim started hurting so badly in his stomach that Pam took him to the emergency room. The ER doc decided that it is his diverticulitis acting up again. they admitted him and started with the antibiotics thru the drip. This afternoon the Nurse Practioner for Dr Winkler came in and examined him. She tends to think that it may be his appendicts. He was waiting for the doctor to come in on her rounds so he can find out what they will do next.
Our prayer list keeps growing!!!!!!!!!!

Marsha Bankston

David saw Roy Russell yesterday.  He is staying with his sister, Fay, and doing better.  Physical therapy is scheduled for several times a week.  Keep Roy and his family in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Rev. Butch Reviere.  He continues to recover from surgery.

Pray for Chuck and Roger Pittman.  Roger will be at North Oaks today for a redo of his last procedure.

Daddy had his second cataract surgery yesterday.  All seemed to have gone well.  I will take his for his one day check-up today.  Momma is doing very well at this time.  Thank-you for your prayers for my family.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathyjothompson

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

=====  Wednesday’s Thought For The Day (February 17, 2010)  =====

WHAT I DUN

This week, we have been engaged in our congregation in a massive effort to collect and send clothing to the earthquake victims in Haiti.  Our efforts reminded me of this illustration that I’ve used before:

A cowboy rode into town and stopped at the saloon for a drink (root beer, of course!).  Unfortunately, the locals always had a habit of picking on those of a British background, which he was.  When he finished, he found his horse had been stolen.  He came back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head without even looking and fired a shot into the ceiling.  “WHICH ONE OF YOU SIDEWINDERS STOLE MY HOSS?” he yelled with surprising forcefulness.

No one answered.  “ALRIGHT, I’M GONNA HAVE ME ANOTHA SODA, AND IF MY HOSS AIN’T BACK OUTSIDE BY THE TIME I FINISH, I’M GONNA DO WHAT I DUN IN TEXAS! AND IIIIIIIIIIII DON’T LIKE TO HAVE TO DO WHAT I DUUUUUN IN TEXAS!”  Some of the locals shifted restlessly.

He had another root beer, walked outside, and his horse was back!  He saddled up and started to ride out of town.  The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, “Say partner, what happened in Texas?”

The cowboy turned back and said, “I had to walk home…”

Ever known anybody like that, lots of threats, but no real intention to carry out them out?   All talk but ultimately no action?  More to the point, is your Christian life characterized more by what you SAY you’re going to do, or by what you’re actually willing to DO?

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can faith save him?  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  (James 2:14-17)

What kind of faith do you have — the kind you talk about, or the kind you show through your obedience to God and service to others?  Is there someone in need that you’ve been praying for?  It may be time to stop praying for others to do something and start helping yourself.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Fridays are fantastic!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward

according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillion as she slowly recovers.  As you pray for her, also pray for her sister, Dee Forrest, in Alabama who lost her husband.

Please add Amy Robertson Johnson to your prayer list.  Amy teachers at KHS and is hospitalized in Covington.

Begin to pray today for Roger Pittman who will be back in North Oaks tomorrow for a procedure.

Robert H. “Bob” Axvig
(March 12, 1931 – February 17, 2010)

Robert H. “Bob” Axvig was born on March 12, 1931 and passed away at 3:15 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. He was 78, a native of Edinburg, ND and a resident of Kentwood, LA.

Mr. Bob is survived by his wife Eddis Morgan Axvig; 3 daughters, Robin Preston and husband, Jim, Faye Braud and husband, Dave, Karen Hall and husband, Charlie; son, Mike Axvig and wife Cori; step-daughter, Rene’ McDaniel and husband, Rodney; brother, Allyn Axvig and wife Carol; 2 sisters, Marge Smith and husband, Wayne and Elaine Wright and husband “Bunny”; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by parents; first wife, Carol Axvig.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, February 20,2010 from 12:00 Noon until a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Shumock officiating.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive & Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Zelma Cutrer Lee

(January 21, 1921 – February 17, 2010)

Died at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at her residence near Independence, LA. She was born January 21, 1921 in Independence, LA and is 89 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday. Services conducted by Bro. Murphy Brantly. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by daughter, Janis L. Hayden and her husband, Aubrey “Vic” Hayden, Independence, grandchildren, Marla Hayden Davis and her husband, Billy C. Roper, Robert Edward Hayden and his wife, Brandi Hayden, Tre’ Cuti, Shannon Portier, Judy Culbreath, and Jr. Culbreath, great-grandchildren, Douglas Davis, Danielle Davis, Darla Davis, Cody Mulkey, Rosie Culbreath, Gustavo Culbreath, Maria Culbreath, Allen Portier, Joanna Portier, Jasime Portier, and Antonio Portier. Foster children, Bonnie Portier and Melissa McDonald. Preceded in death by husband, Flavil A. Lee, 4 sisters, Sylvia Carney, Doris Chambers, Lettie Bennett, and Thelma Easley.

Richard George Harvey, Jr.
(September 21, 1943 – February 11, 2010)

Richard George Harvey, Jr. a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and brother was born September 21, 1943 and passed away February 11, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center. He was 66, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

He is survived by wife of 41 years Betty Granat Harvey, Amite; 2 son, Richard G. “Richie” Harvey, III , Amite and Ryan J. Harvey, Amite; mother, Shirley Hart Harvey Goddard, Big Branch, LA ; 2 granddaughters, Lauren Elizabeth Harvey and Melanie Rene Harvey ; a brother, Gary R. Harvey and wife Sue, Big Branch, LA; a sister, Charlene Elizabeth Mahner and husband David, Metairie, LA.

Preceded in death by his father Richard G. Harvey, Sr.

A Celebration of Life Service for Richard will be held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home , Amite, on Sunday, February 14, 2010 with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. until the Service at 2:00 p.m. with the Sharon Rybiski officiating.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Thoughts by Callie Cole’s mother:

Good Morning,

As I ponder what I should write, I can only think about the Lord.  I think about His plan, His will for each one of us in my household, in my families’ lives, and even in your life.  I do not know alot of you who read this journal, not personally know you.  And yet, you seem to care about Callie and my family.  You pray and you wait for good news or any news concerning this circumstance of my life.
Why does it take a tragedy to bring us closer to Him?  We must just sit on our thumbs so to speak and wait on Him to pry us into action.  I thought I was being a good steward, a good servant, and a good catalyst for Christ’s kingdom.  I was not.  I had my own routine going for Frances (something that worked for my family and something that worked for my employer, and something that worked for church and community).  What I did not have was a fresh, everyday-dependency on Him that brought an exuberant meaning to the day at hand.
Since the accident I have heard all the sayings we Christians have……like He will not give more than we can bear or let go and let God.  I have also repeated them out loud and silently.  They are true in their meaning, but I don’t think we really “get it”,  not really.   Perhaps we can not “get it” until we experience circumstances that bring us prostrate to the feet of the only One who loves us and knows us intimately whether we take the time to know Him or not.
He cares so much for His children that He will grow us even when we think “get it”.  I think He is saying there is so much more He wants us to get about Him and He doesn’t want to play second to our worldly natures.  He wants us to just lean on Him and His understanding not our own.
As you talk to Him and seek Him, I pray that you will continue to be real with yourselves.  Ask that your understanding of Him and your heart will follow His desires for your life.  Give everything to Him and let Him use you.  This is surely abundant living.
Please continue to pray for Callie’s strength and endurance as she continues to call us to be real through her circumstance.

Love,
Frances

Baptist Press Sports:  http://www.bpsports.net/

If you wish to share a praise, update, or request, feel free to contact me.  We would be happy for pray.  Thanks to all of you who pray each day.  You truly  make a difference.

Anna Lee