Wednesday Afternoon

Rufus Bennie “Butch” Cutrer, III
(April 29, 1953 – February 3, 2010)

Rufus Bennie “Butch” Cutrer, III a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away at 6:18 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 56, a native of Kentwood and a resident of Amite.

Butch is survived by his wife of 29 years, Renee Varnado Cutrer, Amite; 2 daughters, Danna C. McDaniel & husband Jim, Franklinton and Shelby C. Simpson & husband Chad, Loranger; 5 grandchildren, Wade McDaniel, Wyatt McDaniel, Jordan McDaniel, Chelsi Simpson and Tyler Simpson; mother-in-law, Evelyn Varnado, Amite; sister, Peggy Fortinberry & husband Kenneth, Kentwood; 2 special nieces, Christy May & Nikki Varnado and other nieces & nephews; brother-in-law Paul Varnado & wife Lauren, Houston, TX. and sister-in-law, Sue Norretto & husband John, Amite.

Preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Juanita Fuller Cutrer, Jr.; father-in-law, Ed Varnado.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, February 4, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jason Lupo, Bro. Joe Warren and Bro. Ray Werline officiating. Interment in the Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to NASCAR Victory Junction Camp, Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317

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 & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Wednesday Addition

Pete Lee passed away. I’ll post arrangements when they become available. Please be in prayer for the family.

Wednesday

And I am certain that God,

who began the good work within you,

will continue his work until it is finally finished

on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

~Philippians 1:6 NLT~

I hope you find time to read the last post (s) on these CaringBridge journal.

Please continue to pray for my cousin, Sharla Hodges, and her mother who is spending lots of time helping to care for Sharla.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 1, 2010

—————————————

So. Baptists detained in Haiti on mission to aid children

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32180

Senate OKs tougher sanctions on Iran

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32181

Christian opposition (again) credited with defeat of Hawaii gay unions bill

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32182

SUPER BOWL: CBS’ James Brown to keep an open mic for Christians, non-Christians alike

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32183

PRO BOWL: Players say God is in control

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32184

Missions ‘prime time’ for revitalized church

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32185

CP .63 percent behind 2009 pace

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32187

FIRST-PERSON: Putting a face on Facebook

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32186

I hope you enjoy Mike Benson’s devotionals as much as I do. I appreciate his thoughts and his gift in writing them for us.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

MOST PEOPLE FIGHT against change, especially when it affects them personally…

As novelist Leo Tolstoy said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” The ironic thing is that change is inevitable. Everybody has to deal with it. On the other hand, growth is optional. You can choose to grow or fight it. But know this: People unwilling to grow will never reach their potential.

In one of his books, Howard Hendricks asks the question, “How have you changed…lately? In the last week, let’s say? Or the last month? The last year? Can you be very specific?” He knows how people tend to get into a rut when it comes to growth and change. Growth is a choice, a decision that can really make a difference in a person’s life.

Most people don’t realize that successful and unsuccessful people do not differ substantially in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential. And nothing is more effective when it comes reaching potential than commitment to personal growth. John Maxwell

“But grow in the grace

and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever.”

2 Peter 3:18

Wednesday can be wonderful! Doesn’t that sound better than “hump day”?

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

My parents have both been getting good medical reports. Thanks for your continued prayers for both of them

Pete Lee is not doing well. Please be in prayer for his family.

Tuesday

As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD is flawless.

He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

~2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV)~

Caring Bridge

From Tricia Wilson:

Friends,

I just wanted to tell you about the Good News Club (see www.cefdallas.org) we are beginning at our elementary school. In the fall, I prayed about women who might come alongside me in this, and God has put together a great group. There are 6 of us on the team….maybe in the future, we will expand? This Friday, February 5^th at 3:45 we will begin this adventure! Preparing to start this up, has been much more work than I ever anticipated. I also have thought several times that I wish someone else was the leader of this team, and I could just play my small part, but God has given me this privilege, and I pray I’ll be faithful to the task. Will you please pray for our team of moms who are volunteering to do this? Their names are: Angie, Jessica, Yulanda, Kimberly, and Susan. Please pray we will be flexible as we have no idea how many kids will even come or if the schedule we’ve created will work. I am responsible for teaching the lesson each week. Can you believe I get to share the Gospel in a public school for 7 weeks?

Please pray:

Thank you,

Tricia

HAITI. Access to airports and shipping docks remains highly restricted. Intercede for IMB, NAMB, state convention, Baptist Global Response, and governmental organizations, asking that they will be able to work together efficiently, providing direly needed assistance to the broadest number of people in the shortest period of time. While everyone wants to go immediately, director of the Florida Baptist Convention’s mission division, Cecil Seagle, said, “At this point, all we can sleep safely in Port-au-Prince is 55.” Ask God to assist teams as they coordinate additional logistics for others to come and offer aid. Our hearts break and long to “do something.” Please give as the Lord leads you (http://www.imb.org), offer loving support to Haitians in your community who themselves are not able to get home to see their families, and do not cease to pray.

Rueben Wayne Rogers
(August 23, 1985 – January 30, 2010)

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

A resident of Amite, died at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2010 in Amite. He was born August 23, 1985 in Hammond and was 24 years old. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence. He is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Ginger Rogers, Amite; sister, Amanda Bankston and her husband, Chad, Loranger; niece, Brianna Bankston; grandparents, Charles and Jennie Rogers, Amite and Gloria and Ken Dyer, Columbus, MS; several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Rogers; nephews, Caleb and Chase Bankston; great-grandmother, Florence Rushing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with expenses.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 1, 2010

—————————————

So. Baptists detained in Haiti on mission to aid children

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32180

Senate OKs tougher sanctions on Iran

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32181

Christian opposition (again) credited with defeat of Hawaii gay unions bill

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32182

SUPER BOWL: CBS’ James Brown to keep an open mic for Christians, non-Christians alike

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32183

PRO BOWL: Players say God is in control

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32184

Missions ‘prime time’ for revitalized church

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32185

CP .63 percent behind 2009 pace

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32187

FIRST-PERSON: Putting a face on Facebook

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32186

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

IN A SERIES of very difficult technical reviews conducted in a foreign country, the company representatives with whom I was meeting became extremely upset about the products from my company…

I had a translator for the meeting, hired from an outside firm. I had asked him to translate the words exactly, and with the same emotion as they were spoken.

Unhappy with my reply to a question, an engineer across from me began to speak with great emotion. My translater looked at me with sad eyes, told me he was sorry, and then began to deliver a translation filled with wrath and anger directed solely at me. When he finished, he apologized for the verbal beating. I thanked him for his kind work, for he only reflected the speaker, as I had asked. He was just the instrument.

We reflect the image of our Lord. We are the translators of God’s Word to those who do not pick up a Bible. Others can see Christ in us and He will be glorified. There is no need to apologize when the translation of our life reflects the Word of God. Pete Nash

“But we all, with unveiled face,

beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,

are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,

just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

~2 Corinthians 3:18~

I trust the words of this post will speak to you and encourage you today. I pray you will find time to pray before continuing your day.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Hello,My Mother Lanasue Horne Fairburn,was admitted on Thursday to ICU.She has pneumonia,copd and asthma.She is also on a respirator and has infection in her lungs,kidneys and her blood.I ask that Everyone please keep her in your prayers…….. Trusting in God,Lisa Westmoreland

Pete Lee’s family says he is not doing well today. Please continue to pray for him and for his family.

Camille Ursula Cutrer
(October 30, 1921 – February 1, 2010)

Her picture is available at http://www.mckneelys.com/index.cfm

Died at 6:25AM on Monday, February 1, 2010 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. She was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 88 years. Visitation at Kentwood United Methodist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Percy Frazier. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 2 sons, Ronald Edward Cutrer and his wife, Elaine, Slaughter, Kenneth Allen Cutrer and his wife, Janice, Greenwell Springs, 2 daughters, A. Gayle Cutrer, Kentwood, Bridgette Beth Goings and her husband, Michael, Kentwood, 3 sisters, Mabel Reynolds, Severeville, TN, Mildred Brueck, Ft. Worth, TX, Billie Mae Andrews, Line Creek, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph E. “Ted” Cutrer, son, Gary Lee Cutrer, grandson, Donnie Edward Cutrer, 3 sisters, Ruby Ott, Norma Sanders, Willie Edith Blackwell. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Monday

… Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,

and live righteously,

and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:32-33 (NLT)

Rev. Butch Reviere is continuing his recovery at home in Kentwood. Keep him in your prayers.

Mrs. Shirley Dick lost a brother Saturday. Please pray for the family.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, February 1, 2010

“But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady,” (Exodus 17:13a, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, bringing prayer concerns from those working among the Haitian people.

While working in a hospital in Jimani just on the Haiti/Dominican Republic border, Sam and Delores York, experienced aftershocks which brought terror to the hearts of patients. Delores writes, “The first one…scared people so bad that they started jumping off balconies. Already injured patients added more injuries, but they did not want to buried alive again. I cannot describe to you the fear that was on the faces and the tears that streamed down as the ones in ICU and recovery begged to be dragged outside. Some had chest tubes. Some were badly burned. Some were new amputees. Some were spinal injuries. They couldn’t be moved out on the grass and dirt. I went from room to room, telling them that God has brought them out from under the rubble and spared their lives for a purpose and that purpose is to serve Him for the rest of their lives. Heads slowly began to nod and the trickle of tears slowed… We bowed our heads and prayed, “Father, God, send your angels to hold up these walls. You have saved these people for a purpose – to serve You and tell of Your love for the Haitian people. Give us courage. Give us faith. Calm our fears. Help us to feel your presence. Keep us safe, even when our feet tell us to run. Complete Your plan in each of us.”

* Please pray for those who are still fearful, asking God to calm their fears.

* Intercede for missionaries as they share the Gospel at the same time they minister to physical and emotional needs.

* Ask God to bring Haiti to your mind daily as you support the weary hands of missionaries through prayer.

Lanasue Horne Fairburn

My Mother Lanasue Horne Fairburn,was admitted on Thursday to ICU.She has pneumonia,copd and asthma.She is also on a respirator and has infection in her lungs,kidneys and her blood.I ask that Everyone please keep her in your prayers…….. Trusting in God,

Lisa Westmoreland

Adrianna Cavanagh

While Joe and Stephanie rest from the beautiful services yesterday, I thought you would like to see the poem Poppa wrote of his feelings and thoughts of his beloved granddaughter. This poem was read at the funeral service by her Uncle Wade Wilkinson:

OUR BELOVED ADRIANNA

A remarkable thing happened in our home town.

There was born the sweetest baby, alas now laid down.

Beginning and ending in our fair Louisiana,

we were thoroughly blessed by our sweet Adrianna.

Yet Adri still blesses ten thousands today,

both here at our home and far, far away.

Her laughter and teasing has helped us stay sane,

even on days when she was hurting, in pain.

She faithfully obeyed as her parents instructed,

lying still and trusting, as needles painfully stuck her,

she did as requested, she took all her tests,

and she always, yes always, did her dead-level best.

One day, when hurting from pain with no help,

she sweetly told daddy, AGod will help me@.

She yelled at the cancer Aleave me alone,@

and further insisted, Aleave my family alone!@

But the cancer persisted, she continued in pain,

Struggling, fighting, again and again,

until one glorious day she did gain remission,

But, that didn=t last, it came back with ruthless aggression.

Still she hung on to life, never did quit,

though now she=s gone Home in victory=s Spirit.

I confess I have asked Him why Adri has died

after giving such witness the whole world wide.

I think how she loved and spread hope to others,

yet I cringe at the thought of living without her.

I grieve, I can=t understand, even today

why she had to be taken away;

Her life was so pure, her love so great,

Though it=s hard to accept,

God made no mistake.

Once and for all She=s in God=s Holy Place,

enjoying all the fruits of His perfect Grace.

This child so brave has run the whole race,

she fought the good fight, she has no disgrace.

Though we prayed for her life on this earthly ball

He gave her much more, He gave her His All.

AFarewell, farewell,@ how very hard to say,

but through Trust in Lord Jesus,

AWe=ll see you some day .@

You ask me when will we see you, our child?

That=s easy to answer,

AIn a little while.@

Poppa (Reggie)

I’ll let Reggie Simmons poem to his granddaughter be out devotional today. Feel free to reread it and thank God for the life of Adrianna.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“As for me, I will call upon God,

and the Lord shall save me.

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray,

and cry aloud,

and He shall hear my voice.”

~Psalm 55:16-17~

Larkin Dorris

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

Cheyenne Hartman

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

I don’t know why we have had so many girls on Caring Bridge, be we have. Be sure to take time to go to the Caring Bridge site to look at the photographs. I think it will be an aid in praying for Larkin and Cheyenne.

Mona Mae Westmoreland Jenkins
(September 8, 1926 – January 31, 2010)

Mrs. Mona Mae Westmoreland Jenkins was born September 8, 1926 and went to be with the Lord at 12:40 a.m. Sunday, January 31, 2010 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Mona Mae was 83, a native and resident of Pine Grove.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ike Jenkins, Jr., Pine Grove; 3 daughters, Lounette J. Townson and husband Douglas “Bo”, Watson, Susan J. Glover and husband Lionel, Pine Grove and Rosilyn J. McKneely and husband Wall, Amite; sister, Charline W. McDaniel, Baton Rouge; 10 grandchildren, Lanell Lamont and husband Eddie, Kyle Glover, Doug Townson and wife Tabitha, Jessica T. Pray and husband Zach, Mark Thompson, Shannon Thompson, Monica M. Pailet and husband Adam, Mendy McKneely and William McKneely; 3 great grandchildren, Kendall Claire Lamont, Jacob & Jaydon Pailet; also numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Nettie King Westmoreland.

Arrangements will be added Sunday afternoon.

The family would like to thank Catherine Swicegood and Pam Smith of Community Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Community Care Hospice, 1007 West Thomas St., Suite A, Hammond, LA 70401.

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 & Hwy 16W next to Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Picture available at http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=505143&fh_id=11426&s_id=E29CF890FC101B02B456871AE4056399

W. M. Fortenberry, Jr.
(June 18, 1921 – January 27, 2010)

A native of Amite, LA and long time resident of Mobile, AL passed away January 27, 2010 at the age of 88. Born June 18, 1921 He served his country as a B-24 pilot in the 380th Bomb Group during WWII. He received an engineering degree from LSU and worked until his retirement for International Paper. He was an ordained Elder and long time member of Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church, serving God faithfully for his entire life. W.M. Fortenberry was preceded in death by his parents William Madison Fortenberry and Sallie Ann Newton Fortenberry and his daughter Susanne Elizabeth Wood. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara Horton Fortenberry, his brother, J. Robert Fortenberry of Amite, LA, his children Pamela Ellen (Darren) Mendel, Memphis TN, William Madison Fortenberry Jr., Kingsport TN, Nancy Fortenberry Titko of Mobile, AL, Robert Horton (Martha) Fortenberry, Pace FL, son-in-law, George Charles Wood, grandchildren Chad, Lisa, Jessica, and David Wood, J. L. Mendel, Matthew Titco, Gavin Harman, Amy, Susan, Kathryn, Robin, Madison and Davis Fortenberry, and his great grandchildren Preston, Ashton, John Seton, Paul, Austin, Justin, Will, and Bradley. He lived a full life of service to God, his family, community and his country. He was a man of great integrity that will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cottage Hill Presbyterian Church, 4201 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2320 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL, 36695. Visitation will begin at 5 pm with the service at 5:30. Other services will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, LA, with visitation from 10 a.m. Monday until services at 11 a.m. Monday. Interment will be in Amite, LA on Monday.

Baptist Press News

http://www.bpnews.net/

KOM pray – Kids on Mission Pray

http://kompray.imb.org

If you are a sports fan, you may want to bookmark http://www.bpsports.net/. You’ll find sports news from a Christian viewpoint.

Check out http://www.bpnews.net/BPCartoons.asp for cartoons from a Christian viewpoint.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth.”

~Romans 1:16~

Wayne Criswell and brothers-in-law

Wayne did well with his procedure Friday and will get the results in a few days. The Dr.s feel like this is most likely some scar tissue from an old bout with pneumonia about 30 years ago.

Please add my brothers: Jim Brent who lives in Austin had a biopsy of the prostate on Thursday, and Max Brent who lives in Ohio had back surgery on Tuesday.

Mary Criswell

Callie Cole

Forgot to remind everyone that the Callie’s Mission T-shirts are here. You can look at the shirts on calliesmission.org, and there are several colors and designs to choose from. The sales will go to Callie’s Mission to generate funds for those scholarship recipients selected. There will be three students selected and sent to the uttermost parts this year. Please pray for those interested in applying for the scholarships. They will be writing their essays about their calling to missions, and we all know how difficult it can be to put our hearts on paper.
We are so thankful to all of you who are supporting Callie’s ultimate dream to bring others to the feet of Jesus!!

Love,
Tom and Frances

A Lesson in Pruning

by Dr. Charles Stanley
John 15:1-4

Years ago I lived in Fruitland, North Carolina. It was apple country, and several of my parishioners were growers. When I stopped by to visit one of them, his wife told me that he was in the orchard. So I walked out back to find him mercilessly cutting branches from one of the trees. Without thinking, I said, “You’re going to kill that tree!” He turned around and said, “You stick to preaching, and leave the pruning to me.”

This gentleman and I became friends, and it was from him that I learned about the pruning process. In order to produce an abundant crop of the best fruit, he had to cut as he did. It might look as if the tree was going to die, but new growth would spring from the wounds. Our conversations helped me to understand why the Lord sometimes acts as a pruning
force in people’s lives.

To get a plentiful crop of spiritual fruit, our heavenly Father must remove anything that distracts or deters us from serving Him. The process is often painful. I know I’ve cried out, “More, Lord?” when He has taken the “knife” to me. But the result is always satisfying—I am a better, more accurate reflection of Jesus Christ after God cuts away a fleshly habit or worldly attitude.

Being loved by God does not mean we will be coddled—our comfort is not His primary interest. A grower must prune an apple tree to get a bountiful harvest. In the same way, God must sometimes let us feel pain so He can bring forth greater growth and more spiritual fruit.

Have a special Saturday!

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

David Dewalt Lockwood

(December 12, 1953 – January 28, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, passed away at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at his home. He was born December 12, 1953 in Baton Rouge and was 56. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Tyrney Lockwood, Greensburg; 3 daughters, Crystal Renee’ St. Cyr and her husband, Brandon, Roseland, Sarah Ann Lockwood, Hammond and Emma Marie Lockwood, Greensburg; 2 grandchildren, Blane Brandon St. Cyr and Ava Ann-Marie St. Cyr; parents, H. D. and Hattie Marie Lockwood, Greensburg; 2 sisters, Janis E. Poche’, Dutchtown and Patricia Brussack, Athens, GA; niece, Kristy Anthony; nephew, Rodney Poche’. Pallbearers will be Mitch, Blake and Clay Wilson, Curtis and Justin Matherne, Brandon St. Cyr, Paul Pittman and Harlan Poche’. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy and Butch Taylor, Al Travis and Nathan Robertson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Sandburg. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA.

Photo at http://www.mckneelys.com/index.cfm