Sunday

 

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and His ears are open to their prayers;

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

~1 Peter 3:12~

Pray for Joan Hagan as she continues to prepare for surgery. She had a procedure that developed complications. That led to new medications. Pray for the Lord’s will to be done in her situation.

Saturday Afternoon – Obituary

Samuel C. Hyde, Sr.

(March 8, 1923 – February 23, 2008)

Samuel C. Hyde, Sr. passed away at the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond on Saturday February 23, 2008. He was born the son of Hattie Amacker and Claiborne Fernando Hyde in Amite, Louisiana on March 8, 1923. He was a lifelong resident of Amite and an active member of the First Baptist Church. He attended schools in Amite and Hammond and became an Eagle Scout at age 16. He served as scout leader and Field Executive with the Boy Scouts. In 1942 he joined the army and volunteered to serve in the 17th Airborne Division which served as an elite unit created to jump behind enemy lines to initiate the invasion of Germany. In December 1944, the 17th Airborne was rushed to Belgium to help check the German offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. The Third Battalion 513th Parachute Regiment, of which Hyde was a member, was ordered to take the strategic crossroads village of Flamierge near the crucial road junction at Bastonge. After securing the village, the Third Battalion was cut off and surrounded when supporting units surrendered to the attacking Germans. Ordered to hold at all cost, the Third Battalion fought off repeated German armored assaults for the next three days before receiving orders to break out in small groups on the third night. Hyde received a Bronze Star for gallantry and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the fighting. He spent eight months recuperating from frost bite to the feet at a military hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the end of the War. Upon his return to Louisiana he secured his B. A. in education from Southeastern and his M.Ed. at LSU. He served as principal and men’s basketball coach at the Roseland School before being named as principal of Amite Elementary where he served for 42 years. After retirement, he was principal at Oak Forest Academy. He was a member of the Rotary Club, active in other community organizations, a member of the board of directors of the Tangipahoa Parish Teacher’s Credit Union, and a long time board member of the Florida Parish Skeet and Gun Association. Elected to the Amite City Council in 1988, he served as Mayor Pro Tem and four terms as an alderman before retiring in 2004. Preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret Hyde Morgan and his brother in law Armette V. Morgan. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Allie Johnston Hyde, two children Dr. Samuel C. Hyde, Jr., Margaret Hyde Quin and her husband Murray R. Quin, along with four grandchildren Katie and Patrick Quin and Clay and Andrew Hyde. The family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Amite or Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and at First Baptist Church, Amite, from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 10 a.m Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment will be at the Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite.

Saturday’s Devotional

A GENTLE AND QUIET SPIRIT

Today’s message offers no deep thoughts. Just a bit of humor and a few passages from God’s Word.

How many stressed-out mothers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

One. ONE!! And do you know WHY it only takes ONE? Because no one else in this house knows HOW to change a light bulb. They don’t even know the bulb is BURNED OUT. They would sit in this house in the dark for THREE DAYS before they figured it OUT. And once they figured it out they wouldn’t be able to find the light bulbs despite the fact that they’ve been in the SAME CUPBOARD for the past SEVENTEEN YEARS. But if they did, by some miracle, find the light bulbs, TWO DAYS LATER the chair that they dragged from two rooms over to stand on to change the STUPID light bulb would STILL BE IN THE SAME SPOT!!!!! AND UNDERNEATH IT WOULD BE THE CRUMPLED WRAPPER THE STUPID LIGHT BULBS CAME IN. WHY??? BECAUSE NO ONE IN THIS HOUSE EVER CARRIES OUT THE GARBAGE!!!! IT’S A WONDER WE HAVEN’T ALL SUFFOCATED FROM THE PILES OF GARBAGE THAT ARE 12 FEET DEEP THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE. THE HOUSE!! THE HOUSE!!! IT WOULD TAKE AN ARMY TO CLEAN THIS.

That’s how many.

“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” (Ephesians 4:26)


“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

“Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Peter 3:4)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Stressed? We probably all get stressed because of trying to do too many things, feeling bad, pressures on the job, etc. That’s not going to change.

It’s how we handle them that makes a difference. May we all strive to have a gentler and quieter spirit in such times!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Please continue to pray for all those who have colds, flu, sinus, allegy problems, etc. The doctor offices are full! Drug stores are busy! These health issues are affecting the young, the old, and those in the middle. I’ll not try to give you a list of people who are suffering from these problems, but will just name one. As you pray for him, you can add all the others yourself.

Mansell Stinson has been sick for several weeks. Since he is one with other issues related to diabetes, the problems are more serious for him. He has basically been at home lately. We all know that Mansell doesn’t play his guitar, he’s sick. Please pray he will be well enough to be back at church tomorrow.

If you haven’t been sick, you have much to be thankful for. Tell God how thankful you are!

Friday Evening – Faith Hill and Baby Aaron

Frann Clark sent these today. She has sent them earlier, but for some reason got them back.

Just checked the web site & found the following. It was posted Tuesday night at 9:35. Nothing there for today yet.

There is a picture posted & he looks great–color, build

God Bless You
Frann

I am so happy to announce that Aaron entered this world last night around 9:20 CST weighing in at 6 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches long. His mother informed me that he came out screaming (could be that he was screaming at her since her epidural wasn’t given early enough and he just thought you were supposed to scream). He did not have to be incubated and isn’t on oxygen at this time (PRAISE GOD). He is being evaluated today to see what will need to be done. Scott is with him now and Faith is getting ready to go over to CHOP to be with him and she sounds great. I will keep you updated.

Hello everyone-just a quick note as we post these photos of little Aaron. We have had a long day here at the CICU, but really haven’t heard anything from the heart team on a plan. One of the drs did mention this morning that they are looking hard at his mitral valve and a possible additional problem there. We have been anxiously awaiting any more news on this issue, but there has been none.

Please pray for clarity in evaluation of Aaron’s heart and that God will show the cardiologists and surgeons the right path to take for his surgery and treatment. We hope to have some more information tomorrow to allow for more specific prayer, but right now we’re in the dark.

Aaron has only been in this world 24 hours, but we love him deeply already. We love you all for caring for him and praying for all of us.
Well, it appears that you have all summed it up very well with your comments about little Aaron. He does look quite a lot like his older brother and thus, like his daddy! These boys are chips off the old block for sure. It’s a good thing I married a handsome guy. J

Today brought about a lot of news and change after a couple of frustrating days of not knowing what was going on. First thing this morning, Scott and I got to hold Aaron. The doctors decided to stop giving him prostaglandin, also. Then right after lunch and another echo, we got to help with his first feeding. Then about 9 o’clock tonight, he got moved to a private room. This is all good news that bears some explaining to be sure.

Aaron has a complex set of heart defects consisting of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with a subaortic ventricular septal defect (VSD), mild left ventricle hypoplasia and mild mitral valve hypoplasia. He also has mild pulmonary stenosis. This combination of defects and the physiological makeup of Aaron’s heart are allowing his heart to work well enough to provide sufficient oxygen to his lungs and body at this point. After they stopped giving him prostaglandin (to keep his PDA open and the blue and red blood mixing), his oxygen levels are still ok.

After evaluating Aaron’s heart several times since his birth, the doctors have now decided it would be best to hold off on repairing his various heart defects until he is a little older, if possible. This will allow him and his heart to grow and get stronger, giving the doctors a chance to make a better assessment for repairing his heart in one operation instead of several. Of course, having Aaron undergo only one major heart operation is preferable to several. This can be accomplished if his mitral valve is able to function well enough to sustain his heart function for a few months until surgery. Because of this new goal, they would like to keep Aaron here for 2-4 weeks to evaluate him continuously and guard against any potential problem with his mitral valve or other defects.

Of course, this plan is subject to change if Aaron’s heart cannot sustain this function. The next few days will be critical in determining his care. There is a meeting amongst the surgeons next Tuesday where Aaron’s case will be presented for review. We are waiting to see if he continues to do well and to hear what the doctors have to say after they discuss Aaron’s treatment plan next week.

We realize this is a long post and too much information to really grasp (we are struggling ourselves), so we hope it makes some sense. Scott and I covet your continued prayers as each day passes, mostly for Aaron, but for us as well. We are still commuting b/t New Jersey and Philadelphia and are very tired. We are hopeful that we can get a room at the Philadelphia RMH soon so we can visit the hospital more easily and so that we can spend some more time with my mom and Levi, as well. We apologize that we cannot return each call, email and message to us, but please know that we appreciate each and every one. We could not do this alone and are thankful for each of you and the strength we gain from the knowledge that you are lifting us up before our Father.

More good news from today. Aaron was moved to the cardiac step down unit early this morning, before we even arrived. The is the “lowest” level of care here at CHOP, so we think this is a good thing (even though we’re once again sharing a room). We can only go home from here!For now, we have been instructed to work on getting Aaron to feed well. After all, he didn’t get to eat anything for more than two days. They are watching his oxygen levels and will look at his heart again on Monday, most likely. After the surgeons’ meeting on Tuesday, they should tell us a)how long they want us to stay here locally/or in the hospital and b)when they will want to do surgery to repair Aaron’s heart. We have heard “a month or two” and “three or four months,” so we’re not really sure what to expect. Please pray that God will make the plan clear to the doctors. Of course, we are hopeful that we can come home in a couple of weeks to return later when Aaron is stronger, but we want to make sure God directs this entire situation.

We were pleased to learn today that we got a room at the Philly RMH, so Scott, Mom and Levi are busily moving in there from Camden while I stay with Aaron. Thanks to everyone for praying for this convenience issue. 🙂

We love all of you and thank you for loving us. We will send more news and pics asap.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

Thanks to Cheryl for reminding us of this wonderful scripture. 🙂

Friday Afternoon – Obituaries

Jayden Nicole Lange
(February 21, 2008 – February 21, 2008)

Jayden Nicole Lang, infant daughter of Lyndsey Ann Lang of Tickfaw, died at 8:00PM on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at the North Oaks Medical Center. Graveside Services will be held at the Arcola-Roseland Cemetery on Saturday, February 23, 2008, at 1:00PM. Survived by: Mother, Lyndsey Ann Lange, Grandparents, Melissa & David Connelly, Rodney “Buff” & Marie Lange, Great-Grandparents, Jim & Barbara Benningfield, Gordon & Brenda Lange, Uncle, R.J. Lange, Numerous Great Aunts & Uncles, Numerous Cousins. Preceded in death by Great Great-Grandparents, Bapt Woodly & Margaret Beddingfield, Great Uncle Clyde Beddingfield, Great Grandmother, Margaret Ann Foster.

Beverly Ann Swenson
(January 2, 1956 – February 19, 2008)

 

Beverly Ann Swenson, 52, of Council Grove, KS, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS. Beverly was born January 2, 1956 in Jackson, MS to Ivy Lea and Vera Mae Jenkins Miller. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and received her BSN degree. She married Gary Swenson on March 3, 1990 in Council Grove. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Council Grove. Beverly enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening and traveling. One of her favorite things to do was bringing seafood from Louisiana and cooking it for all her family and friends. She loved cats and dogs and enjoyed spending time with her dog Max. She worked as a nurse in Louisiana and also as a home health nurse in Manhattan and Emporia. Survivors include her husband, Gary Swenson; father, Ivy Lea “Butch” Miller of Kentwood, LA; 2 step-sons, Matthew Swenson & wife, Jamie and Mitchell Swenson & wife, Rene, of Topeka, KS; 4 grandchildren, Avary, Aidan, Cora, and Caden Swenson; 2 brothers, Michael Miller & wife, Polly and Larry Miller & wife, Wanda of Kentwood, LA; 6 nieces, 1 nephew, 3 great-nieces and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vera Miller and father-in-law & mother-in-law, Adrian and Violet Swenson. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment will be at Line Creek Cemetery, Line Creek, LA. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to American Diabetes Association.

Friday – Obituary

Carol Ann Carter, 49 years old of Tickfaw, LA, died Thursday, February 21, 2008 in North Oaks Medical Center. Carol was born on Wednesday, June 18, 1958 in Independence. She was a Secretary at Midway School for 21 years. Surviving are ; husband, Mitchell Ray Carter; daughter & son-in-law, Keri Rivers Puls and Travis Puls Sr.; son & daughter-in-law, Ryan C. Rivers Sr. and Mindy Rivers; son, Dustin Ray Carter; mother, Frances Leto Rocha; 4 grandchildren, Ryan Rivers Jr., Layne Rivers, Travis Puls Jr.and Noah Rivers; 3 sisters, Linda Alessi, Debbie Cascio and Jeanette Patanella; Uncle Joe Leto; Carols dog Champ Carter; mother and father-in-law, Jimmy Ray and Lavearn Mills Carter. She is preceded in death by ; father, Pete Rocha ; grandparents, Annie Costa and Joe Leto Sr.. Friends will be received Sunday, February 24, 2008, at the Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond from 6p.m. until 9:00p.m. and on Monday from 8:00a.m. until 9:30a.m. Services will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Monday, February 25, 2008 at 10:00a.m. Interment will follow in the Colonial Cemetery, Independence, Louisiana 70443.

Friday’s Devotional

KneEmail

 

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

Mike Benson, Editor

THE STORY OF “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” has the fair-haired heroine in search of what suited her perfectly; not too hot, not too cold, not too hard, not too soft…

 

It all had to be just right. That’s pretty typical of human nature is it not? We prefer things to be just right. But how do we know? Isn’t it just a matter of our preferences? That might work for things like porridge or beds, but it doesn’t work for everything.

 

When the Bible gives the warning that the word of God isn’t to be added to or taken from, it is saying it is just right. We may not always agree with what God has to say in the Bible. We might prefer that it said some things differently. Altering God’s word carries some pretty serious consequences (Revelation 22:18-19). This actually identifies one of the key issues of mankind’s relationship with God. When a discrepancy exists between His word and our preferences, what will happen? What will change? Us? Or will we try to change God’s word? Or, will we just walk away as if nothing were amiss?

 

The fact is, God’s word does not change. Actually, it cannot change. If we attempt to alter it, it’s no longer God’s word, but ours. His word still stands. That is what is behind Jesus’ words, “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

 

God’s word, as it is, is just right. If we’re not comfortable with it, it is us, not it, that needs to change. God’s word is just right to make us just right (David Deffenbaugh, Bill McFarland)

“Whatever I command you,

be careful to observe it;

you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”

Deut. 12:32

 

I hope you are finding time to read God’s word on a regular basis.
Anna Lee

Friday – Baptist Press

If you have been keeping up with Union University, you will enjoy reading these articles. I especially enjoyed the fourth one.

February 21, 2008

TENNESSEE–Union classes restart with optimism. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27463

TENNESSEE–Union to break ground for student housing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27464

TENNESSEE–Union service marks new beginning. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27465

TENNESSEE–Precious possession recovered from rubble. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27466

TENNESSEE–Tornado unites Lady Bulldogs, rivals. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27467

TENNESSEE–Textbook donations exceed expectations. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27468

TENNESSEE–Collegians nationwide rally to help Union. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27469

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON: ‘Union’ speaks truth in its name. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27470