Author: Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Baptist Press

Jimmy & Retia Dukes seriously injured

Posted on Apr 6, 2009 | by Michael McCormack NEW ORLEANS (BP)–New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary professor Jimmy Dukes and his wife Retia were struck by a vehicle Saturday evening, April 4, as they crossed the street from the seminary’s main campus in New Orleans to the school’s Providence Guest House. Both received multiple injuries.

The Dukeses were transported to separate hospitals — he to Tulane Hospital and she to University Hospital. He later was moved to University Hospital as well.

Dukes received multiple fractures and injuries — two broken legs, a broken arm, a cracked vertebra and a punctured lung. He was scheduled for surgery April 6. Retia Dukes experienced head trauma in the accident. Upon arrival at the hospital, she underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage. She remains in critical condition.

Jimmy Dukes has served as the director of theological education/distance learning for the Florida Baptist Convention since 2007.

Dukes was with his wife in New Orleans for an NOBTS extension center directors’ meeting. He has worked in various roles at NOBTS since 1980, joining the faculty in 1984.

In an arrangement with the Florida Baptist Convention, he also serves as associate dean of the seminary’s Florida extension centers, director of the seminary’s Orlando hub and professor of New Testament and Greek. He holds master of divinity and doctor of theology degrees from NOBTS.

NOBTS President Chuck Kelley issued a prayer update to the seminary faculty, staff and alumni Sunday afternoon.

“The next several days are critical for Retia Dukes,” Kelley wrote. “We do call upon the grace of God and know that He will do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of His children. 2 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 46 are great passages for us to keep in our hearts in these days. Let us all keep these precious families before the Lord.”

“Dr. Jimmy Dukes is the greatest educational visionary I have ever known,” Kelley told the Baptist Press. “He and his wife Retia have been valuable and important contributors to both the mission of NOBTS and the community of NOBTS families for many years.

“We are all asking God for their full recovery,” Kelley said.

The Dukeses’ two sons, Erik and Jason, arrived in New Orleans Sunday. Erik is a family practitioner in Booneville, Miss. Jason is pastor of Westpoint Fellowship Church in Windermere, Fla.

The accident happened at dusk Saturday evening at 7:35. A vehicle traveling east on Gentilly Boulevard/Chef Menteur Highway struck the Dukeses as they crossed from the main campus to the seminary’s guest housing across the street.

NOBTS campus police and witnesses contacted first responders immediately. Several New Orleans residents, who were on the seminary campus to vote in an election that evening, stopped to offer help as well.

The family is posting updates on the CaringBridge website. Updates are found in the journal section at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes. The site is free but requires registration to receive access.

Michael McCormack is a writer for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Monday

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful

in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities.

Let’s celebrate together!”

~Matthew 25:23 NLT~


Yesterday, both presentations of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood were well attended. If you have not attended and wish to do so Monday or Tuesday, contact the church office at 229-8111 for tickets.

FBC, Amite has one more night of their Easter presentation. That will be at 7:00 P.M. tonight. Tickets are not needed.


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell was back at church yesterday morning. She looked good, but is still seeking information on the cause of her problems. Pray for her as she sees her doctor in Baton Rouge Thursday.


Mrs. Faye Price is still in North Oaks. Pray for her and those caring for her.

Don Denton and Family

Just an update: We have decided not to go to St. Louis on Monday and we will be rescheduling Don’s tests for another time.

I am exhausted. Joshua is still ill. And I am just not able to do all of this. Trying to keep up with my work and do all of this is overwhelming.

I am just not sure how I can do all of this and I am very tired.

I will update you all if any changes.

Diane


Today is Day 4 of statewide testing in the school system. Pray for all those involved.



MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please continue to pray for the Cape Town Metro Evangelism Team in South Africa. The team leader began her stateside assignment in March and will be in the United States until June. Pray for her to have a restful time, and pray for her mother, whose health has been failing. Ask that they will have some good time together. A missionary couple on the team has been having many health problems. Although both B and V are making progress, there is still much rehabilitation and healing that needs to occur. Please ask the Lord to continue strengthening them and to allow them to continue His work. Finally, there are many MKs (missionary kids) on the team, several of whom are in grades 10, 11 and 12. These are the toughest years in the South African school system, as the curriculum is structured not only to prepare the student for university, but to prepare them for a particular field of study. This means that many of the students are studying what would be equivalent to first- and second-year university subjects. Pray also for the MKs who are new to South Africa and are adjusting to this new system as well as to their new home. Thank you for continuing to pray for the team and lifting them up in their personal situations so that they can continue to do the Lord’s work in Cape Town.


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN BRITAIN’S OLDEST man turned 111, vintage aircraft did a flyover, and the Band of the Royal Marines played “Happy Birthday…”

According to the Daily Mirror, Henry Allingham was amazed by all of the attention. Until 6 years earlier, he had for 86 years kept secret the horrific memories of what happened in the trenches of World War I. Only when tracked down by the World War I Veteran’s Association did this old man, who had been shelled, bombed, and shot, receive honor for what he had endured in behalf of his country.

The story of the Bible gives us parallels to Henry’s story. The Scriptures show that those who fight the battles of God often end up wounded, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their service.

The cynic might observe such lives and conclude with a sigh that no good deed goes unpunished. But the author of Hebrews sees a bigger picture. He reminds us that everything and anything we have done in faith and love will one day be honored by God (6:10).

Are you discouraged today? Do you feel insignificant? Do you feel forgotten after trying to serve God? Be assured that God will not forget anything you have done in your service to Him or others. (Mart De Haan)

“Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:35-40).

Blessing to each of you today!
Anna Lee

Sunday

Meaning of Easter

“Through the blood of His Son,

we are set free from our sins.

God forgives our failures

because of His overflowing kindness.”

~Ephesians 1:7 GWT~

Update on Scott Lindsey

Please continue to pray for Scott. As you know he suffered a traumatic brain injury from a 4-wheeler accident February 28th. He was transferred from Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans on Thursday for Rehabilitation. Scott is truly a miracle! He is walking and talking, he is oriented to time and place.

There is a 50% mortality rate for the injury he sustained. Most patient’s with the injury Scott sustained are not nearly as far along as he is. The Doctors and Nurses are truly amazed. Please continue to keep Scott in your prayers. He is anxious to come home, but that is not possible at this time. Pray for him to have understanding and guidance and for the nurses and rehabilitation team that are working with him.


Don Denton and Family

Friday, April 3, 2009 11:49 AM, CDT

Just a quick update: Don did well on the pain meds last night and is doing better this morning. It is going to be a rough 3 weeks ahead of us.

I need prayer for the following. We are going back to St. Louis on Monday for testing all day. The doctors office has informed us that our insurance company is refusing to pay for a $400.00 test. We would need to pay up front.

I am not asking for money, but I am asking that you would pray that we would find a way for Don to have this test.

The doctors office has informed us that our insurance company is one of the only insurance companys that will not pay for this test. All other insurance companies do.

Joshua may have an ear infection, so I take Joshua to his doctor at 2pm today and Don sees an eye doctor to check pressure behind his eyes today.

Thank you for your love and support.

Diane


Saturday, April 4, 2009 4:45 PM, CDT

Well, Don miraculously did not have a headache yesterday. And today it has been minimal. Thank you God. I am so thankful for this. I don’t think I could have handled a relapse and Joshua being sick.

Yep…Joshua at doctor yesterday and then again this morning. Doctor sent us for xrays at hospital today and nebulizer treatment at doctor office.

Good news Joshua does not have pnemounia. He has inflammation in his airway. So Joshua is on a steroid and nebulizer treatment until he is better. Depending on how Joshua does today and tomorrow will determine whether we have to cancel all day testing for Don is St. Louis on Monday.

Joshua was up as I was most of the night last night with fever and constant cough and then on the way to doctor vomiting.

I think we should own part of the pharmacy by now….all of the pharmacists and techs know us by first name now.

I am so thankful that Don has not relapsed which I believe is a direct answer to prayer. I believe that with all that is within me. I saw how sick Don was the other night and I know this is a miracle that he did not relapse.

So, as this season of newbirth, new beginnings and the amazing reminder of Christ’s resurrection and what that means for us as believers, I am thankful.

I am tired and yet, thankful that I have not gotten what Joshua has, nor has Don. I make Don wear a mask and we have hand sanitizer everywhere throughout the house.

Well, a busy night ahead of me. Thank you so much for praying for Don and all of us.

Diane


THE POWER OF BAPTISM

The following true story comes from Verna Chambers in “Kids of the Kingdom”:

Little Betsy had faithfully attended baptism classes. Her mother, wanting to be sure her daughter understood its significance, asked, “Honey, what does baptism mean?”

“Well, it isn’t the water that makes you clean … ” she began.

Smiling, Mother thought, Yes, she understands.

” … it’s the soap.”

Well, Betsy was at least half right. Baptism is indeed the point at which the sins of a penitent sinner are washed away (Acts 22:16), but it’s not the water itself that makes you clean. Paul makes reference to the cleansing that comes in “the washing of water by the word.” (Eph. 5:26). Jesus, himself, spoke of the new birth as being “born of the water and the Spirit” (John 3:3,5). But there is no regenerational power in the water itself.

No, the power of baptism is the blood of Jesus Christ. As John acknowledged in the opening of his Revelation: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev. 1:5).

Does that detract from the value of baptism? Not at all. Baptism is no less important. It just means that the power of baptism is found not in the water, but in the blood of Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul connects the two so closely in Romans 6:

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death…” (Romans 6:3-4). Separating baptism from the blood of Jesus Christ is like separating the chassis of a car from its motor. A car is useless without a motor — that’s where the power is! And baptism is worthless without the blood of Jesus — that’s where the power is!

What a beautiful symbol baptism is of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:4-5). Thanks be to God for the cleansing that comes at the point of baptism, but greater thanks indeed for the blood of Jesus Christ which provides the power for that cleansing!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

The first two presentations of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood are today. Tickets are still available for Monday and Tuesday nights.

Pray for the drama to be meaningful not only to those who view the drama, but to those who participate in any way. In previous years the drama was very effective as a “revival“. Pray that will be true this year too.

The Easter presentation at FBC, Amite will be today and tomorrow. Tickets are not required.

Worship the Lord this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The Power of the Cross”

First Baptist Church, Kentwood

Sunday – 2:30 & 7:00 P.M.

Monday & Tuesday – 7:00 P.M.

Tickets – $2.00

985-229-8111

Pray for the dress rehearsal this afternoon and each presentation Sunday through Tuesday. Pray for all those who will participate and all those who view the presentation. Pray lives will be touched by the message of “The Power of the Cross”.

Friday

“Do not fear, little flock,

for it is your Father’s good pleasure

to give you the kingdom.

Sell what you have and give alms;

provide yourselves money bags

which do not grow old,

a treasure in the heavens that does not fail,

where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.”

~Luke 12:32-34~

Don Denton

We made it home this afternoon and we all are so glad to be home again. It is true that there is no place like home and the comfort, peace and rest that it can bring to one.

I am coming to you all again. I am broken and empty. Don has had a headache most of the day and it has gotten worse tonight. It is the first time he has needed a narcotic since January.

The doctors at Barnes told us that if Don should relapse between now and the surgery in three weeks that we should take him immediately to the ER in Springfield and have the hospital there transfer Don to Barnes Jewish. They will be waiting for his arrival and they will do immediate emergency surgery. So seeing Don’s headaches increase is very hard.

Joshua has a cold. The usual Spring cold that happens.

It seems as though we are loosing ground that we felt like we had gained with Don doing better.

Tonight Joshua brought a book to his daddy and Don was unable to read it to him. Josh climbed up in the chair and the look on his face was that of hopelessness and saddness. When I came over to him and just nelt beside him, Joshua had tears streaming down his face. Silent tears. He was so sad.

Don, Joshua and I just talked about our saddness and how we all have cried during this difficult time and it is OK to cry.

I just held him. Then the cat and dog decided they were going to put on one of their shows for us. It can be very commical.

We also got word from the insurance company responding to my appeal. They are going back on everything they said they would do with Mayo reimbursement. They are not honoring what they agreed to. So now I have to somehow figure out how we are going to be able to do this. I just have to find a place to put this on the burner until Don is better.

I continue to pray for healing. I continue to pray that this will be treatable. Tonight I am so discouraged.

WEll as you can see, I so need your prayers. WE all do again. WE find ourselves not understanding. It will be seven months soon, and three different hospitals. It seems so surreal.

Pray for Don that we can control his headaches with meds until he is off of the steroids.

Pray for Joshua. He is a child, not an adult. Some people think children should act like adults and that is the saddest thing when I encounter that. They just don’t get it.

Here I am being honest again. I could use some prayer myself. It is so hard to watch the ones you love suffer.

Oh my soul needs filling with hope.

Diane

From Mary Margaret Kundler:

I have 2 kids to be put on your prayer list. I have a driver his grandson has leukemia his name is Tyler Mc Clendon he is only two months old and they are at Childrens in New Orleans. We also got a note yesterday from school that a sixth grader also has leukemia. Her name is Jenna Van Dan and she will be in Jackson, MS getting her treatments at University Medical Center. Please lift these kids and there families in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for all involved in state testing in the school system.

Bertie Jane Greenhill Kilpatrick
(March 17, 1930 – April 1, 2009)


Native of Clarksville, Tennessee and resident of Amite, Louisiana, born March 17 –St. Patrick’s Day — of 1930; died Wednesday evening, April 1st, 2009. She is the daughter of Margaret Jane Perkins Greenhill and James Edward Greenhill. Bertie Jane, preceded in death by her father, her stepfather, William Richard Hellmers, her mother, and her sister Linda Ann Greenhill Simms.Bertie Jane leaves here John Herbert Kilpatrick, her husband of 59 years, her three sons, John Stephen Kilpatrick, and wife, Elaine and their two daughters, Morgan and Christina, of Shreveport Louisiana; James David Kilpatrick, residing abroad; and Richard Ross Perkins Kilpatrick, and wife, Kathleen, of Denham Springs, Louisiana.With Bertie Jane now are all her cherished dogs — most assuredly Samuel and little Pete Block.Forever missed here below, Bertie Jane now rests in ineffable peace with God and those above.Before her death, Mrs. Kilpatrick requested that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to either of the following:The Humane SocietyDepartment GABHGP2100 L Street NWWashington, D.C. 20037Doris Day Animal League227 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite 100P. O. Box 96084Washington, D.C. 20090-6084++++++++A brief graveside service for relatives and close friends will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 4th, at the old Amite Cemetery, Amite, officiated by The Reverend Dennis Walker of Amite First Baptist Church. A viewing will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00 A.M.. until 10:45 A.M.

Baptist Press

April 2, 2009

IRAQ–JOURNEY TO IRAQ: Christ’s story still told in historical land. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30190

IRAQ–JOURNEY TO IRAQ, Part 2: Soldier’s baptism speaks volumes. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30191

WASHINGTON–In Iran, ‘crackdown’ on Christians heightens. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30192

IOWA–‘Gay marriage’ on docket in Iowa, NY. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30193

FLORIDA–‘Quiet influence’ focus of ministers’ wives. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30194

TENNESSEE–Pistol Pete’s faith gets new spotlight. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30195

TENNESSEE–Terri Schiavo’s death is documentary’s focus. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30196

TENNESSEE–Pro-lifers send red envelopes to Obama. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30197

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Jerry Rankin): When is the last time you lived with urgency? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30198


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
IN 490 BC, THE Persians landed at a place called Marathon with the hope of capturing Athens…
Greatly outnumbers, the Athenians dispatched Pheidippides to Sparta for help. Pheidippides is reported to have run one hundred and fifty miles in two days. Then, when he returned and learned that the Athenians had already defeated the Persians, he ran another twenty-two miles to Athens. There, he shouted, “Rejoice… We conquer,” and collapsed to his death in exhaustion.
The first Olympics (1896 AD), retraced Pheidippides’ steps with a twenty six mile race in his honor. Today, “marathons” are still run and every step of every race pays silent tribute to a hero that was faithful to the very end of his life. In keeping with that same spirit, Hebrews chapter three challenges us to “hold fast” [literally, “stay the course”]…firm to the end (3:6, 14; cf. 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). (Dan Winkler)
“But Christ as a Son over His own house,
who house we are if we hold fast the confidence
and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”
~Heb. 3:6~
May Friday be the “topping on the cake” for this week the Lord has provided for us.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.”

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT~


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is feeling better and plans to be in Sunday School and church Sunday.  Please continue to pray for Mr. Philip and “Miss” Annie Bell.

Don Denton

I have been so busy the last few days it has been hard to find time to sit down. 

So
here it is as we know it.  The doctors want to do a biopsy of the
mennigies of the brain.  It will happen in 3 weeks.  They want Don to
taper completely off of the steroids before doing this biopsy.  Unless Don were to relapse then they would preforn the surgery immediately.

Don was discharged today from Barnes and he had outside testing today and possibly tomorrow.  WE hope to be home by tomorrow as well. 

We have been here now 10 days and we are pretty tired and ready to be home.  We ask for prayer in the following ways:

  • Don not relapse so that he can be completely off of steroids before the surgery.  Steroids can skew results.
  • Don is having more and more headaches.  Pray that he does not relapse.
  • Pray for Joshua that he can deal with another hospital stay in 3 weeks.
  • Pray for me.

We
have so much to be thankful for.  The Agivino family has provided a
real need for us.  They opened their home to us and just have love and
care and supported us.  Joshua loves Ann and she has an precious gift
when it comes to children.  And she is a great play buddy too.  We are so grateful for them ministering to us in this way.

We
again are asking for God’s mercy and grace upon us.  We so need it and
we so need prayer.  We are ready to find the answers as to why Don’s
dizziness is not getting better.  We are praying that whatever they
find that it is treatable.

I will update you soon.

love

Diane



Emily Payter


This is Emily’s mom reporting in; Emily has internet problems, and
asked me to give an update. She went for another CATscan several weeks
ago in Greenville, and she said it was obvious that most of the fluid
and hematoma were gone, but she didn’t have the official results. Luke
dropped off the results in Dallas at Dr. Shat’s office, and she
received a letter from him last week. In it he said that everything was
back to normal and then added “HAVE A GREAT LIFE!”. He was always one
of our favorite doctors, because he is so positive and funny. He spent
a lot of time with Emily, and was so encouraging. Once again, we thank
the Lord for all of the excellent care which Emily received at Baylor.

Her
recovery continues to be a miracle for which we praise our Lord. I must
admit concern for her, however, because, while her body has healed, for
the most part, from all the surgery and trauma, she is back to being a
full-time mother of 5, and that is exhausting for even the most healthy
mom! I know she would appreciate your continued prayers. She assures me
she is being very good about not overdoing it; she is fully aware of
her limitations.
Thanks again for all your support and encouragement.
Today is Day 2 of statewide testing in the school system.  Please continue to pray for all involved.


                 RULES FOR STRAY CATS (AND SIN)

The following is a list of STRICT UNBENDING RULES for dealing with stray cats:

 1. Stray cats will not be fed.

 2. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food.

 3. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food moistened with a little milk.

 4. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food moistened with warm milk, yummy treats and leftover fish scraps.

 5. Stray cats will not be encouraged to make this house their permanent residence.

 6. Stray cats will not be petted, played with or picked up and cuddled unnecessarily.

 7. Stray cats that are petted, played with, picked up and cuddled will absolutely not be given a name.

 8. Stray cats with or without a name will not be allowed inside the house at any time.

 9. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house except at certain times.

10. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house except on days ending in “y.”

11. Stray cats allowed inside will not be permitted to jump up on or sharpen their claws on the furniture.

12. Stray cats will not be permitted to jump up on, or sharpen claws on the really good furniture.

13. Stray cats will be permitted on all furniture but must sharpen
their claws on the new $114.99 sisal-rope cat-scratching post with
three perches.

    It’s a humorous progression, but it reminds me of what happens
spiritually (which is not at all humorous).  We don’t want to sin, so
we establish boundaries.  “I’m not going to go here, look there, think
about that.”  But, before long, we’ve crossed the line.  We think,
“That’s all right.  I still haven’t done anything wrong.  I’ll just
re-establish my boundaries and not be quite so strict.”  And slowly but
surely, sin works its way further and further into our lives until we
find that we’re no longer in control of the situation.

    “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own
desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to
sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James
1:14-15)

    Father, far too often I have allowed sin to slowly work its
way into my life.  I didn’t want it to.  I didn’t mean for it to
happen.  But it did, and I’m sorry.  Please help me to keep my eyes
focused on you as I strive to keep it from happening again.  Give me
strength as I resolve not to allow impure thoughts and motives to find
a home in my heart.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“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~




Miranda M. Erwin will begin physical therapy Thursday for her shoulder injury. Pray she will soon be 100%.


Carl Wayne Stevens was able to go home yesterday – the first time in two months. Pray for him and Nora as they adjust to being at home again.


Mrs. Faye Price continues to need our prayers. As you pray for her, pray for her family and the medical personnel caring for her.



Pray for students (and teachers) as statewide testing begins today and continues for the next week.


Betty Jo Jarreau
A retired nurse for many, she also was a night watchman at Dixon Correctional Institute. A resident of Plaquemine, she died at 5:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at River West Medical Center in Plaquemine surrounded by her family. She was 64 and a native of Jackson. Visiting at Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine on Wednesday, April 1, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting will continue at Victory Baptist Church in Plaquemine on Thursday, April 2, from 10 a.m. until religious service at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Donald Ray. Interment in Grace Memorial Park. She is survived by her mother, Bessie Alford; husband, Harold J. Jarreau; a daughter, Kirsten Ray and husband Dr. Derris Ray, of Amite; stepdaughters and stepsons, Toni Hudson, Sherry Hodges, Quanita Ellot, Jack Jarreau, Ricky Jarreau and Tommy Travis; a son, Chris Travis; a sister, Sonya Alford; a brother, Kenny Alford; and grandchildren, Steven and Trenton Warren, Joseph Jarreau, John Cole and Sarah Cole. Pallbearers will be Dr. Derris Ray, Ronnie Rockforte, Mark Angeron, Chris Sterling, Jack Jarreau and Kevin Keith. She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford “Tip” Alford; and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Warren. Betty was an active member of Victory Baptist Church, serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by doing what she did best: acting as a caretaker to many. She sang and played the tambourine for the music group, Victory Baptist Singers. Betty was an active participant of the Women’s Missionary Union and along with her husband, they were witnesses to many lost souls. She not only served Victory Baptist Church, but her calling was to reach out to various communities to serve those less fortunate. Please share sympathies, condolences and memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.






My Son Zane

Baptist Press

By Darin Wales

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (BP)–I love all three of my kids equally. I wouldn’t want any of them not to be in my life. But for this column, I will talk only about my 6-year-old son, Zane.

I can’t imagine life without Zane. I find myself always wanting to love on him, whether it’s a little hug, a love tap on the back, a quick kiss on the head, or just checking in on him while he is sleeping. I just can’t get enough of my boy!

Zane is utterly amazing to me. Some days he has the energy of five kids. He runs all through the house shouting at the top of his lungs “Dad! Dad! Mom! Mom!” — trying to get our attention to say something to us or show us something, which usually only has meaning to him.

Or Zane dances, as only he can dance, endlessly to The Wiggles or some other show on TV. Or we have “wrestling” matches which usually are just extended tickle bouts — Zane doesn’t want to tickle so much as he wants me to tickle him. And that laugh, it is so wonderful, infectious and funny.

Every once in a while, Zane will look over at my wife or me and will keep his gaze on us until we look at him. And when our eyes meet, the biggest toothy grin comes over his face.

And when he tells me he loves me, I just melt and think, “Anything you want son — anything!”

Zane is the world’s best when it comes to cuddling. He always tries to let you know exactly what he wants. Zane will forcefully whap his hand on the chair or bed when he wants you to sit or lie down with him.

When he scoots over next to me and I put my arm around him and we cuddle, I think I could sit there forever! And Zane loves to give kisses, and sometimes they are the very wet variety. For some reason he likes to give them to me on the back of the neck. Go figure.

To say Zane lives life with reckless abandon is an understatement. If he is not going all out then he is asleep. (We have added deadbolt locks high up on our outer doors just to make sure he doesn’t invade the neighborhood).

Zane’s enthusiasm knows no bounds. He is also very loving, forgiving and compassionate. He has this knack for winning over people’s hearts in no time. All his teachers at school and church just adore him. I have to admit: He is hard not to love.

Alas, Zane is not perfect. He can be whiny and difficult to deal with when he doesn’t get his way — typical for a 6-year-old. For some reason, he struggles with daily transitions: TV time to dinner time, dinner time to homework time and then bedtime. We trust that he will grow out of it.

I never imagined that a child could bring me such joy, laughter and love. But Zane manages to pull it off every day. He inspires me. And obviously, I love to brag on my boy.

While I love all three of my children equally, I have to admit that Zane is special. You see, Zane was born with Down syndrome.

Nine out of every 10 Down syndrome babies are aborted. Zane was a number 10. Zane was born with Down syndrome and we love him just the way he is. Do we wish he hadn’t been born with DS? Of course. Do we ask God to heal him every day? You bet. Can I imagine life without him? No way.

My wife and I don’t think we are better than anyone else, but the thought of aborting our baby never crossed our minds. We didn’t have an amniocentesis done because of the possibility of it causing a miscarriage. But we thought, “What difference does it make? We plan to keep this baby even if there is some birth defect.”

We did not learn of Zane’s condition until the moment of his birth. It was one of the happiest moments of my life while at the same time it was also one of profound sadness. I knew immediately, short of a supernatural healing from God, my newborn would never do many of the things “normal” kids grow up doing.

Over time, we got over the “normal” versus “handicapped” thing. Zane is our son — period. And we love him like crazy.

There are lots of evil things in this world. A kid with Down syndrome, or other physical or mental challenges, isn’t one of them. But abortion is.

Deep down in our hearts, we know, as people, as humans, as creatures fashioned in God’s image, we know that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life. It isn’t right and we know it.

While some in our country may not want to admit that abortion is the taking of innocent life, I believe they inherently know that it is wrong. And if they have ever experienced a Down syndrome child — really spent time with one — then they know in a very real and profound way that abortion is evil.

Zane is my son. He has Down syndrome. I cannot imagine life without him. <!–
D([“mb”,”nu003cbr /u003enZane is utterly amazing to me. Some days he has the energy of five kids. He runs all through the house shouting at the top of his lungs u0026quot;Dad! Dad! Mom! Mom!u0026quot; — trying to get our attention to say something to us or show us something, which usually only has meaning to him.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enOr Zane dances, as only he can dance, endlessly to The Wiggles or some other show on TV. Or we have u0026quot;wrestlingu0026quot; matches which usually are just extended tickle bouts — Zane doesn’t want to tickle so much as he wants me to tickle him. And that laugh, it is so wonderful, infectious and funny.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enEvery once in a while, Zane will look over at my wife or me and will keep his gaze on us until we look at him. And when our eyes meet, the biggest toothy grin comes over his face.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enAnd when he tells me he loves me, I just melt and think, u0026quot;Anything you want son — anything!u0026quot;u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enZane is the world’s best when it comes to cuddling. He always tries to let you know exactly what he wants. Zane will forcefully whap his hand on the chair or bed when he wants you to sit or lie down with him.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enWhen he scoots over next to me and I put my arm around him and we cuddle, I think I could sit there forever! And Zane loves to give kisses, and sometimes they are the very wet variety. For some reason he likes to give them to me on the back of the neck. Go figure.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enTo say Zane lives life with reckless abandon is an understatement. If he is not going all out then he is asleep. (We have added deadbolt locks high up on our outer doors just to make sure he doesn’t invade the neighborhood).u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enZane’s enthusiasm knows no bounds. He is also very loving, forgiving and compassionate. He has this knack for winning over people’s hearts in no time. All his teachers at school and church just adore him. I have to admit: He is hard not to love.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enAlas, Zane is not perfect. He can be whiny and difficult to deal with when he doesn’t get his way — typical for a 6-year-old. For some reason, he struggles with daily transitions: TV time to dinner time, dinner time to homework time and then bedtime. We trust that he will grow out of it.u003cbr /u003e”,1]
);

//–> <!–
D([“mb”,”nu003cbr /u003enI never imagined that a child could bring me such joy, laughter and love. But Zane manages to pull it off every day. He inspires me. And obviously, I love to brag on my boy.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enWhile I love all three of my children equally, I have to admit that Zane is special. You see, Zane was born with Down syndrome.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enNine out of every 10 Down syndrome babies are aborted. Zane was a number 10. Zane was born with Down syndrome and we love him just the way he is. Do we wish he hadn’t been born with DS? Of course. Do we ask God to heal him every day? You bet. Can I imagine life without him? No way.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enMy wife and I don’t think we are better than anyone else, but the thought of aborting our baby never crossed our minds. We didn’t have an amniocentesis done because of the possibility of it causing a miscarriage. But we thought, u0026quot;What difference does it make? We plan to keep this baby even if there is some birth defect.u0026quot;u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enWe did not learn of Zane’s condition until the moment of his birth. It was one of the happiest moments of my life while at the same time it was also one of profound sadness. I knew immediately, short of a supernatural healing from God, my newborn would never do many of the things u0026quot;normalu0026quot; kids grow up doing.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enOver time, we got over the u0026quot;normalu0026quot; versus u0026quot;handicappedu0026quot; thing. Zane is our son — period. And we love him like crazy.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enThere are lots of evil things in this world. A kid with Down syndrome, or other physical or mental challenges, isn’t one of them. But abortion is.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enDeep down in our hearts, we know, as people, as humans, as creatures fashioned in God’s image, we know that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life. It isn’t right and we know it.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enWhile some in our country may not want to admit that abortion is the taking of innocent life, I believe they inherently know that it is wrong. And if they have ever experienced a Down syndrome child — really spent time with one — then they know in a very real and profound way that abortion is evil.u003cbr /u003e”,1]
);

//–> <!–
D([“mb”,”nu003cbr /u003enZane is my son. He has Down syndrome. I cannot imagine life without him.u003cbr /u003en–30–u003cbr /u003enDarin Wales is a freelance film and television director in Virginia Beach, Va.u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003en***********u003cbr /u003enPlease submit any prayer requests via u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”http://www.sbc.net/oneinamillion&#8221; targetu003d_blanku003ehttp://www.sbc.net/u003cwbr /u003eoneinamillionu003c/au003e.u003cbr /u003en***********u003cbr /u003enSearch ALL SBC sites at u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”http://www.sbcsearch.net&#8221; targetu003d_blanku003ehttp://www.sbcsearch.netu003c/au003e.u003cbr /u003en***********u003cbr /u003enVolunteer to pray for SBC churches at u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”http://www.sbc.net/oneinamillion/intro.asp&#8221; targetu003d_blanku003ehttp://www.sbc.net/u003cwbr /u003eoneinamillion/intro.aspu003c/au003e.u003cbr /u003en***********u003cbr /u003enTo have friends subscribe, tell them to visit u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”http://www.bpnews.net&#8221; targetu003d_blanku003ehttp://www.bpnews.netu003c/au003e and enter their e-mail address under the u0026quot;Subscribe to BPu0026quot; link at the top of the page.u003cbr /u003en***********u003cbr /u003enTo REMOVE or CHANGE your address, click here:u003cbr /u003enu003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”http://mh.databack.com/c.php?Lu003dbaptistpressu0026amp;Eu003dannaleealford@gmail.com&#8221; targetu003d_blanku003ehttp://mh.databack.com/c.php?u003cwbr /u003eLu003dbaptistpressu0026amp;Eu003du003cwbr /u003eannaleealford@gmail.comu003c/au003eu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enu003c/divu003e”,0]
);

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KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S CHILD once jabbed, “Father always had to be the center of attention…
When he went to a wedding, he wanted to be the bride. When he went to a funeral, he was sorry that he couldn’t be the corpse.”
Although we may find humor in this illustration, it reflect a harmful “me-first” philosophy. This philosophy can best be defined by the motto, “Look out for number one.” Self is enthroned as king; people, circumstances, and life are subjects that must bow down.
Embracing this philosophy, self becomes the epicenter of the world. But according to God’s Word, self is not to be the focal point of our lives. God’s plan is for us to focus our thoughts, time, and energy on loving Him and others (Matthew 22:36-39)..
If you were to write your life motto, what would it say? Look out for number one? Or look out for the needs of others? (David Jeremiah)
“Let each of you look out
not only for his own interests,
but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4


Thank-you for praying today.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow

if you can help them now.”

~Proverbs 3:28 TEV~

Today is Red Envelope Day. I hope you have your envelopes ready to mail. If not, you have time.

Ronald Putman will be going for a checkup today. Pray for a good report.


Carl Wayne Stevens was moved to a larger room which includes a bed for Nora to stay with him more comfortably. Continue to pray for them.


Today Miranda M. Erwin will see a doctor about her shoulder injury. Please be in prayer for her.


Don Denton

Joshua and I are back in St. Louis. Don and I will not meet with Doctors until tomorrow. The waiting game is most difficult at times.

Things can change so often as we have experienced so often.

We should have more definitive information tomorrow.

Don is now down to 15mg of his steroid and no relapse. We keep praying that it does not happen.

Will update you all as we hear.

Diane



Thomas Fortenberry

I ASK THAT YOU PRAY THAT MY GRANDFATHER THOMAS FORTENBERRY HAS MADE PEACE WITH THE LORD SO THAT HE GOES TO HEAVEN, HE IS DYING OF LUNG CANCER 72 YRS OLD WEST MONROE LA,I HOPE THAT HE KNOWS HOWS MUCH WE LOVE HIM!

MALEA SMITH



Monday

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant” (Mark 10:43 MSG).

“Whoever wants to be great must

become a servant.”

~Mark 10:43 MSG~




Please continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell and Mrs. Faye Price. “Miss” Annie Belle is home after a stay in Covington for tests. “Miss” Faye is in North Oaks again.



Also, pray for Mrs. Kathy (John) Dyer and Mrs. Joann (Thomas) Carter. They are also hospitalized and need our prayers.


Pray for Miranda Erwin as she sees a doctor tomorrow about the shoulder injury she sustained a couple of weeks ago.


Randy Ard, brother of Jan Hammons, has been released from North Oaks and is at home in Loranger. Pray the medication he will be taking will be helpful.


Tomorrow is Red Envelope Day in our country. If you need more information, please go to the official website for additional information. (www.RedEnvelope Day.com)



ASK QUESTIONS

I heard about an old blacksmith who realized he was soon going to have to quit working so hard. With retirement in mind, he picked out a strong young man to become his apprentice, who, as fate would have it, was not the smartest fellow around. The old blacksmith was crabby, impatient and exacting. He told the young man, “Don’t ask me a lot of questions; Just do whatever I tell you to do and you will do fine.”

One day the old blacksmith took a white hot iron out of the forge and laid it on the anvil. “Get the hammer over there,” he said to the boy, “When I nod my head, hit it real good and hard.”

Now the town is looking for a new blacksmith.

“Don’t ask me a lot of questions” is not very good advice. The truth is, it is almost always in our best interest to ask questions. Ask questions to learn something you don’t know. Ask questions to clarify something you’re not sure about. Ask questions to gain a new perspective on a matter.

Think of the men and women in the scriptures who asked questions:

The disciples came to Jesus and “asked him about the parable (of the sower)” (Mark 4:10). They received the best commentary in the world on Jesus’ parables — from Jesus himself! Why? Because they asked.

John the Baptist asked a good question — “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Luke 7:20) Even though this may have appeared to be a “stupid question” coming from John, Jesus sent him a gracious answer.

The Philippian jailer asked perhaps the most important question in the world — “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) which led him to respond to Christ in an obedient faith.

I have known many people through the years who were hesitant to ask questions — either in a classroom setting or even in private — because they didn’t want to appear to be stupid. As the saying goes, “There are no stupid questions.” Don’t be afraid to ask. The more you are willing ask, the more you will have the opportunity to learn!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina <!–
D([“mb”,”nu003cbr /u003en u0026nbsp; u0026nbsp; I have known many people through the years who were hesitant to ask questions — either in a classroom setting or even in private — because they didn’t want to appear to be stupid. u0026nbsp;As the saying goes, u0026quot;There are no stupid questions.u0026quot; u0026nbsp;Don’t be afraid to ask. u0026nbsp;The more you are willing ask, the more you will have the opportunity to learn!u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enHave a great day!u003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enAlan Smithu003cbr /u003enHelen Street Church of Christu003cbr /u003enFayetteville, North Carolinau003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enu003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003du003cwbr /u003eu003du003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enYou are currently subscribed to thought-for-the-day as: u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”mailto:annaleealford@gmail.com”u003eannaleealford@gmail.comu003c/au003eu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enTo unsubscribe, send a blank email to u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”mailto:leave-3421125-3048785.92a9c5e6b002e8ada1ee87ecdf794805@hub.xc.org”u003eleave-3421125-3048785.u003cwbr /u003e92a9c5e6b002e8ada1ee87ecdf7948u003cwbr /u003e05@hub.xc.orgu003c/au003eu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enTo subscribe to u0026quot;Thought For the Day,u0026quot; send a blank email to u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”mailto:join-thought-for-the-day@hub.xc.org”u003ejoin-thought-for-the-day@hub.u003cwbr /u003exc.orgu003c/au003eu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enArchives of past TFTD messages can be found at u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”http://www.tftd-online.com&#8221; targetu003d_blanku003ehttp://www.tftd-online.comu003c/au003eu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enSend any comments or questions to u003ca onclicku003d”return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)” hrefu003d”mailto:alansmith.servant@gmail.com”u003ealansmith.servant@gmail.comu003c/au003eu003cbr /u003enu003cbr /u003enu003c/divu003e”,0]
);

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Have a great day. Let me know if you have a praise, request, or update to share here.

Anna Lee