Sunday Afternoon

Roy S. Ardillo, II
(May 29, 1951 – February 11, 2012)

An Amite native and resident of Franklinton, he died at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in LaCombe. He was born May 29, 1951 and was 60 years of age. Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.

Sarah “Ann” Smith Ballard
(July 21, 1935 – February 11, 2012)

“MeMe”

A loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at her residence in Kentwood. She was born July 21, 1935 and was 76 years of age. She was a retired dairy farmer, a devoted Christian and a member of Chesbrough Baptist Church. She is survived by 2 daughters, Helen B. McNabb and husband, Barry, Kentwood and Nellin B. Webb and husband, Ronny, Greensburg; 2 sons, Ishmel “David” Ballard, Greensburg and Walter E. Ballard, Kentwood; 9 grandchildren, Bridgette McNabb Hughes and husband, J.D., Beth McNabb Day and husband, Jeff, Brooke McNabb, “Lil” Ronny Webb and wife, Laura, Ballard Webb, Ann D’lyn Webb, Ishalyn Ballard Broussard and husband, Jon, Tarra Ballard and Cally Ballard; 5 great-grandchildren, Preston Day, Parker Hughes, Annabel Hughes, Ashton Broussard and Annsley Broussard; 1 sister, Clarette Bennett, Trussville, AL; best friend of 55 years, Mary Spears Raimondo; caregiver, Carrie Rout. Preceded in death by her husband, Ishmel E. Ballard; parents, Walter and Bertha Smith; 1 brother, Emmit Smith; 1 sister, Hazel Smith; 1 grandson, Justin Ballard. Visitation at Chesbrough Baptist Church, Chesbrough, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Services conducted by Bro. Calvin Crowe. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Roseland, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thursday Afternoon

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and girls, don’t forget to join us at FBC, Amite Saturday morning at 9:30. Bring a dozen muffins to share and a mug to use. Plan to have a good time and learning something while enjoying the company of other ladies and girls. Pass the word.

Wilkie Moak Blades

(March 7, 1942 – February 8, 2012)

A homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away in Barling, AR on February 8, 2012 at the age of 60 years old. She was born March 7, 1942 in Mt. Hermon, LA, was a current resident of Barling AR and former resident of Kentwood, LA. Wilkie is survived by her 4 daughters and 1 son, Teresa Lovell and husband, Bob, McComb, MS, Elsie Stewart and husband, Robert, Greensburg, LA, Janet Sharp and friend, Kenneth Womack, Kentwood, LA, Clyde Travis, Jr. and wife, Tammy, Pearl River, LA and Trish Givens and husband, Jason, Lavaca AR; 3 sisters, Patricia “Annie” Allen and husband, Joe, Magnolia MS, Peggy Sue Tate and husband, Roger, Kentwood, LA and Linda Gail Riggle, Vacherie, LA; 4 brothers, Woody Moak, Franklin, LA, Kenneth “Scooter” Varnado, McComb, MS, Buford “Boonie” Blades, Jr. and wife, Rosie, GA, Herman Blades and wife, Donna, TN; 4 grandchildren, Amy Carver and husband, Richard, Brandon Sharp and wife, Chrystal, Tracie Marie Travis, Jessie Lovell, Dakota Blades, Colton Blades, Tyler Givens and Savannah Givens; 3 great-grandchildren Jacob Carver, Brandon Sharp, Jr. and Elizabeth Sharp. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Eugene “Skeet” Blades; her parents, Mr. Colla “Collie” Moak and Mrs. Evie M. Moak; 2 brothers, Stanley Earl Varnado and Paul Moak; a daughter, Sherry Ann Travis; and 2 sons, Collie Columbus Travis and Clyde Columbus Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2012, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

A God-Sized Accident

http://missionaryblogdigest.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/a-god-sized-accident/

Wednesday

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly

and be glorified, just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

From Charlene Blades

Update on my mom (Dell Phillips) she is home now. However we are making lots of adjustments. We now have nurses etc… coming in and out. A room full of medical equipment. It is a big change for us.
She felt pretty good yesterday but is very weak and tired today.
Please keep her and her caregivers in your prayers.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is back at home and doing well. She is an amazing lady!

Jadon Pailet is doing very well four weeks after surgery. He has had some ups and downs, but has been seizure free for four weeks! Yesterday, he added a new phrase to his vocabulary – “Go bye bye”. He’s a miracle in so many ways!

CaringBridge: AdriunnaCavanaugh

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

Mildred Ann Bass Spence
(June 7, 1949 – February 7, 2012)

Mildred Ann Bass Spence, 62, passed away at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

She was born June 7, 1949 to George and Vickie Baham Bass. She was a lover of learning and education where she attended Southern Mississippi University.

In 1980 Mildred “Millie” married Lowell Spence and together they raised their five children. Millie adored and loved her children and especially her 3 grandchildren. Millie was very committed and close to her husband and family. She enjoyed gardening and helping others with family plans.

Ms. Millie is survived by her husband of 31 years, Lowell R. Spence; children, Greg L. Spence, John S. Tucker and wife Beth, Darby W. Tucker and wife Gabby & Amy L. Tucker; brother, George Bass, Jr. and wife Pat; sister, Shirley Ellzey; 3 grandchildren, Devon Tucker, Jacob Spence Langford & Nicholas Spence Langford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Vickie Baham Bass, Sr.; son, Lowell Spence, Jr.; sister, Victoria Wilkins and husband Charles.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 10:00 a.m.at Chappapeela Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Weaver officiating. Interment in the Spring Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers family request Memorial Donations be made to Chappapeela Baptist Church Building Fund, 61407 Vining Road, Amite, LA

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and the Holiday Inn Express.

Thought for the Day: Enjoy the grape

I read a parable recently that bothered me when I read it the first time. It is a story that was

reportedly told by Buddha: A traveler, fleeing a tiger who was chasing him, ran till he came to

the edge of a cliff. There he caught hold of a thick vine, and swung himself over the edge.

Above him the tiger snarled. Below him he heard another snarl, and behold, there was another tiger,

 peering up at him. The vine suspended him midway between two tigers.

Two mice, a white mouse and a black mouse, began to gnaw at the vine. He could see they were

quickly eating it through. Then in front of him on the cliffside he saw a luscious bunch of

grapes. Holding onto the vine with one hand, he reached and picked a grape with the other. How

delicious!

That's the end of the parable. That's it??? If you're like me, you want to know how the story

ends. Does the man get eaten by one of the tigers? Does he manage to find a way of escape? We

don't know. And how can a man possibly stop to enjoy eating a grape while in the midst of such

a crisis???

I can't tell you for sure what the parable was intended to teach, but after giving it considerable

thought, here's the lesson that I gained from it. We are sometimes so focussed on wanting to know

what's going to happen in the future that we fail to enjoy what we have right here, right now.

What is the doctor going to find when I go in for these tests? How can I possibly meet the

deadline my boss has given me since I have more work to do than I can possibly get done? How will

my wife react when I talk to her about the need to go see a counselor to deal with the deep-rooted

problems we're having? How am I going to pay the bills that are due next week when there's not

enough money in the bank to cover them? How should I react to the racial prejudice that's causing

students to say ugly things to me at school?

None of those things are unimportant (nor are the countless other trials and difficulties you

could add to that list from your own experience); some may even be life-threatening But today,

all day long, I am surrounded by countless blessings from God -- a beautiful sunrise, the changing

autumn leaves, a child's kiss, a bunch of grapes, a warm bed, hot water, and the list goes on and

on. Is it possible to focus on the blessings at hand even when we are surrounded by difficulties

and we don't know how the story will turn out? For a child of God, it is not only possible, it is

essential that we learn to do so.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever

the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have

plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether

well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:11-12)

Are you surrounded by tigers today? Take a moment to enjoy the grape that God has placed right in

front of you.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

It's easy to see the miracles in Jadon's life, but do we see them in our own lives?

Today is a great day to pay attention and see what God is doing in our own lives.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Carol Jean Gill and her family. Pray for improvement on her part and peace and comfort for the family as they wait.

Mrs. Gail Pittman-McDaniel is now back in Kentwood for some rehab. Continue to pray for her and her family.

Mr. Earlo LaBauve, Sharon Martin’s dad, is improving, but still being treated at North Oaks. Please continue to pray.

Andy Taylor is improving, but still has a ways to go to get past the gall bladder surgery. Keep him in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland and for her family as they help care for her.

The wake for Mr. William Ed. Hatcher will be from 6-9 this evening at McKneely-Vaughn Funeral Home in Amite. Please continue to pray for his family.

Thought for the Day: Does God know about this?

There's a couple in Arkansas who have given their six-year-old son

strict instructions to come home from playing every afternoon no later

than 5 p.m. He is allowed to play with his friends, but his parents are

quite serious about his curfew. If he is not home by 5 p.m., they begin

to worry and call around the neighborhood to find out where he is. The

boy knows this, though, and is careful to arrive every day on time. One

 April Monday, however, the day after Daylight Saving Time went into

effect, the boy was late coming home. When he finally arrived, a few minutes

 before 6 p.m., his mother scolded him for being late. "You know you are

 to be home by five," she said, "and here it is nearly six." Puzzled,

the little boy pointed out the window. "But the light," he protested, "the

light; it's the light that tells me when to come home." Realizing what had

 happened, his mother smiled and gently explained that the day before the

time had been changed, that everyone had reset their clocks and, now, the

daylight lasted longer. The boy's eyes narrowed. "Does God know about this?"

he asked suspiciously. It's easy to see why a young boy would ask such a

question, but no matter what the circumstance prompting the question, the

answer to "Does God know about this?" is always, "Yes, He knows." David

reflected on this quality of God in Psalm 139: "Lord, you have examined

me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I

get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where

I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do.

Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are

all around me -- in front and in back -- and have put your hand

on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can

understand." (Psalm 139:1-6)

 At times, it is a bit frightening to realize that God knows so much about

me, but ultimately it is a comforting thought -- that someone knows so

much about me, yet still loves me. Because God knows me so well, He knows

my deepest needs. May you take comfort this day in the realization that

God knows everything about you there is to know.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Sunday

“Everyone who hears these words of mine

and puts them into practice

is like a wise man

who built his house on the rock.”

~Matthew 7:24 NIV~

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and Girls Invited

Saturday, Feb. 11th 9:30 A.M.

FBC, Amite

Bring a dozen breakfast muffins to share and a mug to use.

New Bible Study

FBC, Kentwood

Detains coming soon

Special Guests sharing in AWANA tonight – Mallory and Madison

Richard “Dick” Stamm
(July 27, 1924 – February 2, 2012)

Richard Stamm, 87 years old, passed away on February 2, 2012, due to complications of pneumonia. He resided in Greensburg, LA, for the past five years. Richard “Dick” Stamm was born on July 27, 1924 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and spent his youth in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Army Air Force in World War II. Afterwards he attended & graduated from optometry college in Chicago, IL. However he pursued a career as an engineer working in the automobile industry, then the space program with Chrysler Corporation and Martin-Marietta. The Apollo space program took him and his family to Bay St. Louis, MS, where he remained until Hurricane Katrina. He and his wife, Nadine, owned “Nadic Arts”, an antique and art gallery for many years. Dick’s zest for life included working on hydroplane race boats in Detroit, rebuilding antique cars, and flying and building radio controlled model airplanes. Dick is survived by his wife, Nadine, residing in Greensburg, his two daughters, Maureen Lok and Penny Rizan, and son, Richard, four grandchildren, Andre, Brandon, Michele and Dana, and one great grandchild, Ethan. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Cornerstone Church of Amite on Monday, February 6, 6:00-8:00p.m. Funeral services at Port Hudson National Cemetery will be private. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarship Fund, ATT: April, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thought for the Day: Saved from embarrassment

The source (and veracity) of the following story is unknown:

It was July 4, 1954, I Corps Artillery, Korea. The armistice had been signed the summer before. The I Corps Commander, a three star general, had scheduled his baseball team to play the Corps Arty’s team.

It may seem strange, but Corps Arty is much larger than I Corps. I Corps is strictly a tactical headquarters unit, it has very few men assigned or attached to it. Corps Arty, on the other hand, is much larger. At the time, we had perhaps 18 battalions attached, each battalion consisting of from 600 to 800 men. The Corps Arty Commander, a two star general, took his baseball very seriously. He had a full-time team consisting mostly of professional players who were drafted by Uncle Sam.

I Corps was the visiting team. Three men up, three men out. Bottom of the first. Lots of hits and home runs. No outs. I Corps ran out of pitchers. Their catcher, a sergeant, tried his arm at pitching. Score 0-18, still bottom of the first, still no outs.

The sergeant left the mound and approached the Corps Arty Commanding General. He wiped the sweat from his face, stood at attention, saluted, and in a loud voice boomed, “Sir, request permission to call the game on account of snow.”

The general stood up, returned the salute, and in an equally loud voice, “Permission granted.”

I’ve been in similar situations, on the losing side of a terribly lop-sided game. It’s embarrassing and humiliating! What strikes me about this story is the willingness of the general to take an action that would alleviate as much embarrassment as possible to the pitiful losing team.

It seems to me that’s what love does. In the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), there is a distinct effort on the part of Jesus to draw attention away from the woman to relieve some of her embarrassment (though he still held her accountable for her actions).

That’s a difficult thing to do, but something that must strive for — to hold our friends accountable for their actions, while seeking to minimize their embarrassment. I’m thankful for friends in my life who have done that for me in the past.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ ” (I Peter 4:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

I realize I had my days confused as I posted The Prayer Link last week. I think I have everything straight now.

This is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

From Ashley Raborn

Please keep Sammy Ott in your prayers. He is battling leukemia and now possibly has pneumonia. PLEASE lift him up in your prayers!

William Edward “Bud” Hatcher
(September 14, 1938 – February 2, 2012)

William Edward “Bud” Hatcher was born on September 14, 1938 and passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at his residence. He was 73, a native and resident of Kentwood.

He was a retired Dairyman, Cattle Buyer, operated a trucking company for over 50 years, and a member of the Board of Louisiana Quarter and Breeders Association.

He enjoyed visiting each day at his office with friends while sharing a cup of coffee. He cherished his family and was proud of their accomplishments.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty McDaniel Hatcher; son, Jimmie Hatcher and wife Barbara, Kentwood; 2 grandsons, Major Hatcher, Hammond & Justin Hatcher, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Margaret Milton and husband, Sonny, Kentwood & Connie Holmes and husband, Denson, Kentwood; brother, Ronnie Hatcher, Gonzales; sister-in-law, Flo Hatcher, Lafayette.

Preceded in death by his parents, J.C. “Pap” and Margaret “Bit” Hatcher; a brother, Jules Hatcher.

Pallbearers will be Houston Travis, Jeff Green, Chris Blanchet, Wendell Anthony, David Easley, David Gill, Wayne McNabb and Douglas Palmintier.

Honorary pallbearers will be E.H. Welch, Lynn Moran, John Allen Blackwell, Edward Garner, Deloy Smith, & J.N. Schilling.

Family requests in lieu of flowers Memorial Donations be made to First Baptist Church of Kentwood.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite on Monday, February 6, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and the Holiday Inn Express.

Friday

“Continue earnestly in prayer,

being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

~Colossians 4:2~

If we are to “continue earnestly in prayer” for some of those we have been praying for, I will remind you of some families to pray for.

Jadon Pailet Family of Ian Russ Guzzardo Family of Catherine Simmons

Carol Jean Gill Family of Roy Russell Family of William Ed. Hatcher

Pauline Strickland Family of Lorna Smith Family of Jason McKean

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel Family of Dorothy Ricks Family of Kelly Dunn Sofge

Earlo LaBauve Avis Sullivan Andy and Betty Taylor

Jill Brister Gail Pittman-McDaniel Family of Tripp Roth

Susan Rimes Billy Carl Strickland Velta Morris

Dr. Derry Magee Raymond Anthony Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby

KaLeigh Powers Jimmy Tolar Jimmie Shaw Family

These are some of the people for whom we have prayed. You can pray for these and your own additions.

Jadon Pailet (Late last night)

Please pray for Jadon. We were admitted to childrens today because his blood cultures were positive. We will not know what kind of bacteria it is until tomorrow. The culture may have been contaminated but they don’t think so because he is so sick. We need prayers right now.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thought for the Day: When everything goes wrong

Here is a list of "Murphy's Laws for Churches" (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on "Bring A

Friend" Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you'll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks

will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying "Let us pray" or singing "Just As I Am" causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher's question right, nobody remembers; when you

are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees

below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90

degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes

will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy's Law ("Whatever can go wrong will go wrong") manifests itself in a multitude

of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going

wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, "Everything will turn out all right eventually"? We

may be living in a dream world.

Do we react by saying, "How could God do this to me"? Our bitterness may cause

us to turn away from God.

Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see

us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to

preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, "Now, look on their threats, and grant

to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word...." (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down

around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much

they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to

manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Knowing Russ Guzzardo, I don’t think he will mind me sharing his thoughts on Facebook last night, just hours after burying his newborn son.

Just want to thank God for comforting me today. I want to thank him for all the people who have been praying for my family and put there words to action today by attending or participating in the services today. God you are an awesome GOD. Thanks for family and friends, I love you all.

With all the sadness around, especially the last two weeks, let’s remember we serve and awesome God who loves us dearly!

Anna Lee

Thursday’s Second Addition

The Gill family appreciates all the prayers coming our way for Carol Jean. She remains in intensive care with respiratory support. The doctor said that every day she survives, her chances will improve. Please continue to pray. Thank you.

Fernie Ray Gill and family

Please add my mother Dell Phillips to the prayer link. She is at Hood’s in Amite being treated for pnemoina but also has emphasema and COPD. It is getting harder for her to breath. She will be there at least time Monday or Tueday of next week. Please lift her name to the LORD, that his will be done.

Charlene Blades

Mr. Willian Ed. Hatcher passed away this morning. Please be in prayer for his family and friends.

Thursday

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance,

but the LORD looks at the heart.”

~1 Samuel 16:7b NIV~

Susan Rimes is doing much better. Her kidney stones put her out of her routine for four months! Thank God she is now on the road to recovery.

Jimmy Tolar is better. Thank God he has improved.

Jill Brister is a little better. She will be returning to school soon.

Pray for Taylor Breeland. She continues to battle the treatment medication and the disease. Pray for peace for her and her family during this difficult time.

Andy Taylor is slowly recovering from the gall bladder problem, but now has a new enemy, shingles! Pray his pain lessens!

Continue to pray for the ladies who are recovering from their injuring in Friday’s accident. Pray for the families of all four ladies. Now, this will be hard for some of us. Pray for the driver of the chip truck. His world has been turned upside down. God loves him too!

There are always people who are ill that I don’t list for one reason or another. Please pray for any you may know of. If you think it is appropriate for me to list them, please let me know.

It is not appropriate for me to list the names of people who are lost. Go over your own personal list and pray. Hopefully, several people are praying for each one.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thought for the Day: In need of a physician

English sign in German cafe: “Mothers, Please Wash Your Hans Before Eating.”

On a scientist’s door: “Gone Fission”

Outside a hotel: “Help! We need inn-experienced people.”

On a music teacher’s door: “Out Chopin.”

On the door of a music library: “Bach in a minuet.”

At a farmer’s field: “The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.”

In a podiatrist’s window: “Time wounds all heels.”

At the Electric Company: “We would be de-lighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don’t, you will be.”

On Maternity Room door: “Push, Push, Push”

Sign on fence: “Salesmen welcome. Dog food is expensive.”

Muffler shop: “No appointment necessary. We’ll hear you coming.”

Veterinarian’s waiting room: “Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!”

Optometrist’s office: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.”

That last sign is just a humorous way of saying that it is only those people who are sick who are in need of the doctor. And isn’t that what Jesus himself said?

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)

Jesus and the Pharisees often had conflict over the “sinners”. The Pharisees drew a sharp dividing line between the righteous and the sinners. No good Jew would ever associate with “that kind of people.”

But, while the feeling of the religious leaders was contempt and disgust for sinners, that certainly wasn’t the attitude of Jesus. Jesus often ate and drank with them and invited one of them (Levi) to be one of his apostles. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being the “friend of tax-collectors and sinners.” But to Jesus, that was a compliment. And it is perhaps the most endearing and touching description of our Lord.

Jesus didn’t come to hobnob with the religious elite. He came to save sinners. He didn’t come to make small talk with people too blind to see how sin-sick they truly were. He came to be a doctor to those who were sick and knew it. It wasn’t those who claimed to be “righteous” who commanded Christ’s attention. It was the “sinners” he came looking for.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that the church is not a place for people who are perfect, but rather a place for those who are sick (with sin) who are seeking healing at the hands of the Great Physician.

Don’t stay away from church because you don’t have it all together. Come and find healing along with the rest of us who don’t have it all together either.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Be careful of the wet roads and the fog today. As you go through your day, periodically say a prayer for those listed and others you my have listed on your heart.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Frances McDaniel Gay told me that she got an excellent report on her check-up. I’m so glad for her. Thank God for this report and for a lady who enjoys each day God has given her.

Ian Russell Guzzardo

Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton

IAN RUSSELL GUZZARDO,

Infant son of Russ and Ashley Guzzardo of Amite, was born into this world at 6:21 am and delivered into the arms of angels at 7:35 am Monday January 30, 2012 at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Also survived by:

Sisters: Bethainee Guzzardo; Bryelle Guzzardo

Grandparents: John and Cathy Gulotta of Independence; Mose and Jan Guzzardo of Amite

Aunts and Uncles: Lacey and Jason Esler of Hammond; Blaine Gulotta of Independence; Kim and Scott Terrebonne of Amite

Cousins: Aiden Esler, Kaleigh Terrebonne, Clay Terrebonne, Mia Terrebonne

Great-grandparents: Ralph Wascom, Sr. of Holden; Dorothy Jefferson of Arkansas

Numerous aunts, uncles, and other family members

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents Joseph and Christine Gulotta, John and Florence Guzzardo, and Earl and Elaine Russell

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 am Thursday February 2nd at Amite Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mike Foster officiating.

Pallbearers: Blaine Gulotta, Clay Terrebonne

Obituaries can be viewed online at http://www.crainfh.com