Death Notice(s) – Page 176

Momma's Obituary

Mrs. Dorothy Draughon Smith

(March 26, 1929 – October 23, 2011)

Mrs. Dorothy D. Smith was born March 26, 1929 and passed away at 6:20 p.m., Sunday, October 23, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was 82, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Roseland.

Mrs. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 64 years, Grant R. Smith, Jr., Roseland; 3 daughters, Anna Lee S. Alford and husband David, Kentwood, Carolyn S. Cardaronella, Independence and Julie S. Eudy and husband Donnie, Ponchatoula; sister, Naomi Orr and husband John, Sulphur Springs, TX; 11 grandchildren, Jennie A. Hatchel and husband Dr. Boyd, Prague, Czech Republic, Jason Alford and wife Becki, Rome, GA, Toby Cardaronella and wife Rhonda, Albany, Timmy Cardaronella and wife Tara, Roseland, Jeffrey Cardaronella, Ponchatoula, Jeremy Cardaronella, Independence, Lacey Todora and husband Phillip, Amite, Casey Stuart and husband Josh, Independence, Melissa Parrina and husband Andrew, Gonzalez, Adam Hayden and companion Carolyn Hufstetler, Amite & Kristin Eudy, Ponchatoula; 16 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents Elwin and Jennie Wilkinson Draughon; grandson, Aaron Hayden & sister, Bettye Widas.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with Graveside Celebration of Life Services at Taylor Cemetery, Tangipahoa with Dr. Boyd Hatchel officiating to follow.

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 16 W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1292255&fh_id=11426

Monday

“If you want to know what God really wants you to do, ask him . . .

but if you don’t ask in faith,

don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.”

James 1:5-6 (LB)

Maggie Lee Henson: Doing Good for Others

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

Jadon’s Story: Surgery Update

Alot has been going on since my last post. First, I’m still having seizures and I’m on my full dose of vigabatrin. We did start another medicine. We put me back on banzel. Banzel is the only other medicine besides vigabatrin that has helped me. We thought maybe the two together would help. Well it has help and we actually have more control of my seizures than ever before. I’m having about 60 a day and they are not intense at all. It’s very hard to know if I’m having one or not. Though we are excited about this its still not acceptable to have 60 seizures a day. So my mommy has been calling doctors and talking to them about the surgery. She even talk to a mommy whoes child had the surgery. If you look at the end of the post you will see the questions that my mommy ask Dr. Chugani and the answers he sent. She emailed him at 3:30 one afternoon and he emailed back by 7:00 that night. He is awesome. We do believe that God has sent us to him. When we first started looking for doctors to see my mommy and daddy looked in to going to see him or this doctor in Boston. We went with the doctor in Boston. We were in the hospital and actually met a different neurologist than the one we went to see. We liked him so much that we stuck with him and not the other. And would you know a year later he referred us to Dr. Chugani. That is why we believe it was meant for us to see Dr. Chugani. Of all the neurologist out there, there is no way this is just coincidence. It is definitely a God thing. So what is the plan. We have decided to go ahead and schedule the surgery. We will have our final date by Wednesday of this week. It is looking like it will be sometime in December or January. We will then make a trip to Detroit to update my MRI and to see the neurosurgeon who will be doing the surgery. We could do this the day before the surgery but we need time to discuss our questions and think about them. My mommy and daddy will think, pray, and get lots of opinions before they let anyone cut into my brain. We also talked to our neurologist in Boston. He said that no idea of Dr. Chugani’s is a bad one. This made us feel a little better. He also said that Boston is doing a research study that can tell how much of the motor function has transferred to the right side. They use a machine to put next to the hemisphere. The machine cause the muscles on that side of the hemisphere to move. If both of my arms and legs move we will know if it has transferred. We are in the process of trying to get into this study. We would feel much better about the surgery if we can get this test done. It amazes me the test they can do these days. I’m asking you to pray harder than you ever had for me. I can’t tell you how difficult of a decision this is for my family. We are praying and trusting that God will continue to lead us in the direction He wants us to go. I want all of you to know that we are planning my surgery and doing all the prep work but we may not do the surgery. Everything has to fall into place and we have to feel 100% that this is what God wants us to do. That is why we are asking for prayers, prayers, and more prayers. Thanks for all that you do for me and my family. I love you all and here are the notes from Dr. Chugani: SEE ANSWERS BELOW > Dr. Chugani, > > We recently came to Detroit to see you. My son’s name in Jadon Pailet. > We started Sabril the day after we left your office. It has helped but we > are still seeing about 80 seizures a day. With that said the seizures are > not as intense as they were before Sabril. Since they are not as intense, > Jadon has learned 4 new animal sounds and is crawling a little bit. I > know > the next step is surgery but I have a couple of questions. > 1. I’m worried about him regressing after surgery. My husband and I have > been researching and it seems most children are worse off than Jadon when > the surgery is done. What is the likelihood that he will be worse after > surgery than he is now? RARE TO BE WORSE AFTER SURGERY. IF SEIZURES CONTINUE, SOONER OR LATER IT WILL TAKE A TOLL ON THE BRAIN > 2. I read an article about brain surgery which said you can actually numb > the hemosphere and then check for speech, memory, and motor. Is this part > of the procedure that ya’ll do? THE GRID ELECTRODES THAT WE PUT WILL CHECK FOR VITAL FUNCTIONS SUCH AS MOTOR. THE OTHERS ARE NOT AN ISSUE AT THIS AGE > 3. When are we looking at doing the surgery? WORK THAT OUT WITH SARAH > 4. What part of the brain are we talking about removing? The entire left > hemisphere or only the 4 parts that did not form correctly? I know we are > not going to touch the motor cortex unless necessary. WHAT IS REMOVED DEPENDS ON WHAT THE GRID EEG SHOWS > 5. This is not a surgery question but just wanted to ask. Jadon was > on Banzel. The banzel helped but didn’t control the seizures. We took > him > off banzel because we thought it was causing the other medicine not to > work. My question is does banzel work well with Sabril? I’m just > thinking > maybe we can get some more control if we put him back on the banzel. THE 2 CAN BE USED TOGETHER. TRY IT IF YOU THINK IT MAY HELP. HAVE WE MAXIMIZED THE SABRIL DOSE? HOW MUCH IS HE TAKING AND HOW MUCH DOES HE WEIGH?

Chloe Neyland will be seeing a doctor today to see if she is in good enough health to have the holes in her heart repaired Wednesday. Pray for all involved in the decision making process.

Early yesterday afternoon, my sister Julie told me it was a good day for Momma to go to heaven. I agreed. Then, Julie smiled and told me it was the 29th anniversary of her son’s death. Aaron is Momma’s only descendent that has passed away. I think the timing of Momma’s death yesterday was very appropriate.

Thought for the Day: Giving with love

The following story is told in “The Best of Bits and Pieces”:Robert De Vincenzo, the great Argentine golfer, once won a tournament and, after receiving the check and smiling for the cameras, he went to the clubhouse and prepared to leave. Some time later, he walked alone to his car in the parking lot and was approached by a young woman. She congratulated him on his victory and then told him that her child was seriously ill and near death. She did not know how she could pay the doctor’s bills and hospital expenses.

De Vincenzo was touched by her story, and he took out a pen and endorsed his winning check for payment to the woman. “Make some good days for the baby,” he said as he pressed the check into her hand.

The next week he was having lunch in a country club when a Professional Golf Association official came to his table. “Some of the boys in the parking lot last week told me you met a young woman there after you won that tournament.” De Vincenzo nodded.

“Well,” said the official, “I have news for you. She’s a phony. She has no sick baby. She’s not even married. She fleeced you, my friend.”

“You mean there is no baby who is dying?” said De Vincenzo.

“That’s right,” said the official.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard all week,” De Vincenzo said.

Wow! What a beautiful spirit! I wish I could say that I would have reacted the same way, but I know that I would not have. I would have struggled with feelings of resentment. I would have said, “See if I try to help anyone else again!”

De Vincenzo’s attitude is reminiscent of the spirit that God has shown toward us. Despite mankind taking God’s goodness for granted, despite our repeated failures, God was willing to give not just a token amount, but the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. He did so, not reluctantly or with resentment, but willingly and gladly, knowing that while most would only show disdain for his gift, some would respond in obedience motivated by faith and love.

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)

May the realization of what God has given motivate you to respond to him, and to reach out to others, with the same kind of love.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Today is a good day to ….

Anna Lee

Sunday Night

Momma, Dorothy Smith of Roseland, passed away about 5:30 this afternoon. Please remember our whole family in your prayers. We will make arrangements at 11:00 in the morning. We plan to have a brief time of visitation Tuesday morning followed by burial in the family cemetery, Taylor Cemetery, which is five miles west of I-55 at Tangipahoa.

Friday Afternoon

Melissa Johnson is home. Thank God for her improvement.

Please continue to pray for my family. Momma is not doing well.

Sheriff Ronald “Gun” Flicklin
(Died October 21, 2011)

Sheriff Ronald “Gun” Ficklin passed away on Friday, October 21, 2011 at Butner Medical Center, Butner, NC. “Gun” is a resident of Greensburg.

Arrangements will be posted on Monday, October 24, 2011.

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

Thursday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Prayers Needed

I would like to ask for prayers for my daughter KaLeigh. Last year she had several lymph nodes removed and just recently we discovered a very large mass in her neck, it is putting pressure on both of her main blood vessels that go to her brain. We are unsure as to what it is. We are waiting for Childrens Hospital to contact us to arrange surgery for her. She is in good spirits but we are all afraid of what it might be, so I would like for everyone to please pray for her and the family as we go through this. It is very difficult since she came such along way from birth.
Thanks
Debbie Powers & family

Please pray for Melissa Johnson, she is in Lallie Kemp Hospital. She has fluid on her lungs and they are trying to get it off.

Thank you,
Gretchen Simpson

Mr. Pete Hyde is now is rehab. Pray he regains his strength and gets the rehab he needs to return home soon.

Sherry Simpson will have her corrective surgery today in Nashville. Pray everything goes well and she regains her former strength and stamina.

Robbie Lynn Kirby is slowly recovering at home. Pray for her and Kirby as they take one day at a time.

Gwen Harper Pedalahole is still sedated, but seems to be making some progress. Pray for Gwen and family during some very difficult times.

Mrs. “Bill” Hughes had surgery in McComb. Pray for this wonderfully sweet lady with a very frail body. Pray for Mrs. Anne Hurst as she cares for her sister.

Pray Chole Neyland to stay in good health for her heart surgery next week. If she is healthy, she will enter Children’s Hospital Monday and have surgery Wednesday. Pray for the family as they surrender this baby to surgeons again.

Pray for the continuing manhunt east of town. Pray for the law enforcement teams and for the residents who have lived and moved around under such stress for a week. Pray too for the fugitive and his family. I would like to quote a principal I had when I first started teaching – “Everybody had a momma”. I don’t think any of us would want to be in her place today.

Jean M. Limerick

(February 18, 1925 – October 18, 2011)

Mrs. Jean M. Limerick was born on February 18, 1925 and passed away at 8:20 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Northshore Specialty Hospital, Covington. She was 86, a native of Oklahoma City, OK, a resident of Amite and a former resident of Oklahoma City, OK.

Mrs. Jean is survived by her son, Mark Fisher, Sr., Amite; grandson, Mark Fisher, Jr.; granddaughter, Shana Myers and husband Mark; 4 great grandchildren, Coleman Fisher, Gracie Fisher, Erin Myers & Ellie Myers; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Joyce Hughs Matthews; 1st husband, Edward Fisher; 2nd husband, Charles Limerick; daughter, Marcia Joyce Fisher.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.

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

Thought for the Day: Should I Forgive that Person?

The following story comes from Glenn E. Schaeffer via Christian Reader (“Kids of the Kingdom;” September/October 1997):

During a childrens sermon one Sunday morning, I held up an ugly-looking summer shirt that I wore occasionally around the house. I explained to the children that someone said the shirt was ugly and should be thrown away.

“This really hurt me,” I explained. “I’m having trouble forgiving the person who said those mean things. Do you think I should forgive that person?” I asked the children.

Immediately, my six-year-old daughter, Alicia, raised her hand. “Yes, you should,” she said without hesitation. “But why? The person hurt my feelings,” I responded.

To which Alicia wisely answered, “Because you’re married to her.”

We live in a society that doesn’t care much at all about forgiveness. Our culture exalts those TV and movie heroes who take vengeance on others. Those who are willing to forgive are portrayed as weak, and those who refuse to forgive are strong. The result is a society filled with bitterness, vengeance, anger, hate and hostility. Marriages suffer because grudges are held and nobody’s willing to forgive. Crimes of retaliation and ridiculously excessive lawsuits are rampantly common as people seek vengeance both inside or outside the law.

But Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others. In fact, he doesn’t give us any other option, if we are to be his disciples. He said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15). That’s strong language!

Again in Mark 11:25-26, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21), Jesus responds by telling a parable about a master who forgave a servant’s huge debt, but that servant refused to forgive another servant who owed him a small amount. The story ends with an angry master turning over the unforgiving servant to the jailers for torture and torment. And then Jesus made the application in one of the harshest statements in all the gospels: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35).

Jesus makes it painfully clear that forgiving others is directly related to our being forgiven by God, and our unwillingness to forgive destroys the bridge over which God’s forgiveness comes to us. Before you ask for God to forgive you, is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Baptist Press Article

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36372

So many people have been a blessing to me lately. I have been humbled by the number of individuals, including former students from many years ago, churches, and church organizations praying for me. Wow! I surely hope that I can be a prayer warrior for others like so many have been for me.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28~

Pray for Linda B. Williams as she has a repeat of her previous shoulder surgery this morning.

Pray for those who are involved in the manhunt which continues in the North Hayes Road/East Fork area. Pray too for families who live in this area and who have been under this stress for a while.

Pray for the family of Mike Nason as they travel to northern Mississippi to bury Mike today.

Thought for the Day: The Search is On

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the main computers. He dialed the employee’s home phone number and was greeted with a child whispering, “Hello?”

Feeling put out at the inconvenience of having to talk to a youngster, the boss asked, “Is your Daddy home?” “Yes”, whispered the small voice.

“May I talk with him?”, the man asked. To the surprise of the boss, the small voice whispered, “No.”

Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, “Is your Mommy there?” “Yes”, came the answer. “May I talk with her?” Again the small voice whispered, “No.”

Knowing that it was not likely that a young child would be left home alone, the boss decided he would just leave a message with the person who should be there watching over the child.

“Is there anyone there besides you?”, the boss asked the child. “Yes”, whispered the child, “A policeman.”

Wondering what an officer would be doing at his employee’s home, the boss asked, “May I speak with the policeman?” “No, he’s busy”, whispered the child. “Busy doing what?”, asked the boss. “Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the fireman”, came the whispered answer.

Growing concerned and even worried as he heard a loud noise through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, “What is that noise?”

“A hello-copper”, answered the whispering voice. “What is going on there?”, asked the boss, now alarmed.

In an awed voice the child answered, “The search team just landed the hello-copper!”

Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated the boss asked, “Why are they there?”

Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle, “They’re looking for me!”

It reminds me of how we act toward God at times. When we have done something that we know is wrong, we sometimes, like Adam and Eve in the garden, try to hide from God. Not physically, of course. But we try to distance ourselves from God by neglecting worship with God’s people, Bible study, prayer. We try to avoid God, hoping He won’t notice.

But like the little boy in the story, we know that God is searching for us, doing everything in His power to bring us back. And even at times when I’ve done something I’m ashamed of, I appreciate that so much.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?….Or what woman, having ten coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?” (Luke 15:4,8)

Is Somebody looking for you today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

I hope you have been “found and saved” today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Midday

I just received a call that my surgery has been postponed two weeks, until November 4th, because more serious cases have developed. I’m disappointed, but glad I’m not one of the more urgent cases.

Update on Susan Rimes from Katie

mom just got back to room after lithotripsy.Doc found 5 stones in just one area that he litho’d today.Go back next Tuesday for 2nd litho.

Larry Milton Cuzzort
(October 4, 1957 – October 17, 2011)

A resident of Greensburg, LA, died on Monday, October 17, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born October 4, 1957 in Jefferson, LA and was 54 years of age. He served in the United States Air Force. Graveside Services will be held at Hughes Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Kent Newell. Survived by sister, Cheryl A. Cuzzort, McKinney, TX, brother, Michael D.Cuzzort, Greensburg, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James Allen Cuzzort, Sr. and, Edith Lorena Williams Cuzzort, and brother, James A. Cuzzort, Jr. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Charles Moyse Carrier
(June 6, 1921 – October 18, 2011)

Charles Moyse Carrier, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. His military career spanned 25 years. Moyse was one of the “greatest generation” soldiers of World War II. As a double veteran, he served in the Marine Corps from 1937 – 1941 and Air Force 1942 – 1962. ” He had the right stuff”. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine Cathey Carrier and two children, Charles Carrier and Barbara Carrier Jackson, and her husband, Steven. One grandson, Sean Scott and two step grandchildren, Christopher and Wesley Jackson. Per his request, services are private and for immediate family only. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Tuesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Mr. Kenneth Felker is a little better. He is able to walk with crutches now.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Don’t forget the funerals for Mrs. Hazel Simpson and Mr. Mike Nason today.

Remember the many grieving families today and in the days to come.

What’s on the Other Side?

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was leaving the room after paying a visit, and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?! You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice that dog? He had never been in this room before. He did not know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing: I know my Master is there, and that is enough. And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with gladness.”

It’s true that while we are given a glimpse of what lies ahead, there is a great deal that we don’t know and often wonder about. Will there literally be a street of gold and a gate of pearl? Highly unlikely. Those kinds of images may be helpful in understanding how precious heaven is, but they are not of much value in helping us to know exactly what it will look like.

And quite frankly, it doesn’t matter to me, for two reasons. First of all, I trust my heavenly Father to provide nothing less than the very best for His children. And secondly, as the doctor in the story above pointed out, the only thing that really matters is that we will be in the presence of God. Living in a shack in His presence would be preferable to living in a mansion apart from Him. Whatever else heaven may be, its essence is that we have the opportunity to have intimate fellowship with God.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ ” (Rev. 20:12)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Find your blessings for today and be thankful!

Anna Lee

Mike's Obituary

Michael “Mike” Gregory Nason
(September 8, 1946 – October 16, 2011)

Michael Gregory Nason, 65, a resident of Kentwood, LA for the past 9 years, died October 16, 2011 at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond. He was born September 8, 1946 in Sturgis, MS. He was the son of John Draper Nason and Gussie Weaver Nason. He was a graduate of Sturgis High School and Barber School in Atlanta, GA. He lived in Sturgis for 56 years and worked as a barber in Starkville.

Mike, as he was called, became a Christian at a very young age and it was evident throughout his life by the loving, caring life he lived.

He is preceded in death by his parents; five siblings, Vivian Pauline Jackson, John Draper Nason, II, Dorothy Ruth Gill, James Thomas Nason and Raymond Luther Nason.

He is survived by his loving brother and sisters, Gerald Mansel Nason, Theople Hurst, Sarah Vitula Edmonds, Annette Allen, Patsy Lanell Wilson and Bobbie Jean Magee.

Visitation is Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA after 6PM. Funeral services will be at 7PM with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Visitation continues Wednesday at Wake Forest Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS from 10:30AM until services at 11AM with Rev. Bruce Latimer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mr. Nason’s name be sent to Wake Forest Baptist Church, 3763 Maben Road, Sturgis, MS 39769.

Monday

“But you are a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

a people for His possession,

so that you may proclaim the praises of the One

who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9, HCSB~

Gwen Harper Pedalahore is about the same, but maybe a little better. She continues to need our prayers. Pray for her family and friends.

Please continue to pray for Frances Allen and Billy Carl Strickland. They have big battles ahead,

Mike Nason lost his battle on earth yesterday. There is no obituary yet, but I heard the wake will be Tuesday night. Mike had nothing but friends and those who admired his sweet spirit as he fought a battle that would not go away. I’m glad I got to know him and will miss him sitting behind me at church, especially his FIRM handshakes.

We will not have our Third Thursday Meeting this month. Please plan to join us next month for food, fellowship, a devotional, and sweet prayer time.

What Could Be More Beautiful?

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. “You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!”, a boy in the line cried.

Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. “I love your freckles,” she said. “Not me,” the girl replied. “Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles” she said, tracing her finger across the child’s cheek. “Freckles are beautiful!”

The girl looked up. “Really?” “Of course,” said the grandmother. “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”

The little girl peered into the old woman’s smiling face. “Wrinkles,” she answered softly.

What a beautiful story of love! How wonderful it is when those who are filled with the wisdom that comes with age can still see the beauty in those who are younger and have much to learn. And how wonderful when those just learning to spread their wings can see the beauty in those who have flown so long they have grown weary of flying.

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

With a heart of love, may we see the beauty of God’s children both young and old.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

“Stand in the storm. When it gets rough, make adjustments, but keep standing.” I’m so thankful my “storm” has been identified and hopefully the adjustments will be well on the way by this time next week.

Anna Lee