Death Notice(s) – Page 220

Thursday Evening

Wayne Criswell

The Dr. gave Wayne a clean bill of health, removed the supplemental oxygen and told us we are free to fly home.
We have to get our flight reservations so it will probably be early next week.
Will let you know when we find out.
Thanks again
Mary

Olivia Prescott

Cheryl Prescott thanks you for your prayers for little Olivia. She got all good reports.

Mrs. Faye Price

Pray for the family as they spend time caring for their mother/grandmother/sister.

Roger Pittman

Roger’s appointment went well today. He has some relief and will be going back in two weeks to get the other stone treated. He’s still in pain, so pray for that to get better.

“Cete” Dillon

Mr. “Cete’s” eye procedure went well today. Pray for his eye to clear up. Thank God that “Miss” Ruby is now well enough to take a turn at being the care-giver.

Micah

My cousin in Texas is spending some family time tonight, but will be admitted to the hospital again in the morning for a test that will determine what needs to be done and in what time frame. Pray for Micah and his family.

Virginia “Ginnie” Hoffman Wilcox
(June 5, 1928 – March 3, 2010)

A resident of Wilmer, LA, died at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary, LA. She was born June 5, 1928 in Garrettsville, OH and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Sandy Toney and her husband, Doug, Franklinton, Candy Frazier, Amite, and Danna Jo Erwin and her husband, Michael, Walker; 2 sons, Dennis Wilcox and his wife, Ruth, Wilmer and Douglas Wilcox and his wife, Donna, Wilmer; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mary Ethel Knopf, Chagrin Falls, OH and Fran Sotera and her husband, Sam, Mantua, OH; 2 brothers, Buckie Hoffman, Sierra Vista, AZ and Donnie Hoffman, Chagrin Falls, OH; brother-in-law, Hank Wilcox, Lake Alfred, FL; sister-in-law, Jessie W. Grether, Naples, FL; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Le Roi Wilcox; parents, Clarence and Ethel Hoffman; brother, Harvey Hoffman; son-in-law, Paul Frazier; 2 great-grandsons, Chandler and Braedon Toney. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Wilcox’s oldest daughter, Sandy Toney, was one of my high school friends. She is a teacher in Mt. Hermon now. Thankfully, Sandy and I have seen each other a few times lately. It’s hard to believe how long it has been since we were in class together.

Saturday

“An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship.”

~Proverbs 24:26 (GNT)~

Pray for the people of Chile as they deal with the aftershocks of the 8.8 earthquake they received a few hours ago. Pray for those affected by the quake, the aftershocks, and the tsunami.

Be thankful the snow that is falling in Kentwood is not sticking and should not be a problem.

CaringBridge

Emilie Faye Gelain McKenzie

Just letting everyone know that we were home and doing well, thanks everyone for the prayers.

Thank You,

Leslie, Stephanie, Erica & Emilie
McKenzie

Ernest “Cete” and Ruby Dillon

“Miss” Ruby is progressing well now. Thank-you for praying for her. Mr. “Cete” has been having an eye problem since the fall and has had procedures done to correct the problem. He will have another surgery in the near future. Continue to pray for him.

Wayne Criswell

Wayne should be able to leave the hospital in Denver and go to Blake’s home until he is able to fly back this way. Pray for him and his family as he makes the big move following Tuesday’s surgery. Brent has already come home.

Sim Bankston, Chuck Baham, & Jason Duhe

Sim: He came home from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. He is feeling a good bit better. He is now taking antibiotics by mouth and will be followed closely by the doctor. Once the infection in his colon is cleared, he will have surgery. Keep him in your prayers that his infection responds to this antibiotic so he can receive the necessary medical attention that he needs.
Chuck: Chuck went into a regular room on Thursday afternoon. He is undergoing some physical therapy. They got him up 3 times today. The doctor that did the colon surgery wants him to get up as often as possible. Lessie will be checking with the orthopedist tomorrow to see if the leg should be moved that much at this time. She feels that it may be a bit much on chuck because it hurts him so to move his foot and leg. If the bone doc okays the moving around, then she will feel better about all of it herself. Chuck is jaundiced. The doctor said that it could be because the liver was so badly bruised in the wreck, or it could be because of the trauma of the surgery he has had. Either way, we need to pray that the liver heals itself and causes him no more problems. Lessie said she counted his staples on his stomach today. He has 43. 43 people – that seems like a lot to me…lol. this afternoon they told chuck that he can begin eating most everything that he wants. he is happy about that, but he is nervous about eating. He was so sick for so long, when he ate, that he is scared that he will become nauseated.
Jacob Duhe: fairly good news on him. he may get to leave the hospital tomorrow. pray for him because he is so upset over causing the accident that he can’t seem to move on…everytime larry or i go to check on him, he asks us to please tell chuck that he is sorry….it makes me so sad to see him beating himself up for what was truly an accident. He is still facing a long recovery. time

Marsha Bankston

Good News Club (Texas)

Thanks for your prayers. Things went well today despite the fact that one child threw up just before the Bible lesson, the custodian ran the cleaning machine pretty much the entire time I was speaking , and two of our leaders received parking tickets. The sacrifices we make to share the Gospel! Ha! I do so appreciate your prayers. This is so fun!

Love,

Tricia

Three More Christians Killed in Northern Iraq

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32377

Michael Perez
(September 16, 1918 – February 25, 2010)

A resident of Amite, died at 11:33 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond. He was born September 16, 1918 in Tickfaw and was 91 years of age. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon Saturday conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. He is survived by his sister, Josephine Currier, Amite and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Emanuela Perez; 3 sisters, Angelina D’Antoni, Mary Misita and Lena Bravata; 5 brothers, Sam Buccere, Frank Buccere, Henry Perez, Dominick Perez and Anthony Perez.

Pray for the Ricks family as they have services for Maurice today.

KneEmail

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

A LADY WOKE one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head…

“Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did, and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my in the middle today.” So she did, and she had a great day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll wear my hair in a ponytail.” So she did, and she had a grand day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Yea,” she exclaimed. “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Attitude is everything! www.housetohouse.com

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–

meditate on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

Have a great preparation day for Sunday!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly

above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works in us,

to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus

to all generations,

forever and ever.”

~Ephesians 3:20-21~

Three More Christians Killed in Northern Iraq:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32377

Picture and obituary for Maurice Ricks:

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=540585&fh_id=11426&s_id=646E1B9B8E779782AE5F07FFF65A890D

WATCH OUT FOR LUCILLE

I heard about someone who works in the customer service call center of a national pager company. He deals with the usual complaints regarding poor pager operation, as well as the occasional crank caller demanding to be paged less often, more often, or by more interesting people.

His favorite call came from a man who repeatedly complained that he keeps being paged by “Lucille.” He was instructed that he would have to call her and tell her to stop paging him.

“She don’t never leave no number, so I can’t call her back,” he said.

After three such calls, someone thought to ask how he knew it was Lucille if she didn’t leave a number.

“She leaves her name” was the reply.

After establishing that the customer had a numeric-only pager, the light bulb came on. “How does she spell her name?” the service rep asked.

“L-O-W C-E-L-L”

When things start to bother us, the problem may simply be that we need to get “re-charged”. Keeping our schedules overbooked, staying busy “doing things”, going here and there — it takes a toll after a while. Before we get stressed out and burned out, we need to learn to take some time to unwind and recharge. Turn off the radio and the television. Oh, and the computer, too! Unplug the telephone if you need to, or better yet, get away from the house (without the cell phone). Spend some quiet time with God in prayer and reflection on His Word.

Notice what Jesus did as he was surrounded by a crowd of people, all demanding a piece of his time:

“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” (Matthew 14:22-23)

Watch out for Lucille! Don’t forget to recharge.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Several times this week, I said my life was “busy, but good”. I know this devotional was meant for me. Was it meant for you too?

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Wayne Criswell

Wayne is progressing well after his surgery. He will probably be released Saturday to come to Blake’s house until his post-op appointment with his surgeon in a week to ten days. He will have a pet scan to be sure all the air is cleard around the area between his lung and the chest cavity. Once that is clear he will be able to fly home. He has set his goal to return home by March 15th. Thank s to everyone for the prayers and calls. Keep up the good thoughts.
Mary

Darbi Tolar and Emilie McKenzie will both be at home in Kentwood tonight.

Mattie Henderson
(December 17, 1948 – February 24, 2010)

Died at 10:20PM on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at her residence near Independence, LA. She was born December 17, 1948 in Independence, LA and is 61 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Carl Rushing. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Cynthia Simmons, Natalbany, Marsha Fairburn, Spring Creek, mother, Flora Russell Henderson, Independence, 5 grandchildren, Ashley Megge, Samantha Simmons, Marcy Brumfield, Michael Cuccia, Jr., Dillon Fairburn, 6 great-grandchildren, Zackary Underwood, Kaylee Hale, Hunter Underwood, Darrel Underwood, Tara Brumfield, Sarah Cuccia. Preceded in death by father, Nicholas Scariana, adopted father, W. T. Henderson, granddaughter, Michelle Cuccia. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements

Wednesday Afternoon

Bennie Maurice Ricks
(February 24, 1936 – February 23, 2010)

Bennie Maurice Ricks was born February 24, 1936 and passed away at 10:31 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. He was 73 (1 day short of his 74th Birthday), a native of New Orleans and a resident of Roseland.

Bennie Maurice is survived by 2 daughters, Nicole Rene’ Ricks, Orlando, FL and Holly Noel Kitzmiller and husband, Paul, Manchester, PA; son, Kevin Maurice Ricks, Manchester, PA; 6 sisters, Mary Louise Russell and husband Kirk, Roseland, Mithilda R. Mize, Arcola, Thelma R. Simmons and husband, John Hillary, Kentwood, Carrol Ann R. Corona and husband, Thomas, Denham Springs, Ruby Ricks, Roseland and Jewel R. Hudspeth and husband, Charlie, Bolivar; 2 brothers, Alfred Ricks, Greenwood, FL and Robert Ricks and wife Pat, Roseland.

Preceded in death by parents, Bennie W. and Pearl Bond Ricks.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday February 27, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Wednesday

“. . . I . . . do not cease to give thanks for you,

making mention of you in my prayers:

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

may give to you the spirit of wisdom and

revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

~Ephesians 1:16-17~

Wayne Criswell (by Brent Criswell)

I wanted provide more information than before. They ended up having to make a larger incision due to the location and the fact that it covered parts of two lobes. Everything went well and all of the doctors are optimistic pending final pathology exam that this should be it. The larger incision means more pain and possibly a day or two extra in the hospital. Overall things are going very well and we are all thankful for the prayers and calls.

Please continue to pray for Roger Pittman. He is not going to be able to wait a few weeks before going back to the doctor. Pray for the Pittman family as they conduct the memorial service for Chuck today.

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family. I understand the plans are to bring “Miss” Faye home.

CaringBridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Winter Olympics from a Christian viewpoint:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=166

WAIT

SOMETIMES GOD SEEMS to take forever…

You wait and wait and wait. But when He finally moves, He does more in one hour and you could accomplish in a lifetime. So it’s your choice: be busily consumed with your paltry attempts or wait on God until He moves in the fulness of His glory and purposes. God’s sense of timing is like this: He waits forever and then moves suddenly and instantaneously. There’s only one way to even begin to tune into God’s sense of timing, and that is through waiting. Waiting transports us out of the temporal, out of our time-zone, and into His time-zone.

God can out-wait anybody. He just waits and waits, while the crisis looms larger and larger, and He waits some more. He waits until the crisis becomes an impossible predicament. And then He waits some more! Finally, when the remotest chance of escape is completely gone, God intervenes suddenly. A good example of this is Abraham.

God promised Abraham a son when he was 75 years old, even though Sarah was barren. And then God waits five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years. By now it’s too late. Even if Sarah were not barren, she is now too old, and so is Abraham. Twenty-five years. Count them. Twenty-five interminable years. Finally, when all natural hope was exhausted, God provided and Sarah became pregnant! God is the king of wait. (Bob Sorge)

“Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for Him;

do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”

Proverbs 37:7

Posted by Mike Benson

I don’t usually mind waiting as much as some people, but I think I will begin to enjoy waiting more when I realize I’m getting in God’s time schedule.

“Count Your Blessings” today.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Makynna (Keller) came home and she is doing wonderful…Thank you all so much for your prayers! God Bless! Monica Smith

If you would could you plese put my granddaughter Olivia Grace Prescott on the prayer list. Her soft spot is closing up too soon and is having a CT scan and lab work done this Wednesday 7:00 a.m. at North Oaks. They also found a heart murmur. She is 3 months old. Thank you Cheryl Prescott

Sim Bankston is doing well. He should be able to go home Tuesday or Wednesday, but will go back in a few weeks for surgery.

“Chuck” Dudley Gregory Pittman

(September 9, 1958 – February 22, 2010)

“Chuck” Dudley Gregory Pittman, 51, died peacefully in his sleep, Monday, February 22, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, LA. He was born September 9, 1958 in Independence, LA, a son of Bertha Lou Gill and Bobby Ray Pittman, Sr. He was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Chuck is survived by his wife, Lucy “Gayle” Clark Pittman, and their two sons, Chuck “Gregory” Pittman and Rodney Clark Pittman and his wife, Jennifer Jones Pittman, and their two children, Rangle Coy Pittman and Roper Cale Pittman. He is also survived by three sisters and three brothers, Marie and her husband, Milton Kimble, Roger and his wife, Lois Pittman, Janet and her husband, Bobby Tigner, Bobby Ray Pittman, Jr., Jimmy Pittman, JoEtta and her husband, Terry Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Jacob Crow. He worked at Deltak Manufacturing in Pine Grove, LA. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

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

Wade Franklin “Frank” Welch
(January 24, 1961 – February 21, 2010)

Wade Franklin “Frank” Welch was born January 24,1961 and passed away at 4:25 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2010 at his residence. He was 49, a native of Clinton and a resident of Amite.

Frank is survived by 2 daughters, Crystal Welch, Independence and Cheryleita Welch, Dallas, OR; 4 sons, Joseph Welch, Independence, Brandon Holden, New Orleans, Wade Welch, Jr., New Orleans, and Jordan Welch, New Orleans; father, Bonner Welch, Bradenton, FL; 3 brothers, Curtis Welch, Denham Springs, William Welch, Independence and Edward Welch, Bradenton, FL; step-sister, Melissa Stokes, Brandenton, FL; and grandson, Jacob Wheat, Independence.

Preceded in death by his mother, Belle Herbert Welch.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Bobby Carroll officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Monday

“For the Lord hears the poor.”

~Psalm 69:33a~

Pray for the Criswell family as Brent travels to meet them in Colorado today and Wayne has surgery tomorrow. They will appreciate your prayers.

Marsha Bankston shared that Chuck Baham had to have surgery yesterday. Please continue to pray for him.

Please continue to pray for my Texas relatives. Several of them have health issues that at ongoing and gradually progressing.

Death notice: http://www.mckneelys.com/index.cfm

SING WITH THE UNDERSTANDING

I heard once about a woman who spent some months serving as a missionary in South Africa. On her final visit to a remote township she attended a medical clinic. As the Zulu women there began to sing together, she found herself deeply moved by their hauntingly beautiful harmonies. She wanted to always remember this moment and try to share it with friends when she arrived home. With tears flowing down her cheeks, she turned to her friend and asked, “Can you please tell me the translation of the words to this song?”

Her friend looked at her and solemnly replied . . . “If you boil the water, you won’t get dysentery.”

How many times have we been guilty of the same thing in our worship to God? Not of singing that particular song, but of singing without being aware of the meaning of the words we were singing.

It seems to me that singing songs of praise is like driving a car. If you drive, you’ve learned that if you follow the same route day after day, it is possible for you to make the trip without even thinking about what you’re doing. We’ve all had the scary feeling of arriving at a location realizing that we “zoned out” en route and made the trip while our mind was on “autopilot.”

Many of us have had the same experience in our worship. We sing all the songs (like we’ve done countless times before) but our mind is on “autopilot” and after we’ve finished, we don’t have a clue what we just sang about.

Paul said, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” (I Cor. 14:15)

For those of us who are easily distracted, it requires a bit more effort, but may we resolve to strive to pay attention to the words that we are singing. May the songs of praise we sing truly come from a heart that exalts God!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying today and everyday. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward

according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillion as she slowly recovers. As you pray for her, also pray for her sister, Dee Forrest, in Alabama who lost her husband.

Please add Amy Robertson Johnson to your prayer list. Amy teachers at KHS and is hospitalized in Covington.

Begin to pray today for Roger Pittman who will be back in North Oaks tomorrow for a procedure.

Robert H. “Bob” Axvig
(March 12, 1931 – February 17, 2010)

Robert H. “Bob” Axvig was born on March 12, 1931 and passed away at 3:15 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. He was 78, a native of Edinburg, ND and a resident of Kentwood, LA.

Mr. Bob is survived by his wife Eddis Morgan Axvig; 3 daughters, Robin Preston and husband, Jim, Faye Braud and husband, Dave, Karen Hall and husband, Charlie; son, Mike Axvig and wife Cori; step-daughter, Rene’ McDaniel and husband, Rodney; brother, Allyn Axvig and wife Carol; 2 sisters, Marge Smith and husband, Wayne and Elaine Wright and husband “Bunny”; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by parents; first wife, Carol Axvig.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, February 20,2010 from 12:00 Noon until a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Shumock officiating.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive & Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Zelma Cutrer Lee

(January 21, 1921 – February 17, 2010)

Died at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at her residence near Independence, LA. She was born January 21, 1921 in Independence, LA and is 89 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday. Services conducted by Bro. Murphy Brantly. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by daughter, Janis L. Hayden and her husband, Aubrey “Vic” Hayden, Independence, grandchildren, Marla Hayden Davis and her husband, Billy C. Roper, Robert Edward Hayden and his wife, Brandi Hayden, Tre’ Cuti, Shannon Portier, Judy Culbreath, and Jr. Culbreath, great-grandchildren, Douglas Davis, Danielle Davis, Darla Davis, Cody Mulkey, Rosie Culbreath, Gustavo Culbreath, Maria Culbreath, Allen Portier, Joanna Portier, Jasime Portier, and Antonio Portier. Foster children, Bonnie Portier and Melissa McDonald. Preceded in death by husband, Flavil A. Lee, 4 sisters, Sylvia Carney, Doris Chambers, Lettie Bennett, and Thelma Easley.

Richard George Harvey, Jr.
(September 21, 1943 – February 11, 2010)

Richard George Harvey, Jr. a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and brother was born September 21, 1943 and passed away February 11, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center. He was 66, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

He is survived by wife of 41 years Betty Granat Harvey, Amite; 2 son, Richard G. “Richie” Harvey, III , Amite and Ryan J. Harvey, Amite; mother, Shirley Hart Harvey Goddard, Big Branch, LA ; 2 granddaughters, Lauren Elizabeth Harvey and Melanie Rene Harvey ; a brother, Gary R. Harvey and wife Sue, Big Branch, LA; a sister, Charlene Elizabeth Mahner and husband David, Metairie, LA.

Preceded in death by his father Richard G. Harvey, Sr.

A Celebration of Life Service for Richard will be held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home , Amite, on Sunday, February 14, 2010 with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. until the Service at 2:00 p.m. with the Sharon Rybiski officiating.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Thoughts by Callie Cole’s mother:

Good Morning,

As I ponder what I should write, I can only think about the Lord. I think about His plan, His will for each one of us in my household, in my families’ lives, and even in your life. I do not know alot of you who read this journal, not personally know you. And yet, you seem to care about Callie and my family. You pray and you wait for good news or any news concerning this circumstance of my life.
Why does it take a tragedy to bring us closer to Him? We must just sit on our thumbs so to speak and wait on Him to pry us into action. I thought I was being a good steward, a good servant, and a good catalyst for Christ’s kingdom. I was not. I had my own routine going for Frances (something that worked for my family and something that worked for my employer, and something that worked for church and community). What I did not have was a fresh, everyday-dependency on Him that brought an exuberant meaning to the day at hand.
Since the accident I have heard all the sayings we Christians have……like He will not give more than we can bear or let go and let God. I have also repeated them out loud and silently. They are true in their meaning, but I don’t think we really “get it”, not really. Perhaps we can not “get it” until we experience circumstances that bring us prostrate to the feet of the only One who loves us and knows us intimately whether we take the time to know Him or not.
He cares so much for His children that He will grow us even when we think “get it”. I think He is saying there is so much more He wants us to get about Him and He doesn’t want to play second to our worldly natures. He wants us to just lean on Him and His understanding not our own.
As you talk to Him and seek Him, I pray that you will continue to be real with yourselves. Ask that your understanding of Him and your heart will follow His desires for your life. Give everything to Him and let Him use you. This is surely abundant living.
Please continue to pray for Callie’s strength and endurance as she continues to call us to be real through her circumstance.

Love,
Frances

Baptist Press Sports: http://www.bpsports.net/

If you wish to share a praise, update, or request, feel free to contact me. We would be happy for pray. Thanks to all of you who pray each day. You truly make a difference.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!”

~Psalm 66:20~

The Wagstaffs are both better now and have been able to return to Romania after two months. They will continue their ministry there.

Chuck Pittman has been a little better for the last few days. He said he appreciates prayers from everyone. Continue to pray for the Pittman family.

Ed Dykes had a stent placed in his heart and is doing better. Continue to pray for him.

Gary Bouffard and others will soon be going to Haiti for three months to a year. Pray for them as they coordinate work there and for their families as they stay here and try to maintain a life that is “normal” without their loved ones.

Friends, I just wanted to give you a brief update…

Our team has regrouped. We are following the orders of those in authority over us. We are excited about this group of 50 kids who have been entrusted to us. McKinney ISD requires a “security” person to be present at our Club. Graham’s kindergarten teacher from last year (Mrs. Hendrickson) is our person. There is one week she is not going to be able to make it, but we found a sub for her–He is a 4^th grade teacher at the school. Since finding that sub, there have been 2 more teachers who have stepped up and shown an interest in switching off with Mrs. Hendrickson! We are grateful for the support of more staff from our school. It is our prayer that something can be worked out next fall where we can use some of these classrooms.

Please pray for:

© There is one student who caused a bit of a problem last week. Please pray about this situation. If more problems occur, I will need to contact his parents to drop him from the Club and let a student on our waiting list take his place.

Thanks!

Tricia

MARK BURKART (head of a family in the Mt. Hermon area; moved here since Katrina)

Mark Henry Burkart passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the age of 50. Beloved husband of Ellen Sumrall Burkart. Loving father of Matthew Burkart and Luke Burkart. Son of John Burkart and the late Florence Trapani Burkart. Brother of Michael Burkart and Stephen Jefferson. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. He was an employee of Johnson Controls. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5200 Canal Blvd. (Formerly All Faiths Funeral Home), on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. To view or sign the Family Guestbook, please visitwww.greenwoodfuneralhome.net.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 15, 2010

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OLYMPICS: Hedrick’s skate blade carries reminder

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32288

OLYMPICS: Lacing up her skates, Zaugg-Siergiej remains mindful of God

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32289

OLYMPICS: Women’s hockey earns 1st win

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32290

Haiti ‘lawyer’ suspect in trafficking case

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32291

Coordinated relief plan for Haiti formulated

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32292