Category: Death Notice(s)

Tuesday

“In the day of my trouble

I will call upon You,

for You will answer me.”

~Psalm 86:7~





Our grandson, Mason Hatchel (5), was diagnosed with a contagious bacterial infection yesterday. Later, he broke his collarbone. Jennie pulled a muscle getting him to the hospital and is not feeling well. Boyd took Madison (6) in to be checked. She has had an allergic reaction to something. All this in less than twenty-four hours and after Jennie drove home from Poland. We would appreciate your prayers for these “bumps in the road”. Pray for Boyd. It seems he will have three patients!

Don Denton

11:20 P.M. Monday

Doctor came out the surgery went well so far. They had to make a larger incision, but they feel that they got a biopsy that may reveal something. He found an area that did not look normal.

The doctor still had to close, it will be another hour. Then Don will be in ICU. Please pray that he will not have complications.

And as always pray for a cure.

Diane


From Baptist Press

NOBTS Creates Fund for Dukes’ Recovery
By Staff

NEW ORLEANS (BP)–New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has established a fund to help Jimmy and Retia Dukes with recovery and rehabilitation costs from severe injuries sustained when they were struck by an automobile near the campus April 4.

Jimmy Dukes, professor of New Testament and Greek since 1984, serves as the director of theological education/distance learning for the Florida Baptist Convention. In an arrangement with the Florida Baptist Convention, he also serves as associate dean of the seminary’s Florida extension centers and director of the seminary’s Orlando hub. Retia was a longtime NOBTS staff member before they moved to Florida in 2007.

The couple faces a long, expensive recovery from their injuries. NOBTS President Chuck Kelley created the Jimmy and Retia Dukes Recovery Fund to offset the many rehabilitation costs that will not be covered by insurance. These include treatment costs as well as travel and lodging expenses incurred by the Dukes’ two sons, Erik and Jason, who are making frequent trips to New Orleans. Erik is a physician in Booneville, Miss. Jason is co-pastor of Westpoint Fellowship Church in Windermere, Fla.

“Many of us who have been blessed and helped by the Dukes’ ministry through the years and want to help,” Kelley said. “We know that the recovery will take months and they will be away from their home and family.”

“This fund will be for expenses not covered by insurance. It offers a way for any who want to help to be able to help in a way that greatly assists them and their family,” Kelley said.

Jimmy Dukes received treatment for multiple fractures and injuries, including two broken legs, a broken arm, broken ribs, a cracked vertebra and a collapsed lung. Retia suffered a brain hemorrhage in the accident and was in coma for three weeks.

As bad as things were for Jimmy, doctors and family members were most concerned about Retia’s coma. For three weeks she was unconscious. Family members and seminary administrators urged churches and individuals to pray diligently about her situation. On April 24 Retia awoke and responded to questions from doctors. Now the couple is braced for months of rehabilitation.

The Dukes recently were moved to separate metropolitan New Orleans hospitals to continue their recovery. Jimmy Dukes is at Ochsner Hospital in Elmwood, Retia is at West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero.

The driver of the SUV that struck the Dukes waited at the scene for the New Orleans Police Department to arrive. The case is still under review, but no charges have been filed to date.

Contributions to the fund for the Dukes may be made by calling 504-282-4455, ext. 3252, or sending gifts to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Office for Institutional Advancement, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126. Note “Dukes Fund” on checks. Online gifts may be given by selecting the “Click to Donate” tab at www.nobts.edu. Once in the online giving area, select the Jimmy and Retia Duke Recovery Fund before submitting a gift.

The president’s office at NOBTS will handle disbursements from the fund based on expense requests from the family. Records of the income and disbursements will be available to the NOBTS trustee board for review. Any remaining money in the fund after treatment and rehabilitation is complete will be used to establish the Jimmy and Retia Dukes Scholarship Fund.

The accident happened at dusk April 4. A vehicle traveling east on Gentilly Boulevard/Chef Menteur Highway struck the Dukes as they crossed the street from the seminary’s guest housing to the main campus. NOBTS Campus Police officers 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 Dukes family is maintaining a Caring Bridge website with recovery updates for friends of the family. The site is a free, but requires registration: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes.

Reported by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s public relations staff.

Mrs. Laura Bellavia Platzer
(September 29, 1906 – May 4, 2009)

Mrs. Laura Bellavia Platzer

Mrs. Laura Bellavia Platzer was born September 29, 1906 and passed away at 11:32AM, Monday, May 4, 2009 at her residence. She was 102, a native of Donaldsonville and a resident of Amite.

She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and her dog Prissy.

Mrs. Laura was preceded in death by her parents Camello and Angelina Patti Bellavia; 3 brothers, Jack, Kelly & Frank Bellavia; 4 sisters, Josie Ardillo, Virginia “Gina” Fassula, Lucy Catalanotto Alessi & Mary Ard.

Special Thanks to her caregivers, Joyce Williams & Beverly Stewart.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 9:00AM until 10:40AM. Religious Services will be at the St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00AM with Fr. Joe Camilleri officiating. Interment at the Amite Mulberry Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Grand Prix Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Danny Paul Brignac
(March 22, 1959 – May 1, 2009)

Born March 22, 1959 and died May 1, 2009, a native of Algiers, LA and resident of Ponchatoula, LA. He is a former employee of Entergy Waterford III. Survived by beloved wife of 27 years, Sheila Ockman Brignac, 2 sons Derek Brignac and Shane Brignac and 1 precious granddaughter, Brooklyn Jaide Brignac, mother of his granddaughter Casey Fernandez, 4 brothers Donald, Bryan, Kevin, and Randy Brignac, 1 sister, Shanon Brignac, mother-in-law, Helen Ockman, numerous godchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Donald Brignac, Sr. and Gertrude Weckesser Brignac, father-in-law, Earl Ockman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m Saturday. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.

Cecil Reinken Bedsole
Mrs. Cecil Reinken Bedsole, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died at Hood Memorial Hospital on Sunday, May 3, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was 88, a native of Baton Rouge and a resident of Hammond. She graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1937 and LSU in 1941 where she worked as a secretary to the LSU dean of men. After marrying and moving to Hammond, she was secretary to Luther H. Dyson, president of Southeastern Louisiana College (now SLU). She was a retired real estate agent and former member of Les Mesdames and other campus, civic and church organizations. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hammond and the United Methodist Women. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Robert G. and Brenda Bedsole Ricks, of Amite; two sons, G. Alan Bedsole, of Hammond, and Robert L. Bedsole, of Baton Rouge, and his special friend, Marcia Colvin; five grandchildren, Mike Ricks, Rachel, Laura and Joseph Bedsole, of Baton Rouge, and Robert W. Ricks, of Amite; four nieces, Barbara Griffin Wiltshire and husband Rick, of Richmond, Va., Jane Griffin DeMatteis and husband Denny, of Raleigh, N.C., Jan Woods Gray and husband Bob, of Dothan, Ala., and Betty Sue Woods Rash and husband Bobby, of Slocomb, Ala.; nephew, David Griffin and wife Mary, of Raleigh; and numerous other family members. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George W. Bedsole, retired department head emeritus of the department of sociology, social welfare and criminal justice and professor emeritus of sociology at SLU; parents, Granville B. and Bertie Dixon Reinken; sister, Nell Reinken Griffin and husband Percy; brother-in-law, Vergil L. Bedsole; sister-in-law, Blanche Bedsole Woods and husband Hubert; and three nephews, Hubert “Trump” Woods, Edward Woods and Jimmy Woods. Friends will be received Wednesday, May 6, from noon until service at 2 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. Entombment in Greenlawn Mausoleum. The family extends a special thanks to all of her wonderful friends, neighbors and caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the George and Cecil Bedsole Criminal Justice Scholarship through the Southeastern Louisiana Development Foundation, SLU Box 1073, Hammond, LA 70402. An online guestbook and family forum are available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.

Mrs. Wilda Westmoreland’s photograph has now been posted.

Wilda Phillips Westmoreland

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WILLIAM TYNDALE WAS born in A.D. 1494, near the middle of the Dark Ages…
The times were dark because the Scriptures had long been kept from the people by the Roman Catholic church. Church leaders believed that only members of the clergy should read the Scriptures. For that reason, the Word of God was neither taught nor made available.
Tyndale devoted his life to changing all of that. He built on the work of John Wycliffe, a man who died a hundred years before Tyndale was born. Wycliffe risked his life on a daily basis to translate the Bible from Latin to English, then to have handwritten copies distributed to the people. Wycliffe was so hated for making the Bible available that several decades after he died, his enemies condemned him for heresy, dug up his body, burned it, then threw the ashes into a local river.
Tyndale built on the foundation Wycliffe laid down, except that Tyndale bypassed the Latin version entirely ad translated the Scriptures from the original Hebrew and Greek, directly into English. Because his work was so violently opposed in England, the land of his birth, he fled to Germany. In answering a priest who criticized his work, Tyndale said, “If God spare my life, ere many years, I will cause a boy that drives a plow to know more of the Scriptures than you do.”
Like those in the time of Josiah, the people did not know the Scriptures, but neither did the priests. Most of them were ignorant of the Bible. Their source of “truth” was the Pope.
One bishop in Tyndale’s time did a survey of the 311 priests in his diocese:
. 168 of the priests couldn’t repeat the Ten Commandments.
. 31 of the 168 had no idea in where in the Bible the Ten Commandments could be found.
. 41 could not locate the “Lord’s prayer.”
. 31 of the 41 could not name the author of the Lord’s prayer.
When Tyndale completed his translation of the New Testament in 1525, more than 15,000 copies were smuggled back into England over the next five years. Officials did their best to stop the distribution. They delighted in burning Bibles whenever they discovered any. In May of 1535, Tyndale was finally captured and thrown into prison. Approximately one year later, he was burned at the stake. And why was he burned in the flames? Because he was committed to the idea that average people should be able to read the Bible. That was his crime. (Steve Farrar)
KneEmail: “Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. The king went up to the house of the LORD, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and the Levites, and all the people, great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the LORD. Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.” 2 Chronicles 34:29-32

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“If you love those who love you,

what credit is that to you?

Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.”

~Luke 6:32 NIV~

Haley Melder is still fighting the e-coli problem, but is now out of ICU and in a room so her family can visit with her more. Haley’s dad is now hospitalized in St. Tammany with the e-colit problem. Thank you for your continued prayers for this family.


Yesterday, the shower for Kara Sellers was delayed for an hour so Kara could be with Wesley Corkern as he had tests following an accident in Amite. Wesley is okay! Thank God for this protection for Wesley. Pray for Wesley and Kara as they continue plans for a wedding in a few weeks.

Continue to pray for Wesley’s grandmother, JoAnn Carter as she continues her battle with cancer.




Continue to pray for those infected with the swine flu. The state now has confirmed cases, but no cases have been confirmed in our area so far. Pray for wisdon for the people who are “calling the shots” in this situation.




Jimmy Dukes

Sunday, May 3, 2009 10:54 AM, EDT

Do you know what a friend is? Do you know what a profitero is? Do you know how they are connected? A friend is someone who loves you period. A profitero is an indescribab

ly delicious dessert that we first encountered in Florence Italy. Only a true friend would be able to go back several years and remember how much I love profiteros. Then he went to a New Orleans bakery and had some made. Chocolate cream sauce, delicate pastry, and more dark chocolate. Yum! Don Richard, a true friend had some made and brought some yesterday. Everyone in the room and all the nurses were better off because of it. Thanks Don for the profiteros and for being a true friend. Keep praying for us. Jimmy.


Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Sunday, May 3, 2009 9:41 PM, EDT

Don’t you just love the smell of honeysuckle? After the two days of near flooding at home the smell was intense and fresh as I walked the dog tonight after getting home just in the nick of time to see joshua sing with his children’s choir tonight at church. Our music minister and all of the people who help with choir do a tremendous job all year. Tonight was the end of year production and it is, as it is every year, great. All the kids did well. One red headed boy was glad his dad made it.


I did not want to leave though. I had a good morning with pop. Yesterday afternoon before our windy walk around the parking lot I gave pop’s beard a trim and a haircut, 2 bits. Needless to say he looked and felt great and it made his bath this am even better. Also his eating of meals and lattes not as messy. This morning after breakfast, I helped pop get cleaned up and he brushed his teeth. He wanted to go downstairs to sit outside for a while. Storms continued to roll across the south and it was nice, fairly windy, and had that smell and feel before it rains. I hesitated to leave him but he assured me he would be fine and he could get himself back upstairs to his room. I made him promise no going up the elevator of parking garage and coming down on two wheels and no wheelies. He did well I checked on him later. He is so independent and strong. This will help him.

I went to mom’s room and she was awake again. I said, “GOOD MORNING! I LOVE YOU!” She mouthed good morning and I love you. We talked for some time. She listened to jason and the kids and erin and pop by phone. She responded to questions appropriately again and moved her feet and opened her mouth wide for me. We talked off and on while we watched Paula and her husband Michael make veal and potato cakes and some good looking cornbread salad and strawberry cake, from a box cake mix, really! Did I mention i had had no breakfast? I told mom to imagine that the cake was in her parenteral nutritional therapy. Although it looks more brown than red or pink, like strawberry cake. As I was about to leave I leaned over to her and told her I was leaving and I loved her. She looked at me, and I said, “Do you love me?” She smiled her new halfway smile and I knew she did. I have a peace she is going to be ok. She may have a new personality though because usually she would have been crying so badly. She would have mentioned something about needing more estrogen today as i cried and she wept, but that did not happen she just smiled. I will gladly take that beautiful smile. She agreed to fight. I kissed that little Vardaman Sweet potato on the head and told her bye. I set out as Flood warnings and thunderstorms with possible tornadoes waited for me. Thankfully I made it and my boys and my wife were very happy.

I talked to dad and he had numerous visitors and some Copeland’s. He eats well but that is a passion of his. Last night we had semolina’s cheezy bread. I think i posted about this last night but it is worth repeating.

I pray they will both have good nights and God will protect them and watch over them as the Holy spirit sings and dances with them in their dreams. Peace. Erik.




Don Denton

Sunday, May 3, 2009 10:49 PM, CDT

Early this afternoon we as a family met with the neurosurgeon. There are some changes regarding the surgery and the time.

Don will be taken for surgery at about 6am. The surgeon will do another lumbar puncture and put a drain to Don’ spine for relieve pressure. Another MRI has been done and the surgeon has decided to move the site of the surgery further up the back on Don’s head and to the left in the ocular region of the brain. The surgeon sees an area on the MRI that looks more promising with getting a tissue sample to biopsy.

The surgery can take up to four hours or more, but surgery should start around 8am in the morning. We, Don’s parents and I will be waiting in the Neuro surgery area.

Once Don is out of surgery he will be moved to ICU. This surgery IS risky. I would ask for prayer with however you feel lead to pray for Don.

There are some risks. The surgeon said they are “low” risks. These risks are the potential for bleeding in the brain, also blindness on one side, strokes and seizures.

If all goes really well with the surgery, we could have a diagnosis anywhere from 2 to 10 days after the surgery. And if all goes well with Don’s recovery we could go home near the end of the week. Then we would have a follow up appointment for next week.

The surgeon will let us know if we can travel back to Bolivar once he sees how Don is doing toward the end of the week.

We have prepared Joshua with how daddy (Don) is going look with the size of incision, and his hair being shaved.

After meeting with the surgeon, I took Joshua to Forest Park right across from Barnes and we went paddle boating, hiking, playing in the stream and lots of throwing rocks in the stream. We had a very peaceful day.

Ann, the women we are staying with then came and picked Joshua up and I spent till after 9pm this evening with Don. It was peaceful and precious. We prayed together and others called praying for him as well. And something else that was so comforting for us that happened today. Don’s dad asked the neurosurgeon if he would be Ok with us having prayer for him, the surgery team and Don. This surgeon embrased praying with us. The surgeon responded in a very comforting way to us and the prayer.

I will be at the hospital by 5:30am to be with Don before he goes into surgery. Ann and Frank will be with Joshua in the morning. Don’s parents will be with me at the hospital. It is such a blessing to have Ann and Frank in our life to provide in so many tangible ways. Joshua feels safe in their home and he loves being with them, which is so comforting to me.

I will post as soon as I can access a computer, or I will call someone to have them post for me, once we hear from the doctor after surgery.

I will close for now giving thanks to our heavenly father for his grace and mercy. WE are truly blessed by all of you….God’s people ministering to us in so many ways. I could not do this without you all. The amazing love that is shown to us touches us deeply.




Joyce Caston Taylor, 76, of the Mount Vernon community in Amite County, died April 30, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Carpenter House in Baton Rouge.

Visitation is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb. Visitation continues at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mount Vernon Baptist Church until services there at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Clint Penabler and the Rev. Todd Sumrall officiating. Burial will be in Terry’s Creek Cemetery.

Mrs. Taylor was born Sept. 14, 1932, in Amite County. She was the daughter of Glen and Lottie Frazier Caston.

She was retired from Louisiana State University, having worked in the poultry department. She was a longtime member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Amite County, where she was active until her health began to fail and where she served many years as church treasurer and in other various positions. She was a member of the MVPs, Liberty VIPs and Terry’s Creek Golden Ages.

Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Augustus Taylor; and an infant brother, Alton Hugh Caston.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Glenda and Terry Campagna of Baton Rouge; two sons and daughters-in-law, David Alton and Deborah Taylor of Zachary, La., and Danny and LaMarylis “Lemy” Taylor of Baton Rouge; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Annie Belle and Phillip Harrell of Liverpool, La., and Mary Dee and J.B. “Bert” Rice of Clinton, La.; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Doktorchik and husband Andy of Fort Worth, Texas, Amanda Phillips and husband Brandon of Prairieville, La., Monica Campagna, Brad Taylor, Adam Taylor and Mark Taylor, all of Baton Rouge, Sandra Kirby and husband Joseph of Port Allen and Stephen Taylor of Zachary; and six great-grandchildren, Kylie Phillips, Kaylin Phillips and Kinsey Phillips, all of Prairieville, Alyssa Joyce Doktorchik of Fort Worth, and Ian Kirby and Amanda Kirby of Port Allen.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Taylor, Brad Taylor, Adam Taylor, Mark Taylor, Andy Doktorchik, Brandon Phillips and Joseph Kirby. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews and nephews-in-law and deacons of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Memorials may be sent to Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 4923 Mount Vernon Road, Liberty, MS 39645.

To share sympathies, condolences and memories, go to Hartman-Sharkeyfuneralhome.com.

Wilda Phillips Westmoreland
Westmoreland, Wilda Phillips McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 10 a.m.

Saturday Addition

Wilda Phillips Westmoreland
(Died May 1, 2009)

Wilda Phillips Westmoreland, 82 years old, died Friday, May 1, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a lifelong resident of Tangipahoa Parish and resided in Fluker. She was a graduate of Kentwood High School and retired Bookkeeper at Kent Truck and Trailers in Fluker. She was a member of Tangipahoa Baptist Church and a former Sunday School Teacher. She is survived by two sons, Dr. Leo R. Westmoreland, Jr. and wife Patricia of Hammond and Dr. Daryl M. Westmoreland of Fluker and three grandchildren, Jessica M. Westmoreland, Daryl M. Westmoreland, Jr., and Dannon M. Westmoreland all of Fluker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo R. Westmoreland, Sr., parents, Grace Bridges Phillps and Pierce Madison Phillips, one sister, Christina Day Sims, two brothers, Buddy and Joe B. Phillips and a special nephew, Wallace Day. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood from 8:00 a.m. until 10 a.m. with services at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, 16013 Halbert Road, Hammond, LA 70403. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the physicians and staff of North Oaks Medical Center for the wonderful and compassionate care provided to her. Pallbearers will be Daryl M. Westmoreland, Jr. , Robert W. Caston, III, Donald Kent, Duke Kent, Wayne Mitchell, and Tim Day.

Note: The obituary does not give the date for the visition/service. I have left a message with McKneely’s and will post the day later.

Later: The services will be MONDAY.

Saturday

“Listen to this!

Behold, the sower went out to sow;

as he was sowing,

some . . . seeds fell into the good soil,

and as they grew up and increased,

they yielded a crop

and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

~Mark 4:3-8, NASB~

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< sleepy day. >

I took a nap on the plane. Just landed in Orlando and am awaiting the arrival of my beautiful, amazing, supportive, astonishing, captivating wife to pick me up. Someone is hanging at the house attending the kids, who are all in bed already, so that Jen could come. I am looking forward to a weekend with my wonderful family, and I will head back to New Orleans early Monday morning to be with two other members of my wonderful family. Both continuing to rest and heal.

Yet another member of my wonderful family arrived to be with Mom and Dad. Erik got in last night a little past midnight. We talked for a while and hit the hay. I was glad to see him. We have really been appreciating the time together.

We woke and took Dad coffee, getting him prepared for the day. Another day of therapy and rest and good eating. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the stubborn strength and resilience of my dad. He wore “Popeye” pajamas today. Very appropriate. When I headed to the airport, Erik was on his way from Mom’s to be with Dad – take him for a stroll in his wheelchair and grab some supper.

Mom had a very sleepy day. Must have needed the rest. She woke up very little today. Even when she did, it was for brief moments. The body is so odd and so beautiful at how God made it to heal and recover to live while decaying and preparing for death all at the same time. Not mentioning death to say Mom is “dying” (we all are technically), but simply to marvel at the way God made our bodies. Amazing creations.

I was bummed that Erik didn’t get to interact with Mom the way I had the last few days. I think he was, too. Hopefully he will tomorrow. Hopefully it will not be a sleepy day for her. Please pray that Erik will see “I love you” mouthed from Mom tomorrow as I did this week. I so want him to interact with her in that way, too.

Look for Erik to share two great stories of love and support from his hometown tomorrow. I hope he will share it with you all. Made Dad cry tears of appreciation when Erik told him.

By the way – in prep for that story, the pic at the top of this post is the first tomato that sprung to life on Mom’s tomato plant back home. Jen snapped the picture and sent it to me. The bud appeared the day Mom woke up the first time (we mentioned that in an earlier post). How awesome – this sign of life.

How we all anticipate the day when those who have fallen asleep in this world will be raised to newness of life together with Jesus face-to-face. Until then, amidst the sleepy days and the alert days, Lord, please continue to heal Mom to spill Your love and life onto us once again.

Post at you Monday. Thanks as always for your continued prayers and concern for Mom and Dad. Be looking for those stories from Erik. He is one of my favorite writers.

Much love.

-jason



KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

SIT AND TALK

All over the United States you can find construction zones. Workmen are hammering, spreading cement, painting…they are building houses and stores and office buildings. It can be really interesting to watch.

One of our missionary moms took her son and daughter for a walk in their West African neighborhood. Just one street over, they watched a new house being built. It was amazing to see! The men made the cement blocks, they dug out the foundation and laid it then they built the building block by block. It is a very slow process. The young boy really enjoyed seeing the dump trucks and talking to the men who were working. One day three men were sitting on a short wall taking a break. This little boy just went up and sat by them. When his little sister said she wanted to keep walking, he reminded his mom how important it is just to sit and talk!

Another day at breakfast, the little girl asked if she could say the blessing. Her parents were amazed—she prayed in the local language! She has learned enough local language to talk to God about her new neighbors.

Moms and dads can teach us new things, but kids can teach their parents too. This little boy taught his mom that it is really important to just sit and talk with people. That’s when you can tell them about the love of Jesus. The little girl helped her parents remember that we can pray in any language and that it’s really important to learn the local language. If you can’t speak their language, then when you just sit and talk…well, you just sit.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please help us settle nicely into our apartment. Also, help the team leaders be safe & calm. BONNIE, age 12 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

Pray for my friends and my cousins. AVERY, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

Last Saturday we had a friend from school eat dinner with our family. His mom came too. During our prayer before the meal, my friend, Jon laughed and cut up. We all kept praying. Later his mom apologized for him not respecting our religious practice she said “he hasn’t been taught to respect religion.” Pray that my friend will respect, love and honor God and enjoy praying to him one day. Pray as we play soccer after school that God will touch his heart. Pray his mom and dad will also come to know God and understand how much he loves them. Josh (Western Europe)

Please pray for Sarah. She is my friend who is sick. LAURA, age 7 (South America)

My brother and I have been sharing with our friends about Jesus. We don’t talk about Jesus a lot because our friends try to change the subject. They have seen the Jesus film, but afterwards they haven’t said a word about Jesus or God. I would like you to pray that our friends’ hearts will be opened to what we have to say and that my brother and I will have the language to share with them. SETH, age 14 (West Africa)

Nairobi has over 3.5 million people, and over 2 million of these live in the slum area. My family’s new people group is the people of the slums. My family will also be starting a small business. We will use this business to let people of the slums get at least 20 hours a week of evangelism training and a way to make a living for their family. Pray for our family and for the new business. ERIN, age 10 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Elsie Naomi Pitt
(May 6, 1931 – May 1, 2009)

Mrs. Elsie Naomi Pitt a loving mother, grandmother & sister was born May 6, 1931 and passed away at 11:30AM, Friday, May 1, 2009 at the Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. She was 77, a native and resident of Kentwood. She is the daughter of the late Sidney J. & Kate Grace Hodges.Mrs. Elsie is survived by a daughter, Linda Faye Booty, and husband R.J., Kentwood; 3 sons, John R. Franks, and wife Cheryl, Houston, TX, Ronald “Bruiser” Franks, and wife Linda, Roseland, & Robert Fauver, and wife Mona Lisa, Bogue Chitto, MS; a brother, Jonathan “Bonnie” Hodges and friend, Brenda, Chesbrough; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren & numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Tommy Franks, 3 brothers, & 2 sisters.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, May 4, 2009 from 10:00AM until Religious Services at the funeral home Chapel at 1:00PM with Interment at the Hodges Cemetery, Chesbrough.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bond Eye Clinic & Grand Prix Car Wash.

LIVING STONES

Joe died. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral.

As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Susan turned to her oldest and dearest friend. “Well, I’m sure Joe would be pleased,” she said.

“I’m sure you’re right,” replied Joan, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. “How much did this really cost?”

“All of it,” said Susan . “Thirty thousand.”

“No!” Joan exclaimed. “I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?”

Susan answered, “The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The refreshments $500. The rest went for the memorial stone.”

Joan computed quickly. “$22,500 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?”

“Two and a half carats.”

That humorous story serves as a reminder to us that there are many different kinds of stones — from granite to diamonds — which are of varying value. People all around the world are agreed that a stone of granite is not very valuable, while a diamond gemstone is of great value. Sometimes, though, a stone can have great value, but not be appreciated by some people.

In I Peter 2:4, Jesus is described as a “living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious.” In I Peter 2:6, Jesus is referred to as “a chief cornerstone”, the most important stone in any building. But he was a stone “which the builders rejected” and is viewed as ‘a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” (I Peter 2:7,8).

Peter uses these Old Testament concepts (as Jesus himself did) to point out that, while Jesus was chosen by God, he was rejected by men. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expected, so they stumbled over him. It was the same stone, but Jesus was viewed by some as a very valuable stone and by others as a worthless rock.

The application of this passage to us as Christians is found in Peter’s description of us as “living stones, [who] are being built up a spiritual house.” (I Peter 2:5). Peter is writing this epistle to Christians who are suffering persecution, and are getting discouraged because this world is making life hard for them even though they are doing what is right.

Peter’s point is that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect no different treatment than he received. We are living stones who follow “the stone,” a stone that was rejected by men. We shouldn’t be surprised when the same thing happens to us. Our responsibility, as living stones, is simply to continue to live in a way that will bring honor and glory to God. Some will appreciate our effort, some will not, but, in the end, all that matters is that we are “chosen by God” just as Jesus was.

“Father, there are times when we get so very discouraged. There are times when it seems that, the harder we strive to serve you faithfully, the more difficult life becomes. Help us to remember that we are followers of Jesus and that we can expect nothing different from what Jesus received while he was on this earth. Father, we ask your blessing as we seek to live in a way that glorifies you. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Friday

“Dear children,

let us stop just saying we love each other;

let us really show it by our actions.”

~1 John 3:18 NLT~




Mrs. Frances Bell is in rehab here in Kentwood. Continue to remember her in your prayers.


Keandra Hookfin, a young college graduate and mother, was in an accident and now has a broken neck. Pray for her and her family as they make adjustjments to accommodate her present condition.


Don Denton

Don is still considered stable. He had the Galian Scan today and they found a “spot” in his pelvic area. Tomorrow “Friday” they will do a PET Scan on Don looking for other places to “light up”. If they find what they are looking for they will do a biopsy somewhere else other than the brain.

This biopsy will happen on Monday. So one way or the other depending on what they find tomorrow there will be a biopsy on Monday.

He is still not able to eat. He is taking fluids. There are problems with keepin an IV in him. His vessels are not working as well as they would like them to.

He is still very dizzy, nauseated and just feels really bad.

He sleeps allot and just does not feel well.

Josh and I have been keeping busy exploring St.Louis. We found a great park called Turtle Park. He just loves it.

Well, it looks like we will have answers tomorrow in the definite direction.

My head is swimming at times. I continue to hold to the hope that this will be treatable.

Pray for Don’s body that it will not shut down. Pray that he will be able to endure another weekend.

This feels really bad right now, but at the same time, we are so ready to have answers.

Tomorrow will be an important day.

Pray for my precious ones. Thank you our dear friends and family.

Diane

Glenda Russum Kennedy Gallagher
(January 31, 1959 – April 30, 2009)

Glenda Russum Kennedy Gallagher

She always knew life was a gift and was a friend that everyone wishes they had.

Glenda Russum Kennedy Gallagher was born January 31, 1959 and passed away April 30, 2009 at her home in Amite. Glenda was 50, a native of Hazelhurst, MS and a resident of Amite. She was the daughter of Glenn Russum, Picayune, MS and the late Qujett Russum.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Captain Britney Kennedy, El Paso, Texas and Ann Blythe Kennedy, Amite; 2 sisters, Glennell and husband Danny Lumkin, Seminary, Mississippi, Gaylia and husband Steve Calimag, Cross, South Carolina.

Glenda was preceded in death by her husband, William R. “Bill” Gallagher.

Glenda was a true caregiver working at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center as a Registered Nurse for 20 years. She served as a trustee for Amite United Methodist Church, a past Junior Auxillary Member and served on the Advisory Board for PrimeCare Home Health.

A memorial service celebrating Glenda’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Amite, on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Brady Whitton officiating.

Glenda was a 15 year breast cancer survivor and she shared her spirit with others fighting cancer.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations may be made in Glenda’s honor to

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, 3340 Severn Avenue,Suite 350 Metairie, LA 70002 or

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Attn: Gift Management Services 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250 Dallas, TX 75244

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite in charge of arrangements.

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

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
WHAT SHOULD WE leave behind when we die…?
A faithful family.
We will leave a mourning family behind on that sad day, but will we leave a faithful one? Will each be on his or her way to heaven? We are not able to make decisions for them, but we will have a great influence on each, especially our children (Proverbs 22:6).
Sarah left a godly man to mourn (Genesis 23:2). Abraham left faithful sons behind (Genesis 18:19; 25:8). Zebedee and Salome gave the world James and John. Lois taught Eunice, who molded Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).
If we would leave such a family, we must start NOW, because the years may come when they will not listen (Ecclesiastes 12:2). No greater legacy can be left than faith in God and faithfulness to His church. (Allen Webster)
“You are the light of the world…”
Matthew 5:14a
May this day be the best day of your week.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

Lloyd Alton “Preacher” Carruth
Lloyd Alton “Preacher” Carruth passed away on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Zachary. He was 91, born in Liverpool on Oct. 17, 1917. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1928 and served in the U.S. Army as a corporal during World War II. He was a pipe fitter by trade but held lots of interesting positions until he had to retire due to health reasons. He was a member of Masonic Istrouma Lodge 414. He is survived by his son, Donald Carruth, of Walker; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Homer Hopkins, of Zachary; grandson, Justin Hopkins and his wife, Brittany, of Zachary; granddaughters, Amber Hopkins, of Zachary, and Jenna Sawyer, of Baton Rouge; and two great-granddaughters, Sophie and Vivienne Hopkins. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Frances Sanders Carruth; parents, Marshall and Georgie Yarborough Carruth; brothers, Thomas, Stewart, Edward, Ransom, Horace, Bill and Marshall L.; and sister, Margaret Frazier. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home Inc., Zachary, on Tuesday, April 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Masonic service. Visitation on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until a 10 a.m. service, conducted by the Rev. Darwin Hall and Dr. Brythel Brantley. Burial will be at noon at the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Kentwood. Lloyd lived a full life. He and his wife got to travel a lot and he loved to spend time with family and friends and especially his great-granddaughters. He treasured those moments. He loved to share stories with such a wonderful memory and so many details of the past. He will be truly missed. Friends wishing to make memorial donations in his name may make them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Share sympathies, memories, and condolences at www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

This obituary seems to want to be first today. David and I met and enjoyed talking with Cathy Wales’ “Uncle Lloyd” on their back porch. He was indeed a special man.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother,

spoke up.

‘There’s a young boy here

with five barley loaves and two fish.

But what good is that with this huge crowd?'”

~John 6:8-9 NLT~

I think this verse reminds us of God’s ability to more than meet our needs!

The Duke’s daughter-in-law, Erin, gave me permission to share this from her blog:

A New Kind of Therapy. . .

I like to call it. . .

Baby Therapy. . .



And, it does the heart good. Just look at Pop’s face. . .


I tell you this kind of therapy is better than any medicine. . .


At least it is with this grandchild loving Pop!


I kept worrying that Erik Daniel might hurt Pop with all of his wiggling, but Pop insisted that he was fine. And, he wanted to be close to this sweet little boy. And, my little boy wanted to be close to his sweet Pop.

Here is my favorite picture of them. . .

Precious.

Now, don’t you think that made him feel a little better?

I do.

As you can see, Erik, Erik Daniel, and I went to New Orleans for the weekend. And, it was an amazing trip for so many reasons!!! So, let me tell you why. . .

I think we were about 45 minutes from New Orleans when Erik received a call from a man who was assessing Mom for admittance into a long term acute care facility. He informed Erik that she had moved her toes on command for him.

What?????!!!!!!????

For the first time, my husband lit up with hope! She had responded to a verbal command. This was huge. HUGE.

We got a little further down the road ~ actually we were on that really long bridge that goes from Slidell to New Orleans ~ when Jason called. He and Erik had previously decided that we would meet at the Praline Connection to eat before Jason had to fly home. But, Jason was suggesting that we meet at the hospital instead. Erik was afraid that going to the hospital first would take too much time and that Jason would be miss his flight. But, then, Jason explained. . .

Mom opened her eyes!!!!!!!

She looked at Jason and mouthed the words, “I love you,” to him!!!!!!!

Erik said, “Okay, yes, then we will meet you at the hospital!”

It was a miracle weekend. She didn’t open her eyes again that day, but the next morning she opened her eyes for Erik and mouthed his name. Unfortunately I wasn’t with him!!!! But, later that night I got to see those brown eyes myself!!!!

We went to visit her, and Erik is ruthless, I tell you. He rubs her shoulder and talks loudly in her ear, “Mom, it is Erik. I love you. Erin is here with me. She wants to see your brown eyes. Show her your pretty brown eyes, Mama. Show them to her. Open your eyes, Mama. Open your eyes and look at Erin. She is standing right in front of you. She wants to see your pretty brown eyes. Hey! Hey! Hey, brown eyes, open your pretty brown eyes, Mama. We love you. We’re praying for you. Now, open those pretty brown eyes and look at Erin.” And, finally after the one millionth time he asked her, a little miracle happened, and she ever so slowly, as if her eyelids weighed a ton, with great concentration and inner strength, she opened up her pretty brown eyes and looked at me.

And, I couldn’t help but cheer for her! “Good job, Mom. Good job! You did so good! Thank you for letting me see your eyes! You are so strong! You are getting better every day! Good job, Mom! I love you.”

I can’t tell you the pride that welled up in me when I saw her open her sweet eyes!!!

And, because I need to go to bed, I am going to come full circle and end this post. We went back to see her today. She is in a new hospital, and I didn’t know the rules about babies. So, rather than ask, we just decided to take Erik Daniel and see what would happen.

No one said anything to us. We walked right by several staff members and into Mom’s room.

Erik did his little number where he asks her over and over again to open her pretty brown eyes while he rubs her shoulder with gentle force. He told her that Erik Daniel was with us, so she should open those pretty brown eyes and look at him. Erik Daniel cooed and giggled in my arms. And, I knew she could hear him, and I know what those sounds do to me, and I prayed that they would have the same effect on her. After several minutes of trying so hard to open her eyes, she finally got them about halfway open. So, I held Erik Daniel like superman in the air, so he would be in her line of vision. After that she mouthed a sentence or two that we couldn’t make out for sure, and then, once again, she drifted back into a peaceful sleeping state.

Baby Therapy.

It is a good thing, just ask Pop!

And, speaking of Pop I must throw this picture in. . .

Erik and I bought him this shirt because we think he is Superman, and we love him sooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Mrs. Ruby Dillon saw one of her favorite doctors, her nephew Rusty Stevens, yesterday. He said she was doing very well and did not need the procedure he was planning to do for her. While there, the Dillons also got to see Carl Wayne and Nora Stevens. They enjoyed a great meal “Miss” Ruby prepared and shared with them in Hattisburg. Carl Wayne is improving. Thank God for “Miss” Ruby’s and Carl Wayne’s good reports.
Continue to pray for Stan and Bethany Simmons. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Carol Brooke reports her grandson is making wonderful inprovement. Thank God for this!



From Tisha and Dwayne Wison:

Hi, Friends, as I looked at my calendar today, I realized we are leaving for El Salvador (mission trip) in 8 weeks. The time will be here before we know it. I thought of a few prayer requests….

· This Sunday afternoon (May 3rd) we will have a “team meeting” via conference call with our team leaders and fellow team mates. Please pray for a productive meeting.

· Team unity, health, preparations

· Please pray that we won’t rely on past trip experiences or our own strength but solely on Him

· Creativity and wisdom

· Trust Him to do great things in and through us

· Smooth logistics

· Safe travel

· Open doors and hearts

· Clear presentations of the Gospel at each site, with each group

· Our 4 Little Ones back home while we are away for 10 days and their caretakers

These are just a few things that came to mind today as I thought about our trip. Dwayne and I are currently working on individual presentations that we were asked to prepare to share while we are there. Please pray that we will not procrastinate but get this done and also pray for creativity as we prepare these 3-5 minute presentations.

Thanks for your partnership,

Tricia and Dwayne

Holly K. reports that she is melting in the heat and learning to ride her own little motorcycle. Continue to pray for her as she teaches MK’s in West Aftica.

Update on Don Denton

We are so glad that Monday has finally come.
Don is scheduled for many tests throughout the day.

Don is stable, yet he is not eating or drinking fluids since he got here. He is on allot of pain medication as well to manage the pain.

There have been some obstacles to overcome. The hospital is short on nurses and that means mistakes. We have encountered some concerns.

But in saying all of that, we still feel he is in good care.

Don’s parents arrived on Saturday night.

We hope to have some more answers on these tests they are currently conducting by the morning.

Please pray for the following:

Don’s doctors have widsom, and passion about his case.

Don get a private room. They are hard to come by here. He has severe headache pain and when one shares a room with another patient he is subject to TV, etc.

Pray that they will find answers.

Pray for Joshua – the trauma of all of this is hard. Abandonment issues are fears I am always working to assure him that we love him and will never leave him. And there is a fine line there. We don’t know what the outcome of Don will be here. Pray for me for honest assuring, age appropriate words for our little one.

Pray specifically that Don will have a doctor who is passionate about the outcome. A doctor that will be “present with him and us”. I am talking about a neurologist. His neurosurgeon is really good.

Pray for me that I wll have the wisdom and discernment to know when to push and when to stop.

Josha and I are well taken care of here. We are so blessed.

Thank you for being with us. Thank you our family and friends.

Diane

Sidney Wayne Polezcek
(August 14, 1966 – April 26, 2009)

Sidney Wayne Polezcek a loving husband, father, son, and brother was born August 14, 1966 and passed away at 5:43PM, Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Ochsner Medical Center, Baton Rouge. Wayne was 42, a native of Independence and a resident of Amite.Wayne is survived by his wife Rhonda Seal Polezcek, Amite; 2 daughters, Jamie Polezcek, Independence, Kerri Polezcek, Amite; a son, Virgil Polezcek, Amite; mother, Linda Holden Easley, Amite; father, Sidney Polezcek, Jr. & step-mother, Jeanette Polezcek, Albany; 2 sisters, Tracy Polezcek, Amite & Gadonya Keating, Bogalusa; 2 brothers, Ronnie “Pudge” Polezcek and wife Sabrina, Amite, & Lavon Smith and wife Maria, Jacksonville, FL; a granddaughter, Jazmyne Polezcek, Independence; maternal grandmother, Virginia Birch, Greensburg; mother-in-law, Dorothy Baham, Roseland.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Murphy Holden, Sr,; paternal grandmother, Della Hardy; paternal grandfather, Sidney Polezcek; step-grandmother, Maudie Roberts; infant brother, Sidney Polezcek, III.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM and on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 8:00AM until Religious Services at the funeral home Chapel at 10:00AM. Interment in the McMichael Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bond Eye Clinic & Grand Prix Car Wash.

Solitude

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
HE HAD WORK to do…
He was active and involved. But He also knew that He couldn’t do it all without meeting alone with the Father.
He refused to be tyrannized by the immediate and urgent.
He knew that the needs of His disciples and the multitudes would always be there. He knew that even if he went 24/7, people would still beckon. (Steve Farrar)
“Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them.” Luke 4:42; cf. Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 1:35



“But as for me, my prayer is to You,

O Lord, in the acceptable time;

O God, in the multitude of Your mercy,

hear me in the truth of Your salvation.”

(Psalm 69:13)

Dakota Brooke is better. Keep praying for this baby. He will be a week old tomorrow.


Please keep the family of Rae Baker in your prayers. She passed away Sunday morning in Salt Lake City Utah with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband Don, daughter Dayna and two sons Bruce and Craig.
Thank you
Pam Sellers

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
MANY OF US indulge at every opportunity…
We gorge ourselves with good, drink, clothes, television, sports, etc. Moderation does not come easily to us. Yet the foundation ethic of talk is self-control. Whoever we are, wherever we are, whatever we do, we must control our talk.
Disciplining our talk may be the ideal place to being disciplining ourselves in other areas. I have heard of desperately obese people having their mouths wired shut to allow them to lose weight. I suppose we could do that to improve our speech ethics too. But such an approach to control would deal only with mechanics. It does not deal with the lack of discipline in our character. (William Baker)
“He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3; cf. Matthew 12:33-35; 1 Peter 3:10; Psalm 34:12-13

Don’t dread the week ahead. Look at it as an opportunity to share the Good News by words and deeds.
Anna Lee

Sunday

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower

and bread for food

will also supply and increase

your store of seed

and will enlarge the harvest

of your righteousness.”

~2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV~


Kathy Jo Thompson

Today has been an adventure. My back is doing ok. It mainly hurts when I first get up and when I’m going to bed. Of course imagine that haha. The rest of the day it is just uncomfortab

le and my ribs hurt so I keep ice on it all the time. I can still remember not wanting to go to see Doc Lewis the time I sprained my ankle because he would just tell me to put ICE on it and go home. ahh I hated that! Now as I am in the medical field I understand how important ice is and how it works! It has been a life saver today. I got up and walked a little more today. I’m begining to not need mom and dad for every little movement, which I’m sure they are glad about. Dr. Asthagiri came to visit today and said that we may not be going home as scheduled, it just depends how my body responds to things. The surgery went well but my body is healing slowly. I’m not eating much nor do I have an appetite. Mom has to make me eat. (the parents like it cause what I don’t eat they get to eat.) My body is really weak and unstable. I think I will go see the physical therapist tomorrow to help with the balance and stability. Dr. Sweet said she didn’t want me to have to walk out of here with a walker. She also said that I couldn’t leave without having regular bowel movements (which has always been a problem for me but especially now with all the pain meds.) The doctors come check on me about twice a day and there are always nurses which is a good thing cause if not i would probably drive mom and dad crazy.Tonight Mrs. Sandra’s family came to visit and talk with me. Her husband David, her dad Frank, her mom Janice, and their preacher Bro. Jerry came. I talked with Mr. David and showed him my National Championship pictures, he is a BIG LSU fan. He talked about how he had heard so much about me before he even got there and met me. No one really understands how much of an effect that you may have on others. I know that I don’t. I’m just going through life dealing with what God has set before me. I’m making the best of it and giving him all the glory. As of around 8 pm eastern time, Mrs. Sandra was doing ok and stable but her family still can’t go in and be with her. God is doing miracles in her life and in others and I just pray that she will be ok.

People don’t relize it but what you do does effect someone else so act like it.


Sarah LaRocca LaMarca
(October 20, 1914 – April 24, 2009)


Sarah LaRocca LaMarca

Sarah LaRocca LaMarca, a resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2009. She was 94. She is survived by her four children, Jeanette McCahill and husband, Winfield, Convent, LA, Josie Heughan and husband, Lawton, Baton Rouge, Anthony LaMarca and wife, Beverly, Independence and Pasquale LaMarca and wife, Gail, Independence; twelve grandchildren, Judy Waldron and husband, Kelly, William McCahill, all of Convent, Patrick Heughan and wife, Kimberly, Independence, Erin O’Mart and husband, Bo, Oklahoma, Chet Heughan and wife, Michelle, Baton Rouge, Brigitte Bankston and husband, Barry, Independence, Daphne LeBlanc and husband, David, Sorrento, Anthony LaMarca, Independence, Robin Davis and husband, Randy, Dana Angelette and husband, Richard, Tara DiVittorio and husband, Danny, and Jason LaMarca, all of Independence; and 23 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Kate and Marla Gravois, Dane McCahill, Ashely Clement, Brandy and Sarah Heughan, Lawton Guzzardo, Makaley, Makenzey, and McCord Heughan, Baileigh and Brenleigh Bankston, David and Dillon LeBlanc, Samantha, Joshua, and Justin Davis, Koty Stein, Jace and Brett Angelette, and Dane and Gage DiVittorio; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pasquale T. LaMarca. Pallbearers will be Patrick and Chet Heughan, Jason LaMarca, Danny DiVittorio, Joshua Davis, and William McCahill. Visitation will be at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9 a.m. Monday until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m Monday. Interment will be in the Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.




FROM BAD TO WORSE

Have you ever have one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, things just seem to go from bad to worse?

The story is told of two cowboys who were working cattle one day. One of them discovered he was in trouble when a wild bull, with his head down and nostrils flaring, came charging toward him. The cowboy saw a deep hole in the ground and quickly jumped in it. As soon as the bull passed over him, he jumped out of the hole.

The bull, madder than ever, came charging back again, and the cowboy jumped back down into the hole. When the bull passed, the cowboy jumped out of the hole again. He did this several times.

Finally, the other cowboy, who was watching it all from a distance yelled out, “Why don’t you just stay in the hole?”

The cowboy yelled back, “I would, but there’s a bear in the hole!”

Maybe some of you feel like every day is like that! If ever there was someone who must have felt that way, it was the apostle Paul, though. Listen to him describing his life as a Christian:

“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness…” (2 Cor. 11:24-27)

Sounds a man who ought to be miserable, doesn’t it? I mean, how much can one man take? How much worse can it possibly get? It convicts me to read through that list as I think of the minor problems in my life that I allow to create a dark cloud over my life. If I had to deal with the problems on Paul’s list on a daily basis, then I’d really have reason to moan and whine, “Why, me Lord? Why does life have to be so hard?”

The funny thing is, though, that wasn’t Paul’s reaction at all. He didn’t list all those problems to garner sympathy. In fact, he finishes out this section by writing:

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake…..” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Taking pleasure in distresses? When is the last time you took pleasure in locking your keys in your car? When is the last time you took pleasure in running your cell phone through the washing machine (don’t laugh! I actually did that this week)? When is the last time you took pleasure is hearing the news that you’re getting laid off, the biopsy came back positive, or there was a terrible auto accident?

The “pleasure” in such things is not the ability to laugh and joke. The “pleasure” is found in the last half of 2 Cor 12:10, “…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Everything that happens to me in life is a reminder that I am not in control, but I am a child of the One who is. It is a reminder that I don’t have the power to fix everything that breaks in life, but I serve the one who does have that power. It is reminder that I sometimes don’t know how I’m going to have the strength to cope, but I rest in the arms of the One who has promised to be there with me no matter what. And it is during those moments when life throws its worst at me that I feel closest to God.

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10)

Whatever trials you are facing this day, may you find your strength in God.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


I needed that reminder today! How about you?

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon


Don Denton’s Update

This is Anne, Diane’s friend in St. Louis. Don arrived last night via ambulance about 8:30. Diane & Josh came in about 11:30pm (after she’d have a few hours of needed sleep.) Don is stable this morning, but having extreme headache pain, nausea, vomiting, & intermittent fever: signs of relapse . He & Diane met with the whole Neurology Team this morning. They have decided to keep him off steroids and do intensive testing over the next 3 days to look for diseases outside of Steroid Responsive Diseases. The Biopsy of the Brain will be a very last resort because it is so risky and invasive.

Diane expresses her gratefulness to everyone for their help and what a blessing you friends have been.

She asks for prayer that they will be able to manage Don’s awful headache pain (even IV Morphine isn’t helping), and that they will find something that is treatable in the next 3 days.



Jesse James Hayden
(February 22, 1918 – April 24, 2009)

Died at 1:15PM on Friday, April 24, 2009 at Tangi-Pines Nursing Home in Amite, LA. He was a native and resident of Amite, LA. Age 91 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Bro. Kenneth Istre and Bro. Don McGee. Interment Hayden Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. Survived by daughter, Debra Hayden Santora and husband, Charles, Amite, 2 sons, Micheal James Hayden and wife, Brenda, Baton Rouge, Dale W. Hayden, Junction City, AR, niece, Kathy Howard Currier and husband, Tommy, Amite, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Louise Trowbridge Hayden , 2 grandsons, Chris and Sam Santora, 2 sisters, Clausel H. Cutrer, Donice Jean H. Sceroler, brother, Roy A. Hayden. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

Saturday

                                   Then Jesus said,

‘Let’s get away from the crowds

for a while and rest.’

There were so many people coming and going

that Jesus and His apostles

didn’t even have time to eat.”

~Mark 6:31 NLT~

Thank you for praying for my mother this past week.  What a difference a week, good nursing care, and lots of prayers make.  Momma said she is back to “normal”. The family has appreciated all the concern shown by family and friends.


Jacob Dakato Brooke

My oldest son Lewis and his wife Racheal’s baby was born Tuesday, April 21, four weeks premature. He is in the NICU at North Oaks on a ventilator. We almost lost him Thursday until many, many churches started circulating prayers and by 8 p.m. Thursday night, he was still in critical condition and not as unstable. Please have everyone lift prayers up for Dakota and our family. We know Jesus is the great physician and we are claiming victory in this trial.

Carol Brooke



Susie Sharkey asks us to pray for Kathy Jo Thomspson.

I was diagnosed with NF2 in February 2009. Since then I have been to several doctors and had numerous test run. The MRIs showed tumors in my brain and spine. I am scheduled to have surgery on one of the tumors in my thoracic spine that is covering 80% of my spinal canal next week (April 21).

It is 6:40pm Kathy Jo has taken 3 nice long walks down the hall and back. She is not on her own yet and needs one of us to steady her balance. We have another walk to go later and things should start to improve in the next few days. She ask me to log this in because she is very upset. I just returned from praying with a family in need who has become very close to us. Their daughter (who has been in our room praying with us) has colin cancer and is the 1st in the United States to try a procedure where they removed her blood and grow a vaccine with her cells, then inject it back into the body. She looked the best we’ve seen her yesterday and today had the procedure. Her family sent word for me to come down for prayer and when I got there they told me they had sent for her husband. She is in the critical care unit and the procedure has been stopped. It seems it was too strong for her and her lungs are filling with fluid. They have started her on strong steriods (which unfortunate

ly will kill all the cells injected} but at the present time she is fighting for her life.
Kathy Jo has ask that everyone please pray for her. Her name is Sandra Anglin from Lakeland Florida, where she is a member of Crossroads Baptist Church. This procedure was looking so promising and she was so excited yesterday sharing all she had learned about the procedure with us.
We have been so amazed at all the friends that have left messages and to heip others know where your at please add your town and state.
Thanks,  De

Please pray for Heloise Morgan, wife of Jeff Morgan.  She has been having a liver problem and just came out of the hospital in Covington.  Prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Bethany Simmons, wife of Stan Simmons, is experiencing some issues related to her pregnancy.  Please be in prayer for Stan, Bthany, and their unborn baby.
Julia Webster Brown
(November 6, 1931 – April 22, 2009)

Julia Webster Brown

A native of Savannah, GA and a resident of Easleyville passed from this life at 2:14 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA as a result of respiratory failure at the age of 77 years. She was a very loving and generous wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother who dedicated herself to serving others. She was a caregiver to many elderly members of her community, but most of all she had a deep devotion to her family. The family she leaves behind includes her 2 daughters, Julie B. Phares and fiance’, Ronnie Harvin, Easleyville and Kimberly B. Guillory, Greensburg; 3 sons, Jonathan Dean Brown and wife, Sherleen, Morgan City, Floyd R. Brown, Jr. and wife, Mary, Morgan City and Earl D. Brown and wife, Caslyn, Elizabeth; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Mary Diaz, Austin, TX, Margaret Lyckman and husband, Al, Austin, TX, Bobbie Fernandez, Austin, TX and Debbie Carter and husband, Cliff, Tucson, AZ. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Floyd R. Brown, Sr.; parents, Earl and Margaret Webster; brother-in-law, Joe Diaz. Pallbearers will be Timothy Marcus, Gregory Marcus, Chad Sampey, Jason Sampey, Benjamin Brown, Charles Brown, Matthew Brown and Jonathan Brown, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Interment Brown Family Cemetery, Easleyville, LA.

Edgar Carl Morris
“Build a fence of trust around today; build a space with loving work and therein stay. Look not between the sheltering bars upon tomorrow, but take whatever comes to thee of joy and sorrow.” Edgar Carl Morris, 90, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II. He was self-employed for many years as a printer. He was also a retired employee of The Advocate, a member of Masonic Lodge 454, A&FM, and a member of Red Oak Baptist Church. He was a resident of Livingston and a native of Osyka, Miss. He was an avid gardener and fisherman. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Friday, April 24, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Visitation at Red Oak Baptist Church, Livingston, on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Don Bassett, the Rev. Paul Taylor and the Rev. David Albin. Message in song will be brought by Terry Phinney and Adam McCluskey on guitar and Jeremy Jones. Burial in New Red Oak Cemetery, Livingston. He is survived by his wife, Athena Broussard Morris; children, Carol Clark and husband Garry, Charles Morris and wife Brenda, Timothy Morris, Linda Balfantz, Lawana Hardy and husband Darold, and Larry Phinney and wife Lisa; grandchildren, Brian Pounds, Heather Morris, Trent Balfantz and wife Denise, Sean Balfantz and wife Melissa, Cole Balfantz and wife Mindy, Kanda Tate and husband Karl, Joel Hardy and wife Charity, Dwayne Phinney, Terry Phinney and wife Meranda, and Wayne Muller; great-grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, Samantha, Ashleigh, Layton, Mayce, Kolton, Kameron, Faith, Corey and Allison; two nephews, and a niece; as well as many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Mae Lea and William Morris; son, Winston Morris; and sister, Mildred Guy. The pallbearers will be his grandsons.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
IN THE ACADEMY award-nominated film Traffic, Michael Douglas plays the federal government’s newly appointed drug czar, charged with leading the country’s war on drugs…
In a sad irony, he is so caught up in his rising political career that he is blind to the fact that his own teenage daughter is a drug addict.  Because of his wife’s own previous experimentation with drugs, she is able to see what her husband missed–the clear, unmistakable warning signs that her daughter was involved with drugs.  When Douglas’ character finally realizes that his own daughter has become hooked on illegal drugs, his wife chastises him for not picking up on the warning signs earlier.  The film’s audience feels Douglas’ mix of frustration, self-anger, and helplessness as he realizes that he “should have seen it coming.”
Illicit drug users aren’t the only ones who give warning signs.  Research has shown that a wide variety of destructive social behaviors are preceded by visible early-warning signals.  Many times, people whose spouses have been unfaithful to them say that, in hindsight, there were signs that something was amiss in the marriage.  Similarly, young women suffering from eating disorders often drop clues to their behavior.  And frequently those committing suicide will tip off their intentions ahead of time.  Of course, not everyone in such situations exhibits the signs.  And obviously, not everyone knows how to read the signs properly.  But those who do are, more often than not, able to detect that something is wrong and successfully intervene either to prevent or minimize the negative behavior.
Might the same be true for those falling away from the faith?  Do those abandoning the Lord telegraph their behavior ahead of time?  These are important questions because, if there are some telltale signs that a fellow Christian is drifting away from the faith, keen-eyed believers might be able to act to prevent him or her from falling away.  (Brian Simmons)
“Bear one another’s burdens,
and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
Please feel free to share requests so others can pray.  That’s why we are here.
Anna Lee