Devotional – Page 210 – The Prayer Link

Tuesday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

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

~Matthew 1:29-30~

. . . . Cheyenne and the rest of our family have been through such an ordeal, what a blessing for me to find this page and see that people who do not even know us are praying. On their knees to Jehovah Rapha.. Our God our Healer. My gratitude to you and all who have prayed for my child and my family. Keep the prayers going. Cheyenne is stable but still lives in heart failure everyday. We just wait and pray for protection and when the day comes we pray for courage and strength for we know we must go through the valley to get to the Moutain of God. Bless you and all that are working for the good of his kingdom. http://www.caringbridge.org/cheyennehartman

Other sites to read and people to pray over:

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

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

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

Linda B. Williams said Jimmy’s next surgery will be Wednesday. Pray for rest for them until then.

Averi Strickland continues to improve following his stroke just as he started his senior year at KHS. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

Holly K. says the flooding has subsided and electricity is on more hours of the day. She’s thankful for that because the temperatures are very high there. Please continue to pray for her and her students.

Parents

SEVERAL DECADES OF social science research reveals that children do best in two-parent, father and mother families, and that any departure from this model diminishes children’s chance of success…

Without a father in the house, children of both sexes are more prone to peer pressure, early sexual experimentation, use of alcohol and illicit drugs, educational failure, and even criminal behavior (Robert H. Knight, “Materialism: The Religion That Fails,” The Age of Consent, 29).

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). “[Admonish] the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children…” ( Titus 2:3, 4).

Posted by Mike Benson

Thankful to have had and still have two parents!

Anna Lee

Monday

“But to You I have cried out, O Lord,

and in the morning my prayer comes before You.”

~Psalm 88:13~

Cete Dillon

Mr. Cete Dillon’s eye is doing well. Please continue to pray until his eye is completely healed.

Eyvonne Ricks

She is doing just great. Can’t do much walking, just bath rm. and bed room. Go to Dr. Tuesday to remove some stiches, but not the pin in the toe. She feels fine now, just helpless. Thanks for the prayers, they will be returned many times. Thanks again and have a great day. Luther

Dot Smith

Momma continues to get better and better. Thanks for you prayers and your concern for her and for the family.

Braden Alford

Our grandson learned this afternoon that his broken arm will require surgery. This is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Pray surgery on this arm turns out better than surgery on his other arm.

Adrianna Cavanagh

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

Colton Frazier

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

Callie Cole

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

Nick Anthony Guzzardo
(January 10, 1943 – October 4, 2009)

Nick Anthony Guzzardo was born January 10, 1943 and joined his Heavenly family at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2009 at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice, Baton Rouge. He was 66, a native and resident of Amite.

Nick Anthony was a devout parishioner to St. Helena Catholic Church through his service as a cantor and choir member. He loved nothing more than serving the Lord, enjoying old movies, and spending time with his great niece & nephews.

He is survived by a sister, Angietta Keen and brother-in-law, Daniel Keen; niece and godchild, Kay Frances Saragusa and her husband, Matthew Saragusa; great niece, Laney Saragusa; 2 great nephews, Waylon and Cohen Saragusa.

Preceded in death by his parents, Tony N. and Frances M. Guzzardo; a sister, Angietta Marie Guzzardo.

Pallbearers will be Gary Perry, Matthew Saragusa, Eddie Mason, Nick John Guzzardo, Tim Vernon & J.A. Girgenti.

Visitation will be at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Joe Camilleri officiating. Interment in Amite Mulberry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made for masses celebrated for Nick Anthony Guzzardo or donations to the Mark Oliver Medical Fund % Amite Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Ruby LeBlanc
(Died October 4, 2009)

Ruby LeBlanc passed away at 1:35 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2009 at LSUHSC Lallie Kemp Hospital, Independence.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

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

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

There are a number on people having various tests and procedures. Please pray for them.

I’m posting this devotional in honor of the many long-term marriages among family members and friends.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

SHE LOOKED HIM right in the eyes and said, “I want a divorce, the romance is gone out of our marriage…

The terms “romance” and “love” are so nebulous to the average person, the court dockets are loaded with divorce evil. Divorce is seldom considered in some Asian cultures. A young man in Hong Kong told some preachers that he did not see his bride until he met her at the altar. Their parents had contracted the marriage when they were children. When asked, what about “falling in love” and “romance” he said, “That is your problem in America. Americans look upon marriage as a romance–we look upon it as a commitment.”

Our generation has been fed a steady diet of romance. In the movies and on TV we are told that a happy marriage is predicated on falling in love. When couples wake up some morning and find marriage has commitments and responsibilities they are disgusted and disillusioned. They find out that marriage is made up of carrying out the garbage, changing diapers, trying to make house payments, and dealing with inlaws and outlaws.

Marriage is a commitment. Falling in love and romance are great if they are understood and practiced in the right context. Movies and TV are a mighty poor place to learn to about life-long marriage. Ward Hargland

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansingher by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body.“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:25-33

Sunday

Exhortation

WHEN SIR ERNEST Shackleton set out to sea in 1914, he did so with the ambitious goal of making the first land crossing of Antarctica…

But his ship, the Endurance, never even reached its base camp. It became stuck in the icy waters for months and eventually sank. Shackleton and his twenty-seven-member crew were stranded more than twelve hundred miles from civilization, drifting on ice floes in the terrifying cold with just three rickety lifeboats, a few tents, and limited provisions.

Eventually, they reached a small island and waited while Shackleton and a handful of men took one of the lifeboats eight hundred miles over tumultuous seas to a whaling station. Shackleton returned with a rescue ship, and every man survived the eighteen-month ordeal.

How did he keep the hopes of his men from fizzling out…?

First, he modeled optimism. Shackleton, who once described optimism as “true moral courage,” always believed he and his crew would survive, and his optimism was contagious. He communicated that optimism to everyone around him.

Second, he nurtured his men’s sense of significance. He kept everyone involved by seeking their opinions and by giving them tasks that made them feel like they were part of the solution.

Third, he encouraged them with humor and promoted a lighthearted atmosphere. Shackleton recognized that under extreme pressure, the ability to lighten the mood neutralizes fear and enables a team to focus, reenergize, and prevail over daunting obstacles. People might find it strange that one of the few items that Shackleton rescued from the sinking ship was a crewman’s banjo. He did it so the group could have music.

It was Napoleon who said that a leader is a dealer in hope, and Shackleton was a prime example of how one person can keep hope alive.

If you know someone who is in the middle of a difficult trial–a long illness or a period of financial strain–your words of kindness and love, your confidence in them, your ability to lighten their load can bring hope and encouragement to their lives. (John Maxwell)

“He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality;

he who leads, with diligence;

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Romans 12:8

Posted by Mike Benson at August 10, 2009 2:17 PM

Many people have a load you can lighten. Do your part!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Work hard at living in peace with others”

~1 Peter 3:11 NLT~

Continue to pray for Mr. Cete and “Miss” Ruby Dillon as his eye heals from yesterday’s emergency surgery.

Pray for Mr. Jimmy and “Miss” Linda Williams as her recovers from surgery Thursday at North Oaks.

Momma is in a new environment. Pray for her to accept the change. She was better yesterday evening than yesterday afternoon. Continue to pray for Daddy as he make daily trips to Hammond to check on her.

Our grandson,Braden (7), fell from his swingset and broke his left arm. He had previously broken the right arm requiring surgery. The arm is functional, but not stratight. He may requiere additional surgery on that arm one day. The new cast goes from his armpit to the middle of his fingers and looks like it weight half as much as her does. Pray for a quick and complete healing.

Bro. Milton and Mrs. Pam Kliesch are thankful their son, Whitney, is on the way home from a second tour in the war zone. We are proud of him serving his country and thankful he is safe.

Colton Frazier

Friday, October 2, 2009 2:37 PM, CDT

Well the last few days has had very good.  The therapist says he does something new for them everyday. He is helping them do everything they ask. He may not be able to do everything but he sure does try.  They say he is a very hard worker which we all know that. He has chewed on some ice and swallowed, ate some applesauce and did ok with that too.   They showed him pictures and he was able to point out the person they asked him to THAT WAS GREAT!!!!. Well my battery is going out, please keep up the prayers and faith. will update soon

Friday, October 2, 2009 11:25 PM, CDT

Ok everyone, we had a great night. Colton Whispered to MrWillie and said “Hold My Hand” then we could read lips. “Paw Paw”.   He told Lori “I Love You” still a whisper. then read lips. “tell Scott”. It was great!!!!

He went to sleep early and was snoring when we left. We were so excited.

Callie Cole

Hey this is Frances. Callie had a really good noon visit with her daddy. She

Her eyes were moving alot and were cracked open a little. She was also raisin

g her brow as trying to open.  Her left extremeties were moving well especially her fingers, one at a time and in a group. Isn’t this great? And I missed it!! God is sooo good!

Now at the 5 pm visit, Callie was out. Of course along with the extra movement she also had been off the vent for at least 20 to 30 minutes today. She was spent. Maybe she’ll be lively for mama this evening. We shall see.

Thanks again for all your prayers. Remember to continue to pray without ceasing and without doubt.

Psalm 34 is a good read.

Much love,
Frances

Adriuanna Cavanagh

I just went downstairs (at the hospital courtyard)where they were having a Free Fall Lunch for all employees and special guests. We got to be a special guest since we are practically living here! Anyway, it was nice b/c there was food and music everywhere. The DJ was playing “My Boogie Shoes”, and I thought about how much I wish Adrianna and I could put on our boogie shoes! 🙂

It’s a little cramped in this hospital room to be boogying, but lil Adri has been extremely happy to be “unhooked” from all her IV wires and tubes. She says, “I’m free, Mommy! I’m free!” But all she gets to do is walk around this room…..not really a big deal to you and me, but she is satisfied with just that. Sweet baby…

I’m kinda bummed b/c I just found out she can’t even go to the Halloween parties at the hospital. Too risky for infections. Sooooo, the only one she’ll be able to make is the one they do at clinic on the 14th. I guess it’ll be better than nothing, and I’m sure we’ll be in clinic all day that day anyway, so might as well dress her up in her precious Nutcracker Mouse costume.

I know I should be counting my blessings, and I do most of the time, but can’t help but wish we could bring her to the zoo, or the park, or to an ice cream shop, around other kids, and her cousins, etc. etc.

I’m not even sure when she’ll be able to be around the rest of our adult family. We will have to talk to Dr. Yu about that- hopefully we’ll get to see her on Monday before she goes out of town again.

As of now, I think we’ll only be able to bring her to the Audobon Park or other open spaces in the late afternoon to early evening, when the sun goes down. That’s fine as long as there is not a crowd. Otherwise, she can’t go at all.

I know it’s all for the best and it’s just 6 months to a year, but it sure does feel like a lot longer! Especially b/c we were so used to being on the go before. Gonna be hermits now!

Cute story: Adrianna snuggled up to me last night and was fidgeting with my gloves saying, “I miss you so much, Mommy. (she says this when i’m right next to her!) I love you so much!” And then, “Mommy? I don’t want you to die! I miss you!” and gave me the biggest bear hug. I don’t know where that came from!!! The only thing I can think of is that we were watching Snow White and the dwarfs thought Snow White had died and they were all sad. So then she goes, “Are you my sister or my brother?” She cracks me up. I just love that lil thing!

No fevers today either!! YAAAYY!!! So we’re basically sitting here b/c Dr. Yu is not here to discharge us, which is unfortunate, but at least we know we’re safe here from infection- in this room!
Daddy Joe comes here tonight and I think I’ll go home to recoop for the upcoming week of nonstop clinic days!! And new training on all her new meds, and new instructions on basically how to live our lives the cleanest, most sterile way possible. It’s gonna be data-overload all over again! Yikes!

Have a super great weekend, everyone! God Bless! And keep praying for our friend Grant. He’s still in ICU with complications from his kidney failure, but is hanging on! Prayers, everyone, please!!!
~Steph, Joe, & Adrianna

Gerald M. Jenkins
(August 6, 1948 – October 1, 2009)

Gerald M. Jenkins the youngest of four siblings was born on August 6, 1948 and passed away at 10:35 a.m., October 1, 2009 at Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans surrounded by his family. He was 61, a native of Amite and resident of Roseland.Gerald served our country in the United States Army in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was employed with International Paper Company over 20 years. He continued logging by starting his own company XIP with a business partner.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Carol McElveen Jenkins, Roseland, whom he married on June 30, 1973; 2 daughters & son-in-laws, Lori Jenkins Trahan and Cory, Amite, and Kelli Jenkins Schwebel and Jacob, Roseland; a son, Ryan Blake Jenkins, Roseland; 2 sisters, Shirley Jenkins Primes and Francine Jenkins both of Amite; brother, Perry Jenkins and wife Carolyn, Amite; grandchildren, Caden Andrew Trahan, Ian Alexander Trahan, Caroline Marie Trahan and Abby Schwebel.

Preceded in death by his parents, George M. and Beatrice Hale Jenkins.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel.

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

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

Karen Graham Ballard
(January 6, 1945 – October 2, 2009)

Karen Graham Ballard was born on January 6, 1945 and passed away at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 64, a native of Plant City, FL and a resident of Amite.Karen is survived by husband, Jack G. Ballard, Amite; 3 daughters, Rhonda Frances, Albany, Jackie Ballard, Knoxville, TN, and Karen Ballard, Hammond; son, Gary Ray Ballard, Denham Springs; mother-in-law, Collean Finch Bickham, Independence; 8 grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Louise Stone Graham; grandmother, Edna Stone.

Visitation will be at the Kedron Baptist Church, Amite, on Monday, October 5, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jake Williams officiating. Interment in Kedron Cemetery.

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

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

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I CANNOT OVERSTATE how frightning it is to lose a sense of control or influence…

People will even choose to stay in familiar situations that they know are not working rather than face the ambiguity of the unknown. Many times a battered wife will remain for years, even a lifetime, with a physically violent husband. Women have reported that, among other reasons, they have stayed with brutal husbands because breaking out of the relationship was even more frightning than the beatings. Even though the situation may be physically and emotionally abusive, such women have at least learned what to expect, and there is an odd comfort in being able to anticipate the future–even a negative future. Daryl Conner

“By faith Abraham obeyed

when he was called to go out to a place

which he would afterward receive as an inheritance.

And He went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Hebrews 11:8

Change is hard for most of us, but it is necessary. Pray for all those around you who are going through difficult changes. Your prayers are apprediated by many each day

Happy preparation for Sunday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Pray for Scott Lindsey. He was admitted to OLOL Sunday. Doctors have found a pocket of fluid which they are treating with medications.

Callie Cole

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

Adrianna Cavanagh

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

Thank-you for your continued prayers for Momma. She’s a little better. We’re in the process of determining the next step.

Thanks to those of you who send cards for Mrs. Lucille Pledger’s 90th birthday. She received many cards from our area and had 35 family members there to celebrate in person.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

MY DEAR FRIENDS…,

You know around here we are experiencing hardships, but we thank the Lord He is comforting us and caring for us in every way. When we experience misfortune, adversity, distress and hardship, only then do we see the real blessing of the Lord poured down on us in such a way that we cannot contain it.

We have been obliged recently to leave our modest apartment and for over two months have been living on a balcony. The rain has been beating down and soaking us. Sometimes in the middle of the night we are forced to gather our blankets and run to seek refuge in a stairwell.

Do you know what I do then? I laugh and praise the Lord, because we can still take shelter in the stairwell. I think of how many people are experiencing much worse hardships than I am. Then I remember the words of Scripture, “To the poor, O Lord, You are a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat” (Isaiah 25:4), and I am greatly comforted.

Our Father is the One who according to the Scriptures does not break the bruised reed nor put out the flickering lamp. He is the One who looks after the orphan and the widow. He is the One who brings blessings and peace to numberless people.

I do not know what words to use in order to describe the love that the Lord has shown our family. I only can bow the knee and my heart and offer to the Lord words of deepest thanks and praise. Although we have lost our house and possessions, we have not lost the Lord, and He is enough. With the Lord I have everything. The only thing I would fear losing is His blessing!

Could I ask you and our friends in the church to continue to pray for me that I will faithfully follow the Lord and serve Him regardless of what the circumstances may be?

As far as my husband is concerned, I wass able to visit hiim this past summer. We had a 20-minute conversation that brought us great joy…

I greet you with my love.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi An (Letter found in “Margin,” by Richard A. Swenson)

(Note: Mrs. An’s husband was a preacher in Vietnam. Their church was closed by police, he was thrown in prison. Without official papers, she and her children were forced to live on a balcony outside an apartment.)

Could you pray Mrs. An’s prayer? Do you have her faith? Could you be content in her circumstances?

“Not that I speak in regard to need,

for I have learned in whatever state I am,

to be content.”

Philippians 4:11

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday Evening

Continue to pray for Momma and for the family as we sit with her around the clock. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Just received word that Kelly Wall died this afternoon. Many will remember him for his beautiful day lilies. I think the funeral is to be Wednesday at 2:00 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Gillsburg.

Mary Alice (Fox)

Just talked to Polly Wilson, Kelly Wall’s sister. She said the funeral is to be at 11:00 rather than 2:00 on Wednesday.

Mary Alice

Don Denton

Monday, September 28, 2009 10:14 AM, CDT

Just wanted to update you all. We all have been sick with different sinus related illness. It is that time of year.

I find myself pretty tired these days and it makes it hard for me to get to much. And I must confess, this past weekend was one year and it brought up allot of memories when Don first became ill. It has been an emotionally trying time for me.

I am struggling at this point and time and you would think that I would be celebrating

, which we are too. That is an important part of looking forward and not back.

But the reality is that I am still grieving. Grieving does not have a time table and I wish it did.

Don is still continuing a slow but steady improvement. He does get headaches from time to time. He is also still in physcial therapy. We are most grateful for that. His physcial therapist is an amazing women and we see her passion in what she does.

We do have a praise to share. The university has worked it so that we can get the reduction in Colbra health insurance. That is an answer to pray and we are so grateful to God and the University for working with us.

We have about five weeks till we leave for Mayo. Don will see specialist for annual follow up and some testing. We could be there for up to 14 days.

I am still working with all the deludge of paperwork sorting through all the insurance issues of payment that we have. That at times feels so overwhelming. I would appreciate pray on this one too.

We again, could not do this without you love, prayer and support. We love you all and are so grateful to you.

Bless you
Diane

Adriunna Cavanough

Monday, September 28, 2009 8:48 AM, CDT

Good morning, everyone! Adrianna woke up a little while ago when the xray tech came in to take her chest picture, and said, “Hey Mommy- guess what? I wanna go home!!!”
Sweet baby…I wanted to tell her that that was the original plan today, but she ran fever all weekend and around 4 am today, it got up to 103.
I could tell something was going on b/c she kept getting right on top of me and she was shaking and breathing hard. When I asked her why she was breathing like that she said, “Cause I’m tired….like you!” Ha! But the nurse came in and confirmed she was having a fever….So I guess we’ll have to see what the docs say. I’m hoping Dr. Yu will come in today to see her.
They usually do not let the kids leave until 48 hours AFTER they’ve had fever, to make sure there’s no infection. This is very typical of stem cell transplant patients, so they are telling me not to worry. Fevers are a part of it.
Anyway, I had a feeling when they told us we’d get to go home today that something was going to happen–it always does!!! Every time, lately.
So I explained to Adrianna that we can’t go to the Hope Lodge yet b/c of her “feebers” and she said, “They want me to eat some food and drink.” I told her yes, they do and that means we’ll get to leave even sooner! So she did take some sips of milk.
Last night she made me go to the store to get her some muffins, so I picked up a smorgusboard of stuff to eat, and she tried a few bites of muffin, honey bun, and fruit chews, but didn’t like any of it. So we’ll keep working on that.
The nurse just came in and said Dr. Yu will be out of town all week, so we probably won’t get discharged until NEXT MONDAY b/c normally she has to be here before they’ll discharge transplant patients. OMG, another WEEK?!!!! That totally stinks….I hope they change their minds. I don’t think we can bear another week in this room….especially this poor darling who wants to leave soooo badly!
Her counts are really high, so she doesn’t have to have Neupogen anymore to raise them. So all we need now is to have NO more fevers and then we should be ready to go, if they will let us. She has 100.9 fever right now- anything over 100.4 is considered a fever, so they’ll give her Tylenol.
I just want to send out a SUPER DUPER thanks to all my beautiful friends who came to New Orleans this weekend to hang out with me and take me out for a fun night and dinner. It was an incredibly awesome night and the first time in a really long time we were all together. There were 13 of us and it made such a difference in my mood and attitude! Thanks so much, ladies! I know it’s so hard for us to all get together these days, but it’s so worth it when we do!! Nothing like your friends!
Please remember us this week, and we’re hoping for ‘NO MORE FEEBERS!’
Thanks for checking in,
Stephanie

Callie Cole

Sunday, September 27, 2009 7:00 PM, CDT

Hey! This is Frances. I have just returned from the 5 PM visit and I am more certain that Callie can hear me. I told her I had to leave 5 minutes early because I was meeting Landon downstairs and a tear came from her left eye and her respiration

s went wacky. I know she hears my voice! I can not imagine what she thinks or how she feels to be unable to communicate. It will be nice to stay with her more often in a reg. room or the Shepard Center ICU, which ever is first!! Let’s pray:
“Lord, I love you, and I wait on your perfect timing. I know you are the One and Only to heal by baby’s broken body and I pray fervently that you do so. The pain is almost unbearable. Is this how your Father felt when he sacrificed you on that cross? Callie is not a perfect, sinless teenager. But, she does know who you are and she puts you on your throne. Please forgive me and all my short comings. I pray that you reveal those sins that I have hidden from myself so we may have perfect communion once again. Please do not let me be an obstacle for Callie’s healing. Reveal yourself to me, enlighten me. I beg you. I love you. I pray to the only Perfect One in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Frances

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

TWO MEN OWNED farms side by side…

One was a bitter atheist, the other a devout Christian. Constantly annoyed at the Christian for trusting God, the athiest said to him one winter, “Let’s plant our crops as usual this spring, each the same number of acres. You pray to God, and I’ll curse Him. Then come October, let’s see who has the bigger and better crop.”

When October came the athiest was delighted because his crop was larger. “See, you fool,” he taunted, “what do you have to say for your God now?”

“My God,” the other farmer replied, “doesn’t settle all of His accounts in October.”

“Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world

in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.

He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:32; cf. 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:5-6

Sunday

“. . . 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~

From Alice O’Hern

We are home now. Chance is doing better. I have not sent him back to school because there is so many children sick in his classroom and he cant afford another set back right now. The doctors put a stent in his heart to relieve pressures. They are hoping this will help with the protein loosing enteropathy. If not then we will be looking at a transplant down the road. Thank you so much for the prayers. It means so much to us.

Callie Cole

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

Colton Frazier

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coltonfrazier/journal

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A PREACHER TRAVELED across the country for a week of meetings…

The only problem was, his baggage didn’t make it. He needed a couple of suits so he went down to the local thrift shop. When he told the salesman, “I’d like to get a couple of suits,” the man smiled, led him to a whole rack of them and said, “Good, we’ve got several. But you need to know they came from the local mortuary. They’ve all been cleaned and pressed, but they were used on men who had passed away. Not a thing wrong with ’em. I just didn’t want that to bother you.”

The preacher said, “No, that’s fine.” He tried a few of the suits on and finally bought two of them for about $25 dollars each. When he got back to this his room, he began to get dressed for the evening’s meetings. As he put one on, he tried to put his hands in the pockets, but couldn’t. Both sides were all sewn up! The suits looked as if they had pockets, but they were just flaps on the coat. He thought about that for a second. “Of course! Deceased people don’t carry stuff with ’em when they die.” He later admitted: “I spent all week trying to stick my hands in my pockets. Had to hang my keys on my belt.” Charles R. Swindoll

“For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

1 Timothy 6:7

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2~

Callie Cole

Friday, September 25, 2009 7:41 PM, CDT

Dear Friends,
I just wanted to take a moment and try as much as possible to express our sincere appreciatio

n to each of you for your continued prayer of healing for our daughter. I know from experience how difficult it can be to continue to pray for someone over an extended period of time when you are not attached, such as a parent or grandparent would be. So many times people will allow something like this to turn into a spectacle or an event and once the new wears off they tend to forget. But not you; You have showed us how true believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, be it family, friends or complete strangers can come together under one bond and pray for a single purpose. That is the healing of our daughter, Callie and to bring glory and honor to Christ through his work in her life. You have blessed our lives in so many ways that it has caused us to view others in a different light. There are so many here in the ICU that are much worse off than Callie. There injuries may not be as severe, but Christ is not lord of there lives. The only hope that they have is to survive and get another chance to have a relationship with him.
Your prayers continue to streghten our faith in the one true God as He pours out the Holy Spirit to comfort us and to give us the courage to give Him praise when we get good news or bad news. May God bless each of you.

Your brother in Christ,

Tom

Friday, September 25, 2009 11:52 PM, CDT

Callie, according to the doctors had an unevetful day today, neurologica

lly speaking. They did however, perform the first MRI on her since she has been at UMC. They said that the braces on her teeth might give them some false readings, so I’m not real confident that it will tell us much. Callie’s fever is still around 101 to 102 degrees although her white blood count(WBC) continues to decline. They tell us that the fever is more likely coming from the brain injury rather than the infection in the lung. No one could tell me if this is good or bad, they simply stated that it was common for brain injury patients. The nurses are having to medicate her for high blood pressure and high heart rate throughout the day. From time to time they are also having to give her morphine to ease what seems to be pain, although no one knows wheather or not it is actually pain or simply anxiety of some type. The doctors also started trying to wean her off of the ventilator today but when they lowered the rate she began to take short shallow breaths and her heart rate started to climb so we are back at square one on that. She is also having problems digesting the food that they are giving her but she went several days without food so this may just take time. We continue to ask that you pray for healing and do not doubt.

Your brother in Christ

Tom

Adrianna Cavanaugh

Friday, September 25, 2009 1:34 PM, CDT

Important Reminder!!!! Blood Drive & Bone Marrow Registration on Monday, September 28th from 3 to 8 pm at First Baptist Church, Franklinton. It is not too late to sign up.   The goal is to secure 50 blood donations. Sign up immediately by sending a email to spotter@thebloodcenter.org
To donate blood, you must be in good health. at least 17 and weigh 110 pounds.   There is no upper age limit. A Picture ID is required at time of registration. To join the Bone Marrow Registry, you must be in good health, at least 18 and no older than 61. This involves the completion of a registration form and submitting four (4) “Q-tip” mojth swabs. No blood samples are needed. On Monday, if you have a cold or flu or taking antiobiotics, you will not be able to participate. Suzy Potter
Community Development Manager
The Blood Center
(504) 939-9609 – cell
1/877/671-5707

Fantastic news!!!!!!!!!! Adrianna’s counts are up to 2,200!! Yesterday they were at zero! And the day before that, they were at 310, but had fallen back to 0. The nurse, however, said that this time they will just keep rising!!
Such exciting news! This means we may be discharged to the Hope Lodge on Monday, if all goes well this weekend! I was thinking we’d be here another week, so I was surprised and relieved upon hearing the news! I know that Adrianna is going to be so glad to get outta this room- she’s been ready!
She still needs her pain medicine, b/c it is allowing her to try to drink liquids. She still doesn’t want food, but we’re taking baby steps. She asks for milk a good bit and so far has kept it all down.
She’s also still very sleepy and sleeps on and off, but as long as she’s comfortable, we’re comfortable!
Also, the ultrasound of the liver came back normal and everything’s looking UP! We’re so grateful for your prayers and blessings.
Cute story from Aunt Jackie: Adrianna was Skyping with her Aunt Jackie and baby cousin Emma the other day, when Adrianna wasn’t feeling so hot. First she noticed the kitty ears on Emma’s head and said very slowly, and still half asleep, “Are those  mine?”  Joe hopped up quickly to get her kitty ears and show her that baby Emma did NOT snatch her ears- she had some too…..
So Aunt Jackie kept saying what a sweet girl Adrianna is, and how she’s such a pretty girl. Well, Adrianna yanked that binky out of her mouth, followed by a string of saliva, (from the mucocitis) and looked at her Daddy and said,” Daddy….her say I’m a girl. I NOT a girl. I just a baby!!!” (with a glare from the corner of her eye) Poor Aunt Jackie! She’s a fiesty one, I tell ya…Gotta watch out during her moods!
But we’re SOOOOOOOO glad she’s so headstrong and pays attention! It allows her to be strong minded enough to know she’s gonna kick the mess outta this cancer!!!!! Even though she doesn’t know she has “cancer”, she knows she’s sick…and she’s SICK of being sick!
I think we can ALL agree with her! We’re all sick of it!
So, now we work on getting her fed and up to leaving on Monday. No more creams and powders, and they’re also nixing some of her meds.
This is the day that the Lord Hath made! Let us rejoice and be GLAD!
Believing in miracles

Stephanie

Friday, September 25, 2009 8:38 PM, CDT

Feeling so overwhelmed with sadness right now, as I just heard that Kylen went to be with God early this morning. He was here at Children’s this whole time, right along with Adrianna, battling it out with his cancer. We actually met them the day after Adrianna was diagnosed and both of our children were having surgery the same day. His was leukemia.

They were also from Hammond, where I used to live, and Kylen’s mom LaToya, is the godchild of my old assistant prinicpal where I taught in Ponchatoula. I didn’t know this until we met….small world…
Since meeting them over 6 months ago, I have been amazed by LaToya’s strength and compassion for everyone up here on 4West, the oncology floor. Quiet, but strong, she held it together brilliantly and with the trust and faith in God, always.
Little Kylen only about 7 months old, received bone marrow from his older brother and did SO extremely well during transplant. I mean, not even any side effects. No mouth sores, no vomitting, nothing….
The last few weeks he was in PICU and on oxygen, but the last I saw his mommy, he was getting better…..It just breaks my heart to pieces to know she and her sweet husband, both good as GOLD, are grieving tonight.
Please go to the Lord in your prayers tonight and this week and always, to pray for their strength in getting through this. I know they are strong believers, but I know that extra prayers are especially important at this time.
Thanks for those of you who had gone to his caringbridge website and were praying for him already. Now we just have to switch our prayers over to his parents and help them have some comfort. I really appreciate it,
Stephanie

Continue to pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith of Roseland.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5: 31, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, praying with you for those seeking a Christian spouse.

In a society where families arrange marriage, it can be very difficult to find a believing mate. Pray for believers in locations like North Africa, South Asia and the Last Frontier, who long for a Christian marriage and for those whose families have decreed that they must marry a person of the majority religion.

Last month, prayer was lifted for a South Asian Muslim-background believer whose family had made tentative arrangements for his marriage to a young Muslim woman. He met his prospective bride and told her that he was a follower of Christ. He shared what that means in his life and how it might impact their future life together. She was very receptive, and he has left her to think about what she has learned. Please ask God to draw her with certainty into faith in Him, and pray that she might become the valuable co-laborer this faithful brother believes she could be.

S is a 32-year-old believer among a Last Frontier people group and a fairly new follower of Christ. Recently she received a marriage proposal from a Hindu man who is well respected in the community. By normal cultural standards, it would be considered a great match for her. Her family is really pushing her to accept the proposal. After studying what the Bible says about being unequally yoked, she feels God is telling her to reject the proposal.

* Please pray that these families will respect the Christian’s faith and not force them into unequally yoked marriages.

* Ask God to open the hearts of prospective husbands and wives as well as family members to the gospel after seeing their loved ones take a strong stand for God’s will.

* Intercede for those you know who are honoring the Lord while daily demonstrating His grace to an unbelieving spouse.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5: 31, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, praying with you for those seeking a Christian spouse.

* Please pray that these families will respect the Christian’s faith and not force them into unequally yoked marriages.

* Ask God to open the hearts of prospective husbands and wives as well as family members to the gospel after seeing their loved ones take a strong stand for God’s will.

* Intercede for those you know who are honoring the Lord while daily demonstrating His grace to an unbelieving spouse.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

THERE WERE SOME anxious moments at our house as my daughter and I prepared for our mission trip…

Late in the packing process we discovered that my passport that had been set out earlier, was not a current passport! That current passport was not where we expected it to be.

For about an hour, we gave the term ransack new meaning. God answered our fervent prayers and we found the all-important document.

Those who travel understand the seriousness of misplacing a passport. This document shows you are a citizen of the United States and have been cleared for travel to other countries. Without it I would have been denied admission to Peru. Actually, I wouldn’t have been allowed onto the plane headed for Peru. I would have been left behind.

As I reflect upon that nerve-wracking episode, I think of a more vital appointment. Jesus spoke about it in Matthew 25:31,32:

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and
all the holy angels with Him, then He will
sit on the throne of His glory. All the
nations will be gathered before Him, and He
will separate them one from another, as a
shepherd divides his sheep from the goats”
(NKJV).

Following the pronouncement of judgment, only two destinations will await those who have been sentenced. Of the two, heaven and hell, all know the destination to which they want to go.

Earlier in that chapter (verses 1-13), Jesus spoke the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. Ten young women anxiously awaited the arrival of the bridegroom. The wait was longer than expected and five of them found that their supply of oil for their lamps was not sufficient. While they were away buying oil, the bridegroom came and the door was shut. The five foolish maidens were barred from the celebration they had dreamed about. They should have made better preparation.

There will be those at the Day of Judgment who will experience panic far worse than I recently felt. They will assume they’re ready for the coming of Jesus — but they won’t be. For them there will be no second chance. The sound of heaven’s door closing will be heard, and it will prompt “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). As you read this, realize one thing: You have this opportunity to make preparations for the coming of the Lord. You may not have another opportunity. We urge you out of genuine Christian love to prepare your soul for the certain arrival of Jesus Christ! Tim Hall at http://forthright.net

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.” Matthew 25:1-3

Reminder: On Mission in Kentwood @ 8:30

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me,

because I am gentle and humble in spirit;

and you will find rest.

For the yoke I will give you is easy,

and the load I will put on you is light.”

~Matthew 11:27-30 TEV~

There are a number of people still undergoing tests this week. Please continue to pray for them as a group or individually.

From Esther Rodriguez

Please keep Elaine Stewart on the prayer list. She is coming along slowly and will be at North Oaks Rehab at least another week. Looks like she will be in a wheelchair 6 weeks or more.

CaringBridge sites to check today

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

“STAND STILL, AND see the salvation of the LORD…” Exodus 14:13

These words contain God’s command to the Christian when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut upon the right hand and on the left. What is he to do now?

The Master’s word to him is “stand still.” It will be well for him if, at such times, he listens only to his Master’s word, for other and evil advisors come with their suggestions.

Despair whispers, “Lie down and die; give it all up.”

Cowardice says, “Retreat; go back to the world’s way of action; you cannot play the Christian’s part; it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles.”

Presumption boasts, “If the sea is before you, march into it.” (L. B. Cowman)

Are you ready to quit? Have you turned backward? Have you started moving ahead before it’s time to do so? Think about it.

And Moses said to the people,

“Do not be afraid.

Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD,

which He will accomplish for you today.

For the Egyptians whom you see today,

you shall see again no more forever.

Exodus 14:13

When you are going through the difficulties of life, remember to stand still.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you.” ~Proverbs 29:25 GN~

Today is See You at the Pole day. Students around the world will be meeting at the flag pole at their schools to pray. Pray for them. Thank God for their willingness to meet and pray.

From Landon Estay:

Update on baby Caleb: we had an appointment last week. It appears the spina bifida opening is lower than we initially thought, and it seems to be protected by skin. So, the cord isn’t exposed to the amniotic fluid. He does have a club foot, w…hich the first ultrasound said he had but the MRI did not. The swelling in his head is mild, so he may not require a shunt to drain the fluid. God is protecting Caleb.

As you are praying for Caleb Estay, pray for his dad to find a new job – in God’s timing – so it will be the right one.

Pray for Donna Smith Linton, daughter of J.D. and Lorna Smith. Donna is two days late in delivering her second baby, a big one!

Annie L. Stringer

Annie Kathryn Lewis Stringer, 74, of McComb, died unexpectedly Sept. 19, 2009, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb and 10 a.m. Thursday at New Heights Baptist Church in Summit until services there at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Rick Kennedy officiating. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery.

Mrs. Stringer was born April 20, 1935, in Heidelberg, to T.D. and Annie Livingston Lewis, and was the youngest of 11 children.

Mrs. Stringer and her husband Charlie made McComb their home in 1961. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 25, 2009. Together they raised five children.

Mrs. Stringer’s family said that as a member of New Heights Baptist Church, she lived her life as a testament of God’s love, believing that her calling was to raise a family. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she loved gathering with family and friends and cooking and entertaining in her home. She always cooked more than enough because “you never know who might stop by.” Her love for her neighbors made hers the most popular house on the block. She often served as the neighborhood dentist and snack stand for the kids.

Though she battled severe rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years, Mrs. Stringer rarely let the disease slow her down. She enjoyed shopping in town and made friends everywhere she went.

Mrs. Stringer was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William, Alvin, Melvin, Edwin and Lucius Lewis; and sisters, Helen, Lolean and Baby Girl Lewis.

Survivors include her husband; five children, Wanda Caulfield and her husband David and their children Kaitlyn and Matthew of Hattiesburg, Colleen Siebert and her husband Sid and their children August, Marisa and Shelby of Summit, Anthony Stringer and his children Chase and Tyler, and Vince Stringer, all of McComb, and Amanda Stringer of Houston, Texas; twin sisters, Myrtice Castles and husband C.G. of New Port Richey, Fla., and Myrtle Hernandez of Houston, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Melvin Lewis and Mrs. Alvin Lewis, both of Heidelberg; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Kathy’s grandsons Chase and Tyler Stringer, August Siebert and Matthew Caulfield, her sons-in-law Sid Siebert and David Caulfield, and a longtime family friend, Tim White.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the New Heights Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Parklane Academy Capital Campaign.

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

Caring Bridge sites to check today:

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

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

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

Number

I READ OF an old Norwegian who had kept very careful notes of his life in a series of notebooks he kept on the shelf of his business…

On his eightieth birthday he went to the store and pulled the books from the shelf and began to compute his life. He was surprised to find that he had spent five of his eighty years waiting on customers. He had spent six months tying neckties, three months scolding children who had been running around the store, and eight days telling his dogs to lie down and be quiet.

Some stuff is pressing (i.e., urgent); some stuff is consequential (i.e., important). We need to learn to distinguish between the two and then act accordingly.

“So teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

~Psalm 90:12~

On Mission in Kentwood is scheduled for Saturday. If you, or someone you know, has a need for minor maintainance, household assistance, or yard work, please contact the church office or me.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for praying for the needs listed here and for the ones that are not listed for one reason or another.

Anna Lee

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Posted by Mike Benson at August 25, 2009 11:21 AM