Devotional – Page 220 – The Prayer Link

Tuesday

“When we went under the water,

we left the old country of sin behind;

when we came up out of the water,

we entered into the new country of grace

—a new life in a new land!

That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means.”

~Romans 6:3 MSG~

VBS attendance Monday = 201! I look forward to the baptisms we will have after this week.

Adam Carter got his first wasp sting yesterday – on his right eye. Pray this doesn’t give him any problem.

My mother’s bruising continues to swell, but the pain in her face is gone. She does have lingering pain in the rib area and numbness on the top of her head. Please continue to pray for her.

Jennie’s family made the move yesterday. They camped out in the new apartment last night. Pray the furniture arrives on schedule today.

Baptist Press

June 8, 2009

GEORGIA–Hunt responds to GCR critics, predicts SBC will approve task force. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30639

TENNESSEE–Prayer conferences call for intercession. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30640

TENNESSEE–Draper improving during hospitalization. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30641

MISSOURI–His vision: Family zone for ballpark in downtown St. Louis. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30642

ALABAMA–Ala. doubles strength of beer. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30643

MISSOURI–Lawyer upholds ‘Christmas’ on school calendars. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30644

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Dennis Swanberg): Kurdish lamb and a rolling stone. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30645

Doodlebug

THE ANT LION is a little insect whose larva (also called a doodlebug) lives in regions of dry or sandy soil…

It digs a pit about 2 inches deep and waits for ants to fall in. It is equipped with a highly sensitive alarm system that picks up the slightest vibration. A single grain of sand falling into its hole can activate it. Anchor-like appendages under its body enable it to grip the soil as it struggles with its victim. Even more remarkable is its complex mouth that forms a kind of “drinking straw,” ideal for sucking fluids. When an ant is trapped, the ant lion injects it with paralyzing drug and then with digestive juices that allows it to feed on its prey.

The eminent French zoologist Pierre-Paul Grasse says that Darwin’s theory of natural selection can’t explain the “avalanche of…chance occurrences” necessary for such a creature to evolve. Grasse’s research keeps pointing toward a Creator, even though he himself remains an unbeliever.

“O LORD, how manifold are Your works!

In wisdom You have made them all.

The earth is full of Your possessions.”

~Psm. 104:24~

Posted by Mike Benson at March 16, 2006 1:25 PM

May you realize some of God’s blessing for you today! They will be there, but will the recognition be there?

Anna Lee

Monday

“And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life.

He who comes to Me shall never hunger,

and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

~John 6:35, NKJV~

Mrs. Faye Price has more good days than usual lately. She is beginning to do things she has not been able to do for a while. Continue to pray for her and for her family as they stick by her on the good days and the not-so-good days.

Pray for the workers and the children who will be involved in VBS this week and for young hearts to accept Jesus this week. Pray for families to be reach through the children.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN I WAS a little kid, I got a pretty nasty burn on my leg…

The doctor applied a bandage designed to adhere to the burned skin. The bandage was made of a material that had a healing ointment in it, and as the burn healed and the skin began to grow, the bandage and the skin fused. It worked almost like a skin graft, and it was very effective in the process of healing.

This is a picture of what the local church should be. We are not to be a band-aid that provides a small amount of healing and protection for the hurting people around us, only to be taken off and once again made separate. The church should be fused with those who have been “burned,” working as a unit to bring about healing. Part of our strategy is to become a vital part of life in our region, not just to be a place for people to visit on the weekends but truly to be a healing place for a hurting world. We want to be involved, to be part of the cure, and to be a resource for rehabilitation and spiritual restoration. (Dino Rizzo)

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude;

and He was moved with compassion for them,

and healed their sick.”

Matthew 14:14

It there was a “compassionmeter”, how would we rate? How would our churches rate?

Anna Lee

Sunday

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through Him.”

~John 3:16-17 NIV~

VBS registration this morning at FBC, Kentwood and in the morning before VBS.

Please continue to pray for my mother as she recovers from her last fall. The bruising and swelling continue in her face. Thankfully, much of the pain is now gone.

Pray for Jennie’s family today. They will be moving to their capital city tomorrow. Since there is a seven hour time difference, their move will begin while most of us are sleeping tonight. Pray for things to go smoothly and for the new apartment to work well for them.

Two people were checked out for health concerns in the last few days. Both Melissa Simpson and Dr. Earl Council got good reports. God was faithful and good to them!

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Saturday, June 6, 2009 12:09 PM, EDT

I have tried all morning to come up with a catchy word for todays post. I can’t. I just can’t. I am at a hard point in this journey. There are many good things that have come out of this tragic sureal event that none of us wanted to be smack in the middle of, especially not mom and dad. I think of the time jase and I are getting to spend with mom and dad, the overwhelmin

g blessing of the church being the church and loving on us and praying for us. God recieving glory as he is near to us and we are near to Him walking this out allowing people to see this living relationship walked out in front of them. It is all good. But I am tired. I did not expect nor plan this into my life and I am ready for this to stop. To wake up, I think we all are. We want to spend time with each other. We want to share in love with friends and family. We want the church to be the church breath by breath, that is all of our passion. We want God to recieve glory through our lives as we walk with Emmanuel. I hear the spirit whisper I have overcome, peace, rest in me. I know it is all good because He is good. My boys verse this week is actually my mother’s verse for me. God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity but a spirit of power, love, and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 We will walk through this and be loved and give love and He will recieve Glory from it. We must be resolutely focused, surrendered daily, and endure. That is where we are called, no matter the circumstance. That is what Jesus did as he resolutely walked with God to the cross and endured for us. I thank him that he holds us.

I have enjoyed being with my mom’s sister, my aunt Kete. She is giving my mom a hand and foot massage and doing her nails. She is so much like mom it was fun to be with her. She will watch over her even better than J and me. She is a nurse, once a nurse always a nurse.

PRAY!! Pray for us. Pray for dad. He is doing well: working, walking, and healing. Please continue to pray for his strength, resolve, and peace that passes understanding and joy that is renewed daily. Pray his bones will heal and his pain will be tolerable. Pray for his mind and the worries of what bills will be left at the end. Pray for God’s favor with the insurance companies. (God is the only one that could control the insurance companies but that is another topic for another time). Pray for him wisdom to know what to do next as we walk through these uncharted waters. Pray for him the drive and discipline to do rehab with much vigor. Pray that he will grow stronger from his effort and be encouraged to do more and endure.

Pray especially mom. I saw her sacral decub today. It is healing some, it is about the diameter of a half dollar and about an inch deep. The one on her head is virtually healed. Her lungs still have a nosocomial infection of pseudomonas and she has yeast in her trachea. She had a rash that is now clear but they still have her on antibiotics till june 23 for her bone infection. Her blood cultures remain clear thankfully. She is talking a little stronger, in a bass tone. She is swallowing thick things. She stood with lots of help this week. The neurosurgeon’s came by yesterday and will continue to follow her. They are waiting for the infection to clear before replacing skull. She is resting today, no therapy. Pray for her vocal cords to heal and work. Pray for her swallowing to work so she will not aspirate her food and continue to keep pneumonia. Pray for her to move and walk and talk. Pray for her infection to heal. Pray for her spirit (I am not the one in the bed that was hit by a car I remind myself often) to be resolute to drive herself to wellness as the Holy spirit comforts her and brings her peace and joy. Jesus make her well and whole physically. I thank Him for making all of us whole spiritually. Hold us all Jesus, amen.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

TOP TEN SIGNS YOU’RE GROWING MORE “MATURE”

10. Your teeth spend the night in a jar.

9. You have an executive “lift” chair.

8. It takes you longer to go to sleep than it did to get tired.

7. You and the pharmacist are on a first-name basis.

6. It takes you twice as long to look half as nice.

5. The pressing question of your life is, “Where did I park the car?”

4. You get winded playing Bible Trivia.

3. You know all of the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.

2. You walk with your head held high…to see through your bifocals.

1. Shuffleboard doesn’t sound too bad.

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,

if it is found in the way of righteousness.”

Proverbs 16:31

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:

Take your everyday, ordinary life—

your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—

and place it before God as an offering.

Embracing what God does for you

is the best thing you can do for Him.”

~Romans 12:1 MSG~

Jesse Dean is recovering well from his surgery. Ice packs and pain medication work wonders! He’s home and doing well.

Please remember John Seal and family of the Canaan communtity as they are dealing with a growth in John’s throat,currently waiting for blood thinner level so a biopsy can be made, thanks,Kirby (Varnado)

From:
Subject:

<a id="r_quote_250" onclick="document.getElementById('r_message_250').value = 'n- – – Original message – – -nFrom:tKirby Varnado nDate:tJune 5, 2009 3:24 AMnnPlease remember John Seal and family of the Canaan communtity as they are dealing with a growth in John’s throat,currently waiting for blood thinner level so a biopsy can be made, thanks,Kirbyn’;this.style.visibility=’hidden’;return false” href=”edit-comments.php?page=scf2-contact-form/scf2-admin.php#” mce_href=”edit-comments.php?page=scf2-contact-form/scf2-admin.php#”>Quote Message Text

Susie Sharkey sent this email early yesterday morning, but I did not receive it in time to include it yesterday. The surgery went well. Pray for her as she deals with pain as she recovers.

I am having out-patient surgery today at 12:00p.m. on my right shoulder. I have a bone spur and have been in pain for the last month. Please church family pray for me. Thanks, I love you all, Susie

Mr. Walter Green Harper continues to be in rehab in Hammond. Yesterday, his wife told David he still has a lot to progress to make. Please continue to remember this special family.

Dukes Family

< two months. >
Mom and Dad were run over by a Ford Expedition on April 4th, two months ago tonight. I’ll be honest – there are times when I still wonder if we will wake up soon and this will have been a bad dream. At the same time, it has been more real and more difficult than anything I have ever walked through. God’s nearness has been real, though. And I am so thankful that His wisdom and His people have surrounded us, defining this reality as only He and His love can.

How appropriate

, then, is it that such a significant event happened today.

We had to wait to go see Mom until this afternoon, because of Dad’s appointment with his neurologist. The XRays were taken and the verdict came in. Dad’s heart was lifted when the restriction of his neck collar was lifted. THE DOCTOR SAID THAT DAD COULD TAKE OFF THE NECK COLLAR!!!

He told us that his neck had healed very well. No lifting and strength training as of yet, but Dad should definitely take off the collar and begin range-of-mo

tion rehab. His neck and shoulder muscles have been spasming quite a bit. The doctor said that was due to the muscles overreacting to the trauma that occurred in his neck. They overcompensate for the issues of the other supporting structures. He has been on muscle relaxers and will continue.

To say that Dad was happy would be an understatement. You can see it in the picture. He was very grateful. He tossed the neck collar in the back of the truck when we got out to the parking garage.

It’s good to see his neck again. His brother told him he needed to shave.

When we got to see Mom, she was being lifted back into bed from therapy. They told us she had done really well. She became very tired, though, and she wanted to get back to bed.

Mom interacted with us well yet again. We can’t tell you how thankful we have been to actually “talk” with her the last week or so. And Mom is progressing

, continuing to initiate conversation.

Her infections remain. Cultures are supposed to be done tomorrow, we think. Another bone scan will have to be done to assess the osteomyelit

is.

Mom doesn’t complain any more of a pain in her bottom. We are told her bedsore on her bottom is doing really well. We haven’t seen it this week. Her head bedsore is much better.

Erik and Mom’s sister and Dad’s sister and her husband all come into town tomorrow. I will fly out tomorrow afternoon. I am sure Erik will post over the weekend.

Please pray that Mom’s cranium piece will be replaced soon. Please pray for logistics to work out for Mom’s med-flight home. Please pray for Dad to have strong bones and a strong heart. Thanks for your continued support and prayers.

u have walked with us for two months now. We are grateful.
-jason

Denton Family

Test results came back and everything is normal. The doctors are treating Don with some new meds now and it looks like it is working.

Don will be released in the morning and we get to go home!

We are so happy about this. Home again.

I have allot to do tonight to pack and get the car ready, so I will sign off for now.

Bless you our family and friends.
Diane

Please continue to pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith of Roseland. Momma’s face is very swollen and bruised from her fall. Daddy is doing a good job of being her caregiver.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?

The following ads are reported to have been taken from actual newspapers:

1) Free puppies: ½ cocker spaniel, ½ sneaky neighbor dog

2) Snow blower for sale … only used on snowy days

3) For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

4) 2 wire mesh butchering gloves: 1 five-finger, 1 three-finger, pair $15

5) Lost: small apricot poodle. Reward. Neutered. Like one of the family.

6) Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children

7) Nordic Track $300. Hardly used. Call Chubbie.

8) Found: Dirty white dog. Looks like rat. Been out awhile. Better be reward.

9) Hummels — largest selection ever. “If it’s in stock, we have it!”

10) Georgia Peaches, California grown — 89 cents/lb.

11) Nice parachute: never opened — used once, slightly stained

12) Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting pay — $7-9 per hour

13) For sale by owner — complete set of Encyclopedia Brittanica. 45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000 obo. No longer needed. Got married last weekend. Wife knows everything.

14) LOST: One-eyed, three-legged male dog. Answers to the name “Lucky.”

I’m going to share with you one of my “pet peeves.” I don’t like the word “lucky.” And, no, it has nothing to do with the ad above. I enjoy many good things in life. I have a lot of wonderful things happen to me. And there are times that I am tempted to say, “You know, I’ve been pretty lucky.” But then I recall that my good fortune is due not to luck or happenchance, but to the hand of Almighty God. I’m not lucky; I’m blessed! God has richly provided for me in ways far beyond what I expect or deserve.

Can you picture Esther saying, “Wasn’t it lucky that the king was willing to hear my plea?”? Can you picture Paul saying, “Wasn’t it lucky that we weren’t killed in that shipwreck?”? Can you picture Daniel saying, “Wasn’t it lucky that the lions didn’t eat me?”?

Then why would I dare speak of how “lucky” I’ve been in my life? It’s not luck — it’s the providential care of a loving God!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17). Thank you, Father, for blessing my life so richly!

Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

God has blessed us in so many ways! I’m thankful!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Let your eyes look forward;

fix your gaze straight ahead.

Carefully consider the path for your feet,

and all your ways will be established.”

~Proverbs 4:25-26, HCSB~

Don Denton

Don is now on the neurology floor. His status has not changed. He is stable, but he is not able to eat nor sit up. His headaches are a constant. There is a possibility that these headaches could be partly from what they call: low pressure on the brain. This can occur from the lumbar drain. They did take the lumbar drain out yesterday.

We did not meet with the neuro team today. They have assured us that they will meet with us tomorrow.

They did another CT Scan last night and they will be doing another MRI in the morning.

Tonight my goal is to get to bed earlier. We have another long day tomorrow.

We continue to give thanks to God for Anne and Frank who have so generously and graciously opened their home to us again.

I am reminded in the midst of all of this difficulty in our life that God tells us to believe like a child. I was reminded of that tonight when my son, Frank and his grandaughter were outside and Josh saw lightening bugs. His eyes lit up and the wonder and awe that flowed from his expressions were a breath of fresh air to me. For those moments I was able to take delight in his delight and enjoy the moment. He caught them, put them in jar and they were his “nightlight” for a few moments tonight.

I have talked often of “perspective” when I write. Tonight was another one of those times that God has reminded me that He delights in us. He loves us in the midst of this terrible thing that has happened to our family, to my husband. He loves us through his people.

So thank you God for your wonder, for your love and your grace and mercy, which we so need. Thank you God for those who reach out to my son, Don and me.

Bless you
Diane

Baptist Press

June 2, 2009

WASHINGTON–Evangelicals frustrated by Obama’s ‘Gay Pride Month’ proclamation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30597

KENYA–Aid targets famine in Kenya’s Rift Valley. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30598

TEXAS–CP helps ‘reap more than you sow.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30599

TENNESSEE–CP down 2.78%; off ’09 budget by 1.85%. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30600

ALABAMA–FIRST-PERSON (Chris Bonts): Thank you, Southern Baptists. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30601

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Kenneth S. Hemphill): Once upon a time.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30605

ARKANSAS–Ouachita marks 10th anniv. of tragic plane crash. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30602

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): A test for the pro-life movement. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30603

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (John M. Yeats): Multi-site? Please press pause. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30604

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A FELLOW GOSPEL preacher relates the following story…

“The first year of our marriage was spent on a farm. My wife, though reared on a farm, always allowed her parents to take care of killing as well as preparing frying chickens for the dinner table. Her father would put a chicken over a block and chop its head off. While I, on the other hand, was accustomed to catching a chicken and wringing it neck. After we had been married a while, we had some chickens ready for eating. I picked up a nice plump fryer, handed it to my wife, and told her to wring its neck. (After all, to be a good farm wife, she would need to learn these things.) She took the chicken by the neck and began spinning him around and around. She then dropped him on the ground, where he lay stunned and confused for a moment. Suddenly, the chicken hopped up on his legs and ran out of sight. After 45 years of marriage, the two of us still laugh when we remember that incident!”

If we’re not careful, we can treat sin like this preacher’s wife treated that chicken many years ago. She didn’t kill it; she only disturbed it and ruffled its feathers a bit. The Bible tells us that we must mortify (e.g., put to death) the sin that is in our lives.

If you want fried chicken, somebody must kill the chicken. Likewise, if you want to go to heaven, you must put to death the sin in your life. (Mike Benson)

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:

fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire,

and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Because of these things the wrath of God is coming

upon the sons of disobedience.”

~Colossians 3:5-6~

Make today count!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”

~Psalm 119:105~

Kathy Jo Thompson (Amite)

Wow…it has been a while! I am doing good. My back is healing well. The muscles still hurt especially later during the day. I can’t stay in one position for long so it makes it hard to do things. I am working for the summer with the 4-H extension office in St. Tammany. Today is my first day and it is going well, I don’t do much.ha I am scheduled to go back to Maryland in July for more MRis and the doctor wants to look at the tumor in my cervical spine (my neck) because my hands are going numb and becoming cold. I graduated May 15th from LSU it was great! I have a degree!!!

Jimmy and Retia Dukes (New Orleans)

< signs of life. >
Someone on the Guestbook asked me to update everyone on Mom’s tomato plant back at their home. Well, funny you asked. My wife just stopped by to water it and get the mail and trigger the alarm (happens every time almost – she does it right, it’s just got a mind of its own and is overprotective). When she stopped by today, she emailed me this picture. Pretty awesome to see signs of life.

Mom continues to show those signs, too. She had another great therapy session today. The therapists told us it was a great workout. Mom especially enjoyed her shoulder massage, they said. She held her head up high while they rubbed her shoulders. Who wouldn’t?

The wound care folks said Mom’s bedsores are doing really well. The one on her head is almost healed completely. The one on her bottom is progressing well. They have been using a wound vac to treat it, as we wrote a while back, and that treatment has been effective. Kind of gross, but effective. Signs of life!

On top of all that, Mom is extending both arms and hands to hold our hand. She is waving with her right hand when we leave. There is an issue in her right arm with the “pick line.” So, they are moving it. It had caused some swelling. I long for the day when IV meds are not required any longer. Pray for that end.

We don’t think of it this way probably, but infections are signs of life, too. Maybe not the kind we want to see. Well, definitely not the kind we want to see. However, Mom’s infections continue. She has two now in her lungs, the one still in her tailbone, and one in her urine. Her blood was clear the last culture they took. They took another one over the weekend, the nurse said. Results should be back in tomorrow or so. Please pray for those infections to clear, for those meds to be 100% effective, and for her body to not be permanently affected from the infections and meds.

Mom also showed us greater signs of life with regard to her speech. She talked some more, they said, during therapy this morning (they got her early today before Dad and I got there). She was very talkative (mouth-ative) when Dad and I got there. She didn’t have her passy muir valve in for some reason, but she mouthed our head off!!! Which was wonderful – not like when you complain of someone talking your head off. This is a sign of life we want and have been hoping for. She mouthed full sentences and questions and interacted with us well. We are very thankful. Please pray for those vocal cords to show greater signs of life in the coming days.

Speaking of Mom’s speech, did I mention Dad’s speech? I mean preach. That’s right! Dad preached yesterday. Gentilly Baptist Church and Dr. Ken Taylor asked Dad to preach yesterday morning in their worship gathering, and he did it. He stood, leaning on his right leg and his walker, and brought the Word. Our church family in Orlando prayed for him during that time. We were all excited about it. Definitely a sign of life for Dad. It’s what he was wired to do. And, he does it really well. Even with a neck collar, a leg boot, a walker, and jogging pants. He’s just cool that way.

Just in case you were just thinking, “Man. Jimmy preached! I wonder if they recorded it? I hope they did. I would love to hear it!”

You are in luck!!! Thanks to Becky Brown and Vanee Daure and to Benji and Jenna, the moment was preserved for ages to come. At least as long as digital recording works and YouTube keeps web-broadcasting.

The DVD copies of it are being burned today to share with family. Jenna is going to upload it to YouTube today or tomorrow or soon. When she does, I will give you the link. I can’t wait to see him, showing those signs of life by sharing about the life we have been given.

Well, we are heading to supper. Two Tony’s. An Italian restaurant in the Buckhead part of town, by the lake. Cool spot.

By the way – you see that “show you care” thermometer on the right side of this page? Well, I got asked about it a few days ago. It’s a promotion from Caring Bridge to support Caring Bridge. Which is a good thing to do. Just letting you know, it is not the “Jimmy-and-Retia-Dukes Help-fund Thermometer.” Someone asked me if it was. That fund Erik mentioned a while back was set up by the New Orleans Baptist Seminary and is managed by them. No thermometer has been created yet that I know of. Maybe we could use the Chapel steeple for it. I’ll let you know if they approve and send pics.

Love yall. I’ll holler tomorrow.
-jason

Don Denton (St. Louis)

Yesterday was a good day for Don! He ate. It was short lived because today he was sick again all day could not lift his head from the pillow.

I spoke in dept with his neurologist this evening. Don will be moved from the neurosurgery floor to the neurology floor tonight or in the morning. They are going to switch some of his meds to manage the pain. They are going to conduct a few more tests as well. If they can manage his pain they will be sending us home by the middle of the week hopefully.

We will await further test results. They found red and white blood cells in his spinal fluid. The white blood cells are of concern as it is a high number. We continue to wait for test results which could go into next week.

We are working at being more thoughtful about what happens next. Our goal is to get the neurologist here at Barnes to consult with our neurologist back at Mayo. I spoke with our neurologist at Mayo today as well. He wants all of Don’s clinical records to review.

Once he reviews those clinical records we will discuss what is next.

I have been burning a candle at both ends again. It is hard to sleep at night with my mind racing with questions.

Thanks to our friends from church for getting some much needed clothes to Joshua and I. WE had come up here with so little not expecting a hospital stay.

Your emails and caringbridge posts to me lift my spirits and so encourage me more than you can know. I look forward to them and I hold onto the words you all write to me. Some days at the end of the day I am so discouraged; and then I find emails in my box that contain your words that minister to me more than you can know. I find that I hold onto these words of hope, words of affirmation, love and care throughout my days. I am moved deeply by your compassion toward us. I know this is from our heavenly father.

The doctors here are still saying that they don’t know if they can help Don. Some of them are praying too. They have seen what we have been through and are going through. They see our discouragement and our hope.

I have allot to get accomplished over the next few days. I was so tired today as I could not sleep much last night at all. It can be tough to stay focused on what is important when I am depleted like this.

Pray that we can get our doctor at Mayo and Barnes to consult with one another. Pray that we can get the records in a timely manner. Pray that Don will respond to the new meds they are going to start him on.

Pray that they will find the answer so they will better know how to treat Don. They are sending out his lumbar fluid samples for further testing as well.

I will do my best to post sometime tomorrow. The computer at the hospital today was down and I was there from early morning to this evening.

Joshua had a good day today with actually a very special student from SBU. Mary Jane is a sophmore at SBU and she happens to be the niece of a women that my brother/wife – Steve and Lynn are friends with here in St. Louis. She found out that we needed help with childcare and offered her time to help us.

Joshua took to her right away because she is so wonderful with kids and second she knows how to build legos. She too is a Godsend to us.

Bless you
Diane

Gunky

I SAW THIS sign at a gas station while I was traveling…

It made me think about instances when I’ve had to deal with “gunky build-up” in my life. For me, gunky build-up occurs when I let less important stuff squeeze out the real priorities in my life. Maybe you’ve experienced it too:

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I can’t afford to take a break and rest. The reality is that I’m far less effective in my family and leadership roles when I’m tired and grumpy.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll spend quality time with my wife at the end of the day after everything else is done. The reality is that the last things on my priority list rarely get done.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll get to the next big projects after I knock out the more routine tasks. The reality is that there will always be other routine tasks to complete.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that the more I do, the more valuable I am to the team. The reality is that I’m not being effective if I’m busy doing the wrong things.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that the little problem I have isn’t jeopardizing my leadership. The reality is that most times everyone else is already being impacted by my little problem.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to correct every false statement and negative comment. The reality is that many times those faint voices become a distraction when I draw attention and make them loud.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that goals will be accomplished without a plan if I’m just patient and faithful. The reality is that most goals worth pursuing require counsel and strategy and hard work and commitment.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to jump at a good opportunity. The reality is that someone will always have a good opportunity for me to pursue, and many times those good opportunities squeeze out time and energy needed to fulfill a greater mission and calling.

Do you know that I’m talking about? Have you dealt with similar cases of gunky build-up? I’m still trying to learn how to deal with this, but along the way I’ve also learned some preventive maintenance that helps clean up my engine. Here are some things I’ve learned I need to do to “de-gunk” my life:

. Schedule my week in advance, including scheduling time to work on major projects.
. Prioritize time with my wife.
. Surround myself with friends who will push back when needed.
. Stay disciplined about my faith, my exercise, and my eating habits.
. Learn to say no.
. Decide in advance what I hope to accomplish.

So is it time for you to stop the gunky build-up in your life? Now is the time to do something about it. Don’t delay. (Tony Morgan)

“But one thing is needed….” Luke 10:42

Posted by Mike Benson

Thank-you for being there to pray each day. You mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

~1Timothy 2:8~

Don Denton

Don is stable. Sometime tonight or early morning they will do a lumbar puncture to check his opening pressure on the brain. They will also put a drain in the spine to alievate any pressure.

They will monitor his condition and any changes during the weekend. Then come Monday they will decide whether to do surgery and put a shunt in. That decision will not be make until Monday.

Josh and I are hanging in there. Our dear friends Anne and Frank have opened their home up to us again. We are so very grateful to them. And they are out of town as well.

Some friends of theirs are helping me with childcare for Joshua and frieinds are taking care of our animals back at home.

This was a surprise to us. We never expected Don to relapse at this point. It is concerning, very concerning. Don, Joshua and I are so tired and worn.

Joshua is such a trooper. This child has had to “wait” more than any child should have to. Waiting on doctor appts., waiting in ER’s, waiting in hospitals, waiting for his beloved daddy to get better. He loves Don so much. I see such compassion in this child.

And of course, we were just coming up here for a one day appointment, so I did not bring Joshua toys or movies or much of anything. I packed all three of our clothes in one tiny suitcase. UGH!

I try not to think about it, but Don now has been in a hospital every month since last September. Every month!

He is so very tired of hospitals, we all are. I don’t understand why there are so few answers. I am discouraged and Don is too. It is so hard to understand this.

It is hard to pray these days. So, please pray for us.

My spirit is so low. And at the same time, I try so hard to be present with Joshua and Don. But today even that was most difficult for me.

I happen to be run down and sick too. This last week I was up allot with Don at night. My doctor had to call me in an antibiotic.

I don’t understand why answers don’t come. We are hanging on by a thread. Today has been a really rough day for us all.

It hurts to see Don suffer like this more than you can know. It hurts my heart so.

And at the same time, God has sent precious people to care for us here and at home. MaryAnn, John and David R. have been taking care of our home since all of this started for us. I don’t know what we would do without them. I keep saying that John and Mary Ann should have a room with their name on it in our home.

We can’t begin to say thank you for all the generous things you all do for us.

Each time I turn a corner and wonder how on earth are we going to make it. You can’t begin to know what 8 months of hospital stays, and tests and medicines cost. It blows me away. To be honest, I don’t know how we are going to do this.

I can’t even think about it. All I can think about is Don getting well again and us getting past this. Well, I have complained enough for one night. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

It has been a very hard day.

Please pray, we need it more than ever. Thank you our dear precious friends and family.

Diane

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

A Coke and a Smile

When I turned 9 years old I had no ideal what a year it would be for me. It started out great: birthday wishes, presents from my mom and dad and of course cake. I got a bb gun and two admonitions that I not shoot across the street or towards the house. “No problem” I said. It was time to regulate the birds, rabbits, squirrels, and anything else that would hold still long enough for me to get a shot off. I was excited and armed, what more could a young man want. So a friend and I went into the yard and were stalking anything that moved when I spotted a bird across the street sitting on a road sign. It was not just any bird, it was a target, sorry Uncle Dick. We lived in a curve with the gym next door and the church across the street diagonally back into the curve. You could hear cars coming from a mile away. The church was located by a creek and it was a rocks throw from the state line. I sited the bird, looked into the curve a time or two listening for a car and heard none. Despite the admonition I let her fly about the time I heard the gargle of an old muffler coming around the curve. I learned a little physics that day and the bb hit the back window of a child carrying floater car and shattered it. It took my 9 year old legs about 3 steps to get 30 feet into the house. I was the holding the bb gun over my head and screaming, “I never need a gun again, I never need a gun again, you can take away from me, whip me, whatever you want to”. My father shocked, quickly figured out what happened as the floater pulled into our driveway. Man needs purpose, needs a drive of purpose. Mine that day forever changed I was not purposed to be a mighty hunter. That year became even more tragic about an hour and a half later as I watched my blue healer, tiger go under a pulp wood truck, it was a peterbuilt, and not come out. My father had to scrape him off the road and bury him later that afternoon. Most of you are wondering how I made it without tremendous issues I know but I do have a point to this. These were not the most tragic events of this year. In the innocence of a 9 year old I loved her. She was beautiful confident, and could sing, at least that is what I remember. It was at VBS that she struck me with her beauty. We sang take my life lead me Lord, I prayed he would. She and her mother died that year in a curve in a creek and I dealt with the biggest tragedy of my life so far. I witnessed then, what I was reminded of last night, that love is seen in tragedy,as hundreds of people came to express sorrow and thoughtfuln

ess of prayer to the family, I joined them. I did so again last night again as two children in my community were remembered and visited for the last time on this earth. As I waited two hours to pay my respect to the boys and their families I was reminded that a community who loves is best seen in a time of tragedy. My family has been overwhelmingly reminded of this by all of you and we thank you. As you remember us please remember the Krech, Rhodes, and Nanney families. Their loss has been felt by my whole community and I pray for them strength and the peace that passes all understanding. Please pray for them as well.

My sweet potato mom today sat with no therapist hands on her body as she was moved onto a PT mat today and lifted her head and looked at dad and me. She is progressing despite the infection and even though she was tired she gave her best. After sitting about an hour while they stretched, moved, and massaged her muscles she was then moved back into the wheelchair. Speech placed her valve and she spoke. Oh my GOODNESS, I love to hear her say “Jimmydukes, all one word of it, and I love you, and I have to go to the bathroom, and I want to stand and I want a coke”, she gave me a smile.

Dad is doing great. He is using his walker most of the time. He was sipping coffee when I arrived just before lunch. We had bud’s broiler and went to see mom. Then we went to eat two tonys, thanks Clay. Dad is progressing in every way.

Please continue to pray for mom: for her decubiti, for her infection in her sacrum and her lungs, for her progressive improvement with therapy, for her care that they would be communicative, caring, and clean. Pray for dad: that his wounds would heal as well as his bones, that his mind heart and strength would stay focused on the father, and that he would be stronger daily and not get inpatient with his or mom’s healing. Pray for logistics of insurance, placement, and transportation to all be worked out. Pray for Jason and my family as we continue to do our best to honor our father and mother.

After that year I put a 22 bullet into a dragonfly across that creek by the church. So much for me not being a mighty hunter. My purpose would not be driven by that though. Our purpose of this life is driven by a love relationship: one with God and others. We are commanded and exampled to love God and love others. I saw that at 9. I saw that last night. I see that with all of you. Thanks again for all your prayers and thoughtfullness. We are overwhelmed by it and thank our God for you as you continue to lift us up and be the church.

Edward C. “Ed” Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)

Mr. Edward “Ed” Cutrer a Veteran of WWII, was a recipient of a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, was born February 3, 1925 and passed away at 4:15 a.m., Monday, May 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Biloxi Division, Biloxi, MS. He was 84, a native of Montpelier and a resident of Amite.Mr. Ed is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce E. and Mary D. Cutrer, Amite; a daughter-in-law, Linda “Puddin” Cutrer, Amite; a sister, Mary Rogers, Greensburg; 2 brothers, Joe Cutrer, Greensburg and Ray Cutrer, Chicago, IL; 2 granddaughters, Keeli Cutrer, Amite and Heather Cutrer Koepp, and husband, Geoffrey, Amite; a grandson, Bruce E. “Binky” Cutrer, II, Amite; a great grandson, Garrett Wayne Koepp, Amite: and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Hazel Redmond Cutrer; wives, Louise Henry Cutrer Murphy and Cinderella “Cindi” King Cutrer; a son, Joe Wayne Cutrer; 2 sisters, Annie Mae Albritton and Myrtle Louise Ficklin; and 3 brothers, Hollis, Walter, and Dewitt Cutrer.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 12:00 noon until Religious Services at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Sam Leto officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 1-800-873-6983

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 and Bond Eye Clinic.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW once got a letter addressed to George Bernard Shawm…

In a beard-tossing fury, Shaw roared to his wife that his correspondent could not even spell the name of the world’s greatest man. Moreover, fumed G. B. S., there was no such word as “shawm.”

Shaw’s wife, one of the world’s most martyred women, quietly disagreed, led Shaw to a dictionary and pointed to “shawm…an old-fashioned wind instrument.”

“A man’s pride will bring him low,

but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

Proverbs 29:23

Have a wonderful day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Lord, when doubts fill my mind,

when my heart is in turmoil,

quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer”

~Psalm 94:19 LB~

Vacation Bible School will be from 8:30-11:30 June 8-12 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood. Pray now for the children who will attend. Share the time and dates with others who might be interested in attending.

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

Eraser of sin
One day, a man called Mr. B got very sick. He is one of the Moko* (MOH-koh) people of the Pacific Rim. When a Christian worker learned that Mr. B was sick, he went to visit him. The family was friendly and invited the worker into their home, but they were not very interested in hearing about Jesus.

The worker shared stories from the Bible when Jesus healed the sick. Then he encouraged Mr. B to “Call out to Jesus for healing.” Mr. B continued to resist, but he didn’t get better either. Finally one night, Mr. B asked God to help him in Jesus’ name. The next day, Mr. B was sitting up, eating, and feeling a lot better. Mr. B told the worker, “A doctor visited me last night—it was Jesus.”

Mr. B is now reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and telling his friends and family the stories. Mr. B calls Jesus the “eraser of sin.”

It isn’t acceptable to be a Christian on Moko Island, and there are no known Moko believers. Mr. B and his family are learning a lot about Jesus but haven’t decided to accept Him as Savior—YET! Please pray for them to let Jesus be their healer, eraser of sin, and Savior. Pray that they will be some of the very first Moko believers.

*people group name changed

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray for Papa, Gramma, and my cousins. God help them not to be sad while we live in Central Asia. JACK, age 6 (Central Asia)

My culture is normal like a typical Americans culture. Please pray for the youth of South Africa. SARAH BETH, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My best friend from school is hindu please pray for her to believe in God so she can get saved.

Every Sunday we go out to a Zulu Baptist church. The roads are very dangerous and we have had several hi-jackings targeted on us. Where we live is very dangerous. Please pray for our safety when we go out to town and go to tell the Zulu people about God. Please pray for the Zulu people to come to Christ. MARIAH, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My prayer is for people who don’t know Jesus to know Him. Help us to be safe traveling. Amen. HP, age 10 (East Asia)

Please pray for me and my friend. I don’t really have any Christian friends. KATIE, age 13 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

I have two best friends in my preschool class. Three times a week, I ride on my mommy’s bike to go to school. My two best friends sometimes come with their moms to visit us or we play at a playground together. My mom talks to their moms and we all eat yummy treats. Now, one of my best friends is 4. He is moving to another class. I will miss him very much. Pray we can still play together and that I can tell him that Jesus loves him too. Pray that I can continue to make good friends in my second language. Jesse, age 3 (Western Europe)

Catherine D. Conerly
(August 7, 1918 – May 28, 2009)

Mrs. Catherine D. Conerly was born August 7, 1918 and passed away at 9:15 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

Baptist Press

May 28, 2009

GEORGIA–Ga. to become 1st state with embryo adoption law. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30568

OKLAHOMA–Sex-selection, cloning bans enacted in Oklahoma. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30569

WASHINGTON–Assisted suicide claims 1st victim in Washington. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30570

ILLINOIS–‘Inland hurricane’ gets D.R. from 10 states. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30571

TENNESSEE–SBC seminaries send forth graduates. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30572

MISSOURI–Family of 4 graduates together. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30573

MISSISSIPPI–19 inmates earn degrees at Parchman. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30574

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): Justice Sotomayor: more for some, less for others? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30575

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): A world without newspapers? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30576

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A SAN DIEGO minister and his wife claim they were interrogated by a county official and warned they will face escalating fines if they continue to hold Bible studies in their home…

The couple, whose names are being withheld until a demand letter can be filed on their behalf, told their attorney a county government employee knocked on their door asking a litany of questions about their Tuesday night Bible studies, which are attended by approximately 15 people. “Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say ‘amen?” The minister’s wife answered yes. She says she was then told that she must stop holding “religious assemblies” until she and her husband obtain a Major Use Permit from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars. And if they fail to pay for the MUP, the county official warned the couple will be charged escalating fines beginning at $100, then $200, $500, $1000 “and then it will get ugly.”

Dean Broyles of the Western Center for Law & Policy which has been retained to represent the couple, said the county’s actions not only violates religious land-use laws but also assaults both the First Amendment’s freedom of assembly and freedom of religion. “The First Amendment, in part, reads, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise therefore,'” Broyles said. “And that’s the key part: ‘prohibiting the free exercise.’ We believe this is a substantial government burden on the free exercise of religion.” He continued, “If one’s home is one’s castle, certainly you would think the free exercise of religion, of all places, could occur in the home.”

Broyles confirmed the county official followed through on his threat. He also said that the minister and his wife are continuing to hold Bible studies in their home.

“And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

Make today special for someone! They will be blessed. You will be blessed even more!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,

But to Your name give glory.”

~Psalm 115:1a, NKJV~

Grady Brecheen is recovering from surgery at home now. Please continue to pray for him.

LESSONS FROM PRISON

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complained that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complained because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sued after lightning knocked out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he had to watch network programs, which he said contained violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sued to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sued for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sued because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate sued because he didn’t like his mail being stamped in a way that indicated it was being sent from a state prison (California)

~ An inmate who was a murderer sued for $25,000, claiming a “defective” haircut resulted in lost sleep, headaches, and chest pains. (New York)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison (and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which came from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same. There is much to be thankful for!

“Father, help me to truly understand that what matters most in life is not being comfortable, being stress-free, or even being treated fairly. What matters most is that I am living in a way that brings you the glory and draws others around me closer to you. Please help me to do that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Live today in a way that brings glory to God and draws others closer to Him.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy,

that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1~

Don Denton

We have spoken with Don’s doctor and she wants us to come back to St. Louis this week. Don will see his neurosurgeon and his neurologist on Friday at Barnes.

His neurologist wants to have another lumbar puncture done again. So, we will head up to St. Louis on Thursday.

I have barely unpacked from our last trip. The good thing is that this is just for a day. We will head back home on Friday too.

We continue to pray that this treatment will be what Don needs and we pray for wisdom and discernment for his doctors.

I will keep you all posted.

Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth
(February 24, 1932 – May 25, 2009)

Died at 10:03PM on Monday, May 25, 2009 at her residence in Amite, LA. She was a native of Welcome, LA. Age 77 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Ferguson Cemetery, Bunkie, LA. Survived by husband, Charles T. Hudspeth, Amite, 2 daughters, Renee Ann Miller and husband, Ivy, Montpelier, Lisa Ann Bateman and husband, Jim, Syracuse, UT, 3 sons, Stephen Hudspeth and wife, Misty, Rosharon, TX, Francis J. Hudspeth, Gray, Charles T. Hudspeth, Jr. and wife, Jewel, Bolivar, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Enola James, Neederland, TX, Alice Eaton, Delaware, brother, Irving Schexnayder, Donaldsonville. Preceded in death by parents, Walter and Aimee Schexnayder, 3 sisters, Doris Sigman, Vivian McCready, Gloria Prewitt, brother, Walter Schexnayder.

Edward Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)

Mr. Edward Cutrer was born February 3, 1925 and passed away at 4:15 a.m., May 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Biloxi, MS. He was 84 years.

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 Grand Prix Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

AN ANCIENT LEGEND tells of Al Haffed, a wealthy man who owned a large farm…

One evening a visitor related to him tales of diamonds that could be found in other parts of the world. The vision of all this wealth made him feel poor by comparison. so he sold his prosperous farm and set out to find treasure. The search proved fruitless. Finally, penniless and in despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the sea.

Meanwhile, the man who had purchased his farm one day noticed the glint of an unusual stone in a shallow stream on the property. To his amazement he pulled out a huge diamond. Later, when working in his garden, he uncovered more valuable gems. Poor Al Haffed had spent his life traveling to distant lands, seeking for jewels he could have found on the farm he had left behind.

Don’t overlook what you have! Contrast what you are with what you might have been but for the grace of God. (Allen Webster)

“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 wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee