Category: Devotional

Monday Afternoon

[The boy’s father said,]

“… If you can do anything, do it.

Have a heart and help us!”

Jesus said, “If?

There are no ‘ifs’ among believers.

Anything can happen.”

No sooner were the words out of his mouth

than the father cried,

“Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”


Mark 9:22-24 (MSG)

David Gullota update from Angela Shockley:

Thought you would like to know that David came home Fri. He is staying with his grandparents in Tylertown, MS. His mother would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. She ask that we continue to pray for him as he recovers


You’ll see why I chose this verse when you read the updates on Don Denton (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday).

Don is not coming home this weekend. He is too sick. His body is so compromised. The doctors are treating this as a separate illness. His right arm is swollen, they did an Ultra sound and found the beginnings of a blood clot. They are taking the necessary steps to treat it.

He is unable to eat at this point. So looks like he will be there for several days. We will know more by Monday.

Ugh….Ugh…Ok, that is just where I am at. This is hard and for Josh, well he just wants to be with his dad. So today I brought our portable dvd player to hospital and Joshua was perfectly content sitting there by his dad.

I won’t complain, it won’t do any good. And I have to hold onto the fact that he is not relapsing. I am most thankful for that. Josh and I just really miss him.

The days seem so long. I need to keep focused on how blessed we are. Because we are. Don could be allot worse and that I am so thankful for that he is not.

Thank you…thank you for your love and care and support of us.

Diane

Well Don is looking better this morning. He still has a high level of nausea, dizziness and headache.

He has a superficial blood clot, meaning not a deep thrombois. He is on clear fluids and not able to eat that at this point.

Hopefully we will see improvement today and tomorrow. I am so grateful to Mary Ann Smashey for staying with Joshua so I could spend the night at the hospital last night.

Bless you

Diane

Blessings

I now have this virus that Don has. What a life… So I am home sick, trying to take care of Josh and Don is at the hospital. What a story. Don’s IV dislodged in his left arm and now his left arm is swollen. They had to put the IV back in the right arm with the superfical blood clot.

Can you tell, I am not having a good day today. I am pretty tired myself. Hopefully my symptoms will get better. I was suppose to take Joshua to his best buddy’s birthday party today. I don’t think I am going to make it.

Sorry for the complaining. It is just a bad day. Pray that the nursese seeing Don now will be on top of this issues. I have had to be the one to bring things to their attention. I am beginning to be concerned over their ability to take care of him.

Ok, so there you have it. Life in the Denton house is pretty discouraged. Please pray for all of us, we really, really need it.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

I am feeling somewhat better. I have not seen Don since Saturday morning. I have spoken to him. He still has headache pain, but he is starting to eat. He still has swelling in both arms.

I have spoken to the nurse. She does not seem concerned about this. The night nurse was not aware of the superficial blood clot in his right arm.

I will be talking with his doctor sometime this morning. He is to call me. I am not well enough to go up to the hospital as of yet and of course I don’t want to spread my germs to Don.

The good news is that Don is able to keep his food down. He sounds somewhat better too.

It hurts my heart that Josh and I can’t be there to show support to him.

I am thankful that he has an excellent doctor in Dr. Trotman. He is present and passionate about Don’s case.

Pray that Don’s headache pain resolves itself. Pray that he will be able to get up and move around some today. If I am feeling well enough and my doctor says it is OK, I want to go see him this evening.

Joshua got to go to his friends Elijah’s birthday party yesterday and I could tell that he had the best time. We have such good friends that care so much about him. I am so grateful.

This has been a very long journey, going on 5 months now. Thank you to those of you who are sticking with us through this roller coaster ride. Thank you for your continued love, care and support of us. I could have never imagined our life being turned upside down like this.

I bought a causal necklace to support the childrens network at Cox South Hospital. It is a simple round copper piece with the word” believe” in the center. Joshua asked me….mom what does it say. And I told him, “Believe” I wear it because I believe in you, I believe in daddy, I believe in our family and I believe that we are going to make it through this and I believe in God that he is with us through all of this even when it is hard.

Joshua then said to me, “Mommy wear it on the outside of your shirt, so everyone can see that you believe in us”.

Pray for us. Thank you so much for walking with us and being with us, we need you all.

love,

Diane


Linda Greenhill Simms
(July 27, 1940 – February 7, 2009)

Linda Greenhill Simms

Linda Greenhill Simms went to meet the Lord on February 7th peacefully at home in her sleep. A resident of Amite, LA, Linda was born in Clarksville Tn. She moved to Amite when her mother married Rich Hellmers, pharmacist and owner of People’s Cash Pharmacy. She was a retired nurse having graduated in 1962 from Baylor University in Texas. Linda spent many years working for long term care organizations such as Hospice. Linda blessed many lives during her career and believed it was her calling to care for people in need and spent much of her career working with individuals who were terminally ill.

Linda was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Amite. She touched many lives by her compassion and acts of selflessness. She never knew a stranger and was a constant witness for Christ in both her speech and actions. She will be missed by her neighbors, friends, and family, especially her four children.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Jane Hellmers, her step-father, Rich Hellmers and her father, James Edward Greenhill of Clarksville, Tn. She is survived by one sister, Bertie Jane Greenhill Kilpatrick and husband John, her four children; Chuck Simms and wife, Vicki, Will Simms and wife Elizabeth all of Gatlinburg, Tn., Meg Sharkey and husband Michael of Amite, La., and Barry Simms and wife Sue of Bristol, Tn. and her grandchildren, Chaz Simms V, Gary Richoux, Tilon Simms, Noah Simms, Mandy Sharkey, Jacob Sharkey, and Stella Simms.

Pallbearers will be Buck Cefalu, Tom Ed Brumfield, Richard Kilpatrick, Gradon Clemons, David Vining, and Jerry Lewis. Honorary pallbearers are Leroy Wilkinson, Shelby Reid and Delos Jones.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Monday, February 9th at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite and from 8 am until Religious Services at 9:30 am on Tuesday, February 10th . Service conducted by Rev. Dennis Walker. Interment will follow in the Amite Cemetery, Amite.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Amite.


Obituaries Dorothy Bennett Husser
(April 14, 1924 – February 8, 2009)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book

Dorothy Bennett Husser

Died at 2:34AM on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, Independence, LA. She was a native of Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Age 84 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10:30AM Tuesday. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. Survived by 5 children, Jimmie Husser and his wife, Shirley, Independence, Wayne Husser, Independence, Kenny Husser and his wife, Micaleen, Independence, Pat Shockley and her husband, Thomas, Loranger, and Sharon Kay Lee and her husband, Sidney, Independence, 1 sister, Doris “Johnnie” Stanfield, Independence, 6 grandchildren, Charla Yarbrough, Marcie Chadwick, Charity Gay, Jessica Kyzar, Brittany Shockley, and Riggin Lee, 3 great-grandchildren, Cameron and Corey Yarbrough and Leah Chadwick. Preceded in death by 1st husband, Wilson Husser, 2nd husband, Ervin Husser, and parents, Harry and Doe Bennett.


Wanda Brunet Harden
(May 12, 1961 – February 7, 2009)

Wanda Brunet Harden

Wanda Brunet “Sweetie” Harden a devoted wife, mom, and Christian to all was born May 12, 1961 and passed at 7:13AM, Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 47, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite. Wanda is survived by her husband, James B. “Jim” Harden, Amite; 3 daughters, Missy Brunet Bennett, Amite, Mindy Brunet Fitch, and husband Dustin, Amite, & Melinda Brunet Bennett, Amite; Mommie, Velma Brunet Noel, Amite; 2 sisters, Connie B. Lee and husband, Norman, Jr., Larose, Pamela B. Rousse, and husband Carl A., Amite; 3 brothers, Alfred Brunet, and wife, Barbara, Larose, Joey Brunet, and wife, Kim, Amite, and Mark Brunet, Amite. 5 grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herman Peter Brunet, Sr. and a brother, Herman Peter Brunet, Jr.

Visitation will be held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, February 9, 2009 after 10:00AM until Religious Services at the funeral home Chapel at 2:00PM with Bro. James Downing officiating. Interment in the Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN IS accredited with saying that there is nothing in this life that is certain except death and taxes…
Funny, is it not, how neither seems to come at an opportune time? Death is something that we never come to grips with. We deny that it happens. We put it off until another day. We try to run ahead of it to ensure that it never catches up. Some even try to buy it off but they never succeed for death comes to us all.
However, this isn’t much comfort when our loved ones pass on. We have all lost someone near and ear to us. A grandparent. An uncle or aunt. A parent. A sibling. A close friend in the prime of life. And when these deaths occur in trivial circumstances, the pain is almost suffocating. A friend commits suicide. Another is taken in an automobile accident. A grandparent or parent who develops cancer is given only two weeks to live. An uncle is murdered.
It happens.
It shouldn’t.
But it does.
The pain that comes from death is worse than anything else that humanity can imagine or create. You see, death represents finality. That’s it. It’s the end of the line. They are gone. Your loved one is now only a memory. At least that is true for those who never know Christ. But for the ones who do, death is only a brief milestone between earth and eternity. (Michael Whitworth)

“…It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

David and I are thankful we were able to with family for the baptism our our grandson, Braden Alford (6). What a joy!
I hope you have have a great day! Please feel free to call or email your praises, requests. and updates you wish me to share.
Anna Lee

Friday (early)

God has reserved a priceless inheritance

for his children.

It is kept in heaven for you,

pure and undefiled,

beyond the reach of change and decay.

1 Peter 1:4 (NLT)


Mrs. Ruby Dillon called to say Carl Wayne Stevens made it through surgery well. The upper right lobe of his lungs was removed. He will not require additional treatment. Thank God for this good report.

Ronald Putman is doing much better. He may be able to come home as soon as he accomplishes his rehab goals. Please continue to pray for him.

Don Denton

Don was admitted to the hospital at Cox South this morning. He woke up about 1:30 Thursday morning very sick to his stomach, low grade fever and headache. I called doctor on call she said if he gets sicker bring him in to the ER. So about 3:30 this morning I started to prepare to find someone to come and stay with Joshua, so I could take Don in to the ER.

Don is severely dehydrated and his potassium level is critically low. At this point his doctors are treating this as a separate illness. His body is so immune-compromised that he is susceptible to illness easily.

The good news in all of this is that he has not had a relapse at this point. As a matter of fact, if they can get him hydrated, fever under control and get him eating, he may get to come home tomorrow or Saturday.

He is very discouraged, so please pray for him. He just needs encouragement. I have been up since about 1:30am this morning, so I will close for now.

I will keep you all posted once I know. I will be back at the hospital in the morning. Joshua is having a very, very hard time with this hospital stay. He wants to be with Don and I and he does not want to stay home or be with friends.

Pray that Don will be well enough to come home tomorrow.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Mrs. Jewel Allen Easley
(February 4, 1924 – February 5, 2009)

Mrs. Jewel A. Easley a loving mother, wife, sister, and grandmother, was born on February 4, 1924 and passed away at 10:37AM on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Southwest Regional Medical Center, McComb, MS. She was 85, a native of Liverpool and a resident of Kentwood.

Mrs. Jewel is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Geter Troquille and husband, John, Jackson,LA; a son Joe Allen Easley and wife, Jean Clark, Kentwood; a sister, Sybil Allen Marcantel, Clinton; 3 sisters-in-law, Mary Joyce Allen, Baton Rouge, Willie Jean Allen, Jackson, & Jeannette Allen, Clinton; a son-in-law, Michael Bracy, Spring Creek; 9 grandchildren, Walt Geter, Julie Geter Netterville, Vonda Geter Cain, Jody Easley Davidson, Stacy Easley Cassel, Buddy Lynn Easley, Joe Allen Easley II, Byron Bracy and Chris Bracy; 14 great grandchildren, Ron Netterville, Lindsey Netterville, Orry Cain, Olivia Lynn Cain, Trenton Scott Bailey, Thomas Trey Bailey, Drew Allen Davidson, Matthew Bridges, Ethan Michael Cassel, Isabella Fisher, Carter Douglas Easley, Kennedy Marie Easley, Brennan Bracy, Abigail Bracy and a great-great grandchild, baby Bailey to be born in June 2009.

Preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Buddy” Easley; parents, Charlie & Minnie Hurst Allen; a daughter, Donna Lynn Easley Bracy; 2 sisters, Lorena Allen Weegan & Robbie Allen Bueche; 4 brothers, Charlie Ray, John Freeman, Felix Warren “Pete”, & Billy Roy “Woodsie” Allen.

Visitation will be held at The Lord’s Church, 1936 Hwy 440, west of Tangipahoa, on Friday, February 6, 2009 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Saturday, February 7, 2009 after 8:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM with Rev. Don Meadows officiating. Interment in the New Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Walt Geter, Buddy Easley, Joe Easley II, Byron Bracy, Chris Bracy, Billy Allen, Jr. and Al Travis.

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

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

Nancy Sue Morgan
(May 18, 1948 – February 3, 2009)

Nancy Sue Morgan

Nancy Sue Morgan was born on May 18, 1948 and passed away at 8:51AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at her residence. She was 60, a native of Parchmen, MS and a residence of Independence.

She is survived by her husband, Windle B. Morgan, Independence; a daughter, Wendy S. Nunez and husband, Donald, Independence; a step-daughter, Lisa Gillam, Slidell; a son, Michael D. Morgan, Independence; 2 step-sons, Harry J. Morgan, Slidell & Darryl Morgan, Mississippi; 2 sisters, Linda K. Brown & Stella M. Swaim both of Mississippi; a brother, David W. Sanders of Texas: 15 grandchildren & a great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James K. & Lavora Goodwin Sanders; a son, James Adrian Jones, Sr.; 4 brothers James K., Stephen J., William P., & Charles Sanders.

Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Independence on Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 12:00NOON until Religious Services at the church at 1:00PM with Rev. Mitch Williams officiating.

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

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

Movie

“Fireproof”

6:30 P.M. Friday

FBC, Kentwood

On Mission in Kentwood

Saturday @ 8 A.M.

Help someone in our community.



 A DIFFICULT WORD

I heard about an office whose answering machine was set up to instruct callers to leave their name and address, and to spell any difficult words.

Early one Monday, when the secretary was reviewing the weekend messages, she heard an enthusiastic young woman recite her name and address, and then confidently offer, “My difficult word is reconciliation. R-E-C-O-N-C-I-L-I-A-T-I-O-N.”

Reconciliation can be a difficult word. It’s not that it’s difficult to understand. Webster defines the word “reconcile” as “to restore to friendship or harmony, to settle or resolve.” The word can be used in a variety of ways, but when it’s applied to people it basically means to get two separated people back together again. So we talk about a husband who wants to be reconciled to a wife who has left him. A father who wants to be reconciled to a wayward son. And a lost sinner who needs to be reconciled to God.

While not difficult to understand, reconciliation can be a difficult word to put into practice. It can be very difficult to get two family members who are at odds to be reconciled. And it can sometimes seem very difficult for us (or for others we know) to be made right with God.

A man once went to a preacher because he was having some family problems. He wasn’t a very well-educated man and sometimes got his words confused. He said, “Me and my wife need a re-cancellation.” What he meant to say was reconciliation, but the word re-cancellation wasn’t a bad choice. Because there can be peace for those who have been separated only when sin has been canceled. As sinners before a righteous God, we need a “re-cancellation”. And that’s exactly what Jesus made available when he died on the cross.

“….by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” (Col. 1:20-22)

Thanks be to God for making this difficult word a reality in our lives.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

May you be able to count numerous blessings in your life today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Then He said to His disciples,

‘The harvest truly is plentiful,

but the laborers are few.

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest

to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

~Matthew 9:37-38~


From Hannah Tate:

Hey again everybody! We decided on a name for her today and it is, Laura Joy Tate. She is such a sweet baby, and we love her so much! The only danger she is in is that of over handling, while she has seven siblings to hold her! We are hoping Mama and she can come home tomorrow, though they may have to wait till Friday. Mama is recovering very well.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

~ Hannah

Standing on the Promises~Jeanne Tate, wife to Wonderful Chuck

Mama to 8 Awesome Tater Tots~

Hannah 15, Rebekah 12,

Elizabeth 10, Benjamin 9,

Sharon 7, Abigail 4,

and Joshua 2, and Laura 2 days!


Updates on others:

Mrs. Faye Price – Progressing in Regency Rehab in Covington

Kitty Bennett Lapreyrolerie – Doing much better in B.R.

Carl Wayne Stevens – Surgery in Jackson, MS at 7 A.M. today

Frann Smith Clark – Still in ICU in Texas; Many concerns; Improving

Walter Dykes – Surgery went well; Waiting for lab report

Bobby Simpson – Waiting for lab report

Jimmy Schwartz – Doctor appointments and tests

Annie Bell Harrell – Better; Still needs prayers

Cliff and Lauree Titus – Appointments Friday

Lauren Fowler – Baby within two weeks

Wade Boone – Surgery soon

Stacey Tolar – Surgery soon

Hellen Morris – Back/leg issues & tests

I.W. Simmons – Treatment completed; Home

Bennie Simmons – Home; Prayers needed

Aubrey Perry – More concerns; Additional treatment

Tracey Williams – Rehab in Gonzales; Much bette

Greg Fortenburry – Home

Orin Davidson – Hanging in there; At Naomi’s


FBC Announcements:

Beth Moore Study “Stepping Up”– Tonight at 6 P.M. or Sunday at 4:30 P.M.; Book $13.oo

Movie “Fireproof” – Friday @ 6:30 P.M.; Invite your friends & family

Easter Drama – Now signing up

Gaither Homecoming – March 21st in Jackson, MS; Sign up by Feb. 15th

On Mission in Kentwood – Saturday at 8 A.M.; Minister to someone else and receive a blessing

Church-Wide Valentine Banquet – Youth fund raiser; February 13th @ 7 P.M.; Tickets $15.00

Canadian Mission Trip Meeting – Sunday, Feb. 15 @ 4 P.M. for those interested



 OLDER THAN DIRT?

Today’s humorous story actually comes in the form of a quiz. How many of these do you remember ?

1. Bazooka chewing gum
2. Little wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside
3. Television broadcasts ending at night and not coming on until late morning
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed bottles
5. Hamburger joints with table side jukeboxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Telephone “party lines”
8. Newsreels shown before the movie
9. Butch wax
10. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive-6933)
11. Peashooters
12. The Howdy Doody Show
13. 45 RPM records (and record players)
14. S&H Green Stamps
15. Television test patterns
16. Metal ice trays with levers
17. Mimeograph paper
18. Blue flashbulbs
19. The Amos and Andy show (radio or TV!)
20. Roller skate keys
21. Cork popguns
22. Drive-in theaters
23. Studebakers (they were automobiles)
24. Wash tub wringers
25. The television day beginning and ending with The Star Spangled Banner

If you remembered 0-7, you’re still young (ish)
If you remembered 8-14, you’re getting older
If you remembered 15-20, don’t tell your age
If you remembered 21-25, you’re older than dirt!

I remember the first time I started feeling really old. My wife and I were playing a game with some college students and Johnny Carson’s name came up. One of the students asked, “Who’s that?” Suddenly, I realized that I was a member of “another generation”!

The things on the list above are things I don’t expect my children to be familiar with. They’re too young. They weren’t around back then. In fact, I wasn’t even around for some of those things!

There once was a conversation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders in John 8. Jesus made a reference to Abraham, and the Jews were amazed. They said, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (John 8:57). He was too young to know such things — over a thousand years too young.

But, though they could not understand it, Jesus had indeed seen Abraham. “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58).

What the Jews failed to realize (and what we must acknowledge) is that Jesus was not just a man. He was God and had been in existence for all eternity. In fact, he is the only person who ever lived who you could honestly say was “older than dirt”! All praise be to the God who took on flesh and blood for our sakes!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Enjoy this Thursday, a gift from God!

Anna Lee



Wednesday

“We give thanks to You,

O God,we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare

that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

New baby in Tate family

Hello everyone! We are happy to announce the birth of our little sister! We don’t have a name yet but will soon.
She was born today ( 2/3/09 ), by C-Section, at 12:10 p.m. and weighed 8lbs. 14oz. and was 21” long!
She and Mama are doing well and hope to come home on Thursday. Thanks for your prayers! We will try to get a name for her soon!

She is so sweet!

Hannah

(Hannah Tate, oldest daughter of Chuck and Jeanne Bond Tate)



Kathy Dyer’s surgery was successful in that the tumor in the colon was removed. However, 3-4 small tumors (of the same type as the original one)were found in the small intestine and could not be removed during this surgery. She is to have 6 more months of chemotherapy. Kathy is recuperating well and thanks everyone for the prayers. Please continue to lift Kathy and her family up in prayer.


Don Denton

We were up at 6am this morning. Don and I headed down to Springfield for his Lumbar puncture. We did get very good news. The opening pressure of the brain is normal! We feel really good about this. It means that healing is happening. He still has Hydrocephalus and inflammation, but it is getting better.

WE have more doctor appointments this week and next. No improvement with the vertigo that continues to be a source of discouragement for Don.

No news as of yet with respect to the insurance issues, but I did get some good advice today from one of Don’s students mother. I am so grateful to her for the advice.

There are two special prayer requests that I have today. When Don, Josh and I were up at Mayo our friend Arwen introduced me to a friend of hers whose son has had brain cancer. I saw allot of hard things that families go through while at Mayo.

This young man’s name is Will. He is 10 years old. The doctors believe his cancer has returned again. He has medulloblastoma. Please pray for this boy and his family.

Also please pray for my brother’s wife Lynn. Her cancer has returned and it looks like they won’t be able treat her with anything other than a hormone drug.

Joshua continues wake up every night. But he is wanting to play with his friends more and that is huge. Well, I better go….I get to put dishes in my new dishwasher that came…..yeah! Whirlpool replaced it for us.

Don gets his new glasses tomorrow. Hopefully that will help him see better so he can read.

Take care,

Diane


MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. “Family members of several of our team members are suffering from major health issues. Pray that the Lord will provide His peace and comfort for everyone involved. Pray that team members can continue to focus on their work in spite of their desire to be with family to offer support. Ask the Lord to send others to minister to these families in the place of team members who are so far away.”

Nancy Sue Morgan
(May 18, 1948 – February 3, 2009)

Nancy Sue Morgan

Nancy Sue Morgan was born on May 18, 1948 and passed away at 8:51AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at her residence in Independence, LA. She was 60 years old.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

HE SAT ALONE in the right hand corner of the front pew — just left of the pulpit…

As I recall, he was a relatively short man in terms of physical stature. He wore thick, black-framed glasses and had a red flat top hair cut. He had a broad smile. He always wore a dark suit on the Lord’s Day to the worship assembly. He sang bass — I mean real d-e-e-p bass. His loud voice would resonate throughout the auditorium during services. I learned to love singing bass largely because of Joe. He sang well, and it was obvious that he loved to lift his gift of praise to the Father.

Joe was my Wednesday night Bible class teacher one year. Always prepared. Very knowledgeable. Concerned about his students. Friendly. Supportive. Personally interested.

One of Joe’s classes sticks out in my memory above all others. For some reason, the rest of my fellow students didn’t make it to Bible study this particular night. So this evening I was Joe’s only pupil. Other teachers might have been tempted to send me to another classroom, since I was the sole student. Not Joe. Like I said, he took a personal interest. To him Bible class wasn’t just about imparting information, it was about making connections with people. Nobody had to “strong arm” Joe to teach the Word; he did so gladly. Well, he sat down with me that night and talked to me about my soul — about my salvation. We didn’t go through the Bible class workbook, we just talked about how to become a Christian — what I needed to do to be saved and why. A few days later — May 17, 1972 — I put on Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:27). Much of the reason I did so was because of Joe Flannary and out little one-on-one Bible study that one Wednesday night at the Overlook church in Dayton, Ohio.

Observations:

Jesus valued people as individuals. He talked one-on-one withe Zacchaeus (“…For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”– Luke 19:10). He held a night study with the Pharisee, Nicodemus (“…Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”– John 3:3). He conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well “…Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst”– John 4:14). It’s not surprising that Jesus gave His attention to individuals like these; He knew the worth (cf. Matt. 16:26; 10:29-31) of one soul.

Like the Master, Philip knew the worth of one. Remember Philip (Acts 8)? He left his work with many in Samaria (Acts 8:6, 12) to speak to just one from Ethiopia (“…Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him”– Acts 8:26ff). It has been suggested by some that the eunuch made his way back home to Ethiopia following his conversion and then, in turn, preached the Word to his fellow-countrymen and spread it through the region. I have no way of affirming or denying that proposition, but I do know that even if the eunuch lived and died the only Christian in Ethiopia, it was worth Philip’s efforts and time.

What if only one student came to your Bible class this week? Like Jesus, would you give him your individual and undivided attention? Like Philip, would you get in your vehicle and drive a long distance, even if you knew only one person would be present to hear God’s message? Like Joe, would you stay with him in class and talk to him about eternity and his soul, or would you send him over to another teacher because you only had one student?

Jesus practiced one-on-one teaching. So did Philip. So did Joe. All three were effective. What about you, dear Christian…? Would you be willing to teach just one…?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matt. 28:19-20).

The movie “Fireproof” will be shown at 6:30 P.M. Friday night. It’s free! The story is about a fireman and his wife. You will cry and laugh while you are crying. You will also learn to work to strengthen your marriage. I suggest you make plans to attend if you have not already seen the movie.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. May you be a blessing to someone today.
Please feel free to share requests, praises, and updates. Many others are willing to pray with you.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Again I say to you

that if two of you agree on earth

concerning anything that they ask,

it will be done for them

by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three

are gathered togetherin My name,

I am there in the midst of them.”

~Matthew 18:19-20~

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/livingston_tangipahoa/38844597.html

We are proud of Andy (a family friend) and his church in Albany for responding to a big need in a big way. May God bless each person who participated as He blesses and sustains those who are experiencing hardship because of the weather condtions.

Ronald Putman is now up and beginning to try to walk again. He will be able to return to Kentwood when he can get around a little on his own. The famiy is appreciative of your prayers.


Carl Wayne Stevens’ surgery has been postponed until Thursday. Pray for the medical staff as they deal with health issues that caused the delay. Pray for Carl Wayne and his family as they wait a little longer.


Frann Smith Clark has been in ICU for three weeks. Doctors are in the process of trying to remove the vent. Pray for Frann, the medical staff, and her family as they check on her daily.


Amy Hood Conti’s heart procedure last week went very well. Thank you for praying. Continue to remember Amy in your prayers as she continues to recover.


Debbie Miller called to request prayer for a co-worker’s cousin. Margie Seals asks for prayer for Vickie Bankston of Jackson, LA. Vickie has lung cancer. Please pray for Vickie, her family, and the doctors treating her.



Joan Hagan’s update on her cousin, Kitty:

Kitty got a great report from the doctor today, he removed the spcial suction machine that was doing the wound care and told her to change the dressing twice a day and to come back to see him in four weeks. this was the surgeron.


Update on Don Denton:

Today is one of those days, I have been on the phone with the insurance company. I finally was able to sit down last night and open “all” of our medical bills. Don was in hospitals a total of 78 days. I had to buy an expandable file just to keep up with all the different providers. I am having to “fight” the insurance company again. We have record that they would approve Mayo as being “In Network” because he had already been to (2) in-network hospitals that could not help him. They agree to cover as in network and now they are not.

The insurance company is saying that we are responsible for $120,000.00. Mayo is now sending us bills for this amount. I have also discovered that there are procedures they are refusing to pay for. These are medically necessary. Our persription coverage has had it challenges too. The insurance company is trying to dictate coarse of treatment with medicines as well. They are not allowing Don a certain med that he needs on a regular basis. It is a weekly struggle. Fortunately the doctor we see here in Bolivar is trying to help us get approval on that one.

Don continues to be dizzy all the time. We have lumbar puncture tomorrow. We are hoping that we will find answers to this sooner than later.

We had a great day yesterday as a family. We watched the Super Bowl and the team Joshua was hoping to win, did. It was allot of fun to have that time together.

Well, this week more doctor appointments for Don and myself.

take care

Diane

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
CARS GO THROUGH a systemized process in their formation…
They don’t just build themselves from iron and elements found in soil; they’re formed and fashioned in automotive factories. Likewise, concertos are birthed through composers, paintings come from painters and inventions by the hands of a person. If we acknowledge that this world consists of incredible and intricate designs, how can we not point to the hands of a Designer? (Alex McFarland)
“Every house is builded by some man; but He that built all things is God” (Heb. 3:4).

Beth Moore’s study of Psalms will begin this week at FBC, Kentwood. You may choose between the group the meets at 6 P.M. Thursday evening or the group that meets at 4:30 on Sunday Afternoon. The cost of the book is $13.00. Jan Hammons will be facilitating the study.

Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Monday

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us,

for he allows us to be called his children,

and we really are!

1 John 3:1 (NLT)


Pray for Kathy Dyer as she has colon surgery today in New Orleans.

Pray for Walter Dykes as he has surgery later this week.

Pray for Firma Kay Schneeweis and Annie Bell Harrell as they continue testing.

D. J. “Sonny” Ellzey, IV
(October 16, 1947 – February 1, 2009)

D. J.

D. J. “Sonny” Ellzey, IV was born on October 16, 1947 and passed away at 8:05AM, February 1, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 61, a native of Amite and a resident of Manchac, LA. Sonny was the son of the late D.J. Ellzey, III & Norris Stevens Ellzey.

Sonny is survived by 2 sons, Damon Ellzey and wife, Poppy McGovern, Amite & Daniel J. Ellzey V and wife, Tammy, Independence; 2 sisters, Connie Sue Ellzey Vessier, Amite & Judy Belle Ellzey Vaughn and husband, Jim, Watson; 2 brothers, Warren Lynn Ellzey, Amite & Steven Bryant Ellzey and wife, Cheri, Manchac; 5 grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Ellzey, Devin Ashton Ellzey, Aiden Shane Ellzey, Branden McGovern & Braxton McGovern; also numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, D. J. Ellzey III and Norris Stevens Ellzey; and a niece, Danielle Sue Vaughn.

A Memorial Funeral Service will be held in Manchac at a later date.

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
NOAH CONSTRUCTED THE ark by faith (Hebrews 11:7)…
Did Noah spend a hundred years building the ark with an uncertifiable faith? Did Noah’s faith declare, “I believe that God is, that He has instructed me to build an ark, but I cannot prove it?” Did Noah step forth from the ark with an uncorroborated faith that leaps around in the dark? Noah knew that God is, that God has spoken, and that God had enjoined him to erect an ark. Noah knew that it was God who fragmented the earth and immersed it in water, and not some explosive accident of nature. Noah knew that it was God who guided the ark through the massive turbulence and safely secured it on the mountain of Ararat. Noah took God at His word and did what he was told to do. That is what faith is, and that is what faith does. (Frank Chessser)
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:17).

Stay warm and dry today.
Anna Lee

Sunday

“Finally brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly

and be glorified, just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1, NKJV~


Baptist Press

MISSOURI–U.S. MISSIONS (FIRST-PERSON by Rich Jenkins): ‘Why do mission trips?’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29769

GEORGIA–U.S. MISSIONS: What’s your mission choice? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29770

OHIO–U.S. MISSIONS: 8 tips for mission trip success. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29771

TEXAS–OVERSEAS MISSIONS (FIRST-PERSON by Mark Dean): The best discipleship program imaginable. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29772

TENNESSEE–OVERSEAS MISSIONS: 7 steps to adopting a people group. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29773

SENEGAL–OVERSEAS MISSIONS (FIRST-PERSON by Mark Dean): How an adopted people group becomes family. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29774

IDAHO–Security training offered for volunteers’ travels. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29775

KENTUCKY–Relief teams head to ice-coated states. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29776

KENTUCKY–Storms, power outages close seminary for week. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29777


From Linda Williams:

Kathy Dyer will have surgery at Ochsner’s on Monday 2/2 at @ 9:30 AM to remove the colon tumor and any cancerous tissue found. Please pray that the chemotherapy and radiation have shrunk the tumor and killed any surrounding cancer cells. The surgery will last around 4 hours and she will be in the hospital for 7 to 10 days. Please pray that God will give Kathy the strength and courage necessary to go through the surgery and recovery.
Please continue to remember her husband John and her daughters Jennifer and Kaitlin in prayer also. Kathy has appreciated the cards, prayers, e-mails, calls, and text messages of hope, encouragement, and healing.


Please pray for Carl Wayne Stevens as he enters the hospital today for Tuesday’s surgery.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family as she slowly makes progress in rehab in Covington.d

Pray for Mrs. Carol Bridges as she continues to recover from her recent heart surgery.

Andrew Bennett “Andy” Speyrer was born on Feb. 16, 1930, and passed away at age 78 on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009. He was a resident of Albany and a veteran of the Korean War, where he received a Bronze Star. He was a school teacher in Pilottown for 10 years and retired from the Albany school system. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jimmy Ruth Speyrer; a son, James Speyrer; four daughters, Barbara Dwyer, Andrea Holt, Sylvia Achord and Lucy Glass; 17 loving grandchildren and nine loving great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Bennett Joseph and Jeannette Reaux Speyrer; a son, Andrew Speyrer Jr.; and a daughter, Jeannette Rose Speyrer. Visitation at Geisler Funeral Home in Albany on Monday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. until the service at noon. Interment in Kentwood Cemetery. You may sign an online register book at http://www.geislerfuneralhome.net.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
DID YOU KNOW that some advice is offered on the layaway plan…?
You may have no need of it today, but it can be stored in your mind and reserved for some time later.  (I use advice today that I laid away years ago–advice that made little sense to me as a teenager but has wisdom I can fully appreciate today.)
Someone gave me advice on how to keep a job before I even filled out my first resume, advice on how to handle bills even before I ever had any, and advice about marriage long before I ever started dating.  (My parents told me the best way to keep my marriage healthy was to “board up the kitchen and eat out.”)
I couldn’t use much of that advice in the fourth grade, but I still listened.  And when the day came that I got a job, got my first bill, and said, “I do,” I had a storehouse of good advice to draw from.
When someone gives you good advice, don’t tune it out because you don’t feel you need it right now.  Put it on layaway.  Keep it in reserve.  Who knows?  It could come in very handy some day. (Martha Bolton)
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.”
~Prov. 4:13~

Thanks for “checking in” today.  May your Lord’s Day be just that!
Anna Lee

Saturday

Good morning. Thank-you for reading and praying today. May you be blessed as you do so.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anna Lee

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

I heard about a couple who received a set of two horrible bedside table lamps as a wedding present from a distant aunt. Since the lamps were so ugly, this couple didn’t want to actually use them, so they put them in storage and bought a nicer set themselves. That worked for a while, but a few years later, this particular relative came to a family celebration. Knowing she would be there, the couple quickly set up the aunt’s lamps on the tables and hid their usual ones under the bed.

When time came to show the aunt around the house, the wife said, “Come and see how nice your lamps look in our bedroom.”

She turned on the switch on the wall — and suddenly an intense luminosity emerged from under the bed…..

Oops! How embarrassing! I am reminded of the following statement made by Jesus:

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.’ ” (Mark 4:21-22).

Jesus’ point here is not quite the same as it is in the more familiar passage in Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light so shine before men…”). Here in Mark, Jesus has apparently just begun to speak in parables. To the apostles, it may have seemed that Jesus was trying to hide the truth from people by speaking with such obscurity. But Jesus points out that wouldn’t make much sense; it would be like lighting a lamp (to bring light) and then placing it under a bed (to hide the light). His reason for using parables wasn’t to hide God’s truth, but to set it on a lampstand so that it could give forth as much light as possible.

Father, we thank you for sending One who not only came to show us the light, but who is Himself “the light of the world”. May our lives and conversation be such that we will never be embarrassed by an attempt to hide that light under our beds. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Nothing in all creation

is hidden from God’s sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of him

to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Update on Don Denton:

It is a privilege and we feel honored that you all would take time today to lift us up in prayer today.

I woke this morning with a peaceful and thankful spirit. Don continues to be moved by the love of family and friends. One of his precious students wrote him and email today that lifted his spirits.

I have to confess to you all that I have never been strong through this long illness. I have been weak and most days are hard. So I too struggle. Yet, I know what is true. I know even when my feelings are saying one thing that my heart believes in what is true. And the big picture here is this – Don is alive and with us. God has heard our cries, our prayers. We have so much to be thankful for and that is my prayer.

We had doctor appointment yesterday and that went well. This doctor wants Don to see a specialist in Kansas City. This doctor specializes in area of dizziness. And Don goes to Cox South Tuesday for a lumbar puncture. Don will be getting new glasses and I feel that will help as well.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

This morning at 7 A.M. FBC, Kentwood will host a superbowl prayer breakfast. Everyone is invited to attend.

Miss Virgie Bridges was returning home from work as a nurse when she found my grandpa, G.R. Smith, Sr., at the gate to what was then his farm. It is now our cabin. After Katrina, David was delivering supplies all around Kentwood. He “found” Miss Virgie. After a couple of meetings and lots of question about who he was and where he lived, she revealed she found Grandpa G.R. Needless to say, she became someone special to us. It was a long overdue friendship and a special connection we were glad to finally make.

Miss Virgie passed away Thursday night. Her wake will be at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 10:00 to the funeral service at 1 P.M.

Reuel Townsend Adams, Jr.
(September 13, 1927 – January 29, 2009)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book

U.S. Veteran REUEL TOWNSEND ADAMS, JR., AGE 81

And a resident of Mt. Hermon died at 5 PM Thursday, January 29, 2009 at East Jefferson General Hospital. He was a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, vice president of Ruritan Club, former member of Franklinton Lion’s Club, secretary/treasurer of Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, active member of the Camellia Society and AHS. He was a WWII veteran of U.S. Navy.

Survived by: Wife: Bobbie Wilkes Adams of Mt. Hermon, 4 Daughters and sons in law: Suzanne Seale of Florence, MS, Beverly and Mike Taylor, Cheryl McElveen all of Mt. Hermon, Kim and Bret Allain of Jeanerette, 1 Son and a daughter in law: Craig and Lisa McElveen of Baton Rouge, 12 Grandchildren: Laurie Schexnider, Michael and Melissa Walker, Shea Taylor, Amber McElveen, Mac McElveen, Quin, Emma, and Robert Allain, Ashley McKenzie, Erin and Ryan Seale, 4 Step grandchildren: Tia, Crystal and Cole Taylor, Tyler Simmons, 3 Great grandchildren: Jace Schexnider, Hayden McElveen, James McKenzie, 2 Brothers and sisters in law: Robert and Joan Adams of Jacksonville, FL, John and Sherry Adams of St. Augustine, FL, He was preceded in death by a son Robert Townsend Adams, his parents Reuel T., Sr. and Pearl Rogers Adams and a brother Ben Adams.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home from 5 PM until 9 PM Friday, January 30, 2009 and after 8 AM Saturday, January 31, 2009. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Joe Baugh and Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Ellis Cemetery.

Friday

“Sing praises to the Lord,

who dwells in Zion!

Declare His deeds among the people.”

Psalm 9:11


Carl Wayne Stevens will be admitted to the hospital Monday and have surgery Tuesday to remove a place from his upper lung. Please be in prayer for Carl Wayne, his family, and the medical staff who will be working with him.


JAHANKA OF SENEGAL, GUINEA AND THE GAMBIA (jah-HONK-kay). The Jahanka people of West Africa are beginning to have more opportunities to hear the gospel. Often they respond by acknowledging that what they heard is the truth, but they are usually not ready to make a commitment to Christ. The next step, for those who are interested in learning more, is to participate in a Bible storying group. There they can hear a number of stories from God’s Word that help them understand better who Jesus is. Pray for new opportunities for Bible storying groups among the Jahanka. http://www.jahanka.org/


LAST FRONTIER. One worker writes: “I met a brother, Mr. H, who preaches in two churches in one of the most persecuted areas in his country. The members of his group have been jailed numerous times, and Mr. H himself has been jailed more than 50 times in the last 10 years. Since Jesus died for him on the cross, he considers what he has suffered to be nothing. Mr. H boldly said, ‘They beat me and kept me in jail for days. How can I compare that with what Jesus did for me? I am not afraid. No, I am not.’ Then Mr. H asked me, ‘Are you afraid of the police?’ What do you think my answer was? My answer was yes, with many excuses. Did I feel small? Yes, I did. One of Mr. H’s churches meets in his home, and the other church is 40 kilometers away in a different city. Finding a place to worship is difficult, because it is hard to rent a room when the police put pressure on the landlords not to rent to fellowships. So far, the current location is all right. Please pray for a place where they can continue to meet and worship together. Mr. H and I share a vision of planting eight more new churches by next Christmas. Please pray for more reproducing churches that can reach lost souls.”

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

“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

POPCORN WITH HOT SAUCE

A Christian couple in Guerrero, Mexico (geh-REH-roh) likes to spend a lot of time with their friend, C, and his family. The couple took cake and popcorn to their friend’s house one day, and C put hot sauce on the popcorn! Do you remember praying for the Tibetans who like chili sauce on their pancakes? We need to introduce C to the Tibetan people!

Another time C’s family served beans with pig’s feet. Christian workers in other countries really have to learn to like different kinds of food.

Whenever the Christian couple spends time with C and his family, they tell a Bible story. These families are really good friends. The Christians would love to see their friends accept Jesus. Pray for C—pray that he will accept Jesus and that he will tell others that Jesus loves them too.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Help my brother to have fun at university. TREVOR, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for us to learn the Thai language so we can tell others about Jesus. EMILY, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

My very good friend is a muslim and we don’t talk about religion much. I would really like for her to come to Christ. Please pray for her to become a Christian or to give me courage to talk about it with her. EMMA, age 11 (Western Europe)

I have several India friends who need to know Jesus. We play together sometimes. I have tried to tell a girl named Nashelta about Jesus. Please pray for her and my other friends. Maybe someday they will accept Jesus into their hearts. TONI, age 11 (South Asia)

Please help my friends to believe in Christ because I tried but they didn’t believe me and I want the whole country believe in Christ. JOSEPH, age 11 (Central Asia)

Every Monday my sister and I do a Sunday (or Monday) school for five little Fulbe kids. Just pray that every one of them will all come to know Christ as their Personal Lord and Savior. Thank you! SARAH, age 11 (West Africa)

I would like you to pray for my mom’s back and ankle. Also pray for the people in Mozambique that they will stop firing guns. Please pray for my family to learn Portuguese, so we can tell people about Jesus. I want to tell you something—some people say pork and cheese when it is really “Portuguese.” Some of the people in my city are nice and some are mean. Please pray for them. ABBY, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)


Virgie C. Bridges
(December 23, 1928 – January 29, 2009)

Virgie C. Bridges was born on December 23, 1928 and passed away at 6:45PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 80, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Kentwood.

She is survived by a sister, Mildred Emily Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 brothers, William J. Bridges, Zachary & Edward Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 nieces Sophi Rigger, Nacogdoches, TX & Barbara Bridges, Zachary.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Otis & Ninie Young Bridges; and an infant brother.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

In lieu of flowers Ms. Virgie request donations be made to the Pine Ridge Methodist Church.

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

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


Muriel Little Heth
(September 13, 1922 – January 29, 2009)

Muriel Little Heth

Mrs. Muriel Little Heth was born September 13, 1922 and passed away at 6:55PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at her residence in Kentwood. She was 86, and a native of Chesbrough. The family would like to send a Special Thanks to Kathy & Michael Warren and family & Roy and Rose Rhodus.

Mrs. Muriel is survived by her son, Bruce Heth and wife, Stella, Kentwood; 1 sister, Bertie Mae Spitale, Amite; 2 brothers, Cecil Little and Ray Little both of Roseland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Alfred Heth; parents, Hulon & Irma Smith Little; 2 sisters, Daphne Hayden & Wilma Lois Brown; 2 brothers, L. J. Little & Robert Little.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at the Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, on Friday, January 30, 2009 at 2:00PM with Bro. Leonard McMichael officiating. Interment in the Russelltown Cemetery.

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

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



IS IT OBVIOUS?

A woman had a problem — her husband was a loud snorer and kept her awake at night. So she called the doctor one morning, and asked him if there was anything he could do to help out with the problem.

“Well, there is one operation I can perform that will cure your husband, but it is really rather expensive. It will cost $1000 down, and payments of $450 for 24 months, plus payments for extras.”

“Oh my!” the woman exclaimed, “sounds like leasing a new sports car!”

“Hmm,” the doctor murmured, “too obvious, huh?”

Some things are rather obvious and can’t be hidden. Do you recall what the Jewish leaders said when they saw “the boldness of Peter and John”? At first they were confused because they realized that these were “uneducated and untrained men.” But then it came to them:

“They realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

It was pretty obvious. In fact, it stood out like a sore thumb. I merely raise this question for you to think about this week — is it obvious to folks around you as to why you behave the way that you do? Is it readily apparent to others that you are someone who “spends time with Jesus”? May you live in such a way that it is all too obvious!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I pray my faith is obvious. I pray yours is too!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Every house is builded by some man;

but He that built all things is God.”

Heb. 3:4



Joan Hagan asks us to pray for her cousin Kitty who continues to have serious health issues. As you pray for Kitty, pray for her mother, Mrs. Elaine Bennett.


Cliff Titus has pneumonia. Pray for him and his caregiver, Lauree.


Pray for these people who are having tests, procedures, or surgery soon:

Jimmy Harrell

Walter Dykes

Bobby Simpson


Pray for these people who are still not 100% yet:

Mrs. Margaret Callihan

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders

Mr. Charley Kuss

Mrs. Paula Jean Wall

Mrs. Parmys Stegall

Mr. Bud Kliesch

Mr. Larry Watts

Mr. Orin Davidson



Ronald Putman is out of ICU. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.


Mrs. Linda Longoria passed away a few days ago. You’ll want to pray for her family as they continue their lives without her.

JAPAN. “This past summer, a volunteer student team came to Tokyo on a short-term mission trip,” writes the IMB Tokyo Team. “During this trip, one of students was detained by police because he was accused of stealing in a local store. The student was completely innocent, but the store owner refused to back down at the risk of losing face in front of the police. This student was able to share his testimony with one of the police officers. Once the student was released and declared innocent, this police officer expressed his desire to join the volunteer team in a worship time they were hosting at a local park. He was drawn to Christ by the incredible faith of this high school student. This student was able to continue sharing Christ via email once he returned to the United States. We recently heard that this police officer prayed to receive Christ and is now a believer! Praise the Lord for how He uses even difficult situations to get the gospel into places where it might not otherwise go. Pray for continued boldness for the volunteers who come to serve in Tokyo. Ask God to grow this officer in his faith, and pray that we will be able to follow up with him. Please pray that believers will be open to God doing whatever it takes to get the gospel to those people in whom He is already at work!” http://www.IMBTokyo.org/

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, January 28, 2009

“I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, ‘You are my refuge . . .’” (Psalm 142:5a, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, interceding for people as they struggle through economic trials.

The world economic crisis continues to shake the foundations of life for many in Hungary, as it is doing across the globe. A Hungarian daily newspaper reports that as many as 100,000-150,000 people could lose their jobs, which would create a welfare disaster and “turn the national budget head over heels. A Baptist representative writes: “Bringing it down to the personal level, we just found out this week that some very dear Hungarian friends of ours have had their car repossessed, compounding the serious problems they are having due to debt and unemployment. Please join us in praying for Mr. and Mrs. R and their three young daughters, as well as for all the other families and individuals who are struggling to survive during these difficult days.”

Life is full of choices, but should they include which meal to skip each day or which child to send to school? These are the choices that more and more Kenyans must make. Economic problems are especially painful in the lower-income areas and city slums of Kenya. The daily news of the cost of oil is of little interest to these people, as few have cars and often a bicycle is a luxury, yet their lives are affected by the fluctuating cost of oil–which, combined with other problems, has led to milk, grains, beans, cooking gas, etc., doubling or tripling in price in the last year. As a result, many people are starving. Education is “free” in Kenya, but it does not include uniforms or supplies–which a starving family cannot eat!

* Please pray for the hungry in our world that they will be filled.

* Pray that ways can be found to create new jobs and offer better medical care and truly free education so that the cycle of poverty can be broken.

* Intercede for those in Hungary and Kenya to recognize God is their refuge.

Friendship Circle Sunday School Class is studying Men of the Bible. It is a wonderful study and helps us to know and understand the lives of Bible characters better as well as how to apply the lessons of their lives to our own lives. Our study Sunday was on Joseph. This devotional reinforces what we learned.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
SOMETIMES IT’S HARD to sell people on the value of integrity…
From all outward appearances, it doesn’t “pay” to be honest.
There were certainly times in the life of Joseph when he must have been tempted to say, “What good has it ever done to me to walk the straight path?” Here was a young man who remained committed to integrity no matter what the cost. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he was eventually falsely accused and thrown into a dungeon before finally being vindicated by the Lord.
When Joseph ran from the crude seduction of Potiphar’s wife, he wasn’t just running from a woman. He was running from anything that would abort God’s purposes in his life.
Do you remember what he told that adulteress (probably again and again)? “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).
He chose God’s way. He chose to see God’s purposes fulfilled in his life rather than fulfilling a passing fleshly fancy. He feared losing God’s blessing upon his life. That’s why he didn’t walk or stroll out of that woman’s presence, he RAN.
Integrity says, what I am in public, I am also in private. Integrity is what you do when you’re alone, and no one’s eye is upon you but the Lord’s. (Ron Mehl)
“Discretion will preserve you;
understanding will keep you.”
Proverbs 2:11
Have a wonderful day. Please let me know if you have prayer requests, updates, or praises to add.
Have a great day!
Anna Lee