Category: Family

Tuesday

“Who is wise and understanding among you?

Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

~James 3:13 NIV~

 

 

Josiah Huckaby

Josiah had his heart cath today. He did great but we were a bit surprised with the results especially since we weren’t seeing symtpoms of anything. The short & simple explanation is: they weren’t able to balloon or stent anything because of several issues they found. We will have to come back in a few weeks to try to stent 2 pulm veins…one of those is completely closed. We will also be looking at adding a new med to try to slow down the progression of his pulm vein disease. It is not a commonly used med here but Texas children’s hospital has been using it with some pretty good results. Our interventional radiologist that did the cath recently moved here from Texas & we’ve heard a lot of good things about him & the hospital he came from. They seem to “specialize” in pulmonary hypertension, so we feel confident in his abilities to help us navigate through the next steps of treatment for Josiah. We know that God’s plan for Josiah is far better than anything we could remotely come up with. We will continue to praise Him & His faithfulness.

I am always amazed at how God created us/our bodies & with every bit of new information about Josiah, we learn just how amazing we are as His creations. And just how much care & detail He knitted us together with. The doctor showed us pics of the issues & showed us how his body has compensated so that it could continue to function as close to “normal” as possible. It just blows my mind!

To God be the glory, great things He has done!!! ❤❤❤

 

 

Susie Sharkey

Susie Sharkey has pneumonia.  Pray she will have a complete recovery in God’s timing.

 

 

David – We received good news yesterday.  David’s blood level was 9.6.  Although 14-18 is normal, 9.6 is  an improvement.  He got he procrit injection.  We will see his hematologist next Monday.  Please pray David can maintain or improve the 9.6.  We are thankful to have some days at home this week.

 

 

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 3

 

 

 

Graham: G.H.W. Bush ‘in the presence of God’

http://baptistmessage.com/graham-g-h-w-bush-in-the-presence-of-god/?fbclid=IwAR01wMop8HhFSfp1yJbuFlm9hz9p4o5Mq_37wWWrDQLfZEcDDbZS3HwxNrU

 

 

 

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 4

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Hosea 11-12
  • Psalm 128
  • Matthew 2

 

 

Enjoy the crispness of the air today.  The weather is expected to be “just right”!

Anna Lee

 

Friday

“I pray you may be active in sharing your faith,

so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”

~Philemon 1:6 NIV~

 

 

 

Bryan and Rita Tate are waiting for his platelets to increase so he can go to MD Anderson for the next treatment.  Then, they hope to be home for Christmas.  Keep the in your prayers.

 

 

Josiah Huckaby

Quick update on little man:

Since Josiah never got a swallow study in the hospital, our speech therapist didn’t feel comfortable trying baby food as an outpatient. So today he had his 1st swallow study…and even though he was mad & crying the entire time (because he decided not to take a nap today & he was being restrained) he did great!!! He now gets to start working in eating baby food & chewing on hard munchables (like carrot sticks & puffs). With no limitations on the amount of baby food he eats…they said to “just feed that boy”. 😁

Also, he has a heart cath scheduled for Monday (12/3) to check his right upper pulmonary vein that was balloned in October 2017. His pulmonary hypertension hasn’t improved since it slightly increased while he was sick with a UTI in August. So there is some concern that that pulmonary vein may be starting to narrow again causing the increase in his pulmonary hypertension. They can’t get a good look at it on his echos so they want to be certain that nothing is being missed.

This boy is growing so much & his little personality continues to blossom. He keeps us on our toes with all his shenanigans! He has come so far in the last 5 months. To God be the glory!!! 💙💛💙

 

 

David

The colon test did not show a problem, so possibly all David’s issues relate to his MDS.  David  got a unit of blood yesterday and will have a TTE and heart conversion today.  Keep praying and give God the glory for all the medical knowledge and procedures available to those with a need.  David’s procedures this week have been at Ochsner in Covington  and Baton Rouge (two days)  and Lakeview in Covington today.  We’re thankful to be able to get around to those with more training and knowledge than we have,

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Hosea 5-6
  • Proverbs 19
  • Luke 23

 

 

The Lottie Moon Tea is Sunday at two at East Fork.  Please bring stamped Chrsitmas cards so we can deliver them to the parish jail.

 

 

I trust you will see God working in your life today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

~1 Chronicles 16:34~

 

 

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch as she continue physical therapy at Greensburg in hopes of getting home soon.

 

 

Mr. Jimmy Tolar has been moved to rehab in Hammond.  Keep him in your prayers.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is now in rehab at Kentwood.  She’s one step closer to getting back home.  Keep praying for her.

 

 

Pray for David as he has a procedure in Covington this morning.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Hosea 1-2
  • Proverbs 18
  • Luke 21

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

Lifeway – https://www.lifeway.com/

 

 

 

Don’t forget to turn in your stamped Christmas cards Sunday morning or at the Tea at East Fork Sunday at 2 P.M.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Monday

After a long, hard weekend, we had a busy day scheduled for today.  I just couldn’t manage to get The Prayer Link done this morning.  I beg your forgiveness.

 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

~Isaiah 12:4~

 

 

Continue to pray for Mr. Jimmy Tolar who is still hospitalized in Baton Rouge.

 

 

Also, pray for Mrs. Betty Lou Guy who is at home in Spring Creek.

 

 

David had appointments for blood work and his procrit injection today.  Even though the blood level has dropped to 7.8, he was still able to get his injection today.   We’re scheduled to go back in one week.  In the meantime, David will be preparing tomorrow for the procedure the has scheduled for Wednesday.  Pray for David and me.

 

Dorothy Lorraine Diddon

July 10, 1951 – November 25, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. She was born July 10, 1951 in Shreveport, LA and was 67 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Bobby Diddon; children, Dan Barnett and wife Lanette, Lorrie Hunt and husband Mark, Carl Barnett and Bridget, Jeffrey Barnett and wife Sandy, Kristene Jarell, Daniel Diddon, Theresa Kilgore and Gary, Elizabeth O’Brian, Donna Adams and husband Darrell, and David Diddon; 27 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Robert Jones, Frances Anderson and husband Robert, Tom Jones and wife Debbie, Anita Rachal and husband James, and Richard Strange; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by parents, Earl and Dorothy Jones; and late husband, Sammy Barnett. Visitation at New Jerusalem United Pentecostal Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28,2018. Interment New Jerusalem Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible –  Reflect on God as the “Gardener” and catch up on any reading you have missed.

 

 

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – Tomorrow at 11:00.

 

 

Bring your stamped Christmas cards to church Sunday or to the Tea at East Fork, Sunday at 2:00.

 

 

 

Praying for each other is always a win-win situation!
Anna Lee

 

 

 

Sunday

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;

I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

~Psalm 7:17~

 

 

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Mr. Elwood had already had his 99th birthday.  It’s not every day when you know two people of the age for Mr. Elwood and “Miss” Hannah and they pass away the same day.

 

Elwood Norman Courtney

Elwood, age 99, passed away in his home on Friday, November 23, 2018. He was a lifelong resident of Holden, LA. Elwood was a man that truly enjoyed the outdoors. He could be found hunting, fishing, or spending time in his garden. Elwood’s favorite place to be was home and he loved it even more if he was surrounded with family. He was very much a family man and loved spending time with all his kids.

Elwood was a wonderful father and loving Paw Paw who is already deeply missed.

Elwood is survived by his children, Bobby Courtney (Sadie), Janie Alford (Jimmy), Diane Duke (Kenny), Larry Courtney (Sharon), Margie Neal (Reggie), Iris Bankston (Terry); and grandchildren, Garry, Wade, Vonda, James Jr., Leesha, Shawn, Paul K., Paula, Angela, Krystal, Kassie, C.C., Kelly, and Cody; 25 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ella Hortense Bookter “Maw Maw Tensie” Courtney; parents, William O. and Telliua Gill Courtney; daughter, Zada Lea Foster; sister, Margie Edeleston; and brothers, Norwood Courtney, Ivy Courtney, and Clinton Courtney.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Hammond, on Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday, November 26, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Bro. Russell Hinson will officiate, and interment will follow in Courtney Cemetery.

 

 

Read the Bible Today

  • Daniel 9-10
  • Proverbs 17
  • Luke 19

 

 

This is the day Pine Ridge United Methodist Church has their monthly breakfast to benefit a family in need.  A delicious breakfast buffet will be available at 8 A.M.  We attended several years and always had more than enough time to get to our church for Sunday School at 9:15.

 

 

This is the day to be in the Lord’s House, but if you are unable to be there, in addition to all the televised services, local churches including FBC, Kentwood and Taylor Creek Baptist Church live stream their services so you can watch online.  

Anna Lee

Saturday

“In everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV~

 

 

Many people will be traveling at the end of their Thanksgiving holidays.  Pray for safety and happy traveling with lots of new memories.  Personally, we have a son and his family driving home to Rome, GA. now and a granddaughter who will fly to Texas in the morning.  Everyone can add to this list the names of others who are traveling.

 

 

Today, I want to share four deaths with you so you can pray for the families.

  1. Mr. Elwood Courtney (98) of Holden

    passed away yesterday morning.  His arrangements are for Sunday night and Monday at Brandon Thompson Funeral Home in Hammond.  His obituary is not on their website yet.  Mr. Elwood was the father of David’s sister-in-law, Janie Alford.

  2. Wendell Travis Vernon

    September 12, 1941 – November 22, 2018

    Passed in peace Wendell Travis Vernon, age 77, went to be with the Lord on November 22, 2018. He was born on September 12, 1941 in Loranger, LA. The son of Albert and Ethel Vernon, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Loranger High School then proudly enlisted in the US Air Force shortly after, where he spent 7 years as an E5 Staff Sergeant. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Mae Robertson Vernon, on November 9, 1957 until she was called home on April 12, 1993. He was the loving father of their two daughters, his daughter, Wendy Holter, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Vernon; daughter, Cindy Wood and husband, Kimmy; granddaughters, Heather Blackwell-LaBure and April Usie; grandsons, David Holter and Travis Holter; and 5 great grandchildren. Wendell loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and teaching them how to keep a perfectly manicured yard! He is loved and will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Graveside Services will be held at Loranger Community Cemetery, Loranger, LA at 11:00AM Saturday, November 24, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

  3. Freddie Charles Lebo

    June 06, 1943 – November 22, 2018

    A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at home. He was born June 16, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was 75 years of age. He is survived by 4 children, Charlotte Lee and husband, Tony, Daron Lebo, Charles Lebo, Jr. and wife, Erica, Lacey Joiner and husband, Brandon; grandchildren, Kody Sticker and wife, Rebecca, Jordan Lee, Kristen Lebo, Devin Lebo, Alexi Crosby and husband, Jace, Taylor Troulliet, granddaughters that were special caretakers, Hallie Royals and Jasmine Joiner; great grandchildren, Cayden Dylan Lebo, Dominick Mitchell, Jacie, Kiley and Tobin Crosby, Bentley Humphry, and Charles Alan Provstgaard. Preceded in death by his parents, Fed and Mary McClendon Lebo. The family would like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospice, especially Lisa King for her wonderful care. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Hannah S. Schwartz

December 26, 1917 – November 23, 2018
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018 at her home. She was born December 26, 1917 in Englewood, NJ and was 100 years of age. She was a U.S. Navy nurse during World War II and was a retired public health nurse. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kentwood. She is survived by 4 children, Charles E. Schwartz and wife, Kim, Kentwood, Richard A. Schwartz, Kentwood, Cathy Schwartz McGowan and husband, Billy, Covington and Hannah Irene Schwartz, Metairie;  grandchildren, Stacey Schwartz Smith and husband, Ed, Catherine Schwartz Doyle and husband, Jeff, Jana Schwartz Hughes and husband, Chris, Melissa Schwartz, Kelly Schwartz, and Kimberly Schwartz; great grandchildren, Christina Smith, Ray Smith, Trent Smith, Ella Doyle, Addison Doyle, Luke Hughes, George Hughes and Maggie Hughes. Preceded in death by parents, Edward Louis Smullen and Hannah McGlynn Smullen; husband, C.P. Schwartz; 2 sisters, Cecilia Smullen and Catherine Rauscher; and brother, Edward Dawson. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall, Amite, from 9:30AM until 11:30AM on Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Century Hospice or the charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Daniel 7-8
  • Psalm 134
  • Luke 18

 

 

Tuesday, the ladies of FBC, Kentwood will have their monthly birthday party at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.  “Young” ladies, you are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you.

 

 

Mission Opportunities

  1. Stamped Christmas cards will be collected the first Sunday of December and delivered that week to prisoners in the Tangipahoa Parish jail.
  2. Gift cards are being collected for an Louisiana College student who received a partial scholarship from ladies of Two Rivers.  We want to send this before Christmas, so get those cards in soon.
  3. The Lottie Moon Tea will help the first Sunday at 2 P.M.  at East Fork Baptist Church.  Be sure this is on your calendar.
  4. The Children in Action will continue to meet on Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. and Youth on Mission on Sundays at 5 P.M. unless there are no church activities that night.

 

 

I trust you are still counting your blessings even though Thanksgiving has passed.  We always have many reasons to thank God.

Anna Lee

 

 

Friday

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”

~Philippians 4:11-12 NLT~

 

 

Our Thanksgiving was happy with our son, daughter-in-law, one grandson, and two granddaughters (cousins).  I hope you made memories too!

 

Now, as people are frantically shopping, I’m thankful to be at home with some of our family.  We did get to talk with our daughter yesterday.  She and her family are celebrating multiple times this week.  She is keeping and teaching traditional Thanksgiving holidays with family, co-workers, church family, and neighbors.  Next year, she will be in Texas at this time.  I’m already beginning to looking forward to Thanksgiving, 2019.

 

Today, let’s all continue to focus on our thankfulness for a few more days.  Then, it will be time to look ahead to the Christmas season.  Let’s not get carried away with the “things” of Christmas, but focus on the reason we have the wonderful holiday season.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Daniel 5-6
  • Proverbs 16
  • Luke 17

 

 

Today is a good day to read some inspiring stories.

 

 

Make sure Jesus is at the center of al your family holiday celebrations.

Anna Lee

Thanksgiving

2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 

3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

~Psalm 95:2-3~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Daniel 3-4
  • Psalm 133
  • Luke 16

 

 

This is the day to “Count Your Blessings”!  Be sure to do that with your family today, no matter if you have an extra large group or if you are alone.  God is always with us and blesses us much more than we deserve!

 

 

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

~Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV)~

 

 

 

I’ll start off this morning with news of a new baby.  Raymond and Brandy Cutrer are now the parents of Ramsi Shaye Cutrer who was born yesterday.  Ramsi weighed 8 lbs. 4 ox. and was 21 in. long.  Both mother and baby are doing well.

 

 

 

Pray for Ginger Simmons as she has surgery today to correct some back issues.

 

 

 

Macy Lee, the daughter to Tim and Beth Graham Lee, had emergency surgery yesterday to remove her appendix.  Pray for a good recovery time.

 

 

David got a call Saturday night about an infectious disease, Cat Scratch Fever, which does not work well with David’s present condition.  The doctor wanted David to check into the hospital Sunday and plan to stay for six weeks to receive a strong antibiotic..  David told him we would be at the clinic Monday for his weekly injection.  Yesterday, with the vehicle packed to stay for a long time,  we saw the hematologist who checked into the situation.  David was sent home after receiving his injection and giving more blood for testing.  We will be waiting for test results and praying for a better option than six weeks of hospitalization.  Join us in praying for the lab results and good decisions.  On a very position note, David’s blood level and weight are holding strong.  We returned home with more reasons to be thankful!

David will have a procedure on the 28th in Covington to again look for a place where there might be a blood leakage.  Please add that date and procedure to your prayers.  The next four procrit injections are also scheduled.  We are thankful to all the medical people who are working to improve David’s health.

 

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Ezekiel 46-48
  • Psalm 132
  • Luke 14

 

 

I received this report on the Operation Christmas Child Collection at FBC, Kentwood.  A total of 1409 shoeboxes were packed in 86 cartons and send on their way to Dallas and eventually to boys and girls in other countries.  I’m not sure how many churches and other groups participated, but I will share that information when I have it.  Thanks again to those who “stepped-up” when David and I became unavailable to do this special task.  You made it a success!  To God be the glory!  Statistic show that each shoebox impacts seven people.  That’s almost 10,000 people!  Yeah to everyone who packed a shoebox and helped in any way.

 

 

Be sure to name some of the many blessings in your life this Thanksgiving season.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Sunday

“Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 GW~

 

 

 

Linda Callihan had a problem and spend some time in the ER this week.  I think it has been worked out now.

 

 

 

Pray for Sylvester and Shirley Humphrey as they make important medical decisions concerning Sylvester’s health.

 

 

We had a phone call at 5:45 last night, Saturday.  The infectious disease doctor thinks he has found something in some previous blood work.  David will have extra blood drawn when we are at Ochsner Monday morning and will probably go  back in the hospital for antibiotics when the doctor gets the new results for the lab work.  Please keep praying.

 

 

Operation Christmas Child Collection Time Today – 4-6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Ezekiel 39-45
  • Psalm 131
  • Proverbs 14
  • Luke 12-13

 

 

This is a good day to give thanks!

Anna Lee