Category: Family

Wednesday

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy–the Son of God.”

~Luke 1: 35, ESV~

Jesse Dean’s sister, Patsy, is doing better.  A diagnosis is getting closer.  Plans are being made to transfer her to rehab.  Continue to pray for her.

Pray for Andy and Betty Taylor as they return to the doctor.  Andy hopes surgery will be scheduled to remove the rod in his right hand.  Pray all goes well with them.

Mike Moore of West Monroe learned last week that he has a melanoma behind one eye.  Yesterday, a doctor told him the melanoma usually travels through the blood to the liver, but this hasn’t happened yet with Mike.  Surgery to remove the melanoma has been scheduled for the first week of January.  Pray for the family.

FBC, Kentwood will make a schedule change tonight.  Prayer meeting will begin at 6 P.M. to fit better with the youth schedule.

I broke my arm at the shoulder one year ago today.  Since then, my life has been a whirl of doctors, tests, and hospitals because of my broken arm, Momma’s sickness and death, and my brain tumor.  I thank God for bringing me through this year and walking each step with me and my family.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®

Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 57 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.

Thought for the Day: Did You Remember to Light Your Candle?

A circus owner walked into a restaurant to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.

The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheeling and dealing they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.

Three days later, the circus owner runs back to the restaurant in anger, “Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn’t dance a single step!”

“So?” asked the duck’s former owner, “did you remember to light the candle under the pot?”

Well, that might be one reason that someone would put a lighted candle under a pot, but that’s not what candles are for! As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, candles are meant to “give light to all who are in the house.” In like manner, our Christian lives are to “shine before men.” (Matt. 5:16-17). The reason is that we are to be a positive influence on others around us.

We sometimes speak of a “secret Christian” as if that’s a possibility. The truth is, unless our lives are reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, we’re not living Christian lives at all. If we don’t influence the world around us for Christ, the world will influence us.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).” (Eph. 5:8-9)

Did you remember to light your candle?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season!  Let your light shine for Him!

Anna Lee

Friday

This is the day our son-in-law receives his diploma for a doctorate in missiology.  We are proud of Boyd’s latest achievement.  We are also thankful for the opportunity to spend some extra time with four of our grandchildren.

Please continue to pray for the needs that have been mentioned lately.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Tuesday

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,

for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”

~1 John 4:7 NLT~

 

 

A Ponchatoula friend invited me to her church to see the Christmas story depicted.  I read a news article that I want to pass along to you in case some of you would like to go.

http://www.actionnews17.com/News/tabid/59/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9810/Bethlehem-comes-to-life-in-Ponchatoula-this-weekend.aspx

 

Yesterday, I wrote:

I had an appointment with the eye doctor concerning possible glaucoma because Momma was almost blind from glaucoma and Daddy is on the borderline of having it.  My last test had some inconsistencies, but today I did very well on everything.  Join me in thanking God for a good report today!!!

As David and I were talking about the good results of my appointment (not only could I see better with and without my glasses, but the glaucoma test was perfect.  David suggested it was because my tumor is shrinking and I regained my vision.  I know he’s right!  That’s is a perfect explanation.  I’m regaining brain space the tumor was occupying!  Thank-you, Lord!  Thank-you, neurosurgeons!  Yesterday’s eye exam was exactly four weeks since my gamma knife brain surgery!  I am better already!  I had been blaming my vision loss on heridity, but it was the brain tumor.  I’m so thankful it is shrinking.  Lord, help me to realize what you have brought me through and to be thankful.

 

Jewell Almarie Peavey Rymer
(Died November 27, 2011)

Jewell Almarie Peavey Rymer was born in 1913 in Louisiana where she spent most of her life. She relocated to Alabama almost 15 years ago to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She died Sunday, November 27, 2011 at UAB Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama. Tangipahoa Methodist Church, Tangipahoa, Louisiana was her home church and she enjoyed being a part of their card and telephone ministry as both recipient and contributor. In her much younger days she was a devoted Sunday School teacher. She was employed by Pike Memorial Hospital in Kentwood, Louisiana from its opening until it closed. She is survived by her daughter, Emma Dean Rymer Ricks and her husband, Donald E. Ricks; grandson, James B. Ricks; two great-grandchildren, Hogan C. Ricks and Holland C. Ricks, all of Alabama. Preceded in death by her husband, James DeLoy Rymer, parents, Frank Peavey and Nannie D. Hutchinson Peavey, and brother Lawrence Peavey. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with her simple and practical lifestyle, the best tribute to her would be for those who would like to do something in her memory to simply send a card of encouragement to some sick, needy, or discouraged person or even a perfectly healthy one who might like a nice surprise in hearing from a friend. Charity of choice would be The Gideons International. Visitation will be held at Tangipahoa Methodist Church, Tangipahoa, Louisiana from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011 conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith, Pastor. Interment in Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, Louisiana.

 

Very thankful,

Anna Lee 

 

Monday Addition

I had an appointment with the eye doctor concerning possible glaucoma because Momma was almost blind from glaucoma and Daddy is on the borderline of having it.  My last test had some inconsistencies, but today I did very well on everything.  Join me in thanking God for a good report today!!!

 

Leo Edward Givens was born October 7, 1933 and passed away at 10:50 a.m., Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood, LA. He was 78, a native of Stoney Point, LA and a resident of Kentwood.

Leo is survived by 2 sons, Jerry Givens, Kentwood & Kenneth Givens, California; brother, Marvin Givens, Franklinton; sister, Della Zachary, Stoney Point; also survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin D. and Piccola Jenkins Givens; a brother and 5 sisters.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 12:00 noon in the funeral home Chapel with Russell Zachary officiating. Interment in Stoney Point Baptist Church Cemetery, Stoney Point, LA.

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55(Exit#46) and Hwy. 16W. next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic & Holiday Inn Express.

Tuesday

Jesus said,

“Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed;

because your true life is not made up of the things you own,

no matter how rich you may be.”

~Luke 12:15 (GN)~

Pray for me as I see my gamma knife surgeon for my two week check-up.  Pray for us as we travel.

Heart to Heart with Holley: What makes you beautiful?

As a little girl, I believed anyone related to you automatically thought you were beautiful. The kids at school might tease me but aunts and grandmas gushed, “Look at those cheeks! Look at that hair!”

Over time, I realized my little theory might not quite be true. I just happened to belong to an especially gracious (and very southern) family who chose to see the best in me.

But for the longest time I thought blood ties made you beautiful.

Pushing a vaccuum through the hall the other day, hair in a messy ponytail, I felt anything but lovely. I thought of my sweet relatives and wished someone were there to gush over me–even in my unsightly state.

Then I realized that Someone in my life did see me as beautiful right here, right now.

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I paused for a moment in my cleaning, leaned back against the wall and smiled.

Aha!

It turns out I’d been right all along…

Blood ties do make us beautiful. 

Perhaps not always the kind that flow through family trees but forever the kind that flowed down a tree made into a cross.

Yes, He takes all of our unloveliness and turns it into what only He can…

all beauty. 

–Holley

Baptist Press: Condoleezza Rice voices faith & optimism

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36567

Thank God for the rain He is providing today.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Therefore I say to you,

whatever things you ask when you pray,

believe that you receive them,

and you will have them.”

~Mark 11:24~

My personal observation: I asked God for peace about the brain surgery.  He came through in a big way.  When I had my doctor appointments after diagnosis, my blood pressure was very high due to anxiety.  When I was going into gamma knife surgery without having any medication, my blood pressure was lower than it has been it a long time.  I felt confident that God was in control and had no anxiety at all.  This is another one of those “God winks”.

Chloe Neyland did better yesterday.  Lisa said she got to see the baby blue eyes several times throughout the day.  Keep praying for little Chloe, the medical staff, and the family.  Lisa requests prayers for all the other children in ICU in Children’s Hospital.

Andy Taylor received a good report yesterday.  His hand is doing better than the doctor hoped for.  God is showing himself in so many ways.

Please begin praying for Jason Dean and his family.  Jason has back surgery scheduled for Nov. 10th in Baton Rouge.

Thought for the Day: What can I do for you?

It had been a hard winter in the Appalachian area. The snow had piled up deeper and deeper, the mercury dropped, rivers froze, people suffered. The Red Cross used helicopters to fly in supplies. One crew had been working day after day — long hours. They were on their way home late in the afternoon when they saw a little cabin submerged in the snow. There was a thin whisper of smoke coming from the chimney. The rescue team figured they were probably about out of food, fuel, perhaps medicine.

Because of the trees, they had to put the helicopter down a mile away. They put on heavy packs with emergency supplies, trudged through heavy snow, waist deep, reached the cabin exhausted, panting, perspiring. They pounded on the door. A thin, gaunt mountain woman opened the door and the lead man gasped, “We’re from the Red Cross.”

She was silent for a moment and then she said, “It’s been a hard winter, Sonny, I just don’t think we can give anything this year.”

I don’t think the story is true, but it certainly could be. I am convinced that there are two kinds of people — givers and takers. And even in dire times, those who are givers are always thinking about “What can I do for you?” rather than “What can you do for me?” Statistically speaking, the group which gives the greatest percentage of their money to charity every year is the group of people with the lowest income.

There may be several different reasons for that, but truth of the matter is (and this is true among Christians as well), the more we have, the greater is our tendency to hold tight to it. What a great example the Macedonians are to us:

“…in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2 Cor. 8:2).

Did you notice that? The group of Christians that Paul held up as an example of generous giving to those in need were themselves in “deep poverty”. Yet they gave so much that Paul was reluctant to receive the money, until they implored him “with much urgency” to take their gift.

I look at my own life and see that there are many times when I’m reluctant to give to others, not because it might affect providing for my needs, but because it might affect me having the things I want. Like everyone else, I’m tempted to look out for “number one” and I want to know what you can do for me. But, considering the example of Christ, Paul said:

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil.2:4)

“Father, please forgive me. Help me to develop a heart of selflessness and love for others that constantly seeks to find ways to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

God, please help me be a giver every day of my life.  I want to be better able to give to those who don’t deserve it and don’t need it as well as those who really deserve and need it.  Help my life be a better reflection of God in my life.

Anna Lee

Thursday Addition

A few hours after having gamma knife surgery on my brain tumor Monday, I was sitting with Jennie at the from of the missionary home on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary giving out candy to the children of students and professors.  I had my head wrapped from surgery and wore my pajamas, but everyone thought I was in costume.  That was a night I will always remember and be thankful for.  Monday was a great day in my life!

Thursday

He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But that man said, “Sir, first let me go back and bury my father.”

Jesus answered, “Let the dead bury their own dead.

You go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” 

~Luke 9:59-60 TEV~

Betty Simpson told me Melissa’s grandbaby who is named Lily Kate will go by Lily.

Boyd Hatchel got another good report yesterday.  The doctor said he did not have a seizure in Prague and does not have epilepsy.

Miles Hatchel woke up with a problem that seemed to be a broken collarbone according to his mother, the nurse, and the doctor.  A x-ray eliminated that, but led to blood-work that could have shown something much more serious.  The blood-work showed Miles had been too close to Granddaddy’s cats.  Miles has a virus – cat scratch fever.

My surgery is not giving me any problems, but I had a difficult day with facial pain which is brought on by stress.  Stress was good because it led to learning I had a brain tumor.  Stress now is not good.

Mr. Luther Ricks is doing a little better each day.  Thank God for Luther’s continued improvement.

Sherry Simpson is home from her recent surgery in Tennessee.  Pray that time shows the surgery improved her health issue.

From Lisa M. Neyland

Chloe had another rough day today. Hoping for tomorrow to be better.
There are 14 babies right now in the cicu unit with chloe. They all have their own special issues and some of the families have had to travel for hours to be here. Please remember them in your prayers that all their little bodies will be healed and they get to return to their homes and their normal lives

Don’t you love the sweet spirit in Lisa’s heart as she thinks about other families?  Virginia, Chloe’s grandmother, said Chloe had a difficult day again yesterday.  Pray for the family as they face another day at Children’s Hospital.

From Debbie Crawford

Please be in prayer for the family of Warren Doty. He just passed away.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough’s sister passed away.  Please be in prayer for “Miss” Catherine and other family members.

Arrangements for Frances Fowler Allen

Visitation today from 10:00 – 2:00 at New Day Church in Liberty, MS.with burial in the Gillsburg cemetery.

Pray for the large extended family she leaves behind.

Pray for revival at FBC, Kentwood.  If you are interested in praying with others tonight, men will pray at the alter and ladies in the prayer room.  This time will begin at 7 P.M.  The revival will run Sunday – Wednesday.

 

I pray you have a special day of recognizing God’s presence in your life.

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday Afternoon

“The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself —

that it begins and ends with faith.”

~Romans 1:17a (NCV)~

 

Melissa S. Johnson is a grandmother for the second time.  Kate Speed and Booke are both doing well.

Firma Kay and Don Schneeweiss will soon become grandparents for the first time.  Tensley Elizabeth Schneeweiss should be born later this week.

Chloe Neyland had surgery for her pacemaker this week.  Hopefully, she will awaken from her sedation soon.  Please be in pray for this family.

Jadon’s Story: We have our surgery date

Well since I haven’t gotten to blog this week, let me go back. My case was presented to the surgery board on Monday. Dr. Chugani actually called me after the meeting to let me know what went on. I know I’ve said this before but this Dr. amazes me more and more every day. Not many doctors take the time for his patients as he does. Anyway he said that he spoke with my doctor in Boston.(Who also called me and said he agrees with Dr. Chugani and thinks this is the best option for me. He said that Dr. Chugani is a very bright doctor and any idea of his is a great one.) He also said that the surgery board had a really great conversation about me and that everyone was in agreement that surgery is the best option for me right now. You see we have tried everything possible to stop these seizures. On top of all the medications, we have tried keto diet and an herbologist. So we have truly done everything possible to try to give me some relief. It’s always the same story. It helps at first and then the seizures slowly pick back up. Last Monday when we increased my banzel, I only had 20 spasms and I went 5 hours without having one. I have never done this before. So yes we celebrated that day. You have to it was a good day. I wish I could say it continued but no I’m back up to 50 spasms a day. They are still better and less intense but they are slowly kicking back up. I can’t even begin to tell you how frustrating it is and how much of a roller coaster it is. Its awful. Which leads me to my surgery date. I will go back to Detroit on November the 21. At that time we will update my MRI and I will get to meet the neurosurgeon. This will give us time to ask him questions and process everything before my actually surgery. We will come home and get to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family. I will then leave January 3 to go back to Detroit. My surgery will be January 5. It will be a two stage surgery. This means I will have my first surgery on the 5th. They will go in and put electrodes on my brain. They will then halfway close me up and record data for 3 days. I will pretty much be sedated those three days while they get the information they need. The fourth day is the second phase of the surgery. They will go in and remove most of the left hemisphere of my brain. We don’t know exactly how much until we get the results from the electrodes. The surgery will take about 10 hours. I will then go to the PICU for 24 to 48 hours. Then I will get my own room for a few weeks. We will be gone a total of about 4 to 5 weeks. There are NO words that can explain how we are feeling right now so I’m not going to try. We have decided to take my brother with us. We can’t go that long without seeing him. He might not stay the entire time but he is coming at the beginning. I will keep you updated as we receive more information. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray for me and my family. If you want to read about two of my friends who have had this surgery you can click on the links below. My mommy has talk to both of their mommies and they have helped out alot. The little boy Trevy is a little more like me than Charli. Trevy had the left side of his brain removed too. Charli had a stoke at birth so her story is a little different but both of these kids are amazing little miracles.

Trevy    http://www.happybeingtrevy.com/

Charli   http://charlimonk.blogspot.com/

 

Caring Bridge: Callie Cole

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

Tonight is the last opportunity to see Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames at the Lord’s Church.  It will begin at 6:30.  There is no admission charge.

 

Frances Fowler Allen (From Judy Fowler)

Wanted to pass on information.  Please remember the family in prayer:

Services for Frances F. Allen will be at New Day Church, Old Greensburg Road, Liberty, MS, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. til service at 2 p.m..  Burial will be at Gilsburg Cemetery, Gilsburg, MS. 

I’m sorry to be late posting this.

Ann Weaver Connerly
(May 4, 1936 – October 25, 2011)

A resident of Osyka, MS, died at 10:42PM on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born May 4, 1936 and was 75 years of age. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. E. J. Didone. Interment Roberts Cemetery, Osyka, MS. Survived by husband, Philip Connerly, Osyka, MS, daughter, Karen Gill Morgan, Kentwood, 4 sons, Ernie Gill, Greensburg, Mark Gill, Zachary, Wayne Gill, Greensburg, and Johnny Gill, Osyka, MS, step-children, Phil Connerly, Kentwood, James Connerly, Magnolia, MS, Jeff Connerly, Osyka, MS, Lori Stewart, Albany, and Fran Bauer, Baton Rouge, a number of grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and sister, Betty Lou West, NC. Preceded in death by brother, Bo Weaver. Pallbearers will be Jeff Connerly, James Connerly, Phil Connerly, Johnny Gill, Mark Gill, and Ernie Gill. Honorary pallbearers will be Cheyenne Morgan, and Cody Morgan McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

I’m feeling great.  The people who have seen me today are amazed and all talk about a miracle.  I know I found the right doctor and the right procedure.

I’ll try to be back on a more regular schedule tomorrow. 

Anna Lee