Category: FBC

Saturday

Mug & Muffin

This morning at 9:30 at FBC, Amite

Ladies, don’t forget we have a Mug ‘n Muffin (our WMU meeting for the month) tomorrow morning!! 9:30 am VERY casual! Our guest speakers will be Cheryl and Ernest Breaux with Fill the Gap. We will learn how we can help reach hurting families in our community. See you there!

 

 

 

Thought for the Day: The highest ransom ever paid

A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnapped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.

The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount?

Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined what the negotiations must have been like: “$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You’ve got to be kidding. Give me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer.”

I can sympathize with the kidnapped man because I wonder how much the people in my life think that I’m worth. But I am flattered beyond description to realize that I was worth enough to God that He was willing to pay the ultimate price for my ransom, my redemption. As Peter put it:

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19)

Ultimately, the value of something (or someone) is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. A piece of art that may be worth millions of dollars to someone else may be worth less than a hundred dollars to me. The worth of something is determined by how much we’re willing to pay for it.

What that means is that we are of tremendous value to God. He didn’t quibble about the price, but was willing to pay the full ransom amount — the highest ransom ever paid!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

Thursday Afternoon

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and girls, don’t forget to join us at FBC, Amite Saturday morning at 9:30.  Bring a dozen muffins to share and a mug to use.  Plan to have a good time and learning something while enjoying the company of other ladies and girls.  Pass the word.

 

Wilkie Moak Blades

(March 7, 1942 – February 8, 2012)

A homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away in Barling, AR on February 8, 2012 at the age of 60 years old. She was born March 7, 1942 in Mt. Hermon, LA, was a current resident of Barling AR and former resident of Kentwood, LA. Wilkie is survived by her 4 daughters and 1 son, Teresa Lovell and husband, Bob, McComb, MS, Elsie Stewart and husband, Robert, Greensburg, LA, Janet Sharp and friend, Kenneth Womack, Kentwood, LA, Clyde Travis, Jr. and wife, Tammy, Pearl River, LA and Trish Givens and husband, Jason, Lavaca AR; 3 sisters, Patricia “Annie” Allen and husband, Joe, Magnolia MS, Peggy Sue Tate and husband, Roger, Kentwood, LA and Linda Gail Riggle, Vacherie, LA; 4 brothers, Woody Moak, Franklin, LA, Kenneth “Scooter” Varnado, McComb, MS, Buford “Boonie” Blades, Jr. and wife, Rosie, GA, Herman Blades and wife, Donna, TN; 4 grandchildren, Amy Carver and husband, Richard, Brandon Sharp and wife, Chrystal, Tracie Marie Travis, Jessie Lovell, Dakota Blades, Colton Blades, Tyler Givens and Savannah Givens; 3 great-grandchildren Jacob Carver, Brandon Sharp, Jr. and Elizabeth Sharp. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Eugene “Skeet” Blades; her parents, Mr. Colla “Collie” Moak and Mrs. Evie M. Moak; 2 brothers, Stanley Earl Varnado and Paul Moak; a daughter, Sherry Ann Travis; and 2 sons, Collie Columbus Travis and Clyde Columbus Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2012, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

A God-Sized Accident

http://missionaryblogdigest.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/a-god-sized-accident/

Thursday

 

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void,

but it shall accomplish what I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent.”

~Isaiah 55:11~

 

CaringBridge: LoganWatts

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

Logan is still continuing to improve at a very fast rate. He went back to Dr Karlin today for a follow up after his botox injections and his range of motion in his right leg is much better than before. He is still a little tight so he may repeat the injections in 3 months, depending on his next visit. Logan is using a walker now, pretty much as his means for transportation. Either the walker or crawling, the only time we have been using his wheel chair is for school purpose or for master’s club at church. We appreciate all the prayers for Logan but there is something specific we would like to request prayer for. Logan’s Dr suggested for us to bring him to Birmingham to participate in CI (constraint-induced) therapy. This is because that he tends to neglect his right hand. Since the injury his left side is stronger and he was left handed before  so he does what he can with his left hand, he won’t use his right hand unless he’s forced too. At this point he is neglecting his right hand/arm which could cause it to retract and draw up to his body, be very weak, and not grow in size as the rest of his body does. His brain is still re-wireing itself so they say its a good time to do this right now because there can come a point where it will be to late. Once the muscles shorten they can not be fixed. The bad part is that this intensive therapy is for 3 weeks in Birmingham, Al and just the therapy part is 8k dollars. That’s not costing our stay or Jonathan missing 3 wks of work. Please pray that we make the right decision and for God’s will to be done. We are so grateful for the amazing progress he has made thus far.

Pray for Rafe Cutrer as he sees a neurologist today.  Pray for Rafe to continue to make progress.

 

Ms. Frances Strickland is better and was able to be in prayer meeting last night.

 

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she has a MRI today to gather more information on a recent problem.

 

Stephanie McKenzie’s grandmother, Mrs. Rebecca Moak, is hospitalized and undergoing tests.  Please pray for her.

 

Continue to pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony as he sees more doctors this week as he begins chemo and radiation for a lung problem.  Pray for his family as they transport him back and forth to Hammond daily for the next six weeks.

 

Pray for Kenneth Birch who is having back problems.  Pray for his sister, Mrs. Shirley Frazier, who continue to have back problems that have kept her home for months now.

 

New Beth Moore Bible Study – James: Mercy Triumphs

Coming soon to FBC, Kentwood

Two sessions to choose from – Sunday or Thursday Evenings

Please notify the church office or me if you are interested in attending.

Workbooks will be $15.00

Thought for the Day: Looking at things differently

A teenage boy lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was no where to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the eyepiece in her hand.

“How did you manage to find it, Mom?” the teenager asked.

“We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she replied. “You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150.”

It is so true that our passion and persistence in doing something will be largely determined by its value in our eyes. For example, evangelism will never be a top priority as long as you see your next-door neighbor as simply a middle-aged guy with a pot belly. When you see him as an valuable soul whose eternal destiny will be determined by his relationship with God, suddenly things are different.

If you see your involvement at church as simply cleaning out a baptistry or corralling a herd of 4-year-olds for an hour, you will quickly lose heart. When you see your involvement as an essential element in the building up of the kingdom of God, you will not “grow weary while doing good” (Gal. 6:9).

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2)

Looking at earthly things from a heavenly perspective will change the value of things in our mind. And that, in turn, will change how diligently we seek to do the things of God.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

You will influence others today in either a positive or negative way.  Make a choice to be a positive influence.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Two reminders:

  • Mug & Muffin
    • Saturday
    • FBC, Amite
    • 9:30 A.M.
    • Bring a doz. breakfast muffins to share and your favorite mug to use.
  • Beth Moore Bible Study – James: Mercy Triumphs (8 weeks)
Jadon’s Story

 

Monday Afternoon

Continue to pray for Earlo LaBauve in room 2204B at North Oaks.  Pray his kidneys improve so he can get off dialysis.

 

Tripp Roth

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/

Check out the March issue of “Reader’s Digest”.

 

Ladies of this area, please let me know if you are interested in joining a Bible study on Sunday nights or one night during the week at FBC, Kentwood .  A count would be helpful in ordering books.  I’ll post more information in a day or two.

Sunday

“Everyone who hears these words of mine

and puts them into practice

is like a wise man

who built his house on the rock.”

~Matthew 7:24 NIV~

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and Girls Invited

Saturday, Feb. 11th                  9:30 A.M.

FBC, Amite

Bring a dozen breakfast muffins to share and a mug to use.

New Bible Study

FBC, Kentwood

Detains coming soon

Special Guests sharing in AWANA tonight – Mallory and Madison 

Richard “Dick” Stamm
(July 27, 1924 – February 2, 2012)

Richard Stamm, 87 years old, passed away on February 2, 2012, due to complications of pneumonia. He resided in Greensburg, LA, for the past five years. Richard “Dick” Stamm was born on July 27, 1924 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and spent his youth in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Army Air Force in World War II. Afterwards he attended & graduated from optometry college in Chicago, IL. However he pursued a career as an engineer working in the automobile industry, then the space program with Chrysler Corporation and Martin-Marietta. The Apollo space program took him and his family to Bay St. Louis, MS, where he remained until Hurricane Katrina. He and his wife, Nadine, owned “Nadic Arts”, an antique and art gallery for many years. Dick’s zest for life included working on hydroplane race boats in Detroit, rebuilding antique cars, and flying and building radio controlled model airplanes. Dick is survived by his wife, Nadine, residing in Greensburg, his two daughters, Maureen Lok and Penny Rizan, and son, Richard, four grandchildren, Andre, Brandon, Michele and Dana, and one great grandchild, Ethan. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Cornerstone Church of Amite on Monday, February 6, 6:00-8:00p.m. Funeral services at Port Hudson National Cemetery will be private. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarship Fund, ATT: April, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thought for the Day: Saved from embarrassment

The source (and veracity) of the following story is unknown:

It was July 4, 1954, I Corps Artillery, Korea. The armistice had been signed the summer before. The I Corps Commander, a three star general, had scheduled his baseball team to play the Corps Arty’s team.

It may seem strange, but Corps Arty is much larger than I Corps. I Corps is strictly a tactical headquarters unit, it has very few men assigned or attached to it. Corps Arty, on the other hand, is much larger. At the time, we had perhaps 18 battalions attached, each battalion consisting of from 600 to 800 men. The Corps Arty Commander, a two star general, took his baseball very seriously. He had a full-time team consisting mostly of professional players who were drafted by Uncle Sam.

I Corps was the visiting team. Three men up, three men out. Bottom of the first. Lots of hits and home runs. No outs. I Corps ran out of pitchers. Their catcher, a sergeant, tried his arm at pitching. Score 0-18, still bottom of the first, still no outs.

The sergeant left the mound and approached the Corps Arty Commanding General. He wiped the sweat from his face, stood at attention, saluted, and in a loud voice boomed, “Sir, request permission to call the game on account of snow.”

The general stood up, returned the salute, and in an equally loud voice, “Permission granted.”

I’ve been in similar situations, on the losing side of a terribly lop-sided game. It’s embarrassing and humiliating! What strikes me about this story is the willingness of the general to take an action that would alleviate as much embarrassment as possible to the pitiful losing team.

It seems to me that’s what love does. In the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), there is a distinct effort on the part of Jesus to draw attention away from the woman to relieve some of her embarrassment (though he still held her accountable for her actions).

That’s a difficult thing to do, but something that must strive for — to hold our friends accountable for their actions, while seeking to minimize their embarrassment. I’m thankful for friends in my life who have done that for me in the past.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ ” (I Peter 4:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

I realize I had my days confused as I posted The Prayer Link last week.  I think I have everything straight now.

This is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Now that the worst is over,

we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,

and can face the world—

and even more importantly,

face you with our heads held high.

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part.

It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised.”

~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~

Four fine, Christian ladies were in an awful wreck last night.  Two are now in heaven.  Four families, two churches, and the whole community.

From ActionNews17.com

Troopers investigate Double Fatality Crash in Kentwood

Kentwood, LA – Shortly after 6:00 pm this evening, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a double fatality crash on LA 38 east of Kentwood in Tangipahoa Parish.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2005 Lincoln LS sedan, driven by Elizabeth Pittman (W/F age 66) of Kentwood, LA, was stopped in the eastbound lane of LA 38 preparing to make a left turn into a private drive. As the Lincoln remained stopped in the roadway, a 2007 Western Star 18-wheeler, driven by Stennis Taylor (B/M age 50) of Magnolia, MS, was eastbound on LA 38 approaching the Lincoln from the rear. Taylor failed to observe the Lincoln stopped in the roadway and attempted to pass the Lincoln on its left side to avoid a rear-end impact. As the Western Star 18-wheeler, towing a wood chip trailer, crossed into the westbound lane of LA 38, the Lincoln began to turn left and was impacted on its left side by the front end of the truck.

Pittman and front seat passenger, Carol Gill (W/F age 75), were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. Pittman was transported to Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington and Gill was taken to Northoaks Medical Center in Hammond where they remain in serious condition. The two rear passengers in the Lincoln, Lorina Smith (W/F age 74) and Catherine Simmons (W/F age 73), were not properly restrained at the time of the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. All four occupants in the Lincoln were from the Kentwood area.

Taylor was wearing a seatbelt and received no injuries in the crash. He was charged with two counts each of Negligent Homicide and Negligent Injuring and was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

Alcohol and/or drug impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash with toxicology results from each driver pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

While motor vehicle crash fatalities have consistently decreased across the state over the past several years, troopers continue to see driver inattention and lack of seatbelt use as major factors in a large percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes. The simple act of avoiding distractions and properly wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death.

Jill Brister was feeling better yesterday and will be flying home today.  Thank God for the laser surgery that has improved her back.  Pray she will be more comfortable now.

Velta Morris

TO GOD BE THE GLORY – VELTA’S UPDATE WITH ONCOLOGIST VISIT JANUARY 27

First, I want to thank you, my praying friends and family, for all the love you have shown me since I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month.  You have walked with me, prayed for me and comforted me.  I’m grateful and so very thankful for each of you.  I have received cards of encouragement from friends I have not communicated with in years! This has been such a blessing.  I’ve had prayers lifted from our fellow church members in Kentwood, LA and our church in Greenville, and just knowing we are one in the bond of love is such a source of strength.  My church here has covered me like a warm blanket in a cold, scary examining room!

Today my oncologist brought me the very best news I could have hoped and prayed for:  he confirmed that, yes, I do have B-cell lymphoma, medically defined as follicular lymphoma; it is slow-growing, low grade.  At this time he anticipates no meaningful negative impact in my daily routine.  The doctor will monitor me periodically with blood tests and scans, and if/when signs of aggression manifest later, at that time a course of treatment would begin.

Please continue your prayers in my behalf.   Having cancer is not something I would have chosen, of course.  But I want God to use this experience for His glory, and as someone aptly said, “Why not me?”  Being aware of the cancer will always be a constant reminder of my utter dependence on Him,for without Him I am nothing, as the song says, and my prayer for me is that I will honor Him with whatever number of years God gives me.

To God Be the Glory – great things He has done – and is doing!

Velta G. Morris

Baptist Press: Courageous is number one in DVD sales

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37058

Thought for the Day: Do you know where you are going?

There was a time when Albert Einstein was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with great embarrassment rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor said, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it. Everything is okay.”

The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car, he looked back and saw Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find his ticket. He came back and gently said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.”

Einstein looked up and said, “I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

Like Einstein, we often don’t know where we are going. That’s why we are often compared in the Scriptures to sheep — animals which have a very poor sense of direction. They have no idea where they came from or where they’re going. That’s one of the reasons they are in such dire need of a shepherd.

Like sheep, we have all “gone astray.” (Isa. 53:6). We need someone to show us the way. And Jesus not only shows us the way — he IS the way!

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:5-6)

Thanks be to our God, who provides us with direction.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

There is sadness in Kentwood today because of the awful wreck that happened last night.  Thankfully, we can say all four of these ladies knew where they were going.  Two of them have already made the journey.  If the same thing happened to your vehicle today to you, could your family say you were in heaven?

As you pray for the four families represented by those in the wreck, please remember to pray for Spring Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Kentwood.  Pray for Bro. Danny and Bro. Joey as they minister to the families and friends.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2~

CaringBridge:LarkinDorris

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

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby will have a procedure at 8 A.M. this morning that will require sedation.  Pray her back gets better after the procedure.

Tripp Roth

Today, services will be held at the Catholic church in Ponchatoula for Tripp Roth.  Pray for his family and all those who helped with his medical care.  Thank God Tripp young life touched many hearts and made a difference.  You may choose to wear red like many of Tripp and Courtney’s supporters.

 

The monthly meeting at the cabin is tomorrow night at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us for a good time with other Christians.  Bring a dish to share if you want to.  Mainly, bring yourself.

 

 

Senior adults from FBC, Kentwood will eat at NOLA in Ponchatoula today.  Join them is you wish.  Call the church office for more information.

 

 

 

Baptist Press News

http://www.bpnews.net/

Thought for the Day: Will you make the jump?

In the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Butch and Sundance, running from the law, run up to a cliff hundreds of feet high overlooking a river. They are outnumbered by lawmen who have taken up their positions and there is no way out. They get ready to shoot it out, but they know it’s a suicide mission. Then Butch looks out over the cliff and sees the river below and says, “I know, we’ll jump!” Sundance thinks he’s crazy. Butch tells him it’s their only hope. Sundance is still reluctant. Butch assures Sundance that the lawmen would never follow them, saying, “Would you make a jump like that you didn’t have to?” Sundance says, “I have to, and I’m still not going to.” Finally, Sundance gives the reason for his reluctance. He says, “I can’t swim.” Butch just laughs and says, “Are you kidding? The fall will probably kill you!” But Sundance, because of the predicament, knows he’s out of options, and though he can’t swim, he jumps.

I think there are times that the Lord leads us into predicaments where the only reasonable thing to do is to jump and trust the Lord. And we know that he’ll never let us down. Over and over, the Bible stresses that one of the primary attributes of God is his faithfulness. God is always dependable. You can count on him. He makes his word good. When he tells you he’ll do something, you can believe that he will do it. When he makes a promise, you know he’s going to keep it. Because God is faithful.

It’s interesting to notice how the Bible connects stability in the lives of Christians to the faithfulness of God. Thus, we find statements like this: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23). The reason a Christian is able to stand when life’s storms come against him is that his faith is grounded in a God whose promises to him will always be honored.

In Hebrews 11, Sarah is praised with these words: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11). Here were two people who shared the disappointment over the years of being childless. They had no tangible reason to think anything had changed. Yet, God gave his word to them. And they knew that God was faithful. He wouldn’t let them down.

It is essential that we understand this very important truth: God keeps his promises. And it doesn’t matter whether it was made to Abraham, David, Paul or you, God has never given a promise that he failed to honor. He is faithful.

All you need to do is to jump.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

 

Have a blessed day!
Anna Lee 

Monday Addition

The WMU meeting this morning was great.  We had a great attendance.  The food was good too!  If you misses it, i hope you will come next time.  You’ll be blessed.

 

 

Jadon Pailet’s mother, Monica, wrote;

Our God is Great!!!
For with God Nothing shall be impossible!! Luke 1:37
I want everyone to understand that we were told there was nothing else that could be done for Jadon’s seizures. Luckily we had a neurologist in Boston that wouldn’t give up on him and of course we wouldn’t either. I will always be grateful for him as well as the doctors here in Detroit. They have given my baby another chance. I can’t explain how awesome all the doctors have been here. God surely lead us to the right people 🙂

The Best News Yet!!!

They took my last drainage tube out yesterday. I was so glad to get it out. My head feels much better now. I had a great day the rest of the day. I did get sick last night but it was due to the pain medicine. I do not like the taste of it and it makes me sick. I had my CT scan this morning. There is no fluid build up so I do not need a shunt. We will have to watch for fluid build up in the next few weeks but I should be ok. I lost my IV today and they are not putting another one in. I’m super excited about this. I have 0 cords attached to me 🙂 I’m going to stay at the hospital tonight in order to make sure I can handle all meds, foods, and liquids without IV. If I do well then we will be discharged tomorrow. We will then stay at the Ronald McDonald House that night. If I do ok then we will stay at a hotel by the airport Wednesday night and fly home Thursday. The doctors say it is fine for me to fly. They have had several patients fly home after surgery so we should be fine. I will then be admitted to NOLA Childrens hospital for inpatient therapy for another week or two depending on how I do. Right now I’m pretty weak so it will probably be more like two. Please pray that I can handle all the meds by mouth and pray that I will not get sick. I’m so ready to get out of here. Thanks for praying. The doctors say I’m doing amazing. I know that God is the reason I’m doing so well. All the praise and glory go to Him. Tomorrow makes a week of 0 seizures. I used to have 1400. It’s totally amazing that they can take out half your brain and you can do so well. It will definitely make you believe in miracles!!! I’ve changed my song to How Great Is Our God. He has definitely answered our prayers. Please continue to pray for me and don’t forget to thank God for what He has and will continue to do for me. Love, Jadon
CaringBridge:LarkinDorris 
Time for Quarterly St. Jude Visit

Happy New Year!

We are headed to Memphis today.  Larkin has her MRI and lumbar punch tomorrow afternoon.  She will also be participating in a follow up to the Working Memory study she helped with in the Fall.  She will be taking a second functional MRI (awake and playing computer games to see her brain at work) on Wednesday afternoon before we head home Wednesday evening.  Please keep Larkin in your prayers.  We will keep you informed.

Thanks,

Scott and Kelly

Begin praying for Debbie Luce, a former student of mine, as she prepared for another back surgery tomorrow.  Pray for her mother who will stay with Alex while Debbie is hospitalized.  Continue to give Debbie the peace of mind to face another back surgery expecting better, more permanent results.
Pray for Billy Carl Strickland as he has a procedure tomorrow that wil determine when he can begin chemo and radiation.
Pray for Mrs. Shirley Frazier as she tries another doctor this week.  She has been “homebound” for about six months now.
Begin your extra prayers for Mrs. Velta Morris who will have a biopsy tomorrow.  Pray for her family as they wait for test results.  Give them both peace and strength.

Mrs. Jessie Hilda W. Currier was born December 28, 1922 and passed away at 5:25 a.m., Monday, January 16, 2012 at Belle Maison Nursing Home, Hammond. She was 89, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Amite.

Mrs. Hilda is survived by 2 daughters, Charlotte Durbin Webb, Amite & Kay Currier Gay and husband Donnie, Amite; 3 sons, Anthony “Biddy” Currier, Jr. and wife Beverly, Osyka, MS, Ronald Vincent Currier, Baton Rouge & John Keith Currier, Luling; 3 sisters, Dot Nail, Texas, Helen Bearden, Delhi, LA & Joyce Greer, West Monroe, LA.; 5 grandchildren, Scott Gay and wife Layla, Toni G. Rager and husband Jason, Aimee Garner and husband Richard, Mike Jeansonne & Brooke Currier; 5 great-grandchildren, Alayna Garner, Alyce Garner, Avery Garner, Jessie Gay & Dillon Jeansonne.

Preceded in death by husband, Anthony Charles Currier, Sr., parents, Charles & Jessie Manchester Williams; sister, Ruby Arnold; 2 brothers, Ray Williams & Charles Williams, Jr.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Deacon Mike Agnello of St. Helena Catholic Church officiating in the Catholic Funeral Liturgy.

Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.

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

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

Monday

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time;

O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.”

~Psalm 69:13~

  • Pray for Boyd Hatchel as he has more appointments today at Ochsner in New Orleans.  They are still trying to determine the cause of the blood clots.
  • Jimmy Harrell spent two days in the hospital after a slight stroke.  He is better and back in his routine.  Thank God the problem was mainly a warning to him.
  • Mrs. Pauline Strickland continues to improve.  As you pray for her, pray for her family members who are faithfully at her side.
  • Roy Russell has been hospitalized in Lacombe after having seven by-passes.  He had a good day yesterday and should be able to leave the hospital today unless a problem develops.  He will be at his sister’s (Faibra R. Cade) home for the recovery period.
  • I talked with an aunt and uncle of Jadon yesterday.  They said Jadon was doing well.  In fact, if he continues to do as well as he has been doing, he may get to come home much earlier than first planned.  Jadon’s mom wrote: Praying Jadons circulation has picked back up. CT scan at 6am. He had a great day today.
  • The associational WMU meet will be at FBC, Kentwood at 10:00 this morning.  Bring a covered dish and join us as we remember our WMU ladies who have passed away during the past year.
  • The monthly gathering for supper, sweet fellowship, and a meaningful devotion will be Thursday at our cabin.  We begin at 6:30 and hope to see some of you with us.

Randal Michael “Tripp” Roth, III

Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home

Randal Michael “Tripp” Roth III, 2 years old of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012, at home. Tripp was born on Thursday, May 14, 2009, in Hammond.

Surviving are his mother, Courtney Regina Hotard Roth; father, Randal Michael Roth Jr.; grandparents, Lawton and Anita Hotard, Randal and Rhonda Roth Sr., Pamela and Carey Bennett; great-grandmothers, Dorothy Hotard and Marie Ernst; great-grandparents, Pat St. Amant, David and Betty Robichaux; and step great-grandfather, Erick St. Amant.
He is preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Sidney Hotard and Lawrence Ernst, and paternal great-grandfather, Frederick Roth II.

Visitation will be on Wednesday1/18, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ponchatoula, from 10:00a.m. until 1:00p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00p.m.

Interment will follow in the Ponchatoula Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Tripp’s name to debra.org, or puckfund.org

A guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.

 

Arrangements for Kelly Dunn Sofge are still incomplete.  Check back to see if I have them posted later.  In the meantime, please continue to pray for Kathy Dunn and other family members.

 

Thought for the Day: Eternal Life

The joke is told about three nurses who died and went to Heaven, where they were met at the Pearly Gates by Peter. To the first, he asked, “What did you used to do back on Earth? Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?”

“I was a nurse at an inner city hospital,” she replied. “I worked to bring healing and peace to many sufferers, especially poor, helpless children.”

“Very noble,” said Peter. “You may enter.” And in she went.

To the next nurse, he asked the same question. “What did you used to do?” “Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?”

“I was a nurse at a missionary hospital in the Amazon basin,” she replied. “For many years, I worked with a skeleton crew of doctors and nurses who tried to reach out to as many people across numerous tribes, with a hand of healing and peace, and with the message about God’s love.”

“How touching,” said Peter. “You, too, may enter.” And in she went.

He then came to the last nurse, to whom he asked, “What did you used to do back on Earth? Why do you think you should be allowed to come into Heaven?”

After some hesitation, she replied, “I was a nurse at an HMO.”

Peter pondered this for a moment, and then said, “Ok, you may enter, too.”

“Whew!” said the nurse. “For a moment there, I thought you weren’t going to let me in.”

“Oh, you can come in,” said St. Peter, “but you can only stay for three days.”

Some of you personally know the feeling of being pushed out of a hospital room faster than you would like to have been. But while there are a lot of adjectives that the Bible uses to describe heaven — incorruptible, undefiled, glorious — one adjective that is never used is “temporary.”

As I look back over my life, there have been some wonderful moments that I wished would never end. But everything we experience in this life is temporary. No matter how much we enjoy doing something, going somewhere, or being with someone, it is all only temporary. But, in heaven, we have the opportunity to be with God and His redeemed for all eternity!

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” (2 Cor. 4:18-5:1)

I hope you’ve made your reservations for the party that will never end!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee