Tuesday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a~

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Day 3

Paulette and Greg DeHart

3797 Etna Drive
Snellville, GA 30039

Website: www.literacymissions.org

Paulette’s Birthday: October 15

Greg’s Birthday: February 24

Paulette’s Hometown: Pleasanton, California

Greg’s Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Children: Jessica, Emily

Pets: Dog: Sadie; 5 cats: She-coon-G, Pinkie, Boots, Patch, Booger

Hobbies: Gardening, reading, ballet

Favorite Bible verses: Ezekiel 33:11; John 15:5

When you see a book or newspaper, think of the DeHarts in Georgia! Paulette shares the love of Jesus with others as she teaches English to people from other countries and teaches adults how to read and write.

Watch the video and read her story: Love in another language

http://www.onmission.com/dehart/

Updated Prayer Concerns (March 2011):

Pray for three new students who have received the Lord in the last few weeks to grow in maturity in Christ
Pray for the individual ESL ministries to be more creative in advertising their ministries to help more people learn English and share the Good News with them.

Jadon’s Story: Still Sick 😦

I’m still not feeling good today. I woke up with 103 fever but it hasn’t gone above 102.5 since then. My pediatrician ordered some blood work to make sure it was a virus. So yes I have a virus on top of the sinus infection. She said I should start feeling better tomorrow. I sure hope so and mommy does too. Mommy says she thinks I am because my seizures have been better today. Still not good but better than the last couple of days. If I could just get better maybe we could try to get some more control over the seizures. We are so tired of watching me have seizures everyday. I will let you know how I feel tomorrow. Everybody have a great mardi gras.

Mary Prescott sent word that Bernie Gill had a massive heart attack. Pray for Bernie and his family.

Mary and Boots Prescott are progressing in their recovery from surgeries. Keep them in your prayers.

Mrs. Ann Chapman sent an email saying her brother John’s wife passed away. I’m looking for the obituary for Lida Wall Abernanthy. When I find one, I’ll post it. According to “Miss” Ann, Lida has a number of relatives in Spring Creek.

I don’t do Mardi Gras, but I will pray for safety for those who do. Please add your prayers too.

Count your blessings today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“If any of you want to come with me,” he told them,

“you must forget yourself,

carry your cross,

and follow me.”

~Mark 8:34 (TEV)~

Please take a few minutes to pray for Margaret Huber and her family.

Mary Prescott stayed at the hospital after her surgery. Keep Mary and Boots in your prayers.

Jadon’s Story:

Appointment info

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:33 PM PST

I know it’s been a couple of days but we have just been trying to enjoy things and not think about seizures. I don’t have a real good count on how many I’m having because we haven’t been counting. We’ve been counting for over a year and we needed a break. I’m estimating about 60-80. We do know they have increased 😦 The good news is we haven’t seen any like the ones we had to go to the hospital for. We are seeing that type of seizure, it’s just not as long or intense as before. I went to the neurologist today. I didn’t get to see my neurologist because she had to leave due to a family emergency right before we got there. The neurologist that we saw increased my vimpat some more. We will see how I do. It’s almost like the vimpat is making one type of seizure better and my spasms worse. I really don’t know yet. We will definitely know in a few days. My neurologist is going to call me when she gets back so we will see what she has to say. So not much information today. I will keep you posted on how I do this week. Please continue to pray for me. I left you a picture of me at the mardi gras parade. I loved it!!!!

FBC, Kentwood will be providing lunch for the BCM (Baptist Collegiant Ministry) at SLU today. Pray lots of students come for jambalaya and to her the brief devotional. We thank God for this opportunity to minister to college students. If you know a SLU student, tell them to come for some of Marty’s jambalaya. It will be good!

I have a young cousin whose father-in-law passed away last night in Ohio. Join me in thanking God he is in Heaven. Pray for the England family in the loss of Sherman Roger England.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

A WOMAN PUT an ad in the local paper: “Lost 50 pounds! Selling my fat clothes – they’re in good condition, sizes 18-20…”

She was bombarded with phone calls, but nobody wanted to buy her fat clothes. They all wanted to know how she had lost the 50 pounds.

You see, the callers wanted to know about something that had changed her life hoping that this something could change their lives too!

That’s what folks outside of Christ are really looking for. They want to know if Jesus really works in your life. Jeff Strite

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven.”

~Matthew 5.16; cf. 2 Cor. 3.2~

They wanted to know the plan.  The plan was Jesus dying for us so we could go to our Heavenly

home when we no longer live on this earth like Mr. England did!  Do you know the plan?

Anna Lee

Monday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,

for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

Slade Womack will make his arrival Friday in the home of Scott and Kristi Womack. Pray for this sweet family as they look forward to the big event.

Last night, there was a celebration of ministry at FBC, Kentwood. Mr. Gerald Griffith was accepted into the church as a deacon who previously served in another church. Mr. Marty Simpson was ordained as a deacon. Mr. Wendell Rhodus and Mr. Michael Harrison received their licenses to the ministry. This was the first time I ever attended a service with multiple types of licenses. I’m so proud of all these men and thankful they have surrendered to do what God has called them to do. I was truly blessed just to be there.

March 12th will be the date for the next Women’s Ministry event, Mug ‘n’ Muffin, at FBC, Kentwood. There will be a planning meeting at 2 P.M. next Sunday for all ladies who would like to help. All ladies from five to a hundred five are invited to join us for the meeting on the 12th. Bring your favorite mug and a dozen muffins per family.

Charlie Major Gill, Sr.
(June 7, 1948 – February 26, 2011)

Charlie Major Gill, Sr. was born June 7, 1948 and passed away at 4:14 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 62, a native of Kentwood and a resident of Greensburg. Charlie was a US Army Veteran who served our country during Vietnam.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Belinda Mae Allen Gill, Greensburg; 2 sons, Charlie M. Gill, Jr. and wife Tisha, Greensburg & Davis Ray Gill and wife Shellie, Greensburg; sister, Betty Ray Bryant, Amite; brother Earl Gill and wife Delores, Amite; 4 grandchildren, John Gill, Mark Gill, Brandon Gill and Jordan Gill.

Preceded in death by parents, Leo and Wanzie Tate Gill; 2 brothers, Leo Buster Gill & Earnest Gill.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at Living Word Christian Center, 2416 Hwy 63, Pine Grove, LA from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Warren Kinchen officiating.

Family would like to Thank Community Care Hospice and Catherine Swicegood, RN for all their love and care for Mr. Charlie.

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 Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Virginia Calmes Phillips
(August 24, 1922 – February 27, 2011)

Passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at her home near Denham Springs. She was born August 24, 1922 in Dennis Mills, LA and was 88 years of age.

Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.

Elcee Williams
(September 18, 1925 – February 27, 2011)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 2:15AM on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at SE LA War Veterans Home in Reserve, LA. He was born September 18, 1925 in Independence, LA and was 85 years of age. Mr. Williams was a U. S. Army veteran of WWII. Graveside Services will be held at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, at 2:00PM Tuesday, March 1, 2011. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Thank you for taking time to read The Prayer Link today and to pray for all mentioned. Your prayers mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“I am convinced that God,

who began this good work in you,

will carry it through to completion.”

~Philippians 1:6 GWT~

Eddie Muse

Please be in prayer for my brother Eddie as he will be seeing specialists at The Mayo Clinic in Arizona. We are hopeful that he will be able to get definitive answers to health issues that have developed in recent months.
Trudy Muse Shockley

I’ve been doing great the last two days. I’ve had about 30 spasms if Jadon’s Story
that each day. The good thing is I’m only having them when I wake up.
So I have anywhere from 5-10 each time I wake up and then none
throughout the day. We decreased my topamax again Wednesday night.
It’s so awesome to only have to take 1 topamax pill at night. I can’t
wait to get off of it completely. We think the topamax was making my
seizures worse. You see we started it right after ACTH. We assumed my
seizures were going up bc I was done with the steroid. It’s heart
breaking because I’ve been on topamax almost a year and we didn’t know
it was making things worse. We know there was no way of knowing this
but it doesn’t make it any easier. We are very thankful that I’m
getting some relief though. God is in control and we have to remember
that. Guess what? Tomorrow I’m getting a new cousin. My Aunt Rachael
is having her baby. I can’t wait to meet him or her. I’ll keep you all
updated. I love you and all your prayers 🙂

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

IN ATTACKING THE existence of God, many atheists have attacked the biblical account of the resurrection…

The Apostle Paul himself said the resurrection itself is central to the truth of Christianity. He wrote:

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. ( 1 Corinthians 15:13-16 ESV).

The most certain proof for anything is eyewitness testimony. In criminal trials, a conviction is almost certain if eyewitness testimony is given. While it is true that people alive today have never seen anyone raised from the dead, it is most certainly true that the resurrection of Christ has been seen by many.

In the same chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote the eyewitnesses to Christ in his resurrected body numbered more than just himself and the other apostles.

“… that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me,” ( 1 Corinthians 15:4-8 ESV).

The eyewitness of Paul is of great importance because when he saw the resurrected Savior, he was 100 percent opposed to Christ. At the time Jesus appeared to Saul in Acts 9, the future apostle was traveling from town to town putting Christians in prison and killing some of them.

But, Saul saw Jesus alive after he himself knew Christ was dead. The eyewitness account was repeated to Roman rulers. Paul appeared before Felix and Festus, Roman governors, and to Herod Agrippa, one of the Idumean kings (Acts 24-26).

Eyewitness testimony does not lose its truthfulness over time. One cannot discount the testimony of so many just because one does not want to believe it. If one looks at the objective testimony of the hundreds of witnesses of Jesus in his resurrected body, one must admit God does exist and that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. John Henson at: http://www.forthright.net/christian_evidences/cases_for_the_resurrection.html

” Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).

The Valentine banquet at church last night was great. The food was very good. The activities were great. If you missed it, plan to attend next year.

Have a wonderful Saturday. The sun is shining and will warm things up in a little while.

Anna Lee

Friday

“This people honors Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

~Mark 7:6b, NKJV~

MK Elias has been moved to another hospital where he is being closely monitored. He is still facing more than one surgery. One problem seems to be healing on its own. His parents and grandmother have all had a turn holding and feeding him.

Prayer requests:

1. His duct will continue to close

2. His heart will, in turn, respond well and begin to compensate

3. He will be able to maintain adequate oxygen levels on his own with no assistance

4. He will be able to take a bottle and feed on his own (no more feeding tube)

I’m sure the family is very thankful for your prayers.

Jadon’s Story: Halfway Through and a New House!!!

We made it half way through my topamax wean. I’m still doing great. My seizures haven’t increased at all. In fact, they are still very mild and very few. My mommy is home with me today so she has been watching me really closely. I’ve only had about 15 spasms and they are so little. I took my last dose of steroids Sunday. We are praying that they will stay down. Other than that we are enjoying the good days for now and thanking God for this relief in seizures.

My mommy wanted me to let everyone know that we finally got moved into our new house. We sold our house in Hammond about two years ago. My Paw let us live in the trailer by his house. (Thanks Paw) The plan was for us to buy land and build. Mommy wanted to wait until after I was born to start building so we waited. I was born in August and mommy stayed home with me until December. Mommy and Daddy started looking for land in January. That was also the month that my mommy knew something was not right. By February my family got the terrible news that I had IS. So of course we stopped looking for land. In fact, we didn’t even think about buying land. All we were concerned about was getting me better. We knew building could wait. When we look back we realize how perfect God’s timing was. We were able to sell our house when houses weren’t selling. So we didn’t have to worry about a house note when my mommy took a leave from work. Now a year later and much thanks to the USMC and VA loans, we have finally bought a house and moved. I want everyone to know that the donations you all have kindly given us have nothing to do with us buying the house. It was in our plan but with all that has been going on we were unable to. My mommy and daddy have a totally separate account with all my donations. We use that money for my medical use and expenses. We are so thankful to have that account. That account has allowed us to travel and see the very best doctors so that I can get better. It really makes our life a little easier. We love you and thank you so much for all you do for me and my family. When you pray for me today don’t forget to thank God for this relief in seizures. I can’t explain how awesome it has been for us!!

Jerry McKnight

(December 7, 1931 – February 5, 2011)

A resident of Gonzales, she died at 5 a.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge. She was born December 7, 1931 in Independence and was 79 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011. Interment Bennett Cemetery, Independence. Survived by son, Carlos McKnight, Gonzales, daughter, Tamie Scofield, Gonzales, step-son, Danny McKnight and his family, Independence, grandchildren, Amber Bush, Chase Scofield, Blake Scofield, great-grandson, Maxx Scofield, nephew, Edgar Bennett and his wife, Nora, Hammond, beloved pet, Whiskers. Preceded in death by parents, Edgar and May Bennett, sister, Dean Bennett, brother, Lawrence Bennett, niece, Merrill Jean Breeland, nephew, Wilton Breeland.

Jack Allen Hall

(June 15, 1953 – February 2, 2011)

A resident of Metairie, he passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson. He was born June 15, 1953 in Lake Charles and was 57 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m until 11:40 a.m. on Saturday. Funeral Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 12 noon conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. He is survived by his 2 sisters, Linda Henry and husband, Michael, Roseland and Susan Higgins and husband, Billy, Amite; 2 brothers, Ernest Hall and wife, Dawn, Ponchatoula and Glenn Hall and wife, Barbara, Slidell. Preceded in death by his parents, Gerney and Juanita Hall.

Women’s Ministry: Pajama Party

Who: Ladies from 5-105

What: Breakfast, Devotional, & Craft

When: Tomorrow morning at 9 A.M.

(You can meet at FBC, Kentwood at 8:30 if that is

convenient.)

Where: FBC, Amite in the fellowship hall

Why: Fellowship, Fun, Building relationships, Missions

Cost: Free

Clothing: Something comfortable (pajamas, sweats, scrubs, etc.)

I hope to see you there!

Stay in and be warm and safe today if you can.

Anna Lee

Monday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves punishment,

and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”

~1 John 4:18, NASB~

Associational WMU Meeting

Today at 10:00 A.M.

FBC, Kentwood

Everyone is invited

Covered dish meal to follow

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 17, 2011

“May God be praised! He has not turned away my prayer or turned His faithful love from me.” (Psalm 66:20)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Carlos Gomes, Jr. of Guinea-Bissau (western Africa, between Senegal and Guinea).

LAST FRONTIER. Thank you for praying for the November volunteer team that taught English to youth in a remote, mountainous area using two dramas. Both dramas were introduced in three different classes of students, ages 10 to 14 years. Several students have inquired about the concept of being a Good Samaritan and the consequences of not being a Good Samaritan. T, an 11-year-old girl, has especially been sensitive to this drama. She has shared about her difficult home life, as well as current living conditions. Please pray for her and her family, asking that the Spirit will use this drama to draw them to Jesus. Another young girl, G, heard the story of “The Prodigal Son,” which focused on a Father’s love. She cried as she told a worker how her father had left her mother for another young woman. Both G and her mother are followers of the Most High God. They endure hardships created by family, friends and officials who approve of her father’s actions. Lift up G and her mother, asking that the Spirit will bring healing to their hearts. Pray that the Spirit will work in her father’s heart so that he, too, will give his heart to Jesus.

PEOPLES OF NORTHERN ZAMBIA. Ten years ago, there was but one Baptist church in all of Luwingu district, but the Lord worked through a missionary family who served in Luwingu for the past eight years, and now many Zambians have been evangelized, saved, discipled and trained to lead fellow Zambians to Christ. There are now 12 churches and four outreach groups that have one vision and one mission: to reach the Luwingu district of northern Zambia with the Gospel of Jesus! Although the time for permanent missionaries in Luwingu has come to a close, the work of God will continue! Pray that these churches and believers will not become discouraged, but will be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Please pray that these churches will continue to be on fire for the Lord and be passionate about spreading the life-changing message of Jesus.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.

For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,

but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

~Romans 8:26~

I’m sure you remember praying for Ashlyn Neal after her fall during a basketball game. I’m happy to report she is back playing basketball and doing well. Thank God for her progress and freedom from headaches.

Thanks to Lynda Newman for sharing this.

Specialist Christian Romig, 24 years-old, was killed on January 5th by an IED while fighting for his country in Afghanistan. He is survived by his parents, Rebecca Perez Romig and Leaman M. Romig Sr.; sister Gabrielle; brothers, Eric, Phillip and Lee Jr.; grandfathers, Joseph Perez Jr. and Donald Romig and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded by his grandmothers, Earllea Hoffstadt Perez and Elizabeth Hood Romig. Christian graduated from GKHS in 2005. He was enlisted in the Army from May 2008 and was scheduled to fulfill his commitment in June but opted to stay with his platoon overseas until completion of their deployment. Christian will be remembered for his big heart and big laughs. A Hero’s Return Home will be Friday afternoon at Belle Chasse Naval Air Station for the immediate family. Visitation will at Leitz Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd, near Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, LA on Friday evening, January 14, 2011 from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM and on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Divine Mercy Church, 3325 Loyola Dr., Kenner, LA 70065 beginning at 9:30 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow in Kentwood, LA at Hoffstadt Family Cemetery located at 251 Hoffstadt Rd, Kentwood, LA. If you would like to make a donation in the soldier’s name, the family asks that you consider Soldiers Angels, 1792 Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 or online at soldiersangels.org/honorary-donations.

You may want to go to http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Christian-Romig&lc=7186&pid=147733206&mid=4508894&locale=en-US

for more information including lots of pictures.

Thank God for Christian and all the other young men and women who serve our country. We are thankful for all of you!

Pray for the other families that are having funerals and graveside services today.

The associational WMU will meet Monday at FBC, Kentwood. The meeting will honor WMU ladies who passed away in the past year. Bring your favorite food to share and join us at 10 A.M.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

GIVE THE PROCESS enough time…

Do not rush it. The dream must be carefully wrapped in the foil of creativity and baked slowly, often very slowly, in the oven of time. In short, be patient.

It is true that some visions pop full-blown into a leader’s head within a very short period of time. This seems to be the case in the Old Testament with Nehemiah who, according to Nehemiah 1, received his vision in a matter of days (1.4). While the chronology of the text is not entirely clear, Nehemiah was praying an envisioning prayer of confession and petition for his people when, apparently, God provided the vision. At the close of the prayer (1.11) he indicates that he has God’s vision for his people, the Jews in captivity, because he asks for success as he approaches King Artaxerxes with that vision.

My experience with the church, however, is that Nehemiah’s experience is the exception rather than the norm. Most visions are made up of bits and pieces collected from various sources over a significant period of time. Add to this the fact that dreams work very closely with creativity, which cannot be rushed. Most often they are several years cooking on the back burner of the visionary’s mind. Then, when the time is right, they take shape.

But how much time is necessary to develop a significant vision? The answer to that one is easy: whatever time it takes. Aubrey Malphurs, “The Vision Process,” Developing a Vision for Ministry in The 21st Century, 77

4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”

So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king,

and if your servant has found favor in your sight,

I ask that you send me to Judah,

to the city of my fathers’ tombs,

that I may rebuild it.”

~Nehemiah 2.4-5~

Have a blessed day. Be a blessing to someone!

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

FBC, Kentwood will not have any activities tonight due to possible sleet.

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders is now in rehab across the street from North Oaks. Please continue to pray for her.

Pray for Bro. Joe Baugh and his family. His mother is hospitalized in Florida.

Mrs. Virginia Wickham is hospitalized in Greensburg.

Sherry Deneen Douglas
(April 6, 1966 – January 8, 2011)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:35AM on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at her home near Independence, LA. She was born April 6, 1966 in Houma, LA and was 44 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA, after 6 p.m .on Sunday, January 9, 2011 until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011. Services conducted by Bro. Nathan Firmen. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Survived by father, Marion Maurer, Jr., Independence, 2 sisters, Tammy Savage, Plaucheville, and Frosty Foster, New Orleans, 3 brothers, Tommy Maurer, Marksville, Ricky Maurer, Independence, and Danny Maurer, Independence. Preceded in death by mother, Glyndell Faye Maurer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

James William McGuff
(February 10, 1926 – January 9, 2011)

Mr. James William McGuff was born on February 10, 1926 and passed away at 1:10 a.m., Sunday, January 9, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 84, a native of Serepta, MS and a resident of Greensburg.

Mr. James is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mrs. Janie Christine Welch McGuff, Greensburg; daughter, Fran McGuff Brigance, Oxford, MS; 2 sons, William L.”Whitey” McGuff and wife Margie, Greensburg and James Eskirn McGuff and wife Patsy, Greensburg; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents, John & Corda Dover McGuff; 2 sisters, Connie Mae Baggett & Verdie Mae Duncan; granddaughter, Lisa McGuff; great granddaughter, Rose Marie McGuff.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mark Robinson officiating. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons.

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

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

Sunday

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,

“We should go up and take possession of the land,

for we can certainly do it.”

~Numbers 13:30 NIV~

Callie Cole

Happy New Year!! Hope you all have a wonderful new year filled with much joy!! Joy in our heavenly Father and in the work He is performing among us! May you all see where He is working and join Him.
Sorry I have not posted in quite some time. The holiday hustle and bustle along with a few new twists and I did well to keep up with my family and all their needs.
Had a great Christmas with Miss Callie. She seemed to enjoy all the festivities. I was very choosy during the holidays and did not get her out in public too much. I admit that I am very leary of all the bugs going around. I do not want to catch one and I certainly do not want Miss Callie to experience one at this time. She had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago and I was scared she had pneumonia. Thank goodness she did not.
She is anxious to get back to a ball game but many of the players and friends are experiencing the flu and cough and cold. So, we will probably wait a little longer to get through the worst part of the flu season. Her teachers that come to the house have been sick. My caregivers couldn’t work a couple of days due to a virus. So, we wait.
Callie is having a hospital bed delivered Monday. She has been working on rolling over to her side and has done very well. She needs the rails to help roll and to strengthen her trunk. She continues to experience right side weakness, but is getting rather good at using the left side. For this, we are thankful. We continue to pray and expect a full recovery. Hope you are too. Don’t stop believing.
Keep it real.

Love,
Frances

Avery Smith

Today has been such a blessing, but a very emotional day for us. Today, one year ago, I clutched my lethargic baby tight, riding in the back of an ambulance, scared to death, not knowing why or what was in store for her. I can remember like it was yesterday, feeling like I must have been dreaming, feeling like it was the worst day of my life. I have been thinking about this day for quite some time, and I must admit, I have felt a lot of anxiety as it has approached. I can’t understand why so much anxiety, because as I reflect on this year, I feel so gracious and that my life is so much more fulfilled. We had such a wonderful holidays and we just enjoyed every moment, every smile on her face, like we were seeing it for the first time.

I must apologize for the lack of journaling. When I stopped we had been in and out of the hospital, with no access to a computer, and I was by myself with Avery. Being alone in the hospital with a toddler on a IV made even the simplest tasks more difficult. When we got the “okay”, we made several trips to TX, so that we could spend some extra time with Daddy (not to mention Avery loves camping). I am so thankful for Dr. Kanter, Claire, the nurses and staff for always going above and beyond, making this years journey more comfortable. We have met so many amazing kids, and families this year that will impact our lives for a lifetime. A huge thank you to such a wonderful community of friends and people, that in such a time of distress, came together to help, without even thinking twice. Every donation, every letter, every card, and especially every prayer, is appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. I am so thankful for a loving and supportive family, and as always, a shoulder to cry on.

This year has no doubt, been the most difficult, but also the best year of our lives. I feel like I am seeing the world through totally different eyes. We have learned to take each day at a time, and we appreciate every day God gives us. It is so sad to hear that so many people waste their time and energy on petty, silly things that don’t even matter. I just wish that time could be spent thinking and praying for all of the special children and families that struggle through each day. We have seen first hand, how difficult times can bring families closer together, and some times they can tear them apart. Aj and I have become so strong not only in our marriage, but also our bond with Avery. Her treatments are not finished, but we are praying that the worst is over. Avery is now in the maintenance phase of treatment, which she will continue throughout this next year. We are now able to take most of her chemo and meds at home, so Life has somewhat gotten back to normal…we are only going to clinic every other week, and we don’t have to worry about low counts (unless there are any problems) I have started back with the frames, along with my little helper, of course. Avery’s permanent hair is growing so fast, and she is so proud of it! She is such an amazing little girl that is growing up so fast. As I have said so many times before, she is my hero, and I am so thankful God allows us to share this life together.

Please continue to pray for Avery’s health and strength as we go through cold and flu season. Please pray her spinal tap goes well on Monday, and please pray for her, as she will begin steroids again. She has to be on steroids once a month, for several days, in which she never responds well. They usually make her quite miserable, and cause some stomach irritation, so please pray for her comfort this week. Thank you again for all who keep us in their thoughts and prayers. And, PLEASE PLEASE, continue to give blood. Anyone can go to any bloodcenter and donate in honor of Avery Smith at Tulane Hospital for Children. No matter what blood type…you are saving lives!!!

Fundraiser for Bailey Leon: www.bucksforbailey.com Please continue to keep her in your prayers!

Mark your calendars for January 15th- we are having a Skeet Shoot and Live/Silent Auctions to raise money for Bailey! If interested in entering please call Cody Reed at 337-224-9122 or send an inbox message to this page. Entry fee is $100 which includes hamburger, chips & drink for the shooter. Tournament will be held at Cajun Elite Shooting Range in Jennings, LA.

Mr. Gordon Price continues go improve. He has enjoyed having company. Pray for him as he continues to receive treatment.

Sherry Douglas

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:35AM on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at her home near Independence, LA. She was 44 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA on Sunday, January 9, 2011 until religious services Monday, January 10, 2011. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Completed arrangements will be posted on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Don’t forget the special celebration for Dr. and Mrs. Joe Baugh today at FBC, Kentwood. Bro. Joe will retire after 42 years in the ministry.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

Mug ‘n’ Muffin this morning was a sweet time of discussion how we can be “On Mission” in many ways in our daily lives. The muffins, cider, chocolate, and coffee were delicious. I’ll be anxiously awaiting reports of visits made this afternoon. The next meeting will be at 9 A.M. on Saturday, February 5th at FBC, Amite. It will be a pajama party complete with breakfast foods. I hope you will mark your calendar. The next meeting in Kentwood will be the second Saturday in March. It will again be called Mug ‘n’ Muffin.

Ashlyn Neal saw the concussion specialist yesterday morning. This is a report posted by Ashlyn’s mom.

Ashlyn has been cleared for a 7 day restoratiion and training. Day 1 went well!! She felt great after first workout. 6 more to go and then she will be able to finish strong her senior year. Praying for safety but giving that one to GOD, because my nerves can’t do it alone!!! 🙂

Prepare for the cold weather and the sleet that is expected here and in lots of the Southeast in the next few days. Make preparations at your home and assist those who may not be able to take care of their own preparations.