Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Tuesday Evening

Frances McDaniel Gay told me that she got an excellent report on her check-up.  I’m so glad for her.  Thank God for this report and for a lady who enjoys each day God has given her.

 

Ian Russell Guzzardo

Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton

IAN RUSSELL GUZZARDO,

Infant son of Russ and Ashley Guzzardo of Amite, was born into this world at 6:21 am and delivered into the arms of angels at 7:35 am Monday January 30, 2012 at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Also survived by:

Sisters: Bethainee Guzzardo; Bryelle Guzzardo

Grandparents: John and Cathy Gulotta of Independence; Mose and Jan Guzzardo of Amite

Aunts and Uncles: Lacey and Jason Esler of Hammond; Blaine Gulotta of Independence; Kim and Scott Terrebonne of Amite

Cousins: Aiden Esler, Kaleigh Terrebonne, Clay Terrebonne, Mia Terrebonne

Great-grandparents: Ralph Wascom, Sr. of Holden; Dorothy Jefferson of Arkansas

Numerous aunts, uncles, and other family members

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents Joseph and Christine Gulotta, John and Florence Guzzardo, and Earl and Elaine Russell

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 am Thursday February 2nd at Amite Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mike Foster officiating.

Pallbearers: Blaine Gulotta, Clay Terrebonne

Obituaries can be viewed online at http://www.crainfh.com

 

Tuesday Afternoon

Wall McKneely said Jadon continues to do well today.  It doesn’t hurt to cover his family with prayers each day.

I saw Pat Felker.  She said “Miss” Grace Helen had knee surgery again and is expected to be in the hospital for 4-6 weeks.  B.J. saw the doctor yesterday, but continues to have an infection in the incision on her leg.  Pray that clears up without her having to be hospitalized again.

David’s great niece, Harley, is doing well.  The doctors did not see the need to discuss surgery today.  If she continues to do well, Harley may be able to go home tomorrow.

Mrs. Carol Jean Gill‘s family said she is still about the same.  Keep her name on our lips throughout the day as to petition God to continue to watch over her and her family.

David and I have been to 8 wakes and/or funerals in the past 12 days.  The memorial services have been very memorable.  I’m thankful for each life that touched me and for memorial services that were equally special and touching.  Pray for the many hurting families in our area.  It’s really touching to see hurting families reaching out to other hurting families.  We have some great Christian people in our area!  May that always be true!

 

Tuesday

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6~

David’s niece Janet A. Melanxon has a teen daughter hospitalized in Baton Rouge.  Pray for Harley to get better soon, so she can continue her school week.

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland to get stronger and for her children Donna Fay, Firma Kay, and Billy Carl as they help take turns with a sitter to care for her.  The family thanks you for your continued prayers for “Miss” Pauline and for themselves.

 

 

Today is the day the Hatchel family were scheduled to return to the Czech Republic.  Due to blood clots in his left calf, doctors and he IMB have put the return trip on hold indefinitely.  Pray for them as they seek God’s leadership during this time.  Also, pray for the doctors who are working with Boyd.

Modern slavery is known as human trafficking.  It is real and exists all over the world.

Slavery is a bigger problem today than it has ever been in human history. It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves around the world–most of them involved in human trafficking. In India alone millions of girls are without hope as their bodies are sold again and again. http://ow.ly/8CXMg Pray for these victims to be set free–physically and spiritually.

Dorothy B. Ricks
(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for Diane and her family in the coming days.  Caring for “Miss” Dot has been one of her primary activities for a long time.

Thought for the Day: Fighting the Battle Alone

The story is told of an old lady who had moved to the United States from Europe when she was a child, but now she wanted to officially become a citizen of this country. After months of going through all the necessary red tape, she was finally ready to take the required oath.

“Raise your right hand, please.”

She raised her right hand.

“Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all its enemies, domestic or foreign?” was the first question.

The little old lady’s face paled and her voice trembled as she asked in a small voice, “Uhhh . . . all by myself?”

I know the feeling. When I read what the apostle Paul had to say about the great spiritual battle going on, I tremble a bit. Paul said,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

The thoughts of waging such a battle alone is enough to cause even the most stout-hearted to tremble. But we don’t go into battle alone! We go forth as a part of the army of God, led by the Son of God in all his glory, and side by side with every brother and sister in Christ on the face of this earth. The battle is still a difficult one. There will be many casualties along the way. But, thank God, we do not fight it alone!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Thank you for praying for Jadon again.  He is home again!

Update on Jadon Pailet

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2012/01/catching-up.html?spref=fb

“Miss” Lorna’s service was very appropriate.  I came away with two words: love & smile.  If you missed the service, be sure to ask someone.

There has been an addition to “Miss” Catherine’s obituary.  I post it as it now is.

Catherine W. Simmons was born February 23, 1938 and passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 in Kentwood. She was 73, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Spring Creek.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family, serving her church and community. She was an accomplished gardener, seamstress and quilter. She was looking forward to welcoming and rocking 2 new great-grandchildren this summer, one her namesake.

Ms. Catherine is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene L. Simmons, Spring Creek; a daughter, Janet S. Pike and husband George, Spring Creek; 2 granddaughters, Kelsey P. Williams and husband Rev. Jacob, Amite and Kendal P. Batuyong and husband, R. J., Lumberton, TX, great grandson, Noah Williams; sister, Norma Jean Rogers and husband Floyd, Brandon, MS.

Preceded in death by her son, Kevin L. Simmons and parents, Homer & Mattie Lea Waller.

Visitation will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 12 Noon with Dr. Danny Smith and Rev. Jacob Williams officiating. Interment in the Spring Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, %Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kenwood, LA 70444

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The graveside service for Mrs. Dorothy Ricks is tomorrow at 2 P.M.

 

 

Monday

“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~

  • Both “Miss” Gail Pittman-McDaniel and “Miss” Carol Jean Gill are improving.  “Miss” Gail is no longer in ICU. Continue to keep these families in your prayers.  Pray also for the families of “Miss” Lorna Smith as her memorial service is today and “Miss” Catherine Simmons’ is tomorrow.  Continue to pray for two churches and a hurting community.
    • “Miss” Lorna – Visitation begins at 10 A.M. with memorial service at 2 P.M. today
    • “Miss” Catherine – Visitation begins at 9 A.M. with memorial service at Noon tomorrow
  • Jadon Pailet was admitted to the hospital because of his high temperature.  So far, tests have not identified a problem, but thankfully have ruled out some serious problems little Jadon could have developed.  Continue to pray for Jadon and those caring for him.
  • Holly Kliesch shared a request for prayer for the people of Senegal.

http://af.reuters.com/article/senegalNews/idAFL5E8CS00520120128?sp=true

  • Barbara Ricks Reed

(Died January 28, 2012)

REED, Barbara Ricks Reed of Birmingham, AL. died at the University of Alabama Medical Center on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:45 PM. Beloved wife of Jack Ray Reed who preceded her in death. Mother of Arthur M. Boudreaux of Birmingham, AL., Mark D. Boudreaux, of Arlington, VA, Barry W. Boudreaux, of Mandeville, LA, and Rachel Reed Relaford, of Birmingham, AL. Daughter of the late Lillian Wade Ricks and Frank Albert Ricks, Jr. Sister of Janet Ricks Alfortish and Frank Albert Ricks, III. Preceded in death by grandson Joshua Mark Boudreaux. Also survived by 9 grandchildren. Wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Barbara was a prolific songwriter and singer, who performed opera, gospel, and country western music. Barbara also was the lead actress in many plays at the NORD Theatre at Gallier Hall in New Orleans. She had a strong faith in the Lord. Age 77 years. A native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Birmingham, AL. for over 10 years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood, LA from 12 Noon until services at 2 p.m. followed immediately by a graveside service at the German Cemetery, Highway 51, Kentwood, LA.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk On

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Two words for today: Walk on!
This is not easy or what we would have chosen, but this is the path we are on.
Anna Lee









	


	





	

		
		
Sunday Afternoon
	


	
	
	

		
 


Mr. Kenneth Felker said that both “Miss” Helen Grace and B. J. hav infections at the sites of their recent surgery.  Please be in prayer for this family.


Sharon Martin’s dad, Mr. Earlo LaBauve, was taken to the ER this morning with back problems.  Please be in prayer for this family.


Jadon Pailet was also taken to the ER because of 105.4 degree temperature.  Play for this child and his family.


Dorothy B. Ricks


(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)


 A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.






	


	







	

		
		
Sunday
	


	
	
	

		
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;


 perplexed, but not in despair;


 persecuted, but not abandoned;


 struck down, but not destroyed.” 


~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~








Miracle video of the day. Jadon giving me a five with his right hand 🙂


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=956775003564&set=vb.50301338&type=2&theater


A Note from (Tripp Roth’s) Granny


http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/01/note-from-grammy.html?spref=fb


Continue to pray for the families of the four ladies in Saturday’s accident.


There will be no AWANA meeting tonight at FBC, Kentwood due to the wake for Mrs. Lorna Smith.


Thought for the Day: Being prepared


Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared for such a disaster can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips someone has offered to help you and your loved ones make it through a quake:


~ Those living in areas not prone to earthquakes can respond quickly to the plight of disaster victims in quake zones by complacently smirking and saying, “I told you so.”


~ To minimize loss and damage in a quake, try not to own things.


~ Practice your burrowing-out-from-under-40-tons-of-rubble skills ahead of time.


~ Look out your window often. If you see a large, zig-zag-shaped crevasse moving rapidly from the horizon toward your home, step either to the right or the left.


~ For those who fear earthquakes, it may comfort you to know that a majority of the damage during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake did not come from the tremors themselves. Instead, it was from the raging, out-of-control fires that consumed most of the city.


~ A doorway is the safest place to be during a quake. Eat, sleep, and work in doorways.


~ Be sure to mail your house-insurance payments a full five business days before a major earthquake strikes.


~ If you are caught in a major earthquake in Southern California and are part of the entertainment industry, take a moment or two to reflect on how grossly you’ve wasted your life.


As several of the suggestions above point out (with tongue firmly in cheek!), the problem with an earthquake is its unpredictability.

A few months ago, Hurricane Ike devastated the Galveston area, but there was at least warning for several days that danger was coming. With an earthquake, there is none — it simply strikes!


Jesus described his second coming as an event like that. He used terminology like “a thief in the night” to describe the unexpectedness of the moment. His purpose in using that image was not to suggest that he is coming to steal something. Rather, he is coming at a time when we least expect it. And the only way to be ready for that moment (just as with an earthquake) is to stay prepared all the time.


“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The skies will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in them will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. In that way everything will be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be?

You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God.” (I Peter 3:10-12a, NCV).


My prayer is that you will be prepared so that you, too, can truly “look forward” to that day (whenever it may be!).


Have a great day!


Alan Smith




Repeat after me!


God is good (God is good)


All the time (All the time).


All the time (All the time)


God is good (God is good)!




This is God’s day!  Don’t take it form Him.


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