Wednesday Afternoon

Roy Russell did not get to leave Lacombe Heart Hospital Monday, but he did today.  He will be staying with his sister, Mrs. Raymond (Faibra) Cade while he recuperates.   Keep him in your prayers.

 

 

From Velta Morris

Hello everyone,

I just returned from an unexpected visit with my family doctor who had received the biopsy results sooner than we had expected. The results were that I have Type B lymphoma, but I was encouraged from the doctor (and Art confirmed this and was in on our conference), that this form of cancer is very treatable and I expect to see an oncologist on Monday to see where we go from here. At this time I don’t have any more information as to the course of treatment, etc., but will keep you posted from time to time. Please keep praying for wisdom and for strength and peace. I am blessed to have such a wide array of loving friends and family to walk this journey with me.

 

 

 

I trust you will continue to remember Roy and Velta in your prayers.

Wednesday Midday

#10 DERRY MAGEE’S MEDICAL REPORT

January 18, 2012

 

We praise God every day for Derry and his progress!  Each Tuesday, the Rehab team meets, reports progress, and makes recommendations for the next steps in his rehabilitation.  Next Tuesday, January 24, we should have an idea of when he will be discharged from Rehab to home.  We will be given time to plan to make the necessary preparations for his return to our home possibly during the first week of February.  

We want to express to everyone our heartfelt thanks for your love, kindness, PRAYERS, visits, cards, e-mails, etc.  I have been able to rest comfortably in the small private room in his suite which has a lavatory and roll-a-way bed.  I also am able to spend time daily in our home taking care of household chores while Derry is going through his PT, OT, Speech therapies during the day.    I order my dinner (supper) and eat with Derry in the dining area with large open windows overlooking the trees, etc.  

Having family, friends and neighbors who look after things around the house is very comforting.  Our nephew Patrick Schilling and family take care of filling the bird feeders and water container, cranking Derry’s truck,  running errands, pruning plants, etc.  The Hilal’s put out our garbage can for pick-up and return it to the rear of the house and anything else that they can help with. The Wynn’s do whatever is needed.  Sandra really came to my rescue when my “energy efficient Elite Sears Kenmore washer” failed to successfully spin out the water one day.   After struggling with it for over an hour, I called Sandra.  She came over and picked up the bucket of heavy wet towels and sheets and took them home to complete the job.  Derry and I have been struggling with the inefficiency of this “elite” washer for quite some time.  In 2006, this washer was the latest model and the selling point was that it did  not have a dasher.  That washer has ruined two good bottom sheets that got caught under the dish part in the bottom of the washer and ripped 12-15 inches in the sheets. When I told Derry about the newest struggles trying to wash clothes, he quickly replied, “Go buy a new one.”  Sunday morning I went to Lowe’s and requested information on a washing that had a dasher.  I immediately made the decision to get a Maytag washer with a dasher which suits our needs better than the “expensive paper weight” that went to recycling.

I patched this last bottom sheet with an iron-on tape that did not hold.  After Sandra finished laundering it, she brought it over and put it on the  bed upstairs to have the bed ready for the next guest.  I will warn the guest to be aware that there might be a rough patch at the foot of the bed.  

Several months ago, our son-in-law, Steve Johnson’s Aunt Kitty Kane (Aunt Mina) called and invited me to be her guest at the College Station Christian Women’s  luncheon and style show at Pebble Creek Country Club on Tuesday, January 17.  Aunt Mina gave her Christian testimony, and I was so glad that I had made the decision to attend.  She is a writer, speaker, vocalist, song writer, and a strong Christian who lives in Arlington, TX.  After we returned from the luncheon, we went to the St. Joseph Rehab to visit Derry.  Derry was so pleased that I had attended the luncheon and was extremely pleased to see Aunt Mina.  I knew a large number of the members attending the luncheon and decided to join this group which is affiliated with the Stonecroft Ministries.  When my longtime friend Velta  Morris from S. C. learned that I would be attending, she stated, “Dora, you are made for this organization.”  I am looking forward to opportunities to help me grow as a Christian and to minister to others.

I have been overwhelmed by the way so many of you have shown Godly love to Derry and me.  You have ministered to Derry in various ways when you came to visit.  God bless each one of you in a mighty way!

Derry’s niece, Dr. Robin Fabre, from Tyler called us Tuesday afternoon and stated that she is coming Thursday afternoon to spend three nights with her Uncle Derry to give me a rest and time to take down Christmas decorations and begin preparing the house for Derry’s return.  WHAT A GIFT!!

God bless you and your families!

Dora


Jadon Pailet

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

We are coming home!!!

I was discharged from the hospital late yesterday evening. By the time we got to the hotel it was too late to blog. I really enjoyed sleeping in the hotel bed. It was much better than the hospital. I got to sleep by my brother. He stayed right by me all night and played with me this morning. We managed to get to the airport this morning with all our bags. We got a wheelchair and it has helped alot. I’m still so weak. So yes we are at the airport in Detroit waiting for our flight!!! When we get to NOLA I will have to go straight to children’s for therapy. We were hoping to get to go home for a night or two but because of insurance reason we have to go straight there. We will be there anywhere from one to two weeks. If my anxiety level doesn’t get better we are going to come home and do therapy in my home where I’m more comfortable. So we will see how I do. Please pray for safe travels.


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 

Tuesday Afternoon

Velta Morris

Velta’s biopsy went well this morning. We are home and she is naping. Now we wait. Should know the results sometime Friday. Thank our friends for their prayers, please continue and we trust the Lord with the outcome.
Blessings,
Bill

Kelly Dunn Sofge

Kelly Diane Dunn Sofge was born January 4, 1976 and passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Callahan, FL. She was 36, a native of McComb, MS and resident of Hilliard, FL and a former resident of Amite.

Kelly is survived by her husband, James Benjamin Sofge, Hilliard, FL; 3 children, Jade Patton, Amite, Raina Sofge, Hilliard, FL & Emma Sofge, Hilliard; mother, Kathryn Daniel Dunn, Amite; 3 sisters, Lori D. Vicknair and husband Chad, Springfield, Dana D. Meyn and husband Wade, Amite & Kristen Dunn, Ponchatoula; grandmother, Eula Jenkins, Amite; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by her father, Richard W. Dunn; maternal grandparents, Norris & Melrose Daniel.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, January 20, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Jake Williams officiating. Interment in Kedron Cemetery.

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

Tuesday Addition

Just thought I would share that Jadon Pailet has now been seizure free for a week.  Thank you, God, for giving this little fellow a chance for a better life, one without the many seizures he was having every day.  I can only imagine how wonderful Jadon’s family feels about this!

 

 

Debbie Luce is out of back surgery, but in pain.  Pray it won’t be long before the pain diminishes.

 

 

Please pray for Mrs. Dorothy Ricks and her daughter, Diane Turner, as she cares for her mother during some difficult days.

 

 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

Tripp’s services

Tripp’s services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ponchatoula on Wednesday, January 18th.
Visitation will be from 10am – 1pm, with a mass of Christian Burial starting at 1pm.
Interment follow in the Ponchatoula Cemetery.
His services are open to all who loved Tripp and want to join us in prayer.
Love,
Photobucket

Tuesday

“Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages,

teaching in their synagogues,

preaching the good news of the kingdom,

and healing every disease and every sickness.’”

~Matthew 9:35, HCSB~

 

Frank Smith

Just an update on Frank. He is doing better and will try to go back to work tomorrow. Thanks so much for the prayers.
Sue

 

Andy Taylor

Andy’s doctor wants him to wait another month before removing the bandages that support his right arm.  Pray that Andy’s arm will heal completely.

 

Debi Bales mother

Continue to pray for Debi Bales mother and for Debi as she spends part of each day caring for her mother.  Thank God for the doctors who have guided the family in caring for her,

 

Continue to pray for the numerous people who have tests or surgery today.  I already listed them for you,  but you can refer back to older posts.  I pray for the reports that are given after the tests to be good and for the people to be able to honor God as He guides them through medical issues.

 

 

I think the following devotional is perfect for today because so many have important medical days scheduled.  I also think it is meaningful because none of us know what what’s ahead this year, month, weeks, day, or hour. Read carefully and take the devotional to heart so it will be with you when you need it.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Whatever you may face

Hello Friend!

I’m thinking of you today, staring at that calendar of blank days on your wall or your screen. What will they hold? I’m not sure but I do know this—there’s One who will hold you through them all.

Our world seems to be in love with uncertainty right now. But there’s One who loves you and dares to whisper, “No matter what, you will be okay. More than okay—you’ll be victorious.”

Maybe you see some challenges you’re not sure you can handle. Maybe you’re standing just outside your comfort zone and wondering what in the world you’re doing here.

So let me whisper that there’s nothing in heaven that won’t be yours if you need it. And God has made you all you need to be to complete his perfectly planned to-do list for you.

And you’re beautiful. Just as you are. Not because of what people see when they look in your face but because of what God sees when he looks at your heart. A child of his who is willing to trust, to live with courage, to give him all of your days.

2012 is going to be a good year for you. Maybe not easy. Maybe not what you expected. Maybe more than you think you can handle. But somehow, someway you’re going to look back and say, Whew, God was there and He’s good.”

So keep me posted, okay? I want to know what’s happening with you this year.

Love,

Holley

I had the hardest year of my life last year, but God was with me all the way.  I’m okay about all that happened.  You will be able to say that too if you hold tight to His hand on the journey of your life.

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

 

 

Saturday Midday

Jadon’s Story: Working hard

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

 

Sherman and Treva’s baby boy is named Cameron Michael.  He was 9 lbs. and 12.4 ozs. at birth.  His three sisters and other family members are happy Cameron is here and healthy.  Pray for this family as more adjustments are made in their daily life.

 

On another note, two year old Tripp Roth moved to his home in heaven today.  Please pray for Courtney and other family members as well as his many friends and his health care support team.