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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

Thursday

We see, then,

that they were not able to enter the land,

because they did not believe.

Hebrews 3:19 (TEV)

Two updates on Justin Kennedy

  • Today Edna posted on facebook that she and her husband received word
    that Justin was released from the hospital, and returned to his unit,
    then later they got a conflicting report that he was still in the
    hospital.  They don’t know if he is in a hospital or not.  Justin has
    not been able to call home yet.  I tried to call Edna on the phone,
    but she was unable to answer.  I’m sure that she is getting many
    calls, but only wants to talk to Justin at this point.  I can’t
    imagine how difficult this is for her and her husband, Barry!  They
    are sweet Christians; prayer warriors!  Edna is an RN, and Barry is
    also in the medical field.  Justin has an older brother, and a twin
    brother.

    Thanks for your prayers!
    Julie

  • Justin was able to call his parents. He and the others in the vehicle are okay! Thanks for praying for them!

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders will be moved to an extended care facility at some point.  She appreciates your prayers as does her family.

I saw the specialist again about my arm.  The bone is still in the proper position.  I will begin physical therapy tomorrow.  A decision about surgery will be made when the bone is healed.

Wanda Lanier Newman, 83 years old of Hammond, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011, in Richard Murphy Hospice House.

She was born on October 7, 1927, in Amite, daughter of the late Jack Lanier and the late Lena White Lanier.

Mrs. Newman was a homemaker and a long time teacher. She taught at Mandeville High, Loranger High, Hammond High, and retired from Ponchatoula High School. Mrs. Newman was a faithful member at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond where she taught the Ruth Sunday School Class and vacation bible school. She was beloved by many and will be missed by all her family and friends.

Surviving are her son, Edwin Newman Jr.; daughter, Joanna Newman; 7 brothers and sisters, Jackie Reed, Therold Lanier, Jon Lanier, David Lanier, Rachel Mixon, Martha Lanier, and Mary Adams.

She is preceded in death by husband, Edwin Marion Newman Sr.; brother, Harry Lanier; sister, Elaine Floyd; and stepmother, Belle Lanier.

Friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Friday, January 7, 2011, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 8:00 AM until the funeral service at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, Mississippi.

Contributions may be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, 16013 Halbert Road, Hammond, LA 70403.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

AMONG OTHER THINGS, actress Elizabeth Taylor is known for her love of diamond jewelry…

On one occasion, she was attending a social gathering where one of the guests noticed the large diamond that she was wearing.  “That’s a bit vulgar,” the woman remarked.  Unabashed, Taylor offered to let the woman try the ring on.  As the woman gazed at the ring on her own finger, Taylor commented, “There, it’s not so vulgar now, is it?”

Sometimes, when the ring is on our finger, it doesn’t seem as gaudy as when it is on someone’s else’s finger.  For example, when other people buy a nice house or a new car, they are covetous.  However, when we do it, it is simply good stewardship.  In like manner, when other people’s children misbehave, they are brats.  However, when our own children misbehave, they are simply high-strung or energetic.  The faults of others often appear big, while our own appear small or not at all.

We need to make sure that when we judge, we are fair.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck our of your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your own eye” (Matthew 7.1-5).  Although many people interpret Jesus’ words as condemning all judgment, that was not at all what He was doing.  He was rather condemning unrighteous and unmerciful judgment.  I know this because on another occasion He commanded men to judge (John 7.24).  He simply wanted men to judge righteously (John 7.24) and mercifully (James 2.13).

Let’s make sure that we judge faults in our own lives with the same standard that we judge faults in the lives of others.  Sin is sin whether it is in the lives of others are in our own life.  It is wrong whether it is in the life of a foe or friend, family or stranger.  Wade Webster, Vulgar,The Searcher, 11.14.10, 1

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.

Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

~James 2.13~

Don’t forget to plan to attend Mug ‘n’ Muffin Saturday morning at 10:00.  You’ll be blessed.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Impact on AIDS

Troy Lewis has seen death. He’s also seen lives transformed physically and spiritually in Zambia as an IMB missionary. Troy and his wife, Tracey, were appointed to Zambia with their two boys in 2001.

Troy’s primary focus involves ministering to those impacted by the AIDS crisis. More than 5,500 people die every day from this disease in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Every day people in Zambia are hearing about Jesus Christ, as well—people like Collins. A former street kid, Collins once huffed “petro” and lived in a graveyard. Through local believers and Southern Baptist initiatives, such as True Love Waits, Collins gave his life to Christ. He turned away from a worldly lifestyle that leads many young people to become infected with AIDS.

“I just want to say to Southern Baptists ‘thank you’ for your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering,” Troy says. It costs Troy about $120 a day to live and minister in Zambia. “Every life that is touched, every life that is saved, every orphan child that is educated is because of the people back home who are giving through this offering.”

How many days will you support a missionary like Troy who is making a difference for this earth and for eternity?

Posted by the IMB at http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=8755&LanguageID=1709

The monthly meeting at the cabin will be tomorrow at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us.

Saturday Afternoon

Brenda D. Bryant is home and doing well.  Thank-you for keeping her in your prayers the last few days.

Dr. Rod Smith shared something he wrote and gave me permission to share it.  I know it will speak to your heart.

I Saw America Today

I saw America today.

I was among more that 200 people gathered on the tarmac at the Meridian Air Navel Station to welcome Sgt. Eric C. Newman, 30, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, home from Afghanistan.

He did not exit to cheers and hugs but was greeted by respectful silence. Military men and women, bikers, policemen, firemen, all in formation riveted their attention as Sgt. Newman disembarked from the plane carrying him.

He exited in a flag draped coffin, killed in action in Afghanistan.

The family stood near the hearse and as Sgt. Newman’s casket approached he was greeted by his new wife and his mother as they draped their arms around the casket where their beloved husband and son lay. There would be no married life for the newly married couple and another mother had given her son in the name of freedom.

I saw America today.

The procession formed with a police escort in front leading the hearse carrying Sgt. Newman which was followed by his family, more than 100 bikers, including the Patriot Guard Riders, scores of police officers, firemen, and friends. I rode near the front and I never could see the end of the procession as we rolled over the hills from Meridian to Waynesboro.

I saw America today.

On the 60 mile journey truckers, the big rigs, pulled to the side of the road, exited their trucks and put hand over heart in honor of Sgt. Newman and the American flag. Down the road from one big shiny rig was a humble logging truck, driver standing on the ground, hand over heart.

For sixty miles a mixture of people stood by the side of the road, flag in hand as we rolled past. At every junction where a side road entered there were people. At the overpasses there was always a fire truck displaying a large American flag. Every fire department along the way had their fire truck standing by to honor this young American who gave his life for us.

There was a young Boy Scout, in uniform, proudly saluting Sgt. Newman and the American flags that passed him.

A man in bib overalls stood by a ragged old pickup truck giving honor. Just down the road was a man dressed in suit and tie by his expensive SUV.

Something in the bright blue sky above caught my eye. It was two jet fighter planes flying over the procession, the thoughtful action of fellow soldiers.

I could see a woman kneeling, holding something out in her hands. At first I thought it must be a camera but as I passed I could clearly see it was a folded American flag. Just like the one that was given to my mother when my father died. Yes, it was her way of saying, “I lost a loved one as well.”

I saw America today.

As we left the main road and entered Waynesboro two fire trucks were parked in such a way as to form an arch with a giant American flag suspended between the two.

The streets were lined solid with people. No cars were moving. I observed someone in a wheel chair on the side of the road. When we drew closer I saw several in wheel chairs, some on crutches. They were old, and fragile. They were residents of a nursing home. On down the road there was another group from yet another nursing home, all waving tiny American flags.

As we wound our way through town hundreds of people lined the sides of the streets. We passed an elementary school. The children lined the fence three deep, most with flags, some with red, white, and blue balloons which were later released.

Next we passed the high school. Again the students respectfully lined the streets adjacent to the school. All were standing respectfully in honor of Sgt. Newman.

And did I mention the yellow ribbons? They were on trees, mailboxes, fences, and anywhere people could place them.

I saw America today.

When we had finished the escort all the bikers were asked to meet at the First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. There they gathered us up and escorted us to the Western Sizzlen’ where the people of the town treated us to lunch for doing something of which we were proud to be a part.

Today, I saw America and I’m proud to be an American. God bless America.


Pray for this family and for all the families that are apart due to military service. Pray they will seek God to get them through the separation and the trials they face.

Anna Lee

Monday Evening

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is headed to Line Creek.  Don’t you know she will be excited to see Line Creek after her hospital/rehab time!

East Fort Baptist Church is having a 5th Sunday singing this month.  I think the singing is from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.

We will have the “Third Thursday” gathering at the cabin this week.  You are invited to come at 6:30 and enjoy the food, fellowship, and devotional time.

Jacqueline Gaines
(January 28, 1941 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Amite, she died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at her home in Amite. She was born January 28, 1941 and was 69 years of age.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Jonathan Barry Swearingen
(October 26, 1962 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, he died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at his residence in Kentwood. He was born October 26, 1962 and was 47 years of age. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Sunday

Now that we know what we have—Jesus,

this great High Priest with ready access to God—

let’s not let it slip through our fingers.

We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality.

He’s been through weakness and testing,

experienced it all—all but the sin.

So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give.

Take the mercy, accept the help.

~Hebrews 4:14-16 (MSG)~

We’re having bad weather now.  I’ll post more later.

Anna Lee

Monday Death Notice


Donald Ray “Hot Rod” Simpson

August 19, 1947 – June 5, 2010

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died at 10:30PM on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at his home. He was born August 19, 1947 in New Orleans, LA and was 62 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m .Thursday. Services conducted by Bro. Matthew Booty. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by daughter, Dawn S. Booty and her husband, Donnie, Kentwood, 6 grandchildren, Jessica and Ryan Cutrer, Macy Booty, Ciara, C. J. and Dalton Simpson, great-grandson, Gabe Simpson, 2 brothers, Buster Simpson and his wife, Charlene, Alexandria, and Jerry Simpson and his wife, Toye, Summit, MS, numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends. Special companion, Terry Jones and her family, Laurel, MS. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances B. Simpson, daughter, Theresa Lynn Simpson, son, Clayton J. Simpson, and parents, Earl and Mary Simpson.

Sunday

Each of us finds our meaning and function

as a part of His body.

~Romans 12:5 (MSG)~

Pray for all the children who will be in VBS next week and/or the coming weeks.  Pray they hear the Word and accept Jesus as their Savior.

Update on Callie Cole

Good Morning,
We hope all is well in your household today.  God is continuing to heal Ms. Callie.   We remain excited about her accomplishments and what is to come.  She is spelling away to communicate and she is trying to speak as she spells.  This new stage in her healing will cause you to work a little too.  Several require a pen and paper to write each letter as she points indicating which one.
She tells everyone she wants to go home with them.  We have told her that she can visit but the spend the nights will come later.   She is okay with our answers, but “no” doesn’t sway her to ask one more time!!
Callie thinks she is 14 years old and in the ninth grade.  She thinks we are picking at her when we tell her she is 16 and will soon be 17 later this month!!  She will ask several times a day how old am I?
She has also cried out and said “I’m confused.”  We just reassure her and let her know that the Lord is continuing to heal her and we don’t know how much she will be able to remember.  We tell her that her injury is similar to a turned over filing cabinet.  There are files thrown around everywhere in her brain and we have to pick them all up and put them back in order.  Just continue to work hard and talk to the Lord.  He will clear the confusion for you.  She often has a real quiet time after she has been really confused and aggravated.  We give her her space, but wonder if she is talking to the King.  We just pray that those mighty arms are embracing her and whispering “be still and know that I am God!”
We have quit using the feeding pump for nightly feeds and have put Callie on a four times a day feeding schedule.  This seems to be working well.  She goes to therapy everyday as an outpatient during the week.  The therapy is harder for her.  Friday she started to cry when we pulled up to the gym.  It did not last long.  She does well once she begins.  Why is it always difficult to start something?  Things really aren’t so bad once you dig in.
I can’t help but put myself where she is and liken the circumstance to growing in the Word with the truth.  As Christians we sometimes drag our feet to begin living the new truth that His word has revealed.  Why?  I don’t know.  But once we are living as He commands us, life is much easier.  I find so much freedom when I am obedient to His word.
Thanks for the continued prayer and the encouragement.  Keep it real!

Love,
Frances

Camilla Ammons Davidson Hughes
(September 15, 1928 – June 5, 2010)

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother succumbed to her courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, June 05, 2010 at the age of 81. She was a native of Troy, AL and a resident of Amite. She was employed for over 30 years at Thrift Town Pharmacy in Amite. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Davidson Wax, Denham Springs, LA and son, Thomas H. Davidson, Sr. and wife, Judy, Denham Springs, LA; 3 grandchildren, Benjamin T. Wax, Denham Springs, Thomas H. Davidson, Jr., Slaughter and Jennifer M. Davidson, Baton Rouge; 4 great-grandchildren, Sophie Claire Wax, Kayleigh and Colesie Davidson, and Nathan Lachney; step-daughters, Ann Marie Hughes Banos and husband, Orlando, Austin, TX, and Brenda Darlene Hughes, Walker, LA; step-sons, Johnny Lamar Hughes and wife, Gaisha, Tickfaw, LA and Michael Wayne Hughes and wife, Tracey, Walker, LA; 14 step-grandchildren; sisters, Margie Harvell, Birmingham, AL and Pauline King; brother, Henry Eugene “Bud” Ammons, Camden, NC. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ivy Thomas Davidson; second husband, William F. “Bill” Hughes; son, Dennis Davidson; daughter, Donna Lynn Davidson; parents, Henry Randal and Polly Ammons; sister, Helen Buford; brothers, Joe Russell Ammons, Sr. and Billy Morgan Capps. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 64671 Hwy. 1054, Roseland, LA 70456. The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Generations Hospice for their very special care and comfort and to her “extended family”, the E. R. “Bud” Glasgow family, Anita Hawkins and Jeanette Relan for their love and support. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday. Religious services will be held at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Roseland, at 2:30 p.m. on Monday conducted by Pastor Larry Blades. Interment in Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!  Don’t leave him out!

Anna Lee