Thursday

What a beautiful day it has been.  Take time to thank God for providing it for us.

Chase Sharkey’s hand is much better.  He should be “good as new” in about two weeks.

Ms. Laura Joiner and many others have been suffering with allergies related to pollen.  Pray they will be feeling better like Laura Ms. already is.

Pray for Mrs. Rebecca Moak (grandmother of Stephanie McKenzie) and for Mr. John “Jack” Birch (brother of Jane Blades) who are both home and very sick.  Pray for family members, especially the caregivers.

 

Thursday

 

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

Pray for Kenneth Birch as he as a procedure Friday to help with with his back pain.

Mrs. Evelyn Bridges still is not up to her usually perky self.  Pray for her to feel better soon.

Janet Phillips Myers is now is remission and at home.  Thank you for praying for her.

Bill Parsons is home and doing much better.  Continue to pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

Mike Price was preparing for lung surgery, but has learned he has heart issues that are worse than the lung issues.  Pray for Mike and Nyla.

The monthly Third Thursday meeting will be tonight at 6:30 at the Alford’s cabin.  Join us for supper, fellowship, a devotional, and prayer.  You’ll be blessed by being with other Christians.

Thought for the Day: How disgusting!

The story is told of a principal of a small middle school who had a problem with a few of the older girls starting to use lipstick. When applying it in the bathroom they would then press their lips to the mirror and leave lip prints.

Before it got out of hand he thought of a way to stop it. He gathered all the girls together that wore lipstick and told them he wanted to meet with them in the ladies’ room at 2 pm. They gathered at 2 pm and found the principal and the school custodian waiting for them.

The principal explained that it was becoming a problem for the custodian to clean the mirror every night. He said he felt the ladies did not fully understand just how much of a problem it was and he wanted them to witness just how hard it was to clean.

The custodian then demonstrated. He took a long brush on a handle out of a box. He then dipped the brush in the nearest toilet, moved to the mirror and proceeded to remove the lipstick.

That was the last day the girls pressed their lips on the mirror!!!

I know……that’s disgusting!!!! But sometimes it takes something disgusting for us to recognize the seriousness of what we have done. Like my sins, for example. I’m often tempted to take them lightly (“they’re not really so bad”). Sometimes I need to be shocked by the realization of what happened on the cross because of my sin. The spit running down Jesus’ face, the blood gushing out, the excruciating agony of spikes being driven into his flesh. It’s not a pretty sight. In fact, it’s disgusting! But it is in that disgusting sight that I find the strength to turn from the sin I may be contemplating.

“Then they struck him on the head with a reed and spat on him; and bowing the knee they worshiped him. And when they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.” (Mark 15:19-20).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

Don’t forget about praying for and giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American (US & Canada) Missions. 100% of the money given will go to those who serve as missionaries.

Have a terrific Thursday.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening

Mrs. Rebecca Moak

Just a note to let you know and everyone keep praying for the coming days for me and my family. My grandma is coming home today with hospice. Her body is not responding to any medication anymore.

Thank
Stephanie McKenzie

Beverly Jean Smith 
(November 9, 1965 – March 12, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, she died at 8:47 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2012 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born November 9, 1965 in New Orleans and was 46 years of age. She is survived by her mother, Grace Smith, Kentwood. Preceded in death by her father, Clifton Smith; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Foster and Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Smith. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

  • Had the biopsy yesterday. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s not painful. They were able to pull off 4 liters of fluid from my abdomen. It will come back, but at least I know they can do something about that. The doctor may have the reports on Friday. If not, then I will go see him Wednesday of next week. Keep me on your prayer list. Thanks! Marsha

 Jadon Pailet

Detroit Results!!

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 04:41 PM PDT

I had a GREAT trip to Detroit. We did not get to stay at the Ronald McDonald House this time because of our flight time. We stayed at a hotel by the airport which was alot of fun. They had a swimming pool and I got in it everyday. I left you a picture of me swimming. I just love the water!!! I received AWESOME news in Detroit. The first test I had done was a CT scan. I saw my neurosurgeon after the test. He said that my CT looked great. I didn’t have any fluid build up. This is great news because it means I do not need another surgery!!!! The neurosurgeon said I’m doing great and I will continue to get better. The next day I had my 2 hour EEG. I did fairly well while they put the leads on this time. I usually scream the entire time. They swaddled me up( see pic) and I actually did better this way. Once they hooked me up is when it began. I did not want the leads on my head. I keep pulling at them the entire time. I finally fell asleep for a little while but I didn’t sleep long. I then woke up and was back at trying to get it off. It was a long 2 hours. The great news is that my EEG was normal. YES I went 2 hours without having a seizure while hooked up to EEG. I can remember a time when they needed me to go 2 hours for a test. They tried for 3 days and I never went 2 hours without having seizure activity. So yes we are very excited that my EEG was normal. That means I have gone over 2 months without having a seizure. It unbelievable but with the help of God and the doctors at Detroit Children’s Hospital, I have been given a new life. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for meeting this neurologist that saved me from these seizures. Him and his staff are totally amazing. I can’t say enough about how awesome they are!!!! After my EEG we met with my neurologist. You know Dr. Rockstar!!! He was very pleased with my progress. He said I’m doing amazingly well. I gave him a high five with my right hand. I said some words for him. I even reached out for him to hold me and he took me right away. You see I told you he was AMAZING!!! He said that I am doing extremely well but that we haven’t seen anything yet. He said just wait and watch what I’m going to do. It’s going to be great. He talked about me going to school and that I may even be able to go to college one day. He said we need to have high expectations so that I can reach my maximum potential. He said that since I haven’t had any seizures so far it is unlikely that we will ever see another seizure again. Can you believe that? No more seizures. Words can’t describe how awesome we feel. I have to stay on my seizure medicine as a precaution for a year. If I’m still not having any seizures next January, he will take me off my last seizure medicine. By the way I’m only on 1 very small pill so I really don’t mind taking it. We will have to go back to Detroit in July. At that time they will do a MRI with DTI testing which will show exactly what has transferred to my right side. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers. I do not believe we would be where we are today if we didn’t have everyone praying for me. Thank you for being a part of the miraculous experience. Please keep praying for me and I can’t wait to show you what I’m going to do next. Oh and by the way I’m now saying over 40 words. Yes I know unbelievable!!!!


 

 

Wednesday Special Request

From Kathy Bryan

Steve’s sister is Becky Bryan Joiner.
In 1977, she was 8 mos pregnant and was diagnosed with breast cancer; that baby is now 34! Becky had early metastasis and very aggressive treatment. They treated her with everything that was available then, but, after 5 years, were unable to eliminate all of the lesions. Docs offered their regrets that there was nothing more they could do.

The Lord intervened so graciously and Becky is still leading a God-honoring life. This week she received liver biopsy results; she has adeno-carcinoma.
We have seen the Great Physician’s work on Becky’s behalf already! Please pray for healing, wisdom, peace. Thanks
Kathy Bryan

Wednesday Additions

From Ashley Raborn

Please lift Sammy Ott up in your prayers. He went for blood work today and his platelet count has dropped drastically. He will find out Friday if he will need a platelet transfusion. Please pray for him.

Mr. Kenneth Felker said “Miss” Grace Helen IS still in North Oaks.  He is going to the hospital this morning to work with he to plan the service for BJ.  She will be released to attend the funeral for her daughter, but will have to return to North Oaks following the funeral.  He said the service for BJ will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood.  I’ll post the obituary later when arrangements have been completed.  Please pray for this family.

Wednesday

“With you I can attack a barrier,

and with my God I can leap over a wall.”

~2 Samuel 22:30, HCSB~

 

JAPAN IN CRISIS. As we have reached the one-year anniversary of the triple disaster that overtook unsuspecting Japan, it seems fitting and proper to pause a moment and voice a prayer for the more than 16,000 lives that have been confirmed as lost and the more than 3,000 lives that are not yet accounted for. At the same time, perhaps it would be appropriate to remember a life that was spared. Kenji Sato is a descendant of fishermen in the coastal town of Minamisanriku. On that fateful day of March 11, he was due to be on the job at a local nursing home. Yet on that day, he took time off from work to see his third child, Haruse, born at a hospital in a nearby port city. That decision spared his life, as following the tsunami, the only thing left of his workplace was a skeleton of twisted steel pillars. A year later, the four-generation Sato family celebrates the birthday of little Haruse. His grandmother insists, “He is a child who was born to save us.” As Christians, we know this wasn’t the first time that a child came into the world to save others. Pray that countless Japanese will come to know the Christ child who was born to save them so that they might walk in new life and hope.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Feastasianpeoples.imb.org%2Fjapan-in-crisis%2F&h=NAQEw8_NSAQHxcV1yImhoCRF_NADitibMMUxfQd9M3T2xQg

With the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan yesterday, think how frightened the people must be there.  Pray for Christians to share with the people of Japan the news of one who is able to save the people so they might have eternal homes that never can be shaken.  Thankfully, there was no significant damage or any loss of life, but I’m sure it was a reminder of what happened last year.  May the people see their need for God as they face the threat of another earthquake and tsunami.

Crossover: Katrina labors have opened hearts

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37380

Boyd is helping to coordinate some volunteers to work in the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting this summer in New Orleans.  I’m signed up to help register delegates.  There are many opportunities for you too.  Do some checking to find the spot that fits you “just right” and volunteer.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions

What do AAEO-supported missionaries do?

  • Start new churches
  • Engage in student evangelism on college campuses
  • Serve the physical and spiritual needs of people through inner-city Baptist centers
  • Serve in local Baptist associations as church planting catalysts
  • Provide training and ministry in apologetics (interfaith witness) evangelism
  • Minister in resort settings such as campgrounds and ski areas

    I’m thankful for those who are full time or volunteer missionaries in Canada and North America.  Imagine how many people they reach through non-traditional ways (outside of Baptist churches).  The lost can find God while having a meal at a BCM (Baptist Collegient Ministry), at a campground in a state park, while hiking a mountain trail, while skiing at a resort, or many other places.  Yes, even at a church!  Don’t you feel your responsibility to help by going, praying, and/or giving.  Remember, the theme this year is “Whatever it Takes”.

The Beth Moore studies of James are going well.  I encourage other churches to offer this opportunity.  If you missed James: Mercy Triumphs and would like to particiapate in a study, please let me know.  I’ll try to connect you with a group.  If you are offering this study at your church in the future, please let me know.  I may be able to help let people know about the study and match some up with a group that is going to start in the future.

 

Thought for the Day: What are you willing to commit?

Choking
The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out.

As the man’s breath and voice returned he said, “I’m ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?”

The doctor smiled and said, “I’ll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking.”

It’s true, isn’t it, that when you’re facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!

We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, “Lord, if you’ll just see me through this, I’ll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!” or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we’re willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.

Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, “To me, to live is Christ.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

 

Make a difference in someone’s life today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Marsha Bankston had four liters of fluid removed today before the biopsy was done.  The biopsy results should be available Friday.  Keep praying for Marsha and her family.

Barbara Jean “BJ” Smith passed away last night.  She and her mother, “Miss” Grace Helen, were both admitted to the hospital Sunday.  I’ll post an obituary when one is available.  In the meantime, pray for the family.  “Miss” Grace Helen is home now.

Tuesday Obituaries

Holly Ruth Osborn Mauterer  – a childhood friend
(October 27, 1948 – March 11, 2012)

A resident of Amite, LA, died at 11:52 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at her home. She was born October 27, 1948 and was 63 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012. Religious Services at First Baptist Church, Amite, at 2 p.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Survived by husband, Arthur A. Mauterer, M.D., Amite, 2 daughters, Emily Rebecca Wilson, Gainesville, VA, and Jennifer M. Lett, Amite, son, Jason Scott Watson, Gainesville, VA, 4 brothers, Retus W. Osborn, IV, Hermon, ME, Lyman H. Osborn, Roseland, Stephen D. Osborn, San Antonio, TX, and Philip W. Osborn, Mobile, AL, 1 grandson, Calvin Marshall Watson, uncle, Harry McIntyre, Enon, aunt, Margaret Ann Osborn, Elizabeth, and numerous nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Louise McIntyre Osborn Hyde, father, Retus W. Osborn, III, uncle, A. B. Osborn, MD, and cousin, David Osborn. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Randall Webb
(December 26, 1953 – March 7, 2012)

Randall Webb was born December 26, 1953 and passed away at 6:19 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. He was 58 and a resident of Brookhaven, MS.

He survived by his mother, Mrs. Billie Freeman Webb.

Preceded in death by his father, Charles Glen Webb.

Private graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

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