Saturday

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus,

on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”

~Hebrews 12:2 (GNT)~

 

From Boyd Hatchel

Thank you for your prayers and kindness for me and my family during the last two days. Thank you to my wife and many others who sacrificed and served me during this crisis. Thank you for good medical care, rest, and the gift of life – every day is a gift.

For those of you who don’t know, I blacked out while driving our van with a IWC student leadership team on Thursday. I was out for about two minutes. Before the event, I felt disoriented and had a thumping headache. Thankfully, the car died at a place close to our home, where my wife was, and with adults in the car. I was taken to a local hospital and stayed overnight. The medical staff ran ALOT of tests and found nothing conclusive except possible severe migraines. We’ll be discussing this week about follow-up and maybe even a early departure to the US. Thank you for your prayers and support of our family. Thank you to Joe Silby, Terri McInnis, Jason Hale, and Sheila Balthaser, who stepped up to take full responsibility of an on-field student team. Resting at home…

Jimmy Schwartz

Yesterday’s test showed two blockages, the same two that he previously had surgery on.  Additional surgery cannot be done, so Jimmy’s problem will be treated with medication.  Pray the doctors can find the most effective one soon.  Pray for the family as you pray for Jimmy.

Dot Smith

Momma is still in ICU at North Oaks.  The doctors think she will be able to have surgery in a few days.  Nothing is definite yet.  For the family, it is a waiting exercise.  Please continue to pray for us.

Jadon’s Story: Test Results

Test Results

Posted: 01 Jul 2011 05:26 PM PDT

We got my test results back this morning. My MRI is not normal anymore. When we did it in October, they said it was normal but questionable in one area. Well like they expected my left hemisphere is were the problem is located. My right hemisphere is normal. My left hemisphere is significantly delayed with more water than I’m suppose to have and less fat. This means possible dysplasia but we can’t see on MRI due to the excessive water blocking the white matter. So we are going to come home and get a PET scan done as well as a 24 hour video EEG to see if I qualify for surgery. The neurologist didn’t give us much hope that medicine will ever help me. I have already had 2 rounds of ACTH, 2 rounds of prednisolone, IV steroids, topamax, keppra, clobazam, clonazepam, trileptal, vimpat, banzel,lamictal, and the ketogenic diet. Of those therapies 5 have increased seizures, others have done nothing, and one helped but then stopped after a while. So based on my history of anticonvulsant medicines, it is not likely that we will find one to control my seizures. We will continue to try though. With God all things are possible. He basically told us today that surgery would probably be my best option if the PET and 24 hour EEG reflect the MRI. We don’t really know what to think about this. Yes it would be awesome if they could go in and remove the part of my brain that is causing all this but it is very scary. We know that God will continue to direct our path as I continue on my journey.
Jadon’s Story: A day to get our minds off things

A day to get our minds off things.

Posted: 30 Jun 2011 07:47 PM PDT


We decided to have a little fun today while we wait to see the doctor tomorrow. We needed to get out to get our minds off of everything. We went to the New England Aquarium this morning. We had a great time. We saw lots of fish, penguins, and seals. I slept through the seal show. I liked trying to catch the fish the best. After the aquarium, we came back to the room and took a nap. After our nap we went to Mission Hill Park. I loved being at the park. I even found some dirt to dig in while my brother played in the spash park. I’m leaving a few pics of our adventure today. My appointment with the neurologist is at 9:00 am tomorrow that’s 8:00 our time. I will update as soon as I can. Thanks for praying.

Joseph Peter “Joe” Giardina
(September 23, 1928 – July 1, 2011)

Mr. Joseph P. “Joe” Giardina was born September 23, 1929 and passed away at 8:52 a.m., Friday, July 1, 2011 at his residence. He was 82, a native and a resident of Amite, LA. Mr. Joe was an avid golfer and gardener.

Mr. Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Ardillo Giardina, Amite; daughter, Lillian Giardina Massey and husband Michael, Loranger; 2 sons, Joseph Roy Giardina, Amite and Charles Michael Giardina, Amite; 2 brothers, Angelo J. Giardina and wife Marie, Amite and Salvadore Giardina and wife Diane, Westwego, LA; 2 grandchildren, John Lucas Massey and Sarah Kate Massey both of Loranger; numerous other extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Frances Schillage Giardina; brother, Nick Giardina.

Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Mark Beard officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.

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

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

Sarah Diane Mixon Zumwalt
(January 21, 1947 – July 1, 2011)

A resident of Amite, she died at 3:35 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born January 21, 1947 in New Orleans and was 64 years of age. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Amite. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Walter Mixon. Interment Sylvest Cemetery, Amite. Survived by husband, John G. Zumwalt, Amite, 2 daughters, Jacqueline Cameron Sharpe, Slidell, and Deanna Cameron Sellers, Albany, son, Jack Ranick Cameron, Dallas, TX, grandchildren, Cameron Ethan Sellers, Shannaline Gayle Sharpe, Zevon Braddy Sharpe, Asa Julian Sellers, Sawyer Kale Cameron, Marinn Adair Cameron, and Harper Mckenna Cameron, step-father, Kermit Horton, Amite, sisters, Betty Mixon Woods, Bessimer, AL, Darlene Mixon Howell, Amite, and Cheryl Mixon Catt, Independence, brother, Iley Thomas Mixon, Jr., Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Iley Mixon and Rita Mixon Horton, and granddaughter, Ariel Cameron.

ANSWERING GOD’S CALL

When Americans answer the telephone, most of them simply say, “Hello.”  I have heard that the response is a bit different in other countries.

– Germans answer a ringing phone with their last name.
– In Denmark, the Danes will answer with both their first and last names.
– Russians say, “I’m listening.”
– The curious French say, “Hello, who’s on the line?”
– Italians greet callers with “Ready” upon which the caller demands, “Who’s speaking?”
– The Spanish give the command, “Speak!”
– The Chinese proclaim, “Hey, hey, who are you?”

If you live in a different country, I’d be interested in knowing what is your traditional way of answering a phone.

Just as there are different ways of answering phone calls, there are also different ways to answering a call from God.  God has called each of us.  We are “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7), “called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Cor. 1:9), called “according to his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9).

But those who are called by God have different ways of answering that call.  Moses answered God’s call by saying, “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11).  Gideon answered, “I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15).  Zechariah answered, “How shall I know this?” (Luke 1:18).  Isaiah answered, “Here am I.  Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).

How will you answer God’s call in your life?  It’s a call that demands much from you (God calls asking for nothing less than everything you have), but it is a call that offers the presence of God in your life as you fulfill your calling.  Will you answer His call?  Will you be the man or woman of God that He has called you to be?  Are you willing to accept the responsibility that God has laid on you?

God is calling.  How will you answer?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great weekend, especially a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

 

 


Early Friday Morning

Momma had a heart cauterization this morning.  The doctor put in a balloon pump which is a temporary fix.  A bypass will be done when Momma is more stable.

CaringBridge: CarolineCutrer

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolinecutrer

CaringBridge: CallieCole

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

 

The following article was my encouragement today.  I hope it is an encouragement to some of you too.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35670

Later Thursday Evening

Jadon’s Story: MRI done now we wait.

Posted: 29 Jun 2011 06:59 PM PDT



Yesterday was a long day but we made it. Our flight left at 6:00 am and we walked on the plane at 5:59. Mommy had me on her hip and Jacob holding her hand running to the runway while daddy got the bags. It was crazy but we made it. Once we got to Baltimore we had time to get a snack and then it was time to load again. We got loaded and on the runway and then they announced we were under an hour delay due to weather. So we finally made it to Boston an hour later than expected. We got to the room and we all took a nap. We had time to go eat dinner at the harbor last night. Everything is so beautiful here. The weather is great this time of the year. In the mid 70s during the day and not cooler than 68 at night. Now on to my test. I made it to the hospital this morning around 10:30. They took me back shortly after 11. Everything was going great and they said they were behind an hour. Well mommy put me to sleep and I slept until they took me back. They gave me my sleepy medicine while I was asleep. When I woke up in recovery my mommy was already there. I did a great job and woke up the first time they tried to get me up. Now we have to wait to find out the results. We see the neurologist first thing Friday morning. I will update you as soon as we know something. The pictures I left are of my brother, mommy, and me at the entrance to the hospital. The other is of my brother and me in our room at the Devin Nicole house. Notice our shirts. My daddy and brother bought it for me at Fenway Park today. I want to thank you for all the support. We can definitely feel your support here. Thanks for praying and please continue to do so. I love you all, Jadon

 

 

I forgot to mention that our granddaughter, Peyton, got the cast on her arm yesterday.  It is waterproof!  She can swim, bathe etc. without worrying.  The doctor said she can do anything she feels like doing.  Watch out, world!

 

My sister just called to say Momma is having some breathing problems now.   She is being moved to a step-down unit, but I don’t know the room number yet.  Keep praying for Momma.

 

 

Thursday Evening

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is doing a little better.  Pray she continues to improve.

My cousin’s young daughter, Callie, was bitten on the face by a dog.  She had surgery and is doing okay.  Pray she heals well – both the skin and the memory.

Momma, Dot Smith, is in room 4111B at North Oaks with A-fib (heart irregularity).  Pray for us as we help her get through this again.  It’s only been three months since she was hospitalized with A-fib.

Jennie called today to say Boyd passed out while stopped in a turning lane in Prague today.  He had two International World Changers and his two younger children with him.  Thankfully, they were stopped and did not have a wreck.  Tests today have not identified a problem.  Pray for the family and for the 42 International World Changers who will arrive tomorrow.  Colleagues stepped in to be with Jennie and the children today and to take Boyd’s place with the IWC tomorrow.  Thank God for His protection today and coworkers who are like family when family cannot be there.

Thursday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me,

and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

 

CaringBridge:Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

 

CaringBridge:Caroline Cutrer

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolinecutrer

 

Shawn Paul Edwards is doing better.  The family is so happy.  Thank you for praying.  Keep the prayers coming.

 

I went to the orthopedist yesterday for my six and a half month check-up.  My bone is completely healed, but my arm is weak.  He gave me some exercises to do and said it two more years it should be back to normal.  I’m thankful for the improvement, but not so happy it will take another two years.  I guess I really did a good job when I broke it!  Pray that I will do the needed exercises and not get discouraged.

Pray for Roger Pittman as he continues to get tests done to determine his current problem.

 

George Eddie Lee is home after having a minor surgery.  Keep him in your prayers.

 

Jimmy Schwartz will have a heart cauterization Friday.  If a stent is needed, that will be done Friday.

 

Tom Brister is making good progress for just being home a few days.  Keep him in your prayers.  He goes back today to have the staples removed.

 

Pray for all those who will be traveling this weekend.  Pray for our country to return to God.

 

Heart to Heart with Holley: It’s okay not to be okay…

Posted: 26 Jun 2011 03:26 PM PDT

My grandmother has a cartoon on her refrigerator. It shows a cow on its back with all four legs in the air. The caption reads, “I’m fine, really, I’m fine.”

A lot of us handle the storms in our lives like that cow. We stand in the rain soaking wet with a smile on our faces in our cute pair of galoshes and say, “I’m dry, really, I’m dry.”

I know what that’s like because I did it for years. Somewhere along the way I was told,“Christians need to be happy all the time. If you’re not happy, what will people think about Jesus?”

If you want to breed a herd of perfectionists, just say that a few times from the pulpit.

For many years my life was mostly sunny. I could grin and bear it through the few showers that came along. But then came The Storm—the type that makes the weather channel flash maps covered with red and send warnings about taking shelter immediately.

It’s one thing to stand outside in a nice little shower. It’s another thing to be that crazy news anchor hanging onto a light pole in the middle of a hurricane.

I couldn’t do it anymore. Like the rain that streamed down in my world, something opened in my heart and hurt poured out from a place I had kept locked for years.

Then I waited. I listened for the rebukes. I watched for the disapproving stares. I stiffened my soul for the hard hand of God.

But instead of those things I encountered the last thing I ever expected to find.

Love.

I felt it in the kindness of friends and family. I heard it in comforting words. I discovered it deep within my heart as God whispered, “I’m here with you.”

I also realized I wasn’t the only one who was wet. People began to open up to me. Everyone I knew had some type of rain in their lives. We were one great, big, beautiful soggy mess…and God loved us all.

So if you’re still muttering under your breath, “I’m dry, really, I’m dry” then I invite you to admit that there’s a storm in your life.

It’s okay to not be okay.

When we embrace that grace, we’re finally free to discover that love is waiting for us in the center of the storm.