The Prayer Link

Saturday

Everything you do must be done with love.

~1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)~

Think of all the shoeboxes that are on their way to little children all around the world. Thank-you if you were one who packed a shoebox or several shoeboxes. If you didn’t, pray about packing some next year. Not only will little children receive gifts, but also the message of Jesus. You will receive a great blessing in sharing with others.

Please pray for Jon-Michael Williams today. He is having some important tests today. Hopefully, he will be able to wake up soon. Pray for his family and friends as you pray for him.

Have a great day! Remember to do some things today that will make Sunday less hectic.

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

Anthony “Tony” Costanza
(December 20, 1944 – November 24, 2010)

Anthony “Tony” Costanza was born on December 20, 1944 and passed away at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, La. He was 65, a native of New Orleans, La. and a resident of Amite, La.

He is survived by 1 Daughter and son-in-law, Laura Constanza Betbeze and husband James of Covington, La.; 1 Grandson, John Kovesdi, Metairie, La.; 1 Brother, Louis Phillip Costanza, Amite; 1 Sister, Amy Smith, Kentwood.

Preceded in Death by his Parents, Louis and Norma Tege Costanza, 1 Son, Jeffrey Paul Costanza

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, November 29, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, La.

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N and Hwy.#16W (Exit #46) next to Bill Hood Automotive.

Ruth Hyde Spring

(March 5, 1929 – November 25, 2010)

A loving wife, mother, sister and aunt passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 25, 2010 at her residence in Albany at the age of 81 years. She was born March 5, 1929 in Chesbrough, was a member of Blood River Baptist Church and loved spending her time sewing. She was a very good momma to her son, Donald Craig Spring, Albany; Also survived by her brother, George Hyde and his wife, Mildred, Amite; sister, Wilda Hayden and her husband, Ellis, Baton Rouge; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie G. Spring; parents, Willie and Lillian Hyde. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Charles Reitz. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Louisiana Children’s Home.

Friday

From Becky Williams

Please pray for Hunter Thompson, newborn son of Lance and Lindsey Thompson. He is currently at Tulane and may be transferred to Houston. Thank you for your prayers for Hunter and his family.

Jadon’s Story

An angel to watch over me.

Happy Thanksgiving. I am 15 months old today. I finally got my blood work back. My keppra level was double what it is suppose to be. My mommy was so mad that it took them so long to figure out why I was sleeping so much. We aren’t 100% sure but that was probably causing more seizures as well as me being sick and getting another tooth. Well we decreased the keppra Tuesday night and guess what I’m a different baby today. It will take a couple of days to level out but I look much better finally. I had to get an antibiotic shot yesterday too. I can’t get over this congestion and cough. They also changed my antibiotic so hopefully I will get well. We finally heard back from Boston. They said my recommended calories, fats, and carbs are correct for the diet but my serving size of foods is off. They just said they are not planned out well and they agree that it would be hard to feed a 15 month old those servings. So we are in the process of finding a dietitian here. In the meantime we have an appointment in Boston December 13. We will go and see their keto team and get this diet fixed. Instead of working with 1 dietitian, we will get to work with a team of 4 people. I just have so much going on right now. Many of you know I lost my great grandmother yesterday. She was 90 years old. Mommy said to not be sad. I now have another angel to watch over me and help me get better. We love you Dot Dot and you will be missed by all of us. Mommy said she will teach me to make your stuffed peppers and king cakes when I get big enough. You were an amazing person and we love you very much.

Mrs. Ruth Hyde Spring passed away yesterday. I’ll post more information later.

Thursday's Obituaries

Doris “Dot” Doize’ Thompson

(September 25, 1920 – November 24, 2010)

A resident of Amite, she passed away at 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born September 25, 1920 in New Orleans and was 90 years of age. She is survived by her children, Linda Cuti and her husband, Dominick, Russell Thompson, Jr. and Barbara Yerby, Doris Schwartz, Chuck Thompson and his wife, Sherrie, Margaret Strahan and her husband, Alan, Mark Thompson and his wife, Laura; 23 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Russell Edward Thompson, Sr.; parents, Edgar S. and Elizabeth McGuire Doize’; sisters, Anita Wallace, Louise Putfork, Irene Stumpf and Mary “Claire” Doize’ Capdeville; brothers, Edgar, Paul, William, Armand, and Charles S. “Chuck” Doize’. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2010. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri and Deacon Roger Navarra. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Billy E. Stevens
(December 20, 1929 – November 23, 2010)

A resident of Loranger, he died at 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. He was born December 20, 1929 in Ponchatoula and was 80 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Doris Stevens, Loranger; children, Duane Stevens and his wife, Cindy, Felicia Parker and her husband, Hank, Regina Gay Rainey, Karen Johnson and her husband, Jerry, Vicky Brumfield and husband, Clay, Shelia Miley and husband, Faron; grandchildren, Aaron Stevens and his wife, Jennifer, Samantha Colona and her husband, Mark, Hank Parker, Jr. and his wife, Michelle, Clinton Rainey and his wife, Angie, Michael Perrilloux, Jr., Shelly Pinion, Kacie Snyder, Brodie Brumfield, Brittany Long; great-grandchildren, Luke and Lexie Colona, Logan Parker, Lafton Noto, Alexus and Reece Rainey, Delaney Pinion, Michael C. Pinion, Avery Snyder and Emerson Snyder. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Fortenberry Stevens Bahm; father, George Willis Stevens; son, Don Stevens; step-father, Emmett Bahm. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, Husser, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Friday, November 26, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Kent Newell. Interment New Sharon Cemetery, Husser. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Sharon Baptist Church Building Fund or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.

Thanksgiving

“Giving thanks to the Father

who has qualified us to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

~Colossians 1:12~

We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials,

because we know that they are good for us –

they help us learn to endure.

And endurance develops strength of character in us,

and character strengthens

our confident expectation of salvation.

~Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)~

CaringBridge

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

Dwayne Wilson was involved in an accident in Texas Tuesday. Thankfully, he will be okay which is more than can be said for his van. I don’t know about the person who rear-ended Dwayne. Dwayne’s parents are in Texas for Thanksgiving.

Heart to Heart with Holley

When Thanksgiving isn’t the Same: Guest Post by Carol Davis

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST

Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect and think of all we have been blessed with.

But, it’s not a celebratory time for everybody. For some of us, it will never be the same.

There will be an empty seat because death came for them too soon.

An empty seat because one found another table at which to celebrate.

A clean plate set but not used that represents the child that has decided family is no longer a priority.

Suddenly, this year…we notice that things will never be the same.

I think back to the Thanksgiving days of my childhood. I would enter through the front door of my grandmother’s house while the wonderful aroma wafted from the kitchen. The house was full. The table was set. We could not begin until every one arrived.

The smell of pecan pie and sweet potatoes tempted you to enter and get a taste of what awaited. But, you waited…knowing it would be worth it. Being the youngest grandchild, I got to fix my plate first and sit at the small table located closest to the food. This was Thanksgiving.

Year after year, the landscape of family changed. New faces were added. We mourned the loss of empty chairs and celebrated the additions of high chairs and card tables for extra seating. Every year different.

Then, I remember the first year that my grandmother was in a rest home. My heart ached that day when we gathered around the table to give thanks. No longer around her table, no longer with the big family, different. I knew it would never be the same.

But, the older I get, the more I realize, that even in the “never be the same” days, there are treasures to be mined out and enjoyed in the midst of different.

True. The faces have changed. But, let’s not miss the faces that are gathered.

True. Life has changed. But, let’s not look forward to the end of the day and miss the living of this day.

True. It will never be the same. However, truth of the matter is, it never has been.

So, let’s squeeze all of the life we can out of today knowing that God has created this day and still has plenty for us to enjoy.

by Carol Davis

Carol Davis is a morning radio co-host on 106.9 the Light in NC. She is a proud single momma to Ella. A Southern gal through and through but, don’t accept an invitation to dinner cause she can’t cook a lick, which is Southern for “we’re getting take-out.”

Visit Carol at cantcookalick.blogspot.com.

Be sure to give thanks for your many blessings today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“May the peoples praise You, O God;

may all the peoples praise you.”

~Psalm 67:3, NIV~

Pray for Harrell Sharkey as he has double knee replacement today and then begins the recovery process.

Jon-Michael Williams

The First United Methodist Church invites the public to a community prayer service at 11 a.m. Wednesday to offer prayers for a Hammond High School senior who was injured in a head-on collision in Amite Monday night.

Pray for my Texas relatives, the Tollesons. Thanks!

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Wednesday, November 24, 2010

“I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving,” (Psalm 69: 30, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, giving thanks with you for God’s work around the world.

In looking over prayer items, it is impossible to miss phrases like these: “Since this month is Thanksgiving month, please join us in thanking God for His bountiful blessings.” Or “when many pause specifically to give thanks, let us offer thanks to our Father for the future He has for . . .” our city. One team expressed their special thanks: “We are so grateful for what our Father provides for us to accomplish His work. We are blessed by the generous giving of Southern Baptists and the infinite prayers you lift up on our behalf.” As you celebrate with family and friends, please give thanks that the Lord involves all of us in His work. “Keep your eyes on the goal: that Christ will be known” and worshiped throughout the world–person by person, city by city.

The Project Taipei Team, Taiwan, is one of those teams writing: “Please join us in thanking God for His bountiful blessings. There are 41 campuses located in Greater Taipei. We are now on six of those and have six churches that have partnered in reaching those students. A national Baptist church has prayed for Junior High students and teachers in Taipei for many years. Next month, the church will host a party for the English students in the seventh grade along with their families. We are also thankful for partners who are willing to be trained to reach the not-yet-believers.”

* Please pray that workers will remain faithful to the task even when they do not see immediate fruit.

* Ask the Lord to bless teams–like Team Corsica, the Futa Toro Team, the team in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the Basque Team–who are hosting Thanksgiving meals that they will be able to engage their neighbors in deep spiritual conversations.

* Praise the name of our great God and magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion …

your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

~2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)~

CaringBridge

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

Jon Michael Williams was seriously injured in a wreck in Amite last night. He was airlifted to New Orleans. Please be in prayer for him, his mother, the medical staff caring for him, and his many friends and extended family members.

Baptist Press Stories for Nov. 22, 2010

—————————————

Major group says it cannot endorse NIV 2011 Bible

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34135

Pastor recaps reasons for alcohol motion

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34136

Man accused of blasphemy among 5 killed

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34137

Pakistani pardoned for alleged blasphemy

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34138

Greear encouraged by Indonesia believers

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34138

S.C. ups CP %, creates GCR task force

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34140

Outreach foreshadows Georgia 2020 plan

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34141

SBTC hosts NAMB commissioning

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34142

N. Greenville tops Campbellsville in bowl

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34143

FIRST-PERSON: A second to die

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34144

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

YOU PLACE A basketball in my hand and we can play a pickup game of basketball…

You place a basketball in Michael Jordan’s hand and you get six NBA championship rings. It just depends on whose hand it’s in…

You place a football in my hand and I can toss it to my grandson. You place a football in Peyton Manning’s hand and you get a $19 million dollar contract. It just depends on whose hand it’s in…

You place a mathematical formula in my hand and you get confusion. You place a mathematical formula in Albert Einstein’s hand and you get the laws of relativity. It just depends on whose hand it’s in…

You place a rod in my hand and I can beat an angry dog away from me. You place a rod in Moses’ hand and he will part the Red Sea. It just depends on whose hand it’s in…

You place a stone and a slingshot in my hand and you get a kid’s toy. You place a stone and a slingshot in David’s hand and you slay a giant. It just depends on whose hand it’s in…

You place two fish and five loaves of bread in my hand and you get a couple of sandwiches. You place them in Jesus’ hand and 5,000 men are fed. It just depends on whose hand it’s in…

You place some nails in my hand and you might get a birdhouse. You place nails in Jesus’ hand and you get the forgiveness of sins. It just depends on whose hand it’s in. Paul Ciniraj

“Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying,

“I am willing; be cleansed.”

Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

~Matthew 8:3~

I pray you put your hand into the hands of Jesus today if you have not already done so.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

From Melissa Simpson

Please say a prayer for my sweet 13 month old grandson John Speed as he has two appoinments tomorrow. One appointment is with a pediatric cardiologist another with a little problem he is having with is navel. The doctor doesn’t think it is anything to worry about. Please also pray for John’s (Mom and Dad) Brooke and Dan as they are new parents and are a little nervous.

Katie Sims Milton
(May 3, 1933 – November 22, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, she died at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2010 at her home. She was born May 3, 1933 in Kentwood and was 77 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sons, Danny and Derry Milton, Kentwood; 6 grandchildren, Justin Milton, Dana Bond, June, Ladd, Brad and Crystal Milton; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Vernon Sims, Jr., Baton Rouge; special friend, Bob Pezant, Kentwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, E. J. Milton, Jr.; parents, Vernon and Pauline Sims. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa.

Lloyd Hayden is not in the hospital.

Monday

Whatever your hand finds to do,

do it with all your might.

~Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)~

Stacey Scarle and her mother, Joanie

Well this will be a big week for us. Stacey has her last (8th) chemo on Wed. We will all be so glad to get that part over with. She really has done very well considering all she has been through We really appreciate all the calls, cards, thoughts and prayers. She has been very strong during this trying time. She has been blessed with very good people during her treatment and we are very thankful for that.

Also Wed. I should get the results (CT and lung function). So hopefully by Thanksgiving we will have lots to be thankful for. I still feel ok, no pain or discomfort just short of breath and hoarse. All of my tests results have been good except the pulmonary function. They did think I had a polyp on my vocal cord but are now not sure. I’ll just be glad to find out what it is and start fixing it . Pat and Darla have been great , taking me to every appointment despite their busy schedule . I don’t know what we would do without them. I would also like to ask for prayers for two friends who have just received cancer diagnosises. One with lung and one with cervical. It seems that everyone has someone who has been touched by this disease. Lets all pray for a cure to this terrible disease.

Jadon’s Story

I am doing much better. I still have a cough but my sinus infection is starting to clear up. Thank you God. My brother is feeling better too. Hopefully we can stay well now. We still haven’t heard back from Boston yet. My mommy is going to call them Monday. No one ever wants to call you back. You have to aggravate them until they do. So as soon as we hear from them I will let you know. We haven’t gotten all my blood work back yet. We should get everything Monday. I’m not nearly as tired anymore. I was probably so tired because I was getting sick. My seizures are better too. I’m still having them but they are so little that you have to be holding me to know I’m having them. My eyes are also barely rolling back in my head when I have them. I still have a few hard ones during the day but no more than 10. We noticed a difference shortly after starting the supplements from the herbologist. We believe that if I wasn’t sick we would have seen an even more decrease. So this is fabulous news and we pray that this continues. I’m leaving you a picture of a typical keto meal. I eat this every morning for breakfast. It consist of eggs with cream and butter, applesauce with cinnamon, cream with water and one of my supplements, and my medicines. The hardest part about this diet is the medicine. Mommy started putting cinnamon in my applesauce and now I’m taking them better. Thank you so much for praying for me. I just know God is going to heal me. We will NEVER give up!!! It may take years, days, or weeks but we will keep fighting.

Frances Gay

Pray for Frances as she has some adjustments to her treatment.

Josh Hill

Josh Hill continues to battle his burns received in a gasoline explosion. Pray for him as he goes through the painful recovery process.

From Frances Gay

Did you know that Josh Hill is in the burn unit at Baton Rouge General with burns on his face, arms and ankles….He was burned two weeks ago after the LSU /ULM game… They were building a bonfire at his home and he poured what he thought was diesel on the fire but found out too late that it was gasoline……it exploded and burned him badly everywhere he had no clothes. I think they are talking about skin grafts, but are waiting to see how he progresses. His mother is Shannon DeBlanc Hill, married to Donald Hill one of the Hill twins.She is George’s daughter and a good friend of Stephanie’s, my daughter. They live east of Amite. I didn’t see it on the Prayer Link and thought that you might add him to the list. Stephanie went to see him last night and said the burns look really bad. Josh is her oldest son. She has two boys.

Carol Russell

Carol will be seeing a cardiologist today. Pray the doctor will determine her problem and be able to help her.

Harrell Sharkey

Pray for Harrell Sharkey as he prepares for double knee replacement Wednesday.

Lloyd Hayden

Pray for Lloyd and his family as he is hospitalized again.

The Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes have been delivered. It was inspiring to meet people who took a week of vacation to be available to receive the shoeboxes from other churches. I thank God for all who participated or will participate in any way to pack, ship, and deliver the shoeboxes.

For those interested, First Baptist Church of Amite is offering a free Thanksgiving dinner at 11:00 A.M. Thursday. What a great ministry!

Travelers

Pray for all those who are traveling to be with family members this week. Pray for safe travel and the making of good memories.

Thank-you for praying for these needs and other needs you may be aware of. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!

Have a great Thanksgiving week!

Anna Lee

Sunday

You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion …

your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

~2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)~

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

JAMES NG INTENDED to propose to Sonja Bostic while floating in a hot air balloon over a heavily wooded area in Burton Township, Ohio…

He had the engagement ring hidden in a camera bag. But before he could pop the question, the camera bag fell over the side of the balloon’s basket and disappeared into the trees far below.

Sonja said she’d marry James, but she didn’t think he’d ever find the ring. “Not in a million years,” she says.

James, 26, searched alone and with friends every day, and on the seventh day, found the lost camera bag.

What if we searched and studied the Scriptures with the same tenacity that James Ng looked for that lost camera bag?

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica,

in that they received the word with all readiness,

and searched the Scriptures daily

to find out whether these things were so.”

~Acts 17:11~

Search some Scriptures today!

Anna Lee