The Prayer Link

Thursday Afternoon

Beth Ann Schmitt
(December 6, 1960 – November 4, 2009)

Thursday

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and His ears are open to their prayers;

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

~1 Peter 3:12~

Caring Bridge

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A MAN IN his sixties was walking down the street of a modern subdivision…

In his hand was a scrap of paper from a doctor’s office with a name and address scribbled in pencil. As the man approached the house, he waded the paper and pushed it into his pocket. He made his way to the front door, pushed the doorbell button, and waited anxiously.

Earlier that day, the man had been reading a medical journal in a doctor’s office wiating room when he came across an interesting article about organ donation. He was reading how so many people were on waiting-lists for kidney transplants, and how some would surely die waiting. As he closed the journal, still waiting for his name to be called, he imagined what it would be like too be dying in a waiting room. Right then, he made the decision to donate one of his kidneys.

An hour after asking his doctor for a lead, he was standing out in the cold on the doorstep of a complete stranger. As he herd the door being unlocked from the inside, he was eager to look upon the face of the one who would benefit from his sacrifice. The door pulled open.

“If you’re selling something, I’m not interested.” The first response was automatic. The man inside was middle-aged and appeared somewhat annoyed by his uninvited guest. “No, I’m not selling anything sir,” the older man answered back. “Actually, I guess it might seem odd why I’m here, but you see, I was just out walking and this air is terribly cold, so I thought perhaps you would allow me to step in for a few moments to warm up…” The man inside hesitated for a couple of seconds, glancing back and then sighing with a hint of frustration. “Alright, come on in.” The invitation was cold and half-empty.

The older man stepped into the warm house, and for the next few minutes, he did everything he could to carry on small-talk with the stranger. More than anything, he just wanted a glimpse of who this man was, a peek at the life he would spare. But it soon became evident that this man was ready for his guest to leave. “Sorry, but I’ve got something planned, so I’m afriad you’re going to have to be on your way now.”

The older man generously offered his thanks and quickly stepped back out into the cold. As he walked away from the house, he paused and looked back. Through the large front window, he watched as the man inside plopped down in front of a television and reclined back in his chair. It was precisely at this moment, as he looked upon the undeserving man, that he smiled and said to himself, “This is the man I want to help.”

Why choose to help someone who doesn’t deserve it? When Jesus came to this earth, he voluntarily sacrificed himself to offer us hope — and certainly not because we deserved it. As Christ hung on the cross, He looked down upon an undeserving crowd of spectators and cried, “Father, forgive them…” Thank God that His desire to save the hopeless was not detoured by rejection. Alan Pitchford

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die;

yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were still sinners,

Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:7-8

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening

Kurt Martin said “Miss” Lois LeBauve is the same. The family will meet with a doctor Friday.

Jerry Lynn Ellzey, Sr.
(February 6, 1937 – November 3, 2009)

Jerry Lynn Ellzey, Sr. a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather was born on February 6, 1937 and passed away at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 72, a native of Amite and a resident of Roseland.

Jerry was Elder at the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church, Veteran of US Air Force, retired with 31 years service at Delta Airlines, former Roseland Alderman for 4 years, former Mayor of Roseland for 4 years, owner of Ellzey’s Christmas Tree Farm, first Coach of OFA Track Team, Sportsman and owner of Ellzey’s Whitetail Deer Farm.

Mr. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Anne Newton Ellzey, Roseland; 2 daughters, Becky Ellzey Lambert and husband, Edward P., Horn Lake, MS and Mandy Ellzey BonneCarrere Hickey and husband Chad M., Roseland; a son, Jerry “Lynn” Ellzey, Jr. and wife, Cindy, Roseland; grandchildren, Jerry Lynn Ellzey, III and wife, Rachel, Sacramento, CA, Rosanne Ellzey Diddon and husband, Blane, Kentwood, James Hunter Ellzey, Roseland, Sarah Elizabeth Lambert, Horn Lake, MS, Rachel Rebecca Lambert, Horn Lake, MS, Victoria Michelle BonneCarrere, Roseland, Abigail Nicole BonneCarrere, Roseland and Caleb Joseph Hickey, Roseland; sister-in-law, Mary Lyle Russell Ellzey, Amite; brother-in-law, Bert Newton and wife, Vivian and their daughter, Natalie, Roseland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Daniel James Ellzey, Jr. and Belle Dean Ellzey; 2 brothers, D. J. Ellzey, III and Dean Ellzey; a nephew, D. J. “Sonny” Ellzey, IV.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church, Amite, on Friday, November 6, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gaylord Dodgen officiating. Interment in the Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a video tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Wednesday

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

~Philippians 4:13 NIV~

Pray for the LaBauve family today as they face a difficult day.

Caring Bridge

Looks

THE BIBLE DOES describe the physical appearance of many people…

Moses was said to be a beautiful child. People spoke of King Saul as being handsome, standing a head taller than anyone in Israel. David and Solomon were both “ruddy,” handsome men.

But what of Jesus?

Nothing. Zilch. Zero. Not a word about a regal nose, handsome visage, or muscular body. In fact, the Bible tells us virtually nothing about Jesus’ looks. Only that he “has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” ( Isa. 53:2 NKJV).

From those words we might presume Jesus wasn’t handsome, at least not in the way modern artists portray Him. Apparently, in the mind of God, this was a nonissue. Jesus’ words and character and love drew people to Him, not His dashing good looks. (Mark Littleton)

THOUGHT: We probably put too much emphasis on a person’s outside.

KneEmail: But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” ( 1 Sam. 16:7; cf. v. 12).

Posted by Mike Benson

Thanks for “tuning in” today. Don’t forget to pray for the needs mentioned today and in recent days.

Anna Lee

Monday Evening – Even Later

Jerry L. Ellzey
(Died November 3, 2009)

Jerry L. Ellzey passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at North Oaks Medicial Center, Hammond. He was 72 and a resident of Roseland.

Arrangements will be added later on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Monday Evening

Pray for Mrs. Joyce Frazier. She developed a problem while being treated for a health issue. She is hospitalized now. I know she and her family would appreciate your prayers.

Mrs. Lois LaBauve, mother of Sharon Martin, had a stroke mid-morning. She is at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. Pray for Mr. Earlo, his three children, and the grandchildren as they face the next few days.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family as she continues to fight the various health issues that have been a part of her life for the last eleven months.

Tuesday Afternoon

Good news: David Allen got to come home yesterday! Continue to pray for him.

Leonard “Bubber” Clement LeBlanc, Jr.
(August 21, 1924 – November 3, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at his residence near Kentwood. He was a native of White Castle and a U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II. Age 85 years. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 12 Noon until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday. Interment services will be held on Saturday at St. Francis Assisi Cemetery, Donaldsonville. He is survived by wife of 64 years, Jeannette Keegan LeBlanc, Kentwood; 4 daughters, Eve Lynn LeBlanc Ory and her husband, Rodney J. Ory, LaPlace, Sheryl Jean LeBlanc, Duncanville, TX, Jennifer Marie LeBlanc, LaPlace and Pamela LeBlanc Wintter and her husband, Christian J. Wintter, Slidell; 6 grandchildren, Sean Leonard Ory, Matthew John Ory, Christopher Michael Ory, Sr., Jennifer Ory Donaldson, Christian J. Wintter, III and Megan Jeannette W. Reese; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mary Louise Dirks and Lola Fortner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Clement LeBlanc, Sr. and Neola Robert LeBlanc; a sister, Rose Mary Sandoz; a brother, Michael Paul LeBlanc.

Dennis Marshall Konzelman
(October 4, 1955 – November 3, 2009)

Dennis Marshall Konzelman was born October 4, 1955 and passed away at 3:35 a.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at his residence in Kentwood. Dennis was 54 and a native of Amite.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Cynthia Coxwell Konzelman, Kentwood; parents, John E. “Jack” Konzelman, Jr. and Dorothy Binder “Dotsy” Konzelman, Amite; 2 brothers, Jackie Konzelman, Amite and Randy Konzelman and wife, Ruth, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Julie Bennett and husband, Wayne, Amite and Carroll Jo Miller and husband Lane, Kentwood; father-in-law & mother–in-law, Sidney and Cookie Currier Coxwell, Amite; sister-in-law, Lynne Coxwell, Amite; brother-in-law, Chuck Coxwell and wife, Paula, Mobile, AL; nieces and nephews, Tyler Coxwell, Destiney Coxwell, Mark Konzelman and wife, Elizabeth, Sarah Konzelman, Matthew Konzelman, Shellie Miller, Lanny Miller, Brandon Blades, Kim Webb & husband Wil; great-nephew, Baylor Travis; great-niece, Emilee Webb; god children, Denver, Lundyn & Kiley Harrelson; and a good friend, Mrs. Betty Harrelson

Preceded in death by grandparents, Joe & Nina Binder and Margaret & John E. Konzelman, Sr.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Service in the Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Deacon Roger Navarra officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Don Kent, Mike Harrelson, Wayne Spears, Karl Kent, Sal Santora and Bo Bo Hood.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to American Cancer Society, New Orleans Office 2605 River Rd., New Orleans, LA 70121

An on-line Guestbook and to view a video tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

Tuesday Addition

David called to say he saw Jim Slaven early this morning at the donut shop. He will be treated with medication.

Dennis Marshall Konzelman
(October 4, 1955 – November 3, 2009)

Dennis Marshall Konzelman was born October 4, 1955 and passed away at 3:35 a.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at his residence in Kentwood. Dennis was 54 and a native of Amite.

Arrangements will be added later today.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a video tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

Tuesday

“You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone . . .

If you fall, your friend can help you up.

But if you fall without having a friend nearby,

you are really in trouble”

~Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 CEV~

Missions Rally

FBC, Kentwood

Tonight at 6:30

Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Rankin

Dr. Rankin leads the International Mission Board.

His extended family has served for many years as missionaries

and continues to do.

This will be once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price. She’s still at North Oaks. Pray for her family as they continue to stick by her day-by-day. It has now been eleven months since “Miss” Faye had heart surgery.

Thank God that Jim Slaven’s heart is not damaged from the problems he had Staurday.

Pray for the many people with viruses and different forms of the flu. Pray they will recover completely without spreading what they have.

Continue to pray for David Allen and his family.

There have been several updates for some of the children we have been praying for. You may need to read the journal section of the links below. Caring Bridge sites:

Ruth Konzleman sent word this morning that Dennis Konzleman just passed away. Arrangements will be posted when they become available. Your prayers for the family will be appreciated.

I think I may have shared this devotional before, but as I think of long-term illnesses like some I have mentioned today I realize we may need this reminder. I hope some of you can relate to this or share the message with someone else who is weary and needs encouragement.

Weary

THE WORST DEFEAT in a college football game came on October 7, 1916, when Georgia Tech played Cumberland College of Tennessee…

The final score was 222 to 0. The much smaller Cumberland players were mauled.

Cumberland had discontinued its football program before the season, but was not permitted to cancel its game against the Engineers. The fact that Cumberland’s baseball team had crushed Georgia Tech earlier that year 22-0 (amidst allegations that Cumberland used professional players) probably accounted for Georgia Tech coach John Heisman’s running up the score on the bulldogs.

Cumberland received the opening kickoff and failed to make a first down. After a punt, the Engineers scored on their first play. Cumberland then fumbled on their next play from scrimmage, and a Tech player returned it for another touchdown. The Bulldogs fumbled again the next time they had the ball, and Tech took two plays to score its third touchdown. Cumberland lost nine yard on its next possession, then gave up a fourth touchdown two plays later.

The Engineerss led 63-0 after the first quarter and 126-0 at halftime. Tech added 54 more points in the third quarter and 42 in the final period. Cumberland’s longest play during the game was a 10-yard pass (on 4th and 22). Tech scored on every one of its drives.

Sometimes our situation seems hopeless. We’ve dropped the ball and we don’t feel like picking it up again and running with it. We’ve been knocked down time and time again, and we just want to quit the game. But what we feel like doing and what we should do are two different things.

“Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 NIV

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a fantastic day. Be sure to schedule in 6:30 for the Missions Rally!

Anna Lee

Monday Night

Shirley Mae Egan
(July 15, 1931 – November 1, 2009)

Mrs. Shirley Mae Egan a loving mother, sister and grandmother was born on July 15, 1931 and passed away at 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 78, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

Mrs. Shirley is survived by 3 daughters, Ruthelene Egan, Amite, Mary E. Semel & husband, Gerard, Metairie, and Eva E. Whitworth and husband, Chuck, Kentwood; 2 sons, John Egan. & wife, Vicki, Amite and Alvin Egan, Jr., Amite; 5 sisters, Jo Ann Davis & husband, Donald Ray, Loranger, Edna Whitaker, Amite, Betty Loupe, Amite, Diane Tate, Loranger, Annabelle Warner, Loranger; 2 brothers, Clarence Jones & wife Eva, Amite and Bobby Jones & wife Gail, Loranger; 2 grandchildren, Gerard Semel, Jr., Metairie and Daisy Egan, New Orleans.

Preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Egan, Sr.; a daughter, Barbara Egan; 2 brothers, Cecil and Leroy Jones.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 9:30 a.m. with Rev. Don Meadows officiating. Interment in the Ford Cemetery, Loranger.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.