It’s good to hear so many good reports from different Vacation Bible Schools!
Maggie Lee Henson’s pressure is increasing. Her family asks you to pray NOW!
Wednesday Addition
Mrs. Nadine Council is doing better. Doc said she should be able to come home next Tuesday.
Greg Tanner, son of Greg and Susan Tanner of Osyka, was in a bad traffic accident in Hammond yesterday. Thankfully,Grege is alive and being treated at North Oaks. He has numerous broken bones, lung damage, collapesed lung, etc. Doctors are planning surgery and other treatment for him. Please keep him in your prayers.
Wednesday
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them,
I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
and the rain descended, the floods came,
and the winds blew and beat on that house;
and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”
~Matthew 7:24-25, NKVJ~
Maggie Lee Henson
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:05 PM, CDT
The trek down to the CT scan went well–thank
s to your prayers and the great nurses and team who accompany her down. I’ll post a picture soon of what it looks like heading down the hallway. The trek in and of itself is risky, but the team watches every detail, juggling monitors, breathing apparati, lines, etc.
We are awaiting results of the scan and will update with what we learn.
–John
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 6:26 PM, CDT
A very good day for MLH. She had an additional CT scan which showed slight improvement in swelling. She tolerated the field trip well-what a vast improvement from monday a week ago.
Her icp is being contained. She got a blood infusion which she loved! They cut back on her epi twice (it boosts blood pressure) her icp hit an all time low of 17 which is terrific.
We further decorated her room, putting the slogan “miracles happen” on her window as a constant reminder.
God is good!
Pleas
e pray for;
-continued improvement in blood pressure
-continued drop in ICP
-more reactive pupils
-a continued unfolding of God’s miracle!
Thank you. Please keep it up!!
Oh- Happy Birthday, Madeline Richardson! Maggie Lee loves her twin cousin!!!
-continued improvement in blood pressure
-continued drop in ICP
-more reactive pupils
-a continued unfolding of God’s miracle!
Thank you. Please keep it up!!
Oh- Happy Birthday, Madeline Richardson! Maggie Lee loves her twin cousin!!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:19 PM, CDT
I was recently digging around in the outer flap of my computer bag. Some say it is my manbag, but I carry no such item. As I was hunting for a cord for my computer, I found something I had not seen since early into this nightmare. It is a small zip lock bag, with “Speciman Bag. BIOHAZARD.” and directions with four steps on how to insert something into it. Inside the bag is something very non-biohazardous, but something that must have been inserted with a few tears, a measure of compassion and perhaps a prayer.
Inside the bag is a ring that Maggie Lee was wearing when they found her. It’s a ring that Jinny bought for her when she was coming back recently from a trip to Knoxville, one to serve as an encircling reminder of how much she believes in Maggie Lee. It was given to her to wear while going off to Camp Crestridge for two weeks of camp, where she didn’t yet know anyone and would be 900 miles from home. Jinny knew she wouldn’t know anyone at camp and wanted her to remember how much she believed in her and her dreams even though they would be apart.”
Jinny is the greatest encourager I know. It’s a gift of hers and she is more than willing to pour it out liberally on anyone she sees. If you know Jinny, you know its generous, loud and completely heartfelt. It is the fuel in my tank and it is dispensed constantly in our house to accomplish anything from taking a math test, preaching a sermon or even to pulling a tooth. I had no idea she gave this ring to Maggie Lee, but it doesn’t surprise me at all to learn of it tonight.
As I read the ring, the words stood out to me, especially as I think of how they are so fitting of the way Maggie Lee lives her life. Engraved on the ring are these words:
Dream. Fly. Dance. Sing.
I am looking at her now, asleep in the bed, knowing that it’s not time for her to go. She is too young, too full of dreams, flight, dance and song. As I look at her beautiful, unusually quiet self resting in this bed, my prayer, O Lord, is for her to . . .
Dream.
Fly.
Dance.
Sing.
May it be so, Lord God. May it be so.
–John
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Psalm 30:11
(70,285 – number of times someone has viewed the Caring Bridge site for Maggie Lee in one week! Many prayers have been said for this young lady and her family!!! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson)
Keep praying!
Cottage prayer meeting for our country will be held at 6:30tonight in the homes of Mrs. Wanzie Williams and Rev. and Mrs. Joey Miller.
KneEmail
Reap
EVER PLANT A garden…?
Or maybe just a few flowers in a bed or a plant in a pot? Something makes it possible for the gardener to function, or a farmer to produce a crop is a “law” of nature. “Law” really isn’t a very good word, but because it really is just an observation of the consistency of nature. Whatever kind of seed is planted is the kind of plant that will be produced. A farmer can know that when he plants wheat, that wheat is the plant that will grow. It is not random or arbitrary. Wheat seed produces wheat plants and corn seed produces corn plants. Farmers and gardeners can count on it.
What is just as true, though not as readily recognized, is that this same “law” applies in all of life. Whatever a person sows, that is what they will reap. To think otherwise is not only ludicrous, it also mocks God.
We have two choices. We either sow to the flesh or the spirit. This same letter outlines the differences between living according to the flesh and according to the spirit ( Galatians 516-18). Sowing to the flesh is involvement in the “deeds of the flesh” ( Galatians 5:19-21). The consequence os involvement in these is corruption and exclusion from God’s kingdom ( Galatians 5:21; 6:8). This is the harvest resulting from sowing those seeds. Just as surely as planting wheat seeds results in a harvest of wheat. We can count on it. (David Deffenbaugh, Bill McFarland)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”Galatians 6:7
Posted by Mike Benson at July 21, 2009
Striving to sow the right “seeds”!
Anna Lee
Tuesday Evening
Judy Easley’s son-in-law, Shawn Boddin, did well with surgery. No complications. Pray for his recovery process.
Maggie Lee Henson had a CAT scan today. That process went well. Thank-you for all your prayers for her.
Dukes
Another Day
Retia seems a little better today. She is more alert, but still rather confused. One of her medicines has been discontinue
d, and it seems to help some. She is still able to move her left arm and leg about as well as before.
We still have not gotten a date for the surgery. Everyone is working hard to get the date set. However, she may have gotten another infection, which would likely delay it. We will not know until we hear from the culture tomorrow. Please pray about this.
I am so thankful for the doctors here. It is good to have people who will talk to us and explain what is going on so we can understand as much as we are able to. We have a friend who is an administrator at Ochsner. He has been very helpful to us, and I appreciate it.
Retia’s pulmonary doctor has also been very helpful. I think Retia has become the doctor’s pet. He is always kidding her and trying to get us to do special things for her. He just came in and ordered a wheel-chair ride for her. You know who gets to push. This doctor’s manner is affected by some of his own experiences as a long-term patient. He seems to understand what Retia is going through. I really appreciate his extra effort.
We are patiently (well, maybe not so patiently) waiting for the opportunity to get Retia home. Patience has never been a strong virtue among the Dukes family members, especially the men. We know this is going to be a long process, but we would really like to get home to continue our walk through it. However, as I have learned reluctantly in the last couple of days, impatience does not get many changes made. We just have to wait until the situation is right to get her to Orlando. OK, so I’ll try. Just pray that we will be able to make wise decisions in the midst of our impatience.
Thanks for hanging with us. We will try to let you know what we know when we find it out.
blessings
jdukes
Tuesday
“Give ear to my words,
O Lord, consider my meditation.
Give heed to the voice of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to You I will pray.”
~Psalm 5:1-2~
Please continue to pray for Mrs. Nadine Council. She’s in Sage Rehabilitation Hospital in Baton Rouge, but unable to begin rehabilitation because of continued nausea. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Belle Harrell. She continues to have appointments and procedures to improve her condition.
Maggie Lee Henson
Monday, July 20, 2009 6:35 AM, CDT
It’s almost time for the nursing shift change and we have to be out from 7am-8am. As I leave, things are in better shape, with ML’s ICP down to 22.
My days of running Cross Country and long distances are coming to mind as I think about the ups and downs of the race. Sometimes you feel strong and that your body parts are all working together. At other times, you feel that, if you could just get your side stitches to stop or your knee to quit hurting, then you could make real progress. This race we are on with Maggie Lee isn’t a sprint and we are experiencing the stitches right now, but believing that there will be better days, longer strides and the joy of progress. Jinny and I are also thinking of some records we would like to see broken as well. –John
Monday, July 20, 2009 11:42 AM, CDT
Icp spiked to high 30s just now. Please God, get this under control! –Jinny
Monday, July 20, 2009 2:57 PM, CDT
Met w nuerologist, she said MLH is stubborn about unswelling. Stubborn? Maggie Lee? Really? We just have to keep doing what we are doing and wait until she is unswollen to pull her off of the meds keeping her brain still. Great news she said: She’s still here. Each day she is is a blessing. Thank you please do not stop. –Jinny
Monday, July 20, 2009 8:46 PM, CDT
From katie Little;
Jinny, I went to open my workbook for my Beth Moore Bible study and was just floored by what she said for today, “God deliberately created the human mind so complex that modern medicine would seek many answers in vain. The brain retains a vast measure of mystery and commands a deep respect.” What a Godstop! He is listening to our prayers and all we need to do is wait and watch.
Monday, July 20, 2009 8:54 PM, CDT
From my friend, Ricky Fram, M.D;
I believe in miracles. I believe in what may seem like is not possible. I have healed children who suffered over 98% burns over their body. I watched them walk out of the hospital and play soccer with their friends. Too many numerous times to tell did I experience this. Too many times has it touched my life and changed it forever. I never give up, never. How can you when you experience God’s gifts like these children? Praying and believing…
I believe in miracles. I believe in what may seem like is not possible. I have healed children who suffered over 98% burns over their body. I watched them walk out of the hospital and play soccer with their friends. Too many numerous times to tell did I experience this. Too many times has it touched my life and changed it forever. I never give up, never. How can you when you experience God’s gifts like these children? Praying and believing…
Monday, July 20, 2009 9:37 PM, CDT
A few folks have asked about our arrangements here at the hospital, so I thought I would describe things. We are in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at Univ. of Miss. Medical Center. Specifically, it is the Batson Children’s Hospital.
The floor is open for the most part, with curtains that separate patients on one side of the floor. I’m not for sure, but it appears that when you get better, you get to move to the other side, where there are rooms, walls and doors. The openness of our side provides easy access and monitoring of each patient.
Since arriving, we have had 24/7 one-on-one care (and, wow, what skill and ability these folks have) from a nurse and a team of doctors and residents. As I look now at Maggie Lee, I see too many lines to count (from what I hear Maggie Lee ties with someone else the most number of lines they’ve had). There are monitors flashing numbers, machines beeping, babies crying, doctors talking, parents whispering, people praying, and the sound of Maggie Lee’s breathing machine.
As I look up at my beautiful girl, I see that her mother has softened the sterile decorations with things loving people have given to Maggie Lee since she arrived here–a pink throw at Maggie Lee’s feet, a pink pillow case with giraffe styling and engraved name underneath Maggie Lee’s head, a Chihuahua ornament in the likes of Ellie dangling from a rod, pictures on a huge poster board with FBCS friends, cards from people we know and people we don’t, a stuffed turtle underneath Maggie Lee’s hand, a balloon tied behind her with the words “here’s to a speedy recovery” on it, a cross, artwork from Jack, and a big #23 marking our current Jackson address.
And, there are two chairs beside Maggie Lee. They look normal and could be place almost anywhere, yet in here they are for us launching pads for prayer, fixtures on the roller coaster and stations of hope.
John
KneEmail
Layaway
(DID YOU KNOW that some advice is offered on the layaway plan…?
You may have no need of it today, but it can be stored in your mind and reserved for some time later. (I use advice today that I laid away years ago–advice that made little sense to me as a teenager but has wisdom I can fully appreciate today.)
Someone gave me advice on how to keep a job before I even filled out my first resume, advice on how to handle bills even before I ever had any, and advice about marriage long before I ever started dating. (My parents told me the best way to keep my marriage healthy was to “board up the kitchen and eat out.”)
I couldn’t use much of that advice in the fourth grade, but I still listened. And when the day came that I got a job, got my first bill, and said, “I do,” I had a storehouse of good advice to draw from.
When someone gives you good advice, don’t tune it out because you don’t feel you need it right now. Put it on layaway. Keep it in reserve. Who knows? It could come in very handy some day. (Martha Bolton)
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
Proverbs 4:13
Posted by Mike Benson
Thank you for blessing others by praying today. As you read the list, please pray for others whose names may not be listed here. Pray works. Keep it up.
Anna Lee
Monday Afternoon
I forgot to mention Mrs. Hellen Morris this morning. She fell at the front of the auditorium just before church yesterday morning. She’s sore, but reported no broken bones.
Beth Graham Lee shared this information about a mission trip to Mexico from FBC, Amite. It’s time to pray for those going and the lives they will touch.
We have a group leaving this Saturday, July 25th @ 4am going to Mexico for a mission trip. This Wed we are to get specific needs to pray about and there will be a daily prayer meeting each morning @ 7:30 in the sanctuary while they are gone. We will also get more specific prayer request each morning from the evening before as they call the church office.
Bennie Gaylon Simmons
(February 1, 1941 – July 18, 2009)
Bennie Gaylon Simmons a loving father, grandfather and friend was born February 1, 1941 and passed away at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Ochsner Hospital, Elmwood, Harahan, LA. Bennie was 68, and a native and resident of Line Creek, LA. He was retired from the Tangipahoa Parish Government as Road Superintendent after 23 years, a member of Springview Country Club and a Dairy Farmer all of his life.
Visitation will be held at the Line Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Merlin McCon and Rev. Ken Irvin officiating. Interment at the Line Creek Cemetery.
Bennie is survived by 2 sons, Bennie Scott Simmons and wife, Debbie, and William Brent Simmons, and wife, Beth, both of Kentwood; a brother, I. W. Simmons, Jr. and wife, Peggy, Kentwood; special friend and fiancé Mary Wilkinson, Loranger; 7 grandchildren, Christie Taylor and husband, David , Crystal Morgan and husband, Heath, Renee’ Simmons, Laken Simmons, Alex Leon Simmons, Steven Scott Simmons, & Koley Scott Simmons; 4 great grandchildren, Emilee Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Taylor Morgan & Nicholis Scott Major Simmons; nephews, I.W. Simmons, III, H. Wayne Simmons and wife, Lisa, and Jeffrey Wendell Simmons and wife, Ginger; great nephews, Kevin Simmons and Jeff Simmons; great nieces, Kristin Simmons and Chelsea Simmons, 2 step-children, Julie Peek and husband Brandon, Loranger and Beth Ensign and husband Edwin, Loranger; 4 step-grandchildren, Jacie Stogner, John Stogner, Eddie Ensign & Maddie Ensign.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Iley W. & Bennie Mae Swearingen Simmons and a sister, Joyce Yvonne Simmons.
Pallbearers will be David Taylor, Heath Morgan, Wesley Travis, Alex Simons, Steven Simmons, Koley Simmons, Kynan Carlin, Nelson Lea, Pearce Miller, Mason Simmons, Sam L. Cutrer, H. Wayne Simmons, Wendell Simmons, & Wilkie Simmons.
The family would like to thank the Doctors & Staff of Ochsner Foundation and North Oak Medical Center who provided such excellent care and to the Tangipahoa Parish Government.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Line Creek Baptist Church, 78659 Hwy 1053, Kentwood, LA 70444
An on-line Guestbook and to View a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com
McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Monday
“But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.”
~Psalm 4:3~
Pray for Judy Easley’s son-in-law, Shawn Boddin, as he has surgery tomorrow at the Neuromedical Hospital in Baton Rouge. He will be having two vertebra fused and should only be hospitalized overnight. This is because of the boating accident.
Pray for Mrs. Evelyn Bridges who is experiencing a throat problem.
Maggie Lee Henson
Sunday, July 19, 2009 11:55 AM, CDT
Generous, generous friends-
We are so grateful for all of you.
Please, please,plea
se do not stop petitioning God to heal Maggie Lee.
Currently, her ICP is 31. ok, it’s now 26.
I have not ever noticed the dog in the lower left hand corner of this picture of Maggie Lee at our front door. That would be Jack’s venti terrier, Fiona. She is really hacked off in the kennel this morning with our grande dog, Bandit. Ellie, of course, being the tall 🙂
Perhaps that is why we have each other on the road of faith, to point out things along the way that we would otherwise miss. Thank you all for pointing out your favorite promises from God’s word and prayers this past. To God be all praise and glory.
love
jin
Sunday, July 19, 2009 3:06 PM, CDT
Maggie Lee’s favorite picture of herself. Please keep praying!ICP Creeping up to higher twenties, still on saline to keep it down.
Keep the vibrant faith!
Sunday, July 19, 2009 9:10 PM, CDT
Sunday Night Our daughter is a fighter. We full well know we need a miracle and are awaiting that. As much as we watch and pray and hold our breath, we know that Maggie Lee is utterly in God’s hands. Her lungs look FABULOUS, the ICP the dr would still like to be under twenty and not spike to 30 like it did occasionall
y today. We have a 2nd opinion, with a dr. who read the CTs and notes and gave us some great perspective in all of this. We feel very good about where she is and every day that she is here is a miracle. Her nurses call up there all the time to check on her and many even check her carepages. Bottom line, only a miracle will help Maggie Lee, so we pray for that and wait for God’s provision however we see fit. Last year after being so sick, maggie Lee was discouraged. She then said, “It’s OK, Mom, I know my time will come.” I cannot help but think
Monday, July 20, 2009 1:30 AM, CDT
I am arriving at the hospital and relieving Jinny’s mom–Judy/M
imi–from her 8pm-1am shift. Maggie Lee’s ICP is still in 20’s but apparently has stayed in higher 20’s. The plan of care is being tweaked some and I think there will be some variations from the norm as that takes place.
Please continue to pray that the pressure will go down on its own more as each hour passes.
My favorite Psalm is 139 and it has a great reminder to read at night/early morning. I ran across it and other Scripture in the Daily Evening Prayer in the BCP:
Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established
the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the
earth; you made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:15,16
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches
me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. Psalm 16:7,8
Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep
darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night;
who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon
the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name. Amos 5:8
If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light
around me turn to night,” darkness is not dark to you, O
Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to
you are both alike. Psalm 139:10,11
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me
will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
It ends with Jesus as Light of the World. Jesus has been Maggie Lee’s Lord and Savior since age 7 and he continues to be her light, even in the night.
Funeral arrangements for Bennie Gaylon Simmons are still incomplete. Please continue to remember the family in your prayers.
FBC, Kentwood – Deacons of the Week – Larry Miller and Henry McKenzie
KneEmail
Testing
WHENEVER YOU FIND yourself going through times of testing, there is always a reason…a very good reason…
In fact, there are several reasons. Testing times are to:
UNCOVER something: When God allows pressures and trials, it is so that you might uncover something in your life He wants to deal with. Hardships reveal areas of weakness and vulnerability. God wants to strengthen us in those very areas, and better equip us not only to stand strong in the storms ourselves, but also to be a shelter for others.
RECOVER something: God allows us to be tested so that we might recover something we’ve lost over the months and years. Perhaps it is our delight in the Word of God, a habit of daily prayer, or the delight of regular fellowship with those of like-precious faith. Trials may force us back to that “first love” walk with the Lord that has slipped away from us.
DISCOVER something: Even though it’s a test you may not like or enjoy, you discover that He’s your God, you’re His child, and that He loves you. He’ll care for you and see you through.
I hear people talk about this trial and that trial, this test and that test. People will say, “Pray for me, I’m going through a trial in my marriage (or in my job or in my finances or in my relationships at home).” But in reality, those aren’t the things being tested at all. What’s being tested is our faith, whether we will really trust Him to work in and through our circumstances.
That’s what’s really at stake. When the heat’s on…when the shadows fall…when disappointment rips through my heart…am I going to trust Him? Am I going to wait on Him, worship Him, and give my anxieties to Him? Or am I going to turn away from Him in my doubt and discouragement? (Ron Mehl)
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character;
and character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5
Posted by Mike Benson
Have a marvelous Monday!
Anna Lee
Sunday
“Give thanks to the LORD; proclaim His name!
Celebrate His deeds among the peoples.
Declare that His name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things.
Let this be known throughout the earth.”
~Isaiah 12:4b-5, HCSB~
Jimmy and Retia Duke
Saturday, July 18, 2009 11:19 PM, EDT
Delerium
Mom is not doing better and better although she is trending up. She is cognitively challenged right now. We don’t know how much it is her being in the hospitals 4 walls for over 3 mos, or the brain injury, or her medicine.
We pray she will be greatly affected by reducing or stopping some of her medicine in the next week. We may know monday a date from the neurosurgeon. She is talking, eating and sleeping well. Really she talks and sleeps all the time.
Dad is admirably caring for his bride. For better or for worse is not just words he uttered and a useless ceremony. He believed what he said, he meant what he said. He is, in an example of Christ, serving his bride.
Thank you for serving us with your encouragement, your prayer, and the love you have shown us. Continue to pray for mom and dad’s bodies to heal, for mom’s mind to be made well, and for their hearts to be held by the holy spirit in a way that gives them peace and allows them to coninue to keep their focus breath by breath on God as Christ himself intercedes for them. May they be made whole again.
Jason will be back monday and pop will probably post tomorrow, I like hearing his heart in his post. We are thankful for the church being the church. With that in mind keep watching for Jason’s book. He has been busy with tragedy and trying to lead men and women to continue to being the church at Westpoint. If someone one may read it, it will come. peace e.
Don Denton
Here I am one week after my last post. It has been a very busy week. Don continues to get stronger physically. He is still at 147lbs and 6.1ft. tall. But the steroids have allot to do with that.
Don’s CAT Scan came back with no increase in inflammation. So that is a good thing. He saw his opthamologist this last week as well and he is beginning to develop cateracts from the steroids. Once Don tapers down which we have started to do successfully so far. So, once Don is at a lower level that will make a real difference with the progression of cateracts. It will help slow it.
Joshua is doing OK. We are starting to prepare for pre-school this fall. He is excited. We have had a good week this week.
Tonight I made pancakes for supper, packed them up in the car with Don and Josh and we went to the park and had supper. It was a great night to be there. Our weather has been beautiful the past few days.
Here we are at the end of July, this year has flown by in some ways and in others it has seemed like the longest year of my life. I missed my nieces wedding this weekend. Don and I have missed several events this year. Again I find myself reflecting on the losses, that has been really hard.
And it is a real balance of what is lost and being able to grieve that. And then holding onto the hope for what each day brings. Just to be able to go to the park together is a big thing for us.
Don is well on his way with being out of the hospital for almost two months come August. That is another huge accomplishment.
We have so much to be thankful for this day. I find myself reflecting on all that you all have done for us. We have been held up in prayer which we still so need. We have been ministered to in so many precious ways. I have so many “thank yous” to send. I thank God for you all.
Bless you our family and friends.
Diane
Maggie Lee Henson
I’m back with Maggie Lee after getting some rest. My dad has been with her since 8:00 and passed off to me a report that things are staying the same. It is quiet up here with Maggie Lee and even the babies aren’t crying (one was going off the other night like a siren).
I just picked up a snack out in the waiting room and downed a cup of Seattle’s best from the cafeteria. I’m not sure I want to go to Seattle again after that cup,but it woke me up a little.
Eating the snack reminded me of how great the people of Jackson are. Churches and individuals have kept us well fed and loved and we are continually blessed by the support of this wonderful city. Thanks, Jackson!
Bennie G. Simmons
(February 1, 1941 – July 18, 2009)
Bennie G. Simmons was born February 1, 1941 and passed away at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Ochsner Hospital, Elmwood, Harahan, LA. Bennie was 68, and a resident of Line Creek, LA.Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
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 Express Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.
Bruce Tassin
(August 4, 1949 – July 18, 2009)
Bruce Tassin was born August 4, 1949 and passed away at 7:58 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009 at his residence. Bruce was 59 and a resident of Amite.Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com
McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite. is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Express Car Was & Bond Eye Clinic.
KneEmail
Health
THE FUTURE OF our nation’s health care system is in the spotlight…
Congress has been asked to pass a package of legislation with an unimaginable price tag. No one denies that there is a need to make changes to our present system. The way to fix the system is where paths diverge.
But there’s another matter that should take even higher priority: our souls.
Jesus affirmed that truth:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul?
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26 (NKJV)
One’s spiritual well-being, however, is low on the list for most people. As long as life is going reasonably well, why fret over religion?
Religion was not on the to-do list of the rich man of Luke 16 . He
“fared sumptuously every day”,
according to Jesus, and didn’t notice the beggar lying at his gate.
Luke 16:10-21
When he died his perspective changed.
Finding himself in flames, his only concerns were a drop of water to cool his tongue and someone to warn his brothers — still living — not to come to
“this place of torment”.
Luke 16:24-28
Food, clothes and housing were no longer important to him.
How we need to hear the message of God’s word! Our lives are much more than the physical. As Jesus taught in the passage above, we each have a soul that can be lost.
If we lose that soul, nothing we attained or enjoyed on earth will matter in eternity.
Nothing.
Paul taught that the Lord’s supper is an opportunity for spiritual self-examination. If we discern the Lord’s body, he said, we do well.
But those who neglect this weekly appointment, or whose minds wander as the elements pass by, face a danger:
“For this reason many are weak and sickly among you,
and many sleep”
I Corinthians 11:30
Paul wasn’t discussing physical sickness.
John’s concern for those to whom he wrote must become our concern:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health,
just as your soul prospers.”
3 John 2
Yes, our physical health matters. But the prosperity of our souls is paramount.
Is it well with your soul? (Tim Hall at: http://www.forthright.net)
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul?
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26
Posted by Mike Benson at July 17, 2009 11:45 AM
Be sure to give this Lord’s Day to the Lord!
Anna Lee
Saturday Evening Update
Bennie Gaylon Simmons passed away tonight. Please be in prayer for his family.
Saturday Evening
Jenny Stegall
Please continue to pray for Jennie Stegall and her family.
Maggie Lee Henson
Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:07 PM, CDT
Pressure is still under control for the most part and we are not seeing any high spikes. The reality of the duration of this phase, though, is on our hearts and minds as we approach day 7 tomorrow.
Another discussion of CT scan with the doctor was a reminder of the severity of injury and the difficult challenges ahead. I hear all of this but also keep remembering the thousands of prayers, some of which are represented in the guestbook of this site. I read them to get encourageme
nt and to remember we are not in this alone and that God is at work. –John
Saturday, July 18, 2009 3:12 PM, CDT
Maggie Lee is having another chest tube put in to address air stuck between lung and chest wall. This is #3 for this lung, so hopefully it will alleviate it. The procedure is done at bedside and without moving her any. Pray for safe procedure and for successfull aim.
John
Saturday, July 18, 2009 4:02 PM, CDT
The surgery on chest went well and it sounds like all the air trapped in chest was released. Maggie Lee’s ICP didn’t spike during the procedure and she looks good. This is great news and we are thankful for skilled aim of the surgeon. John
Saturday, July 18, 2009 6:07 PM, CDT
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! GOD ANSWERING EVERY PRAYER REQUEST TO DATE FOR MAGGIE LEE!!!
Another low ICP-day! Hooray, we are claiming a trend here.:)
We were in the low 20’s today, cutting back the 3 per cent saline given every 3-4 hours.
Dear friends, we are asking God to move and show us these next benchmarks:
-DIALATING PUPILS
-SUSTAINABLE BLOOD PRESSURE
We are begging God for a miracle and He has provided MIRACLES ALL ALONG. Please pray specifically and see what God will do
awed by God and His People,
jin and john
P.S. STAY TUNED!!!
Died on Friday, July 17, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Age 56 years. He was a U.S.M.C. veteran. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 12 Noon Monday. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Ford Cemetery, Independence, LA. Survived by wife, Marjorie Blue Ford, Baton Rouge, 6 sons, Ronnie Ford, Jr., McComb, MS, Racey Ford, Baton Rouge, Jason Ford, Baton Rouge, Christopher Ford, Baton Rouge, Corey Ford, Baton Rouge, Dusty Ford, Baton Rouge, 1 daughter, Winter Ford, Walker, 12 grandchildren, Haley and Ronnie, III, Racey, Jr., Eric, Victoria, Trenton, Hunter, Hayden, Corey, Jr., Damien, Hayden, Madilynn, sister, Trudy Darlene Armfield, Magnolia, MS, brother, Wayne Ford, Houston, TX, parents, Wallace J. Ford, Jr., Gilbert, Leona Jones Crow, Magnolia, MS, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by 2 sons, Eric and Adam Ford, daughter, Angel Ford, 3 infant children, sister, Tracey Lynnette Ford. Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons. Jennie Belle Cutrer Breeden
(December 26, 1921 – July 18, 2009)
(December 26, 1921 – July 18, 2009)
Died at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Osyka, MS and a resident of Liverpool, LA. Age 87 years. She was a member of Days United Methodist Church, Liverpool and Order of the Eastern Star. Visitation at Day’s United Methodist Church, Liverpool, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Dr. Ralph Ford. Interment Day’s Cemetery, Greensburg, LA . She is survived by 2 sons, Steve I. Varnado and his wife, Sandra, Greenwell Springs, Jimmie W. Varnado, M.D. and his wife, Peggy, Greensburg, 5 grandchildren, Mike Varnado and his wife, Shelly, Denham Springs, Sheri Varnado Beck and her husband, Michael, Herlong, CA, Angie Varnado Ray and her husband, Billy, Ponchatoula, Jason Varnado, D.D.S. and his wife, Kelsea, New Iberia, Anjanette Varnado Johnson, M.D. and her husband, J.J., Hammond, great-grandchildren, Sarah, Macy and Ashely Varnado, Elisha, Shaina and Carissa Beck, Luke Ray, and Adeline and Grayson Varnado, a sister, Minnie Wall, Gillsburg, devoted friend, Tom McCaa, Liverpool. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurie L. Breeden, parents, George Washington and Carrie Spears Cutrer, 3 brothers, Roy Cutrer, Claude Cutrer and Floyd Cutrer, 2 sisters, Martha Alford and Mary Dickey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Day’s United Methodist Church, c/o Sharon Hornsby, 113 Yarborough Lane, Greensburg, LA 70441. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
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