Thursday Evening Addition

Ann Trappey shared this information about Tiffany B. Currier.

Pam Bankston called me this afternoon. They are in Georgia with Tiffany and her family. Pam requested prayers from all of her friends and from any churches in the area.

Tiffany has thorax outlet syndrome. I am sure that I did not spell it correctly.

Tiffany’s rib was crushing a vein. She had surgery to remove the rib. Complications have occurred and Tiffany had a 4 inch blood clot in the vein. She has had 7 surgeries in three weeks and has been in the hospital for 17 days. Last weekend her chest filled up with blood. The doctors removed 2 litters of blood from her chest. One of her lungs collapsed. She is on Coumadin for the next 6 months and is very anemic.

Tiffany and Brad have two young children ages 2 and 4. Brad is from Amite.

Please put Tiffany on your prayer list and ask your church family to pray for her and her family as they experience this trial.

Ann

Ann also sent word that Riley Thomas Simmons was born today in Mississippi. He is the son is Stan and Bethany Simmons of Line Creek.

Thursday Evening

VBS count today – 203 (I think.)

Two family friends, Ronnie Nielson (MS) and Dianne Edgeman (TX), will be going on separate mission trips to Romania tomorrow. Dianne has been there several times before, but this is Bro. Ronnie’s first trip. Pray for both teams to have very meaninful and fruitful trips.

Mike Baer, a friend of Frances Gay, passed away surrounded by his family. Arrangements are incomplete, but the services will probably be in Bogalusa.

Glenn Edward Viana
(October 7, 1942 – June 8, 2009)
Glenn Edward Viana was born October 7, 1942, and passed away on Monday, June 8, 2009, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was 66, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite. Glenn is survived by two sons, John Viana of Port Orange, FL and Jean Michael Viana of Ponchatoula; one grandson, Wylee Viana of Australia; one sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Kenneth Courtney of Amite; four nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Meredith Viana. A memorial service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Thursday

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:
Take your everyday, ordinary life—
your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—
and place it before God as an offering.
Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.” ~Romans 12:1 MSG~

Leave

aaam.jpgWHAT SHOULD WE leave behind when we die…?

A faithful family.

We will leave a mourning family behind on that sad day, but will we leave a faithful one? Will each be on his or her way to heaven? We are not able to make decisions for them, but we will have a great influence on each, especially our children ( Proverbs 22:6).

Sarah left a godly man to mourn ( Genesis 23:2). Abraham left faithful sons behind ( Genesis 18:19; 25:8). Zebedee and Salome gave the world James and John. Lois taught Eunice, who molded Timothy ( 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).

If we would leave such a family, we must start NOW, because the years may come when they will not listen ( Ecclesiastes 12:2). No greater legacy can be left than faith in God and faithfulness to His church. (Allen Webster)

“You are the light of the world…” Matthew 5:14a

Posted by Mike Benson at April 30, 2009 12:22 PM

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday – Midafternoon

VBS attendance today – 213!


The Hatchels do not have a phone or internet yet, but Jennie was able to send an email saying the unpacking is going well.  Today was unpacking day number two!  I’m sure there will be more unpacking, organizing, and decorating days.  Pray for the family as they make the adjustments to living in a new home.


Jimmy and Retia Dukes and Family

< God, trouble, and you. >
The video of Dad teaching is uploaded. Thanks, Jenna. She filmed that morning two Sundays ago when Dad taught for the first time since the accident, and she got the video uploaded to my YouTube channel. She had to break it down into five pieces since it was 44 minutes long. You can see all five segments on my blog (click here). The title of Dad’s message – “God, trouble, and you.” Enjoy.

After I updated Caring Bridge yesterday morning, Dad took Jen and the kids and me to the zoo for a few hours. He and Erik bought the year pass when they took Erik’s kids about two weeks ago. It was the same price as the daily admission for Erik, Erin, Dad, and the four kids (since they went to the Aquarium, as well, the next day). The kids loved. I think Dad loved it even more. A change of pace and a chance to be with four of his grandkids.

The kids and Jen headed back to the apartment afterward, and Dad and I went to be with Mom for a while. She was doing well. During therapy yesterday, they stood her up and supported her twice. She stood in that position, supported, for 2 and 1/2 minutes each time. PRETTY AWESOME!!!

T

his morning, while we were with her, the infection doctor told us that her lungs and blood and urine were clear of infection. The only one left – her bedsore on her bottom and bone infection there. Please pray for that to clear. We are awaiting word from the doctors as to when Mom can have the surgery to replace the bone piece on her head. Hopefully soon.

Dad had another rehab session this morning. It went well. Then, he got a treat. Two guys from First Baptist Marrero took us to Drago’s. Thanks to Emmitt Fox and Ronnie (the pastor) and First Baptist Marrero for how you all have prayed for and supported our family while we have been so close by. Dad was interim pastor there at one time. They sure have loved on our family.

We are about to head back over to see Mom. We are going to bring her some mashed sweet potatoes from Copelands. She has been cleared to eat soft stuff. Please pray she will eat more and more. She needs the strength.

And speaking of strength, please pray for her rehab daily. She is progressing very slowly, but it is progress nonetheless. We are thankful. She is speaking well now with the passy muir valve. It is great to “talk” with her.

Hope you enjoy Dad’s sermon. Hope you get the chance to watch it. Thanks for how you continue to show us God’s love in the midst of all the trouble of the last nine weeks. You have been such blessings to us.

Erik and I both have expressed how tough this has all been. And it has. The hardest thing we have ever walked through. I can’t imagine having walked through it without the encouragement of all of you. We are grateful for you and for the amazing miracle that Mom and Dad are. We see God in the midst of our troubles everyday. And that is so beautiful. His nearness.

Thank You, Lord, for coming near.
-jason

Wednesday Afternoon

Don Denton

Wow!  I just realized that I have not updated since Friday.  Saturday I just collapsed and took the weekend to rest.  I was exhausded from another hospital stay.

The good news in that Don is doing better.  He is even more determined this time to push through this.  I am amazed at his determination.  He encouraged me.  His character and determination I admire.

Don has had several good days and yesterday he woke up early in pain and sick.  He endured through that and did better in the afternoon.

I feel at some level that I have gotten my bearings again.

Joshua had his first “sleep over” away from home Saturday night with his good buddy James.  James’s daddy brought Joshua back home in the middle of the night.  I was proud of him at his first attempt wanting to sleep away from home.

As for me, I am going to learn how to drive this tractor lawn mower sometime this week.

Don has a doctors appt. end of the week.  His neurologist in Springfield.

I will post sooner next time.

Diane

JoAnna Catalanotto Goynes
(January 11, 1954 – June 9, 2009)

Died at 7:36PM on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Arcola, LA. Age 55 years. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson and Rev. James Cunningham. Interment First Baptist Church of Arcola Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Survived by husband, Harry C. Goynes, Arcola, daughter, Mary Goynes Bel and her husband, John, Arcola, 2 grandchildren, Bailey Bel, Arcola, John Caleb Bel, Arcola, 4 sisters, Louise Smith, Ft. Wayne, IN, Kathy Warren, Roseland, Nena Samuels, Hammond, Teddy Collins, Denham Springs, 3 brothers, Michael Catalanotto, Kentwood, Tony Catalanotto, Hammond, Glenn Catalanotto, Roseland. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Mary Catalanotto. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doyle Bible Baptist Mission Fund, 32705 N. Doyle Road, Holden, LA 70744. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Wednesday

“And may you have the power to understand,

as all God’s people should,

how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.

May you experience the love of Christ,

though it is too great to understand fully.

Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life

and power that comes from God.”

~Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT~

I have appreciated the La. Baptist Childrn’s Home since I was a child, but much more so after some children I knew made their home there.

Children find success at Baptist Children’s Home
Baoptist Message: June 4, 2009
By:Julie Cupples, LBCH Communications

BATON ROUGE – Jennifer was only eight years old when she came to live at the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. She was a broken little girl. She was hurting and she was afraid. The adversity she had already faced in her young life was indescribable.

That was 1998. Today, Jennifer is a lovely young woman of 19. Not only has Jennifer grown physically during the 11 years she has called LBCH home, she has grown emotionally and spiritually as well. Being able to grow up in a stable Christian home with the love and support of Christian Cottage parents changed Jennifer’s life.

On May 14, Jennifer crossed the stage at the Neville High School football stadium to receive her high school diploma. She did it! And her LBCH family was there to cheer her on.

Jennifer’s successes in life haven’t come easy, but they have come. They have come because of God’s undying love shared with her through the ministries of the LBCH.

Every boy and girl in need of the services of LBCH has his or her own story. They each have had their own struggles to overcome.

Jennifer and countless others like her who have come through the doors of LBCH are living proof that with the hope found in Jesus Christ, every individual can persevere and succeed.

LBCH is entering its 110th year of ministry and the adversity children are facing is more difficult than ever. On June 14, the Children’s Home Annual Offering will be received in churches across Louisiana. Your gift during this special time will help children like Jennifer and Jessie and Michael discover hope and success.

Jeremiah 29:11 proclaims, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Some of you may be interested in this.

4 Wheels 4 Him trail ride heads south
Baptist Message; June 4, 2009
By:Philip Timothy, Message Staff Writer

KENTWOOD – Gibbie McMillan believes the same excitement, encountered at a 4 Wheels 4 Him trail ride at Tillou Baptist Church in Northeast Louisiana, can be duplicated in Southeast Louisiana.

New Zion Baptist Church   in Kentwood will host the four-wheeler ride on Saturday, June 13. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the ride starts at 9 a.m.

“We believe we have hit upon a way to provide a family with some good, family fun in a Christian setting,” said McMillan, the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s Men’s Ministry and Volunteer strategist. “Just like at Tillou, we will present the Gospel and a short plan of salvation.

“We plan on having our block party trailer, inflatables, praise music, door prizes, and a meal for the participants,” McMillan said.

The trail ride, which is being sponsored by Two Rivers Baptist Association, the LBC’s Men’s Ministry and Evangelism Departments, will cover 6-7 miles of rugged piney woods located deep in St. Helena Parish.

The property sits adjacent to New Zion Baptist Church and riders will gather at the church before breaking up – depending upon the number of people who sign up – into groups of 25 to 40 riders.

The layout will be similar to the one used at Tillou.

“If we get 200 to 250 the first year,” McMillan said, “I feel it will be successful. The first year at Tillou 253 attended.

“The idea has really caught on and has been met favorably by all the churches in the area,” McMillan said. “The response has been tremendous. It does my heart good to see this kind of cooperation and participation amongst the churches,” McMillan said.

The eight Baptist churches in Kentwood are providing the bulk of the volunteers for the event but McMillan said the event is even drawing some support from Mississippi.

The ride, which will take an estimated two hours to complete, will start and finish at the New Zion Baptist Church.

Before the ride starts, the participants will be gathered together, where the Gospel will be presented along with a brief plan of salvation.

Riders will then be instructed about the course and safety features before departing on the ride.

Upon their return, around noon, they will be treated to hamburgers, hot dogs and jambalaya. Door prizes, which have been donated by Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, WalMart, and other local businesses will be given following lunch.

The cost is $6 per person and lunch is included. There is also a limited number of t-shirts, so make sure to register early to insure getting one.

For more information, contact Richard Sandberg at 985.514.1171 or McMillan at the LBC, 318.449.4276.

“It is a wonderful, messy day in which a family can get out and enjoy themselves,” McMillan said. “The fellowship, the fun, the good music and the Word of God make for a great deal. So come out and enjoy God’s creation and beauty.”

Crash

acasket.jpgOF THE DOZENS upon dozens of funerals that I have conducted, I have never conducted one where the casket was occupied by anyone who had anything in his hand…

And none of the suits wrapped around those bodies required pockets. “You can’t take it with you.”

Solomon forces us to face that moment we all tend to ignore — the moment of death. He backs up three spaces and looks at the crash and says, “This is the grievous evil: Those who have clutched can quickly crash.” Put another way, “Those who grabbed and rose to the top will ultimately release and drop to the bottom.”

Can you imagine the scene? I envision a man who hoarded what he had and then lost it through a bad investment. I can see another who fights and wins his way to the top, only to have the bottom drop out of his life as the stock market plunges. And how about the individual who spends himself in a maddening pursuit of some financial goal, who drops dead of a heart attack? It happens every day. In Solomon’s words, he “toils for the wind.” He departs exactly as he entered life…naked and without a thin dime to his name. (Charles Swindoll)

“There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches kept for their owner to his hurt. But those riches perish through misfortune; when he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came; and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand” (Eccles. 5:13-15).

Looking forward to what God is going to do today at Vacation Bible School.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Mrs. Wanzie Williams is doing better and is now getting out-and-about some.  Thank God for the progress she has made since her fall and her surgery.


Mrs. Blanch Wheat is home.  Pray for her and her family at this time.


Joanna C. Goynes of Roseland passed away. She has had a difficult week.  I’m glad I got to have a visit with her at a wedding two weeks ago and a brief call from her last Monday.  Pray for her husband, Harry, her daughter, Mary, as well as other family members.

Monday Afternoon

VBS today – 211

< all in how you see it. >
Children were flocking to Jesus. The disciples began to divert them away from Jesus. Too much of a distraction for all that important Jesus  stuff. Jesus rebuked the disciples. “Let the little children come to Me.”

It’s all in how you see it. The disciples were looking at the children as a potential hindrance. Jesus saw them as examples of ones who had Kingdom perspective. Being near to Jesus and being with each other mattered to them more than doing stuff for Jesus and excluding those who “might get in the way.” Highly valuing life and togetherness and the beauty of the now seem to matter to Jesus a lot.

It matters to my kids, too. Especially yesterday, when they saw Pop and Ammaw. Caleb had been up with me to see them before. Ella had come with Jen those two days that Jen came up before Mom woke from her coma. But Katey and Abby had not seen Ammaw and Pop for 9 weeks. They were a bit excited. And nothing would divert them from running to Pop’s arms.

Jen and I had coached them to give gentle hugs. And they did – at least as gentle as an excited, determined, full-speed child can give when they run to their grandfather. It was a sight to behold. Pop was overjoyed. You can see it in the picture. He is even smiling with teeth! He loves it when Erik’s kids and my kids are here.

Jen and the kids and I hit the road Sunday afternoon. We drove a little over halfway from Orlando Sunday, and then finished the trip yesterday. We arrived around 1:15 and took Dad to a late lunch. Then, we headed over to see Ammaw.

Caleb was a pro, having already seen her and been around her. Katey had seen pictures. Abby said, “Hey Ammaw. I love you.” Mom replied, “I love you.” Ella didn’t say much. She doesn’t talk.

Mom talked through her passy muir valve. Her voice has been getting better and stronger with it. She didn’t move much. Just seemed tired and uncomfortable. Then, the speech therapist came in.

She fed her some potatoes, some zucchini, and some thickened sweet tea. Mom chewed and swallowed it well, although much longer than you and I would have (if you eat zucchini). She seemed to appreciate just eating something. The kids looked on.

Katey struggled to watch after a bit. Her heart is so compassionate. She had trouble seeing Mom shrug in pain as she swallowed. She mustered up the courage to come back closer to the bed to watch and did something else that is very Katey-like. She got social.

“I am going to be a hospital girl, too,” Katey told the speech therapist.

Katey and I have what she calls “you and me time” from time to time. We try to have some each weekend right now, every weekend when I fly home. On one recent occasion, over hot chocolate at Starbucks, we were being silly and talking about what our dreams are. I asked her what she wanted to be when she got older. She said she wanted to be a nurse.

It will be interesting to see how what her Mommy does (she is an RN) and what all happens as a result of this accident influences the direction of each of our kids’ lives.

The younger two kids were getting restless. Ella needed to eat. So, Jen took Ella and Abby back to the parking garage to the van. Ella ate and Abby watched a DVD. Caleb and Katey stayed in the room while I worked Mom out. Erik had called me yesterday to tell me a few exercises he had done with Mom over the weekend. I tried to repeat them.

It continues to amaze me each time I have to help Mom do things she had done so easily before. We did wrist and elbow and knee extension and flexion. We lifted her arms and shoulders. She needed a good bit of help, but she seemed thankful for the stretching. I asked her if it hurt-hurt, or if it was just uncomfortable from the stretching.

“Uncomfortable from the stretching,” she replied.

I looked up with about two more exercises to go and realized what Katey was doing. She was over with Dad, who had been in his wheelchair resting, working him out. Repeating a lot of what I was saying to Mom, doing some of the same things. Of course, Dad followed Katey’s lead. But it was so cute to listen to her get focused and involved in it all. She was working him out hard, too!

We wrapped up the exercises and told Mom bye. Everyone told her they loved her. We washed our hands, headed out for a quick potty stop, and headed back to the parking garage to catch up with Jen and the younger girls. Overall, the kids seemed like they loved the time!

It’s all in how you see it – just a sick Ammaw or elated to have time with Ammaw, no matter her condition.

Speaking of all in how you see it, the Taylor family is and has been for some time very close to our family. Sheila called yesterday with the news of their first grandchild’s birth. Her name is Caroline. Justin, the proud daddy (Sheila’s oldest son), and his wife Jennifer had their first baby yesterday. The new grandparents were there with them, too. Ken, the new grandfather, texted this message to us all yesterday after they had confirmed the news of some serious medical issues with Caroline:

“Caroline is beautiful but has significant health issues. Surgery tomorrow. Sheila told Justin we are praying for a miracle. Justin replied that we already have our miracle.”

It’s all in how you see it.

May we all see life and togetherness and the beauty of the now the same way Jesus does. The same way those children did that came to Jesus. The same way my kids did when they saw Ammaw and Pop. The same way Justin did yesterday.

Thanks for praying. Thankful for all of you.
-jason

Tuesday Addition


Jacqueline “Jackie” Alford
(January 24, 1941 – June 6, 2009)

Jacqueline

Died at 10:27PM on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 68 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Robertson. Interment Alford Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by husband, Shelby G. Alford, Kentwood, son, Mitchell K. Alford, Baker, 2 daughters, Melissa Guagliardo and her husband, James, Ponchatoula, Frances J. Rollings, Denham Springs, 9 grandchildren, LeAnne and Danny Holmes, Tuscaloosa, AL, Lindsey Barrilleaux, Ponchatoula, Lauren and Travis Perrin, Ponchatoula, Shelye J. Guagliardo, Ponchatoula, Felicity L. Guagliardo, Ponchatoula, Dorothy A. Guagliardo, Ponchatoula, Corey J. Williams, Ponchatoula, A. J. Mitchell Alford, Bogue Chitto, MS, Joshua A. Anderson, Hammond, 4 great-grandchildren, Jordan J. Barrilleaux, Ponchatoula, Melvin J. Barrilleaux, Ponchatoula, Louis J. Perrin, Ponchatoula, Alyssa J. Alford, Bogue Chitto, MS, brother, R. E. “Dickie” McDaniel, Baton Rouge. Preceded in death by parents, Dorothy & L. M. McDaniel, nephew, Steven McDaniel. Pallbearers will be Dickie McDaniel, John R. Butler, Travis Perrin, Joshua Anderson, Keith Rowe, Micheal McKnight, Jay Guagliardo, and Corey Williams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Mason, Jack Hughes, Tyler McDaniel and A. J. Alford. The family would like to thank the North Oaks nursing staff.

Tuesday

“When we went under the water,

we left the old country of sin behind;

when we came up out of the water,

we entered into the new country of grace

—a new life in a new land!

That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means.”

~Romans 6:3 MSG~


VBS attendance Monday = 201!  I look forward to the baptisms we will have after this week.


Adam Carter got his first wasp sting yesterday – on his right eye.  Pray this doesn’t give him any problem.


My mother’s bruising continues to swell, but the pain in her face is gone.  She does have lingering pain in the rib area and numbness on the top of her head.  Please continue to pray for her.


Jennie’s family made the move yesterday.  They camped out in the new apartment last night.  Pray the furniture arrives on schedule today.


Baptist Press

June 8, 2009

GEORGIA–Hunt responds to GCR critics, predicts SBC will approve task force. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30639

TENNESSEE–Prayer conferences call for intercession. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30640

TENNESSEE–Draper improving during hospitalization. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30641

MISSOURI–His vision: Family zone for ballpark in downtown St. Louis. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30642

ALABAMA–Ala. doubles strength of beer. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30643

MISSOURI–Lawyer upholds ‘Christmas’ on school calendars. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30644

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Dennis Swanberg): Kurdish lamb and a rolling stone. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30645


Doodlebug

THE ANT LION is a little insect whose larva (also called a doodlebug) lives in regions of dry or sandy soil…

It digs a pit about 2 inches deep and waits for ants to fall in. It is equipped with a highly sensitive alarm system that picks up the slightest vibration. A single grain of sand falling into its hole can activate it. Anchor-like appendages under its body enable it to grip the soil as it struggles with its victim. Even more remarkable is its complex mouth that forms a kind of “drinking straw,” ideal for sucking fluids. When an ant is trapped, the ant lion injects it with paralyzing drug and then with digestive juices that allows it to feed on its prey.

The eminent French zoologist Pierre-Paul Grasse says that Darwin’s theory of natural selection can’t explain the “avalanche of…chance occurrences” necessary for such a creature to evolve. Grasse’s research keeps pointing toward a Creator, even though he himself remains an unbeliever.

“O LORD, how manifold are Your works!

In wisdom You have made them all.

The earth is full of Your possessions.”

~Psm. 104:24~

Posted by Mike Benson at March 16, 2006 1:25 PM

May you realize some of God’s blessing for you today!  They will be there, but will the recognition be there?

Anna Lee