The Prayer Link

Sunday

“I love the Lord because He hears my voice

and my prayer for mercy.

Because He bends down to listen,

I will pray as long as I have breath!”

~Psalm 116:1-2 NLT~

Grady Brecheen is doing very well following his surgery. Pray for him this week as he learns about additional treatments.

Don Denton

Today was again one of the hardest days yet. Our neurosurgeon came in and told us that there was nothing more they could do for Don here at Barnes.

We
have asked for a Neurologist consult for Monday. We are at a loss as
to what to think. I don’t understand this. We will continue to look
for answers, where ever that may be. We will discuss this with
neurologist on Monday.

Don is still stable, he is cognitive.
He is weaker and still not able to eat. His headaches only come at
night now. The lumbar puncture seems to have helped. His opening pressures on the brain were normal as well. There is some enchancement of the brain as well.

Two of my friends sent emails to me and Psalm 18 and 2 Corinth. is exactly how we feel about now.

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure…..but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinth 1:8-9

4 The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

6 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Please pray that God will pull us up out of the waters. We are weak and very, very weary. Please pray for a miracle.

Diane

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Consider It pure joy!

My
boys don’t always want to go to school, so sometimes we sing this song
on the way to school. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say
rejoice. Joy is a choice that is made out of a peaceful, thankful,
content spirit. This only comes in relationship to God. My dad
this morning after we ate a tremendous breakfast at Slim Goodies, did
an interview for a documentary. The North American Mission Board is
making a film on Angola. 14 years ago my dad, under the care of Dr.
Leavell and with the blessing of Warden Cain, started some seminary
work at Angola, the La state prison. This unprecedented work has
made a huge difference in the lives of those at the prison and the
faculty of our seminary who have taught them. They have even sent some
prisoners to other prisons in the US to be missionaries to those
prisons. The film will be available on dvd in the near future. We
then went to Starbucks so he could work on his sermon tomorrow. Yep,
he is bringing the word tomorrow at Gentilly Baptist Church. Thanks
Dr. Taylor for allowing him some of his favorite kind of rehab. My dad
has always told me Listen to God and Do what he says. He has this
flashing on his computer. This is how he lives and he was called to
communicate the word and loves doing it.

He is doing well but
very tired today. He had a very busy week and a long one. He took a
nap today for the first time in a few weeks. He deserved it he is
working hard to continue to get better.

Mom was tired today
also. I helped her practice her pucker, opening her mouth, and
sticking out her tongue, she, with a little help, moved legs and arms
and mouthed much to me and dad today. She also can communicate now to
tell us what hurts her and she stated her right swollen arm and hand
hurt her. This is the one her line is in to get her iv antibiotics.
An ultrasound was done this evening to make sure no clot was there and
we were told the radiologist did not call to say there was a clot.
Which if there was he should have called. She is continuing to
progress just like dad. Keep praying!

Dad told the interviewers
today about how the prisoners were actually in a way, more free than
some of us. They have found life change and a peace and joy even
behind bars, and in spite of their circumstances. I think this
speaks to dad right now as he an mom are trapped in a time of healing.
I pray they will have the peace and joy that comes in Christ as he
continues to improve.

Remember to pray for mom: for her
infection in decubitus and bone and lungs; for her rehab that she will
move speak and swallow better and better; for her transfer back to birc
in orlando. Pray for dad: that he will patiently continue to work hard
at rehab; that he will have wisdom as he makes decisions about mom and
as he encourages her as she makes progress. Pray for him tomorrow as
he preaches that God may speak to us as He speaks through him. I know
jason and I repeat this over and over but thanks to all of you. Please
don’t forget to remember the Krech, Rhodes, and Nanney families. Pray
for peace and strength.

Oh yeah, I did not win the national
spelling bee, but I could spell Laodicea, well really I could not. I
spelled it wrong but my dad corrected me. A blue heeler is a great
dog. A floater is a large car of buick or osmobile make that is long
like a ship. 80’s slang, so sorry for those of you who aren’t down
with that. Rejoice always and again I say rejoice.

Mrs. Mary Catherine Dees Conerly

(August 7, 1918 – May 28, 2009)

Mrs. Mary Catherine Dees Conerly

Mrs. Mary Catherine Dees Conerly went home to her Saviour May 28, 2009, at the age of 90.

She is survived by two daughters and their families: daughter Rae and
husband Earl Murphy, son Patrick and his sons, Will, Coner and Cullen,
and son Stuart and Jenny (Sanders) and their sons Braydon and Blake;
daughter Judy and son Rayford; five nieces and nephews, and numerous
great nieces and nephews and their families.

She is preceded in death by husband Rayford E. Conerly, parents Elzy
Burke and Margaret Antoinette Brinkley Dees, two brothers: Wallace Dees
and Burke Dees, and three sisters: Sarah Elizabeth Dees, Anna Lecarne
Dees, and Margaret Dees Ducote.

Catherine graduated from Amite High in 1935, third in her class. At 16
years old she was hired by Attorney Barbee Ponder as a secretary. A
year later she enrolled in the University of Southwestern Louisiana and
attended for 2 years. She returned to Amite and was hired by Mr. Norman
Vernon, the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court, as a secretary,
eventually becoming Chief Deputy for Clerk of Court, Mr. Jimmie Stire.
At the same time she also became the court reporter of record for
Tangipahoa Parish until she resigned in 1965. She became the organist
for the First Baptist Church of Amite in 1939 and played until 1965. In
the 1940s she became court reporter for Louisiana State Attorney
General, Mr. Bolivar Kemp, commuting to Baton Rouge from Amite often
several times a week while still employed by the Tangipahoa Parish
Clerk of Court and parish court. In the 1950s she became the court
reporter for District Judge Horace B. Reid, and Court of Appeals Judge
Robert Ellis. In 1962 she successfully ran Congressman Jimmie
Morrison’s campaign for re-election. In 1965, after the death of
Rayford, she and her daughters relocated to Lafayette, LA, and with her
niece, Carolyn Ducote Walker, established a court reporting business.
In 1980 she established a business as a landman and lease broker
working around the state for numerous oil companies. In 1984 she
returned to Amite, became active in the First Baptist Church Bell
Choir, The Daughters of the American Revolution, The United Daughters
of the Confederacy, and ended a fabulous work career at the Tangipahoa
Parish Library among the books she loved so well.

Services will be Monday, June 1, 2009, at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral
Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Monday, June 1, 2009 from
9:00 a.m until 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Amite Cemetery.

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

It’s almost time for VBS! Registration for VBS at FBC, Kentwood will begin this morning. You can also purchase your VBS t-shirt for $6.00 and your VBS music cd for $3.00 in the office.

FBC, Kentwood will celebrate some family and church fellowship time at the ball park beginning at 5 P.M. Everyone is invited to attend.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

~1Timothy 2:8~

Don Denton

Don is stable. Sometime tonight or early morning they will do a lumbar puncture to check his opening pressure on the brain. They will also put a drain in the spine to alievate any pressure.

They will monitor his condition and any changes during the weekend. Then come Monday they will decide whether to do surgery and put a shunt in. That decision will not be make until Monday.

Josh and I are hanging in there. Our dear friends Anne and Frank have opened their home up to us again. We are so very grateful to them. And they are out of town as well.

Some friends of theirs are helping me with childcare for Joshua and frieinds are taking care of our animals back at home.

This was a surprise to us. We never expected Don to relapse at this point. It is concerning, very concerning. Don, Joshua and I are so tired and worn.

Joshua is such a trooper. This child has had to “wait” more than any child should have to. Waiting on doctor appts., waiting in ER’s, waiting in hospitals, waiting for his beloved daddy to get better. He loves Don so much. I see such compassion in this child.

And of course, we were just coming up here for a one day appointment, so I did not bring Joshua toys or movies or much of anything. I packed all three of our clothes in one tiny suitcase. UGH!

I try not to think about it, but Don now has been in a hospital every month since last September. Every month!

He is so very tired of hospitals, we all are. I don’t understand why there are so few answers. I am discouraged and Don is too. It is so hard to understand this.

It is hard to pray these days. So, please pray for us.

My spirit is so low. And at the same time, I try so hard to be present with Joshua and Don. But today even that was most difficult for me.

I happen to be run down and sick too. This last week I was up allot with Don at night. My doctor had to call me in an antibiotic.

I don’t understand why answers don’t come. We are hanging on by a thread. Today has been a really rough day for us all.

It hurts to see Don suffer like this more than you can know. It hurts my heart so.

And at the same time, God has sent precious people to care for us here and at home. MaryAnn, John and David R. have been taking care of our home since all of this started for us. I don’t know what we would do without them. I keep saying that John and Mary Ann should have a room with their name on it in our home.

We can’t begin to say thank you for all the generous things you all do for us.

Each time I turn a corner and wonder how on earth are we going to make it. You can’t begin to know what 8 months of hospital stays, and tests and medicines cost. It blows me away. To be honest, I don’t know how we are going to do this.

I can’t even think about it. All I can think about is Don getting well again and us getting past this. Well, I have complained enough for one night. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

It has been a very hard day.

Please pray, we need it more than ever. Thank you our dear precious friends and family.

Diane

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

A Coke and a Smile

When I turned 9 years old I had no ideal what a year it would be for me. It started out great: birthday wishes, presents from my mom and dad and of course cake. I got a bb gun and two admonitions that I not shoot across the street or towards the house. “No problem” I said. It was time to regulate the birds, rabbits, squirrels, and anything else that would hold still long enough for me to get a shot off. I was excited and armed, what more could a young man want. So a friend and I went into the yard and were stalking anything that moved when I spotted a bird across the street sitting on a road sign. It was not just any bird, it was a target, sorry Uncle Dick. We lived in a curve with the gym next door and the church across the street diagonally back into the curve. You could hear cars coming from a mile away. The church was located by a creek and it was a rocks throw from the state line. I sited the bird, looked into the curve a time or two listening for a car and heard none. Despite the admonition I let her fly about the time I heard the gargle of an old muffler coming around the curve. I learned a little physics that day and the bb hit the back window of a child carrying floater car and shattered it. It took my 9 year old legs about 3 steps to get 30 feet into the house. I was the holding the bb gun over my head and screaming, “I never need a gun again, I never need a gun again, you can take away from me, whip me, whatever you want to”. My father shocked, quickly figured out what happened as the floater pulled into our driveway. Man needs purpose, needs a drive of purpose. Mine that day forever changed I was not purposed to be a mighty hunter. That year became even more tragic about an hour and a half later as I watched my blue healer, tiger go under a pulp wood truck, it was a peterbuilt, and not come out. My father had to scrape him off the road and bury him later that afternoon. Most of you are wondering how I made it without tremendous issues I know but I do have a point to this. These were not the most tragic events of this year. In the innocence of a 9 year old I loved her. She was beautiful confident, and could sing, at least that is what I remember. It was at VBS that she struck me with her beauty. We sang take my life lead me Lord, I prayed he would. She and her mother died that year in a curve in a creek and I dealt with the biggest tragedy of my life so far. I witnessed then, what I was reminded of last night, that love is seen in tragedy,as hundreds of people came to express sorrow and thoughtfuln

ess of prayer to the family, I joined them. I did so again last night again as two children in my community were remembered and visited for the last time on this earth. As I waited two hours to pay my respect to the boys and their families I was reminded that a community who loves is best seen in a time of tragedy. My family has been overwhelmingly reminded of this by all of you and we thank you. As you remember us please remember the Krech, Rhodes, and Nanney families. Their loss has been felt by my whole community and I pray for them strength and the peace that passes all understanding. Please pray for them as well.

My sweet potato mom today sat with no therapist hands on her body as she was moved onto a PT mat today and lifted her head and looked at dad and me. She is progressing despite the infection and even though she was tired she gave her best. After sitting about an hour while they stretched, moved, and massaged her muscles she was then moved back into the wheelchair. Speech placed her valve and she spoke. Oh my GOODNESS, I love to hear her say “Jimmydukes, all one word of it, and I love you, and I have to go to the bathroom, and I want to stand and I want a coke”, she gave me a smile.

Dad is doing great. He is using his walker most of the time. He was sipping coffee when I arrived just before lunch. We had bud’s broiler and went to see mom. Then we went to eat two tonys, thanks Clay. Dad is progressing in every way.

Please continue to pray for mom: for her decubiti, for her infection in her sacrum and her lungs, for her progressive improvement with therapy, for her care that they would be communicative, caring, and clean. Pray for dad: that his wounds would heal as well as his bones, that his mind heart and strength would stay focused on the father, and that he would be stronger daily and not get inpatient with his or mom’s healing. Pray for logistics of insurance, placement, and transportation to all be worked out. Pray for Jason and my family as we continue to do our best to honor our father and mother.

After that year I put a 22 bullet into a dragonfly across that creek by the church. So much for me not being a mighty hunter. My purpose would not be driven by that though. Our purpose of this life is driven by a love relationship: one with God and others. We are commanded and exampled to love God and love others. I saw that at 9. I saw that last night. I see that with all of you. Thanks again for all your prayers and thoughtfullness. We are overwhelmed by it and thank our God for you as you continue to lift us up and be the church.

Edward C. “Ed” Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)

Mr. Edward “Ed” Cutrer a Veteran of WWII, was a recipient of a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, was born February 3, 1925 and passed away at 4:15 a.m., Monday, May 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Biloxi Division, Biloxi, MS. He was 84, a native of Montpelier and a resident of Amite.Mr. Ed is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce E. and Mary D. Cutrer, Amite; a daughter-in-law, Linda “Puddin” Cutrer, Amite; a sister, Mary Rogers, Greensburg; 2 brothers, Joe Cutrer, Greensburg and Ray Cutrer, Chicago, IL; 2 granddaughters, Keeli Cutrer, Amite and Heather Cutrer Koepp, and husband, Geoffrey, Amite; a grandson, Bruce E. “Binky” Cutrer, II, Amite; a great grandson, Garrett Wayne Koepp, Amite: and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Hazel Redmond Cutrer; wives, Louise Henry Cutrer Murphy and Cinderella “Cindi” King Cutrer; a son, Joe Wayne Cutrer; 2 sisters, Annie Mae Albritton and Myrtle Louise Ficklin; and 3 brothers, Hollis, Walter, and Dewitt Cutrer.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 12:00 noon until Religious Services at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Sam Leto officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 1-800-873-6983

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

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

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW once got a letter addressed to George Bernard Shawm…

In a beard-tossing fury, Shaw roared to his wife that his correspondent could not even spell the name of the world’s greatest man. Moreover, fumed G. B. S., there was no such word as “shawm.”

Shaw’s wife, one of the world’s most martyred women, quietly disagreed, led Shaw to a dictionary and pointed to “shawm…an old-fashioned wind instrument.”

“A man’s pride will bring him low,

but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

Proverbs 29:23

Have a wonderful day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

Don Denton

Just a quick note. Don has relapsed again. He is being admitted to Barnes Jewish now.

Pray for him. He is not well. Pray for us.

Friday

“Lord, when doubts fill my mind,

when my heart is in turmoil,

quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer”

~Psalm 94:19 LB~

Vacation Bible School will be from 8:30-11:30 June 8-12 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood. Pray now for the children who will attend. Share the time and dates with others who might be interested in attending.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

Eraser of sin
One day, a man called Mr. B got very sick. He is one of the Moko* (MOH-koh) people of the Pacific Rim. When a Christian worker learned that Mr. B was sick, he went to visit him. The family was friendly and invited the worker into their home, but they were not very interested in hearing about Jesus.

The worker shared stories from the Bible when Jesus healed the sick. Then he encouraged Mr. B to “Call out to Jesus for healing.” Mr. B continued to resist, but he didn’t get better either. Finally one night, Mr. B asked God to help him in Jesus’ name. The next day, Mr. B was sitting up, eating, and feeling a lot better. Mr. B told the worker, “A doctor visited me last night—it was Jesus.”

Mr. B is now reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and telling his friends and family the stories. Mr. B calls Jesus the “eraser of sin.”

It isn’t acceptable to be a Christian on Moko Island, and there are no known Moko believers. Mr. B and his family are learning a lot about Jesus but haven’t decided to accept Him as Savior—YET! Please pray for them to let Jesus be their healer, eraser of sin, and Savior. Pray that they will be some of the very first Moko believers.

*people group name changed

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray for Papa, Gramma, and my cousins. God help them not to be sad while we live in Central Asia. JACK, age 6 (Central Asia)

My culture is normal like a typical Americans culture. Please pray for the youth of South Africa. SARAH BETH, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My best friend from school is hindu please pray for her to believe in God so she can get saved.

Every Sunday we go out to a Zulu Baptist church. The roads are very dangerous and we have had several hi-jackings targeted on us. Where we live is very dangerous. Please pray for our safety when we go out to town and go to tell the Zulu people about God. Please pray for the Zulu people to come to Christ. MARIAH, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My prayer is for people who don’t know Jesus to know Him. Help us to be safe traveling. Amen. HP, age 10 (East Asia)

Please pray for me and my friend. I don’t really have any Christian friends. KATIE, age 13 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

I have two best friends in my preschool class. Three times a week, I ride on my mommy’s bike to go to school. My two best friends sometimes come with their moms to visit us or we play at a playground together. My mom talks to their moms and we all eat yummy treats. Now, one of my best friends is 4. He is moving to another class. I will miss him very much. Pray we can still play together and that I can tell him that Jesus loves him too. Pray that I can continue to make good friends in my second language. Jesse, age 3 (Western Europe)

Catherine D. Conerly
(August 7, 1918 – May 28, 2009)

Mrs. Catherine D. Conerly was born August 7, 1918 and passed away at 9:15 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

Baptist Press

May 28, 2009

GEORGIA–Ga. to become 1st state with embryo adoption law. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30568

OKLAHOMA–Sex-selection, cloning bans enacted in Oklahoma. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30569

WASHINGTON–Assisted suicide claims 1st victim in Washington. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30570

ILLINOIS–‘Inland hurricane’ gets D.R. from 10 states. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30571

TENNESSEE–SBC seminaries send forth graduates. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30572

MISSOURI–Family of 4 graduates together. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30573

MISSISSIPPI–19 inmates earn degrees at Parchman. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30574

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): Justice Sotomayor: more for some, less for others? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30575

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): A world without newspapers? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30576

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A SAN DIEGO minister and his wife claim they were interrogated by a county official and warned they will face escalating fines if they continue to hold Bible studies in their home…

The couple, whose names are being withheld until a demand letter can be filed on their behalf, told their attorney a county government employee knocked on their door asking a litany of questions about their Tuesday night Bible studies, which are attended by approximately 15 people. “Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say ‘amen?” The minister’s wife answered yes. She says she was then told that she must stop holding “religious assemblies” until she and her husband obtain a Major Use Permit from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars. And if they fail to pay for the MUP, the county official warned the couple will be charged escalating fines beginning at $100, then $200, $500, $1000 “and then it will get ugly.”

Dean Broyles of the Western Center for Law & Policy which has been retained to represent the couple, said the county’s actions not only violates religious land-use laws but also assaults both the First Amendment’s freedom of assembly and freedom of religion. “The First Amendment, in part, reads, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise therefore,'” Broyles said. “And that’s the key part: ‘prohibiting the free exercise.’ We believe this is a substantial government burden on the free exercise of religion.” He continued, “If one’s home is one’s castle, certainly you would think the free exercise of religion, of all places, could occur in the home.”

Broyles confirmed the county official followed through on his threat. He also said that the minister and his wife are continuing to hold Bible studies in their home.

“And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

Make today special for someone! They will be blessed. You will be blessed even more!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Get your tissues ready!

Dukes

< keep your head up. >
It’s a phrase that brings several memories to my mind. When I would be down from time to time growing up, I can remember looking up into Dad’s eyes when he would say it to me for encouragement. In basketball as a child, I can remember my coach admonishing my friends and me to keep our heads up while dribbling, instead of looking down at the ball, so that we could see what was going on around us. After today, I have a new memory.

My mom keeping her head up in physical therapy.

She struggled to do it. She kept it up with a slight quiver and a noticeable grimace, but she kept it up. Dad and I cheered her on. When we did, she opened her eyes a bit wider and showed us a small half-smile. I took a picture.

Mom really had a good morning. When we got to her facility, her roommate had been moved to another room. We weren’t thankful Mom was alone in the room, necessarily. The other lady had been very, very sweet. She told me every time I was in there she was praying for Mom. However, because of some special needs, she had an oversized bed. Like REAL BIG! Dad could hardly be wheeled into the room, there was such little extra space.

Her bed took up so much room, that the physical therapists had elected to do Mom’s therapy in her bed the last three days, rather than lifting her out of the bed, into the wheelchair, and rolling her down for more in-depth therapy in the training room. We were not pleased with that, because Mom had been making progress. We didn’t want that to slow down, unless something related to her health caused it. So, we asked if they could for sure get her up today. When we got there, they were preparing to come and get her up. Her roommate and her oversized bed had been moved to another room.

The speech therapist came in first. Then, the nurse came in. A bit of speech therapy and some medicine, and the physical therapists came in. Charlotte, the speech therapist, paused her therapy and said she would rather finish it with Mom sitting up in the wheelchair in the training room. She could do more with Mom there. We were cool with that. More is better right now, because Mom seems to be catching some momentum therapy-wise.

They lifted her out of the bed and into the wheelchair with that special lift. Mom seemed kind of sleepy and out of it at first, but she began to awaken as we neared the therapy room. She kept her eyes closed a lot. She mouthed they were dry. We asked for eye drops, which they ordered. In the meantime, they got to working with Mom.

Dad and I sat outside the door watching. It was quite a show.

The physical therapist, Rosalie, got Mom situated and then took turns working with her with Charlotte (the speech therapist). When Charlotte tried to give Mom thickened cranberry juice, Mom didn’t seem to like it much. I told Mom that if she would get all those muscles and systems going again to swallow and talk, I would go get her a Venti Black Iced Tea, sweetened with classic sugar, light on the ice. Charlotte looked up and told me I could go get her one right now, that she would thicken it and give it to Mom.

I headed to get her one. While I was gone, Charlotte plugged Mom’s tracheotomy. When she did, she did talking exercises with her. She got her to say “ahhh” again. And then, she moved beyond “ahhh.” She repeated a few other sounds, while Dad cheered her on. Then, Charlotte asked Mom, “What’s your husband’s name?”

SHE SAID, LIKE MADE THE SOUND THROUGH HER VOCAL CORDS, “Jimmy.”

You can only imagine how much that meant to Dad. To hear her say his name – what a relief to her that word and that sound from that woman!!!

Mom went from there, saying a few sentences. They were muffled, though, so Charlotte nor Dad nor Rosalie could understand what she was saying or asking. They didn’t care. All three were thrilled that Mom had “talked.”

When I returned with the black iced tea (I didn’t get a Venti – Charlotte said she could only have a little bit), they were still chattering with excitement. “Yay Mom!!!” I exclaimed.

Rosalie worked her hard. It was great. I asked Mom several times if she was okay and thankful to be getting the workout. She nodded yes each time. She expressed pain and discomfort from the time to time, but when asked affirmed it as evidence of stiffness, not warning sign of an issue. Rosalie worked her arms and hands and fingers. She worked her toes and feet and legs. Then, she asked Mom to sit up.

Mom couldn’t on her own. She didn’t have the strength. She tried, but she couldn’t. So, we helped her lean forward to sit up straight. At first, Rosalie stretched her forward, leaning her forward with her elbows bearing the weight sitting on top of her legs. She kept her stretched there for a while. Then, she asked her to sit back up straight on her own. Again, Mom tried, but struggled to do so.

So, Rosalie got some help. She put her right foot up in Mom’s chair with her right leg behind Mom’s back. She and her training partner then helped Mom sit up straight, using Rosalie’s leg to lean Mom back and straighten Mom’s back and shoulders up. Then, she worked out Mom’s shoulders, trying to stifle the stiffness with assisted up and down movements. Mom seemed to enjoy it.

She had worked her for a while in that position, when she asked Mom to try staying in that position on her own. Remember – the trainers helped her get in the position in the first place. She’s not there yet to sit up on her own. But, this was a big step! If she could stay in that position once put there, then that meant she could work toward getting to that position on her own. They asked her to keep her head up.

She did.

You can see it in the picture. They then held up her up, letting her rest. They asked her to do it again. She did. They rested her again. They then set her up and asked her to do it one final time for the day. She did. Then, they leaned her back into the wheelchair.

Everyone, including Mom was both exhilarated and exhausted. What a great indication of her progress! We were pumped!!!

They got Mom ready to head back down to her room and lift her back in her bed. We waited with her for a while. She went to sleep. We left for a late lunch.

I am sure Dad has told himself to keep his head up on many occasions since the accident. Today, Mom not only kept her head up, she lifted Dad’s, as well. And mine. And all of yours who love her and have been praying for her continued healing.

Answered prayers everyday. God is so near.

We are going to keep Mom in the LTAC she’s currently in for now rather than moving her. One of the reasons for that decision is due to limitations insurance-wise. Another reason is because they’ve responded to us. They’ve been more communicative and attentive and clean since we communicated our concerns and brought to their attention our frustration about their lack of cleanliness and lazy care. We’ve decided to stick it out to see if the changes stick it out, too.

And we really appreciate the therapists. They have been great all along. They were amazing today, tearing up and cheering like Mom was a part of their family.

Please keep praying for Mom and Dad’s healing. Please pray for Mom’s infections to be eradicated. The meds and the prayers I know are hard at work. Thank you.

I pray that Mom’s progress and Dad’s courage and God’s nearness through all of this inspires you to keep your head up, too. I know it has had that effect on me. That’s an infection worth spreading.

We’ll post at you later.
-jason

Thursday

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,

But to Your name give glory.”

~Psalm 115:1a, NKJV~

Grady Brecheen is recovering from surgery at home now. Please continue to pray for him.

LESSONS FROM PRISON

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complained that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complained because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sued after lightning knocked out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he had to watch network programs, which he said contained violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sued to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sued for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sued because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate sued because he didn’t like his mail being stamped in a way that indicated it was being sent from a state prison (California)

~ An inmate who was a murderer sued for $25,000, claiming a “defective” haircut resulted in lost sleep, headaches, and chest pains. (New York)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison (and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which came from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same. There is much to be thankful for!

“Father, help me to truly understand that what matters most in life is not being comfortable, being stress-free, or even being treated fairly. What matters most is that I am living in a way that brings you the glory and draws others around me closer to you. Please help me to do that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Live today in a way that brings glory to God and draws others closer to Him.

Anna Lee

Wednesday – Midday

Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth
(February 24, 1932 – May 25, 2009)

Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth

Edward “Ed” Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)

Mr. Ed is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce E. and Mary D. Cutrer, Amite; a daughter-in-law, Linda “Puddin” Cutrer, Amite; a sister, Mary Rogers, Greensburg; 2 brothers, Joe Cutrer, Greensburg and Ray Cutrer, Chicago, IL; 2 granddaughters, Keeli Cutrer, Amite and Heather Cutrer Koepp, and husband, Geoffrey, Amite; a grandson, Bruce E. “Binky” Cutrer, II, Amite; a great grandson, Garrett Wayne Koepp, Amite: and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 12:00 noon until Religious Services at 3:00 p.m. with Bro Sam Leto officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 1-800-873-6983

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

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

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< being renewed. >
Yesterday (Tuesday), the morning began with me picking Dad up in his truck and crossing the street that they didn’t make it across April 4th. Still a bit surreal every time I cross it. We headed over to get some coffee in the Cafe in the Student Center. I tell you what – so many people (faculty, staff, and students alike) have come into the Cafe to see Dad. It really touches his heart each time.

This morning (Wednesday) we went over to the Seminary cafeteria to grab some regular type breakfast before we stopped by the Cafe to get Dad some coffee. A group of his Orlando students are in town for a workshop this week. They told me that the folks who work for the Seminary guest house have been looking at them funny, because they have been asking about Dad so much. Well, they finally got to see him this morning at the Cafeteria when we went in to grab some of Sheila’s and Ms. Alice’s grits and eggs. It meant so much to Dad. They all gathered around him, like 20 of them, with a look of admiration and support. Very thankful.

Back to yesterday, when the visiting was over in the Cafe and the first cup of coffee for the day had been consumed, we headed to see Mom. When we got there, they were bathing her. We sat in the hall and waited.

When we went in, she was so lively. Still not moving much as a whole, but parts of her body are definitely showing signs of progress – except for turning her head and moving her feet and shifting her legs and slightly lifting her arms and wiggling her fingers (which is AWESOME – more everyday!). She even began to mouth a few full sentences to us yesterday, unprompted. Dad and I focused in to try to read her lips. Here’s what we could discern:

“I need some pain medicine. My bottom hurts.”
“I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Can I get over in a small chair?”

This one she said in the context of needing to go to the bathroom. She didn’t want to go in the bed. Good sign!

Finally, right before we left, she mouthed to us:

“Will you bring me some strawberry ice cream?”

We will deliver some to her today.

We are about to head that way, so I will wrap up. Just giving you an update on the logistics real quick. We should hear today news about moving Mom to another facility here in town. If we can, we will. She is not ready yet for the Brain Injury Rehab Center (the BIRC) in Orlando. They are now very familiar with Mom’s situation, and they are working with us to move toward eventually getting her there. In the mean time, we are trying to stay focused with the medical staff to help Mom’s infections and bedsores resolve. They are really a hold-up for her overall progress. The BIRC confirmed that. Please pray with us for wisdom and for the open door to move her to a facility that we feel like will work with Mom more attentively and strategically.

Dad had been a bit discouraged over the last few days, so I thought it would be fun for us to go for a drive and breathe some fresh air. After we left Mom’s yesterday, we did just that. You can read about it and see some pictures on my blog (click here to visit there). The picture attached to this post is of a steeple that was damaged from the wind and surge from Katrina. The church family is still “renewing” their campus from that storm.

We are thankful that Mom and Dad are being renewed, as well.

I will post at you later. We are about to “walker” Dad out to the truck and cross the river to see Mom. He walked with his walker more yesterday than he rode in the wheelchair. Great stuff! Keep praying. We are seeing prayers answered everyday. Mom mouthing full sentences, for instance. Dad’s heart being refreshed yesterday, for instance.

Thank you.
-jason

Don’t forget to check out Jason’s blog (http://jasoncdukes.wordpress.com/).

Wednesday

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy,

that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1~

Don Denton

We have spoken with Don’s doctor and she wants us to come back to St. Louis this week. Don will see his neurosurgeon and his neurologist on Friday at Barnes.

His neurologist wants to have another lumbar puncture done again. So, we will head up to St. Louis on Thursday.

I have barely unpacked from our last trip. The good thing is that this is just for a day. We will head back home on Friday too.

We continue to pray that this treatment will be what Don needs and we pray for wisdom and discernment for his doctors.

I will keep you all posted.

Lorraine Schexnayder Hudspeth
(February 24, 1932 – May 25, 2009)

Died at 10:03PM on Monday, May 25, 2009 at her residence in Amite, LA. She was a native of Welcome, LA. Age 77 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Ferguson Cemetery, Bunkie, LA. Survived by husband, Charles T. Hudspeth, Amite, 2 daughters, Renee Ann Miller and husband, Ivy, Montpelier, Lisa Ann Bateman and husband, Jim, Syracuse, UT, 3 sons, Stephen Hudspeth and wife, Misty, Rosharon, TX, Francis J. Hudspeth, Gray, Charles T. Hudspeth, Jr. and wife, Jewel, Bolivar, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Enola James, Neederland, TX, Alice Eaton, Delaware, brother, Irving Schexnayder, Donaldsonville. Preceded in death by parents, Walter and Aimee Schexnayder, 3 sisters, Doris Sigman, Vivian McCready, Gloria Prewitt, brother, Walter Schexnayder.

Edward Cutrer
(February 3, 1925 – May 25, 2009)

Mr. Edward Cutrer was born February 3, 1925 and passed away at 4:15 a.m., May 25, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Biloxi, MS. He was 84 years.

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 Grand Prix Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

AN ANCIENT LEGEND tells of Al Haffed, a wealthy man who owned a large farm…

One evening a visitor related to him tales of diamonds that could be found in other parts of the world. The vision of all this wealth made him feel poor by comparison. so he sold his prosperous farm and set out to find treasure. The search proved fruitless. Finally, penniless and in despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the sea.

Meanwhile, the man who had purchased his farm one day noticed the glint of an unusual stone in a shallow stream on the property. To his amazement he pulled out a huge diamond. Later, when working in his garden, he uncovered more valuable gems. Poor Al Haffed had spent his life traveling to distant lands, seeking for jewels he could have found on the farm he had left behind.

Don’t overlook what you have! Contrast what you are with what you might have been but for the grace of God. (Allen Webster)

“Not that I speak in regard to need,

for I have learned in whatever state I am,

to be content.”

~Philippians 4:11~

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Lord, I have called daily upon You;

I have stretched out my hands to You.”

~Psalm 88:9b~

Mrs. Faye Price continues to have ups and downs at Kentwood Manor. Pray for her and her family. It has been almost six months since she had surgery. As you pray for her, pray for her family as they continue to faithfully assist in her care on a daily basis.

Pray for Tiffany B. Currier, daughter of Sim and Pam Bankston, as she has some serious surgery today in the Atlanta area. I know the family will be most thankful for your prayers.

Walter Green Harper is now in rehabilitation in Hammond. Pray for him as he progresses following surgery.

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< first meal. >
Dad and Erik and Erin and their kids and I hit the ground running this Monday morning. Well, Dad wasn’t really running. Rolling maybe. But, Erik and his family hit the road to head back home earlier than most college students like to schedule their first class of the day. Pop and I got out of bed about the same time that they left. We got ready, headed to grab some coffee and breakfast, and hit the road across the river to see Mom.

We were up so early for two reasons – we both tend to wake up early like that, and we were scheduled to meet someone from Ochsner hospital here in New Orleans who was evaluating Mom’s “complex case” (as she put it). Windie was a huge help and had a huge heart. She spent quite some time talking with Dad and me, reading through Mom’s chart, talking with the doctors and nurses, reading Mom’s chart, talking with the therapists, reading Mom’s chart, and reading Mom’s chart. Did I mention reading Mom’s chart? It is now an epic piece of literature that rivals War and Peace in length and matches M. Night Shymalan’s works with regard to mystery and complexity. Needless to say, it took Windie a while to read through it.

Over three hours later, she came again to see Mom and Dad and me in Mom’s room. The speech therapist was finishing up with Mom, and Windie didn’t want to interrupt her (having been a speech therapist prior to her current position), so she asked us to step out into the hall. Windie told us that in her opinion, Mom is not ready for “rehab” at this time. She is, rather, in need of some aggressive acute care skilled in progressing Mom to rebound from the various setbacks that have come upon her since being at her current facility. She told us that she would call us with her suggestions later, and that Ochsner could give us a decision on a possible next step for Mom by sometime tomorrow.

We are praying for wisdom and insight, as we are trying to figure out the best next step for Mom. Should she go to more attentive acute care? Is she ready to shift toward more skilled care and therapy? Can she move to Orlando? When do we have the cranium piece replaced? Is that even possible with her current infections and situation? Price Is Right or Seinfeld reruns for Mom’s TV viewing? Important questions as we move forward. At least all but the last one.

Seriously, Dad and I watched a little TV with Mom this morning while we interacted with her. Regis and Kelly. Then, Price Is Right. Then, the beginning of the rescheduled-from-yesterday-due-to-rain-out NASCAR race. She smiled quite a bit during Price Is Right. We have watched that together in the past (before the accident a long time ago), and I always used to make Mom laugh imitating the contestant’s uber excitement. I mean, come on! Six leaps and a knock-down hug over a silver coffee urn that they picked up on clearance at Marshalls because someone (who was fired) hit “20” for quantity instead of “02” when they incorrectly ordered it?

She did light up when I asked her if she wanted me to take her to actually attend the taping of the show when she gets better. Like eyes real wide and a pretty smile and a sweet glance at me. Anyone know Drew Carey? Give us a hook up?

I digress. This isn’t CareyBridge or Caring Is Right, is it?

More fun to report, though. Mom continued to progress some this morning in her speech therapy practice. She didn’t “say” anything, necessarily, but she did mouth some stuff and make a few sounds. She made an “ah” and “buh” and “duh” and “fff” sound. On top of that, Dad and I got her to mouth seven out of eight of her grandkids’ names. The only reason she struggled with one of them, and she did try to mouth it, was because she is struggling to even mouth an “L.” We also got Mom to open her mouth wide multiple times, and we got her to blow three kisses in a row on several occasions.

That is a BIG DEAL, because that’s the way Mom and Dad always depart one another. They say, “I love you,” and lean in and give three straight quick smoochers. I do it to Jen, too. Didn’t mean to at first. Just habit I learned from them I guess. Now we do it from time to time just for fun. I like kissing her, too!!!

Mom held my hand. Not only that, she lifted BOTH ARMS!!! She lifted her right arm with control and moved her fingers. She lifted her left arm with a lot of quivering and slightly gave those fingers an awkward wiggle. Not sure if that was due to lack of strength or a long-term disability. Either way, we’ll take it!

Mom also mouthed several questions unprompted. The speech therapist saw one of them, and she was excited at that.

The therapist’s main goal today was to see how Mom would tolerate eating a little bit of easy-to-chew and easy-to-swallow food. Thankfully, we arrived in time to let the therapist know that Mom is a vegetarian. I can only imagine what Mom would have done if she had tried to stuff a sausage link or a hamburger in there. Oh man. Talk about a setback. Thanks to Jen for reminding us to remind her.

The tray arrived around 11 with some bland red beans and rice (no andouille sausage) and some steamed carrots and some thickened-like-honey sweet tea. The tea was her favorite. The beans – she mouthed, “More salt.” The carrots – couldn’t chew them. Overall, it was a good attempt. Her speech therapist concluded that Mom was not ready to tolerate that kind of meal yet, simply because of the amount of pain it caused. Mom really, really, really tried to chew and swallow it, grimacing the whole time. In the end, it was a fruitless effort.

Chocolate pudding was tried next. Success!!! At least for three bites. So, we will be trying yogurt and pudding and applesauce for “pleasure feedings” for this week. That was the conclusion. I am thinking some strawberry Marble Slab ice cream would be a real pleasure feeding. Maybe I can sneak some of that in.

In the end, her speech therapist concluded that she thinks Mom’s real issue now is her tongue. Her tracheotomy was too big, and they changed that over the weekend. Mom is more comfortable now. It was too big and impeding her vocal and swallowing activity, they determined after a test last Thursday. If you remember, Mom bit her tongue in the accident, and it had to be repaired. That is probably a bit of the issue – still healing AND hasn’t been used in some time. When we asked Mom to stick out her tongue, she grimaced BIG TIME. I asked her if that really hurt. She nodded. SO, pray for her tongue to heal and to strengthen. One of those parts of our body we don’t think much about and take for granted.

As lively as Mom was this morning, she did demonstrate some cognitive and clarity issues. Which is to be expected, by the way. We surely don’t know where Mom will return to cognitively. I am simply trying to give the whole picture.

She is clearly still struggling with processing speech requests. There is often a significant delay between her hearing the command, “Say such-and-such,” and her actually saying “such-and-such.” She at times drops out of interaction and just looks down. You have to repeat things multiple times to get her back into the interaction. Her therapist asked her how many grandkids she has, and she did not answer correctly. She seemed more like herself this morning, though. A continuation from Saturday and Sunday no doubt. Erik and Erin and Dad took such good care of her this weekend.

When we left Mom’s place, Dad and I went to grab lunch and ended up here at Starbucks. I graded some final papers from the college class I teach, and Dad made some phone calls. He just ordered his second cup of coffee (this visit). He had one early this morning, too, remember. That’s really all the update you need on him. That means he is three-quarters of the way back to his four coffees a day. Who cares about the walking stuff.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MOM AND DAD. Pray for Dad to continue to heal and have strength to get back to walking and moving. Pray for Mom’s mind to continue to heal and gain processing ability. Pray for her tongue and throat and vocals to strengthen. And, I didn’t mention them much, but pray for her two infections to be eradicated by the meds or even healed outright. Pray for her arms and legs and neck to regain strength. And pray for wisdom – for the neuro-surgeons who will decide when to replace her cramium piece and for us regarding facilities and care.

Once again this morning, Dad and I spent some time reading the Caring Bridge Guestbook while we were waiting for Mom to come back to her room from a scan. We were blown away. You all mean so much. Your prayers and notes are HUGE and push Dad forward and make Mom smile. We love you. Thanks for your love.

I will post at you tomorrow.
-jason

Vita Fontana Tomm
(January 19, 1922 – May 22, 2009)

Vita Fontana Tomm

Vita Fontana Tomm, age 87years, a resident of Independence, LA passed away at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond, LA on May 22, 2009. She was the beloved wife of James J. Tomm for 58 years and the mother of Jacqueline Tomm Landry and son-in-law, Kenneth J. Landry, Jr of Metairie, LA. She is survived by two grandchildren, Jaimee Landry Boyd and husband Kenneth S. Boyd of Golden, CO, and Kenneth J. Landry III of Arlington, VA. She has one great-grandchild, Evelynn Vita Boyd. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vito and Josephine Fontana, Two brothers, Jake (Eola) and Roy (Nancy) Fontana and a sister, Carmella Talia (John). Surviving siblings are Nat Fontana (Lydia), Josie Orth (Andrew), Anne Bertucci, (Frank), Rose Ricks (Jerome) , all residing in Metairie,LA and Augustine Taylor (Charles) of Baton Rouge LA . Vita owned and operated Vita’s Beauty Shop for over 40 years. She was a very special individual who had many talents. She was a friend to everyone and always put others’ needs ahead of hers. She had numerous friends and was loved by everyone who knew her. She will be sadly missed by all. The family would like to thank the staff of Belle Maison Nursing Home who provided such special care and love to “Ms Vita” while she resided there. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass officiated by Father Paul Yi. Mass will be at 11 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence, LA on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009. Visitation will be held at the church prior to Mass from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at Colonial Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vital Hospice, 19184 Dr. John Lambert Drive, Suite 101, Hammond, LA 70401 (985-340-3184 or 866-938-4825) or Mater Dolorosa Catholic School, 509 Pine St., Independence, LA (985-878-4295). McKneely Funeral Home of Amite is in charge of arrangements (985-748-7178).

Joseph “J.B.” Gulotta
(June 7, 1938 – May 24, 2009)

Joseph

Died at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Walthall County General Hospital in Tylertown, MS. He was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Tylertown, MS. Age 70 years. He was a dairy farmer and later retired as a rural mail carrier out of Independence. He and his wife owned and operated Ellen’s Antiques in Ponchatoula. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Luke Walters. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by Wife, Mary Ellen Vickers Gulotta, Tylertown, MS, 2 daughters, Deborah Ferrara, Hammond, and Sandra Walters and husband Luke, Zachary, 4 sons, Joey Gulotta and wife, Michelle, Kentwood, Alan Gulotta, Plaquemine, Vick Gulotta, Tylertown, MS, and Chris Gulotta, Sr., Kentwood, 19 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 4 sisters, Mary Vaughn, Prairieville, Diane Navarra, Independence, Shirleen Accordo, Tickfaw, Margaret LeBlanc, Independence, 1 brother, Gerald Gulotta, Independence. Preceded in death by parents, Buster and Eva Gulotta, sister, Charleen Kirkland.

Daniel David “Dan” Larkin
(January 2, 1988 – May 23, 2009)

Daniel David

Daniel David “Dan” Larkin who was very devoted to family & friends, who had a “Servant’s Heart” was always willing to help others, was born January 2, 1988 and went to be with Jesus at 3:50 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2009. He was 21, a native of LaPlace and a resident of Amite. Dan was a proud member of Troop #340 Boy Scouts of America, Amite Chapter were he complete all merits up to Eagle Scout.

Dan is survived by his mother, Sharon Kay Fountain Larkin & father, Harold Steve Larkin, both of Amite; 2 sisters, Brandy Bowman and husband, Preston, Ft. Campbell, KY and Monica Larkin, Amite; a brother, Timothy Larkin, Amite; maternal grandmother, Cleovis Fountain, Destrehan; paternal grandparents, Stella McKenzie, Thornfield, MO and H. H. “Red” Larkin and wife, Roxanne Larkin, Hammond; also numerous nieces & nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 1503 Pecan St., Hammond, LA at 6:00 p.m. with Bro. John Cook officiating.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Amite Chapter #340 Boy Scouts of America.

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

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

Have a terriffic Tuesday. May you see God’s blessing in your life today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light,

we can share fellowship with each other.

Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son,

cleanses us from every sin.

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.”

~1 John 1:7-8 NCV~

It was good to have Mrs. Kathryn Kuss and members of her family in church yesterday. I also got to see Mrs. Ruby Thompson and family in Amite. Two ladies who lost long-time mates. God will walk with these families through the coming days.

The wake for Rev. Frank Danley is tonight at McKneely’s in Amite.

Daniel Larkin
(Died May 23, 2009)

Daniel Larkin passed away Saturday, May 23, 2009.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

IT WAS 1866 AND the United States was recovering from the long and bloody Civil War between the North and the South…

Surviving soldiers came home, some with missing limbs, and all with stories to tell. Henry Welles, a drugstore owner in Waterloo, New York, heard the stories and had an idea. He suggested that all the shops in town close for one day to honor the soldiers who were killed in the Civil War and were buried in the Waterloo cemetery. On the morning of May 5, the townspeople placed flowers, wreaths and crosses on the graves of the Northern soldiers in the cemetery. At about the same time, Retired Major General Jonathan A. Logan planned another ceremony, this time for the soldiers who survived the war. He led the veterans through town to the cemetery to decorate their comrades’ graves with flags. It was not a happy celebration, but a memorial. The townspeople called it Decoration Day.

In Retired Major General Logan’s proclamation of Memorial Day, he declared:

“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country and during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”

The two ceremonies were joined in 1868, and northern states commemorated the day on May 30. The southern states commemorated their war dead on different days. Children read poems and sang civil war songs and veterans came to school wearing their medals and uniforms to tell students about the Civil War. Then the veterans marched through their home towns followed by the townspeople to the cemetery. They decorated graves and took photographs of soldiers next to American flags. Rifles were shot in the air as a salute to the northern soldiers who had given their lives to keep the United States together.

In 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day and soldiers who had died in previous wars were honored as well. In the northern United States, it was designated a public holiday. In 1971, along with other holidays, President Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday on the last Monday in May.

Children of God memorialize Jesus Christ each (Acts 20:7) Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10) at Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). They eat a very small piece of unleavened bread and drink grape juice from a cup. Worshipers focus not so much on these two elements, but upon what they represent (Matthew 26:26ff). The bread and fruit of the vine remind us of that great sacrifice that was made at Calvary nearly 2,000 years ago.

“…Do this in remembrance of Me…”

1 Corinthians 11:24

I hope this devotional serves as a reminder why we have this holiday. It’s not about BBQ! It’s about honoring those who served our country and helped to provide the freedoms we often take for granted.

Remember the reason for the holiday! Remember what Jesus did too!

Anna Lee