Tuesday

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”

~Psalm 119:105~


Kathy Jo Thompson (Amite)

Wow…it has been a while! I am doing good. My back is healing well. The muscles still hurt especially later during the day. I can’t stay in one position for long so it makes it hard to do things. I am working for the summer with the 4-H extension office in St. Tammany. Today is my first day and it is going well, I don’t do much.ha I am scheduled to go back to Maryland in July for more MRis and the doctor wants to look at the tumor in my cervical spine (my neck) because my hands are going numb and becoming cold. I graduated May 15th from LSU it was great! I have a degree!!!



Jimmy and Retia Dukes (New Orleans)

< signs of life. >
Someone on the Guestbook asked me to update everyone on Mom’s tomato plant back at their home. Well, funny you asked. My wife just stopped by to water it and get the mail and trigger the alarm (happens every time almost – she does it right, it’s just got a mind of its own and is overprotective). When she stopped by today, she emailed me this picture. Pretty awesome to see signs of life.

Mom continues to show those signs, too. She had another great therapy session today. The therapists told us it was a great workout. Mom especially enjoyed her shoulder massage, they said. She held her head up high while they rubbed her shoulders. Who wouldn’t?

The wound care folks said Mom’s bedsores are doing really well. The one on her head is almost healed completely. The one on her bottom is progressing well. They have been using a wound vac to treat it, as we wrote a while back, and that treatment has been effective. Kind of gross, but effective. Signs of life!

On top of all that, Mom is extending both arms and hands to hold our hand. She is waving with her right hand when we leave. There is an issue in her right arm with the “pick line.” So, they are moving it. It had caused some swelling. I long for the day when IV meds are not required any longer. Pray for that end.

We don’t think of it this way probably, but infections are signs of life, too. Maybe not the kind we want to see. Well, definitely not the kind we want to see. However, Mom’s infections continue. She has two now in her lungs, the one still in her tailbone, and one in her urine. Her blood was clear the last culture they took. They took another one over the weekend, the nurse said. Results should be back in tomorrow or so. Please pray for those infections to clear, for those meds to be 100% effective, and for her body to not be permanently affected from the infections and meds.

Mom also showed us greater signs of life with regard to her speech. She talked some more, they said, during therapy this morning (they got her early today before Dad and I got there). She was very talkative (mouth-ative) when Dad and I got there. She didn’t have her passy muir valve in for some reason, but she mouthed our head off!!! Which was wonderful – not like when you complain of someone talking your head off. This is a sign of life we want and have been hoping for. She mouthed full sentences and questions and interacted with us well. We are very thankful. Please pray for those vocal cords to show greater signs of life in the coming days.

Speaking of Mom’s speech, did I mention Dad’s speech? I mean preach. That’s right! Dad preached yesterday. Gentilly Baptist Church and Dr. Ken Taylor asked Dad to preach yesterday morning in their worship gathering, and he did it. He stood, leaning on his right leg and his walker, and brought the Word. Our church family in Orlando prayed for him during that time. We were all excited about it. Definitely a sign of life for Dad. It’s what he was wired to do. And, he does it really well. Even with a neck collar, a leg boot, a walker, and jogging pants. He’s just cool that way.

Just in case you were just thinking, “Man. Jimmy preached! I wonder if they recorded it? I hope they did. I would love to hear it!”

You are in luck!!! Thanks to Becky Brown and Vanee Daure and to Benji and Jenna, the moment was preserved for ages to come. At least as long as digital recording works and YouTube keeps web-broadcasting.

The DVD copies of it are being burned today to share with family. Jenna is going to upload it to YouTube today or tomorrow or soon. When she does, I will give you the link. I can’t wait to see him, showing those signs of life by sharing about the life we have been given.

Well, we are heading to supper. Two Tony’s. An Italian restaurant in the Buckhead part of town, by the lake. Cool spot.

By the way – you see that “show you care” thermometer on the right side of this page? Well, I got asked about it a few days ago. It’s a promotion from Caring Bridge to support Caring Bridge. Which is a good thing to do. Just letting you know, it is not the “Jimmy-and-Retia-Dukes Help-fund Thermometer.” Someone asked me if it was. That fund Erik mentioned a while back was set up by the New Orleans Baptist Seminary and is managed by them. No thermometer has been created yet that I know of. Maybe we could use the Chapel steeple for it. I’ll let you know if they approve and send pics.

Love yall. I’ll holler tomorrow.
-jason


Don Denton (St. Louis)

Yesterday was a good day for Don! He ate. It was short lived because today he was sick again all day could not lift his head from the pillow.

I spoke in dept with his neurologist this evening. Don will be moved from the neurosurgery floor to the neurology floor tonight or in the morning. They are going to switch some of his meds to manage the pain. They are going to conduct a few more tests as well. If they can manage his pain they will be sending us home by the middle of the week hopefully.

We will await further test results. They found red and white blood cells in his spinal fluid. The white blood cells are of concern as it is a high number. We continue to wait for test results which could go into next week.

We are working at being more thoughtful about what happens next. Our goal is to get the neurologist here at Barnes to consult with our neurologist back at Mayo. I spoke with our neurologist at Mayo today as well. He wants all of Don’s clinical records to review.

Once he reviews those clinical records we will discuss what is next.

I have been burning a candle at both ends again. It is hard to sleep at night with my mind racing with questions.

Thanks to our friends from church for getting some much needed clothes to Joshua and I. WE had come up here with so little not expecting a hospital stay.

Your emails and caringbridge posts to me lift my spirits and so encourage me more than you can know. I look forward to them and I hold onto the words you all write to me. Some days at the end of the day I am so discouraged; and then I find emails in my box that contain your words that minister to me more than you can know. I find that I hold onto these words of hope, words of affirmation, love and care throughout my days. I am moved deeply by your compassion toward us. I know this is from our heavenly father.

The doctors here are still saying that they don’t know if they can help Don. Some of them are praying too. They have seen what we have been through and are going through. They see our discouragement and our hope.

I have allot to get accomplished over the next few days. I was so tired today as I could not sleep much last night at all. It can be tough to stay focused on what is important when I am depleted like this.

Pray that we can get our doctor at Mayo and Barnes to consult with one another. Pray that we can get the records in a timely manner. Pray that Don will respond to the new meds they are going to start him on.

Pray that they will find the answer so they will better know how to treat Don. They are sending out his lumbar fluid samples for further testing as well.

I will do my best to post sometime tomorrow. The computer at the hospital today was down and I was there from early morning to this evening.

Joshua had a good day today with actually a very special student from SBU. Mary Jane is a sophmore at SBU and she happens to be the niece of a women that my brother/wife – Steve and Lynn are friends with here in St. Louis. She found out that we needed help with childcare and offered her time to help us.

Joshua took to her right away because she is so wonderful with kids and second she knows how to build legos. She too is a Godsend to us.

Bless you
Diane










Gunky

aaa1.jpgI SAW THIS sign at a gas station while I was traveling…

It made me think about instances when I’ve had to deal with “gunky build-up” in my life. For me, gunky build-up occurs when I let less important stuff squeeze out the real priorities in my life. Maybe you’ve experienced it too:

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I can’t afford to take a break and rest. The reality is that I’m far less effective in my family and leadership roles when I’m tired and grumpy.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll spend quality time with my wife at the end of the day after everything else is done. The reality is that the last things on my priority list rarely get done.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll get to the next big projects after I knock out the more routine tasks. The reality is that there will always be other routine tasks to complete.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that the more I do, the more valuable I am to the team. The reality is that I’m not being effective if I’m busy doing the wrong things.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that the little problem I have isn’t jeopardizing my leadership. The reality is that most times everyone else is already being impacted by my little problem.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to correct every false statement and negative comment. The reality is that many times those faint voices become a distraction when I draw attention and make them loud.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that goals will be accomplished without a plan if I’m just patient and faithful. The reality is that most goals worth pursuing require counsel and strategy and hard work and commitment.

. Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to jump at a good opportunity. The reality is that someone will always have a good opportunity for me to pursue, and many times those good opportunities squeeze out time and energy needed to fulfill a greater mission and calling.

Do you know that I’m talking about? Have you dealt with similar cases of gunky build-up? I’m still trying to learn how to deal with this, but along the way I’ve also learned some preventive maintenance that helps clean up my engine. Here are some things I’ve learned I need to do to “de-gunk” my life:

. Schedule my week in advance, including scheduling time to work on major projects.
. Prioritize time with my wife.
. Surround myself with friends who will push back when needed.
. Stay disciplined about my faith, my exercise, and my eating habits.
. Learn to say no.
. Decide in advance what I hope to accomplish.

So is it time for you to stop the gunky build-up in your life? Now is the time to do something about it. Don’t delay. (Tony Morgan)

“But one thing is needed….” Luke 10:42

Posted by Mike Benson

Thank-you for being there to pray each day. You mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee

Monday Noon

Wade William Dearman Sr.
Funeral services for Wade William Dearman Sr. will be held in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, with the Rev. David Boothe officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball. Visitation begins at the funeral home at 9 a.m. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Wade William Dearman, 81, of Baton Rouge, passed away Friday, May 29, 2009, at his home. Mr. Dearman, an avid bass fisherman, worked in the school system for 39 years. He was a football coach for 18 years having coached at Kentwood, Franklinton and Bolton High School. Mr. Dearman was an assistant principal at Bolton High School and coordinator of Migrant Education and Vocations Education for Rapides Parish School Board. He was also the first assistant principal at Alexandria Senior High. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest H. and Eva Mae Rouse Dearman. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years, Mary Dearman; daughter, Dianne Sykora and husband Jim; sons, Bill Dearman and wife Janet, and Clay Dearman and wife Katie; six grandchildren, Jon and Jay Sykora, Matthew and Steven Dearman and Nicholas and Jo Katherine Dearman; brothers, Aven V. Dearman and wife Marvene, Earnest C. Dearman and wife Gerri, and Donald D. Dearman and wife Maxine. Pallbearers will be Jon Sykora, Jay Sykora, Joe Arabie, Matthew Dearman, Steven Dearman and Nicholas Dearman. Honorary pallbearers are Aubrey Sanders, Jesse Doyle and Dr. Tom Robinson.

Monday

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh.

Is there anything too hard for Me?”

~Jeremiah 32:27~


Today, let’s focus on groups of people without calling any names. (It may be easier to stop reading and pray after each category than to read everything and try to remember them all in one prayer.)


First, let’s pray for the new converts. Pray they will have guidance and encouragement as they begin their Christian journey.


Pray for the lost. Pray they will have opportunities to see, heard, and read the Gospel. Pray their hearts will be open to making a decision for Christ. Pray for them to “see” Christ in Christians around them and want to have the same in their lives.


Pray for missionaries who serve around the world to work with various people groups so they might have the opportunity many of us have had all our lived. Encourage them and let them know they have others praying for them back on the homefront.


Pray for denominational leaders of all Christian organizations to learn how to find ways to minister together and become more effective in growing.


Pray for church staffs as they minister in their individual areas. Pray each one will have a love for God and for the people in their field of service. May each one develop new means of outreach so the churches can grow.


Pray for lay teachers and leaders in each church to find the time and energy to serve in the capacities they hold. Pray for faithfulness and a daily witness.


Pray for senior adults. Many are facing health issues, money problems, family concerns, etc. On the surface they look the same, but below the surface they are struggling and often too proud to seek help needed.


Pray for those in their middle years. They are often pulled in several directions: aging parents, retirement, children and grandchildren with issues, etc. Life is often busy, but not necessarily with the things that matter most in life.


Pray for young families. Many have big dreams – dreams bigger than their pocketbooks! They get too involved in possessions and doing what it takes to obtain more of them. Pray their sense of what is important in life will focus on spiritual matters, not financial matters.


Pray for youth as they make decisions about role models and values. Growing up today is different than it was for many of us. Let’s pray for family and church family to guide our youth in knowing what is truly important and worth investing their time in.


Pray for children. They are so easily influenced. Pray for proper influences in their early years so they do not have regrets later. Pray for family members, teachers, and churches to focus on helping these young boys and girls learn to know Jesus and have a desire to live for Him all their lives.


Pray for political leaders of all levels around the world. Pray they will seek ways to work together for peace and the betterment of mankind, not for gain by stepping on others.


Pray for those who serve in the military. Pray each one will learn values and techniques that will make them better world citizens and provide safety and freedom around the world. Pray for the family members who are left at home while their loved one are in the military. Find one or two families to encourage.


Pray for those who have job insecurities now. Pray for them to focus on the long-term picture by getting the education and training they need to hold a meaningful job that will provide the security of an adequate income.


Pray for police, healthcare workers, teachers, etc. as they invest in serving others. May each one give of themselves to make life better for others.


The list goes on and on. I’ll stop here, but change the subject a little.


I’m reminded of a sign I saw in a Sunday School classroom many years ago. The class was the Joy class. The sign said,

J – Jesus first

O – Others second

Y – Yourself last.

May we each live with that “joy”.


I’m praying for “joy” of each of you who read this today.

Anna Lee

Sunday Update and Addition

Tiffany Bankston Currier is still hospitalized in Ga. Her sister said Tiffany has already had seven procedures/surgeries. She is better and may possibly be able to go home tomorrow. Continue to pray for Tiffany as she recovers from this unusual health issue and for her family as they care for her at home.


Elizabeth Hughes Cooper was injured playing ball in Amite yesterday. She was hit just above her mouth by a ball. She now has had eighty-nine stitches, most of them inside her mouth, at North Oaks. Pray for her as she heals and has dental repair work done.

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)

Edward C.

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

“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