Phil's Dad

Got this note from Shana today:
Just an update on Mr. Keenon. The nurses at dialysis had to call an ambulance for him yesterday. He was in severe pain, and his legs went numb. He has been admitted to H'ville hospital and is scheduled for back surgery on Tues., if they think he is stable enough. This is going to be pretty high risk due to all of his other problems, so please keep him in your prayers.

Rick's arteriogram

Rick is to have an arteriogram early tomorrow (Tuesday) in Huntsville. Keep him in your prayers!

Evelyn

Evelyn will be staying at our house until Monday, Oct 26. She has had a few bad days lately. She has been very weak. Today she had a good day. I stayed home from school with her, along with Curtis. I think Curtis being here cheered her up quite a bit. She doesn't go back to the doctor until November. She would love to come to Church, but the doctor told her not to be around a lot of people, her immune system is weak. Please remember to pray for her.

Anyway

(This poem was written by Kent Keith in 1968)

ANYWAY
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Be good anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People need help but will attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway

[The apostle Paul appears to express the sentiment of that final line when he states: "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." -- 1 Corinthians 4:3-4]

Evelyn Ezell

Evelyn is back in the hospital, ECM room 565. She is having smoothering spells again, and gets really short of breath when she tries to do anything. They did a scan and found out the place in her lungs as grown. Don't know what they will decide to do just yet.

Doris

Doris is to have a scan on Wednesday to see how her treatments are progessing. She said she'll probably get the results Thursday. Let's keep her in prayer.

Lastest on Evelyn

Evelyn has to be at the hospital at 6:45 am in the morning. Dr. said she is third in line for her procedure, so it may be around 11:00 before he can get to her. She will have to be put to sleep for this procedure, and stay over night in the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers.

Evelyn Ezell

Evelyn has an appointment with a surgeon today (Monday). He is to go over the biopsy procedure and set up a date. It could be tomorrow, we just don't know. We are fairly sure it will not be today since her appointment isn't until 12:00. I will try to keep everyone updated on what we fine out.

Reminders

• Evelyn will probably have more procedures and tests on Thursday.
• Melissa will have back surgery next month
• Russell is still on the mend from breaking ribs
• Willa Jean has a "bunged up" leg

We were glad to see Phil appointed as a deacon Sunday. I hope he's blessed with many more years of faithful service to the Lord!

Don't forget to check out the link to our PowerPoint sermons.

Reflections

I thought we had a great day at New Georgia yesterday. Gardner is really an uplifting person. I really appreciate his dedication to the Lord's work. I am also thankful for Russell and his sincerity.
Hope everyone has a great week in the Lord's service.
Don't forget to visit our new website with PowerPoint sermons from New Georgia -- NewGeorgiaPowerPoints.blogspot.com

News

Just an update on some of the sick and ailing, and some news about the website:

• Evelyn will have a PET scan of her lung and possibly a biopsy next week.


• Ruthie is in Decatur General with diverticulitis. They'll probably keep her till Monday.


• Caleb has a broken collar bone, but is healing from his motorcycle accident.

I'm putting my powerpoint sermon slides on a website of their own. The site is http://newgeorgiapowerpoints.blogspot.com, or you can also access them from a link on this page or from a link on the http://newgeorgiachurch.com site. I'll try to keep the site current, so if you miss a sermon or would like to review it later, you'll have it.

Powerpoint Slides for Sermons on 7/12/09

Unstable As Water

View more presentations from stevexpnt.

Exhortations from Jude

View more presentations from stevexpnt.

Powerpoint "Lessons from Great Escapes"

This is a test to see if I can put powerpoints from sermons on our blog.

This is the from last Sunday morning's sermon.

Lessons from Great Escapes

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Good News - Geral

His scan came back clear - the spot is gone! Great news for Geral....

Hi from Tampa!!!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to make a quick post to touch base with you all. I'm still in Tampa... I have a new job at a women's fitness center (hard to believe... I know.) But I really love it. I'm even considering it for a career!

Anyways... I really want you all to know how much you have been in my thoughts and prayers lately. I am so sorry for all the pain that you must be going through. If I can be of any encouragement at all, please let me know! I love you all dearly.

Love,

Sommer

Arrangements for James Cagle

Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Spry's in Athens. Funeral is at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Let's continue to pray for and support one another.
Steve

A Word of Thanks

I'd like to let everyone know that I am very thankful for all the support I've received since I've started coming to New Georgia and especially since my baptism this Sunday. It is wonderful to be surrounded by so many good, faithful people. I am so glad to be part of a much larger family in Christ, now. Thank you for the kind words and gestures. I look forward to learning and growing as a Christian with all of you.
-Whitney T.

Phil's dad

Phil's dad remains in Huntsville Hospital. He's to have a fairly serious vascular surgery first thing in the morning. Let's keep him and Phil and Shana in prayer.
Steve

Elaine's Surgery

The surgeon took out another very large mass from her abdomen. It was like the one she had removed in February. The doctor was "amazed" that it had grown back so quickly. He's hoping to find a chemo treatment that will be more effective. Keep her in your prayers as she recovers from this operation and they try to find a good treatment for her.
Steve

Grandmama Elaine

She has been admitted to Room 328 at Brookwood again. Getting 2 units of blood and will have a CT scan soon. Please keep her in your prayers.

Whitney

I wanted to thank those who asked about my sister Whitney. She has been having back problems and is scheduled for an x-ray today. She has had an MRI. I'm assuming the results will be in shortly. She has difficulty sitting for long periods of time. They are considering a traction treatment where they stretch you to line your vertebrae back up. :( Sounds a little like mid-evil torture to me but whatever works. In any case, maybe she will feel better soon and be back at church.

Birthday Lists

I just wanted to post the birthday list for June. I also wanted to apologize for never getting around to posting the list for May.

June
1 Haley F.
7 Betty B.
10 Brandon T.
15 Richard C.
22 James C.


This is the list for May. Happy Belated Birthday! ;-)

May
2 Mike T.
5 David E.
6 Bert P.
11 John-Michael G.
12 Janis W.
18 Roger H.
19 Caleb T.
20 Russell G.
23 Tim B.
24 Brian T.

Milt Jr.

Milt is recovering in ICU at ECM after his motorcycle accident. For those who haven't heard, a dog ran out in front of him on Snake Road as he was on his way to church Wednesday. He has a broken collar bone, several broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung, along with some severe scrapes and bruises. The doctors are anticipating a recovery, but at best he'll be in quite a bit of pain for some time.

Eugene and James Cagle Family Update

Uncle Eugene has had a heart attack. He is in CCU at ECM in stable condition. His right artery was 100% blocked and his left is partially blocked. They put 3 stints in his right artery. I will update as I learn more.

Dandan (James) is probably going to get to come home tomorrow (Tuesday). I spent the night with him last night and he is gaining strength back. His blood sugar is good, as well as his BP. Dr. Schreeder, his oncologist, believes the bleeding is from the upper GI and was made worse because of his blood thinner. He does not think a colonoscopy will be necessary. He is eating solid food and has had all tubes disconnected from him! He is so glad to be able to move around freely!

Mammaw (Willa Jean) had some physical therapy this morning. She is still very weak, but is trying her best to get better. She said Saturday how much she misses her Sunday school class!

Please continue to pray for all of them.

Grandmama Elaine Update

Just thought I would post an update on Grandmama Elaine. She has received two units of blood and will have a chemotherapy treatment today. Surgery to remove the mass in her abdomen is not going to take place soon, due to her recent heart attack. The good news is that her doctor is going to allow her to come home today. We will be glad to have her back home! My mother will hopefully be bringing Grandmama and Granny (Donna Rea) home this evening. Please pray for their return as well as for Grandmama's health.
Ashley

James

Hi everyone,

Here is the latest as of 12:15 a.m. James (Dandan!) has been admitted to ICU at Huntsville Hospital. They are giving him 2 units of blood. He is bleeding in his stomach. They will run tests in the morning to find out the cause. Could be several things, but most likely an ulcer. When he arrived at the hospital his BP was 93/56 and dropped as low as 86/48. After they got his IV started, it came up to 59 on the bottom. Mom is staying there tonight and Carolyn is with Mammaw. I will try to update everyone later. Please keep him in your prayers! I am praying for Ms. Elaine as well! :)

Keith's mom is home and improving some. She is on oxygen at all times. We are keeping a close watch on her. His brother is supposed to be here Friday to help out. Please continue to pray for June and Keith. He is pretty stressed out right now since he is the only child here.

One more prayer request for me. I have iritis in my right eye. It is very painful and hard to see out of my eye. Please pray for it to heal quickly. I need to be able to help my family! Thanks! Love to all!

Gayla

I'm sure many of you already know that James and Joan's grandaughter, Gayla, passed away yesterday. Visitation will be tomorrow night at Rogersville Funeral Home, and the funeral will be Friday. When I spoke with Joan earlier today she still didn't know the time of the visitation or funeral.

And changing the subject, Grandmama Elaine will be having surgery to remove another mass in her abdomen, probably tomorrow, but we still aren't sure. Please pray for her, and please pray for strength for our mother.

Elaine

Elaine has been admitted to Brookwood Hospital in B'ham for tests. She is in Room 303 and Donna is staying with her tonight.

Willie T

The visitation for Willie T will be at Spry Funeral Home in Athens from 5:00 to 9:00 this evening. The funeral is Saturday at Spry's at 2:00 p.m.

Sad news

As most of you know, my son Eric and his wife have been expecting their first child (our first grandchild). Lindsey visited the doctor yesterday and tests confirmed that she's lost the baby.

Keith's Mom

Keith's mom, June Fields, is in CCU at ECM. She has been sick all weekend but refusing to go to the dr. She finally called me Monday morning and agreed to go. When I got there, she was too weak for me to take her alone, so the ambulance took her. She has pneumonia covering about 1/3 of her right lung. When she got to the hospital, her bp was 70 something/50 something and her oxygen level was 74. As of 9:30 last night, her BP was up and her oxygen was 94%. Please pray for her and Keith. He is the only child here to care for her. All of his siblings live in IL.

Geral

Geral will have surgery to put a stint in his leg on Monday at 7:30 a.m. at Huntsville Hospital. He will probably be there at least overnight.

Update

Grandmama Elaine had her arteriogram this morning. The doctor said that there was no blockage in her arteries and that her light heart attack was related to stress. She will remain in ECM (room 369) probably at least until Thursday. Please continue to pray for her as well as for the rest of the family.
Ashley

The latest...

I understand that the viewing for Jonathan will be Thusday evening at the Rogersville (Oliver) funeral home, and that the funeral will be Friday.
Also, Elaine had a serious episode with her heart last night. She's in ECM, scheduled for a arteriogram in the morning.
Keep praying.
Steve

Heh everyone...just wanted to ask you all for your prayers for my co-worker who covers the Montgomery area. He just underwent surgery for tongue cancer...that's right, I said tongue cancer. I have never heard of this before, but he was diagnosed and has had surgery during which his tongue was removed along with his voice box, which was also cancerous. Muscle was removed from his stomach to construct a new tongue. Now he has the task of learning how to use the new tongue, if that will be possible. His doctor said he may have full functionality, but it may just lay in his mouth like a slab of meat. But, if it's functional, he must learn how to move this new tongue so he can chew his food, and swallow, and form words just to whisper. It'll be like learning to talk again, but without a voice. I'm afraid he has a very long and very frustrating task ahead of him. His name is Scott Thompson and, until Thursday or Friday of next week, he will be in the hospital in B'ham - not sure which, but somewhere close to UAB. Thank you for remembering him in your prayers.

Young people

I just wanted to get on my "soap box" for a minute and say how blessed I think we are at New Georgia to have such wonderful young people. Some of us recently got together, and it made me think about how great it is to be associated with these young christians. I also feel greatful that my girls have such fine examples to look up to. Kids deperately need christian role models they can relate to. I hope one day that my girls will be added to the list of christian young people. Okay, I'll get off my soap box now.

---Christy

Hello everyone! Just wanted to post the birthday list for April. Again, if I miss anyone I apologize.

April
9 Ruthie V.
9 Tonya S.
16 Gloria P.
20 Ashley P.
24 Dustin P.
27 Donna R.
27 Cecelia G.

Mary Faye's surgery

Malissa called and said that Mary Faye's surgery went well. She's staying in the Athens Hospital overnight, but she seems to be doing fine.
Steve

Fields Family

Hi everyone! We will be traveling next weekend (4/3-4/5). Keith's nephew is getting married Saturday in IL. Please pray for safe travels. Thanks!

To everyone...we have a new email address: tdjbjohnson@yahoo.com. Please note for future reference. I'll try to keep a better watch on my email and on the blog so I can get your announcements for the bulletin. Sorry I missed service this evening, this head cold has got me down...TimJ

Geral

Tonya heard from Michelle (Geral's niece) tonight, concerning Geral's visit with the doctor in Huntsville today. His foot that has been giving him so much trouble is infected and they have admitted him to Huntsville Hospital. They are going to put him on antibiotics and are giving him something strong for the pain, morphine I think she said. They will run more tests and possibly will do surgery at some point. Also Geral's brother, Verlon (Michelle's father) has cancer and is in the hospital. The family is staying with him and asked Tonya if we could all help keep an eye on Geral, as things are critical with Verlon. Please remember to pray for Geral and for his brother's family.

Hello!

Wow! A lot of blogging has been going on since I checked in! I just thought I would let everyone know that Dustin, Titus, and I are not able to be at services tonight due to illness. Titus just can't seem to shake his breathing problems and Dustin has now caught the cold that is going around. I would appreciate it if everyone would pray for Titus. He continues to take his breathing treatments, but they don't seem to calm his wheezing very much. I'm hoping he just needs a little time to recover. Hope everyone has a good week!
Ashley

Willie T.

Just wanted to say I went to see Willie T. today. It was her birthday. She was having a good day and was very thankful for the visit. She almost teared up when she thanked us for coming. Visiting her made me realize again how much a little visit or card can do to cheer an ailing brother or sister. I'm afraid I don't do enough in this area, but every time I do send a card or visit I can't help but feel like I'm the one that's been encouraged. My girls also love to make cards or "go visitin' ". I think it's very good for them, too. Anyway, Willie T. is still very weak, but seemed in pretty good spirits. She said she really missed coming to church and seeing everyone. Donald was also at home. He was using a cane to walk today, which is better than he had been. Susan said the doctor told Don he will be out of work at least four weeks.

Epidemic proportions

There's so much sickness right now it is really mind-boggling...or is that mind-BLOGgling?

• Anyway, here are some that I remember who are suffering with upper respiratory, virus, flu or bronchial problems. Katie, Curtis, Titus, Janice E., Janis W., Avery, Cara, the R. Gautneys, Mary Faye and others I'm sure.

Also...

• Evelyn is in ECM with breathing problems.
• Elaine is to have 9 weeks of chemo -- treatments three weeks apart.
• Alvin P. made it through back/spine surgery, but the doctors expect his recovery to be very painful and lengthy.
• Tim's cousin is in very bad shape with heart problems at Crestwood.

Pray without ceasing!

Made it through Winter Storm '09

Well the snow this morning was more than I expected. Hated that we had to postpone services, but the roads were pretty treacherous early on. If the choice was between staying at home all day OR risk having a wreck trying to go to church, I think I might rather risk having a wreck! Simply postponing services for a few hours seems like a much better alternative.In addition to those we've mentioned on the blog recently as being sick or having health issues, let's also be sure to remember...

• Mary Faye is having gallbladder surgery Tuesday.
• JoAnn is in ECM with what may be some serious problems.
  

Age of Accountability

I just had a question for some of you out there that have already been throught this. Julie has been asking to be baptized, but we have put her off and banked the discussion for now. After some thought, I've wondered if that is a wise a decision. I truly think she understands "obedience" but maybe not "accountablity". I have read different opinions on this, and I am still a little unsure. I don't want her to make a life commitment without knowing what she's doing, but I also don't want to discourage her from serving the Lord. I debated about putting this on the Blogspot, but I figure it may be of some benefit to others with children. Thanks!

I thought it might be good to post a birthday list. I might not have all the birthdays so if I miss someone, please fogive me. I thought of posting anniversaries, but I don't have those. Thought of posting ages, but thought that might get me in some trouble....haha

MARCH
1 Kenneth S.
2 Cathy C., Breck J.
4 Ray Joe, Avery K.
6 Willie T.
9 Brenda C.
12 Catherine M.
14 Michael G.
18 Daniel B.
29 Gary P.
30 Steve K.

In case someone wanted to know February's list here it is.

FEBRUARY
2 Rhonda M.
5 Jessica R.
8 Milton V.
12 Peyton G.
14 Susan M.
17 Karla S.
20 Janice E, Madelyn R.
24 Daniel E.
26 Malcolm N.
27 Erin G., Shana K., Cara K.

A Little of Everything

I'm a little new to this blogging thing, but I will give it a try.
First, I want to say I'm so glad to hear of Pam's baptism! It's always a happy occasion to gain a new brother or sister in Christ. On a different note, I wanted to say that I think Phil and Derrick both did excellent jobs Sunday. (I'm not biased or anything .) New Georgia is so blessed to have young men that are willing to serve the Lord in whatever capacity they are able. I also wanted to ask for prayers on the behalf of my sisters. They both understand the Truth to a large degree and seem to have tender hearts. Derrick and I keep talking to them as opportunities allow. Please pray that they will gain a better understanding of God's Word. Please also pray specifically for Whitney. (She's the one in Auburn who often comes to worship with us.) She's struggling with loneliness and continuous health problems. If things go well, she will be coming home to stay after she finishes this year. She's been reoffered her scholarship to U.N.A. Thanks for "listening" to my two cents. As of this post, I am the only one still sick (knock on wood) so hopefully we will all see everyone Sunday.

Opportunities to pray or lend a hand

• Donald's knee surgery went OK. They had to do a little more than they'd planned. He'll be out of work for at least 4 weeks.
• Leah was suffering with pneumonia as of Wednesday night.

Pam V.

Pam was baptized into Christ tonight for the remission of her sins! She has been very earnest in her desire to know the truth and please God. Let's really do all we can to encourage her and Milt.
Rejoice!
Steve

Happenings

• The gospel meeting at Kelly Spring Road church of Christ went well. This is a fairly new group in Huntsville/Madison that formed when Gooch Lane outgrew their building. Their website is http://www.spreadingtruth.org/
• I'm sorry to report that James and Joan are leaving New Georgia to attend closer to their new home; they're planning on going to Midway. We'll really miss them!
• Donald is to have his long awaited knee surgery this Friday morning.
• Milt Jr. is scheduled for a stress test March 11th -- I believe he's been having some discomfort in his chest again.
• I haven't found out any more details about Mary Faye. I understand that she's to have surgery this next week. If anyone knows more, please post it here.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Steve

Wow, we've had a record amount of blogging the last few days. It's nice to see!
Just an update on Bert. She had an ultrasound on her gallbladder today. She's also supposed to have some sort of test on her esophagus later this week. She really hasn't been feeling well.
Also, remember that Chelsey asked for our prayers. She sounded very sick on the phone today. She'd gone to the emergency room last night and wasn't given any treatment. But she went to her regular doc today and got all sorts of medicine, shots, etc.

I want to mention how much I enjoyed Jodie's lessons Sunday. I keep thinking back on things he said. One thing I keep thinking about is what he said about our being commanded to spread the gospel, even if no one will accept what we say. I knew that, of course, but something about his words struck a chord and keep coming back to me. Seems like I want to be wiser than God and have the attitude, "what's the use." Jodie really seems to have blossomed as a preacher - not that he was bad before! I have been studying the Bible more this week - I have been weak about that lately. It makes such a difference in my whole day.

Hello! I really like the blog - I just don't have much to say :-) Jackie did get to come home yesterday and is doing fairly well. Please remember to keep her in your prayers. Her illness has really been rough on her family. I'm so grateful that both Grandmama's and Jackie's surgeries went well. I truly feel that God has blessed us during the last week or so.
Ashley

Tuesday Update

Hi All! Haven't posted in a while, but I do read! Just wanted to update everyone on Mamma (Willa Jean). Even though we were blessed with several good days, Mamma is not feeling very well today. She has been dizzy. Hopefully, this set back is just temporary. Keep her and my grandaddy in your prayers. I visited with Aunt T on Sunday. She was very alert and knew who I was. She said she dearly missed coming to church services. It was good to talk to her. Please continue to pray for her, as well as Susan and her family. This has been extremely hard on them. One more request...many of you know Larry Bullard (J.D. Bullard's brother). He has been diagnosed with a tumor pressing on his pituatary (sp?) gland. He and his wife, Wilma (who is Keith's cousin) went to UAB today for tests. The tests revealed that the tumor is larger than they thought. They are going to schedule surgery this week to remove the tumor, however, they will probably not get all of it and he will have to have radiation. They don't know if it is cancerous yet or not. Finally, Kinley McGee has completed her treatments for her brain tumor. The tumor has shrunk, but that was expected. It will probably grow back. For now, she is back at school with her classmates. Parents are still trying to decide if they will do the experimental treatment or not. Continue to pray for this sweet little girl and her parents. OK I am finished now!! I can type as much as I can talk - Didn't think it could be done huh?? :)

Grandmama Elaine should be on her way home soon. YEAH! She is doing very well, surprising the doctors. One said she was 85 going on 65!

Jackie is in surgery right now. I think Ashley said it would take 3 to 4 hours. I know it is a very scary afternoon for the family. Let's all remember to pray for her.

Madelyn had a bad asthma attack last night and has been to the doctor today. Also Julie is not feeling well.

Blog regeneration?

As we waited during Elaine's surgery yesterday, I was talking to Derrick and Christy about ways to improve this blog. I'd really like to see us do more with it -- like share daily experiences, especially as they relate to the church, our families or just living for Jesus. To do that, we need everyone to try and participate more. Otherwise, everyone is just going to have to put up with my sporadic posts about praying for the sick ;-)
Speaking of which, Elaine did come through her surgery fine and they removed the tumor. The doctor was optimistic about her recovery. Also, Shana e-mailed me and said the Jackie Romine was admitted to Huntsville Hospital; there is a spot on her brain. Milt Vaughn Sr. came through his shoulder surgery today, and he's at home.
I had a good study with Milt and Pam Vaughn this evening. Pam is really interested in studying and getting some of her questions answered now. Everyone continue to encourage them!
With our daily struggles, and all the sick in the congregation right now, it's easy to forget the many positive experiences and opportunities we have everyday.
brotherly,
Steve

Steve's prayer list

Here are some of the folks connected to New Georgia that I'm remembering in prayer:

• Elaine's medical tests revealed that she has a large mass in her side. They are trying to get her seen in Birmingham.
• Phil's dad as had trouble again this week with arterial blockages to the kidneys.
• JoAnn is having nasal surgery today.
• Emily's surgery went well yesterday, and she is recuperating at home.
• Milt Sr. is to have shoulder surgery Tuesday.
• Willa Jean, Willie T., Bert, Evelyn, Jackie R. and Kathleen all continue with their daily struggles.
• Several have been sick with viruses and the like -- Katie, Milt & Pam, Karla, Doris, the Gautneys and Gary.
• Marvin has been having some significant heart problems. I believe he's going to the Veteran's hospital for a check up next Wednesday.

Evelyn Ezell

We moved Evelyn out of the hospital yesterday afternoon, she is now at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Rehabilitation Center. She is in room 717. Her phone # is 246-5717. Her Doctor said she would most likely be there for about 3 weeks. Please continue to pray for her recovery.