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.

Update on some of the ailing

• Evelyn seemed a little improved today. They're treating her with IV antibiotics.
• Willie T is to have her colon surgery January 14. She really needs to build up her strength before then.
• Bert had to start on insulin for her diabetes this week. It's still not under control, and she's come down with the same kind of upper respiratory illness that Ruth & Milt have had.
• Others who need continued prayer include Willa Jean, Kathleen, Jackie Romine and Glen Keenon.

Evelyn Ezell

Evelyn is back in the hospital. She was hurting about 12:30 this morning (Dec. 26), so her daughter took her to the emergency room. The x-rays did not show anything, but a CT scan showed she still has some pneumonia in her lungs. She is in ECM, room 559. Please pray for her recovery.

Phil's Dad

Phil's dad, Glen Keenon, received a bad report on some blood work today. It indicated a serious problem with his kidneys. He is to be re-admitted to the hospital for more tests.

Willie T

Willie T has been having some bleeding and so they've scheduled her to have a colonoscopy Friday morning. She's in ECM.

Titus William Peek

Titus was born 11/20/08 at 5:16 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz, 19 1/2 inches long. Mother and baby are doing fine.

Long prayer list...

There are lots of folks in need of our prayers right now. Here's a partial list of some we should keep in mind:

• Ashley and baby
• Doyce will be having a stress test and doppler on Thursday
• Jackie Romine (Gary's sister -- Diagnosed with cancer)
• Leah's mother -- has a malignant tumor on brain stem
• Willa Jean's condition has deteriorated again
• Willie T is having breathing problems and is to go back to the doctor on Tuesday
• Kathleen
• Evelyn continues to recuperate at home
• Several others have seasonal cold/virus/sinus problems (Eugene, Joyce, Alex, Curtis, Karla, Lela, etc.)

"Pray without ceasing"

Don't forget our Gospel Meeting!

Gospel Meeting

November 9-13, 2008 * Sunday--Thursday
Come and enjoy preaching from the Bible by

Bill Hall
Sunday at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Monday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Evelyn Ezell

Evelyn has pneumonia. She is in ECM Hospital, room 557. The Dr. said she would be in there a few days. Please pray for her recovery.

Kinley McGee

Several of you have asked about Kinley. The last news I heard was that she had a port put in on Wednesday and began radiation treatments on Thursday. She will continue with these treatments Mon.-Fri. for 6 weeks. The family will be staying at the Ronald McDonald house during the week. The school is taking up money to send with the family to help with the expenses of gas, food, parking, etc. If any of you would like to help with this, you can let me know. I can get the money to school or I am sure Layne would not mind to take it. Thank you all for asking about her. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.

Prayer list for the week of 10/12

Just a reminder of some that we need to remember this week.

• Allison is having a procedure on her wrist this Friday in Huntsville.
• Milt Jr. is recovering from his heart procedure, and also has hurt his upper back.
• Marvin has been told that they cannot do anything else for his heart. They've given him medication that is just for the pain.
• James A. is having a melanoma removed from his ear on the 28th.
• Remember little Kinley and her family -- she's a 4th grader; the doctors say that she has a terminal brain tumor.
• Willa Jean, Willie T., Geral and my Mom all have daily struggles.

Milt Jr.

Milt Jr. had a cardiac stress test yesterday that revealed some problems. Today, they did an arteriogram at ECM and found several blockages (two were 100% blocked). They put in two stints and will also treat with medicine. He seems to be doing well. He's supposed to stay at ECM tonight and come home tomorrow if he's doing well.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation for Roger's mother, Christine Howard, will be 6-8 p.m. tonight and funeral will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. Burial in Higgins Cemetery.

Keep in mind...

• Donald Maxwell is starting medication for his arterial blockage. He also is going to see a neurologist for the disk problem in his back.
• Milt Jr. is having upper digestive tract problems. They're checking his esophagus and gallbladder.
• Milt Sr. and Ruth continue to vacate in the islands. Keep Bert in mind while they're gone.
• James and Willa Jean will be at the beach for a few more days.
• I'll be in gospel meeting in Tennessee this coming Sunday through Wednesday.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Steve

Bible Study Software

I don't have much in the way of news right now. Maybe someone else can chime in with what's going on in their lives (hint), or the lives of Alaskan travelers.

I did want to make everyone aware of a great Bible program for your computer. It's called e-sword and you can download it FREE from http://e-sword.net/. You can also download several translations, commentaries, and dictionaries as well. The files are pretty large, so if you are on dial-up it will take a looooooooonnnnnnggg time.
I've been using e-sword for several years now, and I like it a lot. It is actually better than many programs that you have to pay for. I'm thinking of having a special class at New Georgia some time in the future for those who want to learn use it.
Steve