The podcast listed on the right is about church adaptability. You may enjoy hearing that.
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries this early on a Monday morning. Check back in the morning.
One Verse; Peace and Thankfulness
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
Coming Soon – Opportunity to learn about Grief
The four Sundays of September have been set aside so we can learn about grief from a professional. Please be aware of the opportunity and realize it will be helpful to all of us. I’ll provide more information as time gets closer.
A Verse about Serving
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you…You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who have not planned to attend church to have second thoughts about that decision. Let’s pray for them to “search for me with all their heart”.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57
Children’s Church Camp
Camp ends today. Pray for safe travel for the children and chaperones as they return to Kentwood.
Sunday School and Church Today and Tonight
Check the schedules for local churches you are interested in.
Schedule includes nursery, children, youth, and adults:
9:15 – Sunday School
10:30 – Worship and other special groups
6 P.M. – Worship and other special groups
There are opportunities for everyone.
Closing Scripture
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Good morning. I hope you have a plan to do something special this weekend.
Today’s Scripture
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:2 (KJV)
Update on Tim Tyler
Patti said he is progressing. He has medical services at home and stays in contact with his surgery doctor. A recent test showed no indication of cancer, a great improvement. He continues to need our prayers as he recovers from surgery.
Prayer Focus
Update your personal prayer list and then pray.
Obituaries
Dona Cheramie Williams
Feb 19, 1957 — Jul 22, 2026
Kentwood
Dona Cheramie Williams, beloved wife, and friend; passed away on July 22, 2026 at the age of 69 with her husband Kent Andrew Williams and her son André Pierre Williams by her side.
She was born in Raceland, Louisiana on February 19, 1957, graduating from South Lafourche High School in 1975. After a couple of stops the allure of nature drew herself and Kent to search for a forever home closer to it, finally succeeding when they found a place that checked all their wishes nearby on an ironically named Kentwood in 1996.
She enjoyed quiet mornings on the patio listening to birdsong and a mug of coffee, an enjoyment that extended to her pets, Reni, Sasha, and Starbuck, whom she loved as much as any member of her human family. She gained fulfillment conducting acts of service, especially in making holiday candies and fudges that had to be absolutely perfect before even considering sending it out.
She is survived by her husband Kent Andrew Williams, her son André Pierre Williams, her brother Dean Aramise Cheramie, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Chaisson Cheramie and Rudolph Joesph Cheramie, and her sisters Karen Ann and Kelly Rae Cheramie.
Her visitation service will be held on Saturday July 25, 2026 from 10am until 12 Noon at Mckneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, LA, followed by a brief funeral service and then a graveside service at Robert’s Cemetery in Mount Hermon, Louisiana.
Loyce McDaniel Taylor
Nov 15, 1945 — Jul 22, 2026
Baton Rouge, LA
A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Butterfly Wing of Hospice of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA . She was born November 15, 1945 in Osyka, MS and was 80 years of age. She is survived by her son, Wilford Jack Taylor and wife Cathy; grandchildren, Justin Taylor and wife Clare, Jacob Taylor, Nathan Taylor, Paige Taylor, and Natalie Taylor; great-grandchildren, Lottie Taylor and Luke Taylor. Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Tee McDaniel; husband, Bobby Taylor; son, Joseph Taylor; brother, Jack McDaniel; twin sister, Joyce McDaniel Pearce; sisters, Dot Rader and Glenda Wiles; adopted sister, Jo Brumfield. Special thanks to The Butterfly Wing Hospice of Baton Rouge for their compassionate care. Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, July 29, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 25
II Kings 12:14
A Devotional Scripture
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.”
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who have not made the decision to serve God. This can include all ages, children to senior adults.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 24
II Kings 9:11
No New Obituaries
Obituary Reminder
Most of us will not attend the services for Ernest Graham in Texas today, but we can spend some time thanking God for Ernest and the life he lived. We can also pray for his family and the many others who will mourn his loss.
It seems my server doesn’t work when the sky is cloudy. I’ve been trying to write this post for three hours. I’ll be brief at this point.
A Scripture for Today
You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16
Prayer Focus: Pray for those in the north western portion of the Gulf who have/will troubled by the hurricane.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 23
II Kings 6-8
Obituaries
No new obituaries in our area were found this morning.
“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 69:30
Children’s Camp
The children will be leaving for camp tomorrow. Pray for the children, parents, and chaperones as the day for camp approaches.
OCC
We have now purchased most, if not all, of the major items that will be packed in our shoeboxes this year.
School supplies are on sale in some stores. As you purchase some for your family, think about purchasing some for OCC. We can always put some up for next year. What a blessing to many people you can be by doing something as small as that!
Closing Scripture
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things…” He said to them, “Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”
Mark 7:8-9 (WEB)
Prayer Focus
I have spent some time checking the weather forecasts for the coming week. We will have some days of extreme heat beginning this morning. Be careful about the time you spend outside and stay hydrated. Make wise decisions. Pray for everyone to make wise decisions. This is a good morning to practice this verse early:
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Read the Bible in 2026
July 22
II Kings 4-5
Obituaries
No new obituaries are posted for this area at this time.
Let’s be thankful the recent floods in Texas were not as devastating as last year. Thank God!
Sunday School Lesson Preparation
July 26
“Consequences”
Judges 2:11-23
It’s never too early to study the Bible!
Missions – Thankfulness!
As OCC workers, David and I have big thank-yous for a recent donor and for volunteers who have donated time on several recent days to accomplish a time-consuming task. Together, these precious folks have helped us move beyond a stumbling point we felt we had reached. We are very thankful!
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 14:23 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today’s let’s pray for salvation for everyone once they hear the Gospel and are of an age where they can make others understand salvation and make a life decision good for eternity. Let’s also pray for others to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel, no matter where they live in the world.
Read the Bible Today
July 21
II Kings 1-3
Obituary
Janet B. Sanders
Jan 4, 1936 — May 14, 2026
Jacksonville, FL
Janet Sue Blackburn Bordeaux Sanders, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 90, with her daughter, Andree, and her niece, Kathy, by her side.
Janet celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends on January 4, 2026. She had been living in Jacksonville, Florida, for the past 11 years, near her daughter, Andree.
Born on January 4, 1936, in Borger, Texas, Janet was the daughter of Earl Blackburn and Gertrude Castleman Blackburn. As a child, she loved caring for animals, including horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and even a lamb, and that love remained with her throughout her life. Janet was also an avid golfer. She graduated from Borger Senior High School and began her college studies at Colorado Women’s College, where she discovered the Catholic faith and converted to Catholicism. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Texas Tech University and completed her dietetic internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans while attending Tulane University, becoming a registered dietitian.
While at Charity Hospital, Janet met her first husband, Louis Ferdinand Bordeaux, who was training to become a physician. Their careers took them to Jackson, Louisiana, where Janet worked as a registered dietitian and Ferdie practiced medicine. After Ferdie’s death from cancer in 1964, Janet eventually found love again and married Jesse Allen Sanders. Together they made their home in Amite, Louisiana, where Janet raised their three children, Andree, Allen, and Christina, while also working as a registered dietitian. After retiring, she devoted much of her time to volunteering and participating in the life of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Janet was also a devoted fan of New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers football. In 2015, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to live near her daughter, Andree.
Janet’s life was marked by deep faith, devotion to God, and genuine care for others. She loved deeply and was attentive not only to her family and friends, but also to the people who worked in the places she lived and to the needs of the wider world. Her compassion, kindness, and enduring love of animals were among the many gifts she shared throughout her life.
Janet is survived by her daughters, Andree Bordeaux-Headings (Tim Headings) and Christina Sanders Mayeux; her grandchildren, Connor Mayeux, Caitlyn Sanders, Kaylie Headings, and Zachary Headings; and her sister, Judy Blackburn Gurley (Roy Gurley).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Gertrude Blackburn; her first husband, Louis Ferdinand Bordeaux, MD; her second husband, Jesse Allen Sanders; her son, Allen Lee Sanders; and her grandson, Joshua Thomas Headings.
Memorial Graveside Service will be held at Amite Cemetery, Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00AM. A reception to follow at St. Helena Catholic Church-Classroom 101.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made by offering a Mass for Janet or by donating to any Catholic charity or by donating to a local Humane Society or animal shelter.
Baptist Press
Ohio church’s sports camp timely balm for community suffering double domestic homicide
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
Coming Soon
Children’s Camp
Thankful for OCC Support
I am thankful to all those who have helped us in various ways as we work to collect and prepare items that will be used in OCC Shoeboxes this year. It takes many of God’s people who have a desire that others will learn about Jesus! We are so very thankful for the support we receive.
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:8
Have a wonderful day as you are the hands, feet, and mouth representing God daily!
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you.
Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (WEB)
Welcome to this day the Lord chose us to wake up.
Prayer Focus
Let’s focus some of our prayer time on having the right attitude all day long in everything we do. What a difference that can make in any day we live!
Read the Bible in 2025
July 20
I Kings 21-22
No New Obituaries on Mondays
Baptist Press
I don’t usually listen to podcasts, but if you are interested I suggest trying the Lead On Podcast by Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, who discusses whether pastors can be friends with church members—and how to enjoy those friendships without crossing ministry boundaries. He looks at Jesus’ example, shares stories of lifelong ministry friends, and offers practical guardrails for handling information, time, and expectations so leaders can have real friends in their church without hurting their credibility or their people.
I am thanking God for allowing me to have had a good week and to spend time with friends in times to sadness and joy, as well as involvement with some of you to work on projects for our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.
Today’s Scripture
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3 (WEB)
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for comfort during the summer months as the temperatures rise. Be sure to say special prayers for those who can not as easily survive as others. Help others as needed.
Obituaries
Dr. Ernest Morris Graham
July 7, 1964 – July 15, 2026
Obituary for Dr. Ernest Morris Graham
A memorial service for Dr. Ernest Morris Graham, age 62 of Lindale, Texas, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home Chapel in Lindale, Texas. Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Ernest passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Lindale. He was born on July 7, 1964, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Edsel Burlin and Mary Ann (Morris) Graham. Ernest had just recently moved to Lindale and was previously of Longview, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. After earning numerous degrees (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Louisiana College), he was currently working as an Adjunct Professor with LeTourneau University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Graham also served as a Minister of Education, Missionary, Pastor, and in Chaplain roles throughout his career. In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed watching sports, playing golf with his sons, reading to his grandchildren, and “chewing” on God’s Word with his wife. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chief of Police, Edsel Burlin and Mary Ann Graham, of Kentwood, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Samantha Graham of Lindale; children, William Graham and wife, Kasey of Long Island, New York; Clayton Graham and wife, Mollie of Fort Worth, Texas and their children, Soren and Judah Graham; Joseph Graham and wife, Julia of Longview, Texas; sisters, Becky Purvis and husband, Rusty, and Beth Lee and husband, Tim, both of Amite, Louisiana; niece and nephew Krista and Jeremy Purvis; and nieces Maryanna and Macy Lee. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dr. Graham’s memory by instilling a treasured habit of his into your lives – telling a loved one what or who you’re thankful for, praying and eating as a family at the dinner table, or choosing a name of God to meditate on for the coming year at Christmastime.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Ernest Morris Graham please visit our Sympathy Store.
The associational missions meeting at FBC, Greensburg will give you a good opportunity to learn about two missions, one in Baton Rouge and one internationally. You can come with a group or come on your own. Just come for 10:00 A.M. Finish the morning enjoying the pot-luck lunch.
This weekend is a good time to “Serve the Lord With Gladness”!
Finalize your plans and preparations for tomorrow, the Lord’s Day.
The Prayer Link 
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