I met another faithful reader of TPL yesterday.

It overwhelms me when I get to meet any of you. I appreciate each of you spending time with me each day. It’s never too late to join us!

Read the Bible in 2026. It’s never too late to join us!

• March 13
• Colossians 1-4

A Scripture for Today

‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.’  Philippians 2:4

An Special Easter Scripture

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Obituaries

At this time there are no new local obituaries listed, but it is always time to pray for those who have lost family members recently.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Sunday School Lesson

• March 15
• Matthew 16: 13-26

Operation Christmas Child

Please ask me if you have any questions about OCC at FBC or for your own church or other group interested in packing shoeboxes this year. I would love to help inform and encourage you. At this time of the year, we are all planning what we will give to each boy and girl according to age group. We are packing our shoeboxes for the older boys and girls. We are purchasing washcloths, highlighters, crayons, washcloths, etc. It takes a lot of shopping to be ready to pack in October. I hope you take part in this ministry in some way. It is such a blessing!

What makes OCC so special? Not only do we send hygiene kits, school supplies, coloring book, toys, etc., but we send the child the opportunity to read, study, sing, and speak their own language as they slearn about Jesus! That the main thing. It’s the opportunities that come with the shoeboxes to learn of and about JESUS!

Prayer Request

Please add Ora Lee Wilson andFerrie Gene Blackmon to your prayer list if they are not already there. You probably have the names of some neighbors, family members, or friends you know who you wish to pray for. Add them too!

Coming Soon

There will be a Fifth. Sunday Singing at FBC, Kentwood on March 29th. If you love Christian music, you are welcome to join us. I hope you can work this in your schedule.

Have a wonderful FRIDAY!

Anna Lee

We had some serious weather last night. I’m thankful we didn’t have any serious damage all over the area. I hope the weather didn’t leave you with any major damage.

Easter Scripture

1 Corinthians 6:14

And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.

Read the Bible in 2026

• March 12
• Philippians 1-4

Obituaries

The website for McKneely Funeral Home is down for maintenance now.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Ladies Night

• March 20th at 6:00 P.M. (Note the TIME CHANGE!)
• Focus on getting to meet others and learning about our church.
• Please sign the list in the church foyer or call the office to get your name on the list. (A count in needed to assure adequate food is prepared!)
• We will be doing some crafting too!
• Teen girls are welcome to join us too.

ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING

This is one of three offering collected for missions by North America. This one supports mission work in Louisiana. All money given to this offering goes directly to provide for this ministry.

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) is the primary way Southern Baptists fund missions in North America. One hundred percent of gifts given to AAEO go to the field to support more than 3,000 missionary families serving across the United States and Canada.

Enjoy the exercise of the day – picking up limbs and twigs!

Anna Lee

Easter Scripture – John 6:40

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Read the Bible in 2026

• March 11
• Ephesians 4-6

Obituary

David James Graham

August 15, 1950 – March 9, 2026

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at his home. He was born August 15, 1950 in Amite, LA and was 75 years of age. He is survived by son, Gerald David Graham and wife, Esther; brothers and sisters, Jimmy, Billy, Pauline, Roxanne, and Jerry; grandchildren, Hunter Graham (Jessica), Carley Graham, Sara Graham, Amyra Gray, Taylor Sansovich (Louis), Katie Monteleone (Cody); great-grandchildren, Kane, Jacy, Huntlie, Colt, Merric, Jett, Graham, and Davis. Preceded in death by his wife, Marsha A. Stokes Graham; son, Stacy James Graham; mother, Faye Winborn Graham; father, L.C. Graham. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 11:00AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Annie Armstrong Offering

• Because of You, Missionaries Are Planting Churches and Meeting Needs Across North America.
• “There is joy and urgency in the mission to take the gospel to the most under-reached and under-served parts of North America. What you give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is invested on the front lines where it will make the biggest gospel impact.”
• Kevin Ezell, President
• NAMB (North American Mission Board)
• 100% of all gifts go to the mission field% of all gifts go to the mission field

Coming Soon

• Pine Ridge Bible Study – Noon Today
• FBC Senior Adult Lunch – Today (Call the church office for details.)
• Ladies Night – September 20th at 6 P.M. – Note time change…..!).)
• Fifth Sunday Singing – March 29th @ FBC

Additional Scripture

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” Hebrews 13:16

Anna Lee

Today’s Scripture

John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s spend some time focusing our prayers on the people who live in danger of missiles, drones, etc. Let’s also pray for peace for everyone in the world.

Read the Bible Today

• March 10
• Ephesians 1-3

Obituaries

There are no obituaries listed so far today.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I think if you take time to look at this site today, you will find more than one article you are interested in reading. Baptist press is always both current in timely.

A Statement to Consider:

We don’t know everything about the lives of others around us. We don’t know their personal situations, dreams, needs, problems, joys, hurts, etc. We are all different. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much on our part to show love to someone else. Often, it seems BIG to them and meets a need they have.

Sometimes, we are the person with hurts and/or dreams. and others work to minister to us.

Sometimes love is just being friendly. Sometimes, we don’t realize we have “Made the day!” for another person. We might even think we have nothing to give to others. We always do. We have a smile, a kind greeting. a hug, a ride to church, a pew with space for them, a meal, half a cake, time to pick up limbs, time to talk for five minutes, a photo to share, a vehicle to take someone to the doctor, etc.

“When anyone among you has troubles, you must help each other. If you do that, you will be obeying Christ’s rule“.  Galatians 6:2

Have a great day. Make time to show you care about someone today.

Thank you for spending some time here today. You are appreciated!

Anna Lee

I had a good weekend! I hope you did too! Welcome to a new week. Let’s make it a good one.

Easter Scripture

Romans 8:11

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Prayer Focus

Robbie Lynn Callihan was scheduled for surgery last week, but. it was postponed. It will probably be this week. Please start praying for Robbie Lynn and the surgeon while I try to chuck on the new day of surgery.

Read the Bible in 2026

• Monday, March 9
• Galatians 4-6

Obituaries

There are not usually any new obituaries on Monday mornings. You can check with the local funeral homes later today or just wait until tomorrow.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Ladies Night on March 20th

Plans are coming along. Be sure to get your name on the list in the church foyer or call the church office. It’s very important so we will have a place, food, and craft supplies for you.

There are several reasons for this gathering. If someone is new to our church, they can learn some names, programs, ministries and classes available. The second purpose is so people who are already members can learn to connect new names with new faces.

The meeting will be both fun and informative; Get you name on the list! You don’t want to miss out!

Waylon Bailey’s Blog Post

“The Privilege of Prayer”

http://waylonbailey.com/2020/10/10/the-privilege-of-prayer/

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

• “Following Jesus”
• Matthew 16:13-26

Using Your Personal Prayer List

Keeping a personal prayer list will help you pray more often and reflect on different needs that I may not know of or have left off accidentally.

Have a wonderful Monday praying for and doing for others.

Anna Lee

Good morning. Have a special Lord’s Day.

An Easter Scripture

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Read the Bible in 2026

• Sunday, March 8
• Galatians 1-3

Obituary

One obituary for today is that of Buddy Sharkey of Amite. I published it in a second post yesterday. If you missed it, just continue reading when you finish today’s post. Please pray for his daughter, Meghan Sharkey Dagro.

The following obituary may involve some people you know.

Curtis Eugene Cade

July 29, 1931 – March 1, 2026

U.S. Veteran  

On the evening of March 1, 2026, Curtis Eugene Cade passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   He was born on July 29, 1931, to the late William A. Cade and Bertie Lee Blackwell Cade in the community of Silver Springs in Pike County, Mississippi.

As a young man, he served in the United States Navy from 1950-1954 and was in active-duty service during the Korean Conflict.  In 1956, he received his diploma from Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi and began his career as a barber in Canton, Mississippi.    He later returned to Pike County, married Helen Lucy Pounds, and continued his 46-year career barbering in Osyka until his retirement and the sale of his barber shop in 2001.

He loved being outside and worked diligently to provide for his family.   For many years, he was a beekeeper and took great pleasure in caring for and harvesting the honey from his hives.  He gained so much enjoyment and took great pride in growing his garden every year knowing that if he put in the work, the Lord would always bless it and provide.   The blessings of these harvests were generously shared with family and friends.

He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and more recently Bala Chitto Baptist Church.   Through his servant heart, he glorified God and ministered to those around him, not just in the church, but in his barber shop, the community, and in his family.   He was once described by a family member as the “humble hero that our Cade family as a whole cherishes and needs”.   

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers William Jack Cade, James Malcolm Cade, Arthur Berton Cade, Glen Blackwell Cade, and Royce Lamar Cade; one sister Mary Ellen Cade Mondul; his wife Helen Lucy Pounds Cade; one daughter Judy Catherine Cade Haygood; son-in-law John Dorsey Lee, and his second wife, Patsy Rawls Conerly Cade.

Survivors include three daughters Darlene Freeman (Randy) of Osyka,  Ellen Brunson (Alan) and Lisa Winstead (Terry) of Madison; one son-in-law Ronald Haygood of Liberty; one brother Raymond Cade (Fairba) of Osyka; one sister Maxie Foster of Florence, Alabama; and three grandchildren Daniel Fair (Kaila), Anthony Fair (Jaimee) of Osyka, and Lauren Winstead Waggener (Dallas) of Madison; five great-grandsons Anthony Dean Fair, Dallas Adrian Fair, Wyatt Lane Fair, Noah Loghan Fair, and Jack Cullen Waggener; one great-great-granddaughter Ariana Fair; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, visitation will begin at 10 A M at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home, 1023 Old Brookhaven Road, Summit, Mississippi, followed by a service at 12:00 noon.  Graveside services will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2151 Mt. Zion Road, Osyka, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Daniel Adrian Fair and Anthony Dean Fair, Sr., and great-grandsons Anthony Dean Fair, Jr., Dallas Adrian Fair, Wyatt Lane Fair, and Noah Loghan Fair.

If donations are preferred in lieu of flowers, the family asks that they be made to The Gideons International.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There are many families around the world that are touched by the conflict in the Middle East. Pray for all of them.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on praying for the pastors and other leadership in our area churches.

Lord’s Day

I trust you have plans to attend church today. Adding Sunday School to worship service(s) is beneficial in many ways. Check the time of various services at the church of your choice.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

First, I need to say the WMU meeting this morning was great. The speaker touched our hearts! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the sanctuary! I would have loved for so many of you to have heard her speak.

Next, I need to remind you of the time change tonight. “Spring forward one hour!” For example, if you go to bed at 10:00 tonight, you need to change any devices that do not change automatically to 11:oo. We “LOSE” an hour!

Wilford K. “Buddy” Sharkey, Jr.

January 25, 1957 – March 5, 2026

A retired St. Helena dairyman and resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born January 25, 1957 in Amite, LA and was 69 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Meghan Sharkey Drago and husband, Joey; 2 granddaughters, Shaw and Demi; mother of their children and former spouse, Robin Brown Sharkey; housemates/nieces Sherry Fugler, Conner Fugler, and Melissa Macnicol; sister, Marvee Coxen; brother, R. C. “Chris” Davis and wife, Priscilla; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his son, Wilford K. “Trey” Sharkey, III; parents, Wilford Knighten Sharkey, Sr. and Doris “Nell” McDaniel Sharkey; sister, Gladys Fugler and husband, Robbie. Pallbearers will be long time friends Alan Morgan, Kevin Newell, Mickey Williams, Marshall Cutrer, Jeff Jones, and Billy Finch with Honorary Pallbearer Charles Sharkey.

Above of all things, he was a dedicated father but even prouder grandfather to Shaw and Demi. His favorite pastime was teasing and playing pranks on those he loved for a good laugh. Nothing brought him more joy than making his friends and loved ones laugh. We will miss his jokes, quick wit, and his ‘historian’ accounts of ‘all things Hillsdale’. We are forever grateful for his humility, determination, optimism, and grit for fighting to give us as much time as we had with him. Until we meet again.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until Funeral Services at 1:00PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Wilford K. “Buddy” Sharkey, Jr., please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Here we are at the last day of this week. I trust you had a good week and plan to do something special like attend the WMU meeting this morning or maybe a day with no plans at all, just waiting to see what will happen.

Stateside!

I want to start off thanking you for praying for our friends who were caught in the Middle East during a very difficult week. They made it back to the States. They are appreciative of all the prayers for them and know the importance of your prayers concerning their safety this week.

Continue to pray for the Middle East. Pray for all the visitors to the area and outsiders whose jobs took them there to be safe until they can get home.

Today’s Verse

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

Read the Bible in 2026

• March 7
• II Corinthians 10-13

Today’s the Day

• WMU/Women on Mission
• 10 A.M. TODAY at MONTPELIER
• I have seen the program and heard all about the plans. We will have a wonderful opportunity to hear about a mission opportunity, enjoy some wonderful music, and focus on missions through the current mission focus week. I look forward to being there.

Prayer Focus

Please pray for the missions meeting this morning in Montpelier.

Today’s Obituary

Kathleen Smith Ford Wilkinson

July 9, 1946 – March 4, 2026

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 9, 1946 in Hammond, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her daughters, Lois Roxanne Ford Porter, Charlotte Renee Wilkinson, and Pamela Lynette Wilkinson; 2 sons, Norice William “Billy” Ford (Jennifer) and John Merrill Wilkinson (Jennifer); brother, Carl Smith; grandchildren, Calvin Ford, Heather Ford Duran (Aaron), Kacie Nicole Ford, Michael James Porter, II (Dana), Abigail Alzada Ford, Ty Travis Ford, Crystal Hunt Hankins (Reece), Rodney Paul Hunt, Jr., Kyle Austin Fletcher (Kaitlyn), Trevor Cain Fletcher, Lacie Lynn Fletcher, Laramie John Wilkinson, and Nicole Erin Wilkinson; 18 great-grandchildren, Kevin, Chelsea, Abel, Brayden, Hayden, Freya, Kayleigh, Britney, Brody, Hudson, Braxtun, Jace, Londyn, Landus, Kendall, Kace, Kip, and Karter. Preceded in death by her parents, Eula Mae Cutrer Smith and Norice “Red” Smith; first husband, Calvin Ford; second husband, Merrill Wilkinson; son, Kevin Duane Ford; grandson, Travis Paul Porter; great-granddaughter, Angel Marie Ford; brother, Lawrence Ray Smith; sisters, Dorothy Smith Triche and Mary Nell Stewart Phillips. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Interment Ford Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Coming Soon – Ladies Night at FBC, Kentwood on March 20th

• Enjoy spending time with church friends.
• Meet some ladies you don’t know or know well.
• Learn about our church and our people (even if you have been a member here 50+ years).
• Participate, Plan, and Pray!
• ETC.

Sunday School Lesson

• “Real Devotion”
• Jesus rejects superficial religions
• Matthew 15
• Serving God!

Do you have a favorite Easter hymn?

I do! “Christ Arose”

If you learned this hymn as a child, like I did, you may remember learning (1) the meaning of the hymn and (2) the chorus that sounded like “a competition of between the voices of men and women”.

I’m proud to say I still enjoy the music, the wording, and the meaning of “Christ Arose”! I know I am not the only one.I think it is a greatly appropriated hymn for our churches any week of the year! Maybe the specialness of the song is emphasized by having to wait fifty-two weeks to hear it again, but it always being included!

Additional Thought for Focus

Rev. Billy Graham said:

“God does not discipline us to

subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness

and blessedness.”

Additional Bible Reading Today

Use the reference section of your Bible to find three passages about “Blessings”.

Update Your Prayer Journal Today and “Put Feet to Your Prayers” as Needed!

• Who is in the hospital now?
• What families have babies coming soon?
• What students need an encouraging word?
• Consider giving someone a ride to and from services?
• What elderly widows need assistance in the with chores like cutting grass, changing light bulbs, repairing a broken lock, picking up some fallen branches, pulling a few weeds, etc.

There are many things each of us can do to help others!

Anna Lee

Easter Scripture

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

~I Peter 1:3~

Prayer Focus

1. Prayers for our families and friends
2. Pray for pastors.
3. Pray for the military, the common people, and the political leaders here and in Iran.
4. Pray for people who do not know Jesus.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible in 2026

• March 6
• II Corinthians 5-9

Illnesses and Surgeries

There are a number of people who are having or have recently had surgery. I think there are more surgeries now than in previous years. I suppose there are more optional surgeries in that number.

Hopefully, the cold and flue season is being left behind for most people, but some people still manage to have these problems all year long. Pray for healthy days for everyone.

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries in Kentwood this morning.

Missions

Associational meeting for women and girls at Montpelier Baptist Church Saturday morning at 10:00 followed by a potluck lunch.

Ladies Night

We will meet, Friday, March 20 at FBC, Kentwood at 7:00. Sign the list in the church sanctuary or have the secretary put your name on the list in the church office (229-8111).

Additional Scripture Reading

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

(New International Version)

This thought was shared by Jesus to his apostles. It was fitting for them and is still fitting for us today!

If you have not previously memorized this Scripture, today is a good day to begin that process. I memorized it as written in the King James Version of the Bible which is most familiar to many people. You may want to do the same.

Sunday School Lesson

• March 8
• “Real Devotion”
• Matthew 15:1-11 and 16-29

Anna Lee

“Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” 

Matthew 28:5-6

Here we are in March. It is “marching on”. I am enjoying the warmer weather and looking forward to being able to get the plants out of the greenhouse. I will do that soon. Warmer, not hot, weather and Easter on its way. New leaves on some trees. Flower bulbs showing their finest colors, etc. This is my favorite season of the year!

Thankfulness

I am thankful for being able to spend more time outside and enjoying all of nature that God has provided. Which bird(s) do you look forward to seeing? Which plants are you anxious to see? What is your favorite color of spring? I’m so thankful God did more than provide us a black-and-white world!

I’m thankful for you! I’m glad you checked in today.

Read the Bible in 2026

• March 5
• II Corinthians 1-4

Prayer Focus

Again, let’s focus some of our prayers on the Middle East. Let’s pray lots of good comes from what’s happening there now.

I did not find any new obituaries this morning.

Baptist Press

As usual, there are several articles worth your time.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Week of Prayer

The Week of Prayer for North American Missions in 2026 is observed from March 1–8. This Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) event focuses on praying for missionaries and their families, with the theme “More Than a Gift” based on Ephesians 3:20-21, leading up to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. 

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or

imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory

in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and

ever! Amen.”

We will be learning about one mission opportunity in our local area when we meet Saturday at the WMU meeting at Montpelier. Come see how “we” as churches and “we”, as individuals, can help others through some difficulties in life.

Come, learn something new with us! It is an opportunity and a missions field! There will be a some potentially new friends there too!

Also Coming Soon:

Ladies Night on March 20 at 7 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. If you are a lady who attends now or will possibility do so in the future, this is for you!

Teenage girls are also invited to participate.

Potential members, new members, and members for many years, can learn about opportunities to be involved in FBC, Kentwood.

Questions are welcomed both now and on the 20th. PLEASE SIGN UP SUNDAY or even by phone today. (FBC 0ffice: 229-8111)

Pine Ridge Bible Study Ladies

• Meet on Wednesday, March 11
• Lunch served at noon

Plan for Easter

It’s not all about colorful eggs, a big meal, or even fancy new clothing! It’s about Jesus! Be sure to teach your children and grandchildren “the real story”!

GOD LOVES YOU!

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee