Welcome to May. As a child I learned to pick flowers from the yard, make little bouchets, and them deliver them to neighbors. We knocked, left the flowers, and ran so they didn’t see us. I have to admit I haven’t kept that tradition to this day, but I do think of flowers, our pretty yard as I grew up, and my love for flowers to this day. Maybe, I will check out plants to choose something new today…. I am thankful God chose to give us so many pretty flowers to appreciate to this day.
A Verse for Today
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
The bad weather is over, but it wasn’t too bad. Now we can enjoy come cooler temperatures.
Sometimes people stay in and become discouraged. Do you ever need encouragement? Other people do too!
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for others, that we might be the one to be the encouragement they need.
Doesn’t it fit with our topic of encouraging others today? That was a “God Wink”!
Obituary
Bennie Michael Cascio
November 17, 1940 – April 26, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Bennie “Brother” Michael Cascio, a cherished father, devoted grandfather, and loyal friend, who departed this life on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Bennie was 85 years old and was a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Born on November 17, 1940, in Amite, Louisiana, Bennie carried the warmth and spirit of his roots throughout his life. He built a remarkable career spanning over five decades as a skilled barber in the Baton Rouge area. To his countless clients, he was more than just a barber; he was a confidant, a storyteller, and a steady presence in their lives, always ready with a kind word and a sharp wit. His shop was a true community hub, where generations gathered for a haircut and a dose of camaraderie.
Bennie’s greatest joy and pride were his two daughters, Laura Cascio Romero and Donna Cascio Kopowski, whom he adored. He was a loving and dedicated grandfather to Steve Romero Jr., Evan Kopowski, and Katelyn Kopowski, actively participating in their lives and creating cherished memories.
He is now reunited with his beloved parents, Frank I. Cascio and Laura LaRocca Cascio, and his dear siblings, JoAnn Magee, Loretta Nettles, and Sam Cascio, all of whom preceded him in death.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a heartfelt Religious Service at 1:00 PM, officiated by Deacon Eddie Renz. Following the service, Bennie will be laid to rest at Colonial Mausoleum in Independence, Louisiana.
The family welcomes you to share memories, sign the online guestbook, or leave a personal note of condolence at http://www.mckneelys.com. Bennie’s legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.
Good morning, Friends. I trust you are looking forward to a great Wednesday.
A Verse for Today
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the families who have had recents illnesses and deaths.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 29
Exodus 30-32
Obituaries
Joan Guilbeau Scarle
May 23, 1944 – April 27, 2026
A resident of Montpelier, LA, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 23, 1944 in Plaucheville, LA and was 81 years of age. Joan was a life-long member of St. Helena Catholic Church. She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Scarle; son, George “Pat” M. Scarle, IV and his wife, Darla Henderson Scarle; grandchildren, Garrett Mason Scarle and Kaely Laine Scarle; 2 sisters, Paula Hairford (Warren) and Arleen Wells (Willie); 2 brothers, Wayne Guilbeau (Sandra) and Jeffrey Guilbeau (Rene); brother-in-law, Mike Scarle (Peggy); and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, George “Porgie” M. Scarle, III; and parents, Gilroy and Mary Lee Guilbeau; sister-in-law, Isabelle “Tizzie” K. Eckholdt. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from from 8:00AM until 10:15AM on Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:00AM on Friday, May 1, 2026. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Joanie was a caring person, always doing for others. “To know her was to love herand be loved by her.” I taught both of her children. They were faithful in caring for her.
Jean Patterson Miller
July 27, 1934 – April 27, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born July 27, 1934 in Taylorville, MS and was 91 years of age. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Norma Raborn (Donald), Katy Thornton (Jimmy), and Lynda Bartlett; 1 son, Pierce Miller; brother, Pat Patterson; 8 grandchildren, Chenoa Hoyt, Jennifer Lea, Van Hilbun, Samantha Morris, BJ Miller, Matt Thornton, Daniel Thornton, Ashley Laseter, and spouses; 22 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Emmett Pierce Miller; daughter, Jerry Lynn Miller; mother, Lois Patterson; father, Henry Patterson; 4 brothers, Jack Patterson, Larry Patterson, Donald Patterson, and Van Patterson; 4 sisters, Catheryn McNair, Mary May, Bonnie Dillman, and Johnnie Farmer. The family would like to thank all who were involved in the care for our mother/grandmother, the staff and nurses of Modern Health and of Richard Murphy Hospice House. Your time and professionalism has been greatly appreciated. Visitation at Line Creek Baptist Church from 11:00AM until religious services at 12 Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Services conducted by BJ Miller and Rev. Tim Johnson. Interment Line Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Richard Murphy Hospice House, Hammond, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Beatrice P. Houeye
June 30, 1938 – April 27, 2026
A resident of Roseland, died peacefully at home on date at the age of 87. She was born on June 30, 1938 in Cost, Texas. In 1967 Bea and her husband founded and operated the Golden H Dairy in Roseland. Bea was a strong hardworking woman who worked at the dairy up to the age of 85. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She is survived by her children, John Charles Houeye, Jr. and (Clayton) Amite, Michael Shaun Houeye (Stephanie) Roseland, Daniel Lee Houeye (Sally) Roseland, Jennifer Beatrice Houeye, Roseland, and Alex Jeffery Houeye (Shelly) Kentwood; grandchildren, Shelby, John Michael, Clayton, Seth, Bradley, Ryan, Allyson, Amber, Kaitlyn, Alex and Kaylee; great-grandchildren, Karsen, Novah, Asher, Steel, Maisyn, Caris, Sophia and Parker. Preceded in death by husband, John Charles Houeye Sr.; parents Alex and Demencia Flores Perez; brothers, Esequio Perez, Alex Perez, and Joe Perez; and sister, Elubinia Sequlveda. The Family would like to thank Modern Home Hospice for their care and compassion, especially nurses Lisa, Kylin, Amanda and aid Vanessa. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“Miss” Bea was a very, hard working person. I cannot imagine her working in the dairy so many years, but she did. I taught her three older sons.
It’s not too early for plan for children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends to attend VBS or to invite others to participate. It’s also not too early to get your little ones signed up to attend. VBS impacts so many lives! You can probably remember attending VBS “a few years ago”. You probably can remember learning scripture, having refreshments, participating in Bible drills, crafts, etc. Let’s get another group lined up to attend in 2026.
Thank you for reading TPL this morning. I hope it is a daily inspiration in your life.
“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
April 28
Exodus 28-29
Prayer Focus
Let’s thank God for our country and those who are proud to be citizens here.
Babies
We have a number of new babies in our church family. I want to share a verse in honor of the families.
“For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.”
1 Samuel 1:27
Obituaries
Delores Ratcliff Cornette
March 14, 1956 – April 26, 2026
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 14, 1956 in Franklinton, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her two daughters, Kelly Gamble and husband, Jeremy, and Melissa Cornette Tynes and husband, Case; step-son, Russ Cornette and wife, Tiffany; son-in-law, Darrel Graham and Danielle Reech; grandchildren, Cole Cornette and wife, Emily, Anna Kinchen and husband, Tristan, Graydon Cornette, Ava Graham, Case Tynes II, and Marcus Graham; sisters, Myrna Goings and Sharon Perry and husband, DeWitt; sister-in-law, Carolyn Ratcliff; brother, Bill Ratcliff and wife, Evelyn; mother-in-law, Hazel Wells Cornette; brother-in-law, Mac Cornette and wife, Cheryl; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Russell Cornette; daughter, Jana Cornette; parents, Fleet and Etta Ratcliff; sisters, Mary Ratcliff, Shelia Stafford, and Barbara Riley; brother, Talmadge Ratcliff; father-in-law, Bobby Cornette. Visitation at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 12:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Interment Wesley Chapel Methodist Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at McKneely Funeral Home. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Frances Marie Slaven
December 22, 1941 – April 26, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born December 22, 1941 in Kentwood, LA and was 84 years of age. She was a member of East Fork Baptist Church where she was the organist for over 70 years. She had a love for music. She worked for the Tangipahoa School System for over 20 years where she retired. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Janet Marie Allen and husband, Jack, and Angela DeLynn McMorris; grandchildren, Stephen Craig Allen, Courtney Lynne Torregrossa and husband, Michael, Skylar Wade McMorris and fiancé, Cheyenne Eldridge, Dylan Blake McMorris and wife, Emily. Preceded in death by her husband, John C. Slaven; parents, Wallace and Evelyn Potts Stafford. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 1, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I shared that has player the organ at East Fork for 60 years, but should have written “mor than 70 years”.
Curtis Keith Allen
April 23, 1948 – April 24, 2026
Curtis Keith Allen, 78, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026.
For many years Keith and his brother, James, were the co-owners of Kentwood Farm Center. He enjoyed cutting his grass and helping others with theirs. He was a proud Kentwood Kangaroo class of 1966 alumni. On Friday nights, you could find him sitting in the stands “Under the tank” cheering on the Kentwood Kangaroos and on Saturdays watching any LSU sports team.
He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood.
Keith was born April 23, 1948 to the now late J.Y. and Mamie McNabb Allen.
Survivors include his 2 sons, Michael Keith Allen and Curtis Keith Allen, Jr. (Leigh Anne); grandson, Zachary “Zac” Allen (Haylee); and granddaughter, Jules Allen; 3 great-grandchildren, Caroline, Clay, and Carli Allen; brother-in-law, Jerry L. Clark (Betty); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Allen; sister, Dorothy Gill; brother, James Allen; brother in law, Billy Gill; and sister in law, Hazel Allen.
Memorial service to be held at First Baptist Church in Kentwood on Tuesday, May 5th, at 6pm.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
Sandra Ann GAINES Collins
December 29, 1953 – April 25, 2026
Obituary
Sandra Ann Gaines Collins, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Sandra was born on December 29, 1953, in Amite (Tangipahoa Parish), Louisiana, to her parents Carl Denman Gaines Sr. and Georgie Lee Holden Gaines.
Sandra was devoted to her role as a homemaker, creating a home filled with warmth, care, and unwavering love. She found joy in the simple moments caring for her family, supporting those she loved, and making her house a place where everyone felt welcome, especially the homemade cookies. Her life was a testament to selflessness, kindness, and quiet strength.
She was married on June 15, 1985, to Jerry Wayne Collins, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, partnership, and love. Together for 40 years, they built a blended family rooted in faith, resilience, and deep connection.
Sandra will be remembered for her tough but gentle spirit, her compassionate heart, and her ability to bring comfort and peace to those around her. She had a special way of making others feel valued and cared for, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Sandra loved the art of quilting and was devoted to her quilting group family, and the special time they shared. She also loved the beach, as she was always the first person out and last person in when visiting Galveston and Gulf Shores.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Collins; daughters: Roddi Lynne Blackman and husband Jason; Rhonda Pritchett Hoolahan; sons: John Carl “Clay” Pritchett and Wife Elizabeth; Troy Collins; Shannon Collins and wife Gretchen. Grandchildren: Keeli Blackman; Mia Collins, Tyler Collins, Colton Collins, Emma Collins, Sophia Collins, Julian Pritchett, and Elaina Pritchett. Great-Grandchild, Presley Blackman, and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends who were blessed to know her.
Her legacy will live on through the love she gave and the lives she touched.
A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Central Baptist Church, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the beautiful life she lived. Friends are welcome to visit with the family beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Sandra’s life reminds us of the importance of love, family, and faith. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
Here we go on another week (and getting closer to the end of the school year)!
Read the Bible in 2026
April 27
Exodus 25-27
A Verse for Today
Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains . Deuteronomy 11:14
“Tis the season when people are working in and talking about their gardens!
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on loving others and our country! We’re moving into a time of celebrating 250 years of America. Let’s do what we can to help our nation thrive and influence individuals and nations in a positive way.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 27
Exodus 25-27
Update
James Rimes I heard he seems to be a little better. Please continue to pray. His room number is 3207. Katie, his older daughter, said visiting is okay.
Obituaries
Mrs. Marie Slaven (Shared by Bro. Jay Avance)
Visitation Thursday at EFBC, 5-9 P.M. and Friday 9 A.M. – Service at 11:00
She played the organ for 60 years at EFBC!
I’ll try to get an official notice in the morning.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth”.
John 4:24 (ESV)
Thankfulness
The sky is much quieter than it was yesterday morning. I’m thankful for that.
Prayer Focus
Today, I am thankful that the assassin at the White House was not successful in killing or harming anyone last night. Let’s pray for God’s continued protection on our country’s leadership both at home and abroad.
Let’s also pray for those in our churches today as they learn more about God’s will for all of us.
The last focus today will be for those who are sick at home, in a hospital. or any facility like a nursing home. May individuals always realize God loves them and wants the best for them.
Read the Bible Today
April 26
Exodus 22-24
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries for our area at this time.
I’ve been gone all day and am just getting to post again.
Keith Allen passed away. He has been sick a long time. Please be in prayer for his family.
We visited with James Rimes at North Oaks. He said he no longer thinks he has a problem with infected ears, but a different problem that they have not clearly identified. He’s undergoing tests. Please pray for him.
Good morning. I thank God for the opportunities He has planned for us today. I pray we use those opportunities well.
Today’s Verse
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalms 100:1, KJV
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for each other to heed what God calls us to do as we serve Him today.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 24
Exodus 16-18
Obituary
Lawana Renee Carter
October 1, 1970 – April 22, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born October 1, 1970 in Hammond, LA and was 55 years of age. Lawana is survived by her 2 sons, Mason Carter and wife, Angelicia, and Adam Carter; 1 granddaughter, Skylar Carter; fiancé, James Smith; 4 siblings, Ronald Breeland, Linda Carroll, Debbie Whittle, and Keith Carter; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Alton Perry Carter and Molly Varnado Carter; 2 sisters, Sandra Fontenot and Jean DiMauro. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Interment will be at a later date in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
God wants us to bring others to Him! Baptists calls the funding of this effort in North America the Annie Armstrong Offering. It is never the wrong time to support this offering, but this is the season of the year when we encourage it the most. If you wish to do so, just mark your offering “Annie Armstrong”. One hundred percent of your gift will go to this offering.
Missions
God can use our time, talents, and money to tell others about Jesus. He calls some individuals to serve full time as missionaries and others to serve part-time. I think “part time” describes most of us.
This can include short time mission opportunities like the Journey Program, summer mission trips, and/or even working in international projects. We now have programs and activities we can participate in without ever leaving our home and our home church. That description fits many of us! It’s also a great way to be involved in missions.
You can also support various projects through our churches. There is no right or wrong way, just be involved. Let God lead you this very day!
A Scripture to close with this morning:
1 Peter 1:8-9 (KJV): Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Good morning. It’s good to have you back this morning. I appreciate you.
Scripture
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5 NIV
Prayer Focus
Today, let focus some of our prayer time on each other and unspoken requests.
Obituaries
Vernon “Dale” Doyle
January 20, 1960 – April 20, 2026
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at his home. He was born January 20, 1960 in Clinton, LA and was 66 years of age. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the yard and cooking on the river. He is survived by his significant other, Gwen “Rusty” Goleman; son, Russell Doyle and spouse, Kayla; daughter, Kristine Doyle and spouse, Heather; step-daughter, Amber Dejean and husband, Ray; sister, Cynthia Denise Allen; brother, Jimmy Doyle; grandchildren, Hagan Doyle and Dylan Doyle; step-grandchildren, Parker Layton, and Emma Dejean. Preceded in death by his father, Charles Edward Doyle; mother, Sylvia Janette Pace; brothers, Charles Randolph Doyle and Michael Dennis Doyle; and half-brother, Boo Pace. Pallbearers are Russell Doyle, Hagan Doyle, Jimmy Doyle, Michael “Scott” Doyle, Stephen Doyle, and Ned Allen. Honorary Pallbearer, Gary Doyle. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer is central to our faith. In fact, prayer seems to be a common practice of all peoples.
Prayer is important because it’s essential to getting in touch with God. Even many atheists admit to praying in difficult times.
If prayer is so necessary and important, are there ways we harm our times of prayer? Are there ways we should not pray?
Let me give you three ways you should consider changing about how you pray.
First, don’t pray negatively.
In itself, prayer is a positive practice. It is a way of getting in touch with God and letting Him have control over our lives. This is, of course, a positive event.
How do we make it negative? We do so by emphasizing what we don’t want to do rather than what we want to do. For example, let’s suppose you need to be more patient.
You might pray, “Lord, help me not to be impatient and frustrated today.” That’s a negative prayer.
A positive prayer might be like this, “Lord, help me today as I struggle with the difficulties of life. Help me to show the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Let me live in patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control.”
A positive prayer emphasizes what we want to do rather than what we don’t want to do.
Second, don’t pray negatively toward other people.
We all have people we believe should change and live differently then they are living. It’s easy to get caught up in negative prayer, almost expressing anger toward the other person. Those negative prayers will not help change us or our issues.
Instead of praying negatively or angrily concerning others, ask God to change you and your attitude. Prayer is not to change God’s mind but to change our mind. Let God change you and you will experience the wonderful power of prayer.
Finally, don’t pray without meaning it. Don’t go through the motions, and don’t let your prayer be a time of drudgery. Pray earnestly. Pray passionately and with purpose. Pray to meet God and to draw close to Him.
We all have problems, many of those are in our prayer lives. Ask God to help you. He will. You can count on Him.
If you have problems focusing in prayer or even knowing what to say, tell God. He will help you learn Him and His ways.
I write a devotional that goes out around the country everyday. If you would like to be a part of this community, you can sign up at my website.
Waylon Bailey is pastor of First Baptist Church Covington and a past president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
What’s in your plans for today?
I hope you are planning a day centered on others?
Who missed church? Check. on them!
Who had an important doctor’s appointment? Check on them!
Who shared a concern with you? Check on them!
Etc.
I appreciate each one of you and hope you all have a wonderful day!
The Prayer Link 
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