This cold morning is a good time to read your Bible and pray. Please pray for those who do not have adequate heat and for those who have to get our of their homes today.
Obituaries
I did not find an obituary for Trey Harrison yet. I know no plans. Let’s just pray for Christy and other family members in the meantime.
James Clear is a favorite writer. He has written about the power of habits and how you develop those powerful habits.
Recently he wrote about adding value to other people. He said that before you ask for value you must give value to others. This fits many areas of life. My blog tomorrow will expound on this idea and how it applies to Scripture and to us.
Today, I want to talk about productivity and time management with something James Clear said in the same article.
“The fastest way to raise your level of performance:
Cut your number of commitments in half.”
Almost all of us are asking, “How can I do the things that really matter?”
Obviously, we first have to ask, “What really matters?” This is a great life lesson and life exercise. Certainly, your family, livelihood, and faith would fit in these areas. What else should fit, and what shouldn’t fit? What should you not do, and what should you give to someone else?
These are the kind of questions that help us be more productive and to add value to others.
As we move to the weekend, I want to encourage you to look deeply at what you are doing and the contributions you are making. Look for ways to make a difference in the people around you.
Paul told the believers in Colossae to “Make the most of the time” (Colossians 4:5). He saw time as an opportunity to serve God and to advance the Gospel.
How can we see time as an opportunity, and how can we use our time to advance the Gospel?
Warning!
Tomorrow will be even colder than this morning. Be prepared!
Need some help?
Ask! Depending on your need, decide who can and will help you. There are many who will help you and will be happy to help you to make a good decision about getting additional help.
Stay safe and warm today!
“Winter forms our character and brings out our best.” — Tom Allen
Welcome to another day God has created just for us. He also created us for this day. Let’s give back a portion of this day to/for Him.
Reading the Bible in 2026
January 30
Luke 17-18
Prayer Focus
Let’s spend time today praying for others
Who have experienced death of members of their families this week
Who are having troubles as they face today’s prediction for tomorrow
Who have sick loved ones
Whose home are not adequately heated
ETC .
Obituaries
Melba Ina Deane Blades Etheridge
February 26, 1951 – January 28, 2026
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at her home. She was born February 26, 1951 in Kentwood, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her husband, David C. Etheridge, Sr.; 6 sons, David Etheridge, Jr. and wife, Margie, Jeremy Etheridge and wife, Mary, Chris Etheridge, Kevin Etheridge and wife, Pam, Matthew Etheridge and Brent Etheridge; daughter, Aimee Etheridge Wagner; grandchildren, Deanna Short, Kayla Robbins, David Etheridge, III, Sharee Etheridge, Christopher Etheridge, Jr., Abigail Etheridge, Meaghan Etheridge, Brentleigh Etheridge, Halli Rogers, Heidi Bailey, Daniel Etheridge, Chrissy Etheridge, Lisa Etheridge, Khloe Etheridge, Alex Etheridge, Addison Turner, Ashley Langlois, Tyler Etheridge, Calli Ngo, Cameron Etheridge, Alaina-Michael Etheridge, Dakota Etheridge, Lajend Cobb, Tiffanie Mills, James “Rusty” Etheridge, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Sya Robbins, Palmer Etheridge, Claire Etheridge, Jackie Rhodes, Serenity Etheridge, Jessie Etheridge, Dean Etheridge, Weston Etheridge, Tucker Etheridge, Lilly Ngo, Hadlee Ngo, and Liam Langlois. Preceded in death by 2 sons, Michael Philip Etheridge and James “Rusty” Etheridge, Sr.; parents, Dubb and Bertha Blades; 2 brothers, Ronnie Blades and Wayne Blades. A private family gathering will be from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday. Visitation will continue at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 4:00PM until Religious Services at 6:30PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Norman Henry Bennett
December 3, 1943 – January 27, 2026
Norman Henry Bennett, 82, of Amite, LA, died January 27, 2026 at home.
He was born on December 3, 1943 to Norman E. and Claud Clark Bennett in Amite, LA.
Henry attended Amite High School, Southeastern Louisiana College and Louisiana State University.
He worked for more than fifty years for the State of Louisiana. He began his career with the Department of Health and Human Resources in 1966 until he retired in 1999. He returned to work in 2002 to the Department of Health and Hospitals where he worked until 2019. He received the Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Award in the same year. At that time, he and Merrie were the only married couple to have both received that award.
He was a gifted athlete and played football, baseball and tennis. He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and clarinet.
Henry is survived by his wife of 60 years Merrie Christmas Bennett, daughters Renee Bennett Primes, Lori Bennett Petitto (Michael, Sr.), grandchildren Christine Jones Smith (Cody), Mikki Jones, and great-grandchildren Peyton Smith, Cameron Smith and Vincent Jones, brother Robert (Donna) Bennett, and brother-in-law Charles D. (Kay) Christmas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Claud Bennett, son-in-law, Christopher K. Primes and brother-in-law, Dayle Christmas.
A member of First United Methodist Church of Amite, Henry sang in the choir and served on multiple committees. He found great joy in worship and fellowship with his church family.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Amite LA.
Interment will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite LA.
Pallbearers will be Errol Durr, Michael Petitto, Michael Petitto, Jr., Michael Christmas, Michael Christmas, II., and Peyton Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Amite or a charity of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Church Services Sunday
I suppose most of our churches will be open to those who choose to attend and very understanding of those who choose not to attend if the road conditions are not good. If you choose to stay home, we thankfully have online services to watch and would welcome you to view with us if the services of your church are not available.
Check the church site for FBC, Kentwood ahead of time for information on how to do so.
Illnesses
There are some illnesses in the community that seem to find new homes to visit each week. Be careful not to invite them to visit your home/family. Others have injuries or recovery from hospital procedures. Many homes have elderly residents with long-term illnesses. Help others as you can by cooking, transporting, shopping, or other chores and responsibilities. You can make a difference.
I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.
Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.
Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).
Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.
They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.
You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.
What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”
When I begin my day in this way, I always have a good day. I pray the same for you.
January 2026 is coming to a close.
What else you plan to do before this month is gone?
God sent us another cold morning – 27 degrees in Kentwood. The weekend will be even colder than it is now!
Read the Bible in 2026
January 29
Mark 14-16
Obituaries
Jacqueline Seal Jenkins Major
October 22, 1942 – January 26, 2026
Jacqueline Seal Jenkins Major, age 83, of Amite, Louisiana, passed away on January 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 22,1942 in Franklinton, Louisiana to the late Willie Ernest Jenkins and Era Seal Jenkins. Jackie is survived by her husband and partner in life of 50+ years, J. D. Major and her five children Jacqueline Crowe (Darrell), Chuck Vilardo (Sandee), Kimberlyn Eberhardt (Gary), Scott Vilardo (Laurie), and Jon Major (Samantha); eight grandchildren, D. J. Crowe (Whitney), Garrett Johnson (Stephanie), Tyler Vilardo (Courtney), Mallory Sprehe, Roman Vilardo (Faith), Tanner Vilardo, Kristie Major, Blake Major and step-grandson Rafael Estrada. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren. Cooper Crowe, Chandler Crowe, Brooklyn Vilardo and Vivianne Vilardo. She is also survived by her loving sister, JoAnn Adlong from Texas. Jackie taught Kindergarten for twelve years at Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Independence. She is remembered lovingly by many of her students. She later worked many years at the United States Postal Service in Independence until she retired. After a long and courageous battle against Parkinson’s Disease, Jackie finally lost her fight. In addition to her parents, Jackie was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Mike Adlong. Pallbearers: Johnny Harris, Blake Major, Tyler Vilardo, Chuck Vilardo, D. J. Crowe, and Darrell Crowe. Special thanks to her nurses, Lyndy and Ashley from Modern Hospice. Also, her devoted sitters, Jo and Juanita. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:30AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Chandler Veasey. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Donovan Stafford Lewis, Sr.
April 30, 1934 – January 27, 2026
Our PePaw, Donovan Stafford Lewis, went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on April 30, 1934, to Wendel and Bertha-Lee Lewis. PePaw had a lifelong love for sports, especially baseball. While playing at Southeastern Louisiana University, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he chose to first serve his country after being drafted into the United States military. During his service, he traveled the world playing baseball for the U.S. Army team, winning a batting competition in Germany. He still holds Southeastern’s single-season Triple Crown for RBIs, batting average, and home runs. PePaw was a faithful member of Lewiston Baptist Church and owned Whites Auto/Ace Hardware in Kentwood for over 40 years, where customers remember him most for his kindness. He loved cheering on the LSU Tigers, mowing the grass, playing golf, and hosting friends for weekly coffee and cake. He was never too busy to “hug your neck” and make you feel like family. PePaw will be deeply missed by all who knew him. It was an honor to know him and an even greater honor to be loved by him. He is survived by his children, Vandy (Lynn) Lewis and Cindy (JoJo) Norris; six grandchildren, Misty (Kelly) Alford, Riki (Josh) Breland, Cody Lewis, Taylor (Jeremy) McKenzie, Cynthia Schilling, and Cassye (Tyler) Trout; nine great-grandchildren, including the youngest, little Donovan, named for his PePaw; and his sister-in-law, Barbra Lewis. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Willie Lewis; his parents; and his brother, Ted Lewis. Visitation at Lewiston Baptist Church from 8:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 30, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Cory Morris. Interment Lewiston Cemetery, Lewiston, LA. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kerri Corken for her devoted care of PePaw, and to Modern Hospice and Pulse Home Health for their compassion and support. Your kindness will always be remembered. Pallbearers will be Benj “Chopper” Norris, Jay Fontenot, Mark Dykes, James Schenk, Richard Foley, and Roy Blades. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Parsons, Larry McDaniel, Harold “Fuzzy” Fussell, and Earl Forest. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse springs into action to help with all kinds of problems all around the world all year long. We think of “Shoeboxes” as Christmas gifts, and that is true, but there is more than just that. When there are disasters anywhere in earth Samaritan’s purse springs into action to help. Often Children are in the nomber of people involved. Examples of these situation would include natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Man-made examples might include wartime events. Anytime children are involved Samaritan’s purse is there to minister to families, including children. It’s all about introducing children to Jesus!
“What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!”
I learned to sing the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” as a child and teenager in church. I have never forgotten the words, especially these words, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
It is a privilege to pray–both to take our personal needs to God and to pray for others. As I write this, I have just had the privilege to join with one of the men of our church in praying for his wife.
Prayer for others is a great privilege. It is also a Christian obligation.
While we certainly pray for ourselves and for those close to us, we also have a responsibility to pray for the church and its mission around the world. Paul told the church to pray for all the saints, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Paul asked the church at Colossae to pray for him and his work. “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:3-4).
Would you join me in praying for the people around you? Would you also pray for the work of the church worldwide?
“As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right” (1 Samuel 12:23).
I’m using some free picture downloads. I hope you enjoy them.)
I’m looking ahead to a few days of warmer weather before we get another COLD spell. Think of some ways you can show God’s love for others.
‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
~Matthew 19:26~
This site will not try to keep up with and post what places are open and closed each day. You can check with individual sites you are interested in.
Two Obituaries Today
Richard Lynn Cutrer
August 19, 1946 – January 25, 2026
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born August 19, 1946 in Independence, LA and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Paula Hayden Cutrer; sons, Richard “Ricky” Cutrer, Jr. and wife, Jeanie, and Kevin Cutrer and wife, Michelle; step-daughters, Stacy Haase and Kamie Harper and husband, Caleb; step-son, Jamie Clark and wife, Christine; 17 grandchildren, Blaine Cutrer and, Amberly, Andrew Cutrer and, Christa, Logan Cutrer, Seth Cutrer, Bethany Dunn and husband, Caleb, Emiley Kinchen and husband, Ross, Lexi Ammerman and husband, Luke, Mason Haase, Ella Haase, Avelyn Harper, Nadya Harper, Iyla Harper, Sammy Mercado, Hannah Mercado, Caleb Clark, Nathan Clark, and Tessa Clark; great-grandchildren, Alyse Dunn, Luke Dunn, Levi Dunn, Myla Kinchen, Vada Kinchen, and Hudson Joseph Cutrer; 2 sisters, Carol Ann Cleveland and husband, Ira, and Shirley Mae Newcomb. Preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Rowena Cutrer; grandson, Zackary “Zack” Cutrer; son-in-law, Tim Haase; 3 brothers, Walter “W.G.” Cutrer, Carl Cutrer, and Gordon Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Kevin Dunn. Interment Hayden Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(Richard grew up just west of Amite, graduated from AHS, and served 50+ years with the Amite Fire Department.)
Ellen H. Moore
August 1, 1949 – January 23, 2026
Ellen H. Moore, 76, passed away on January 23, 2026, at her daughter’s home in D’Iberville, Mississippi, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born August 1, 1949.
Ellen was the loving mother of Joseph Moore, Melanie Moore Friday (John), Warren Scott Moore, and Daniel T. Holland (Anne), and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.
Ellen had many friends whom she truly loved and cherished, but had a very special relationship with the family she considered her “sisters” for her entire life, Delores Gill, Judy King and Deb. Gill, as well as her special friend of many years, Johanna Bowman.
An excellent cook, Ellen enjoyed having friends and family over for dinners and Christmas time cookie swaps. She loved vacationing at the beach, and Tennessee mountains. Her favorite past time was gardening, and loved watching movies and shopping.
She worked at the Law Office of J. Lynn Ponder for 43 years and was known for her loyalty, dedication and strong work ethic
She was a woman of faith and attended Arcola Baptist Church
Ellen was a beautiful woman inside and out! She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Gary King. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Southern Baptist relief efforts battle cold, snow and ice
Much of our country has/is experiencing property damage due to weather conditions. I’m thankful to know Southern Baptists are one of the well organized groups that have a great program to help others as needed. Many people were helped by this program in Louisiana under the leadership of Bro. Gibby McMillian. Now, Bro. Stan Statham leads this effort in Louisiana. Ladies and men have served in the past and continue to do so if they have received proper training.
I don’t have to say it is cold outside. According to the lack of vehicles passing my house Sunday and Monday, most people must be staying warm at home. Even if homebound, make today count!
Growing Christians want to pray deeper, more meaningful prayers, and they want to draw near to God as they pray.
I believe this is a true statement. For this reason, I believe that you have the genuine desire to become more like Jesus in your prayer life. This weekend I will be preaching about prayer as we continue to emphasize the basics of following Christ.
If you are not a regular worshiper at FBC Covington, Louisiana, you can join us by means of our live stream at fbccov.org. Our services are at 6:00 PM Saturday and 9:30 and 11:00 AM Sunday. Next weekend the worship times will be the same except that the early service Sunday will be at 9:00 AM to give us more time for cleaning as we begin the long process of re-gathering the church.
While my sermon is not complete yet, the sermon will be about what I yearn for in prayer–to be in the presence of Christ and to learn of Him as I pray. Prayer is the primary practice of Christians to be in the presence of Christ. Think of how many times God tells us to pray and how He promises to hear our prayers.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). God spoke those words to rebellious Jews who had put God on the back burner of their lives. James told us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Our hearts tell us that we need to pray and that we need to pray fervently and urgently. God loves the prayers of His people.
Would you join me in seeking God with all your heart and letting God conform you to the image of His Son?
It’s a COLD day in Kentwood! Take care of yourself and check on your friends and neighbors. Volunteer skills you have to help others with needs specific to this cold Louisiana Monday.
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for those who do not have adequate heating for a COLD day like today.”Put feet to your prayers!” That means not to only think about and talk about, but to DO what is needed to help with these very cold temperatures here in the South. Talking about the needs does no good unless you do something. You can check on others and address their needs this week. What a blessing you will be!
Surely, we are thankful to be warm and dry on such a cold day as we have. We’re thankful for food and fuel, heat and helpers, news and neighbors, etc. Let’s be sure to express our thanks to God and to others.
Needs in the Community
If you know of needs, help others out. If you can’t do the helping yourself, connect people with those who can help them.
Sunday School Lesson for Sunday
You may have some extra time to read this week. Your lesson for Sunday is a good way to spend some extra time.
“Loyalty Tested” is the title and focuses on Matthew 10:16-20 and 26-34.
Jesus emphasized prayer but not in the way commonly done. For Jesus, prayer was not about being seen or convincing God to do what He wanted.
He encouraged us to pray. He repeatedly said, “When you pray” (see Matthew 6:5-12).
Jesus saw prayer as a time of deep intimacy with God. The pharisees prayed openly three times a day, at morning, afternoon, and evening. They wanted to be seen, and they were seen. They received their reward, but they missed the main element of prayer–coming into the presence of God.
Jesus prayed in public and asked us to do the same. When we say “Our Father,” we are acknowledging that prayer can snd should be public. But prayer should first be to God and for God. Therefore, we need to do the equivalent of going into our closet so that we can spend time with God without the distractions around us.
Jesus also taught His followers to pray to the loving Father who already knows what we need. To go to God in prayer is to go to our Father who loves us and desires to hear our hurts and needs.
Therefore, we don’t need to babble on as the pagans do, thinking we can get our way if we say the secret phrases or impress God with our many words.
What Jesus wanted in prayer was for us to come into the presence our loving Father we knows and understands us.
Prayer is for many reasons. We should praise God in prayer, intercede for ourselves and others, deal with our deepest needs such as forgiveness, and invite God into our daily lives.
More than anything else, we simply need to lay our lives before our kind, Heavenly Father who knows and loves us and will give us what we need.
That kind of prayer gives meaning to our lives and draws us closer to Him.
A survey published by Christianity Today and other outlets found that Americans‘ reading and study of Scripture has declined over the last year. While they could not look at this specifically during the pandemic, it seems that this is a direct result of what has happened to us since March 13.
The decline is not just a small amount. It is large, and it is disturbing.
What we thought would happen apparently has not happened. Many of us believed, at least hoped, that this time might be a time in which we would use our time at home to gather together around Scripture and do some very intense searching about our lives.
What happened?
Here is my take on this.
We don’t do well on our own without the church. There is a reason why God created the church, and there’s a reason why we’re told to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
When we assemble together we encourage one another just as Scripture tells us to do. Our physical presence makes a difference.
What can we do when some people simply cannot meet together? Remember, this is not something that has not happened before. We’ve always had homebound people who couldn’t physically meet with the church.
For the most part, these faithful saints have continued to look at Scripture, spend their days in prayer, and encourage other believers.
It is time for us to take up their mantle and be found faithful in difficult times.
Would you join with me in renewing your commitment to become like Christ and to spend time in prayer and in His Word?
Operation Christmas Child
Letter from Rev. Franklin Graham
Operation Christmas Child: Taking the Gospel to theEnds of the Earth!
Thank you for partnering with Operation Christmas Child to help take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of boys and girls around the world. The shoebox gifts that you prayerfully packed in 2025—12,205,900, praise God!—will help open doors for us to reach even more children with God’s love in the new year.
These shoeboxes go to the very ends of the earth—from jungles to deserts, from megacities to remote villages. One of the most powerful testimonies we’ve received recently comes from one of our teams deep in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The Chapra people are an indigenous tribe, far removed from modern life in many ways. Recently, more than 1,000 Chapra children received shoebox gifts, most of them hearing about our Savior for the very first time.
We invite you to experience what our Lord is doing in the jungles of Peru through a dynamic multimedia presentation. To God be the glory!
Familiar Verses
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:6-9
I know a number of people who have lived their lives being “Strong and Courageous”! I hope you know some too. I hope you are one of the “Strong and Courageous”!
The good news is that I wake almost every morning feeling hopeful. Today I feel hopeful for a number of reasons.
In Louisiana, where we have suffered mightily from Covid-19 and death, the number of new infections is going down. Yesterday, the number was lower than in several days with just over 300 new infections. Unfortunately, the death rate continued to be very high.
I am also hopeful for the reopening of our economy. The President has been speaking of that for days and our Governor mentioned that we might be able to begin Phase One of our reopening May 1. For the first time, we’ve started planning how we might begin the process of re-gathering the church in the church’s building.
All of those were hopeful signs, but my hope–and yours–does not come from the circumstances of the day. My hope comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
I love Psalm 121. It’s only eight verses, but it is a power packed eight verses.
The Psalm begins with a question and an answer: “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Then for six verses the Psalmist gives us the wonderful reasons for hope–the Lord watches over His people. He guides and protects. He watches over your life.
The Psalm ends with wonderful words of hope and protection. In a day in which our coming and going are filled with anxiety and danger, God speaks to remind us that “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore” (Psalm 121:8, RSV).
That’s why I am hopeful. I pray that you will be hopeful in the same way.
……………………………………………………………………
We all remember the Covid days like we remember bad weather days. Best of all, we remember God loves all of us every day, no matter what! Remember, he created cold weather. Make your own memories this week.
I hope these photographs remind you of some days in your memory bank. Make some good memories in the next week.
Let’s pray for each other to have a happy and safe week as we make our new memories.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Imagine this picture – a person holding a road map.
God has wonderful plans for each of us. Do we seek His will? Wait a minute as you let your imaginenation focus on a map.
Obituary
Kim Cutrer Schwartz
November 9, 1955 – January 21, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born November 9, 1955 in Kentwood, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Schwartz; step-daughter, Stacey Smith; step-grandchildren, Christina Smith, Ray Smith and wife, Addie, and Trent Smith; step-great-grandchildren, Douglas and Smith Leto; sister, Renae Cutrer Hidalgo and husband, Ron; brother, Dana Larry Cutrer, Jr. and wife, Angie; nieces, Phoebe Lise Crippin and Laurel Lindsey Wilson. Preceded in death by her parents, Dana Larry Cutrer. Sr. and Gloria Dean Adams Cutrer; and a step-great grandson, Anderson Leto. A private service for the family to mourn their loss will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I am not a weather person, but heed the warnings and instructions of those who are. It seems we have COLD days ahead with the possibility of ICE. In this area, we are not usually equipped for safe traveling under these conditions.
Prayer Focus for Today
We have two family members, one east of here and one west of here, and friends who are “out of pocket” right now. They are hoping for flights today. Please join me in praying for them and all the others who would love to safely get home today. “Home” will be the destination hoped for by many people today.
Also pray for families with illnesses and deaths now. Traveling will probably be limited, so let’s pray.
The Prayer Link 
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