But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

Psalms 22:19

Obituary

Dona Jane Kent-Puma

Dona Jane, age 73, went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 16, 2024. She was a resident of Fluker and Hammond, LA. She took such pride in her work within her family’s business. Dona Jane enjoyed fishing, going on cruises, and traveling with her beloved husband Mike and family. She was the rock of the family and built her life around her children, especially her pride and joy, Skye. Dona Jane was a beautiful soul that will be loved and missed by all that knew her.

Dona Jane is survived by sons, Skye Kent Puma (Emily), Michael Wayne Puma (Gina); grandson, Haden Michael Puma; sisters, Denise Mitchell (Wayne), Darla Howard (Bill), and Cristie Kent (Chris); brothers, Don Kent (Kathy) and Duke Kent; numerous nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephew.

Dona Jane is preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Joseph Michael “Mike” Puma; parents, Donald Earl, Sr. and Barbara Jane Kent.

A private service and burial will be held. Following the committal service a Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 25th at the Donald Kent Farm in Hillsdale, 9293 Hwy 441 Amite, LA 70422.

The family requests for people to donate to any school, church, or organization close to your heart in honor of Dona Jane.

Donna Jane was in band with me and rode the Kent bus with me occasionally. She was always friendly and fun! She had a unique voice and laugh, so when she spoke or laughed, everyone recognized it was her.

Read the Bible Every Day

• Exodus 38:1 – 39:31
• Psalm 22:27-31
• Proverbs 5:18-20
• Matthew 27: 34-66

Attend your church today.

If you do not have a church, attend one you know about. You will be welcomed to attend at First Baptist Church in Kenwood. I encourage you to come early and ask for me so we can sit together, if you want to. Services start at 10:30 A.M. and 6 P.M. today. Ladies, come early and attend my Sunday School class. Sunday School classes are available for everyone. Ask someone to help you get the the classrooms.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for those who do not attend Sunday School and church. May this be the day many of them choose to attend.

Anna Lee

He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

Jonah 2:2

Thankfulness

We had two family members to receive good lab results this morning. I’m very thankful!

Jackie Babin is back at church following her surgery. We are glad to see her! She feels much better now.

Prayer Focus

Pray for all those we know who daily have medical tests and have to await the results. Pray they will receive good results, as my family members did.

Prayers Needed

Please continue to pray for Sean Bruce, grandson of Wanda Smith, and a senior at SLU. Sean is losing his vision. Pray this can be helped.

Pray for Dennis Miller as he recovers from surgery that was done Wednesday.

Surgery Soon

Please pray for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has surgery Tuesday at East Jefferson. Pray for his family, church members. and many friends who are “Standing with him”.

Obituary

Jimmy Edward Gordon

May 11, 1958 – February 10, 2024

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Ochsner Medical Center – Jefferson in New Orleans, LA. He was born May 11, 1958 in Independence, LA and was 65 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Evie Gordon; 2 sons, Chip Rogers (Jennifer), and Jacob Gordon (Jessica); 2 daughters, Samantha Hyde (Michael) and Daisy Gordon; 5 grandchildren, Paul Rogers, Ashly Rogers, Briar Hyde, Bristol Hyde, and Amelia Gordon; 1 great-grandchild, Baylor Lauricella; mother, Alice Gordon; sisters, Judy D. Kliebert, Jeanna M. Johnson, and Joanna S. Easley; 1 brother, Justin D. Gordon; nieces, Jessica Leigh Johnson and Kayla Danielle Smith; nephews, Cory Lee Gordon, Tyler Dane Gordon, Jerry Matthew Gordon, Kenneth Wayne Galladora, Frederick Allan Galladora, Henry E. Johnson, Christopher Aaron Johnson, Lawerence Joseph Navarre, Jr., and Adam Joseph Navarre. Preceded in death by his father, Archie E. Gordon; brother, Jerry Lee Gordon; grandparents, Walter J. Gordon, Jr., Effie Irene Gordon, Jacob (J.J.) Smith, and Audrey Irene Smith. Visitation at Woodhaven Baptist Church, Tickfaw, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Interment Woodhaven Baptist Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Today

• Exodus 36:20 – 37:29
• Psalm 22:22-26
• Proverbs 5:15-17
• Matthew 27: 24-44

TPL Encouragement

Thursday, I saw another person who reads this site daily. Thanks for looking forward to reading TPL each day.

Keep in Touch with . . .

• Those having surgery or sickness
• Those who are in your class/group
• Family members
• New church members
• Etc.

Be an Encourager to . . .

• Children and teens who are being introduced to Jesus
• Adults who are visiting our church
• Neighbors who might be sick and/or have needs
• Class members who have been absent
• Those with sickness or a death in the family
• Teens and adults struggling with decisions about the future
• New neighbors
• Families with a recent death
• Friends you haven’t spent much time with lately
• Your pastor
• Your doctor
• Etc.

Anna Lee

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17

Read the Bible

• Exodus 35:1 – 36:19
• Psalm 22: 16-21
• Proverbs 5: 15-23
• Matthew 27:1-23

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those we meet in the grocery store, the post office, etc. These people have problems, just like us. May we be kind and encouraging to them. Then, may we be kinder to our own families and those we see on a regular basis.

Missions

Southern Baptists have three mission programs that each have their own special offerings.

As we move toward the first missions offering, please thank God for the Cooperative program which helps give each of offortunity to support these offerings – Georgia Barnette (Louisiana). Annie Armstron (North America), and Lottie Moon (International). I pray each church teaches about these offerings and encourages support for them each year.

Operation Christmas Child

This program was designed by and is enouraged by Samaritan’s Purse, an international program. which is led by Franklin Graham, the son of Rev. Billy Graham. They have many ministries, such as disaster releif, which Baptists have patterned some of their ministries from. The greatest feature about Operation Christmas Child is that Bibles are given to the children in their own language and a 13 week program is taught that trains the children in many of the Bible concepts they may never have heard of. Pray for the salvation of each child who receives a shoebox. Pray, too, for family members as they also are influenced by the shoeboxes and Bible given out.

I am only somewhat knowledgeable about the mission programs of other denominations and organizations so I didn’n’t list them here.

Yesterday, David and I spoke with a lady whose brother is very ill and whose name Bro. Darryl mentioned Wednesday night. Isn’t it wonderful how people can pray for the needs of others, even the names of those we do not personally know. We can pray simply because there is a need.

Please excuse the different sizes of fonts today. May you be aware of the blessings in your life today.

Anna Lee

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Read the Bible Today

• Exodus 33:1 – 34:35
• Psalm 22:11-15
• Proverbs 5:9-10
• Matthew 26:52-75

Surgery

Dennis Miller had surgery yesterday.

Bro. Darryl’s surgery is Tuesday of next week.

Prayer Focus Today

Today, let’s pray for people to allow God’s love to reside in their hearts. Pray He resides in your heart too. If He’s not there, open your heart to Him.

Ladies’ Spring Painting Party

• Saturday, February 17 at 10:00 A.M. in the Lighthouse
• Teacher – Hayley Bankston of FBC, Kentwood.
• Call the church office to sign up.
• $10.00 fee for materials

Operation Christmas Child Workers

We have had a number of volunteers, but would love to have. some new volunteers. If you have not ever helped or haven’t helped in a while, please let me know.

Be a blessing to someone or to several people today.

Anna Lee

By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Genesis 3:19

Happy Valentines Day! 

I hope you love many people and are loved by many people.

Read the Bible Today!

• Exodus 31:1 – 32:35
• Psalm 22:6 – 10
• Proverbs 5: 7-8
• Matthew 26: 26-51

Obituaries

Annie Bravata Danna

September 26, 1931 – February 11, 2024

Annie Bravata Danna, age 92, of Amite City, LA passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Miss Ann was a life long parishioner of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, serving in many ministries.

Ann is survived by her husband of 72 years, Peter S. Danna; daughter, Geri Danna Welch and husband Lee; grandson, Hunter David Parra and wife Jenna; and great-granddaughters, Ava Grace Parra, Ella Rose  Parra, and Mia Kate Parra.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 9am-11am at St. Helena Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30AM. Burial at Our Lady of Pompeii Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

We met “Miss” Ann when David went to work after graduating in 1967 from SLU, SLC back then. She was so nice. Through her, we got to know and love Mr. Sam.

Jeremiah Wickliffe Goldsmith,III

June 24, 1980 – February 7, 2024

Jeremiah Wickliffe Goldsmith III, a resident of Greensburg, Louisiana passed from this life on February 7,2024 at the age of 43. Wick is survived by his wife Haley Goldsmith, his daughters Emma and Bella, father Wick Goldsmith II, sister Christine Kelemen (Mark). Wick is also survived by his wife’s parents Bobby and Mary Davison, brother-in-law Kyle Davison (Lexi), sister-in-law Emily Davison, nieces Ansley Kelemen, Lily Davison, and nephews Connor and Jake Kelemen. He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Lavorgna Goldsmith. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. 

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on those who do not have anyone to love them, or who just don’t realize people love them. Today is a good day to show love to someone who possible doesn’t feel loved. God loves us all, but often people don’t realize that!

Anna Lee

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

Illness

Pray for Wanda Smith’s grandson, a student at SLU. He has a vision. problem.

Pray for Bro. Darryl Miller who will be having surgery one week from today.

Read the Bible Today

• Exodus 29:26 – 30:38
• Psalm 22:1-5
• Proverbs 5: 3-6
• Matthew 26:6-25

Obituary

Gerald Hyde

November 13, 1947 – February 11, 2024

Gerald Hyde
November 13, 1947 – February 11, 2024
On February 11, 2024, peacefully and surrounded by family, Gerald took his last breath on earth and his next breath in the presence of His Lord and his mother, sister, and best friends, Larry W. Raborn and Ruby Ricks.

A native of Chesbrough and resident of Kentwood, Gerald was well known for his involvement in the community. He graduated from Chesbrough High School and Southeastern Louisiana University  and shortly after began his teaching career. Gerald taught at Valley Forge, Greensburg, and Sumner High School before retiring.

He is survived by the love of his life and faithful companion, Judy, his father George Hyde,  his sister Beth and her fiance Norman,  two nieces Amy and her husband Brian, Katee and her husband Brian, and three great nephews Jack, Evan, and Spencer. He is preceded in death by his mother Mildred “Millie” Lawrence Hyde; grandparents, Willie and Lillian Hyde and George and Jessie Lawrence, and baby sister Bonnie Mildred.

Pall bearers will be Donald Raborn, Rodney Hoyt, Dwayne Raborn, Thomas Raborn, Mike Whitehead, John Hyde, Larry McKnight, Brian Rivet, Barrett Travis, Brad Travis, Dane Travis, and Ayden Travis.

Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM  on  Thursday, February 15, 2024. Interment will be in Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers that Gerald has had over the last year for their wonderful care and compassion. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.    

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for our world. Pray that PEACE and LOVE abound all around the world.

Operation Christmas Child

We had a very productive day yesterday, so we will take a break for a few days. I’ll let you know when we will work next.

Anna Lee

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Read the Bible Every Day

• Exodus 26:15 – 29:25
• Psalm 21:8-13
• Proverbs 5: 1-2
• Matthew 25: 31 – 26:5

Death

Two friends sent messages yesterday that Gerald Hyde passed away,

 I will post an obituary when one becomes available.

Health Concerns

*Dorothy Wall continues to have respiratory issues.

*Coach Shaw continues to be very sick.

*Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor. They have been home-bound for a long time.

*Mr. Cete Dillon has also been homebound for a long time.

*Mrs. Mickey Cade has been homebound for a long time too.

*Mrs. Velma Anthony is living at the new nursing home in Amite.

Operation Christmas Child

We are increasing our shoebox count this year because we have been at 400 for three years, In 2024, we will send 450 boxes. That is 225 for the older girls and 225 for the older boys. The older group is for ages 10-14. 

Work has already begun. We will work this morning from 9:00 – 11:30 in the shoebox area (basement of the sanctuary building).

Thank-you for “tuning in” this morning. Two friends I haven’t seen in a long time, but saw at a funeral Friday, told me they read this post daily. I am thankful for all of you!

Anna Lee

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

Read the Bible Every Day

• Exodus 26:15 – 28:14
• Psalm 21:1-7
• Proverbs 4: 24-27
• Matthew 25:14-30

Sunday School Lesson

Today’s lesson is entitled “Impatience”. It’s about Abram, but applies to us too.

Correction

Correction:
Gerald Hyde is not at home.
He is in the Baton Rouge General Butterfly wing.
Thanks for the prayers.

Announcements

Ladies’ Spring Painting Class

Saturday, February 17th at 10 A.M. in the Lighthouse

Cost of materials: $10.00

Sign up in the church foyer.

Choir Practice

Sundays at 5 P.M.

Easter Cantata

Kid’s Camp

July 26-28

Sign up in the church foyer.

OCC

Thanks to all the ladies and David for helping.

Fabric Cutting Workshop

Feb. 21 at 9 .M.

Fellowship Hall

Shoebox Preparation

Monday, Feb. 12

9:00 A.M.

Shoebox Area of Basement

Have a blessed Sunday as you worship Him.

Anna Lee

“A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

Illness

There are several fighting big battles with illnesses. As. you pray for them, please remember Gerald Hyde who is back at home.

Read the Bible Every Day

• February 21
• Exodus 25:1 – 26:14
• Psalm 20:1-9
• Proverbs 4: 23-24
• Matthew 25: 1-13

Operation Christmas Child

We are making good progress preparing to pack our shoeboxes. This week we will only plan to work Monday, 9:00 – 11:30 this week. Hoping to see all those willing hands and hearts.

Saturday = Preparation

Today is Saturday, so make your preparations for Sunday.

Ladies, if you don’t have a Sunday School class, you are invited to visit my class. Ask for directions, or a guide, when you get to church. We begin at 9:15, so come on time.

Have a great day of worship! At FBC, Kentwood, we have worship services at 10:30 and 6:00.

Anna Lee

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Mark 12:30

Prayer Focus

Pray for our president and other leadership of our country. We need to be a strong nation on the world scene. Pray for the voters of our country as we move into primaries and November elections.

Surgery

Bro. Darrell Miller has been seeing doctors and now is scheduled for surgery on February 20th. Please remember him, his family, our church, and his many friends in your prayers.

Procedure

Wendell Simmons is having an angiogram at North Oaks this morning. Please be in prayer for Wendell, Ginger, and other family members.

Obituary

John Dowd Watkins

August 26, 1961 – February 6, 2024

John Dowd Watkins, born August 26, 1961, passed at North Oaks Medical Center on February 6, 2024 after a severe illness.  He is preceded in death by his father, Robert P. “Buddy” Watkins and his mother, Joan Watkins of Amite.  He is survived by his 3 brothers, Perrin (Ann), Robert (Kathy), and William (Patricia).  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A client of Options for many years, John was well taken care of by his family and his loving caretaker of 20 years, Deanna Savage.  The family would like to thank Deanna, Lydia, Tasha, and LaTasha for the many years of care and love they gave John and to thank anyone else at Options that contributed to his care.  The family would also like to thank all the workers at North Oaks Hospital for the care John was given in his final week of life.  They did an excellent job in attending to his needs and the needs of the family.  

A graveside service will be held at the Amite Memorial Gardens on South Laurel at 1:30pm on Saturday, February 10 where John will join his parents in the afterlife.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Amite or Options. Arrangements are being handled by McKneely Funeral Home.  

Read the Bible Every Day

Exodus 22:21 – 24:18

Psalm 19:7-14

Proverbs 4:20-22

Matthew 24:36-51

Invite Someone to Sunday School and Church

That’s how we grow! Let’s continue to invite others to visit us if they are not attending elsewhere.