Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

Exodus 14:1

Thoughts of Thankfulness: Day 1

November brings Thoughts of Thankfulness. I will begin with my thankfulness for Jesus and His life and death here on earth that paid for my sins and give me the opportunity to spend my eternity with Him in heaven. We all have this opportunity, but it is up to us to make that choice.

Thoughts of Thankfulness and You

I encourage you to cut some scraps of paper to write your thankful thoughts on and find a small jar/vase/bottle to put them in after you write them each day this month. Sharing your thoughts is optional. The key is to pinpoint your thankfulness and to write it down somewhere. At the end of the month, you can decide what to do with them.

Today’s Death and a Recent Death Revisited

Rufus Williams passed away last night. I remember when he gave his life to Christ. Right now, Rufus is in heaven!

Prayers Needed

Tommy Hood and his family need your prayers.

Yesterday’s Obituary

I just realized I taught a lady whose obituary I posted yesterday. I taught Joyce Westbrook in Amite in the 70’s. I feel old when I read the obituaries of people I taught so long ago!

Read the Bible

• Matthew 22: 155-22
• Acts 5: 22-32
• “If human and divine law conflict, I . . . .”

Prayer Focus for Today

Again, I want to focus our prayers on Israel and the war that was brought to the people there. I see pictures on television, but I just cannot imagine all the horrors of war. Let’s pray for the people on both sides.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

“The Blind”

The movie about the change Jesus made in the live of the Duck Dynasty patriarch will be shown Sunday night at FBC, Kentwood. Contact the church office at 229-8111 to check on tickets. The movie will be shown at 6:00 P.M. and shown in the sanctuary.

Today, you have the opportunity to bless or encourage someone. Maybe, even more than one person. Don’t let the day end without doing that.

Remember, we are in our month of thankfulness.

Anna Lee

Read the Bible Today

Eccelesties. 12

Solomon’s encouragement was simply ….”

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalms 23:4

Illness

Please continue to pray for Pam Forrest. She stroke has left her with problems she is working to recover from.

Hillary Watson fell last week. He has broken bones in his arm, broken ribs, and a ruptured kidney. He is still hospitalized. Please pray for him and for his family.

Obituaries

Joyce Marie Westbrook Graves

March 6, 1953 – October 27, 2023

Joyce Marie Westbrook Graves, former director of First Baptist Church Daycare, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born March 6, 1953 in Independence, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Slade; daughter, Katie Adkins and husband, Shane; son, Alfred Graves and wife, Danielle; daughter, Stacey Lambert; 8 grandchildren, Lane Coplin and wife, Amber, Brianna Coplin, Gabby Hopson, Kathryn Hopson, Bri Adkins, Evan Graves, Nathan Graves,  and  Adrianna Lambert; brother, James Westbrook; 2 sisters, Ruthie Zaffuto and Penny Burch. Preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Katie Westbrook; brother, Charles Westbrook and son-in-law Chris Slade. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Amite from 10:00AM until memorial services at 12Noon on Saturday, November 4, 2023. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lucretia Noelia Verdin Cerigny

September 18, 1932 – October 29, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born September 18, 1932 in Golden Meadow, LA and was 91 years of age. She is survived by her 7 daughters, Patsy Shepherd and husband Steve, Wanda Batson, Donna Cerigny, Frances Husson and husband Charlie, Mary Martin and husband John, Tammy Payne and husband Mike and Renee Butler and husband Ben; 1 son, Andre’ Anthony Cerigny; grandchildren, Wayne Landry, Ricardo Ali, Megnon Ali, James Shepherd, Jeremiah Shepherd, Melaun Shepherd, Dyron Cerigny, Daquay Cerigny, Lena Batson, Leon Batson, Lucretia Myra Batson, Tracy Cerigny, Stacy Cerigny, Christinna Cerigny, Areka Gomez, Mandy Cerigny, Mindy Pikey, Jenny Martin, Jade Martin, Thomas Gerald, Kenneth Butler and Karissa Butler;  great-grandchildren, Christian, Devon, and Jolie Wrenn, Hayden, Rider True, and Raven Ali, Brandon Badon, James, III, Taylor, Abigail, and Kayla Shepherd, Dakota Batson, Cheyenne Wehmyer, Sheena Batson, Draylin Hayden, Brandon Payne, Ali Payne, Cameron Martin, AJ, Emily, and Chelsey Cerigny, Jeman and  Jimmy Arceneaux and Mia Alfred, Peyton and Briana Gomez, Hope and Ronald Cerigny, Walter Kaufman, Hank Yates, Cassie Pikey, Ashlin Cabibi, Savanna Bangs, Charles Pons, Aleeah Martin, Julia and Thomas Gerald, Jr., Magdalyn and Jonathan Cerigny and Alayah Butler; great-great-grandchildren, Hayes and Hudson Hayden, Nolan and Baylor Dykes, Joel Clouatre, Alex Chighizola, Hayden Arceneaux, Zayden Nunez, and AJ Cerigny, Jr. Preceded in death by her husband, Andre’ Simon Cerigny; sisters, Marie Vezier, Helen Caulfield, and Rose Marie Serigny; brother, Anthony Verdin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, November 3, 2023. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus Today

Today, let’s pray for concerns dealing with colder temperatures – older people and others without adequate heating, people moving plants to warmer areas, cost of heating homes, etc. If you can, help addresses these needs, if not, simply pray.

Georgia Barnette

Offering for mission work in Louisiana It’s not too late to give.

“The Blind” is a movie about the older couple of the Duck Dynesty fame. It tells of the change they needed to make in their lives and how it impacted them and their family.

Showing Sunday night at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M.

Cost – $12.00

Don’t miss the lesson this family learned.

Be an encourager today!

Anna Lee

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.”

1 Peter 3:14

This morning I have learned about health updates of two friends.

1. Linda Tullier Bernard, who grew up a few houses south of me, has dementia and other issues. She and her husband live in Florida and have a daughter living next-door. Please pray for Linda and her family.
2. Jane Bean Harden, who taughts school with me for many years, has had heart issues that led to two stints. Thank God she went to the ER when she did.

The Fall Fest last night was very well attended and greatly enjoyed by many people. What fun it was to watch.

Health Updates

I spoke with family members and got these updates.

Susan Rimes is improving and without the previous pain.

Rhonda Miller is improving following her surgery.

Please keep praying for both of these ladies.

Read the Bible

• Monday
• I Thessalonians 2: 1-13
• “Even in persecution, the early Christians ….”

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituary

The updated obituary for Mrs. Fay Raborn is not available at this time.

Thank-you!

Many of you have passed the link to this site on to other people. Thank-you!

Anna Lee

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:15

Read the Bible Today

• I Timothy 6: 11-21
• Luke 12: 16-21
• “The Word of God demands that I ….”

Obituary

Fay Hart Raborn

August 6, 1934 – October 28, 2023

Fay Hart Raborn, a resident of Kentwood, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 6, 1934 in Ferriday, LA and was 89 years of age. All family and friends are invited to a gathering at her home to celebrate her life from noon until 4 PM on Sunday, October 29, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home of Kentwood in charge of arrangements. 

A full obituary will be posted when available.

Fall Festival

• FBC, Kentwood
• 5-7 P.M.
• Free

Prayer Focus

Pray that the families attending Fall Festivals at various churches will find a church home if they do not already have one.

FBC, Kentwood

Bro. Darryl missed sharing Wednesday night because of a medical appointment. He WILL preach this morning. Join us in worship. I’m praying for another packed house today.

Anna Lee

Mrs. Fay Raborn passed away about 5: 00 A.M. this morning. Please be in prayer for her family.

There will be no funeral, but tomorrow from 12:00. – 4:00 friends are invited to drop in at the house to speak to the family.

Anna Lee

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

Surgery

Please pray for Rhonda Miller. She had surgery yesterday.

Obituary

Glen Zeno “Snowball” Carrier

March 21, 1939 – October 27, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023 at his home. He was born March 21, 1939 in Amite, LA and was 84 years of age. He is survived by son, Herman Glen Carrier and his wife, Wendy; 2 grandchildren, Herman Blake Carrier and Heidi Rochelle Carrier; 3 great-grandchildren, Keith Wayne Polezcek, Isla Claire Carrier, and Kayden Carrier; brother, Herman Lawson “Mickey” Carrier; and former wife, Mavis Carrier. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sally Rochelle Carrier; parents, Herman and Alida Carrier; and a brother, Algie “Coot” Carrier. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Woodard and Bro. Tom Seeger. Interment in Shady Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

• I Chronicles 28
• “The successful building of the Temple was the result of ….”

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s again pray for Israel’s war.

Sunday’s Schedule at Church

9:15 – Sunday School

10:30 – Morning Worship

5 -7 P.M. – Fall Festival/No regular church services

OCC Today

I will be attending a workshop for completing the paperwork for the Drop-Off Week next month. Some of the men will receiving, transporting, and unloading the cartons the Shoeboxes will be packed into next month.

Weather

It’s still dry, but some rain and then cooler temperatures are ahead.

Be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Romans 5:17

Read the Bible

• Deuteronomy 4:29
• Psalm 105: 4
• Phillipians 11: 20-21
• “Without priorities, my life becomes ….”

Now Home

Susan Rimes got home about 4:30 yesterday. Pray for her as she continues to deal with pain.

Hospitalized

Daryl Carruth is still hospitalized as far as I know. Pray he will soon be better.

Wonderful Outlook

Bro. Darryl Miller continues to have a wonderful attitude. His procedures are not set on the calendar yet.

OCC

We are always looking for more helpers who love the shoebox ministry. With more helpers, we can grow the ministry more.

Coming soon: Drop-off week so other area churches can turn their shoeboxes in for the next leg of the journey to the children.

Need: Boxes that copy paper is stored in

Also coming soon: Continued organization for next year.

Prayer Focus

Pray for people all around our world to see the need for Jesus in their lives. Only with His help can we be the people He wants us to be.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Read the Bible

Week 41: Priorities: First Things First

• Matthew 6: 25-34
• I will spend more time ….”

Surgery

Susan Rimes has had a lot of trouble with kidney stones in the last few years. One kidney was barely functiioning. Yesterday, she had that kidney removed. She is hoping for better health now. Last night, she was still in a lot of pain. Please pray for her.

Daryl Carruth

Daryl is having a heart catherization at 7:30 am today and he has many risk factors. I would appreciate all of his family and friends saying a prayer for him. We all love him and know God is in control. JoEllen Carruth

Obituaries

Evelyn M. Ballard

October 4, 1934 – October 23, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away peacefully at her home, to go home to be with her beloved Savior, on Monday, October 23, 2023. She was born on October 4, 1934 and was 89 years of age. She was a very kind and loving person who did most  things, “HER WAY” until the end. Her faith in GOD was tremendously strong. She is survived by three daughters, Donna Dozier, St. Rose, LA, Carol Pansano, and husband, Mitchell Pansano, Harahan, LA, and Milissa Fitzpatrick, Amite, LA; sisters, Estelle Neal, Harahan, LA and Katherine Jenkins, Roseland, LA; and a brother, Monroe Rutland, Jr. and wife, Marilyn, Roseland, LA; sisters-in-law, Sally Verdel and husband, Winfrey, Bogalusa, LA and Clara Ballard, Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Joseph Dozier, Vincent Dozier (Nancy),Cori Lewis (Jerry), Mitchell Pansano (Ashley), Kelly Fitzpatrick, Scott Fitzpatrick (Abby), Katelyn Fitzpatrick, and Timothy Normand; great-grandchildren, Joseph Dozier, Jr., Davon Dozier, Carley Dozier, Delilah Dozier, Brayden Dozier, Molly Lewis, Connor Lewis, Madison Pansano, Mallory Pansano, Makenna Pansano, Nevaeh Normand, Noah Fitzpatrick, and Piper Fitzpatrick; numerous nieces and nephews; very special friends, Lelia and Cliff Buniff, Herman and Penny Newell, Sharon Jones, Charlsa Ellison, Kathy White, Kelly Rainey, Carolyn Bellue, Norma Price, Ava Ballard, and Diane Creel. Preceded in death by her husband, Gaston E. Ballard; father, George Gibson; mother, Eloise Rutland; step-father, Monroe Rutland, Sr.; sister, Louise Murphy; and brother, Sidney Rutland. Special thanks to Shea Edwards, NP, the Modern Home Health and Hospice and the Fireman from Tangipahoa Parish Fire District #1 in Amite, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 27, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Richard “Paul” Ballard, Sr.

June 17, 1934 – October 22, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 22,2023 at his home, at the age of 89. He was born on June 17, 1934 in Chesbrough, LA to Richard and Carrie Clark Ballard. He is survived by his three sons, Peter Ballard, Allison; Bill Ballard, Melissa and Kenny Ballard, Lorreta; three step-daughters, Kenta Damonte, Brenda Osborne and Becky Hopkins, Jeff; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; lifelong partner Nan Gale Corken Ballard; son, Galen Troy Ballard; 8 siblings and first wife Birdie Traylor Ballard. Paul was raised in Chesbrough, Louisiana. He served in the United States Army. Paul was a lifelong Dairy Farmer; He was always doing something in the outdoors; hunting, fishing and loved planting and working in his garden for many years. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Modern Hospice for being a kind caregiver to him and the kindness they showed the family. Paul will be laid to rest with his son Galen and lifelong partner Gale at a graveside memorial service on Saturday, October 28,2023 at 11:00a.m. at Sylvest Cemetery, Conducted by Chaplin John Cook, all are welcome to attend. There will be fellowship following at Chesbrough Baptist Church, Chesbrough, LA. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Modern Hospice or any Hospice Center of your choosing in memory of Paul Ballard. Sylvest Cemetery, Tangipahoa Parish: Lat: 30.76670 and Long: 90.33360. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Fall Fest

The Fall Fest is scheduled for Sunday evening, October 28 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Bring you children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children. Us them as an excuse to come out and have a good visit with others.

Prayer Focus

Pray for churches as they reach out to their communities. May they have an impact on new individuals and families.

Thanks for Reading

Your prayers impact many people.

Anna Lee

Yesterday my keyboard AND mouse were dead. I charged them for hours because they do not have an indicator of their power like a cell phone.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Read the Bible

Tuesday

• Romans 5: 6-8
• Titus 3: 33-8
• “The extent of God’s love makes me . . . .”

Wednesday

• Philemon
• “A person I need to learn to love is . . . .”

Obituaries

Corinne D. Watson

Corinne D. Watson passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 94. She was born on Monday, December 24, 1928 in Chesbrough, Louisiana to the late Gladys and Mural Dees. She was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana.

Corinne is survived by her son, William Watson; daughter & son-in-law, Bonnie and Milton Brecheen of TN; niece, Gaye and David Stanly; grandkids, Kristen and Keith Hoffield, Rebekah and Justin Tucker, Jacquie Brecheen, Jonathan and Daveda Brecheen; great-grandchildren, Kynleigh and Kerrigan Hoffield, Samuel and Noah Tucker, Azalea and Rex Byl, and Penelope “Pickle” Brecheen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Watson, Jr.; parents, Gladys and Mural Dees; sister, Lillian Strickland; as well as her brother, Hayden Dees.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, until services begin at 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow in Amite Cemetery, Amite, Louisiana.

Her husband, Billy Watson, worked with David. I remember her children from school. For a brief time, she worked with David. She was a very attractive lady.

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for congress as they continue to search for a leader. Pray the members there can work together to select leadership and to support that leadership. We need them to be strong for us!

Coming Soon

“The Blind” at FBC, Kentwood. Call the church office (229-8111) for details.

Fall Food Round-Up

FBC, I’m thankful for you for the wonderful love offering you sent AND the many items you purchased and sent. You were so generous! You make a difference for them!

Georgia Barnette Offering

This offering for North America is now being collected. Thanks to all who have given and will give. You make a difference here too!

Sunday School

The recent lessons from Mark have been interesting. Even though they are familiar, there is still much to learn. Sunday’s lesson will be from Mark 11. Sunday school begins at 9:15. There is a class for everyone. Adults have several choices to consider.

Make Today Special!

Do something to encourage others. You can make a difference in the live of many people. Get out of your “shell” and be that special person.

Anna Lee