Tuesday

“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.”

~Daniel 6:26 (NIV)~

Some reasons you might want to thank God today:

Jesus loves you
Your family loves you
Your house didn’t flood
No tornadoes in our area
No sickness in your family
A job with good benefits
Another year of school completed
You are “graduating”, despite the virus
Someone called you
Someone visited you
You have a church family
Your child/grandchild was baptized
You get to work in VBS this year
Your church is finding a way for worship despite the virus
A neighbor brought you fresh vegetables
You are not in the hospital
Your grown children check on you
Your car runs smoothly
Your roof doesn’t leak
You had a good day yesterday
You were able to rest well last night
You have a telephone
Etc.

Prayers needed today! Today, I want to ask for prayers for those who are undergoing chemo, having scans, doing more blood work, getting another opinion, quarantined with the virus, facing additional surgery, etc.

I also encourage you to pray for those who are lost, discouraged, depressed, losing their homes, dealing with children who are in trouble, families with seemingly unsolvable differences, families with members working too many hours, families facing an unwanted move, families with very little food in the pantry, families with more bills than money, older people who cannot afford their medication, families separated by too many miles, neglected children, families with no air conditioning in our hot climate, families needing drivable automobiles, people who need a job, etc.

You can pray for specific people you know in some of these situations or pray in general. These are some of the needs around us. Some of these needs may even be in your family or household. You don’t need names. They need prayers! Hopefully, this list has you thinking and praying,

Dorothy Ann “Puggy” Tate

February 04, 1948 – June 07, 2020

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at her home. She was born February 4, 1948 in Maringouin, LA and was 72 years of age. She is survived by her children, Davis Tate and wife, Beverly and Stephanie Graham and husband, Micheal Graham; grandchildren, Shane Tate, Krystal Tate, Lakin Graham, Levi Graham and Ely Graham; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Tate, Keegan Herrington and Anderson Tate;13 brothers and sisters. Preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Davis Tate; father, Albert Sparks; mother, Camilla Palermo Sparks; brother and sisters, Albert Sparks, Jr., Jessie Sparks, Linda Baker and Jeanette Sparks. Graveside Services will be held at New Jerusalem Cemetery at 11:00AM Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Services conducted by Bishop Rick Maricelli. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Ivy Wallace Wall, Jr.

February 03, 1942 – June 07, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 3, 1942 in Independence, LA and was 78 years of age. He graduated with a bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a self employed dairy farmer, owner of JaniKing Commercial Cleaning and treasurer/operator of Gulf Dairy Milk Product Association. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Arcola. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra Crawford Wall; daughter, Deborah Wall Miller; son, Ivy “Huck” Wall, III and wife, Kelly; 5 grandchildren, Ben Pierre Miller, Brandi Victoria Miller, Ivy Wall, IV, Ivan Huck Wall and Grace Kelli Wall; great- grandson, Preston Wright; brother, Robert Wall; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his son, Gregory Wall; granddaughter, Ashley Sue Miller; parents, Ivy Wall, Sr. and Zula Brown Wall. Special thanks to the Saxon family for their love and support during this time. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Bob Simpson. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 9th

1 Kings 5:1-6:38
Acts 7:1-29
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30

I received word yesterday that Tangipahoa Baptist Church will hold their VBS early in July. Pray for those leading, teaching, and children who will be attending.

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

~1 John 3:16~

Thank God today for sparing our area despite the eye of the storm passing right over us!

Pray for those who had damage in other areas.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 8

1 Kings 3:3-4:34
Acts 6:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 16:26-27

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Do you believe in prayer? Do you believe in prayer more during a time of crisis? When do you pray more?

Thought provoking questions!

Spend some time praying today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Jesus answered,

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me

~John 14:6~

Let’s pray for our cities, both large and small.

Please add law enforcement to your prayer list if it is not already there.

Pray for criminals today to know Jesus and with Him, a reason to change their lives.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 6

1 Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24

Mr. Lester Zachary is progressing with his treatment for Covid-19. Be thankful with and for his daughter, Lisa. Pray for others who are fighting the same problem.

Pray for Buddy Morris as he begins another round of treatment next week. Pray for others who are also fighting cancer.

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Pray for churches as they plan alternative worship services because of the virus. Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools in each community and for any summer church camps that haven’t been cancelled.

We don’t get out a lot, but when we do we still wear our masks. I hope you do too.

Anna Lee

Friday

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

~2 Corinthians 4:17~

Today is a good day to take care of basic hurricane preparations. We are being told to expect rain and moderate winds. The power companies are getting ready for possible problems. Hurricane season has arrived. Help those who might need some assistance.

Summer is an important break for the school system. It will be extra busy/difficult this year because of the pandemic making decision making even more difficult. Pray for those who are making decisions about school situations for the fall. Also, pray for colleges and students who await information about the fall semester.

Pray for businesses that have been closed during the pandemic to be able to hold on until they are allowed to reopen.

Pray for people, older ones especially, who have been limited to being at home for a long time. Many of them have only left home for doctor appointments.

Pray for those who have lost their jobs. Pray their income will meet the basic needs to get families through until work can resume.

Also, pray for families with someone in the hospital. Both the patient and the family members struggle with not being able to be together. Understanding the need for new rules and being the one that the new rules apply to are two totally different things!

Continue to pray for medical professionals who have been asked to work through this difficult time with limitations forced upon them.

Pray for police and others in law enforcement. I think you can understand the need there.

Pray for churches as they seek new ways to minister to members and to do outreach in this time with limited contact. Be thankful for technology that has allowed most churches to remain in contact with fellowship. May people seek God during this time.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 5

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 16:21-23

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

There’s much to pray about today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life—they don’t know God.”

~1 Timothy 6:21 (TLB)~

Someone asked for Keith and Lori Rhodes’ address again yesterday. I took the opportunity to send a card/letter to them. You might want to encourage them too.

Keith and Lori Rhodes

214 Sherwood Lane

Haughton, LA 71037

Peggy Alford is coming home from caring for her daughter, Robin Alford, who broke an ankle three months ago. Wendy Alford Fowler will take a shift as a caregiver. Robin is recovering from two surgeries following a fall and is just now able to begin to put some weight on her ankle. Please pray for Robin’s continued progress. This has been a long, difficult progress, but did get Robin some company and lots of attention.

Please add Mr. Bob Pezant if he is not already there.

Louisiana seems to be the target for a hurricane this weekend. Get informed and prepared.

The covid-19 virus is not over. Please be aware and careful.

Pray for the people in big cities that have protests/riots.

Many people have unspoken prayer requests. Please include these, even on days when I do not specify them.

Louisiana Baptist are called to prayer today. https://baptistmessage.com/horn-calls-louisiana-baptists-to-focused-prayer-on-thursday/

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://www.bpnews.net/

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 4

2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20

Doing/praying for others blesses the person who prays and the person who is the focus of the prayers.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

~Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 3

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 121:1-8
Proverbs 16:18

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Families have needs. In the last few days, three families have asked for prayer. Today, I hope we will pray for struggling families. I’m thankful they recognize their need and know that prayer can help them meet any need. I’m not even sure what all these needs are, but I know my God does.

Our friend, Buddy Waller, needs out prayers. I’m so thankful we got to know him. He has such a sweet, gentle spirit.

Others. like Smiley Conerly, Buddy Morris, and Bryan Tate, have had a series of ups and downs. Pray for these three men and others in a similar situation.

I know doctors and other medical professionals don’t often get to tell their patients they are going backwards, but it happened to David Monday. He was told he was getting better and better, the unexpected in the world of oncology. David’s blood level was 11.4 Monday, the best it has been in five years, a while before we knew about his big health problems. We give God, and the many who have prayed for David, all the credit. We are thankful for each day and try to make the best of each one.

Pray for churches as decisions are being made about “regathering” of area churches.

Let’s continue to pray for our country. We need peace, love, understanding, love, caring, calm, concern for others, etc. All of these are available through Jesus.

I hope you pray daily. It can be so much more than a good habit. May we all learn to turn to God more often.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 2

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
John 21:1-25
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

This morning I ran across “Sammy Tippit” Ministries. This started back when I was a teenager. He wasn’t much older than me and was from Louisiana. I remember seeing/hearing him several times. I’m so thankful for those who set good examples and serve their lifetime continuing to do so. https://www.facebook.com/watch/sammytippitministries/. I plan to spend some time today learning more about his current ministry of hope. https://sammytippit.org/

Pray for our students, teachers, bus drivers, janitors, etc. who are officially beginning their real summer vacation.

Pray for our churches and staff to be leaders and examples of “light” in a time of darkness.

Pray for Christians to set/follow good examples of how to live in a country in turmoil.

Pray for parents and grandparents to set good examples for their younger generations.

Pray for our young adults, teens, and children to be good decision makers in the world they face daily.

Please continue to pray for those who are:

America, as a whole
Police officers
Firemen
National guard
Regular military
Political officials
Public citizens
Medical workers
Religious leaders
Political leaders
News people
Common everyday folks
Peaceful protesters (happened in Hammond yesterday)
Rioters to “see the light” and protest peacefully
Etc.

Zilpha Lea Varnado Smith

February 18, 1925 – May 27, 2020

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, of natural causes. She was 95 years old. Zilpha Lea was a devout Baptist who loved people, gardening, traveling, playing games, and spending time with her family and friends. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her loving daughters, Connie Oubre and husband, Bootsie, Cathy LeJeune and husband, Brian, Richelle Latham and husband, Bert; 4 grandchildren, Bruce LeJeune and wife, Jennifer, Kimberly Cleveland and husband, Darryl, Zachary Oubre and wife, Becky, Alisha Lee and husband, Dustin; 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ashford and Mae Varnado; her husband of 51 years, Dick Smith; brother, Donald Varnado; sister, Myrthe Erwin; and granddaughter, Monica Latham. The family would like to thank Golden Age Healthcare of Denham Springs for their loving care. Visitation will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood on Saturday, May 30, 2020, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM with a service at 12:00PM conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood. Serving as pallbearers will be Bruce LeJeune, Tyler Genre, Andrew Genre, Don Gates, Mark Varnado, and Dustin Lee. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Albert Wendell Blackwell

June 15, 1939 – May 29, 2020

Albert Wendell “Wimp” Blackwell, 80, of Amite, LA passed away at home surrounded by family on May 29, 2020. Wendell loved sports, especially football, and was a high school All American player, playing college ball at Delta State University and Mississippi State University and later drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs before a career ending injury. He was also a member of the state championship track team at Cleveland High School. Later in life he coached high school football teams at Bayou Academy, winning a state championship, Oak Forest Academy, earning district awards and Silliman Institute, also winning a state championship. Wendell’s other love was animals, especially horses. He was a horse trainer for many years and was well known for owning and standing the quarter horse stallion The Promoter. Wendell is survived by his sons, Clay “Rawhide” Blackwell (Sally) of Loranger, LA and Thad Blackwell of Amite, LA, sister Louise Tidmore (A.C.) of Merigold, MS, brother Phillip Blackwell (Linda) of Peachtree, GA, brother Gerald Blackwell (Ann) of Cheyenne, WY, granddaughters Samantha Lynne Perkins (Daniel) of Centreville, MS, Kasey Rae Blackwell of Pine Grove, LA, Macy Blackwell of Loranger, LA, Cher Blackwell of Loranger, LA, grandsons Ben Davis (Carie) of Westlake, LA and Trey Hill of Cullman, AL, great-granddaughters Jenifer and Lena Davis and great-grandsons Ayden Varnado and Stetsan Hill and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Cordell Blackwell of Cleveland, MS, his brother Harold Blackwell of Lafayette, LA and his son Wendell “Skeeter” Blackwell of Montpelier, LA. Memorial services for Wendell Blackwell will be held at Montpelier Baptist Church with visitation on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10:00 A.M., and memorial service at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude for Wendell Blackwell I.D. # 12033429. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lester Kirby Bennett

September 11, 1941 – May 30, 2020

Lester Kirby Bennett a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born September 11, 1941 in Amite, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Belinda Sylvester, Velvet Crowe and Vanessa Johnson; 1 son, Kirby Bennett; 12 grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Jones Hinze Bennett and Emma Bennett; brothers and sisters, Lawrence Bennett, Calvin Bennett, Leche Bennett, Dewitt Bennett, Bernice Bennett, Bobbie Jean Poirrier, Myrtle Lee Newland and Alma Bennett. Graveside Services will be held at Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11:00AM Friday, June 5, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thanks for reading my words today. May we all grow in the Lord today!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)~

For two morning, I asked for prayers for our country. Today, I continue to ask for prayers for the USA. Many people today are disappointed. Our ancestors would be disappointed. God is surely disappointed. Please pray for the riots to end.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 1

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10
John 20:1-31
Psalm 119:153-176
Proverbs 16:14-15

This morning I read that several other churches in our area are planning VBS this summer. It seems July will be a busy month.

As far as I know, the Hope Center continues to be open only Tuesday through Friday. Check them out this week at their new location.

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Please continue to pray for those who have been on our prayer list lately.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

~Matthew 5:9~

Minneapolis pastor leads in peaceful protests after Floyd’s death

http://www.bpnews.net/54876/minneapolis-pastor-leads-in-peaceful-protests-after-floyds-death

We watched the television in horror until the wee hours of the morning knowing there has to be a better way for people to express their opinions. This article, the first one I found this morning, supplies answers.

May this young family and other Christian families continue to seek a way lead others in a peaceful way. Pray for pastors and other Christians as they unite in an acceptable protests.

If there must be protests, let them be peaceful. Let’s pray for all the destructive protests to end. May others see and follow the examples of this and other peace-loving pastors. P

Pray for the families involved, the police, the judicial and political leaders, and each person who needs to express their opinion. Pray for the owners of businesses damaged and destroyed.

May God’s people be able to lead others in a way that causes no more harm to people or property. May others choose to follow good examples.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 30

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23
John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 119:113-128
Proverbs 16:10-11

Make wise decisions about worship services this weekend.

Anna Lee

Friday

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

VBS at FBC, Kentwood

July 6-10 (Not June) – delaying for a month
8:30 – 10:30 A.M.
PS4 – 5th Grade
Focus on small groups
Wearing of masks is optional.
Registration at FBC, Kentwood

Please pray for Easton Strickland, Tommy Strickland’s youngest grandchild.

Need prayers for my youngest grandson, Easton Strickland, he was blown off a inflatable water slide. He has a skull fracture and is being sent to BR pediatrics. (May 25th)
Update on Easton Neurologist cleared him and took off his neck brace. He should go home today. He has to stay on the couch for 12 weeks. A little swelling in his liver, she said? The cracked skull, concussion, bruises, and scrapes.. Other than that, he’s ok. He doesn’t remember it, or almost anything for several hours after. They said he probably never will.
Thanks for the prayers (May 26th)

Robbie Lynn Callihan is celebrating seven years of being clear of pancreatic cancer. Thank God for this awesome report.

Scott Tolleson (Shreveport, LA)

Scott is my first cousin who is in his early 60’s. He is now on hospice care for Huntington’s Disease. Please pray for Scott and his family during this very difficult time. He has several family members who are also dealing with this horrible disease. Please pray for Scott and is family. I wish I could erase HD from existence! Is is a very cruel disease and continues to show its terrible power in the Tolleson family.

Zilpha Lea Varnado Smith

February 18, 1925 – May 27, 2020

Phyllis Adams Yarbrough (sister of Nancy Stokes)

Phyllis Adams Yarbrough, 61 a native of Lockport and resident of Mathews, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020.

She is survived by father, Adolph Joseph Adams; her sons Joshua Hill and Tyler Yarbrough and daughter Michele Hill Wilson; sisters Martha Boone Kozen, Christine Adams Melancon, Nancy Adams Stokes, Dale Adams Comeaux, and brother Dan Adams; grandchildren Cullen and Abigail Hill and Cody and Cash Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her mother Hilda “Sue” Gibbons Adams; sister Kathleen Adams Baudoin and brother John Paul Clifton.

The family will have a private memorial service.

I am in Christ and Christ is in me. Claim that all day every day. -Phyllis Yarbrough

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 29th

Exodus 8:1-9:35
Matthew 19:13-30
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 6:1-5

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message –https://baptistmessage.com/

Make today count for something, someone important to you!

Anna Lee