Wednesday

Yesterday, I expressed my uncertainty about some things in the future. I understand prayer and how God answers our prayers, but my question seemed to take God out of the plan. Someone who was here said I should pray about it. This seemed like an easy and obvious answer. This is the verse that showed up today. She surely was right!

“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you . . .

But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you.”

~James 1:5-6 TLB~

Adrian Phillips‘ angiogram left some unanswered questions so more testing was scheduled for last night. This afternoon, the doctor will tell the results and his decision. Surgery may even happen. Pray for answers for the doctor so he will make the best decision. Pray for Adrian and his family as they face a day of medical uncertainty.

I learned yesterday that Mr. Ed and “Miss” Jeanette Maghee‘s house burned and they are building a smaller home in the back. Pray for this couple and their family as they make big decisions and changes to their “normal” life.

Eric Colton Soileau

May 22, 1995 – May 12, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019 in Kentwood, LA. He was born May 22, 1995 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 23 years of age. He was a 2013 Graduate of Sumner High School. He is survived by father, John Carl Soileau; mother, Abbigail Hendrickson Soileau; sister, Allison R. Soileau; grandmother, Elsie Mae Soileau. Preceded in death by grandparents, John Maynard Soileau, Nelwyn Mae Hendrickson and George Cecil Hendrickson, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 16, 2019. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers send donations to Suicide Prevention Hotline. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read and Write the Bible – “Abiding in Christ” – Colossians 3:17

The Prayer Link teaches me lessons all the time. I’m thankful that it does.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life—

they don’t know God.”

~1 Timothy 6:21 TLB~

I’m not sure it happened yesterday, but Brett Frazier was planning, with his doctor’s approval, to go back to work yesterday. I’m thankful for the progress Brett has made and hopeful he will continue to do so.

Angie Addison Redmond

April 22, 1922 – April 28, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born April 22, 1922 in Greensburg, LA and was 97 years of age. She is survived by 2 nieces, Betty Hatcher and Carolyn Dykes; 1 nephew, Curtis Dykes; 1 great-nephew, Jimmy Hatcher and wife, Barbara; 2 great-great-nephews, Major Hatcher and wife, Charita, and Justin Hatcher. Preceded in death by husband, A.J. Redmond; parents, Hosa and Georgie Addison. Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sue Ellen Blanchard Carter

May 18, 1943 – April 26, 2019

Sue Ellen Blanchard Carter died peacefully at home on April 26, 2019. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 18, 1943. She was married to the love of her life, William M. Carter, Sr. for 48 years of what everyone described as the greatest love story that they have ever seen. Sue Carter was a loving wife, caring and supportive Momma, devoted daughter and cherished “Sista”. She was a selfless giver, she gave all she had and never asked for anything in return. She gave her time, her talents, her wisdom, but most of all her heart. She always found the good in everyone, always positive, full of joy with some added spunk. Sue retired from Walmart in Waveland, MS after 21 years of service. She was adored by everyone who knew her and will always be remembered as “Sweet Sue”. We will miss her every single day but knowing that she is at peace is such a comfort. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William M. Carter, Sr. Parents, Martin O. Blanchard, Jr and Myrtle C. Blanchard of Bay St. Louis, MS. She is survived by her 4 children, William M. “Billy” Carter, Jr. and wife Yolanda of Kentwood, LA, Sandy Carter Newman and husband Mitch of Kentwood, LA, Jenny Carter Jackson and husband Albert of St. Francisville, LA, and Douglas Martin Carter, Sr. and wife Mary of Picayune, MS; 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 siblings, Martin O. Blanchard, III and Maureen Blanchard of Bay St. Louis, MS. Visitation at Taylor Creek Baptist Church, 1936 Hwy 440, Kentwood, LA from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read & Write the Bible – Romans 5:1-5

Vacation Bible Schools are being scheduled and planned in area churches. It is not too early to mark your calendar, register for VBS, and to purchase a t-shirt.

Thanks to all who have ministered to David and me during his illness. Your goodness and love continue to flow into our lives. We both would much rather be doing for others, but this is God’s plan for our lives at this time. We continue to be blessed and blessed again.

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Thursday, FBC, Amite will host a National Day of Prayer event at 6:30 P.M. You are invited to attend.

David‘s blood level was still at 7.3. He did not get blood and hasn’t had any for more than a month. His kidneys were doing well. We’ll get info on liver Thursday. He weight is up to 150.

Donald B. Easley, Sr.

March 31, 1938 – April 27, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2019 in Kentwood, LA. He was born March 31, 1938 in Easleyville, LA and was 81 years of age. He is survived by 1 son Donald B. Easley, Jr. and wife, Terri; Peggy Allen, significant other and care giver; Jan LaBorde, the mother of his children; 5 grandchildren, Brannon Holton, Micah Holton, Donald B. “Trey” Easley, III, Dustin J. Easley and wife, Kristen and Jacy Lynn Porta; 4 great- grandchildren, Bryce Holton, Braxton Holton, Stella Holton and Aleah Porta; 1 brother, Tommy Lane Easley and wife, Kaye; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Julie Easley; parents, Toler Tom Easley and Lillie Mae McKlemurry; 1 brother, John L. Easley, Sr.; 1 daughter, Janet Ann Easley. Pallbearers, Brannon Holton, Micah Holton, Trey Easley, Dustin Easley, Mark Easley and Jerry Simmons. Honarary Pallbearers, Tommy Easley, Paul Pittman, Joe Earl Easley, Gerald McMillan and Jacy Porta. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Tuesday, April 30, 2019, and from 8:00 AM until religious services at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. A special thank you to Community Hospice Care. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Keep praying for all the needs around us.

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

Hazel Louise Lee Allen

January 31, 1937 – April 25, 2019

Hazel Louise Lee Allen, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on April 25, 2019 at Heritage Healthcare Center in Hammond, LA. She was born on January 31, 1937 in Amite, LA, a graduate of Amite High School, a member of the Amite Church of Christ, and was 82 years old. She was friends with nearly everyone and could often be found at the Kentwood Cafe with her sister Rose, checking in with everyone else in the restaurant before eating her own food. She loved to help others, and spent her spare time as a volunteer foster grandparent with the Head Start program, serving as a mentor and friend to underprivileged children. Reading was her favorite hobby, and she likely read every mystery novel the Kentwood Library ever had in stock. She is survived by her two sons, David and James Allen, Jr.; grandchildren, Katie, Eli, Savana, Landon, Jordan, and Stephen Allen; sister Rosalie Wheeler; brother-in-law, Keith Allen; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Gill and her husband, Billy, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was very proud of her family, and they will all miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Lois Lee; siblings, Marvin and Julia Lee; and her husband of 60 years, James K. Allen, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, April 29, 2019. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Friday

“The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds.

All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds!

But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”

~Galatians 6:7-8 The Message~

Joanne Seymour has been battling cancer. Her recent scans were all clean. That’s a whole year of good reports. Please thank God for the good report.

Rick and Krystal Slaven Campbell are the proud parents of Abigail Olivia who was born yesterday morning at 8:55. She weighed 7 pounds 14 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. Pray for them as they raise their precious daughter in a loving, Christian home.

Mary Criswell sent word that Hazel Allen passed away yesterday afternoon, but did not know any arrangements yet. I will post them when they become available.

Thursday, May 2, will be the annual National Day of Prayer. Keep your eyes and ears open for ways you can participate. The theme this year is “Love One Another”.

Read and Write the Bible Today – Psalm 37: 5-9

Trained Disaster Relief Workers are needed in Ruston. Also, items are being collected to distribute in Ruston. You may be able to help. Contact the BASELA office, Bro. Stan Statham, if you are able to help in any way. 985-515-4368

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other.

Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin.

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

1 John 1:7-8 NCV~

David‘s blood level continues to run low, but about the same. The doctors are beginning to think this is the “new normal” for him. Yesterday, he was given an option regarding receiving a unit of blood. David chose not to get it yesterday, but to wait until he feels the need more. He can get his blood any day this week, so we don’t have to wait until next Monday. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Linda Gabel Brown

November 07, 1947 – April 21, 2019

A resident of Amite passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 7, 1947 in Denham Springs and was 71 years of age. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. She is survived by her husband, Harold Brown; 3 daughters, Ronda Durbin and Robbie Lee, Donna Cutrer and husband, Ric, and Sheree Peek; grandchildren, Brandon Voight and wife, Lauren, Todd Voight and wife, Georgette, Devin Peek and wife, Jessica, Kayla Populis and husband, C.J., Kyle Hayden and wife, April, Kelly Ewing and husband, Dustin, Tyler Durbin, Brittany Cutrer, Baylor Cutrer and wife, Baileigh, and Justin Cutrer and wife, Pam; great-grandchildren, Daisy Voight, Hunter Voight, Ryleigh Voight, Triston Voight, Keaton Peek, Anna Peek, Eli Peek, Carter Stephens, Karigan Ewing, Tinsley Populis, Lawson Hayden, Luke Hayden, Levi Hayden, Ariat Cutrer, Owen Cutrer, and Eden Cutrer; brothers, Paul Gabel and wife, Gloria, Red Gabel, and Carroll Gabel and wife, Karen; sisters-in-law, Ann Hall and husband, Jimmy, Dianne Brown, Marilyn Russell and husband, Lawrence, Carolyn Santangelo and husband, Tony, Missy Miller and husband, Ricky, and Robin White. Preceded in death by father, Ernest P. Gabel; mother, Grace Grantham Gabel Raborn; step-father, Clyde Raborn; grandson, Stephen Voight; brothers, Cecil Gabel, Robert Gabel, and Doodle Gabel; sister, Beverly Van Osdell; sister-in-law, Tammy Brown. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday with a Rosary Service at 5:30PM. Visitation will resume at McKneely Funeral Home from 8:00AM until 10:00AM on Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 10:30AM on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Pallbearers will be Brandon Voight, Todd Voight, Devin Peek, Kyle Hayden, Tyler Durbin, and C.J. Populis. Honorary pallbearers will be Ric Cutrer, Jimmy Hall, Dustin Ewing, Carroll Gabel, Baylor Cutrer, and Robbie Lee. The family would like to thank Dr. Oubre and staff, Dr. Robert Kidd and staff, Americare Hospice and North Oaks Medical Center for their excellent care. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read & Write the Bible – Lamentations 3: 27-31

Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood

Last year, we received parade throws like beads and small stuffed animals. If you have some that you have no plans for, please leave them at the church office or in the classroom next to the choir. We will find them very useful when packing OCC “shoeboxes” later this year. Thank-you so much!
The large basket on the organ has some plastic “eggs” already. If you have some you don’t need to keep, please share them. They will be use for OCC in several different ways.

Children in Action meets at FBC, Kentwood meets at 6 P.M. on Wednesday nights. They have been studying missions in Chile and praying for missionary needs.

Youth on Mission meets at FBC, Kentwood meets at 5 P.M. on Sunday nights. This group recently complete a nice project for the senior adult ladies at church.

Anna Lee

Easter, 2019

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

I and the Father are one.”

~John 10:28-30 (NIV)~

Read and Write the Bible Today – John 113: 1-7

There are numerous opportunities to worship today. Attend a regular church service, attend an extra service at many churches, or watch online. You may even have the opportunity to do more than one of there.

It was good to see Mr. Frank Erwin our yesterday and to learn he is feeling much better.

Sandra Spears Forbes

May 15, 1956 – April 20, 2019

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Sandra Spears Forbes, a resident of Denham Springs , LA, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born May 15, 1956 in Magnolia, MS and was 62 years old. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Angela F. Guzzardo and husband, Rob, and Melissa Forbes Hughes; 1 brother, Ernest C. Spears and wife, Ovelene; 5 sisters, Neva S. Cureton, Charlene S. Sterling and husband, Glen, Audrey S. Dunham and husband, Ron, Gloria S. Pierre, and Sherrie S. Thompson and husband, Chuck; sisters-in-law, Paulette F. Spears, Melanie Spears; brother-in-law, Leslie “Tex” Derrough; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Howard and Bertha Spears; father of her children, Frank LaRue Forbes; 2 brothers, Edward L. Spears and Clyde W. Spears; brother-in-law, Robert Cureton; sister-in-law, Barbara Derrough; nephews, Joshua Pierre, Dane Dugar, and Davin Bates. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m.until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Walter Mixon. Interment in Spears Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visitwww.mckneelys.com.

The grave could not hold my Jesus!

Anna Lee

Saturday Addition

Lynda Miller

February 09, 1945 – April 18, 2019

Lynda Miller, a resident of Amite, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at her home. She was born February 9, 1945 in Picayune, MS and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her 6 children, Sheila Willie and husband, Hessie, Bambi Stegall and husband, Ashley, Tony Graham and wife, Jany, Hilton Mixon and wife, Tonya, Margo Goolsby and husband, Michael, and Chad Mixon and wife, Amanda; brothers and sisters, Mary Dunn and husband, Richard, Nell Rushing, Dianne Divisconte, Charles Spiers, and Shirley Cox; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by son, James Coldon Graham, III; parents, Oakland and Pearl Spiers; brothers and sisters, Alvene Cozzo, Elaine Rohner, Lois Manning, Junior Spiers, Otis Spiers, and J. P. Spiers. Visitation at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019 with a Memorial Services at 7:00PM. Services conducted by Rev. Leroy McElveen. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Debbie’s Obituary

Deborah Rimes Miller

February 21, 1953 – April 18, 2019

Deborah Rimes Miller, 66, of Kentwood, passed away, Thursday, April 18, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home.

She was born February 21, 1953 in Independence, LA to the late Ralph and Louella Bethel Rimes.

Debbie is retired from the State of Louisiana Department of Corrections. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, J.C. Miller of Kentwood; her son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Nikki Miller of Kentwood; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Susan Rimes of Kentwood; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wendell and Diane Miller of Hillsdale; two grandchildren, Caysen Miller and Tanner Miller and four nieces and one nephew.

Visitation is Monday at First Baptist Church in Kentwood from 9AM until services at 11AM with Bro. Joe Weaver and Bro. Darryl Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Hillsdale cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS.

Pallbearers are Josh Miller, Shane Holland, Jarrett Glass, Ross Lee, Lathan Campo and Cory Blunk.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Alzhiemer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Share condolences at sharkeyfuneralhome.com

Good Friday

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

~1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV)~

This is the day we honor the death of Jesus on the cross because He gave His life for us. It truly is a Good Friday. I’m thankful I know the “end of the story” and the purpose of the resurrection.

Read and Write the Bible Today – James 5:7-9

Eggs are a sign of new life. Easter eggs represent the new life we have through Jesus. As your children tire of the plastic eggs this week, if you do not plan to keep them, please bring them to Kentwood First Baptist Church. We would like to give the plastic eggs new life as an item for Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes“. I will have a large basket at church for the eggs or you can leave them in the church office during the week or in the classroom next to the choir room on a Sunday. Thanks for helping us.

Some of the local churches are having special services today. You may want to check around and attend one.

Sunday, you will have the opportunity to attend sunrise services at Inspiration Park or some of the local churches. I have fond memories of previous sunrise services. I trust you do too. Make a new memory this week.

Sunday, many of our churches will have extra services and special music to celebrate the resurrection. Find you place and join the celebration. Remember, “Up from the Grave He Arose”.

I know many of you plan to honor Debbie Miller‘s life and sweet friendship. I will post her obituary when one is available later today.

Anna Lee