Pray for awareness and responses as the devil tempts people daily in many ways.
THANKFULNESS
Thank God for lower daily temperatures in our area. Some people have had rain in the last few days. Even if you didn’t receive rain this week, be thankful others have. We got some earlier. I have noticed new grown on trees I thought were dying. I’m thankful for this surprise I was blessed with over the last few days.
This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.
Let’s pray for all those who are needing, but not actively searching for a church. Pray for God to place the right person in their pathway. Pray also, that if the right person is you, you will follow His calling and speak up when He gives you the opportunity.
READ the BIBLE
John 15: 18-25
Mark 6: 1-13
“I usually feel rejection when . . . .”
OBITUARY
Mary Brent Criswell
May 20, 1945 – September 6, 2023
A resident of Hammond, LA, and a long-time resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born May 20, 1945 in Laurel, MS and was 78 years of age. She retired from Tangipahoa Parish School System where she taught at Kentwood Elementary and also worked for the Town of Kentwood. She is survived by her 2 sons, Brent Wayne Criswell and wife, Cheryl, and Blake Lewis Criswell and wife, Nelia; 4 grandchildren, Claire Elize Criswell, Brenna Elizabeth Criswell, Evan Blake Criswell, and Ethan Lewis Criswell. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wayne Criswell; grandson, Logan Blake Criswell; parents, Frank and Edna Brent; 3 brothers, Maxwell, Joseph and James Brent. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Kentwood Local Missions Fund. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PERSONAL PRAYER LIST
There are many who have illnesses and other problems. Please pray for those on your prayer list. Keep your list current.
“God tells me if I reject His word He will . . . .”
OBITUARIES
Elizabertha “Liz” Miller Forshag
February 7, 1932 – September 6, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born February 7, 1932 in Chataignier, LA and was 91 years of age. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church and sang in the choir for many years. She worked for many years in the insurance field and medical facilities billing. She retired from North Oaks Billing Department after many years of service. She is survived by her son, Colonel Russell Forshag, U.S. Army (Ret.) and his wife, Sandie; 4 daughters, Gay New and her husband, Charlie, Connie Guzzardo and her husband, David, Diana Petitto and her husband, Anthony “Possum”, and Ann Stevens and her husband, Brent; 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nela Miller; brother-in-law, Clarence “Toby” Forshag; plus her caregiver and companion of many years, Lillie Warren. Preceded in death by her husband, E. Norwood Forshag; parents, Aliday and Agnes Fontenot Miller; 2 brothers, Vernon Miller and wife, Jency, and Roland Miller; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer Presley Forshag and Ione Norwood Forshag; sister-in-law, Betty Forshag. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8:00AM until 10:00AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Services conducted by Fr. Miles Walsh. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. Pallbearers are Jim Forshag, Chase New, Lawton Guzzardo, A.J. Petitto, Luke Petitto, and Will Stevens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jerry East
November 12, 1952 – September 6, 2023
Jerry East, a native of Pine Ridge, LA, and current resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on September 6, 2023. Jerry was known as a loving son, friend, husband, dad, and PawPaw. He loved to cook and always kept everyone laughing. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 12, 1952. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Verda East. He is survived by his wife of 24 years Janet East of Kentwood, son John East (Nicole & Noah) of Kimberly, Alabama, son Zeke East (Megan) of Abita Springs, and step-daughter Leslie Morgan (Matthew) of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jerry was the proud Paw Paw to Layla, Matthew, Luke, and Madelyn East and the proud Rarry to Mason and Maddox Morgan.
Jerry spent nearly 40 years in the oil industry doing various jobs including being an oil field inspector. He traveled all over for work including many parts of the United States and other countries. Japan was one and held a special place in his heart.
Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Pine Ridge Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Criswell
Mary passed away yesterday in Hammond. No obituary is available at this time, but I did find this message.
We lost my mom this afternoon, unexpectedly. She was 78 years old. Those who knew her, knows how much she loved her family, especially her grandchildren. You couldn’t see or talk to her without her showing you pictures or bragging on them. The days ahead will be tough, but we take solice in the fact that she’s finally with dad. She’s missed him terribly. We appreciate the calls and texts, love and support from friends and family.
Services will be at McKneely’s in Kentwood. Date and time TBD.
I will share once final arrangements are made.
Please keep my family in your prayers.
Brent
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for these three families and others we may know of. Ask God how he would have you minister to the families.
Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die—because everyone sinned.
Carolyn B. Cernich
May 04, 1947 – September 03, 2023
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Hammond Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 4, 1947 in New Orleans, LA and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Calvin Cernich, Jr., Edward Cernich, Lloyd Cernich, Lawrence Cernich, Claire Thompson, Joan Allen, Albert Cernich, Daniel Cernich, Florence Addison, Andrew Cernich, Norma Nicholas and Oscar Cernich; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Ray Cernich, Sr. and Ruth Marie Cernich; brother, Byron Vincent Cernich; Graveside Services will be held at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, September 6. 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Nicholas F. Brocato
March 1, 1943 – September 4, 2023
Nicholas F. Brocato, a resident of Beaumont, Texas and former longtime resident of Amite, Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2023 at the age of 80.
Nick is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Linda Riggins Brocato, to whom he was married for nearly 53 years. He is also survived by other members of his immediate family: his children and their spouses — John and Carrie Cody, Leslie and Mike Vasquez, and Susan and Richard Wilson; five grandchildren — Shawn Holcomb, Meris and Luke Cody, as well as Elise and Rich Wilson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Kathy Brocato. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Dr. Joseph Brocato, and by his daughter, Kelly Holcomb.
Nick was born on March 1, 1943 in New Orleans. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Agriculture. He owned and managed the Double B dairy farm outside Amite, Louisiana for several years. He joined his brother-in-law, Bond Riggins, in helming a very successful local decorating business in Amite and Hammond. Nick was a devoted business owner and enjoyed helping others. Nick was active in the Amite City Masonic Lodge No. 175, serving as Past Master and Treasurer for a time.
Nick lived his life to the fullest. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and marksman. He was popular in the national skeet shooting circuit and inducted into the Louisiana State Hall of Fame in 2000. Nick won many championships in his sporting career, including: 1978 World Champion, 28 gauge 5-man team; three-time Louisiana State Champion; and numerous other awards. Nick gave back to the nonprofit community by serving as President of Florida Parishes Skeet & Gun Club for many years as well as Treasurer of the Mississippi Gold Wing Riders’ Association. He was a board member of the Golden Triangle Gun Club. In addition to these contributions, he was also a world class father. He was loved by his family and friends very much and will be deeply missed.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, September 8, 2023. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital of Shreveport, at http://www.lovetotherescue.org/memorial-gifts/.
Read the Bible
Wednesday
Genesis 37: 1-36
Genesis 50: 19-21
“If I trusted God more, I could overcome . . . .”
Prayer Focus Today
Let’s thank God for the rain we received last week and the cooler temperatures that followed the rain. It certainly is more comfortable outside.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Today, let’s pray for those who are trying to complete their shopping for the “Shoeboxes” that will soon be packed. Pray for wise choices and reasonable prices as items are collected
READ the Bible
Exodus 2:1-25
Exodus 16: 1-3
Exodus 17: 1-7
“I might have told the Israelites . . . .”
This is all that remains of the post that did not publish yesterday.
Today, let’s focus on something that needs to be done – at home, at church, at work, in the community. Then, focus on not who, but on you! Many times we look around us for others to step up when it need to be a case of looking within ourselves and doing something ourselves, not waiting for others.
It certainly is nice to be a part of groups who focus on helping others in times of great need – Southern Baptists and Samaritan’s Purse. Large, well organized, and experienced goes a long ways in helping to accomplish much where there is a great need and often short-notice of the help that is needed. Be a part of helping others in small, local needs and large, international needs. You cannot be a part of every helpful group, so choose carefully.
THANKFULNESS
It is not necessary to wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful. I am especially thankful for today’s change in the weather. The current temperature of 75 degrees and a 50% chance of rain are encouraging. You probably are thankful too. What are you thankful for today?
Today, let’s pray for those who are facing big changes in their lives – jobs, homes, family, schools, churches, etc. Big decisions need to be in the hands of someone who knows best and wants the best for us. God is always that one who knows the best and wants the best for us.
READ the BIBLE
September 2
Psalm 42
“I could have helped David by . . . .”
SUNDAY PREPARATION
A new quarter brings a different book of the Bible to study. Tomorrow, we begin a study of Mark. The focus will be on Mark 1: 1-13.
MISSIONS – GEORGIA BARNETTE WEEK OF PRAYER
The yearly week of prayer for missions in Louisiana begins next week. September 10-17. Saturday, September 9, the ladies of the WMU will meet at East Fork Baptist Church to learn more about what is happening in Louisiana to spread the Good News.
LADIES CONFERENCE
The ladies in Washington Association have invited us to attend a leadership conference on September 16th. The meeting will be in Bogalusa. I’ll give you additional information next week.
Thank-you for reading and praying today. You and your prayers make a difference!
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.
Today, let’s focus on using good manners, both for ourselves and for others. We can always work to be better at showing respect to others. Ask God to help you and others. If you have children around, they watch and listen to your example. I would consider that passive training. You can also be more active in training good manner by choosing one action/response at a time to discuss, model, and encourage. Pray for God to help you teach/model good manners. We all receive the benefits.
I’ve been collecting empty copy paper boxes to use for organizing items for OCC. We have used all the boxes we have been given. If you have access to the empty boxes at school or in an office environment, please ask permission to bring them to me periodically. We don’t care if you can only bring one or two or if you can bring a dozen at a time. We have a plan to use them. all. You can leave them in the hallway of the basement/ beneath the sanctuary. We will appreciate you and the shoe boxes so much.
I know everyone doesn’t have this acces, but if you do or if you can pass this information on to others, you would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
WEATHER
We are precicted to have cooler temperatures and possible some cooler weather today and the next two days. Venture our and enjoy God’s gift to us.
I thought my post published earlier. I’m making adjustments.
The obituary for Tony Paul Ardillo is on McKneeley’s site.
READ the BIBLE
Depression: Quicksand of Life
Matthew 8:17
Romans 8: 26-28
“The Spirit’s intercession prompts me to . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s focus our prayers on people who are depressed due to a death, a job, a storm, sickness in the family, etc. Pray for these people to focus on God, during their problems.
The Prayer Link 
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