Today, I am thankful to God, my Savior. I have a wonderful “retirement home” in heaven with God when my life on this earth is finished. You can make plans to have one too!
Read the Bible this Year
November 2
Isaiah 28-30
Prayer Request
Betty Simpson requests prayers for Mr. Bobby.
Linda Callihan requested prayers for Robbie Lynn.
Time Change
If you have not changed your clocks back an hour, you probably should do so before you begin your Sunday morning. Devices that change automatically are nice, but we still have several that need “personal attention”.
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries listed for our area at this time.
Sunday School
Enjoy a great lesson from Deuteronomy 6 on God’s love.
Henry Gariepy was a officer, pastor, and writer for the Salvation Army. One of his quotes is:
Out lesson is based on Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and 20-25 and titled “Love”.
Updates
Margie Williams has improved enough to go home from rehab. Pray for her as she continues to make that adjustment.
Bobby Simpson will not be having an ablation or pacemaker, just medication and monitoring. His pneumonia is better because of the antibiotics he is taking. Please keep praying for Bobby and Betty.
Caregivers are vital in many situations. Pray for Betty Simpson, Betty Taylor, and all the others who serve their loved one 24 hours a day, every day.
Funerals
Linda Graves – Today at East Fork Baptist Church
David Carter – Next Saturday at River Road Baptist Church in Hammond
Reminder
Set you clock back one hour before you go to bed tonight.
Spend some time reading your Bible and in prayer today.
Pine Ridge Bible Study
The current series of Bible study will end Wednesday. Be sure to express your thanks to Kathy Wales, Pine Ridge ladies, Linda Hendry, and all our great cooks!
Disaster Relief Teams
Pray for and support the Baptist and Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief teams as they move into areas devastated this week by the hurricane. Pray for those who are doing their best to survive in the devistated country today. Also pray for the families who lost members during the storm. Pray for these areas as they slowly recover from the hurricane and it’s damage. Thank God for volunteers who go into the area to help any way possible.
Operation Christmas Child
Pray for shoeboxes in many area churches, schools, and organizations as they are packed and made ready to deliver to one of the area drop-off locations beginning on Monday, November 1. You can check the Samaritan’s Purse site for locations, dates, and times.
If you did not pack any shoeboxes, you can contribute a monetary gift that will help then as we collect, transport, etc. the many boxes. REMEMBER, it not all about the toys, school supplies, and clothing that goes into each box. It’s about introducing people to Jesus and giving them a chance to love and serve Him the rest of their lives. The gifts are good, but Jesus is so much more!
If you pack one box, it will probably touch the lives of ten people. Just think, if you pack five shoeboxes, your boxes impact fifty lives. If you pack . . . .
Thankfulness
Every year at this time, I try to express some of my thankfulness to God. Today is November 1. My thankfulness is to God who lovingly created the world, light, people, animals, the sky, etc. He have a BIG PLAN! He didn’t have to labor for long periods of time doing so. All He did was to speak it and there it was. What a great week that was! He really loved us and still does today. Let’s love Him and thank Him.
Betty Simpson just sent a message that Mr. Bobby is in North Oaks with pneumonia and a slow heart rate. She requests we pray for him. I request prayers for both of them.
Another Request
I have a second request for prayers. Let’s pray for our country and for congress to learn to work together in Washington. Their inability to work together is affecting many people in negative ways. Let’s pray they work to do the jobs they were. elected to do. Let’s also thank God for those who have continued to work despite not being paid yet.
Linda Callihan asks for your prayers for Robbie Lynn, the daughter who is in ICU at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS. She has fluid around her heart and very low blood pressure. Linda thanks you for your prayers and continued thoughts.
Christmas Cards
The Two-Rivers WMU will be collecting new Christmas cards with holiday stamps from the post office affixed to the envelopes. Religious cards. are preferred. Your cards will be delivered to the jail in the parish where your church is located – Tangipahoa or St. Helena. These can be turned in through November and the first few days of December. (Our meeting is December 6th at Spring Creek Baptist Church.). You do not have to be a WMU member to participate. Let’s give the prisoners an opportunity to experience some Christmas family joy.
Shoeboxes
We, FBC Kentwood, have 450 filled shoeboxes packed into 30 OCC cartons and ready to deliver to the next destination. Thanks to all who volunteered and worked so long and hard to complete this step. You are GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Collection week will be November 17-24. The specific times for Kentwood can be found on the Samaritan’s Purse web-site. I’ll also post them here when it gets a little closer to that time.
A Sad Note
David Carter, husband of Margaret Carter, the leader of the Northshore area SHOEBOX program, passed away this afternoon at home. She was able to leave her husband with relatives while she conducted a meeting for drop-off location leaders last week. He was her “right-hand” helper in the shoebox work and was as dedicated as she is! I’ll post his obituary when one is available. He will be greatly missed!
25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Luke 12:25-27
Fall Season
As we wake up to cooler weather, many of us are happy for the change. We enjoy the change of temperatures. Pray for those who look ahead to the cold weather with dread because of inadequate heating in their homes. As stores stock up of heating systems, let’s consider ways to help others.
The temperature feels like the upper 40’s this morning. No rain is predicted for today. Today should be perfect for visiting, doctor appointments, shopping, etc. Thank God he gave you this day to honor and serve him!
Verse of the Day
Read the Bible in 2025
October 29
Isaiah 9-12
Obituaries
Yvonne “Michelle” Pierre Willhite
December 2, 1972 – October 25, 2025
Yvonne “Michelle” Pierre Willhite has left this Earth from her physical body to join her friends and family in eternal peace and joy. She was 52 years of age and a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, spouse, sister, friend, and much more. She held many titles within her lifetime each with its own importance to us. Her personality was unlike any others we’ve known. Kind while being fierce, smart and goofy, and always a hoot to be around. Let us not shed tears but share jokes and laughter as we mourn her passing. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Celebraation of Life Service for Mrs. Linda Graves
Location: East Fork Baptist Church (17278 Highway 1054, Kentwood, LA.)
Date: Saturday, November 1
Visitation: 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Service: 11:30 AM
*Church will be providing a meal for the family following the service
Please continue to keep this precious family in your prayers. Mrs. Linda (Graves) loved Jesus, faithfully served Him, and always had a positive attitude when it came to her faith. She was ready to go be with her Jesus, but she will definitely be missed! However for those of us who have placed our faith in the Jesus she served then this is not goodbye, just see you a little later. I know yesterday Mrs. Linda heard this verse: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:21.
God welcomes us to Tuesday with another cool morning.
Today’s Bible Verse
Obituaries
Shelia Lynn McKee Overland
September 10, 1975 – October 23, 2025
Shelia Lynn McKee Overland, 50, of Pine Grove, Louisiana, passed away around midday Thursday, October 23. She was born on September 10, 1975 at Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Larry Dale McKee and Anita Lynn Collins.
Shelia was known for her strong will, fierce independence, and vibrant spirit. She lived life on her terms and never shied away from speaking her mind. Those who knew her will remember her stubborn streak just as much as her laughter, her energy, and her unwavering loyalty to the people she loved.
She leaves behind her best friend and biggest supporter Ben Overland. Shelia was a proud mother to her greatest accomplishments and joys of her life Lacy Linnay Arnold, Dalen Grace Clark, and Mayson Dwayne Clark. Her beloved grandchild, Denver Rain Arnold, who brought her endless pride and happiness. Shelia’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. Her nieces and nephews Cheyenne, Lane, Tylor, Haley, Larry, and Summer, whom she cherished deeply and loved as if they were her own children.
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchild, mother Anita Lynn McKee, and sisters Joyce Morris and Shelly Clayton. She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Dale McKee, and grandparents Kurt and Edith McKee and Harry and Joyce Collins.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bobby Bickford and Jonelle Bickford for their care, compassion, and support during Shelia’s final days. Their kindness will always be remembered.
Shelia’s spirit was larger than life, and her memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and strength she leaves behind.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday, October 31, 2025 and at Lion King Retreat Center Jr. Chapel, 3060 Shiloh Baptist Church Rd. Pine Grove, LA from 9:00AM until Funeral services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Eldon Eugene Davis
June 13, 1936 – October 26, 2025
He was a resident of Chipola, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his home. He was born June 13, 1936 in Liberty, MS and was 89 years of age. He was known to many as Man, Mr. Man, or Slick, he had a true talent for being able to repair just about anything and he loved spending time in his shop working on his many projects. He was always willing to drop everything when friends or neighbors needed help with their cars or tractors. He also loved traveling with his wife to the mountains and going to bluegrass concerts. He will deeply be missed by his family and everyone who knew him. A special thank you to Burt Broadway for his kindness and wonderful care he provided these last couple of months. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Carol Davis; daughter, Susan Davis DeLacerda (Mike); son, Edwin Scott Davis; granddaughter, Stormie Renee Davis. Preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Lilly. Graveside Services will be held at Wales Cemetery, Chipola, LA at 2:00PM Thursday, October 30, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wales Cemetery Fund, 27208 Hwy 43, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ray K. Constantine
May 15, 1953 – October 26, 2025
Ray K. Constantine passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 26, 2025 next to the love of his life, surrounded by his beloved animals. As a New Orleanian, he grew up in the area living and loving life. He met his soulmate at Hotel Dieu in 1984 and they went on to have two very lucky children. He Had a heart of gold and brought a smile and laugh to absolutely everyone he’d meet. He is survived by his wife, Brenda S. Constantine; daughter, Brittany Constantine Jones and husband, Skylar Jones; 3 sisters, Rena Nevels, Lee Bergeron, and Ella Ryan Hopkins; brother, Russell Constantine; sister-in-law, Gwen Hopkins; numerous grandchildren as well as a plethora of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Lou Beaugh Constantine; 2 sons, Keith M. Constantine and Ray K. Constantine, Jr.; 2 sisters, Shirley Ledet and Maggie Richards; 3 brothers, Bob Constantine, Charlie Constantine, and Johnny Constantine; and a brother-in-law, David Hopkins. “Us More, Ray Ray”
Linda Graves, formerly of Kentwood
I learned from her pastor at East Fork Baptist Church that Linda Graves, formerly of Kentwood, passed away yesterday. I’ll probably be able to post an obituary tomorrow.
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
a. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant: Normally, people estimate greatness by how many people serve and honor them. Jesus reminded His followers that in His kingdom it should be different, and that we should estimate greatness by how we serve and honor others.
i. “In a word, like all their successors in spirit to the present day, they were severe to others, but very indulgent to themselves.” (Clarke)
ii. Since Jesus truly was the greatest among them, He spoke of Himself as a servant. It is unfortunate that many of the followers of Jesus imitate the leadership philosophy and style of the scribes and Pharisees more than the style of Jesus.
b. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted: This promise is absolutely true, but sometimes is only known in the measure of eternity.
First Songs
Many of the first songs we learn at church stick with us throughout our lives. Someone mentioned a time “This Little Light of Mine” was shared to their daughter 8-10 years ago in a class. The parent told about how this song greatly impacted this child’s life. The child, now a teenage lives a life that shows “Jesus” to others! Most importantly, her life glows with a sweet love for God every day. Children are never too young to learn about God. If you want to see some examples of that, look around at some children at church. “Jesus” continues to be passed on to today’s young children. Teach some songs from your past to children you know.
The Fall Fest was a great success at church yesterday. I never would have thought it would be something I enjoy so much as this age, but I do because it gives me an opportunity to see many people from church I already know and love as well as meeting people for the first time. It is a wonderful outreach project! It shows how much time and love the people invest in children at church, which is so very important. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Operation Christmas Child
I attended a workshop Saturday in Hammond and now will be calling it the packing season for us – time to fill the shoeboxes! Next month, we will be receiving shoeboxes, packing them in cartons to load into a trailer and deliver to their next stopping point. It is also going to be time to pay the shipping fees on the boxes we have packed. Thanks to those of you who have helped in any way to make this a successful year boys and girls around the world as they hear about Jesus and have the opportunity to grow to love him and develop a desire to have Him in their hearts and lives forever.
I know I may be “jumping the gun”, but begin to think how you could have helped this year. Make yourself available. God will provide opportunities for you!
Additional Bible Reading
Today, we want to learn to express our thankfulness, if we have not already learned to do so.
Rain is good, but not on my satellite this morning. It prevents writing and posting. I’m going to try again. Thank you, God, for the much needed rain.
Verse of the Day
Read of Bible in 2025
October 26
Solomon 1-8
Prayer Request
When I was at an OCC meeting yesterday to learn new procedures and picking up the cartons for shipping the shoeboxes, Beth Hiller of Hammond had a special request and specifically asked me to post it here. Our area needs a Prayer Leader. If you are interested, I will share her phone number with you.
Updates
Michael Anthony continues to improve. He was able to return to church Sunday and Wednesday. He was thrilled to be back. Missing church and watching services online is not the same as being present and following our regular church routine.
Also, Rhonda Miller is planning to rejoin us following an accident a week and a half ago. We thank God for protecting Rhonda and Matthew as they were traveling to prayer meeting.
Billy Carl Strickland was able to be in prayer meeting Wednesday night following hip surgery just days before.
Dorothy Wall is continuing to have health issues. Please add her to your prayer list.
Thank-you for your continued prayers for these people and others on your personal prayer list.
Obituaries
None posted this morning.
Fall Fest
FBC will have the annual Fall Fest today, despite the rain. Provisions will be made so the event can proceed at 4:00 P.M. today. Plan to enjoy the children as they enjoy the activities planned for them. Thank-you to those who planned and will carry out this majoy project. There will be no regular Sunday night services because of the Fall Fest. I look forward to seeing you and the children tonight at 4:00 P.M.
Coming Next Month
The Two Rivers Associational WMU Meeting at Spring Creek is approaching in December. I will post more information a little later. Stay tuned!
Sunday School Lesson
I’m looking forward to our first in a series of lessons from Deuteronomy this morning. Don’t miss out on the lessons God has for us there.
Additional Bible Reading
Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon:
“Learn to say “no.” It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.”
Wise Words from Paul
14 So then we will not be like children any more. Our minds will not become confused by strange ideas. We will not change what we believe, from one thing to another. Some people teach things that are not true. They do clever things to deceive people. But we will not agree with their false message.
15 Instead, we will love each other and we will speak God’s true message. As a result, we will become more and more like Christ in every way. He is the head of his body, which is the church.
16 As its head, he helps the whole body to grow well. Each part joins with the other parts so that the whole body becomes strong. As each separate part does its proper work, we love each other more and more.
Ephesians 4 (EE Version)
May you be blessed as you serve and worship Him today!
Thank-you, God, for allowing me to write and post TPL this morning.
The Prayer Link 
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