“BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE.

DO NOT LIVE LIKE THOSE WHO ARE NOT WISE.

I MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD USE EVERY CHANCE YOU HAVE FOR DOING GOOD, BECAUSE THESE ARE EVIL TIMES.LIVE WISELY.

I MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD USE EVERY CHANCE YOU HAVE FOR DOING GOOD, BECAUSE THESE ARE EVIL TIMES.

BUT LEARN WHAT THE LORD WANTS YOU TO DO.”

~EPHESIANS 5:15-17 (ICB)~

COVID-19 is still thriving in our area. Do your best to stay healthy. Pray for those who are sick.

THANKFULNESS – DAY 11

Today, I am thankful for those who were called to the medical profession. David’s illnesses have helped me to appreciate them more and more. Today, I am reporting that at the Ochsner appointment yesterday, David’s blood level was 11.9. You may remember how excited we were when his blood level reached 10.0 a couple months ago. He hasn’t had any treatment for almost two months, yet the blood is reproducing despite his blood cancer. We are so thankful to God and those who have the calling to serve in the medical field. What a difference you have made in our lives!

As a proud American, I am also thankful for those who served our country in the military or who are serving now. We have a grandson presently serving in the Air Force. My daddy serve in the Army Air Force during WWII. Thank-you to all who give the time to make our country safe for the rest of us.

Ralph Eugene Lee

July 13, 1946 – November 09, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born July 13, 1946 in Clinton, LA and was 74 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie Chapman Lee; daughter, Tanya Lee Stevenson and husband, Brian; 2 sons, Tony Wayne Lee and wife, Charlotte, and Timothy Wade Lee and wife, Beth; 7 grandchildren, Kayla, Dusty, and Chance Stevenson, Jordan Lee, Maryanna and Macy Lee; step-grandson, Kody Sticker and wife, Rebecca; 2 great-grandchildren, Rylee and Riece Ray; brother, Sammie Lee and wife, Reba. Preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lee, Jr. And Edith Williams Lee; brothers, Bernard Lee, Paul Lee, Henry Lee, III, Ricky Lee, Timmy Lee and Chucky Lee; grandparents, Henry Lee, Pearl Travis, Leslie Williams, and Lillie Williams Newman; aunts and uncles, Aline and Bobby Williams and Nell and Gordan Pace. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Amite, on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon. Services conducted by Rev. Burdette Thomas. Interment Shady Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Roman Lee, Chance Stevenson, Jordan Lee, Garrett Sevin, Scott Loupe, Brian Anthony, Joshua Gautreaux, and Joe Lee. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ THE BIBLE IN 2020 – DAY 11

Ezekiel 23:1-49
Hebrews 10:18-39
Psalm 109:1-31
Proverbs 27:13

I am looking for VOLUNTEERS for the OCC Drop-Off Week. It is for two hour shifts. You can volunteer for as many or as few as fit your schedule.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off

310 Avenue E Kentwood, LA 70444-2518

Mon, Nov. 16: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tue, Nov. 17: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wed, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thu, Nov. 19: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Fri, Nov. 20: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Nov. 21: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sun, Nov. 22: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Mon, Nov. 23: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

You can reply to this post or call me. Don’t get left out on enjoying this blessing. You can choose one or more days to work. Remember, this will be VOLUNTEERS ONLY! Get your name on the list.

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS IN ON VOLUNTEERS FOR OCC COLLECTION WEEK

Thank-you for “tuning-in” this morning. Together, our prayers make a big difference.

Anna Lee

“Be very careful how you live.

Do not live like those who are not wise.

c

I mean that you should use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.

I MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD USE EVERY CHANCE YOU HAVE FOR DOING GOOD, BECAUSE THESE ARE EVIL TIMES.

But learn what the Lord wants you to do.”

~Ephesians 5:15-17 (ICB)~

Covid-19 is still thriving in our area. Do your best to stay healthy. Pray for those who are sick.

Thankfulness – Day 11

Today, I am thankful for those who were called to the medical profession. David’s illnesses have helped me to appreciate them more and more. Today, I am reporting that at the Ochsner appointment yesterday, David’s blood level was 11.9. You may remember how excited we were when his blood level reached 10.0 a couple months ago. He hasn’t had any treatment for almost two months, yet the blood is reproducing despite his blood cancer. We are so thankful to God and those who have the calling to serve in the medical field. What a difference you have made in our lives!

As a proud American, I am also thankful for those who served our country in the military or who are serving now. We have a grandson presently serving in the Air Force. My daddy serve in the Army Air Force during WWII. Thank-you to all who give the time to make our country safe for the rest of us.

Ralph Eugene Lee

July 13, 1946 – November 09, 2020

READ THE BIBLE IN 2020 – DAY 11

Ezekiel 23:1-49
Hebrews 10:18-39
Psalm 109:1-31
Proverbs 27:13

I am looking for volunteers for the OCC Drop-Off Week. It is for two hour shifts. You can volunteer for as many or as few as fit your schedule.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off

310 Avenue E Kentwood, LA 70444-2518

Mon, Nov. 16: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tue, Nov. 17: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wed, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thu, Nov. 19: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Fri, Nov. 20: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Nov. 21: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sun, Nov. 22: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Mon, Nov. 23: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

You can reply to this post or call me. Don’t get left out on enjoying this blessing. You can choose one or more days to work. Remember, this will be volunteers only! Get your name on the list.

Today’s prayer focus in on volunteers for OCC Collection week

Thank-you for “tuning-in” this morning. Together, our prayers make a big difference.

Anna Lee

“Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.”

~Psalm 119:105 (NIV)~

Mrs. Mildred Birch (90) will have rotator cuff surgery after Christmas. That gives us time to pray for a successful surgery and a good recovery. That gives her time to spend with her family during the holiday season.

Bryan Tate is again in MDA with pneumonia. Please pray for him.

Beth Graham Lee’s father-in-law, who lived east of Amite, passed away. I’ll post an obituary when it becomes available.

Cecile Levantino Cutrer

August 31, 1934 – November 09, 2020

Cecile Levantino Cutrer, a resident of Amite, LA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 9, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born August 31, 1934 in Independence, LA and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her son, Alan Ross Cutrer; daughter, Wanda Cutrer Resse; granddaughter, Brandy Guy; sister, Sue Carpenter. Preceded in death by her husband, James Allen Cutrer; parents, Tony and Minnie Levatino; sister, Pat Chaney. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:30AM on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Interment Hayden Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hayden Grove Church of Christ, c/o Debbie Santora, P. O. Box 835 Amite, LA 70422. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 10

Ezekiel 21:1-22:31
Hebrews 10:1-17
Psalm 108:1-13
Proverbs 27:12

Thankfulness – Day 10

Today, I’m thankful for a fire in the firepit, company from Virginia, a good visit, and BBQ last night. What a great way to visit with our son-in-law whom we haven’t seem since last Thanksgiving. The nighttime temperature, no mosquitoes, and watching a new stray cat helped make it a memorable evening. Sounds like we might need to do a repeat tonight!

Today’s prayer focus is on those who don’t see any reason to be thankful. May we all learn to count our blessings, the large ones and the small ones, every day. My mother-in-law was a wonderful example of someone who appreciated the “little things of life”. To her, they were the big things! May we all be more thankful to God and to others.

Anna Lee

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

~Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 9

Ezekiel 20:1-49
Hebrews 9:11-28
Psalm 107:1-43
Proverbs 27:11

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Thankfulness – Day 9

Today, I am thankful for holidays. They cause us to step-up and do a little more. There’s cooking, cleaning, company, and lots of things to do. That’s part of the anticipation. The list can be expanded to include family, friends, memories, pictures, hugs (maybe not so much this year), family recipes, new recipes, traditions, etc. These are the rewards. After being limited in many ways this year due to the pandemic, I trust you will be able to have some special holidays. May they revive your spirit and encourage you to GIVE of yourself for the remainder of 2020. Whatever the holidays look like at your house, make than special in some way for those you love the most.

Today’s prayer focus is on the many people who will have no family members to celebrate the holidays with this year. Pray for them. You may have the opportunity to “put your feet to your prayers” this year. It is an awesome opportunity.

FBC, Kentwood had online services only again yesterday. Despite all the issues, we had two guest speakers yesterday. First, Joe Hutto of the Hillsdale area preached yesterday. He is the son-in-law of Bro. Darryl Miller. Last night, Boyd Hatchel, our son-in-law, shared about missions. He currently lives in Richmond, Virginia and serves on the global research team of the International Mission Board. If you missed these messages, I hope you will take the opportunity today to view them on Facebook or YouTube.

Hutto – https://www.facebook.com/KentwoodFirstBaptistChurch/videos/685366072119264

Hatchel – https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=285750622679565&ref=notif&notif_id=1604879744504171&notif_t=live_video_explicit

Yes, the virus is continuing to control some of the church opportunities, but God and His work through guest speakers, empty pews, sickness of staff members and church members, etc. God’s love, power, and message are limitless!

Anna Lee

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

~2 Thessalonians 3:16~

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 8

Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
Hebrews 9:1-10
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 27:10

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Doris Young who is still not well. Pray for her strength to continue to fight this battle. Pray for her family too.

Please pray for the churches in our area that are still unable to meet in person. As you pray for the churches, pray for the individuals of those churches, especially for those who are sick. Worship is both for group and individual participation. Most of our local churches now have other options for weeks when that is needed. One good benefit I have discovered it the option to participate in multiple church services some weeks. You may even have the option to attend your church in person and other churches online. For us, right now, it is all online.

Beverly J. Scott of Summit, Mississippi | 1948 – 2020 | Obituary

Mrs. Beverly Jones Scott, 72, of Summit, MS went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS.

Mrs. Beverly was born on August 5, 1948 in Natchez, MS and was the daughter of Ralph Jones and Imogene Steele Jones. She lived her life for her family. She lived a life of service, putting God first, her husband and children and later, her grandbabies. Although she was very active in her community and church, her value of family was her heartbeat and she cherished each moment spent with them. Her friends describe her as a woman of integrity, kindness and never without a smile. She was known by many as “Mrs. Bev”, “Aunt Beverly”, “Sister” but her favorite title was “MiMi”. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 48 years, Ernest Ray Scott; one brother, Ralph Donald Jones and one grand-daughter, Khloe Faith Price.

She is survived by her two daughters, Tara Price and Timmy of Summit, MS and Melanie Nichols and David of Summit, MS; two brothers, Mark Jones and Michelle of Texas and Chris Jones and Debbie of Texas; one sister, Kay Hutson of Meadville, MS; three grandchildren, Kaleb Price and Amber of Georgia, Kolbi Price and Kelee Price of Summit, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, November 9, 2020 from 11AM until time of service at 1PM at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS with Dr. David Millican officiating the services. A burial will follow in Pike Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McComb, MS.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Scott, Darby Scott, Jerry R. Smith, Jerry Chapman, Bobby Thomas, Ira Cleveland, Roy Hendrick, Harry Young and Danny Easley.

We met the Scott family in the late 80’s. They were a blessing to our lives. May God continue to work in and through this family.

Thankfulness – Day 8

Today, I am thankful for the seasons God created for us. My favorite season has always been spring, but this year fall is running a close second. Spring has been my favorite because I usually spend days, and more days, working in my yard. The weather is “Just right”. This fall, I have been able to work outside (with much help from my husband) and have enjoyed different seasonal flowers. We like to work together in beautiful weather God created for us. The beauty of the flowers is something we both enjoy. It’s not for other people. It is for us! Even watering is a joy as we do it together. I think these two seasons provide a special togetherness that we both appreciate. It’s always fun to talk about what we want to do next. I’m thankful we have the time and health to do so this lovely fall season.

Today’s prayer focus is on churches. Pray for each one to be able to continue to serve their congregations well during these trying times. Pray for members to find ways to stay connected to each other and to God.

Anna Lee

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness“

(1 Timothy 2:1-2).

I forgot to include Baptist Press and the Louisiana Baptist Message, my routine for Fridays, so here they are a day late, but still a good read. These are two of my favorite sources of news.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

https://baptistmessage.com/

Many are sick around us. Pray for them. Be an encourager.

I’m happy to report that Sherry Grice is home and improving from her surgery.

Linda Diana Slaven Pittman

May 19, 1956 – November 04, 2020

Linda Diana Slaven Pittman, a resident of Denham Springs, LA. departed peacefully for her heavenly home on Wednesday November 4th 2020. She was born May 19, 1956 in Independence, LA. She was 64 years old. Linda was married for 39 years and is survived by her best friend and husband Johnny Pittman. Together they owned and managed several successful businesses in the Baton Rouge area. Johnny and Linda enjoyed their life together with friends and family. Having good times was a priority when they were younger and raising their very large family. Linda also worked for and retired from the Louisiana Lottery. Linda was a talented woman with many skills. She had a warrior spirit. A beautiful and petite woman, she was scared of nothing and no one. Her most recent years may have been her happiest. She was a homemaker and loved raising her Grandson Ty Swinney. She loved being at her home with the people she loved. She loved just sitting on her porch with her many flowers and plants that she was always so good at taking care of. Her bird and squirrel watching could fill entire days. She loved her children and grandchildren with great passion. Although many lived many miles away, she would always smile and light up at the mention of their names. Linda was at peace and was one with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Linda is survived by her daughter, Jackie Swinney and fiancé Jimmie Thomas. (Charleston, AR.) Son Shane Pittman (Denham Springs, LA.) Stepson John Pittman and wife Lynn (Charleston, AR.) Stepdaughters Darlene Sarley and husband Allen (Webb City, MO.) Michelle Dodd and husband Royal (Asbury, MO.) Naomi Pittman (St Charles, IL.) Brother Jack Hill (Magnolia, MS.) Sister Becky Faulkner (Magnolia, MS.) Grandchildren Courtney Cooper, Scott Sarley, Michael Schroeder, Brittany Washington, Ryan Pittman, Lauren Schroeder, Amber Sarley, Katie Chester, Devon Schroeder, Lawson Beadle, Austin Pittman, Meesha Dodd, Arlis Dodd, Ty Swinney, Kyler Pittman and Presley Thomas. Linda is also survived by 32 Great Grand Kids Linda was preceded in death by her Father Kenneth Slaven (Sunny Hill, LA.) Stepfather Jack Ford (Baton Rouge, LA.) Mother Barbara Crowe, Grandmother Beula Crowe, Grandfather Robert Crowe Sr. Sister Kathy Brewer Pallbearers are Jack Hill, Jimmie Thomas, Lawson Beadle and Shane Pittman. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, LA. From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, November 7th. Service to be conducted by Brother Dennis “Cotton” Pittman following visitation. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 7

Ezekiel 16:42-17:24
Hebrews 8:1-13
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 27:7-9

Thankfulness – Day 7

Today, I want to share my thankfulness for my son. Usually he is rather quiet, but the gears in his brain are spinning at a high speed. He can tease at times, but is also very compassionate. He takes action quickly when it is necessary. Many skills have been developed over the years.. He gives 100% of his time and effort to what is important to him. Our son loves his family and spends quality time with them. He is a good and helpful friend and willingly gives time and effort to help and encourage others. Some of his closest friends are church friends. He sets a good example for others in many ways.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on thanking God for our veterans and all those who helped form a great country where we can proudly live and raise our families. We can be thankful for the Christian nation they sought to provide. May we realize there are others watching and listening to us daily. May we pass on a good value system.

Anna Lee

 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

Please pray for Beth Graham Lee’s father-in-law who had heart surgery Wednesday and developed complications Thursday.

Robert “Bobby” Ellis Palmer

September 20, 1930 – July 19, 2020

Courtland Lamar Hughes

Read the Bible in 2020 – Day 6

Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
Hebrews 7:18-28
Psalm 106:1-12
Proverbs 27:4-6

Audio Version

One Year Bible Audio And Commentary

Today’s prayer focus is for our country. May our people turn to Him for answers and assurance.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off

310 Avenue E Kentwood, LA 70444-2518

Mon, Nov. 16: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tue, Nov. 17: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wed, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thu, Nov. 19: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Fri, Nov. 20: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Nov. 21: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sun, Nov. 22: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Mon, Nov. 23: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

(Times, but not days, vary from site to site.)

Thankfulness – Day 6

I’m thankful for my daughter. She changed our world when she was born and has continued to do so every since. Her pathway in life always takes unexpected turns to unexpected places. Her many talents are noticed and appreciated by others. She is accomplished in many areas of her life, but especially as a daughter, wife, mother, and as a “child of the King”. She loves people and is always looking for ways to be of service to others. She loves God and tells others through words and deeds about how important it is to have Jesus in their lives.

Be blessed today.

Anna Lee

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33~

More and more friends are developing Covid-19. Wear your masks! This health concern doesn’t have to spread like it has lately.

Thankfulness, Day 5 – My Husband

I’m thankful for my husband of 53 years! The year 2020 brought us much more time alone together than we would have thought possible, but it has certainly given us some quality time! It’s so nice to says we enjoy our days and always find reasons to laugh. He cares for older people, children, and all those in the middle. He is fun, compassionate, caring, hardworking, and thoughtful. God lives in his heart and can be seen in his actions. I’m so very thankful he is in my life and blessed to have had so many years together.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 5

Ezekiel 12:1-14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 27:3

SHANE KEITH RATLIFF

Shane Keith Ratliff went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at the age of 40.  He was born on Sunday, September 7, 1980 in Hammond, Louisiana.  Shane always wore a smile on his face and never met a stranger.  He volunteered at both Eighth Ward Volunteer Fire Department and Kentwood Volunteer Fire Department.  He assisted helping the community with the Ponchatoula Lions Club.  Anyone who knew him could always count on Shane to lend a helping hand.

Shane is survived by his father, Paul Pittman and wife Sandy Pittman; his mother Cheryl Ratliff; twin brother Wayne Ratliff and wife Catherine; his brother Christopher Ratliff and wife Brittany; his sister Brittany Morse and husband Corey; his brother Paul Pittman, Jr. and wife Tiffany; his sister Shannon Pittman; his grandmother, Jackie Genco; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Shane is preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph Ratliff, and William and Elaine Pittman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 100 W Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, on Friday, November 6, 2020 beginning at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  The visitation will continue on Saturday, November 7, 2020, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM.

Interment will be lead by Chaplain Wayne Ratliff at Sand Hill Cemetery, Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like everyone to please consider monetary donations to help with funeral expenses.  All donations can be made directly to Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home.

Face masks are now mandatory to attend any visitation or service at the funeral home. Thank you for your cooperation.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I think you will be blessed and encouraged by reading these articles.

Thank-you for reading and praying today. It’s always a good day to pray!

Anna Lee

“We know the love that God has for us,

and we trust that love . . .

because God’s perfect love drives out fear.”

~1 John 4:16, 18 (NCV)~

Please continue to pray for all the sick people in our community and the surrounding areas.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 4

Ezekiel 10:1-11:25
Hebrews 6:1-20
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 27:1-2

Thankfulness – Day 4

Today, I’m thankful for my family heritage. It is similar to the heritage of many of you. My family had strong connections with other members, mostly from this general area. They worked hard and provided the necessities of life. They lived by strong Christian faith and encouraged us to do well in school, continuing our education after high school even thought that was not possible for them. They taught the value of work, daily living skills, a sense of values, a love for our country, its beauty, and its history. They also taught us to care about and help others. I had a good life based on a solid foundation.

Resa Gail Birch

August 06, 1964 – November 01, 2020

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Live by Faith” – Rebabe

Resa Gail Birch, a resident of Clinton, LA departed for her heavenly home on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at the Baton Rouge General Butterfly Hospice. She was born August 6, 1964 in Kentwood, LA. She had a love for life and cherished her two children, Joshua and Allie, family and friends. She loved working in her yard and the planting of plants. She loved going to Joshua’s and Allie’s ball games, the beach, traveling with family and friends on vacations, and a love for photography that she shared with many. She had a beautiful voice from a young age and was a member of SWMJC Stage Band as a vocalist for 2 years and sang many specials in church. She was a graduate from Valley Forge Academy. She continued her education at Southwest Mississippi Junior College in Summit, MS with a Business Associate Degree and then graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA with a BS degree in Business Administration. She then went back to Southwest and received a degree in Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Resa worked as a nurse at a couple of State Hospital facilities in Jackson, LA where she retired from. She continued working part time for several years at St. Helena Parish Hospital until February 2020. After 8 years of battling cancer strong and hard, she gained her angel wings. Those who knew Resa would comment how she always had a smile on her face, her faith and how she was an inspiration to all. Resa was an incredible mother to her two children that she loved with all of her heart and an incredible daughter, sister, and friend to many. She is survived by her children, Joshua Keith DeLee and wife, Madison, and Allie DeLee; mother, Nancy Gray Birch; 2 sisters, Julia Birch Travis and Michelle Birch Fitzgerald and husband, Justin; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Julius Ladell Birch; grandparents, Henry and Mabel Birch and James and Nettie Gray; mother-in-law, Alice DeLee; and brother-in-law, Keith DeLee. Visitation will be at New Zion Baptist Church, 3841 Hwy 38W, Kentwood, LA from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 5, 2020 with Kaleb Schmidt and Ted Sine officiating. Interment will follow at Clear Creek Methodist Cemetery, 17887 Hwy 432, Clinton, LA. Pallbearers will be Sutton Travis, Garrett Fitzgerald, Cliff Elkins, Keith Elkins, Dillon Elkins, and Tyler Towles. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Bernice Menard Collins

June 4, 1925 – November 1, 2020

(Connie Morgan’s mother)

A service of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 12:00 noon in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille, honoring the life of Bernice Menard Collins, 95, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice with family at her side. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille’s DOWNTOWN location on Wednesday, November 4 from 9:00 AM until time of service.

Entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum.

Reverend Bert Langley of Lafayette will conduct the funeral services. The Eulogist will be Mitzi Menard, niece, and a passage of scripture will be read by Kelsey Collins Byrd, granddaughter. Celebratory music will be provided by son-in-law, Del Morgan, singing “How Great Thou Art” and granddaughter, Rachel Morgan Im, singing an original song entitled, “Parting Blessing.”

Left to cherish her memory includes her two sons, Floyd Wayne Collins and Douglas George Collins and his wife, Cathy; one daughter Connie Collins Morgan and her husband Del; one sister, Geraldine (Jean) Menard Dunand; seven grandchildren: Rachel M. Im, Michael Morgan, Danielle M. Bowser, Lana M. Mendoza, Taylor Collins, Kelsey C. Byrd, and Lindsey Collins; and seven great grandchildren, Tommy, Kayla, and Chelsea Morgan, Grace, Joanna, and Nathon Mendoza, and Jayne Morgan Bowser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Duma and Marie Landry Menard; husband, George Floyd Collins; two sisters, Lucille M. Ducharme and Verna Mae Menard; and nine brothers, Willis (Fatty), Bienvenue (Bob), Overton (Pye), Robley (Bris), Ernest (Pete), John, Lee (Neg), Henry (Bud), and Curley (Noonie) Menard.

Although our mother has entered the heavenly realm and is finally home, her life story of resilience is woven into the fabric of our lives. For most of her years, mom was busy raising children and volunteering at church. In her late fifties, she faced unexpected adversity with quiet but steely determination when circumstances caused her to reenter the work force as a sales clerk for Abdalla’s, a popular retail clothing store in Lafayette. Her unwavering persistence to provide for her family not only modeled her tenacious work ethic, but taught us the importance of perseverance. It was her devotion to God that yielded a spirit of fierce determination in the midst of adversity. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 ─ “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Mom was happiest when she was at home surrounded by her family. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. In the last days of her life, when the challenges of progressive dementia slowly overcame her, it was like losing mom in slow motion. Yet her faith in God never wavered. It produced a life of such profound resilience that in her absence, we continue to marvel at what God has done.

Pallbearers will be Floyd Wayne Collins, Douglas George Collins, Gerald Dunand, Overton (Jimmy) Menard, Ronald Glenn Menard, and Michael James Pothier. Honorary Pallbearers will be Taylor Collins and Michael Morgan.

A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Collins family to the nursing staff at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph for the care they extended to our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bernice Collins’ name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Prayer Focus

Pray for our country and its leadership, whether your chosen candidates won or lost in Tuesday’s elections. Praying after an election is as important as praying before the election.

Anna Lee

“that I may discern between good and evil,

for who is able to govern this your great people?”.

~ 1 Kings 3:9 (EVS)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 3

Ezekiel 7:1-9:11
Hebrews 5:1-14
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 26:28

Today’s Prayer Focus

Our Great Country – The United States of America

Thankfulness – Day 3

Today, I am thankful for the many ways God allows us to express love for others and the way others express love for us. Sometimes it is through an abundance of verbal expressions and sometimes it comes silently through actions. They can mean the same thing! However you express love, do so frequently. You’ll be blessed!

Tonight, at 7 P.M. central time, Franklin Graham will lead our country in a season of pray. Join him at that time and/or use the time to have private prayer in your home.

Fall weather beings sniffles, coughs, colds, flu, and this year it can even bring Covid-19. Be careful. We hear of sickness daily. Do your best to stay healthy and not to pass on anything you may have.

Due to sickness, online church services are now the only option in some of our area churches. Thankfully, many churches have that option. Others, have found ways to worship from their parking lots, etc. Just don’t leave worship out!

Anna Lee