Today, let’s pray for those who live alone. Many are lonesome for interactions with others. If you know of someone who fits that description figure out a way to impact that life.
Today, let’s also pray for those who are in rehabilitation facilities. These sites make a big difference in lives of people following surgery, sickness, and or accidents.
Read the Bible Today
9-13-25
Psalm 1-8
Georgia Barnette Focus for 2025
Tomorrow, we will have week three of our focus on missions in Louisiana.
Additional Bible Reading
‘What about Us?’
Read Matthew 19:27-30.
Opportunities
Associational WMU meeting today
Sunday School and worship services for all ages tomorrow at many churches
Participation in mission projects in our area
Giving a check and/or groceries to the LA Baptist Children’s Home to help feed all the residents in the next year. A truck from the children’s home will pick up items in our area early Monday morning, so leave your donations by tomorrow.
Learning about Camp Living Waters, summer camp opportunities, and other ways the facilities can be used
Personal contacts with those hospitalized or receiving rehabilitation services.
Visiting those who are homebound
Contacting those who live alone
Giving to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana or donation time to serve in outreach in our state
Have a wonderful day. May we all share Jesus in our own way(s) today.
To those of you who look forward to Fridays, this is your day. It usually signals the end of a busy week and time for a more relaxing weekend. Sometimes, the weekend is so busy we look forward to Monday. However that works for you, be thankful you have this day, this weekend, this week, this month, and this year.
Today’s Verse
Bible Readings
September 12
Jov 40-42
Obituary
Grant Day
August 5, 1941 – September 10, 2025
Grant Day, 84 of Kentwood, LA passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at the St Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was born August 5, 1941 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:00 am, at Pine Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. Rev. Michael Townsend will officiate. Also Bro. Joe Day will deliver remarks.
Grant S. Day, a beloved member of the Bethel Baptist Church, was a man who lived life to the fullest. A true outdoorsman, he found his greatest joy in hunting and fishing. Grant was known for his incredible generosity, always willing to give away all he had, even the very shirt off his back. He had a deep love for his phone and was known to call friends and family at all hours of the night. Grant’s love for bluegrass music was contagious; he would often sing for anyone who would listen. The family extends a special thank you to the dedicated staff of the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home for their compassionate care.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ivy Day; mother, Maggie Cutrer Day; brothers, Ivy Ellis Day, Joseph Elvis Day, Carl Bentley Day, Charlie “Nick” Day and Donald Audis Day.
Survivors include his sister, Lauree Day Phillips (Adrian) of Kentwood, LA, and brother, Lynn Day (Betty) from Kentwood, a host of nieces and nephews and a special friend Pat Erwin.
Pallbearers will be: Colton Strickland, Adrain Strickland, Ronnie Strickland, Dayne Passman, John Travis Day and Travis Day.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Ivy “Shorty” Williams, Wendell Day and Michael Charles Passman II.
We are only one day away from the Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission Meeting. I hope to see you tomorrow morning at 10:00 at FBC. Kentwood. We will focus on the Georgia Barnette offering and Camp Living Waters.
Fall Food Round-Up
We are almost to Sunday, our deadline to turn in items or checks for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home “Fall Food Round-up”.
Today, let’s update our personal prayer lists and pray for those listed as we do so.
This Helps Me
A few weeks ago I suggested you write the names of some of your favorite hymns/songs on small pieces of paper and post them throughout your home or office. I don’t know how many of you did so, but I did. Today, I want to say that it was a good plan for me. As I go about each day, I run into those hymn titles on doors, door handles, etc. It reminds me of God as I focus on the words and their meaning to me.
Terrific Thursday
As we live our daily lives today, I hope we can deepen and share our faith. Blessing and encouraging others besses us and encourages us first.
And a resident of Franklinton passed away early Tuesday morning September 9, 2025 at her home, the property where she has lived her entire life. She was born on October 27, 1948 and following graduation from high school, attended business college in Baton Rouge and worked for a short time, before returning home to raise her family. Frances loved sewing and quilting, often making clothes and other items for her family and others. She loved making crafts, often helping her grandkids make the perfect items to enter into the booths at the Washington Parish Free Fair each year. Most recently, she made cute teddy bears for each of her family members and others she wanted to spread a little joy to. Frances enjoyed taking care of her yard and tending to her beautiful flower beds. She was forever a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all that knew her.
Survived by:
Husband of 57 years: Tommy L. Hickman
Son and Daughter in law: Tommy Hickman, Jr. and Celeste Hickman
2 Daughters and a Son in law: Michele and Perry Talley, Rachel Polk
Grandchildren: Kaitlin, Cassidy, Austin, Preston, and Brody Hickman, Vivian and Samuel Talley, Weston and Anna Kate Polk
Sister: Jerrie Hickman
Sisters in law and Brothers in law: Iris Hickman, Michael and Harriet Hickman, Lloyd Hickman, Deborah and Tom Eckert, John and Melanie Hickman
Also numerous nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her parents Ben Passman and Leona Magee Passman, sister Georgia Quinones, brothers Bennie Gene Passman, James Harold “Joe” Passman, father in law and mother in law Johnny and Audrey Hickman and other family members.
Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday September 12th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Friday with Bro. Mark Jenkins officiating. A private graveside service will follow in the family cemetery on their property.
Good morning, friends. I’m thankful for you and our time “visiting” every day. I hope you feel purposeful and encouraged today.
Reading the Bible in 2025
September 11
Job 38-39
WMU/Women on Mission
Quarterly Associational Meeting
FBC, Kentwood
10:00 A.M. Saturday
Come learn about the Georgia Barnette Offeing for Louisiana Missions and Camp Living Waters
I encourage all ladies and girls to a attend. You do not need a specific invitation, a WMU organization at your church, etc. Just come.
As a mother, If you have plans to send your child there, you may be interested in attending.
If you are a youth worker, this may be very informative to you.
If you support state missions, you may be interested in this site that ministers in our area.
No tickets or special invitations needed.
Obituary
Rebecca Ann Freeman Tabor
October 6, 1971 – September 9, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank in Gretna, LA. She was born October 6, 1971 in Madill, OK and was 53 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Thomas R. Tabor; children, Bailee Brassell and husband, Phillip, Skylar Tabor and fiance, Caitlin Reeves, Detroit Dixon and fiancé, Jessica Ingle, and Daylin Dixon and fiancé, David Walker; daughter-in-law, Autumn Morgan; grandchildren, Callee, Aspen, Britton, Ryder, Danica, and Anna Catherine; step-mother, Judy Freeman, father-in-law, Earl Tabor; and mother-in-law, Janice Cowman. Preceded in death by parents, Tommy Ray Freeman and Wanda Faye Williams Freeman; sister, Melissa Morris; and a brother, Tommy Ray Freeman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 2:00PM until religious services at 3:00PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Many people need to have Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you know of some, please pray for them and your need to minister to them. Today, add their names to a special prayer list. Then, pray for them frequently. Encourage them to be with those who will be encouragers and teachers.
Today, let’s focus on people. May we always love God, help others, and strive to be a good citizen in our homeland. Pray for America and for your responsibilities as a citizen.
Today’s Verse
Obituary
Jackie Scott Phelps
August 8, 1989 – September 8, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Tickfaw, LA. She was born August 8, 1989 in Concord, NC and was 36 years of age. She was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She is survived by her husband, Reagan Phelps; 3 daughters, Lacy Prue, Annabelle Prue, and Ivy Prue; mother, Gina Causin (Steve); brother, Robbie Scott (Rachel); grandparents, Gene and Jane Throwe; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Tracey Phelps; and sister-in-law, Emily Phelps. Preceded in death by her father, Ken Scott; daughter, Sophia Prue; grandfather, James Scott; grandmother, Sandy Scott. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I hope you noticed the moon last night and again this morning. God put on a special show for us. The moon was an absolutely huge and beautiful light! Only God!
(I did take a couple pictures last night, but this is not one of them. It was a golden color last night!)
Prayer Focus
This morning, let’s thank God for His many creations, especially human life and for the big beautiful moon he shared last night.
Today’s Verse
The Bible is like a special letter delivered to us each day. It is only words unless we read it and then apply it to our lives.
Read the Bible in 2025
September 8
Job 29-31
No New Obituaries This Morning
WMU/Ladies on Mission
Quarterly Meeting for Two Rivers Association
Saturday at FBC, Kentwood
10:00 – 12:00
Leadership Meeting at 9:00
Focus on Louisiana Missions (Specifically Camp Living Waters at Loranger)
Speaker: Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr. (Pastor at Kedron)
Pot-luck meal to follow
ALL ladies are invited.
One Week!
The truck from the La. Baptist Children’s Home will be here next Monday. Your food donations and or checks should be at the church by Sunday, September 15. You can give through any of our local Baptist churches.
You can also write out checks at this time or at any time of the year.
Give at church or mail to:
La. Baptist Children’s Home
7200 Desiard Street
Monroe, LA 71203
Children’s Christmas Program at FBC, Kentwood
Early December
Children from four years to sixth grade
Directed by Wendy Fowler and Nikki Rhodus
Operation Christmas Child
Thanks to the classes and the individuals who are contributing to pay the shipping charges on the boxes. The cost is minimal for each box, but large when many boxes are packed. We desire to place manyy boxes in many hands again this year.
Your support is both needed and appreciated. Be a part of getting boxes in all those little hands and the message of Jesus in all those precious hearts.
Good morning, friends. I look forward to Sundays every week. I’m sure many of you do too.
Today’s Scripture
We’ve been experiencing our usual hot, summer days. I’m sure all of you can relate to a bottle of cold water. Just like we can have a thirst for water, we can also have a thirst for the Lord. I hope you regularly seek to worship Him, especially on Sundays.
No New Obituaries This Morning
Georgia Barnette Offering
As we move into week two of focus on this Louisiana Baptist Focus, let’s consider the resort ministries. Louisiana is well known for recreation that involves water. Toledo Bend is a good example. You may be surprised to learn of the opportunities for a miisionary to serve there. Mary Gore has done so for 32 years.
She has made four requests:
Personal strength and perseverance as she continues to serve.
Volunteers and summer mission teams to join her in reaching out to tourists and locals.
Local churches who partner with the resort ministry to share the Gospel.
Increased giving to the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering to sustain this and other resort missions who reach out to people outside of a traditional church setting.
Let’s continue to give so others can serve in various sites across our state.
Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
You only have one more week to bring your donations of checks, foods, and cleaning supplies that will be instrumental in helping feed and care for the residents for another year. The truck will be in Kentwood for pick-up of our donations on September 15th. The next pick-up will be during September 2026. Checks can always be mailed to them .
Two Rivers WMU/Women on Mission Meeting
Saturday
10 A.M.
FBC, Kentwood
Focus – Georgia Barnette Offering and Camp Living Waters in the Loranger area
Guest Speaker – Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr., pastor at Kedron Baptist Church
Chris and Kathy’s daughter just sent an update on Korey and Chris’ surgeries. Korey is home and already noticing how much better he feels and walks. Chris is still at the hospital, but plans are to release him today. Chris also is feeling a needed improvement and expects to be released today. Everyone surely is wearing a big smile at this point.
The family thanks you for your continued prayers. They apologized for not updating you sooner. Keep praying!
Let’s thank God for allowing us to live today and our ability to connect with Him periodically throughout the day. When we fail to pray, we miss sweet and meaningful opportunities.
Obituary
Ella Cleora Hyde Hayden
November 27, 1926 – September 4, 2025
Ella Cleora Hyde Hayden was called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 4, 2025, at the blessed age of 98.
Cleora was born on November 27, 1926, in Roseland, LA, to Brice Miller Hyde and Emma Elizabeth Eldridge. She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the values of hard work and dedication, and she was a graduate of Chesbrough High School. In 1946, in Amite, LA, she met the love of her life, John Pershing “Johnney” Hayden. After marriage, they made their home in various locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. A devoted homemaker, Cleora also used her many talents as a beautician and a gifted floral designer, owning and operating several small businesses. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She and Johnney were blessed with two children, Lewell Patrick “Pat” Hayden, LTC Retired US Army (Faye) and Joannie Jena’ Hayden.
Cleora is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, John; her parents, Brice and Emma Hyde; her siblings: Lewell Brice, Digby Merrel, Buddy Frank “BF”, Erwall Carl, Herbert Miller “Joby,” and Juanita Thomas; and her daughter-in-law, Candace Hayden, son-in-law, Larry Grabert.
She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Pat Hayden (Faye) and Jena’ Hayden; her grandchildren: Tiffoney LaJaunie (Brent), Jennifer Hayden, Rebecca Haaby (Robert), Jessica Dick (Mike), and Melissa Parrino (Andrew); her great-grandchildren: Joshua, Ethan, Bryce, Bricen, Aven, Jamerson, Gavin, Sela, Mahlet, Mariah, and Marissa; and her great-great-grandchildren: Adalyn and Eli.
Cleora was a woman of unwavering faith, whose love for the Lord shone through in her every word and deed. She found profound joy in prayer, strength in Scripture, and peace in lifting her voice in praise. Her life was a testament to her trust in God’s plan, demonstrated through her boundless kindness and compassion for others. She often found comfort in the promise of Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” While our hearts grieve her absence, we do not grieve as those without hope. We rejoice in the assurance of Christ’s resurrection and the promise that we will be reunited with her in the glory of God’s eternal kingdom.
A service to celebrate Cleora’s life and her heavenly homecoming will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, 110 E. Factory St., Amite, LA, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Hyde Cemetery on LA-1058. A reception for family and friends will be held after the interment at the Florida Parishes Skeet & Gun Club, 61282 VFW Rd., Amite, LA.
We take immense comfort in knowing that Cleora is now at perfect peace, resting securely in the loving arms of her Savior.
The WMU speaker next Saturday will focus on Camp Living Waters and using it to impact our children, youth, and adults. Donations to the offering in the fall each year impact CLW and other sites and ministries throughout the state.
Prayer Requests for Louisiana missions – Pray that churches will continue to train, to give, and to go. Does that sound like the Great Commission?
Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
Bring a check or food any local Baptist church. Our gifts will help feed the residents for the coming year.
Associational WMU Quarterly Meeting
One week away – September 13
Location – FBC, Kentwood
Time – 10:00
Bring – a food for the potluck lunch (Chicken provided by FBC, K)
Meet other ladies and girls
You do not need to be an active member of WMU or Women on Mission to attend.
Learn about mission opportunities for all church and family members
You must be logged in to post a comment.