Be an alert weather watcher today. The storms in Texas and west Louisiana will be here later today.
Prayer Focus
Pray for those of us in the path of the storms be be both alert and prepared. Today is a good day to be focused on the weather for much os the day.
Closures
Most schools, if not all schools in our area, will be closed today. Many businesses may also close. Schedules may change too. For example, the Pine Ridge Bible study group will postpose today’s lunch until next Wednesday. Please pass the word.
If you have an appointment today, you may contact your provider and reschedule. I know Spring Creek has cancelled church for tonight. Other churches seem to be on their regular Wednesday night schedule. You may have a power outage, so be prepared for that too.
Read the Bible Every Day
Deuteronomy 17:61 – 19:13
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 19:28-30
Luke 9:1-22
Today is a good day to check on others to make sure they are prepared for the storm and have what they need to spend the day without power.
Our actions need to be early in the day. You might even want to get someone who lives alone to spend the day with you. Making your home available to others is always a good thing.
Be patient with the linemen if your power does go out. They also need to be careful to protect their lives.
Today, let’s pray for the students who will be graduating next month. Pray they make decisions that will be beneful to them in the future. May they choose the correct jobs, activities, friends, etc.
Read the Bible Every Day of 2024
Deuteroromony 14:22 – 16:22
Psalms 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:26-27
Luke 8:26-56
Your Personal Prayer List
Use today to update your personal prayer list. If you do not have one, today is a good day to begin one. You can make daily additions as needed, make comments, and even change your format to a form that works best for you.
Your Personal Calendar
Use a regular calendar that has blank spaces for you to write. You can make family and personal notes there. In addition, add. your church activities. You can also add a verse of the day, your outreach comments whether they be for people your age, homebound connections, ect., Bible readings, etc. You can also list the people your are praying for.
Be a blessing to others, help with a church project, pray for family, friends, and members of your church, etc. Show you care about others. Pick up the object someone dropped at the store, in front of your house, etc. Make the world a better place today!
Do they have needs you can meet because they are unable to shop, drive, etc. for themselves?
Is there something in the house or yard that needs attention and that is within you abiblity to do?
Do they need to talk to a person because they are likely to go days or weeks without hearing from anyone?
Are they unable to schedule an appointment for some reason?
Be the one to step up and help them.
Updates
Pray for Wendell and Ginger Simmons as they continue to recover from surgeries.
Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is still in North Oaks recovering from surgery.
Mrs. Mary Varnado is scheduled to be moved from North Oaks to a hospital in New Orleans.
Coach Shaw is possibly home from North Oaks again.
Angela Shockley is doing well following her heart surgery. She’s “up and moving around”. Thank God for her progress.
Jason Dean was able to be back at church yesterday.
Pray for others who have come home from the hospital, but still need some help to function at home.
Obituary
Violet Travis
January 22, 1952 – April 6, 2024
A resident of Kentwood passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on April 6, 2024. She was Born in Talisheek, LA on January 22, 1952 and was 72 years of age. Violet graduated from Pine High School and Pearl River Community College and worked several years as a Registered Nurse at Riverside Medical Center and Lallie Kemp. She enjoyed sewing, playing the piano, working in her flower beds and eating at Olive Garden. She treasured her time with her precious grand babies. Violet is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James Travis, daughter Amanda Grantham and husband Tim, grandchildren Jaime Travis, Faith Grantham, Alyssa Travis, Jacob Grantham, 5 sisters in law, 1 brother in law and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving son Matt Travis whom she is now reunited with in Heaven. The family wishes to thank Modern Hospice for the comfortable and compassionate care she received and family support shown during her illness. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Ed Penton and Bro. Richard Magee. Interment will follow in Beulah Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Every Day of 2024
Deuteronomy 12:20 – 14:21
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 10:22-25
Luke 8:4-25
Prayers Needed (Families)
Pray for the families who need to be “reconnected” with other family members.
Pray for out youth and children as they form their “system of values”. May they all have good influences in their life.
Pray for families that do not have a church family too.
I was blessed at church yesterday. I hope you felt that way about your church wherever you attended. Our great God is present everywhere and is available to hear our prayers at any time, day or night.
Senior Adult Lunch
If you are available and would like to attend the senior adult lunch, our church will be “on the road” Tuesday of NEXT week. You can call the church office for more information. (229-8111)
Here’s What Happened
Saturday, in Amite, I met a lady as we were walking in opposite directions. I said something like “Hello.. How are you today?” Her reply was “Blessed”!
I thought she had a great reply. It was honest and from her heart. It made me reconsider my reply when people speak to me. I know I am also “blessed”. This was and can be a simple, but wonderful reply.
Have a blessed day. “See” you tomorrow. If you have a friend, neighbor, or family member who might benefit from reading my posts, feel free to help them locate and bookmark this page.
It’s here again! Today is the Lord’s Day! We have the opportunity to read and study God’s Word, hear a sermon from a pastor, and be a positive influence on others. If you are able, I hope you will strive to do all three of those things.
Read the Bible Every Day of 2024
April 7th
Deuteronomy 11:1 – 12:19
Psalm 41:7-13
Proverbs 10:18-21
Luke 7:36 – 8:3
Obituary
Mildred Oliver Cade
March 28, 1933 – April 5, 2024
MRS. MICKEY‘S OBITUARY
During the early morning hours of April 5th, 2024, Mrs. Mickey, as she is known by many, passed through heaven’s portal to begin eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, being 91 years of age! Those who knew her well will remember her for the love and generosity she had for others. She was a teacher by profession, having obtained her degree in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1973. She taught at New Zion Elementary, Spring Creek Elementary, and Sumner Junior High schools where she had a positive influence on so many lives, none more so than her own five children. Being widowed at a relatively young age, her first priority was the Christian upbringing of her children, as she relied on the grace and guidance of her Lord. All five children obtained professional degrees; more importantly, all are Bible reading Christians having a solid, active faith. While her health permitted, Mrs. Mickey enjoyed gardening, always having a big enough garden to share with friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed reading, assembling jig-saw puzzles, traveling, and engaging in card games and other games with her sisters, grandchildren, and friends. She is survived by four of her five children: Becky Cade Crow (Danny) of Ellicott City, MD, Dr. James Cade (Melonie) of Hattiesburg, MS, Bobby Cade and Terri Cade Bourgoyne both of Kentwood, LA, one sister Irene Blades of Monroe, LA, 16 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband U.S. Army Staff Sargent Arthur Berton Cade, her father Jimmy Oliver, Sr., mother Pearl Schilling Oliver Mulkey, sisters Katherine Manning, Azalene Partrich, Hazel Smith, and Sarah Golmon, three sibling-cousins Avis Oliver Hope, Tink Oliver, Jr, and Huey Oliver, one daughter Patricia Cade Needham, one daughter-in-law Betty Cade, and one infant grand-daughter Bonnie Cade. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM. The service will be officiated by Reverend Danny Crow. Pall bearers will be her grandsons. Burial will be in the Silver Springs Cemetery, Osyka, MS following the service. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, LA is in charge of the arrangements.
As a representative of my Sunday School class, I went to Terri’s home to leave a gift bag and to visit for a few minutes. This was eight days before “Miss” Mickey passed away and one day before her 91st birthday. I’m so thankful for the time I had visiting with Terri that day while “Miss” Mickey rested. Thank-you to the New Hope class for investing in homebound people and others. I’m so thankful for you showing God’s love for others.
Mission Opportunities This Month
Giving to the Annie Armstrong offering
Helping cut fabric for OCC gift bags on the 20th at 9:00
Shopping for OCC. Our suggested gifts for April are red pens, sewing tape measures, small cars, solar calculators, and small dolls
Giving money to Wanda Smith or me so someone can place an Amazon order for needed items in quantities not available locally.
You may notice I do not ask for Bibles and other Christian literature so children can learn about Jesus. Samaritan’s Purse adds them when they determine which country the box will go. Each child’s literature is in their language! This in turn impacts both the child and family members. It’s like sending a Sunday School teacher and a pastor in each box to each home!
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on “Miss” Mickey’s family and the family of Frank Fox. Again, I suggest you watch the video from his service.
Also, please pray for all our friends and family members who are hospitalized.
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Hebrews 9:27
Prayer Focus
Today let’s pray for families. There are many that are very troubled. They often put on a good face for others, but away from others and/or at home they need God leading the family. Let’s pray for them in general and specifically. I know God is always available to comfort and guide families.
Read the Bible Every Day
(It’s never a bad day to begin reading.)
April 6
Deuteronomy 9:1 – 10:22
Psalm 41:1-6
Proverbs 10:13-17
Luke 7:11-35
Deaths – We are surrounded by many deaths.
Please pray for families caring for someone who is slowly dying. May God bless them as they lovingly provide needed care while having a broken heart all day each day. May they perform these tasks knowing the person is a Christian and is preparing to transition to Heaven!
Frank Fox’s Funeral
David and I watched this service live yesterday. They were a fantastic tribute to Frank for his many accomplishments and to his marriage that provided love and guidance to three daughters and in more recent years, to all the grandchildren.
It is still available online. Whether or not you knew Frank, I encourage you to watch this very special service.
There are several people still in the hospital. Please pray for them, their families, and for the primary caregiver(s). Pray, asking God to guide you to be bold and visit the person and/or family.
A Day of Preparation
Saturday is our final day before the Lord’s Day. Be diligent to accomplish the necessary tasks, studying your Sunday School lesson, planning/preparing food and clothing, etc. today so that will help you have a great Lord’s Day!
Note
Please pray for two unnamed families. One involves a death and the other a death in the near future.
Wendell Simmons was able to come home yesterday. Thank God for his improvement.
Coach Shaw is still at North Oaks.
Mrs. Mary Varnado had a procedure that will, hopefully, help her to feel better and be back at home.
Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is still having tests done.
Jason Dean is continuing to improve at home following his back procedure.
Prayer Focus
Pray for the many people with needs in hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes without our knowledge. They often have needs we could meet, but we just don’t know of their needs. Pray we will be more aware and better informed as well as more willing. I think that last part about willingness is often and issue, but one we can work to improve.
Read the Bible Every Day
April 5, 2024
Deuteronomy 7:1 – 8:20
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:12-14
Luke 6:37 – 7:10
Sunday School Lesson
Our lesson for Sunday continues with Jacob learning more about God’s love and faithfulness. Despite his struggle with his brother, Esaw, he has matured in age and wisdom. Give it a read today. Genesis 30
Don’t Forget
I want to remind you that Frank Fox’s funeral service will be online at 11:00 A.M. this morning so that family and friends who cannot travel to Gastonia, N.C. today will be able to watch the service.
Let’s pray for the salvation for family members and others we know. What an important decision all of us can choose to make!
Read the Bible Every Day
April 4
Deuteronomy 5:1 – 6:25
Psalm 40:6-10
Proverbs 10:9 – 11
Luke 6:12-36
Health Concerns
Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher – North Oaks for tests
Wendell Simmons – Recovery following back surgery
Online Funeral Service
Please share the information about an online funeral service for Frank Fox with his Kentwood friends who might not be aware of the service tomorrow at 11:00.
Opportunity for Ladies
April 20th has been chosen as the next “Cutting Day” to prepare fabric (measuring, marking, and cutting) for sewing of the totes to be placed in each of the 450 “Shoeboxes” we plan to ship through Samaritan’s Purse this year. Many of the totes have already been completed.
Ladies, bring your pinking shears if you have some. If not, come anyway. We’ll share or give you another task. Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson is in charge of the “Cutting Days” and the “Chief Seamstress”, a position she loves and has held for years. Join us for the next “Ladies’ Cutting Party”!
Today, let’s focus our prayers on knowing Christ better.
Do we need to study our Sunday School lessons deeper?
Do we need to rewatch our church services or watch those of other churches?
Do we need to spend much more time on Bible study?
Do we need to study more Christian books explaining the Bible?
Do we need to take a seminary courses/courses focusing on the Bible?
Etc.
Let’s ask God to teach us more using the method(s) of His choice.
Read the Bible Every Day?
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Psalm 40:1-5
Proverts 10:6-8
Luke 5:21 – 6:11
Happy OCC Shopping this month!
Red pens
Sewing measuring tapes
Small cars
Calculators
Small dolls
Fabric Cutting for OCC
Thanks to those who have helped cut fabric for the totes we send to boys and girls. We will be scheduling another, our third, fabric cutting day soon. Pay attention to the date. Bring your fabric cutting shears or rotary cutter. Thanks for this means of helping with OCC.
Obituaries
Deacon Michael Anthony “Mike” Agnello
September 29, 1946 – April 1, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at his home. He was born September 29, 1946 in Hammond, LA and was 77 years of age. He served in the US Army Reserves as a MP. He was Owner and Operator of Himel’s Napa Auto Parts in Amite and Kentwood. He also served as an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Baton Rouge at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula. A former assistant to the director at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home. Recently retired as a Genealogy Assistant at the Tangipahoa Parish Library. His proudest achievement was his work with the T. Harry Williams Center at L.S.U creating Sicilian Italian Culture project. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member and served as a Chaplain. He served on many civic organizations and community boards throughout Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by wife, Valerie M. Agnello; 1 son, Mark J. Agnello; 1 daughter, Melanie A. Johnston and husband Jason; 4 grandchildren, Anthony Agnello, Hannah Vizena, Sarah Agnello, and Hailey J. Peek and husband, Matthew; 1 great-grandchild, Adelynn Dean. Preceded in death by parents, Salvadore “Sam” Agnello and Mary Graziano Agnello; brothers, Joseph Agnello, Salvador Agnello, and Ciro Agnello. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 5:00PM until 8:00PM with a Vigil Service at 6:00PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Visitation from 8:30AM until 10:30AM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite Thursday, April 4, 2024 with Funeral Mass to follow at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. We thank St. Tammany Hospice for their great care. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Frank M. Fox
April 26, 1942 – March 31, 2024
Frank M. Fox of Gastonia, NC died peacefully on March 31, 2024, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s. He was born April 26, 1942 in Memphis, TN to the late Lowry S. Fox Sr. and Avis Smith Fox.
Frank grew up in Kentwood, LA. After graduating from Kentwood High School in 1960, he attended Louisiana State University. He would later obtain a Master of Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Following graduation from LSU, he began his service with the US Air Force where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a medal for extraordinary achievement. When stationed in Goldsboro, NC, he met his loving wife of 52 years. They settled in Kentwood where he taught at Kentwood High School before retiring and moving to North Carolina. He then worked as a mail carrier with the US Postal service until retiring to his favorite role of Paw Paw to his seven grandchildren.
Possessing a true servant’s heart, he dedicated his entire life to helping others. As a young man, nothing was more important to him than caring for his mother after they lost his father. In his twenties he focused on serving his country, moving through the ranks of the military, and completing his service as a Captain. His next years were spent dedicating everything he had to his wife and three daughters. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood, where he served as a deacon. After moving to North Carolina, he volunteered with the American Red Cross and Parkwood Baptist Church through organizations like the Salvation Army and PCO.
A true country boy at heart, Frank spent as much time as possible outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, model trains, and caring for cows on his dairy farm. An avid LSU fan, he loved watching his Tigers play baseball and football. The only thing that could keep him from his Tigers was the chance to attend any of his grandchildren’s events. He spent many hours supporting his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them grow and excel.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Alice Fox; three daughters, Lori Vail (Bob), Rebecca Backus (Aaron), and Leigh Ann Mantecon (Lito); seven grandchildren, Ellie Vail, Wes Vail, Will Backus, Lindy Sell, Henry Backus, Lito Mantecon II, and Tristan Mantecon. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Lowry Fox Jr., his honorary brother and cousin, Rod Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Parkwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 prior to the service.
The service will be live streamed via the following link for those who are unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Parkwood’s PCO or James 1:27 Fund located at 1827 Dixon Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO BOX 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I Peter 1:3
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on those around us who have physical injuries or diseases that make “getting around” difficult. If there is some way you can help, please do so for them.
Surgery Report
Wendell Simmons‘ surgery was successful. He stayed at the hospital last night and will be there again tonight before going home. His movement will be limited in the next few weeks.
Obituary
Jimmy “Jay” Joseph Roux
March 27, 1951 – March 31, 2024
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner, LA. He was born March 27, 1951 in New Orleans, LA and was 73 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sherry Hyde Roux; daughter, Chrissie Roux Paradise and Justin; son, Brenton Roux and Caitlyn; grandchildren, Maci Bergeron, Anabelle Paradise, and Brenton Michael Roux; 2 step-daughters, Tabitha Singleton and Amy Miller and Scott; 1 step-son, Ralph Singleton, Jr.; step-grandchildren, Sean Sinagra, Emily Sinagra, Tyler Miller, Cody Singleton, Colton Singleton, Bentley Singleton, Sadie Singleton, and Sabrina Singleton; 1 sister, Donna Orgeron and Gerry; 2 brothers, Danny Roux and Gayle and Clinton Roux, III “T-Cork”. Preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Roux, Jr. And Dorothy Landry Roux. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, April 5, 2024. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Frank Fox
Mary Alice will send the obituary for Frank when it is finalized. Let’s be in prayer for her, her girls, and other family members.
Read the Bible Every Day
Psalm 39:7-13
Deuteronomy 2:1 – 3:29
Proverbs 10:3-5
Luke 5:1-20
Our Gifts
Use your gifts God has given you and please Him when you do so. We all have different gifts. Let’s use them to help/encourage/bless others.
The Prayer Link 
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