I do not want to become a weather channel, but I do want you to be aware and alert. I’ve already checked out the weather report. You should do so too. Then, we can pray for God to watch over us in these unusual conditions. Let’s do our part by being prepared.
Today is a day when the weather and personal needs meet. Check around to be sure your family, your church, and your neighbors are prepared for the coming weather situation. Pray for those with serious conditions to be prepared. As I learned a long time ago, we need to “put feet to our prayers”!
Praying for safety, warmth, food, and water for each of you. If you do not have someone to check on you, ask a friend or neighbor to check on you periodically and/or ask them if you can call them if needed. You can return the favor by praying for them.
Today, let’s continue the focus on preparations for the cold weather.
Let’s also pray for the many who have lost a family member or friend recently.
Let’s also pray for those who are sick or have had recent procedures:
Mike Estay, Dwayne Creel, Jackie Babin, Bro. Darryl, etc.
Today is Sunday!
I hope you have already prepared your lesson from Genesis 8.
It’s cold, so dress warmly.
Be on time!
Deaths
Bessie Barker
February 29, 1940 – January 10, 2024
Covington, Louisiana
On Wednesday January 10, 2024, Bessie Barker was called home by the Lord surrounded by her family.
Bessie was born February 29, 1940, Beattyville, Kentucky, and made Louisiana her home, retiring from La Capitol Federal Credit Union after a long career in banking.
She is survived by her daughter Bridget Barker Rusche (Bill), 4 grandchildren, Bailey, Bella, Misty and Mindy. 3 great grandchildren, Zoey, Charlotte and Skylar. She is preceded in death by her husband Perry Lee Barker and daughter Beth Ann Schmitt.
Bessie was a strong Christian woman that will be missed by all that knew her.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday January 16, 2024 at 2 pm at the Mountain View Cemetery, 1019 Valley Drive, Bristol, Virginia.
Go rest high on that mountain!
Jimmie W. Adams
July 26, 1956 – January 10, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at her home. She was born July 26, 1956 in New Orleans, LA and was 67 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Bryan Adams; sons, Shane Gisclair (Tammy) and Steven Adams; 3 grandchildren, Shane Gisclair, Jr., Brittany Gisclair (Dusty), and Blaine Gisclair; 2 great-grandchildren, Ivy Gisclair and Cove Maes; 1 sister, Sandra Hargis; 3 brothers, James Jackson, Wayne Jackson (Martha), and Benjamin Spaulding (Palmer). Preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Jackson; father, James Lee Wactor; 2 brothers, William Atkins (Billy) and James M. Wactor (Rusty); God Mother to Robert Pellegrin and Christina Dufour Sparacello. Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date and will be held at the Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church, Marrero, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Gary “Ted” Chapman
April 5, 1953 – January 11, 2024
Gary “Ted” Chapman passed away peacefully surrounded by, and in the embrace of his 3 sons, on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at his residence, Summerfield Senior Living. He was born April 5, 1953 in McComb, MS and was 70 years of age. Ted was a devoted family man and a lover of all things outdoors. He was a mountain man at heart, or so he wished, weaving tales of grand hunting exploits that left us all in stitches. Given the choice, he would either be spending time with his children and grandchildren or chasing whitetail deer among the running rivers and deep hardwoods. Both environments were a sanctuary where the bustling demands of life were exchanged for peace and solace. Having graduated from LSU law school, most knew him as an attorney who practiced law for 30 years out of Amite. Ted earned his client’s loyalty through steadfastly delivering on his promises and fiercely advocating for their interests. Amongst those who knew him in the courtroom, he had a reputation for being a Pitbull. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Chapman; sons, Dylan Chapman, Tyler Chapman & Gabriel Chapman; grandchildren, Anna Marie Chapman, Tucker Chapman, Judah Chapman, Dawson Chapman, Raegan Chapman, Brennan Chapman, Kaylan Chapman & Nathan Chapman; sister, Linda Dunn; former spouse (who remained a dear friend to the very end), Gwen Wallace. Preceded in death by his father, Marshall “MC” Chapman, Sr.; mother, Mavis Gill; brother, Marshall Chapman, Jr.; sister, Judy Lenoir; wife, Karen Long. Pallbearers will be Dylan Chapman, Tyler Chapman, Gabriel Chapman, Tucker Chapman, Judah Chapman & Nathan Chapman. Visitation will be held at House on the Rock church in Amite on Tuesday, January 16 from 5:30PM until 9:00PM and Wednesday, January 17 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM. The funeral service will begin at 11:00AM on Wednesday, January 17. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Pine Grove. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jackie Babin has progressed and is now back at home. Please continue to pray for her (and Bob). Thank-you for praying for her, but please continue to pray.
Read the Bible (Finishing 2023)
Heaven: Home at Last
Matthew 5: 1-12
Matther 6: 19-21
Matthew 19: 21
“Right now, my bank account in heaven would look link . . . .”
Read the Bible Everyday
Genesis 24: 55-26: 11
Psalm 9: 1-6
Proverbs 2: 6-8
Matthew 9:18-38
Sunday School Lesson
Genesis 8
After the Flood: Land & Aftermath
Cold Weather Ahead
David and I bought gas and groceries yesterday. The grocery store was packed. Shop earlier rather than later because of the crowds and the availability of the items you need.
If you need heating fuel, be sure to check your tanks to know you have plenty. Also, check the tank if you have a generator. We may have times without electricity next week as trees fall on the power lines. Have a plan!
Bake or Cook Something Extra (to share).
Some people will have a struggle preparing for the upcoming weather. Bake or cook something extra you can share.
Move plants to a warmer location.
Water then today and then AFTER the temperatures rise above freezing.
Do what you can.
If you are limited in what you can physically do for someone else, please pray for them. You can pray for specific individuals and for people in general.
Please continue to pray and do for people. We all can use a little kindness periodically. Be on the “giving” end if you are not on the “needing” end. Be thankful you can share and not receive this year.
God is good! He’s good to us in many ways! Have you told Him so lately?
Last, but now least!
Pray for our country as we battle for “good” around the world. Pray for people who strive to do what is right t0 be safe in difficult circumstances.
Pray for our country, the leadership, and those who are currently running for public offices. Ask God to put the right people in place to lead our country.
I spoke with her yesterday. She’s improving and ready to be fully well, but that will take time. She will possibly be able to come home today. Keep praying for her.
Obituary
Anthony Joseph Laciura
August 6, 1948 – January 9, 2024
Anthony Joseph Laciura passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Born August 6, 1948, Anthony was a brick layer and the owner of Joe’s Hilltop Grocery. He had an amazing sense of humor and an unwavering faith in Christ and the church. He lived every day of his life to honor and serve God. If you have been around this area, chances are that you have seen some of his beautiful brick work or have talked to someone who has a story about something special he did for them. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Anthony Laciura and Sara Ann Cuti Laciura. Anthony leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Jerry Dreher Laciura, one son, Michael Laciura (Jessica), three daughters, Lisa Chambers (Brett), Ashley Kyzar (Roy), and Farrah Laciura. Seven grandchildren, Rachel Laciura, Marc Chambers, Christopher Chambers, Amber Bailey, Jennifer Kyzar, Heather Kyzar, and Hannah Matise. Seven great grandchildren and one sister, Clara Berry (Alan). Visitation will be held at Mckneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence on Tuesday. Interment at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA following mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Read the Bible 2023
January 12, 2024
I Corinthians 15: 20-58
“The most interesting thing about this is . . . .”
Read the Bible Everyday
Genesis 24: 1-54
Psalm 8: 1-9
Proverbs 2: 1-15
Matthew 8: 29 – 9: 17
Cold Weather Tasks
Most of the time these tasks are best done early, not at the last minute.
Fill the gas tanks of your automobiles
Purchase hardware you need.
Purchase groceries.
Check on neighbors, friends, and relatives.
Pray for protection for everyone during the cold weather.
John Leonard Morgan passed away quietly in his sleep on Monday, January 9, 2024. He was born June 6, 1946 in Independence, Louisiana and was 77 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 58 years, who was also his high school sweetheart. Also surviving are his children, Randy (Donna) and Jeff (Candace). He was “Dude” to his five grandchildren; Bailey, Madison, Noah, Hudson, and Lorelai “Lulu” Morgan. He became a Christian at the age of 12 and tried to follow Christ by reading his Bible daily and attending church even while serving in the Navy. He was a member of First Baptist Church Amite and a former member of First Baptist Church Covington, where he served as a greeter, a position he dearly loved.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Lawson Bourgeois; father, John Henry Morgan; brothers, Tommy Morgan and Ronnie Morgan; great-nephew, Devin Morgan; step-father, Wilbert Bourgeois. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Daray and Lori Sanders (Max) and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a 1964 graduate of Amite High School. After sustaining injuries, he stayed on as the manager of the 1963 State Championship Football team under the leadership of Coach Jack Pope. Even though injuries kept him from playing football, he made managing the team a top priority. Immediately after graduating high school, he began his barbering career by entering New Orleans Barber & Beauty School. He spent approximately 56 years cutting hair until illness forced him to retire which he never intended to do.
In 1967, during the Vietnam Conflict, he joined the Navy and was a barber in the crew’s barber shop. He was then moved to the officer’s barber shop while serving aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore in Charleston, South Carolina.
The family would like to thank the caregivers from Home Instead, who were wonderful and took such good care of him. Also VitalCaring Hospice for going above and beyond.
Pallbearers will be Omar Banos, Daniel Goldsby, Russ Guzzardo, Brandon McElveen, Tracy Perkins, Keith Sumrall and David Wallace.
Family and friends are invited to attend services at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite from 1:00 until 3:00 on Saturday, January 13th. A funeral service will begin at 3:00, conducted by Dr. Matthew White. Interment will follow at Mulberry Street Cemetery in Amite.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to the church or charity of your choice.
Hospital
Jackie Babin is progressing well following her surgery Tuesday. I’m sure Bob will be thrilled when he gets her home.
Illness
Dwayne Creel has shingles to complicate the other issues he has been having. Please pray for him.
Read the Bible Daily
John 14: 1-4
Philippians 3: 20-21
Colossians 3: 1-4
I John 3: 1-3
“Thinking about this makes me feel . . . .”
Read the Bible in 2024
Genesis 21:22 – 23:20
Psalm 7: 9-17
Proverbs 1: 32-33
Matthew 8:5-27
I’m up to date on these daily readings. I hope you are too!
Prayer Focus
Today, as we hear many weather reports about the very cold weather next week, focus your thoughts on not only what you need to do to prepare you home, but also on what others might need to do. For men, you might need to help someone prepare their home and property.
When David was so sick a few years ago, I asked him about the pipes. He assured me they were fine. But, along came a friend when we really needed one. He brought his own supplies and would take no money for helping us. He taught me a good lesson on helping others when they needed help. I’ll never forget James Rimes for helping us and for teaching me such a lesson. He ranks high on my list of friends/heroes.
Please begin to pray for God to lead you to help someone get a supply of needed items and preparations. He can use us all!
Sometimes our prayers. become our greatest teachers and guides. Learn from those who set such examples for you! Learn from God’s messages as we pray and ask Him to help us help others.
When I went to for a dental check-up yesterday, I was asked about a Chronological Bible Reading Plan. I will share this one today. If this is a plan you are interested in, print it out. I will not be sharing it daily this year because we have already started one for 2024.
No matter what plan you choose, happy reading in 2024. You will learn something new each day.
“The attitude today toward Jesus return that I need most is . . . .”
Read the Bible Everyday of 2024
1-10-24
Genesis 19:23 – 21:21
Psalm 7: 1-8
Proverbs 1: 28-31
Matthew 7: 13 – 8:4
Deaths
Amite has watched a great Christian man deal with dementia the last few years. The night before last, John Morgan was healed of dementia and given his new home in heaven. Please pray for Mary, his very faithful wife, and other members of the family, all of John’s many haircut customers, his classmates in the class of 64, and lots of church friends in Covington and Amite. His obituary is not ready, but I will post it tomorrow.
Robert Henry Frohn
July 21, 1933 – January 7, 2024
Robert Henry Frohn age 90, peacefully passed away at his home in Amite, Louisiana on Sunday January 7, 2024. He was born in Roseland, Louisiana on July 21, 1933 to Dorothy and Charles Frohn, Sr. As a young boy, Robert professed his faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and attended The Church of Christ. A graduate of Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana College with a BS degree in Accounting. Robert had a great love of anything with wheels and a motor. At the age of 16 he was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident which caused blindness in one eye and hearing loss in one ear. Even with these disabilities he was able to achieve his pilots license and fly his own airplane. After the death of his father and uncle who were the owners of Frohn Brothers Garage, Robert purchased the business and added a wrecker service and Honda Motorcycle and Power Equipment dealership. He started Frohn Honda Motocross Racing team . Which became a wonderful time in his life. Treasured friendships, fun and wonderful memories. He was married for 64 years to the love of his life Jennie Grace Ridgedell until her death in 2019. He is survived by his daughter Alison Frohn Field and her husband Ricky. Three grandchildren; Chris Bordelon (Rae Lynn), Dr. April Kemp (Jonathan), Richie Field (Kelly); 6 great-grandchildren; Grace, Gretchen, Hayden, Allie Kate, Preston and Raegan. One sister; Jo Ellen Carruth (Daryl) and two brothers; Bill Frohn (Nancy) and Dick Frohn (Debra).
Preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Charles Frohn, Sr. and a brother Charles Frohn, Jr.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite from 9:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM on Saturday January 13, 2024. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Wallace Osborne Hendry, Jr.
May 3, 1941 – January 6, 2024
A resident of Rogers, AR, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Jamestown Nursing and Rehab in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born May 3, 1941 in Hammond, LA and was 82 years of age. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of Vietnam and retired from Shell Oil after 25 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Arnone Hendry; 5 children, Dennis Hendry, Tammy Bendily and husband, Milton, Deanna Bourgoyne and husband, Joey, Shannon Badely and husband, Rod, and Donna Lynn Davidson and husband, Les; grandchildren, Denee’ Cox and husband, Justin, Kayla McCullough and husband, Hunter, Brooke Bourgoyne, Blaire Bourgoyne, Brock Badely and Jourdan Badely; and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, Wallace Osborne Hendry, Sr.; mother, Cora Mae Hendry Kuyrkendall; step-father, James “Kirk” Kuyrkendall; brother, Thorney Hendry.Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, January 12, 2024. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(Wally grew up 1/2 block from Robert Frohn and both of them in the next block from me.)
Hospitals
Jackie Babin’s surgery went well yesterday. She’s now in room 3425 at North Oaks.
We have another friend who had surgery yesterday at North Oaks. Please pray for him too.
Upcoming Surgery
Continue to pray for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has an addition surgery coming in a couple of months. If you missed hearing him sing “My Anchor Holds” Sunday, you need to do so. The Sunday morning message is on the church’s webpage. Check it out! Going trough life with “the strong anchor” is a must!
Prayer Meeting, Youth Activities, and Children’s Activities
Youth activities start earlier, but the adult and children’s ministry begins at 6:00 P.M.
You are very welcome to join us tonight
Pray for the Booty family as they wait for the arrival of baby number three
Helping and/or Serving Others
We have predictions of very cold weather next week. If there is something you can do for another person(s), it might be a good plan to do so this week.
We had rain, but not tornadoes! We weren’t expecting a flood here, but so far everyone seems to be dry. We cannot see our yard yet due to darkness, but the storm left us sitting here. Thank-you, Jesus! If you know of needs, please share them so others can help.
Prayer Focus:
Let’s pray for anyone here, there, or anywhere that had storm damage or who will be fighting a flood at the end of the week. Pray for the people to the east of us who will be affected by the storm.
Surgery (and Death)
Jackie Babin is scheduled for surgery today in Hammond. Please keep Jackie and Bob in your prayers during surgery and the long recovery period.
A young man who recently married into their family passed away due to cancer. Cover Jackie and Bob with your prayers.
Hospitalized
Please pray for Nancy Carruth of Greensburg. She has had an infection and been hospitalized for weeks.
Read the Bible
January 9
Mark 8: 34-38
II Thessalonians 1:6-12
Revelation 1: 66-8
“Someone who needs to know about Jesus’ return is . . . .”
Read the Bible in 2024
January 9
Genesis 18:1 – 19:22
Psalm 6: 6-10
Proverbs 1: 24-27
Matthew 6: 25 – 7:12
Operation Christmas Child
David and I worked in the “Shoebox rooms” yesterday to reorganize and prepare for “Shoeboxes 2024”. We have more work to be done.
What a great day yesterday was to be in the Lord’s House! I’m so thankful to be a part of my church! I hope you feel that way about your church too!
Death
Robert Frohn of Amite died at home early this morning. He was 90 and the brother of JoEllen Frohn Carruth of Greensburg and Dickie Froth of McComb.
Prayer Focus for Today
Please pray today for those who work at night and for those who get up while most of us are sleeping to drive long distances to get to work and then return home after a long day of work.
Sunday School is one of my favorite parts of church because of the Bible study time and the close fellowship with others. I hope you attend and love your Sunday School class in your church. The lesson for next week will focus on Noah and his family after the flood was over. You can read Genesis 8 if you do not have a book.
Read the Bible
January 8, 2024
Matthew 25: 31-46
“Someone who needs my help now is . . . .”
Read the Bible Everyday in 2024
January 8, 2024
Genesis 15: 7 – 17: 27
Psalm 6: 1-5
Proverbs 1: 20-23
Matthew 6: 5-24
I am enjoying this reading each day. If you want to join us, you can look lack to January 1 and start reading from that day OR you can just start with today. I would wonder what I missed if I didn’t go back to the beginning, but that is just me.
Thankfulness Jar
I have enjoyed writing about something I am thankful for each day at the end of the day. I do not have any problem deciding what to focus on each day. My small jar is collecting the colorful pages for me and rests on the table for me to see when I sit to eat my meals. ”Today, I am thankful for . . . . “ It is a blessing to be able to look back on each day and to choose one or more things for my little slip of paper each day. God surely blesses me!
I’m so glad you decided to check in today. I love thinking about you as I write early each morning.
Please pray for Linda Guy Phillips. She is in Ochsner in New Orleans. Kim, her daughter, is by her side.
Obituary
Judy Ann Sims Jones
January 26, 1960 – January 4, 2024
A lifelong resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at her residence. She was born January 26, 1960 in Brookhaven, MS and was 63 years of age. She was co-owner of a local trucking company, Simco Industries, Inc. from 1982 until closing to retire in 2016. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Ashley Marie Bridges, Angel Bridges Newman (Matthew), and Amber Lane Bridges; 3 grandchildren, Aniston Newman, Alstyn Newman, and Emmitt Newman; sister-in-law, Ann Smith; nephew, Jonathan Sims; niece, Sherry Smith Sassone (Chris); great-nieces, Logan Slaven, Jasie Sims, and Lanna Sims. Preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Marie Sims; husband, Jimmy Jones; brothers, Curtis Kent Sims and LaRue Smith; nephews, Jason Sims and Greg Smith; great-nephew, Michael “Boc” Sims. Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00Noon on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Tomorrow’s Sunday School Lesson
We will study about Noah and his family.
Operation Christmas Child
We shopped after Christmas and did not find the sales we were expecting. Yesterday, we bought a number of items at Dollar Tree and a few at Dirt Cheap.
I have been wanting to work in the OCC room, but the weather has been too cold for that. I hope to get in the room this week. I have some reorganizing to do from our packing parties. Hopefully, today.
Prayer Focus
Pray for those who are struggling to pay their bills due to the recent inflation. We can all notice the price increases. They are more difficult for some people than others. Pray for those who struggle the most.
Read the Bible
The Future
Week 50 – Second Coming of Christ
1-6-24
Matthew 24: 35-44
Luke 12: 35-40
“I can be ready for Christ’s return by . . . .”
Everyday With Jesus Bible Reading
January 6
Genesis 11:1 – 12: 20
Psalm 4: 1-6
Proverbs 1: 15-16
Matthew 5: 13-32
I’m enjoying these readings. They don’t take long to do, but give me plenty to think about and discuss with David.
Thankfulness Jar Find
While shopping in Dollar General, I found some small notebooks with colored paper. I bought two to cut up for my thankfulness jar. I think I will cut one today and save one for later. The paper is perfect for this project. I also saw some jars that would work well, but I had some that are doing fine for now. I will keep the others in mind.
Saturday means it is time to prepare for Sunday.
There are always tasks to prepare for attendance at church and some to prepare for the weekend at home.
Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for spending some time here and for praying.
The Prayer Link 
You must be logged in to post a comment.