Goof morning. I hope you have something a little special to do today. If not, it’s not too late to make some plans.

Did you follow my suggestion yesterday and do a little Bible research on your own? Hopefully, you enjoyed that. Today, I hope you will do more of the same, but I will offer three suggestions,. You can continue with the same topic, start a new topic, or dig deeper into your Sunday School lesson. Make your choice and get started this morning. Happy research!

Yesterday was my one year anniversary of the fall that broke both of my feet, I’ve learned a lot about being more careful, holding on to someone or something, slowing down, etc. I certainly appreciate all those who have helped me because sometimes I have been overly confident. When I go shopping or looking around, I have learned my best friend is a shopping cart. I also learned to slow down a little more and even to ask for or wait for help periodically. Knowing and trusting God has been a big encouragement. David has taken good care of me this year, saying it was payback for me taking care of him when he needed help.

Today,s prayer focus is on others and ourselves. Ask God to open our eyes to needs around us and give us a desire to help someone/others.

Pray for those who have various needs today – loss of a job, a child moving out of your home, a new baby, a job change, kitchen cabinets almost bare, a leaking roof, a relative with no home or transportation, a new health concern, new neighbors, school changes, children who none more attention, etc. Be a part of the solution. Be a prayer warrior for them without even telling them, a prayer sister or brother, or even pray for unknown needs in families.

Until tomorrow . . . .

Anna Lee

I’m starting over because I somehow lost my post this morning.

Bible Reading Today: Geta Bible or two, a notebook, and a pen. Do some research on any topic, event, place,or person. Have fun. Learn something new. Write some notes for future reference.

Obituary – Dean Sparks passed away. His obituary is posted on McKneely’s web site. Service will be at Kedron Baptist Church.

Recognition of Graduates – Sunday morning at 10:30 at FBC,Kentwood. If you can’t be therein person, tune in to the church website towards in real time or anytime that is convenient for you.

Prayer Focus Today – Memorial Day weekend is coming soon. Pray that people will focus on “memorial”, not just holiday!

Have a Good Friday!

Anna Lee

READ THE BIBLE

• May 18
• Hebrews 12: 1-3
• James 1:2-12
• I Peter 1: 3-7
• “Being a believer doesn’t shelter me from . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, I pray for young children, nursery and preschool age. I’m thankful they have wonderful teachers anytime our church meets. That allows them to learn so much and gives their parents an opportunity to learn without having to care for their children. FBC, Kentwood has many adults who take turns teaching. They are all good with the children and excellent role models.The children also have a new, beautiful, and functional space in our newly remodeled fellowship hall building.

Parents have a choice about the children being in a special class or keeping them with their parents in the sanctuary. It is a choice parents can make. The choice the parents choose is always right. Also, as children grow, the parents can change their choice at any time.

Let’s pray for the many children who are learning to come to church and for the many volunteers who work with them. If you choose you can observe what’s happening or you can even volunteer to teach or to help the children as needed while someone else teaches.

I think their new motto could be “Come, grow with us!”Please keep the children and the adults in your prayers.

Anna Lee

 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

~Luke 24:49~

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• May 17
• Ephesians 4: 1-24
• “If my new lifestyle is to reflect Jesus, . . . . “

OBITUARY

John Phillips

August 2, 1933 – May 14, 2023

John Irvin Phillips

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he died at home Sunday, May 14, 2023. He was 89 and a native of St. Helena Parish. He was a member of New Zion Baptist Church, a cattle farmer, former construction worker, a former Marine, and a graduate of Kentwood High School where he was a member of FFA, the football, basketball, and track teams.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marilyn Bridges Phillips; daughter Rachelle and husband Otis “OT” Taylor; son William Thomas “Billy” Phillips; grandsons Phillip and wife Jennifer McDonald Taylor, John Taylor, and Samuel Taylor; great-grandchildren Lena, Lucas, and Lincoln Taylor; sister Anna Phillips Speed; nephew Clifton Thomas Speed, Sr.

Preceded in death by parents William Thomas “Willie” Phillips, Sr. and Lottie “Marie” Pike Phillips; brother William Thomas “Billy” Phillips, Jr.; brother-in-law Clarence Eddie Speed Sr.; nephew Clarence Eddie Speed, Jr.

Visitation will be held  from 9:00AM until time of service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, 3893 Hwy. 440 Kentwood, LA 70444, with Rev. Michael Townsend officiating and Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of services. Internment will follow immediately after service at New Zion Cemetery.

Special thanks to Community Care Hospice for their help—Ashley Redmond, Ashley Thomas, Dejunna Holloway, Eric Williams; special thanks also to caregiver Joyce Ann Gilbert.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Taylor, John Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Travis Day, Kent Blades, Clint Travis.

Honorary pallbearers are Lyn Day, Clifton Speed, Sr., Jimmy Dale Newman, Barry McNabb, Wesley Blades, Kenneth “KT” Travis, Bobby Travis.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

FEATURED ARTICLE

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/posthumous-book-highlights-clint-cliftons-passions-for-church-planting-flying/

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for trade schools and colleges that will be instructing our current high school graduates next year. Pray for safe environments, motivated teachers, and friends/classmates with a similar focus who will be an encouragement. Also, let’s pray churches will provide a class and motivated teachers so the students have a great class to continue to learn and serve through.

A second prayer focus will be on families as they provide proper vacations for their families this summer. More and more, we are hearing about bad things happening in environments that provide unsafe and nonChristian environments that we do not want our friends and family to be involved in. Choose carefully.

Get out and/or reach out to show some Christian love today.

Anna Lee

Please continue to pray for Elaine Tolar Doucette. She is doing well at this stage of treatment. Her mother, Naomi Tolar, is with her as her number one cheerleader.

Mary Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Garon

August 24, 1943 – May 13, 2023

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Mary ‘Beth’ Garon passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the age of 79.

Beth is survived by her Husband, Joseph Brownie Garon Sr.: Sons: Joey Garon, Paul (Gerri) Garon; Daughters: Kimberly (Neil) Passey, Wendy (Adrien) Gill; Daughters-in-Law, Rodeana Garon; Sisters: Marguerite Hayden, Debbi (Dennis) Sharp; Sisters-in-law: Susan Callihan, Vera Jeanne Callihan, Daisey Callihan; Brothers-in-law: Carlo Bentivegna, Curtis Dykes; Grandchildren: Kyle Robertson, Taylor (Lucas) Linder, Mitchell Garon, Ashli (Ben) Boucum, Madison Passey, Luke Passey, Morgan Gill, and Adrien Gill, Jr.: Great-Grandchildren: Levi Baucum, Titus Baucum, Jude Baucum, Selah Baucum.

Beth in preceded in death by her Parents, Hermon Clifton Callihan Sr., Helen Aulinh Callihan; In-Laws: Leon Garon and Beatrice Garon; Brothers: HC Callihan, Terry Callihan, Lionel Callihan; Sisters Billie Strahan ( Ray), Barbara Bentivegna, Karen Dykes, Brother-in-law: Horace Hayden.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel First Baptist Church of Arcola 64401 I-55 Frontage Rd. Roseland, LA on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. With burial to follow at Colonial Cemetery, Independence.

Brandon Thompson Funeral Home

BETH

Beth and her childhood family grew up around the corner from us. She was older than me, but her brother Lionel and brother-in-law, Curtis Dykes, were more my age. Her younger sisters were also my friends. Her family was very active in our church and her mother worked in the school cafeteria in Roseland. Beth was one of the prettiest girls I knew.

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

~Joel 2:28-29~

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• May 16
• Phillipians 2: 12-13
• Colossians 2: 6-10
• Colossians 3: 1-4
• “If Jesus is my Lord, I must accept . . . .”

VISITATION FOR GEORGE EDDIE LEE

Visitation is at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00 AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. 

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

We always want to remember the family of a deceased person in our prayers, but today I want to ask special prayers for two families who had deaths in the family close together. The Little family of Russelltown had a two deaths about a week apart. The Lee/Shockley family of Easleyville had two deaths about six weeks apart. One death is hard enough at a time. Please pray for the Little and Lee/Shockley families.

Operation Christmas Child

Thank-you to those who have continued to donate money for purchases and postage to ship the boxes. Prices for purchases have gone up, but so has the giving.

Also, thanks to classes and individuals who have purchased items that are needed. You have done a fantastic job this year and are greatly appreciated.

Thank-you to individuals who have given time to take care of making or preparing items for shipping. You make such a difference too.

It takes many people to prepare to ship 400 boxes to children. I can’t imagine trying to do this without all the “Willing Workers” we have at our church.

We have almost completed the purchasing and are beginning our emphasis on postage. Each of the 400 boxes requires $10.00 for shipping which also includes a Bible in the language of the country where the box will be shipped and a magazine-size Sunday School book, also in the appropriate language, that contains fourteen lessons to help introduce the children to Jesus. The gifts are wonderful and life-changing because the children learn that someone loves them. On top of that, they learn of Jesus great love for them.

Thank-you for supporting this mission project through your funding, shopping, preparing, and filling shoeboxes! This is a great team project.

Anna Lee

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

~Micah 3:8~

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• Monday, May 15
• Spiritual Maturity
• II Corinthians 5: 17-19
• I John 5: 11-12
• Ephesians 2: 1-8
• “My faith in Jesus began when I . . . .”

WEDNESDAY’S MESSAGE TITLE AND SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE

• Wednesday, May 17
• “Real Love”
• Romans 12: 9-21

PRAYER LIST

Please add Rafe Cutrer to your prayer list. Rafe is the 14 year old son of Raymond and Brandy Cutrer.

Please add the name of Betty Taylor if she is not already on your list. Betty is married to Andy Taylor.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

On difficult Mother’s Day, daughter will seek solace at gravesite

ERLC urges Congress to address border crisis

Church promotes adoption/foster care; Love endures after Tops Market shooting; Pastor tips for abuse care.

PRAYER FOCUS

Today. let’s focus on the transition many families make at this time of the year, a transition from the school day schedule to a much less structured summer schedule. Pray families will choose safe, meaningful activities for the children and for days of meaningful activities to do as a family. May they choose church activities for the whole family.

Anna Lee

. . . . and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—

~Exodus 31:3~

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• May 14
• Ephesians 5: 15-20
• Colossians 4: 5-17
• “The surrendered heart is seen in . . . .”

ILLNESS

Mitchell Warren owns a glass and tire shop across from Master Chef in Amite. We saw him and his wife, Jodi, at Master Chef yesterday. Mitchell shared that he has a problem that requires brain surgery, but it is not a regular surgery. It’s gamma knife surgery, which they had never heard of before. David and I quickly told them about the gamma knife surgery I had in 2011 and had prayer with them. I have had no pain or seizures since my surgery. Mitchell’s surgery is Monday of next week, May 22. Please pray for Mitchell and Jodi.

OBITUARY

George Eddie Lee

October 21, 1939 – May 12, 2023

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

George Eddie Lee was a man of truth and value. The favorite places for him to plant his feet was in the green pastures in St. Helena Parish where he operated a dairy, farmed the land, and raised Charolais cattle. He loved his family and he loved the Lord immensely. He was born in Clinton, LA and graduated from Greensburg High School in 1957. George Eddie went on to further his educational career by earning a Master of Agriculture Science. George Eddie, a resident of Easleyville, LA, left this life on May 12, 2023. He was 83 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice Faye Fowler Lee; daughters, Angela Faye Shockley (Don) and Lisa Ann Piner (Brian); son, Kirk Eugene Lee (Jamie); grandchildren, Hannah Shockley Wilkinson (Jacob), Haley Piner Cerise (George), Drew Thomas Piner (Maria), Dillon Jacob Lee (Lauren), and Collin Joseph Lee; great-grandchildren, Brooks, Rivers, and Collins Wilkinson, Lakely, Renee, and Lincoln Cerise, Austyn Elizabeth Shockley, Hayes Jacob Lee, and Lee Thomas Piner; brothers, Bennie Ray Lee (Margaret), Perry Eugene Lee (Janella); and a sister, Carolyn Lee Busby (Alan). Preceded in death by his parents, Horace “Buster” Lee and Juanita Perryman Lee; loving granddaughter, Hillary Morgan Shockley. We extend much gratitude to his special nurse, Ashley, and Community Hospice. Visitation is at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Services conducted by Pastor and special friend, Darryl Miller. Pallbearers will be Kirk Lee, Dillon Lee, Collin Lee, Drew Piner, Brian Piner, George Cerise, Don Shockley, and Jacob Wilkinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Lindsey, Carl Womack, Casey Womack, Charles Womack, and John Easley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. 

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, families and churches will focus some time on mothers. Let’s do the same here. Be thankful for the sacrifices mothers make for their children and the love and joy they have because of their children. Thank God for all the things mothers have taught their children and the ambitions they have guided their children to have. Most of all, thank God for mothers who have taught their children about God and His great love and sacrifice for them.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Anna Lee

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

~Psalm 143:10~

SICKNESS

Gail Brister fell and broke a hip about ten days ago. Since then, she has moved from the hospital to rehab and now home in Kentwood. Thank God for the progress she has made. Please continue to pray for her as her recovery process continues. Pray for Tom and their children as they help her make more progress.

MOVED TO HIS FOREVER HOME

Mr. George Eddie Lee passed away midday yesterday. There are no published arrangements yet. I’ll post them when they become available.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• May 13
• I Corinthians 10: 22-33
• Romans 14: 19-23
• “On the controversial issues of life, I am . . . .”

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for children as schools will be closed for the summer.. I know I was so blessed to have had a mother who was at home every day as I grew up. When my children were preschool age, they were with a special lady. “Dees” who came to our home to care for them or with one of their two grandmothers who were just a few miles away.

Some children will be at home with their mother or another family member, in the home of someone who is a friend, in day-care, etc.I was also blessed by being a teacher and having the same holidays as my children. They even rode to school with me and back home with me every day.

Even though family situations are different, children are well cared for there and have many opportunities to learn, interact with other children, travel, etc. during their summer vacations.

Pray for each child as they move into their summer schedule. Pray for those who will be caring for the children. Be sure to add them to you prayer list so you can pray for them all summer.

Anna Lee

The Spirit of God has made me;

the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

~Job 33:4~

DEATH

Mona H. Pittman

August 28, 1952 – May 10, 2023

A lifetime resident of Kentwood, LA passed away Wednesday May 10, 2023 at home surrounded by family. She was born on August 28, 1952 in Magnolia, MS. Mona retired from the Louisiana Highway Department as a Lab Technician. Mona enjoyed shopping for bargains and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband William Pittman, one sister Gayle Hughes, son, Steven Pittman and wife Amber, two grand daughters Melanie and Audrey Pittman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Dorothy Hughes. Visitation and services at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Donnie Easley. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.  Pallbearers will be Mackie McMillian, Lance Bates, Johnathan Welch, Randy Watson, Colton Frazier and PJ Pittman. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ THE BIBLE

• May 15
• Philippians 3: 4-9
• James 1: 9-11
• James 2: 1-5
• “It’s difficult to give up social status when . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS

Today’s prayer focus is on those who are or will be traveling soon in the coming days. Pray for a successful trip no matter the purpose – vacation, business, family, work, etc. Safety is an important factor in today’s world. Pray for safe trips while in and out of their vehicle or other mode of transportation.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

State of the Bible: Looking beyond childhood religion grows stronger faith

YOUR PERSONAL PRAYER LIST

I suggest you keep you personal prayer list updated. Today, please add travelers to your list if they are not already there.

THANK-YOU

Thank-you for reading TPL today. Also, thank you for suggesting others read daily with you. Someone stopped by earlier this week to learn how to find this blog. It’s as simple as typing in “The Prayer Link”. Welcome to all the new readers/prayer warriors.

Anna Lee