Today, I am thankful for all the church youth in my life. They mean so much to David and me.
Read the Bible in 2025
November 16
Jeremiah 18-22
Prayer Focus
Today, pray for those on your prayer list and thank God he allows us the wonderful privilege of talking with Him at any time we choose.
“Always be Ready”
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom [a]is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour [b]in which the Son of Man is coming.
Today, I am very thankful so many around me are saved. (I will be even happier if/when I can say everyone I know has a home waiting for them in heaven where they can live forever with Jesus.)
Obituary
Patricia Sanders Dixon
July 2, 1951 – November 14, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born July 2, 1951 and was 74 years of age. She was a retired school teacher and a loving Mom and Grandma. She is survived by her son, William “Billy” Charles Dixon, Jr.; daughter, Patty Dixon Wall and husband, James; brother, Burt Sanders and wife, Veronica; sisters-in-law, Crystal Watson and Carol Collins; mother-in-law, Nila Dixon; granddaughter, Caitlin Wall; great-granddaughter, Xelaya Adams; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, William Charles Dixon; parents, John and Cora Sanders; sister, Elizabeth Wallace; brothers, Travis Sanders, Donald Jerry Sanders, and Daniell Sanders. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, November 17, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Today
Nov. 15
Jeremiah 14-17
Religious Christmas Cards and Religious Stamps for Prisoners
If you are out-and-about today, maybe you can purchase Christmas cards for inmates that we will deliver to the jail for you. You are requested to put the cards in the envelopes and stamps on the envelopes. Please turn the cards in at the December 6th WMU meeting at Spring Creek or by December 7th at FBC, Kentwood. The cards will be promptly delivered to the jail so they can be sent out to family members in time to Christmas. I know families will be thrilled to hear from a family member unable to attend Christmas family gatherings.
Operation Christmas Child
I often talk about churches packing large numbers of shoeboxes, but I want to invite you to pack boxes on your own too. They can be dropped off at FBC, Kentwood just like the others. Be sure to check back on here or in the Samaritan’s Purse site for the times to turn them in. Boxes packed by individuals receive the same treatment and travel along with those in large groups. Ar the end of their journey, they will be in the hands of a boy or girl somewhere to tell the child and extended family about Jesus and to provide the child with toys, school supplies, etc. For each box you pack you are being a missionary who tells approximately ten others about Jesus.
Don’t forget to prepare your Sunday School lesson from Deuteronomy 28th.
Today, I want to share a quote by Avery D. Miller.
“Hope is patiently waiting espectantly for the intangible to become reality.”
Sometimes a person has to wait a long time. Be patient and wait anyway.
“Verse of the Day”.
May you be both blessed and a blessing to others today!
Today, I want to begin with something else I am thankful for. I am thankful for the many Bible studies I have been through and many opportunities to learn more and more through reading the Bible and hearing sermons. I was going through some books yesterday and found lots of Bible studies I have completed. I wish I could remember every fact I have studied, but that was never a reality. I’ll continue to read and study.
Obituary
Frank Edward “Eddie” Danley, Jr.
March 28, 1952 — November 10, 2025
Folsom
Eddie was born March 28, 1952, in New Orleans, and passed peacefully, surrounded by family, and has gone to his eternal home with God on November 10, 2025, in Covington, Louisiana. He was a resident of Folsom. Eddie was a member of First Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, where he served on the Board of Deacons and was a dedicated choir member where singing was his ministry, and he used his voice to praise God. He was also a member of Red Stick Sound, a men’s acapella group that met weekly. He was a graduate of Acadia Baptist Academy in Eunice and attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Eddie retired as a supervisor with the Louisiana State Department of Children and Family Services. He recently said that his children were his best friends, but he had a special joy for time spent with his grandchildren. His hobbies included singing, traveling and following any LSU sport (Geaux Tigers!). Eddie had too many friends to count because he’s never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pam Swede Danley; children, James Adam Danley, Sr. (Carrie), Sarah Frannon Hicks (Scott), Blake Edward Danley, Sr. (Elizabeth), Eric Alexander Danley (Sierra), and Philip Eli Danley (Hannah); grandchildren, James Danley, Jr.(Hailey), Teddy Dupré, Frannon Dupré, Madison Danley(Tori), Blake “Beaux” Danley, Jr., Ethan Danley, Dera-se Hicks, Elvin Hicks, Franklin Hicks, Molly Hicks, Stevie Jolene Danley, Samantha Falgout(Jacob), and Breanna Matherne(Ryder); mother, Elsie McElveen Danley; and sisters, Ruth Stagg (Robert), and Molly Travis (Brian);Brother-in-law, Ron Swede. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, 325 East Pine Street, Ponchatoula, Monday, November 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until funeral services at 6:00 p.m. conducted by Dr. David Cranford.
In Lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made in his name to First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula for the choir ministry or the Honduras Medical Mission trip.
Apply the stamp to the envelope and place the card inside the envelope, please.
Deadline – December 7th
OCC Drop-off Week
FBC, Kentwood is the area drop-off location.
Be sure to check here or on the OCC link for times.
You have eight days to turn in your shoeboxes!
Thank-you for helping to bless so many people with knowledge of Jesus and the opportunity to be saved as well as a box it items for a child somewhere around the world.
Thank-you to Franklin Graham and others for providing this opportunity for us. May we always take advantage of OCC!
Today, I am thankful to be a local in small town America. I love knowing how to get around without a map and for knowing people who own and/or employed by many and varied businesses. I like to see green grass and trees, not buildings and highways everywhere. I like knowing people who are first responders, medical workers, clerks in many stores, teachers, and being able to worship God with many people I know. I enjoy knowing neighbors and knowing many people who would be willing to help me, if called upon. I love being able to check on people I know and knowing people when their names are on a prayer list. Yes, I am very thankful to live in my portion of America.
A resident of Walker, LA, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born April 10, 2002 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 23 years of age. She is survived by her mother, Lisa Davidson Gray; daughter, Analise Marie Gray; grandmother, Mary Davidson; aunt, Cynthia Renee’ Simoneaux Douglas; and a cousin, William Walter “Billy” Simoneaux. Preceded in death by her father, Gary Michael Gray; and grandfather, William Dewitt “Billy” Davidson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Monday, November 17, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Alma Maureen Simmons Downey
October 28, 1946 – November 11, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at her home. She was born October 28, 1946 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William Downey; 2 daughters, Morgan Downey Pierce and Rebecca Ann Downey; sister, Marilyn Simmons Yaun; brothers, John Hillary Simmons and wife, Thelma and Ted Alex Simmons and wife, Theresa. Preceded in death by her parents, John Hillary Simmons, Sr. and Margie Ricks Simmons; brother, Jeffery Scott Simmons. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Don McGee. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Eddie Danley – I have been unable to locate this obituary.
Read the Bible in 2025
November 13
Jeremiah 7-9
Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon
Morning Thought
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain.
John 15:4 NIV
Reminder
Don’t forget to purchase some religious Christmas cards and stamps to send to parish inmates. Leave your cards in the entry of FBC or your local church. Deadline at FBC, Kentwood is December 7th.
Be appreciative of someone today. Tell them in person, a call, or a visit.
Today, I am thankful for friends. David and I know and love many people because of many different connections – families, neighborhoods, schools, churches, jobs, children’s schools, friends, etc. You do too! You don’t have to be a neighbor to stay connected. We treasure our friends for many reasons. They have been influential to our lives.
Let’s turn that around. We have been friends to many people. We have impacted lives in many ways. Were we a good influence? Let’s hope we were.
Pray for for Trey Harrison. He is hospitalized in Baton Rouge. His family requests prayers.
Please for the the Danley Family in the sudden loss of Eddie.
Drop-Off Week for OCC
November 17-24
Several area churches have completed their packing.
There is still time to pack a few shoeboxes on your own.
Christmas Cards for Prisoners to Write & Send to Family
Please purchase some religious Christmas card and religious Christmas stamps that you apply to the envelopes. Place your cards in the green basket at church, give them to me any time OR take them to the association meeting of WMU at Spring Creek Baptist Church on December 6th.
Additional Bible Reading
‘Protectively Caring for His Faithful Friends’
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
1 Samuel 2:8-9 NKJV
Have a great day! Help make today a great day for someone else!
Today, I am thankful for the ability to read. When I think of all the ways I read, I realize how different my life would be without reading.
Operation Christmas Child
Shoebox Collection Begins Next Week!
Your prayerfully packed Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes can be used by God to make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Start gathering gifts today for a child in need—National Collection Week, Nov. 17-24, is just one week away.
Shoeboxes Open Doors for the Gospel
Johan was given a shoebox stuffed with goodies when he was 12. His favorite gift was a soccer ball. As he learned that the gift was a tangible expression of Christ’s love for him, he was eager to discover more about the Savior. He then participated in The Greatest Journey—our discipleship course for shoebox recipients—and that’s when he gave his life to Jesus. Now 18, Johan volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse at Operation Christmas Child outreach events. “You can find happiness and joy through a simple box,” he said. “I want kids to know that they can trust God no matter what.”Read Johan’s Story
Many area churches have completed packing their boxes and are ready to deliver to the drop-off location. That’s fantastic!
All sites will be open Monday, the 17th through Monday, the 24th. Be sure you know the hours to deliver your boxes because the hours are not the same each day and at different sites. The set hours will be staffed and prepared for your arrival.
See you soon if you deliver to Kentwood.
Devotional
He Rekindles Burned-out Lives’
8 He raises poor people up from the trash pile.
He lifts needy people out of the ashes.
He lets them sit with princes.
He gives them places of honor.
“The foundations of the earth belong to the Lord.
On them he has set the world.
I Samuel 2:8 NIV
CHALLENGE
Do something to make today a special day for someone. You don’t have to give a report to anyone. God will know!
Good morning, November 10th. It’s cooler this morning and will be even cooler in the morning. I trust you had a wonderful Lord’s Day. We certainly did.
Verse of the Day
Read the Bible in 2025
November 10
Isaiah 64-66
Thankfulness
Today, I am thankful to be able to communicate with God and to know He listens for me and hears my prayers.
Prayer Requests
Please add Ricky Russell of Chesbrough to your prayer list. He has been in Lakeview hospital. Also, please pray for his wife, Brenda, and daughter, Jeana.
Continue to pray for Bobby and Betty Simpson, Andy and Betty Taylor, and others on your personal prayer list.
Today I am thankful for company. Company can be friends or family. We are experiencing a first, a grandchild and spouse staying for a few days “just because”. David and I are thrilled and so very thankful.
Mr. Bobby Simpson
My update on Mr. Bobby was shared by his older daughter, Melissa. With the heart beating more frequently and the pneumonia cleared up, the doctor is looking ahead and discussing possibilities for rehab. Isn’t that wonderful?
Today’s Bible Verse
Read the Bible in 2025
November 8
Isaiah 54-58
Sunday School Lesson
Obituary
Linda Susan Rispone Hulsey
September 17, 1953 – November 7, 2025
Linda Susan, a native of Baton Rouge, LA and a life-long resident of Amite, LA passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Friday, November 7, 2025, at PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Hammond, LA at 12:10 A.M. Linda was born on September 17, 1953 to Evelyn Sharkey Rispone and Vincent L. Rispone. She attended Amite High School, where she was a member of the WaHoop dance team for 3 years. She graduated from Amite High School in 1971. She then attended Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Education, teaching 1st grade for many years before getting her masters and certification in Special Education, teaching Special Ed until her death. Linda was a life long member of the First Baptist Church of Amite. She was the sponsor of the Amite High WaHoop dance team for many, many years and truly had a hand in the lives and many young ladies which to this day loved her like she was their own mother.Linda’s love for her beloved Amite High Warriors, WaHoop Dance Team, LSU Tigers and The New Orleans Saints were like none other. She loved her teams and especially football.Every student that she ever taught was truly hers and she would let you know it at all times. Linda is survived by the 3 loves of her life, Hunter Hulsey Simmons and her husband David, of Magnolia, MS, Haley Hulsey White of Hammond, LA and Thomas Heath Hulsey of Amite, LA. Her 4 precious grandchildren were truly her heart and she lived her life daily for them. Thomlyn Brie White, Wyatt Lee Simmons, Madelyn (Maddie) Kate Simmons,and Bayleigh Jane Simmons. Her brother Vincent Jerry Rispone, Sr. and wife Kathy and a very special godson Joshua Ross Byars, and his wife Sarah and their son Briggs. She was preceded in death by her parents, her maternal grandparents Homer and Myrtle Sharkey and paternal grandparents, Joseph and Frances Rispone. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Amite. Services will be conducted by Rev. Matthew White. Interment will be at Amite Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to extend a special thanks for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge General, North Oaks Medical Center and PAM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be given to First Baptist Church of Amite, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and The American Cancer Society. McKneely Funeral Home of Amite is in charge of arrangements.
Today, I am thankful for my Bible, Christian books, Sunday School literature, etc. that help me have a better understanding of how God would have me live my life. I try, but often fail, just like all other humans.
Today’s Bible Verse
Update on Bobby Simpson
The procedure went well yesterday. Mr. Bobby’s heart rate is up to 70 now. Thank you for your continued prayers for him and his family.
Obituary
Jesse Louis Dean
December 7, 1940 – November 5, 2025
Jesse Louis Dean, a faithful servant of the Lord, devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, peacefully entered his eternal home in Heaven on November 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born on December 7, 1940, in Osyka, Mississippi, to the late Samuel Emanuel (S.E.) and Mary Pope Dean.
A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Jesse lived his life as a true example of Christian love and service. He was a dedicated member of his church, where he served faithfully as a deacon for 50 years and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His kindness, humility, and steadfast devotion to God and family touched everyone who knew him.
Jesse loved his church and found great joy in serving others, especially the widows in his community. Each holiday season, he could be found working alongside his Sunday School class to deliver hams to those widows, a tradition he looked forward to every year. He believed in living his faith through action, and his generosity touched countless lives.
Jesse was the beloved husband of Majel Hunt Dean for 57 wonderful years. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and strong faith.
He was a devoted father to Jennifer Hayes (Steve) of Mandeville, LA and Jason Dean (Larissa), and a proud “Pawpaw” to his cherished grandchildren, Delanie Dean Fortenberry (Colby) and Dylan Dean (Claire). He was overjoyed to become a proud new “Great Pawpaw” to his great-grandson, Bentley Carroll Fortenberry and Audrey Kathryn Dean arriving in March 2026, all of Osyka, MS.
Family was at the center of Jesse’s life. He loved deeply and gave freely of his time, his energy, and his heart. He is also survived by his sister, Theresa Dean Cutrer, bonus granddaughters, Alyssa Hayes and Whitney Hayes Orndorff (Jonah), many nieces and nephews who will forever remember his devotion to family and his storytelling.
Jesse worked as a conductor for Canadian National Railroad for 42 years, where he was known for his reliability, dependability, and strong work ethic. His career took him across Louisiana, Mississippi, and beyond, and along the way, he became something of a restaurant expert.
Jesse could tell you the best places to eat in every little town along the railroad tracks and a few hidden gems far off them, too. He loved sharing those stories and making sure no one ever missed a good meal.
Before and alongside his railroad career, Jesse also worked as a dairyman, and in his prime years, he was often found helping other farmers on his days off. Hard work wasn’t just part of his routine; it was part of who he was.
Jesse also proudly served his country in the National Guard, carrying with him the values of honor, service, and dependability throughout his life.
In his retirement years, Jesse found great joy in cheering for his beloved LSU Tigers. Whether it was watching football, baseball, or the Lady Tigers basketball team, he rarely missed a game, and his enthusiasm for LSU sports was infectious.
Just as faithfully as he followed the Tigers, he was his grandson’s biggest fan, attending countless youth baseball games and cheering from the stands with pride. He never missed a chance to celebrate a good hit or offer a few words of advice after the game. Those afternoons at the ballpark brought him more joy than any LSU victory.
He was also incredibly proud of his granddaughter, admiring her academic accomplishments and her decision to follow in Nana’sfootsteps as a teacher. Her dedication, compassion, and love for learning reminded him so much of Majel, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about her achievements.
When he wasn’t watching LSU, you could often find him fishing in his pond and later frying up his famous catfish, a family favorite his grandson now tries to duplicate.
Jesse’s life was filled with love, laughter, and purpose. He was a storyteller, a hard worker, a man who loved good food and fellowship, and someone who found joy in the simple blessings of everyday life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Emanuel (S.E.)and Mary Pope Dean; his in-laws, Jack and Sadie Hunt; his sister, Patsy Benefield; his brothers-in-law, Walter Benefield and Sambo Cutrer; and his nephew, Sammy Cutrer.
Jesse’s life was a testament to faith, family, and integrity. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the love he shared so freely.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and doctors at North Oaks for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Jesse and his family.
In honor of Jesse’s servant heart, the family asks friends and loved ones to honor his memory by providing a ham to a widow this holiday season, continuing the tradition he held so dearly.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McKneely Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana.
Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Line Creek Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Line Creek Baptist Church Gym Floor Fund in Jesse’s memory, honoring his lifelong faith and love for his church family.
Read the Bible in 2025
November 7
Isaiah 49-53
Quote by G. K. Chesterton, a well-known British author of the last century:
“The issue now is clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side.”
Have a wonderful day. Be a “light” and “let it shine”!
The Prayer Link 
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