“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.”
~Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)~
Today, Louisiana is moving into stage three of Covid-19 recovery. Progress! I’m thankful we are moving in the right direction. On this day one year ago, our daughter called and put us on lockdown. It’s been a long year. We are so thankful Louisiana is making some progress.
We have all lost family and friends to this pandemic. There are people who are still hospitalized and fighting Covid. Some are making progress after three full months of quarantine. Keep praying.
Mr. “Cete” Dillon did well this morning with his heart valve replacement. He will stay overnight for observation and may possible have a pacemaker put in. Thank-you for praying for him and his family.
I used a seam ripper yesterday for the first time in a long time. I removed a pocket from a shirt that will be used to make a dress for a girl who receive our shoeboxes. No problems! The crate in front of the elevator is the location to turn in shirts for our project. Someone asked about the sleeve length. Both short sleeve and long sleeve shirts are usable. Any color! Any print! Any size as long as it is a man’s button-front shirt!
Today’s Prayer Focus – Volunteers
Pray for volunteers who will convert the shirts to dresses. It’s not a highly skilled sewing project, so plan to bring a sewing machine, a serger, and basic sewing needs to practice while Mrs. Thelma Pierce is here to help us on Monday, March 22 at 10 P.M. Pray also for the young ladies who will receive our dresses.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.”
~Romans 8:28 (NIV)~
Please pray for two friends who will be having surgery early this week. Don Hammons of Arcola will have shoulder surgery this morning. Mr. “Cete” Dillon will have a heart procedure tomorrow at Ochsner in New Orleans.
Mondays is often the least favorite day of a week. Today, let’s do something special to make this Monday one of our best days this week. Pray for others as they face Monday. One reason Monday is not a happy day is that too many activities were crammed into the weekend. At school, on the job, and in our homes, lets pray for smoothness and happiness. May we find ways today to be a blessing to others.
When I memorized this verse, many years ago as a child, the New International Version did not exist. I learned “Be ye kind ….”.
Ralph Samuel Thompson
Ralph S. Thompson, 74 years old, born and raised in Pine Grove, LA. He is survived by his only living sibling, Jimmie Noe Thompson, and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and so many friends, including Dennis Sheffield and his family. He is predeceased by his parents, George Dewey Thompson and Mable Rayborn Thompson, his siblings, Sibley Thompson, George Dewey Thompson, Jr., Dewitt Thompson, Ella Mae Thompson Johnson and Arthur Lee Thompson and his other great friend, Ronnie Ballard, all of whom he is enjoying being with now. He loved coon hunting and enjoyed fishing more than anything else.
Claude “Jack” Lawrence Clements
August 26, 1942 – February 25, 2021
Claude “Jack” Lawrence Clements, a resident of Independence, LA, passed into eternal life at his home with his loving wife and family by his side Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the age of 78. He was bom August 26, 1942 in New Orleans, LA, to parents, Claude “Jack” Clements and Lucy Populis Clements. From the beginning of his life. Jack was a hard worker with a determined mind to succeed. His strong, independent personality led him to retire, as an accomplished Financial Manager; from both United Companies and Community Acceptance. Working on the farm with his family was a passion of his throughout the years. He saw value in the time he spent with his wife and children daily on his farm. He spent many years making memories as an avid hunter with his friends, sons and later his grandchildren. He also found enjoyment in field trialing and caring for his hunting dogs. His spirit, love for his family and friends, and giving soul will forever be missed by all. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Betty Ann Clements; 2 sons Brian Ray Clements; wife Becky, and Kevin Clements; wife Kimberly; and grandchildren, Lauren, Peyton, Mollie, and Parker Clements; brother-in-laws, Pete Pfiffner and Andy Pfiffner; wife Rosa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Claude “Jack” Clements and Lucy Populis Clements; sister, Fedora “Fifi” Langlois; brother-in- law, Douglas Langlois; nephew, Dougie Langlois; sister-in-law, Lynette Pfiffner; brother-in-law, Steve Pfiffner and wife, Lois. The family would like to send a special thank you to Kayla and Ree with Modem Hospice and Home Health for their excellent care. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Sunday, February 28,2021, and at Lawrence Missionary Baptist Church, Independence, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, March 1,2021. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Waldrop, and Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Lawrence Memorial Gardens, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Cassie Marie Jones
June 29, 1984 – February 25, 2021
Cassie Marie Jones, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021. She was born June 29, 1984 in McComb, MS and was 36 years of age. She was a loving mother, daughter granddaughter and sister. She was born and raised in Kentwood, LA. She graduated from Jewel M. Sumner In 2002. She is survived by her son, Caden Allen Day; parents, Scott and Lesia Jones; sisters, Bridgette Jones Porter and husband Matthew and Danielle Jones Graham and husband Blake; nieces and nephews, Annsleigh, Evie and Belle Louise Porter, Duely Deaton and Lane and Leatte Graham; grandmother, Joan Travis. Preceded in death by grandparents, W.B. Travis, Marice Jones and Bobbie Turnipseed Farris. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 10:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 28
NUMBERS 4:1-5:31
Happy Lord’s Day! Be sure not to leave Him out on His day!
“Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
~Colossians 3:13 (NLT)~
Three Reasons to Forgive – Rick Warren
1. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because God has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13 says, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (NLT).If you want to be a forgiving person, you first need to accept the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. The Bible says God came to Earth in human form in Jesus in order to forgive everything that’s ever been done wrong. He paid for those wrongs so we don’t have to. That’s Good News.
2. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because, otherwise, resentment will control you. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Only fools get angry quickly and hold a grudge” (CEV). Resentment makes you miserable. It keeps you stuck in the past. And when you’re stuck in the past, you are controlled by the past. Every time you resent something, you let that thing control you. Some of you are allowing people who hurt you five, 10, or even 20 years ago to still hurt you today because of resentment. Don’t let that continue to happen. Your past is past. You’ve got to let it go.
3. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because you’re going to need more forgiveness in the future. Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV). Forgiveness is a two-way street. You can’t receive what you are unwilling to give.
READ THE BIBLE CHRONOLOGICALLY IN 2021 – FEBRUARY 27
NUMBERS 2:1-3:51
Iva Jane Travis
November 7, 1966 – February 14, 2021
On Sunday, February 14, 2021 Iva Jane (Janie) Travis passed away in her home in Kentwood, Louisiana with her loving husband, Lewis Peyton Travis. She was a loving mother, aunt, sister, daughter, wife, and grandmother. She gained her wings at the age of 54. A Graveside Service will be held March 2, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Holliday Cemetery in Holliday, Texas. McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Iva Jane was born November 7, 1966 in San Jose, California to Curtis and Waunella Cashion. She moved to Texas and established several successful businesses. For the last 10 years, she worked in the oil industry alongside her husband. Her infectious laugh sang through the lives and hearts she came into contact with. She was a firecracker through and through. Her Joyful habit of dancing down the aisles of the store to embarrass us will always be in our memories. Her sassiness and spunk will be unmatched. Iva Jane had a passion for helping others and making life fun. From making special cakes and throwing parties, to giving whatever she could. She was known as Grandma Sugars. She loved spoiling children as well as her six precious grandchildren. Janie’s spirit will continue to live on among all of us.
Iva Jane is survived by sons, Timothy Doan and wife Paige, Zachary Doan, Benjamin Doan and daughter, Taylor Doan. 2 stepsons, Lewis Peyton Travis, Jr. and Landon Ray Travis and wife Kelsey; 4 grandchildren Carter, Lydiah, Elijah, Owen, and grandbaby girl on the way. Step-grandson, Bentley. Parents, Curtis and Waunella Cashion of Holliday Texas, 3 sisters, Doris Bazan and husband Charlie of Graham Texas, Connie Evans and husband David of Wichita Falls Texas, Lisa Shoemaker and husband John of Holliday Texas. Several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many cousins.
Today’s Prayer Focus – Church Staff Members
Let’s remember to pray for the staff at our own and other churches.
Pray for people as they make decisions about the Covid-19 vaccination.
Peyton Travis
July 31, 1965 – February 19, 2021
Lewis “Peyton” Travis, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021 at his home with his wife Iva Jane Cashion-Travis. He was born July 31, 1965 in Amite, LA and was 55 years of age. He is survived by 2 sons, Lewis Peyton Travis, Jr. and Landon Ray Travis and wife Kelsey; grandson, Bentley Ray Travis; mother, Betty H. Travis Taylor; 2 brothers and a sister, Douglas “Herman” Travis, Jr., Tracie Travis Ballard Ryan and Reid Travis, wife Allyson; nieces and nephews, James N. Ballard, Jr., Joshua Clay Ballard, Wesley and Wyatt Travis, Jacob, Samuel, Charlie, Daniel, Joseph, and Caleb Travis; 1 niece, Shelbie Travis; 3 great nieces, Alayna Travis, Charlie Kate Travis, Austyn Travis; great-nephew, Ezra Travis. Preceded in death by his father, Douglas H. Travis; step-father, James B. Taylor; grandparents, Lewis Wesley Sandifer, Alice Scott Sandifer, Reid Travis, Margurite Wilkinson, Travis Vernon; niece, Jessie Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Vince Estes. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. Pallbearers will be James Ballard, Jr., Joshua Clay Ballard, Charles Holden, David Liuzza, Luther Byron McCallister, Scott Shaffett, Donny Burch, and Fin Hagan. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – February 25
LEVITICUS 25:24-26:46
Prayer Focus for the Day – Today, let’s pray for churches and their mission to reach others for Jesus!
As you shop, remember Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes”. We are in need of flashlights and AAA batteries at this time. You may even have the opportunity to tell someone about OCC as you shop.
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
~Psalm 27:13 (NASB)~
Mr. “Cete” Dillon will have a heart procedure Tuesday, March 2 at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. Please be in prayer for him, his family, and the medical staff working with him.
David had totally lost his vision when we met Dr. O’Sullivan in New Orleans after hours on a Friday afternoon. Yesterday, we saw Dr. O’Sullivan. He is so thrilled David has eyesight. Yesterday, he told us he loved us! That’s not something we hear every day from a doctor. David told the doctor how thankful he is for the doctor and his skills. Dr. O’Sullivan said it wasn’t his doing, but God’s. David can truly say, “Once I was blind, but now I can see.” We love Dr. O’Sullivan!
Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 24
I understand many people have received their vaccinations. As time progresses, more and more age groups and professions will also get theirs. I’m thankful for the vaccinations and praying for the covid rate to continue to drop. Thank God for the development and the administration of the vaccine all across our country. Pray it will also be available to others all around the world soon.
Please continue to pray for the many grieving families in our area.
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
Psalm 27:13 (NASB)
Please continue to pray for Sherman Cutrer and his family. He is better, but his medical issue is not resolved.
Please continue to pray for all the families who are grieving
David‘s health has been slowly improving despite his two major issues. He has gained back his weight and is eating us out of “house and home”. His doctors are still puzzled, but we are not questioning because we know God is in charge. His blood level has been an issue for several years because his body wasn’t producing blood. He had blood work yesterday that showed his body IS PRODUCING blood again (12.8) and his ultrasound showed his liver is in the normal range. God certainly has worked miracles! Two years ago in January, David was given six weeks to live. He has had those six weeks plus two more years and counting. We thank God and David’s fantastic doctors.
Today’s Prayer Focus – Thank God for the warmer temperatures!
Last week we had some extremely cold weather. Life was miserable for us because we are not accustomed to dealing with such conditions. Let’s not forget to thank God for getting us through those days and bringing us into a season of warmer temperatures.
The Prayer Link 
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