“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness“

(1 Timothy 2:1-2).

I forgot to include Baptist Press and the Louisiana Baptist Message, my routine for Fridays, so here they are a day late, but still a good read. These are two of my favorite sources of news.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

https://baptistmessage.com/

Many are sick around us. Pray for them. Be an encourager.

I’m happy to report that Sherry Grice is home and improving from her surgery.

Linda Diana Slaven Pittman

May 19, 1956 – November 04, 2020

Linda Diana Slaven Pittman, a resident of Denham Springs, LA. departed peacefully for her heavenly home on Wednesday November 4th 2020. She was born May 19, 1956 in Independence, LA. She was 64 years old. Linda was married for 39 years and is survived by her best friend and husband Johnny Pittman. Together they owned and managed several successful businesses in the Baton Rouge area. Johnny and Linda enjoyed their life together with friends and family. Having good times was a priority when they were younger and raising their very large family. Linda also worked for and retired from the Louisiana Lottery. Linda was a talented woman with many skills. She had a warrior spirit. A beautiful and petite woman, she was scared of nothing and no one. Her most recent years may have been her happiest. She was a homemaker and loved raising her Grandson Ty Swinney. She loved being at her home with the people she loved. She loved just sitting on her porch with her many flowers and plants that she was always so good at taking care of. Her bird and squirrel watching could fill entire days. She loved her children and grandchildren with great passion. Although many lived many miles away, she would always smile and light up at the mention of their names. Linda was at peace and was one with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Linda is survived by her daughter, Jackie Swinney and fiancé Jimmie Thomas. (Charleston, AR.) Son Shane Pittman (Denham Springs, LA.) Stepson John Pittman and wife Lynn (Charleston, AR.) Stepdaughters Darlene Sarley and husband Allen (Webb City, MO.) Michelle Dodd and husband Royal (Asbury, MO.) Naomi Pittman (St Charles, IL.) Brother Jack Hill (Magnolia, MS.) Sister Becky Faulkner (Magnolia, MS.) Grandchildren Courtney Cooper, Scott Sarley, Michael Schroeder, Brittany Washington, Ryan Pittman, Lauren Schroeder, Amber Sarley, Katie Chester, Devon Schroeder, Lawson Beadle, Austin Pittman, Meesha Dodd, Arlis Dodd, Ty Swinney, Kyler Pittman and Presley Thomas. Linda is also survived by 32 Great Grand Kids Linda was preceded in death by her Father Kenneth Slaven (Sunny Hill, LA.) Stepfather Jack Ford (Baton Rouge, LA.) Mother Barbara Crowe, Grandmother Beula Crowe, Grandfather Robert Crowe Sr. Sister Kathy Brewer Pallbearers are Jack Hill, Jimmie Thomas, Lawson Beadle and Shane Pittman. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, LA. From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, November 7th. Service to be conducted by Brother Dennis “Cotton” Pittman following visitation. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 7

Ezekiel 16:42-17:24
Hebrews 8:1-13
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 27:7-9

Thankfulness – Day 7

Today, I want to share my thankfulness for my son. Usually he is rather quiet, but the gears in his brain are spinning at a high speed. He can tease at times, but is also very compassionate. He takes action quickly when it is necessary. Many skills have been developed over the years.. He gives 100% of his time and effort to what is important to him. Our son loves his family and spends quality time with them. He is a good and helpful friend and willingly gives time and effort to help and encourage others. Some of his closest friends are church friends. He sets a good example for others in many ways.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on thanking God for our veterans and all those who helped form a great country where we can proudly live and raise our families. We can be thankful for the Christian nation they sought to provide. May we realize there are others watching and listening to us daily. May we pass on a good value system.

Anna Lee

 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

Please pray for Beth Graham Lee’s father-in-law who had heart surgery Wednesday and developed complications Thursday.

Robert “Bobby” Ellis Palmer

September 20, 1930 – July 19, 2020

Courtland Lamar Hughes

Read the Bible in 2020 – Day 6

Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
Hebrews 7:18-28
Psalm 106:1-12
Proverbs 27:4-6

Audio Version

One Year Bible Audio And Commentary

Today’s prayer focus is for our country. May our people turn to Him for answers and assurance.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off

310 Avenue E Kentwood, LA 70444-2518

Mon, Nov. 16: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tue, Nov. 17: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wed, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thu, Nov. 19: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Fri, Nov. 20: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Nov. 21: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sun, Nov. 22: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Mon, Nov. 23: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

(Times, but not days, vary from site to site.)

Thankfulness – Day 6

I’m thankful for my daughter. She changed our world when she was born and has continued to do so every since. Her pathway in life always takes unexpected turns to unexpected places. Her many talents are noticed and appreciated by others. She is accomplished in many areas of her life, but especially as a daughter, wife, mother, and as a “child of the King”. She loves people and is always looking for ways to be of service to others. She loves God and tells others through words and deeds about how important it is to have Jesus in their lives.

Be blessed today.

Anna Lee

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33~

More and more friends are developing Covid-19. Wear your masks! This health concern doesn’t have to spread like it has lately.

Thankfulness, Day 5 – My Husband

I’m thankful for my husband of 53 years! The year 2020 brought us much more time alone together than we would have thought possible, but it has certainly given us some quality time! It’s so nice to says we enjoy our days and always find reasons to laugh. He cares for older people, children, and all those in the middle. He is fun, compassionate, caring, hardworking, and thoughtful. God lives in his heart and can be seen in his actions. I’m so very thankful he is in my life and blessed to have had so many years together.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 5

Ezekiel 12:1-14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 27:3

SHANE KEITH RATLIFF

Shane Keith Ratliff went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at the age of 40.  He was born on Sunday, September 7, 1980 in Hammond, Louisiana.  Shane always wore a smile on his face and never met a stranger.  He volunteered at both Eighth Ward Volunteer Fire Department and Kentwood Volunteer Fire Department.  He assisted helping the community with the Ponchatoula Lions Club.  Anyone who knew him could always count on Shane to lend a helping hand.

Shane is survived by his father, Paul Pittman and wife Sandy Pittman; his mother Cheryl Ratliff; twin brother Wayne Ratliff and wife Catherine; his brother Christopher Ratliff and wife Brittany; his sister Brittany Morse and husband Corey; his brother Paul Pittman, Jr. and wife Tiffany; his sister Shannon Pittman; his grandmother, Jackie Genco; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Shane is preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph Ratliff, and William and Elaine Pittman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 100 W Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, on Friday, November 6, 2020 beginning at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  The visitation will continue on Saturday, November 7, 2020, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM.

Interment will be lead by Chaplain Wayne Ratliff at Sand Hill Cemetery, Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like everyone to please consider monetary donations to help with funeral expenses.  All donations can be made directly to Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home.

Face masks are now mandatory to attend any visitation or service at the funeral home. Thank you for your cooperation.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I think you will be blessed and encouraged by reading these articles.

Thank-you for reading and praying today. It’s always a good day to pray!

Anna Lee

“We know the love that God has for us,

and we trust that love . . .

because God’s perfect love drives out fear.”

~1 John 4:16, 18 (NCV)~

Please continue to pray for all the sick people in our community and the surrounding areas.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 4

Ezekiel 10:1-11:25
Hebrews 6:1-20
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 27:1-2

Thankfulness – Day 4

Today, I’m thankful for my family heritage. It is similar to the heritage of many of you. My family had strong connections with other members, mostly from this general area. They worked hard and provided the necessities of life. They lived by strong Christian faith and encouraged us to do well in school, continuing our education after high school even thought that was not possible for them. They taught the value of work, daily living skills, a sense of values, a love for our country, its beauty, and its history. They also taught us to care about and help others. I had a good life based on a solid foundation.

Resa Gail Birch

August 06, 1964 – November 01, 2020

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Live by Faith” – Rebabe

Resa Gail Birch, a resident of Clinton, LA departed for her heavenly home on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at the Baton Rouge General Butterfly Hospice. She was born August 6, 1964 in Kentwood, LA. She had a love for life and cherished her two children, Joshua and Allie, family and friends. She loved working in her yard and the planting of plants. She loved going to Joshua’s and Allie’s ball games, the beach, traveling with family and friends on vacations, and a love for photography that she shared with many. She had a beautiful voice from a young age and was a member of SWMJC Stage Band as a vocalist for 2 years and sang many specials in church. She was a graduate from Valley Forge Academy. She continued her education at Southwest Mississippi Junior College in Summit, MS with a Business Associate Degree and then graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA with a BS degree in Business Administration. She then went back to Southwest and received a degree in Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Resa worked as a nurse at a couple of State Hospital facilities in Jackson, LA where she retired from. She continued working part time for several years at St. Helena Parish Hospital until February 2020. After 8 years of battling cancer strong and hard, she gained her angel wings. Those who knew Resa would comment how she always had a smile on her face, her faith and how she was an inspiration to all. Resa was an incredible mother to her two children that she loved with all of her heart and an incredible daughter, sister, and friend to many. She is survived by her children, Joshua Keith DeLee and wife, Madison, and Allie DeLee; mother, Nancy Gray Birch; 2 sisters, Julia Birch Travis and Michelle Birch Fitzgerald and husband, Justin; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Julius Ladell Birch; grandparents, Henry and Mabel Birch and James and Nettie Gray; mother-in-law, Alice DeLee; and brother-in-law, Keith DeLee. Visitation will be at New Zion Baptist Church, 3841 Hwy 38W, Kentwood, LA from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 5, 2020 with Kaleb Schmidt and Ted Sine officiating. Interment will follow at Clear Creek Methodist Cemetery, 17887 Hwy 432, Clinton, LA. Pallbearers will be Sutton Travis, Garrett Fitzgerald, Cliff Elkins, Keith Elkins, Dillon Elkins, and Tyler Towles. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Bernice Menard Collins

June 4, 1925 – November 1, 2020

(Connie Morgan’s mother)

A service of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 12:00 noon in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille, honoring the life of Bernice Menard Collins, 95, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice with family at her side. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille’s DOWNTOWN location on Wednesday, November 4 from 9:00 AM until time of service.

Entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum.

Reverend Bert Langley of Lafayette will conduct the funeral services. The Eulogist will be Mitzi Menard, niece, and a passage of scripture will be read by Kelsey Collins Byrd, granddaughter. Celebratory music will be provided by son-in-law, Del Morgan, singing “How Great Thou Art” and granddaughter, Rachel Morgan Im, singing an original song entitled, “Parting Blessing.”

Left to cherish her memory includes her two sons, Floyd Wayne Collins and Douglas George Collins and his wife, Cathy; one daughter Connie Collins Morgan and her husband Del; one sister, Geraldine (Jean) Menard Dunand; seven grandchildren: Rachel M. Im, Michael Morgan, Danielle M. Bowser, Lana M. Mendoza, Taylor Collins, Kelsey C. Byrd, and Lindsey Collins; and seven great grandchildren, Tommy, Kayla, and Chelsea Morgan, Grace, Joanna, and Nathon Mendoza, and Jayne Morgan Bowser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Duma and Marie Landry Menard; husband, George Floyd Collins; two sisters, Lucille M. Ducharme and Verna Mae Menard; and nine brothers, Willis (Fatty), Bienvenue (Bob), Overton (Pye), Robley (Bris), Ernest (Pete), John, Lee (Neg), Henry (Bud), and Curley (Noonie) Menard.

Although our mother has entered the heavenly realm and is finally home, her life story of resilience is woven into the fabric of our lives. For most of her years, mom was busy raising children and volunteering at church. In her late fifties, she faced unexpected adversity with quiet but steely determination when circumstances caused her to reenter the work force as a sales clerk for Abdalla’s, a popular retail clothing store in Lafayette. Her unwavering persistence to provide for her family not only modeled her tenacious work ethic, but taught us the importance of perseverance. It was her devotion to God that yielded a spirit of fierce determination in the midst of adversity. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 ─ “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Mom was happiest when she was at home surrounded by her family. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. In the last days of her life, when the challenges of progressive dementia slowly overcame her, it was like losing mom in slow motion. Yet her faith in God never wavered. It produced a life of such profound resilience that in her absence, we continue to marvel at what God has done.

Pallbearers will be Floyd Wayne Collins, Douglas George Collins, Gerald Dunand, Overton (Jimmy) Menard, Ronald Glenn Menard, and Michael James Pothier. Honorary Pallbearers will be Taylor Collins and Michael Morgan.

A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Collins family to the nursing staff at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph for the care they extended to our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bernice Collins’ name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Prayer Focus

Pray for our country and its leadership, whether your chosen candidates won or lost in Tuesday’s elections. Praying after an election is as important as praying before the election.

Anna Lee

“that I may discern between good and evil,

for who is able to govern this your great people?”.

~ 1 Kings 3:9 (EVS)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 3

Ezekiel 7:1-9:11
Hebrews 5:1-14
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 26:28

Today’s Prayer Focus

Our Great Country – The United States of America

Thankfulness – Day 3

Today, I am thankful for the many ways God allows us to express love for others and the way others express love for us. Sometimes it is through an abundance of verbal expressions and sometimes it comes silently through actions. They can mean the same thing! However you express love, do so frequently. You’ll be blessed!

Tonight, at 7 P.M. central time, Franklin Graham will lead our country in a season of pray. Join him at that time and/or use the time to have private prayer in your home.

Fall weather beings sniffles, coughs, colds, flu, and this year it can even bring Covid-19. Be careful. We hear of sickness daily. Do your best to stay healthy and not to pass on anything you may have.

Due to sickness, online church services are now the only option in some of our area churches. Thankfully, many churches have that option. Others, have found ways to worship from their parking lots, etc. Just don’t leave worship out!

Anna Lee

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful.

~Colossians 3:15~

Thankfulness – November 2

Today, I am thankful for peace in my world. To appreciate peace in our daily lives, all we have to do is think of troubled days, situations, and people. To have a day of peace is so calming. May we all strive to have peace in our little part of the world!

Collection of Shoeboxes begins two weeks from today. If you are packing individually, get those boxes packed and turned in to the church office. Be sure to give your name and church information. You can pay shipping on your boxes online at Samaritan’s Purse.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 2

Ezekiel 3:16-6:14
Hebrews 4:1-16
Psalm 104:24-35
Proverbs 26:27

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Prayer Focus

United States of America

Election of 2020

Peace, Love, & Hope

May we all feel the peace, love, and hope God in. our lives today!

Anna Lee

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

~Psalm 23:4~

I thought this verse was appropriate for today because of the many trials facing friends at this time.

Wanda Miller shared this request concerning her mother:

Please pray for my Mom, Doris Young. She is in room 4002 in North Oaks. She has been dealing with A-fib and other problems.She would greatly appreciate bring lifted up in prayer.

Read the Bible – November 1

EZEKIEL 1:1-3:15
HEBREWS 3:1-19
PSALM 104:1-23
PROVERBS 26:24-26

Some people enjoy listening to the Scriptures.

November One Year Readings

Thankfulness – November 1

Today, I want to start with God, the One who created our world and then placed us here. He watches over us daily and guides us in all we do. He is our Savior and has a wonderful plan for us eternally.

I hope you remembered to change your clocks back one hour. If not, now is a good time to do so.

Anna Lee

“Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest.”

~Galatians 6:7 (GW)~

Jeana R. Lee-Newman‘s surgery went well. She thanks you for your prayers for her.

Pray for the election, the candidates, and the voters this week. I will give no recommendations other than follow what God tells you to do.

Please continue to pray for those who are sick because of various problems. You can pray for those on your personal list.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 31

Lamentations 4:1-5:22
Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 26:23

Louisiana Baptist Message for the Week

https://baptistmessage.com/

OCC Packing/Drop-off for 2020

Churches, clubs, schools, and individuals have two more weeks to pack shoeboxes. Collection will begin November 16th. You can go to the following site to learn where and when you can “drop-off” your shoeboxes. Special precautions will be taken at all sites to prevent the spread of Covid.

http://sampur.se/find-your-drop-off-location

Don’t forget that FBC, Kentwood will have online worship only for the next two weeks. Services will be available at 10:30 and 6 P.M. tomorrow on FB and YouTube.

Anna Lee

“None of us lives for ourselves alone,

and none of us dies for ourselves alone.”

~Romans 14:7 (NIV)~

Rev. Darryl Miller, pastor of FBC, Kentwood, posted this update.

Good morning. The Deacon Council of FBC Kentwood, after prayerful consideration, has by majority vote made the decision to go back to online services only for 14 days from last Sunday. This decision was reached in light of the fact that we have had multiple positive Covid tests this week from people that have been attending our services. None of these people appear at this time to have life threatening symptoms and our prayer is that they all make a speedy recovery. We value the health of our congregation and pray that no one else gets infected with this illness. Our plan at this time is to be back in church on Nov.11th. Please join us on Facebook Live or on our YouTube channel at 10:30 this morning and at 6pm this evening.

I think the last sentence refers to Sunday and Wednesday services.

Request from Brenda Russell of Chesbrough:

Requesting pray for Jeana Lee-Newton again. She was taken to emergency room at oschners yesterday with pain in her stomach. She has infection and two abcess. She’s having surgery this morning so please pray for her. Thanks to all in advance.

Today, we will focus our prayers on FBC, Kentwood and on Jeana.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 30

Lamentations 3:1-66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Every day is a good and proper time to pray!

Anna Lee

“The world’s sin is unbelief in me.”

~John 16:9 (TLB)~

HURRICANE Zeta came and is now traveling northeast. It left minimal damage in our area.

We have learned our flu shot (for older people) was extra strong. It was the reason we were so sick, but thankfully better this morning.

Today’s prayer focus: If you woke up this morning, be thankful and express that thanks to God.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 29

Lamentations 1:1-2:22
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 26:20

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC – Looking forward to Drop-off Week for “Shoeboxes”

November 16-23

Location – FBC, Kentwood

Check for hours each day.

Thank-you for reading and praying today. You are encouraged to make your own additions for daily praying.

Anna Lee