Ben MILLER, not Mixon!

I’m apologize for the mistake.

Psalm 104:23-34.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for people in much of our country as they have very wintery conditions. Let’s pray for warmth and necessary provisions. Let’s also pray for people as they drive in these wintery conditions. Also, pray for those who will be called upon to get out in this weather to help with emergencies and other needs.

Let’s also pray for those who are listed in our personal prayer books. Each of us can pray for those we choose.

Another way you can use these daily Scriptures is to choose some and memorize them. You can even make a special notebook for Scriptures you are memorizing and have it to refresh your memory as needed or just as a reminder of the verses you have memorized or are currently working to memorize. You will also find many verses you have already learned because you heard them often. They can be listed in your notebook as you think of them. What a treasure of verses you will soon have in your memory and in your book. Another idea would be to categorize the verses such as salvation, love, service.

Read the Bible Plan for 2025

Today, we will read Matthew 21-24. It’s not too late to join in with reading with us. Read 5-6 chapters each day starting with Matthew 1 until you catch us with us. It won’t take long to be reading exactly what we are reading. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will catch up with us!

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

After you read some of these articles, pray for Christians as some countries make and carry our restrictions of worship and even the killing of Christian as they worshiped God. Thank God our country and many others allow freedom of worship.

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Lottie Moon worked very hard to keep Americans informed about the progress of mission efforts in China where she served. She also let people know of needs and how they could participate by giving to keep missionaries on the field and with funds for the projects in the various countries in their efforts to tell others about Jesus. This is why our international offering is named in her honor.

Today, we remember her life’s work there over a hundred years ago. We can learn of efforts and needs around the world. We can be “missionaries” by giving and praying without going. Look for a special “Lottie Moon envelope” or use a regular envelope marked Lottie Moon and give to any Southern Baptist Church. It is a great way to be a missionary. The Week of Prayer was a month ago, but it is never too late to give.

Use the following to help you with special efforts in our churches.

PRAY, GIVE, and GO

Many of those who read here are no longer of age to go for a four year tern, but there are ways to serve if God calls us to participate. Pray for those who choose to GO in our later years and the many God calls at a younger age. We can all participate by giving through the state (Georgia Barnette), national (Annie Armstrong), and international (Lottie Moon) offerings in our churches. Our churches have decided to have a different time of the year for each focus.

Remember PRAY GIVE and GO!

Today, I want to say a special thank-you for helping the family of Ben Miller with many needs during the difficult time after his sudden death at such a young age, 13. Your gifts have been greatly appreciated!

THANK-YOU for reading and praying daily.

Anna Lee

Roy Newton Foster

December 5, 1946 – January 1, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was born December 5, 1946 in Clinton, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Rushing Foster; 2 daughters, Kimberly Shaffett (Frank) and Rhonda Miller (Pete); 1 son, James Foster (Amanda); 1 brother, Clovis Foster (Mattie); 5 grandchildren, Nick Foster, J.R. Foster, Danielle Foster, Trae Miller, and Matthew Miller. Preceded in death by his parents, Willie T. and Pearl Foster; brother, Willie T. Foster, Jr.; sister, Judy Foster Needham. Graveside Services will be held at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11:00AM Friday, January 3, 2025. The family would like to thank Community Care Hospice for their excellent care. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

John Sherman Scarle, Jr.

April 3, 1951 – January 2, 2025

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, John Sherman Scarle, Jr., passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born April 3, 1951, in New Orleans. He grew up in Ponchatoula, moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU and continued living there until his death.

As a student at LSU, he was member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, as well as Athletic Manager under the guidance of the late Coach Charlie McClendon, receiving the Outstanding Football Manager Award from the All-American Football Association in 2003. He was the Past President of the LSU “L” Club.  John enjoyed a long and illustrious career in sales, receiving many awards. 

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Page Sauls Scarle, his three daughters, Florence Louise Scarle, Laura Cason Scarle, and Ann Elizabeth “AnnaBeth” Scarle Guillory and husband, Kevin Guillory; three grandchildren, Emmaline Grace Guillory, Ellie Kate Guillory and Matthews McPherson Scarle; two sisters, Scarlet Hebert (Tommy) and Marsha “Hoppy” Black (Gary); two stepdaughters, Carla Walker and Angela Magee, step grandchildren and great grandchildren, first wife and mother of his children, Ann K. Gregorie; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John S. Scarle, Sr. and Louise M. Scarle.

Services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with visitation from 10 A.M until service at 12 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. For online guest book, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Read that verse two time and then pause for one minute before continuing. Then think about this: If you do not have God, is something missing from your life?

Prayer Focus for Today

Today let’s pray for salvation of those in our church services today. I also pray that you and yours are saved and have a heavenly home waiting for them when they no longer live on earth.

Prayer List

Pray for those on your prayer list.

Pray for the family of Ben Mixon.

Continue to pray for Jesse Dean and David Sellers.

Continue to pray for Andy Taylor (and Betty).

Remember Mrs. Mildred Birch who spent some days in the St. Helena Hospital last week.

Pray for teachers and students as they return to school in two days.

Pray for those in Sunday School classes and/or worship services to know Jesus .

Pray for visitors in all the churches to make decisions to be more faithful in attendance and more dedicated to the Lord.

Bible Reading for Today

• January 5
• Matthew 17-20

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for Our Country

Let’s pray for our government as we are preparing for a transition to a new president and the leadership chosen to work with him. As you pray for those transitioning into office, please also pray for those transitioning out of office.

Bible Readings for Today

Matthew 13-16

If you are reading the daily Scriptures from Matthew, please give me a comment to tell me what you like or dislike about this plan.

If you know of someone who might want to read along with us, please tell them today. It will be easy to catch up with us at this point.

I think of this as an individual endeavor, but it can also be used as a. family devotional, either at the same time as other members of the family or by reading together.

Sunday School Preparation

Spend time studying the Scripture we have been using from Exodus 16 and 17. If you have a study Bible, spend some time quietly studying those verses as well as your S.S. book. The verses can also be a topic for discussion this way.

Today’s Obituaries

Cynthia D. Beasley Franks

December 29, 1958 – December 31, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born December 29, 1958 in Birmingham, AL and was 66 years of age. She is survived by husband, Joel Franks; son, Tony Franks and wife, Kayla; daughter, Jamie White and husband, Shane; 7 grandchildren, Steven, Bailey, Tristan, Regan, Michael, Raelyn, and Alyssa; great-granddaughter, Aria Franks; 2 brothers, Tommy Beasley and Roy Beasley; sister, Pam Beasley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James C. Beasley, Jr. and Aileen Lovell Beasley Hudson; brother, Wadis Beasley; and sister, Gaynell Wood. A Memorial Service will be held at New Covenant Church of God at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Services conducted by Pastor Scottie Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

If you would like to send flowers, they may be delivered to New Covenant Church of God by 10:00AM the day of the service.

Frannette Darouse Bryant

February 2, 1942 – December 31, 2024

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at her home. She was born May 2, 1942 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. She graduated in 1961 from Baton Rouge High School and retired from Bellsouth in 1997 with 37 years of service. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Wendy Ann Bryant; 2 brothers, John Darouse and wife, Mary Jan and Allan Darouse; niece, Marcie Lynn Stiegler; cat, Obama; and dog, Delilah.  Preceded in death by her mother, Clara Battles Bennett; step-father, Chester Bennett; son, Michael Steven Bryant; sister, Ann Gayle Darouse; father, Francis Darouse; sister-in-law, Joyce Darouse; Donald Ray Bryant. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until Memorial Services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 11, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Glenda Malmberg McNabb

September 22, 1936 – January 2, 2025

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at home. She was born September 22, 1936 in Fruita, CO and was 88 years of age. She is survived by 3 daughters, Cynthia M. Flora, Jennifer M. LaBorde, and Sandra McNabb; son, William M. McNabb; 6 grandchildren, Dale McNabb, Douglas McNabb, Alisha M. Hodge, Dustin Flora, Matthew LaBorde, and Kaye Kilshaw; 8 great-grandchildren, Abby McNabb, Garrett McNabb, Christian Flora, Brianna Flora, Zoe Flora, Adeline Flora, John McNabb, and Sophia McNabb. Preceded in death by husband, William G. McNabb; mother, Evelyn Malmberg; father, Harold Malmberg; grandson, Michael Flora; and brother, Larry Malmberg.  A Religious Service will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, at 10:00AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Lance Bates. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Ben Mixon will be remembered at FBC, Kentwood at 1:00 today.

As you pray for the family, please also remember Bro. Darryl, his school teachers and classmates. and his peers at church.

Weather Preparations

If you need to do anything special for the winter storm that is coming in a few days, don’t wait until too late.. Also, our area is expecting rain storms Sunday. Be prepared! Take this opportunity to help someone else to be prepared.

Thank-you for reading today.

I also hope you will make time for prayer and Bible study. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity to “meet with you” each day.

Anna Lee

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/response-to-new-orleans-tragedy-includes-prayer-second-line/

I posted without including these interesting links.

Have a wonderful day.

Anna Lee

“In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Prayer Focus for the Day

Let’s continue to pray for the families and friends of those killed in New Orleans and for the many individuals who were injured.

Bible Readings for Today

Matthew chapters 9-12

If you have a Sunday School book, study the lesson for tomorrow. If you do not have a book, please read the same Scriptures as yesterday, but a little slower this time.

I’m enjoying reading Matthew again. I trust you are too.

It’s not too late for you or others to begin reading with us. I suggest you go back for Matthew 1 and read until you catch up.

Lester Lavern Easley

September 16, 1941 – December 30, 2024

Lester Lavern Easley, beloved father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 30, 2024, at Francois Bend in Gonzales, LA. He was 83 years old. Lester was born on September 16, 1941, in Easleyville, LA. He attended Greensburg High School and Louisiana State University. He was a long-time employee of Ethyl/Albemarle Corporation in Baton Rouge, LA. Upon retiring, he moved back to Saint Helena Parish where he became actively involved in civic affairs. He served on the Board for the Louisiana Capital Area Economic Development Alliance (LaCAEDA) Film Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Saint Helena Parish Office of Economic Development. Lester had a lifelong love of history, but he was always happiest at his “place” in Greensburg, LA, tending to his cattle. He was a certified Louisiana Master Cattleman. Lester is survived by his daughters, Renee Talbot and Teri Gates; son, Craig Easley; 5 grandchildren, Chase Dragon and wife, Starr, Hunter Dupre, Alexandra Dupre Donaldson and husband, Jonathan, Tai Andrews, and Beau Talbot; brother, Willard Easley and wife, Dorothy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Jewell Easley; sister, Bessie Blanchard; brothers, James L. Easley and Elton L. Easley; and wife, Billie Jean Easley. A private family service will be conducted by Deacon Edward Renz. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Obituary for Benjamin Robert Mixon

AMITE NATIVE, BENJAMIN ROBERT MIXON was born May 4, 2011 and died December 27, 2024 at 1:21am due to injuries sustained in an accident. He lived with his parents in Roseland. However, he spent most of his time with his grandparents on their farm in Kentwood, when he wasn’t fishing or hunting. Ben was in the 8th grade at Roseland Montessori School.
Ben is survived by his mother Edith Westmoreland and step father Kevin Ensign, half sister, Caitlyn Mixon, step brother K.C. and wife, Sara Ensign, grandparents Ray and Thelma Schenk and Roy and Judith Mixon, 2 nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ben is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Mixon, and his grandparents, Horace and Thersa Ensign.
Services for Ben will be Saturday, at First Baptist Church of Kentwood. The
church will open at 10am and funeral is at 1pm. Interment is at Amite Memorial
Garden.

Welcome to the second day of 2025.

This verse lets us know that God is always listening for us. Let’s be sure to talk with Him (pray) today. I think He is disappointed when we don’t.

As a child, I was familiar with a telephone. Praying was explained to me as being like calling Jesus at any time. I understood that, but had trouble understanding how He could talk to so many people at one time. That’s because He is God!

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s focus on others that need a relationship with Jesus and pray for them. They might be young or old, family, friends, or strangers, residents of Kentwood or even someone who lives far away. Distance is not problem for God!

Bible Reading for Today

Day 2 – Matthew 5-8

Scripture for Sunday School

Provision Given

Exodus 16:11-19 and 17:1-6

Reread the Scriptures I gave you yesterday.

Pray about the attack in the French Quarters yesterday.

• Those injured and receiving treatment
• Those who were there and experienced the attack
• Family members
• C0-workers
• Friends
• Those involved in planning and helping with the attack
• Law enforcement people
• Those working to make today a safe day in New Orleans
• Political leaders who will make changes so this doesn’t happen again

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries posted this morning.

Continue to pray for the family, friends, and classmates of Ben as well as his church family.

Praying Today

Pray for those who have been mentioned lately and others who are on your current prayeer list.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

We all have the continuing opportunity to give to this offering that supports missionaries who represent us all around the world as they introduce others to Jesus. This is a big focus of Baptists each year. You probably want to support them for speaking up for us while we stay at home and let them represent us.

You can go to https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/ to learn about the focus this year. These eight missionaries represent thousands “on the field”!

Women and Girls on Mission

These groups will meet later this month. Stay tuned for that time. If you would like to be a part of this focus, you are invited to meet with us. Mindy Ballard and Amy McDaniel are our leaders this year. Come support them.

Thank-You

Thank-you for checking in to find the Bible reading for today, for prayer concerns, and for other information that is helpful to us.

Anna Lee

This thought comes up in conversation periodically. We need to remember it! 1/1/25 is a good time to start.

One of my granddaughters asked me how I was going to celebrate last night. I said sleeping. I even went to bed early and got plenty of good rest! That was probably not the kind of answer she expected.

The beginning of a year seems to be an opportunity for change, for improvements. It seems like a fresh start to many people. If you do make changes in your life, I hope you choose good ones and can follow through all year.

Prayer Focus

Today, if you made wise resolutions, I hope you will follow through all year. Some people have chosen to read the Bible daily, maybe for the first time. Pray that others have made or will make wise changes.

Obituary for Ben

This is not available yet, but will probably be available tomorrow. The funeral will be at 1:00 Saturday at FBC, Kentwood. The church is still accepting donations for Ben’s family.

2025 Bible Reading Plan

Day 1 – Matthew: Chapters 1-4

Sunday School Scripture

Provision Given: Exodus 16:11-19; 17:1-6

Thanks for reading TPL and praying today.

Anna Lee

This is the day we say good-bye to 2024 whether it was a good year for us or not. I hope you can remember many good events from 2024. If it represents difficult memories, work to eliminate them from your memory and prepare for 2025. Whether you celebrate or not, we will be living in 2025 when we wake up in the morning, God willing. Let’s do as Luke tells us in chapter 12, verse31 and seek God’s kingdom every day. When our live end here, we can live on in Heaven.

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s pray we can live for Christ this last day of 2024 and all the remaining days of our lives.

Read the Bible Every Day

The current Read the Bible plan will end with the following Scriptures. I will begin listing a reading for the new year tomorrow.

• December 31
• Malachi 1:1-4:6
• Psalm 150:1-6
• Proverbs 31:30-31
• Revelation 22:1-2

The Scriptures I list are suggestions only. The key is to study your Bible every day.

I plan to read the Scriptures I will list here and to read my Sunday School Scriptures connected to them every day each week. Many of you have expressed a desire to read all year long too. Let’s have a wonderful year of learning and drawing closer to God.

Obituaries

Victor Anthony LePore

November 20, 1944 – December 22, 2024

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, LA. He was born November 20, 1944 in Charleston, WV and was 80 years of age. As to his military career, Victor was drafted and sent to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he was taught aircraft mechanics. In Viet Nam, at first he supervised young people who were digging ditches. Then, at Long Thanh Airbase, he, for example, replaced ailerons on OV-1 Mohawk reconnaissance airplanes. Next, in Germany, he taught American personnel about European road signs. He loved cats, dogs, science fiction, and Star Trek. The cat in the photo is available for adoption. He is survived by his brother, Timothy LePore. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary LePore. Graveside Services will be held at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 West Mt. Pleasant Rd., Zachary, LA 70791, at 1:00PM on Monday, December 30, 2024. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Patricia E. Moffett Van Hoose

April 25, 1946 – December 27, 2024

Patricia’s Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia E. Moffett Van Hoose, aged 78, who left this world peacefully on December 27, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Patricia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, and she touched the lives of many with her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, LCDR Ronald Van Hoose USN retired; parents, Willis “Bill” and Harriet Nee Kearney Moffett; her brother, Russell DeLancy; and her son, Raymond Diepenbrock. She is survived by her four sisters, Kaye Lyons, Donna Pursell, Sami Jacobi, and Mary Shanahan; her brother, Richard Moffett; her three children, Scott Diepenbrock, Tina Taylor, and Lance Diepenbrock; as well as six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy and pride.

Patricia was a woman of remarkable character—strong-willed, hard-working, and fiercely independent. She had a deep love for the outdoors, and it was often said that if she wasn’t reading a book, she could be found with a fishing pole in hand, soaking up the beauty of nature. Her adventurous spirit and zest for life were matched only by her warmth and compassion for others.

An avid reader and gifted writer, Patricia had a passion for crafting both intricate, multi-chapter books and heartfelt short stories. She was a lifelong learner and loved immersing herself in the worlds she created with her pen, often inspiring those around her with her creativity and storytelling.

Above all, Patricia was a devoted and loving member of her family, always putting those she loved first. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the people she cherished most, a testament to the bonds she nurtured throughout her life.

Her absence leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her memory will live on through the many lives she touched with her kindness, her wisdom, and her love for the simple joys in life.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at her family home at a later date, where loved ones can gather to remember and honor the legacy she leaves behind. A burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

Rest in peace, Patricia. You will be greatly missed.

Jeannine Hennessey Burgess

July 24, 1938 – December 29, 2024

A resident of Harahan, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born July 24, 1938 in New Orleans, LA and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her 3 children, Steven Joseph Burgess, Sr. (Betty), Suzanne Burgess Lee (Tommy), and Cheryl Burgess Lirette; daughter-in-law, Janet Pritchard Burgess; grandchildren, Lindsay, Lauren, Steven , Jr., Angele, Heather, Jeffrey, Jeannine, Rebecca, Thomas, Jr., Bridget and Clinton; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Lennox, Brayden, Brynn, Zailey, Eli, Elizabeth, Blaine, Justin, Isabel, Dayle, Jr., David, Phoebe, Trae, and Lilee; brother, Richard Henness; sister, Robben Hennessey Karr; son-in-law, Craig Lirette; daughter-in-law, Angie Burgess. Preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Frank “Rock” Burgess, Sr.; son, Raymond Frank Burgess, Jr.; parents, Alcess Patrick Hennessey and Doris Winn Hennessey Babineaux; mother, Ouida Hennessey; son-in-law, Mitchell Fontenot; brothers, James Hernandez and Kenneth Hernandez. Visitation at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, 7100 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA 70123, from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Interment St. Patrick # 1, 5000 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119.  McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Ben Mixon

Ben’s Funeral will be Saturday. Visitation will be 10:00 A.M.-1::00 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. The funeral will begin at 1:00 P.M. The obituary will be published later.

The church is still receiving donations to help with the final expenses for Ben. Thanks to all who have allowed God use them to assist the family at this time.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I love to remember that Jimmy Carter continued to teach a Sunday School class while he served as president! I also greatly respect him and his wife for all they did to help build homes for those in need. Imagine a person being able to say for the rest of their life that the president of the United States helped to meet their need for a home! His wife worked on those projects too! That is quite a legacy!

Cold Weather

I am not a weather forecaster, but those who are say we have some days of very cold weather ahead. I hope you are well prepared at home and with the way you dress so you can be warm. If not, ask someone for help.

When David was so very sick, James Rimes came and cut our grass in the summer and wrapped out pipes for the winter. What a blessing he was! He saw our need and took care of it.

I have encouraged you to be prepared and to think of others. Imagine my surprise when a young man from church recently asked me about being prepared and able to live through cold temperatures. We are!

I love that the younger generation at my church wants to know what people need and are willing to do what is necessary to help others. That’s a key word for all of us – “OTHERS”!

Have a memorable day to close out 2024!

Anna Lee