“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise

His greatness no one can fathom.”

Psalm 145:3

Prayer Focus

Let’s continue to pray for the fire situation in Los Angeles. We spoke with a lady yesterday whose daughter’s family was on lockdown in Los Angeles. That is the third family that I personally know of in the midst of all the firse. Imagine how many families have lost their home, how many are losing their home right now, and how many might lose their homes today, tomorrow, the next day, etc. Pray for families in all stages of facing the loss of their homes, jobs, schools, friends. etc. Pray that those who lost their lives were Christians and those facing losing their lives are Christians or realizing their need for Christ if they are not already Christians.

Obituary

Sarah Frances Anderson

September 18, 1929 – January 9, 2025

Sarah Frances Anderson, 95, of Amite, departed this life peacefully on January 9 at her home after a brief illness. She was born to Sarah (nee’ Simmons) and Newton Snell in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 18, 1929, and grew up on the family farm near Mt. Hermon, Louisiana.  

After graduating valedictorian of her 1946 Mt. Hermon High School class, Frances studied at both SLU and LSU to obtain B.S. and M.Ed. degrees. In 1948, she was selected as SLU homecoming queen. While at SLU, Frances met Stanley, a fellow student, as she was playing the piano in the SLU social room. After three months, the couple married, resulting in a union that lasted over 60 years. After college, she taught Home Economics and Biology, but soon became an almost full-time homemaker, raising their four children and helping Stanley in the family business.  

After Stanley finished his Physics studies, he became a successful road and bridge contractor. Yet, his first job was building Hammond’s Zemurray Memorial Park in 1951. Stanley was a WWII Marine vet who flew in dive bombers as a gunner-navigator in the Asia-Pacific Theater, suffering injuries when his plane went down in the Pacific Ocean.  

Through the years, in addition to teaching, Frances worked part time for the News Digest Newspaper, as reference librarian and media person at the Amite Public Library, and co-owned and operated the Strawberry Tree Craft Shop in Hammond. Frances also served on the Rosenblum Mental Health Clinic Board of Directors for many years. Her social memberships reflected her hobbies—the Amite Art Club, Stem and Stamen Garden Club, and the Brown Bag Luncheon Group.  

With cherished roots in Methodism, Frances was a thoughtful person of deep ecumenical faith, admiring goodness and beauty, especially nature’s displays and designs. In midlife, she became a parishioner of St. Helena Catholic Church; she was also a professed member of the Dominican laity (O.P., Southern Province). Her faith involved much volunteer work and numerous ministries.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Newton Snell; husband, Edwin Stanley Anderson; daughter, Rebecca Ann Desmond; sister, Nancy Ann Lagarde; son-in-law, Buddy Bel; and daughter-in-law, Nadine Anderson.  

Survivors include her children, Claire Anderson Bel, Edwin Stanley “Andy” Anderson, Jr., and James Patrick Anderson; son-in-law, Tim Desmond, M.D.; granddaughters Angie Anderson Danielson (J.R.); Megan Bel Miller (Joel), Erin Anderson Newman (Craig), Hannah Anderson, and Molly Bel; great-grandchildren Abigail Holmes, Savannah Danielson, Luke Danielson, Amelia Danielson, Anderson Newman, Anna Newman, Parker Miller, and Caroline Miller; great-great-grandson, Roman Danielson; nieces and nephew, Janet Anderson, Ted Anderson, and Katie Lagarde; and numerous other family members and friends.  

A graveside service will be held at Mt. Hermon Cemetery on Tuesday, January 14 at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Full of Grace, P.O. Box 1647, Amite, LA 70422. Mass intentions appreciated through St. Helena Church, Amite, LA 70422.  

Read the Bible Today

Mark 3-4

I’m up-todate on reading these Scriptures, are you? If not, work on catching up before you get too far behind.

Sunday School

Spend some time today in studying your Sunday School lesson if you have not already done so. Check on members of your class who have not been in attendance lately. Check on those you know who have been absent.

Preparation for Sunday

Do what you can today to make tomorrow less stressful. Today is a good day to do some food preparations for tomorrow. Clothing too! How about a little work cleaning the house too?

Thankfulness

What are you thankful for today?

Health?

Loved ones?

Another birthday?

Groceries in the pantry?

Vehicle that gets you where you are going?

Etc.

Don’t tell me. Thank God!

Busy Schedule?

Check yesterday’s post for some possible events you want to be involved with.

Prayer Concerns

A number of people have been hospitalized due to illness or surgery. Pray for those you know of. Keep your personal prayer list updated.

Be a Blessing

Offer a ride

Pay for a lunch

Take a few minutes to talk with someone

Prepare and share a food that goes a long ways

Call or visit those in the hospital

Etc.

Do your part to make the weekend good for you or someone else.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those of us who are reading the Bible according to the plan that I have posted. Pray we will stay faithful to reading and also find something each day to apply to our lives. May we also remember something we had forgotten about as we read.

Also, let’s pray for the thousands of people who have lost homes and other possessions in the Los Angeles fires. Thank God that many lives have been saved. Moving on to a new home, new life, new shopping areas, etc. will be a challenge. Continue to pray for these people even when all the fires are out.

Read the Bible Each Day

• January 10
• Mark 1-2

I am thankful for those of you who are reading along with me.

Thankfulness

Today, I am also thankful for some warmer weather, even if it is wet. How about you? What are you thankful for today?

Senior Adult Lunch

This is a reminder to you to get your name added to the count of those who are going to Charlie’s for lunch with the senior adults of FBC, Kemtwood. We will be going Wednesday. You can ride the church van or take your own vehicle.

Sunday School

I hope you are attending Sunday School somewhere. If not, join us at 9:15 or attend at any other church you choose. Our adult lesson for Sunday is entitled “God’s Commands” and is based on Exodus 20:1-17. Ladies, you are always invited to the S.S. class I teach or any other one you choose. We also have several classes for men. Come try our some classes. Then, make your choice.

Prayer Guide

Pray for those who are sick at home or in the hospital. Our area has many with cold/flu symptoms and some who are in the hospital. Some have only needed to stay a few days. Some have broken bones from falls. Pray for them. Try not to be one of them!

Others

How long has it been since you shared something you cooked or bought from a local business? Today might be a good day to bake/cook and share.

Enjoy a little outside time today between the times of rain. Thank-you for reading, praying, and acting on your prayers today.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s pray for all the people in Los Angeles who have been dealing with fires, loss of life, and no water to fight the fires.

Baptist Disaster Relief and others are moving in to help the people of the Los Angeles area.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/california-arizona-disaster-relief-teams-preparing-to-join-l-a-county-wildfire-response/

Baptist Press Articles

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible with Us Today

Matther 27-28

That completes the reading on Matthew. We will begin reading Mark tomorrow. See how quickly we moved to the second book of the Bible.

Obituary

Robin Annette Wheat

October 24, 1972 – January 6, 2025

A resident of Loranger, LA , passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 at her home. She was born October 24, 1972 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 52 years of age. She is survived by her sister, Renee White (Robert); brother, Ricky Wheat (Melissa Wheat); sister, Veronica Foley (Lee); nieces and nephews, Samantha Hoffman (Ray), Katie Perry (Jared), Kalyn Pisciotta (Sabastian), Madison Scardina, and Lainey Scardina;great- nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Rita Wheat; grandparents, Vernell and Lexie Easley; nephew, Dustin Hoffman. Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Pine Ridge Ladies

We have a great gathering and lunch yesterday. Out next meeting will be the second Wednesday of February.

Senior Adult Lunch

The senior adults of FBC, Kentwood will be eating lunch at Charlie’s in Springfield next week. You can ride the church van or drive your own vehicle. Contact Judy Fowler to get your name of the list so she can request enough room for everyone.

Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your Sunday School lesson.

Weather

I hope you have done well with the weather conditions this week. Hang in there. We are close to having warmer temperatures. Continue to take good care of your pipes, water, plants, etc. today.

Keep checking on friends, relations, and neighbors. Check with these people to see what they need in this COLD weather.

Until tomorrow. . . .

Anna Lee

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on the people all over the world. May they learn to love each other.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible With Us

• January 8, 2025
• Matthew 25-26

Sunday School Lesson for January 12th

Exodus 20:1-17

Obituary

Leonard Owens McMichael

March 13,1931-January 5, 2025

Leonard Owens McMichael, 93, of Roseland, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on January 5, 2025. Born on March 13, 1931, in Roseland to Phillip Spiller McMichael and Beulah McMichael, Leonard lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service. Leonard began preaching at the young age of 16 in 1947, answering a call to ministry that spanned over 70 years. He was a devoted pastor who never met a stranger, touching countless lives through his sermons, personal outreach, and genuine kindness. From running the church bus to bring children to services, preaching at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail, and hosting a weekly radio ministry, Leonard’s passion for spreading the Gospel knew no bounds.A proud veteran, Leonard served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1959, exemplifying the same dedication to his country as he did to his ministry.Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Spiller McMichael and Beulah McMichael; his brother, Sidney McMichael; an infant sister; his beloved wife, Betty McMichael; sons Kenneth McMichael and David McMichael; and grandson Steven McMichael.He is survived by his children Rebecca Russell (Bryant), Phillip McMichael (Rhonda), Benjamin McMichael (Rachel), and Mark McMichael Sr.; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who cherished him deeply.A celebration of Leonard’s life and ministry will be held at First Baptist Church of Roseland on January 9, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at McMichael Cemetery in Roseland.Pallbearers will be Mark McMichael Jr., Kenneth McMichael Jr., Aaron McMichael, Josh McMichael, Tyler Costanza, Dewey McMichael, Mason McMichael, and Chance McMichael, with Kevin McMichael and Kaleb Carpenter serving as honorary pallbearers.Leonard leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and love, a reminder to all who knew him of the power of a life lived in service to God and others.

(The visitation and funeral will be at the Baptist Church in Roseland.)

(I haven’t seen him in years, but what a blessing it was to have known him! As a school teacher, I taught his son, David, in my early years of teaching.)

Pine Ridge Ladies’ Bible Study Group

Meet at Pine Ridge at noon for lunch today.

Stay warm. Check on someone who lives alone or who might have special needs during this time of cold weather.

Anna Lee

Good Morning! I’m glad you came to “visit” us this morning.

Today, let’s thank God for his faithful love. We can count on Him no matter who we are, where we are, or what our life situations are! He is faithful to be there for us because of His love for each of us! Consider Him your best friend.

Read the Bible With Us

Today, our reading is Matthew 22-23. Only two chapters so you have plenty of time to review where we have been and what you are learning.

Some people like to highlight the verses they have read. I like to pick out key words or names to write in the margins. I also underline key thoughts. Some people are content to read without a pen or highlighter in their hands. The focus is on reading and remembering, so choose the method that works for you.

Pine Ridge Bible Study Group

Our ladies will meet Wednesday at 12:00 for lunch and to “catch-up” on each other so we can pray for each other and for others. If you would like to be a part of the next Bible study, you might want to attend our lunch meetings to get to know everyone.

Prayer Focus

With the extremely cold weather here for the week, let’s pray about making the best of the time and conditions. Our homes, needs, and families are different, but it is COLD in every home here. When you pray, be sure to remember those who do not have sufficient heat, those who lose power, those whose pipes freeze, those who must work outside, etc. Say special prayer for older people who live alone causing them to be our in the cold weather taking care of their pipes, etc.

Neighboring Churches

I hope we all know that churches are not in competition with each other. They all work with the same purpose. Let’s pray for each other, both the routine schedule and in all the unique activities.

Pray for the pastor, leadership, teachers, nursery workers, etc. Pray for visitors to find the church that meets their needs. Pray for adults to attend where the classes continue to teach the truths they have studied and members continually invite and include others. Pray for young adults to find a place that has classes and opportunities for them and their children. Pray for teens to learn how important it is to attend regularly and begin to really learn the truths of the Bible. Pray for the children to be safe, have opportunities to learn and worship with others on their level. Pray for nursery workers to care for the children well and to love the children so they can learn to love attending church and hearing about Jesus and how He loves them.

You can choose a specific church to pray for or pray for all of them. The key in to pray for them as you pray for your own church. Remember, the Jesus we hear about in one church is the same Jesus that is taught in other churches.

Until tomorrow….

Anna Lee

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