You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing”, but you do not realize you are wretched.pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Revelations 3:17 NIV
Thanking God
Both Tom Brister and Trey Buckley were back at prayer meeting last night after having health problems requiring surgery. It was good to see both of them back with us.
Linda Williamson Simpson, age 78, of Zachary, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024. A beloved wife, mother, and Nana she was welcomed into Heaven surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Linda is survived by her husband, Amos Oliver “Bo” Simpson; daughter, Djuana “Miki” Simpson; son, Michael Shane Simpson and wife Dana; sister, Dianne Yarbrough and husband Sonny; grandchildren, Tyler Simpson and wife Sara, Emily Simpson, Olivia Simpson and great-grandson, Paxton Ferguson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Irma Williamson and sister, Donna Leibenguth. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd, Central, LA 70739, followed by a burial at the church cemetery. Doy Henson, Brad Stiles, Gene Jenkins, Ron Legrand, Ernest Meche and John Root will serve as pallbearers. In honor of Mrs. Linda, we invite those in attendance to wear purple, her favorite color, as we honor and celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. Pretty N Pink Florist (225-664-7204) is assisting the family with memorial floral arrangements. The Simpson Family extends their deepest gratitude to all those who have sent their love, support, prayers, and everything in between during these difficult times.
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Nicholas “Nick” John Guzzardo, who peacefully left us on Monday, June 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Baton Rouge, LA. Nick was born July 7, 1944 in Pittsburg, CA. Nick was preceded in death by his father, John Nicholas Guzzardo, his mother, Florence Myers Guzzardo, and his wife of 24 years, Paula Braud Guzzardo.
Nick is survived by his sons, John Paul “JP” Guzzardo (Bridget) of Tampa, FL, and Chad Nicholas Guzzardo (Danielle) of Baton Rouge, his daughter, Erin Katherine Myers Guzzardo of Baton Rouge, his brother, Charles Mose Guzzardo (Jan) of Amite, LA, niece Kim Guzzardo Terrebonne (Scott) of Amite, LA and nephew, John Russell Guzzardo (Ashley) of Amite, LA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ainsley, Maddox, Alexander, Greta, Anna, Sophia, Nicholas, Hudson, and Vivienne.
Nick attended Amite High School. He was a serial entrepreneur involved in various businesses including the amusement business, utility companies, skating rinks, restaurants, nightclubs, gaming, radio stations, motorcycle dealerships, and car dealerships to name a few.
He cherished large family gatherings and was known for his Sunday dinners, often creating chaos in the kitchen while cooking. His greatest passion was his family, and he always went above and beyond to support his loved ones. Nick was full of love and never missed a chance to say “I love you.”
Originally growing up in Amite, LA, Nick also lived in Baton Rouge, LA, New Orleans, LA, Natchez, MS, and Summit, MS. Affectionately known as “Nick John,” “Bulldog,” and sometimes “Governor,” he had a larger-than-life personality and a heart as vast as the universe. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, LA. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at the Guzzardo family tomb at Amite Cemetery. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Erin Nicole Brunett, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the age of 4. She was born on Thursday, October 24, 2019, in Covington, Louisiana. Erin was a little fireball for her young age. She could be a little spicy at times and always had a sassy comeback for anyone trying to tease her. Erin was so sweet and full of life, just starting to become her own person. She had a very special bond with her sissy, Jalie, and always wanted to do everything her big sister was doing. Erin loved and looked up to her mother, and also had a beloved stuffed elephant that never left her side named Ellie.
Erin is survived by her sister, Jalie Brunett, grandparents, Debbie and Tommy Brunett, great grandmothers, Billie Jean Smith and Barbara Brunett, aunt, Brandi Hosch (Josh Michelli), uncle, Jason Vernon (Dawanda Harper), and cousins, Emori Hosch and Karleigh Greer.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Callie Jo Brunett, great grandfathers, Gerald Brunett and Norwood Smith, and cousin, Zeke Vernon.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at on Thursday at 1:30 pm, with Bro. Karl Klaus officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.
Callie Jo Brunett, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the age of 35. Callie Jo graduated from Loranger High School and was a member of the Flag Team. She also attended Hammond Technical School for barbering and medical technology. Callie Jo loved being a country girl, going to Old Farmer’s Day, and being in Loranger. She was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, but she loved being a mom most of all. Callie Jo and her daughters were a couple of peas in a pod. Her daughters looked up to her and loved her so much.
Callie Jo is survived by her daughter, Jalie Brunett, parents, Debbie and Tommy Brunett, grandmothers, Billie Jean Smith and Barbara Brunett, siblings, Brandi Hosch (Josh Michelli) and Jason Vernon (Dawanda Harper), nieces, Emori Hosch and Karleigh Greer, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Erin Brunett, grandfathers, Gerald Brunett and Norwood Smith, and nephew, Zeke Vernon.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at on Thursday at 1:30 pm, with Bro. Karl Klaus officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.
There will be a meeting in Robert tonight for those who are interested in packing shoeboxes. If you missed the details, please read yesterday’s post.
Prayer Focus
Please pray for out country daily. Pray we will turn to God, as a country, and be much more like our country was at the time it was formed. We need Him as much now as the leaders/people did back then.
Today, let’s pray for families. Family members are drawn many different directions that often draw them from church. Their focus is not on God. Pray for them to think about the eternal benefits of being in church.
Prayer Request
James Rimes sent a request:
Please pray for Debbie Christy, Elaine Ccutrer’s granddaughter. She is in ICU at OLOL. Doctors are trying to diagnose her problem. She’s a cancer survivor.
Obituary
Wendy Lee Wiegel
June 3, 1964 – May 14, 2024
Wendy was a resident of Denham Springs, La, and passed away on May 14th, 2024 at HCA Florida Lake City hospital in Lake City, FL., she was 59 years of age. She was born June 3, 1964, in Cherry Point, NC. Wendy was a graduate of Belaire High, class of 1982, and retired from the Department of Environmental Quality after 25 years. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Keanan) Wiegel; grandsons, Brady & Bryce Wiegel; sister, Kelley (Roger) Gingles; nieces, Melanie (Mark) Riff and Rachel Gingles. Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, Willie & Arlene Broome; brother, Willie Broome Jr.. Wendy was devoted to her family, friends, and her faith. She was known to give whatever she could spare, and loved her family deeply. In keeping with Wendy’s loving and generous spirit, her passing will touch countless others as it was her last wish to donate her organs and tissues. A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, in Kentwood, La. on Saturday, June 22, at 9:00am. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
INVITATION
You are invited to a special informative meeting concerning Operation Christmas Child. A couple who have packed many, many boxes will be speaking. They surely have a lot of knowledge. to share! The meeting is in Robert at a church that has a sign saying Crossgate Church. The meeting is from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. There are no tickets and no cost. Just tell them I invited you. Everyone form our area is invited!
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:6
Prayer Request
Kaye Roberts asked for prayer for her nephew, Blair, who is seeing doctors at M. D. Anderson for treatment of a spot in his remaining kidney. Please be in prayer for Blair Alford.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 17
I Kings 9:1 – 10:29
Psalm 73:7-12
Proverbs 15:32-33
John 18:25 – 19:4
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on teachers and students in summer classes. Let’s also remember the churches in our area that are having VBS this week.
I appreciate you for faithfully reading TPL and following through with your prayers.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
I thank God for my daddy and the daddy to my children. I’ve been blessed.
Read the Bible Every Day
Sunday
I Kings 8:1-66
Psalm 73:1-6
Proverbs 15:30-31
John 18:1-24
This is the Lord’s Day. Be sure to give Him honor in the things you do today.
Prayer Focus Today
Please pray for the family who lost a mother and a young daughter in Loranger. Pray for all connected to this family. Also, please add your prayers for the police who have been involved in solving this case.
I love to communicate with you each morning. Thank you for reading.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Our friend and neighbor, Kathy Wales, went to the doctor yesterday for an update on her heart problem. The doctor found Kathy’s heart to have improved and described it as “normal” again. Join Chris, Kathy, their family, and church friends in thanking God for this report.
Prayer Request
Pray forCoach Shaw. He was taken back to the hospital Thursday.
Lottie Moon at the Southern Baptist Convention Last Week
The large, interactive display of the life of Lottie Moon has been dismantled and sent back to Richmond, but I have some pictures on my phone if you wish to see them. GOOD NEWS – The IMB plans to make a smaller version kit for churches to have to set up at their own churches. I hope to purchase one for our church. I’ll let you know when the FBC display is ready for viewing and when the kit is ready to set up in your own church.
Adult Sunday School Lesson Tomorrow
Acts 2:41-47
Day of Preparation
Today is our day to finalize our Sunday School lesson and out homes for tomorrow.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
I Peter 4:14
Thankfulness
We are thankful two of out friends are better and able to come home.
Tom Brister is home following the stents in his heart he got the day before. We went to visit Gail and Tom opened the door for us. We were surprised to see him, but he looks good.
Trey Buckley is home too. We are thankful he improved enough to get home and pray for his continued recovery.
Michael Anthony is having temporary hearing issues. Pray that will be corrected. soon. He said he would be thankful when he can hear enough to get back in church.
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for all the others in our community who who have various problems. Some may even seem minor to you, but they would not seem so minor to you if they were your problem! Pray for each one to have improvement in God’s time.
Bro. Darryl Miller‘s recent tests did not show cancer. Join in with others as we thank God for his report. The doctor did find another problem, but that is easily correctable.
Trey Buckley hasn’t been able to walk enough yet to leave the hospital. Let’s pray that “today is the day”.
New Prayer Request
Tom Bristerhad two major blockages that led to an unplanned stent procedure yesterday. Please pray for a good recovery.
Obituaries
Frank Moise Saizan
March 2, 1963 – June 7, 2024
“Death is nothing at all.” Frank Moise Saizan was an extraordinary man that led a tremendous life on his own terms. He was born March 2, 1963 in Independence, LA. He passed away peacefully at his home in Kentwood, LA June 7,2024 surrounded by his three daughters. Everyone that knew Frank would agree he was a force to be reckoned with. A hardworking man with a sharp mind. He lost and built several fortunes with just a highschool education. He did not waste his time with small talk. Frank always had big ideas. He enjoyed discussions about the world and society at large. If he wasn’t working, you could find him reading a good book, watching a western, or tending to his land. He was also a championship marksman, winning many competitions throughout the years with his guns. Frank was a proud man. He cared most for his children. Always sacrificing for their benefit, and raising them with a strong constitution. He was a firm believer in God, and often said that God himself is what kept him in check. After a battle with cancer, he has gone to meet the man himself. He is preceded in death by his son Wulfgar Saizan and wife Michaelina ‘Tru’ St.James. He is survived by daughters Carla Saizan Gilless, Samantha Saizan, Elizabeth Saizan; grandchildren Alexander, Athena, Nicholai, Elliott, Victoria; brother Jason Saizan, and nephew Jason Saizan. Per his wishes, Frank will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held June 22, 2024. For details, contact Carla at 2254600439. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of University Medical Center of New Orleans, and to Frank’s truest and best friend Chris Baughman. In lieu of flowers, Frank would want you to go kick someone’s butt today. He will be greatly missed. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Tonya S. Bamber
August 19, 1969 – June 11, 2024
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Greensburg, LA. She was born August 19, 1969 in Greensburg, LA and was 54 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Colin Bamber; parents, Harold “Ray” Smith and Linda Whittington Smith; sons, Devin Bonaventure (Lilly), John Bamber; daughter, Danielle Bamber; step-daughter, Laura Tidwell; grandchildren, Chase Ray Bonaventure, Owen Bamber, Kamryn Taber, Karsyn Taber, and Hannah Tidwell; brother, Michael Smith and wife, Judy; sister, Kelli Ellis, and husband, Glenn; niece and nephew, Keaton and Emma Ellis; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by her grandparents, Doris Parish, Irene Easley, L.C. Whittington and Harvey Smith. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 10:00AM until religious services at 12 Noon on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 6260 Hwy 10, Greensburg, LA 70441McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
This is the picture I was unable to post yesterday.
Rhonda Pike Penny, age 69, ran into the arms of Jesus on June 10, 2024, after a long, difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was a 1972 graduate of Valley Forge Academy. She studied at Southeastern Louisiana University and worked as a Certified Surgical Technologist at Baton Rouge General Medical center from 1976 through 1991.
Rhonda was born July 7, 1954 in Magnolia, MS, to George P. and Loray B. Pike. She is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Penny, and her long time partner, Larry Bennett.
Survivors include her beloved twin brother George R. Pike (Janet); sisters Glenda Duncan (Buck), and Kathleen Kriedler; her best friend Diane Jones; and her caregiver and friend, Erin Bennett.
Keeping with Rhonda’s wishes, there will be no immediate services, as she requested that her body be donated to LSU Medical for research purposes. There will be a small graveside memorial once her remains are returned to the family.
Donations in Rhonda’s memory can be made toTangipahoa Baptist Church, 40 Highway 440, Kentwood, LA 70444, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P. O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891 or nationalmssociety.org
Today, let’s focus some prayers on the children from our communities who are attending VBS, church camps, and other special events for them this summer. May their young hearts be touched for Jesus.
Obituary
Rhonda Pike Penny, age 69, ran into the arms of Jesus on June 10, 2024, after a long, difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was a 1972 graduate of Valley Forge Academy. She studied at Southeastern Louisiana University and worked as a Certified Surgical Technologist at Baton Rouge General Medical center from 1976 through 1991. Rhonda was born July 7, 1954 in Magnolia, MS to George P. and Loray B. Pike. She is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Penny, and her long time partner, Larry Bennett. Survivors include her beloved twin brother, George R. Pike (Janet), sisters Glenda Duncan (Buck), and Kathleen Kriedler. Her best friend, Diane Jones, and her caregiver and friend, Erin Bennett. Keeping with Rhonda’s wishes, there will be no immediate services, as she requested that her body be donated to LSU Medical for research purposes. There will be a small graveside memorial once her remains are returned to the family. Donations in Rhonda’s memory can be made to Tangipahoa Baptist Church, 40 Highway 440, Kentwood, LA 70444, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P. O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891 or nationalmssociety.org
(I’m sorry I could not post the picture. I will try again another way.)
Read the Bible Every Day
June 12
I Kings 2:1-46
Psalm 71:17-24
Proverb 15:22-23
John 14:22 – 15:10
Sharing
As children, we learn the importance of sharing. As adults, we can be on the giving and/or receiving end of sharing. May we find at least one way to share our love for Jesus today.
Trey Buckleyas he recovers from yesterday’s back surgery
Theople Hurst at home recoverying for a fall
Betty Catherine Hatcher at home waiting for rehab
Bro. Darryl Miller
Homebound
Prayer Focus for Summer
Today, we need to pray for all the people who have trouble with the extremely high temperatures of our area. I think this is especially true for those with respiratory problems.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 11
I Kings 1:1 -5:3
Psalm 71:9-16
Proverbs 15:20-21
John 14:1-21
Coming together to pray is very important. I appreciate you!
The Prayer Link 
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