Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalms 34:8

Read the Bible in 2023

• LAST DAY
• Hebrews 3:6
• Hebrews 6:11–20
• Hebrews 11:1
• “I need to secure my hold on hope by . . .,”

Read the Bible Every Day in 2024

• Genesis 43:15 - 44:34
• Psalm 15:1-5
• Proverbs 15 – 16
• Matthew 16: 1-20

Obituary

Karla Michelle Warren Douglas

November 29, 1979 – January 24, 2024

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born November 29, 1979 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 44 years of age. Karla was loved by so many people especially by her friends and coworkers. It was impossible not to love her. She was a graduate of Oak Forest Academy and Southeastern Louisiana University and has spent the last 25 years teaching at Independence Leadership Academy. Karla was a strong Christian and was a member of First Baptist Church in Greensburg where she used her beautiful voice singing in the choir. She is survived by her husband, Michael William Douglas; daughter, Mikayla Jo Michelle Douglas; parents, Mitchell and Jodi Warren; father-in-law and mother-in-law, P.J. and Fran Breaud; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and family members. She was preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Renee’ Warren; grandparents, Ruth and Rhea Belcher, Addie Bell Cutrer, Deloyd Cutrer, and Carl Warren; and an uncle, Carl Warren, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Brian Rivet, Jesse Warren, Austin Warren, Casey Montegut, Dante Montegut, and Monte Montegut. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Have a very blesssed day! Be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

Ephesians 3:16

Read the Bible in 2023

• I Peteer 1:13
• Titus 3:7
• Colossians 1:5-6
• “Without hope of eternity, I would be . . . .”

Read the Bible Every Day of 2024

• January 25, 2024
• Genesis 43:15 – 44:34
• Psalm 15:1-5
• proverbs 3:15-16
• Matthew 16:1-20

Prayer Focus Today

Today, let’s pray for those who do not attend a church regularly so they can learn what God’s Word has to say about many topics – love, marriage, families, salvation, children, death, eternity, etc. If we don’t know what is in God’s Word, we don’t know His plans for our life, and our eternity.

Operation Christmas Child

Each year when we pack “Shoeboxes”, we include a tote made especially to hold the shoebox and/or contents later. We have a team of ladies who cut, iron, sew, and add cords so the totes. This year, my sister provided fabric she hand chose for the totes from the inventory of a store that was going out of business. Thank you, Julie. 

Wednesday, anyone interested can meet with us in the fellowship hall at 9:00 A.M. to help the ladies by doing the cutting for them. I hope to see many of you there so we can cut the fabric in preparation for the next step, sewing. If you are able to come, please bring your sewing shears, a rotary cutter, pins, a cutting mat, and the measuring guide that is used with the mat. We will try to cut many totes in preparation for the ladies who will sew them at a later time.

If you can help, please join us Wednesday in the fellowship hall at 9:00 A.M. Many hands will make the progress go much faster.

Obituary

Matthew Dane Shockley

December 3, 1982 – January 24, 2024

Matthew Dane Shockley, a resident of Loranger, LA, left this life surrounded by family on January 24, 2024. He was born December 3, 1982 at Seventh Ward General Hospital in Hammond, LA. Matthew was 41 years of age. He is survived by his beautiful daughter, Adilynn Grace Shockley; wife, Mattie Dyess Shockley, parents, Kathy Ridgedell Drude, Thomas and Pat Husser Shockley, and stepfather, Richard Drude; sister, Brittany Shockley Olivier and husband, Thad; brothers, Tyler Drude and Logan Gill; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, William and Helen Burnthorn Shockley; Wade and Catherine Kilpatrick Ridgedell;  uncle, Kenneth Ridgedell, cousins, Douglas Shockley and Hillary “Morgan” Shockley. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Services conducted by Pastors Richard Drude and Brittany Olivier. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Pallbearers will be Thad Olivier, Riggin Lee, Jason Puls, Jacob Puls, Kevin Shockley and Scott Dyess. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Today, we have more story weather forecast for our area. Please be careful as you travel, especially this morning.

Thank-you for reading and praying today. May your efforts be instrumental in another soul(s) in heaven one day.

Anna Lee

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29

Bible Readings for 2023

• Colossians 1:27
• I Timothy 1:1
• I Peter 1:3
• “My hope can be strong since it is based . . . . “

Read the Bible Every Day (2024)

• Genesis 42:5 – 43:14
• Psalm 15:1-7
• Proverbs3:13-14
• Matthew 15:10-39

Health Concerns

Dennis Miller

Darryl Miller

Prayer Focus

Think about the various issues in choosing the next president. Choose two or three that are most important to you. Pray for those issues.

Weather

I don’t like to use the weather as one of the prayer concerns so often, but it seems to continue to draw our focus. Today, flooding is the concern in low-lying areas. For most of us, the concern would only be in travel, not our homes.

Old Fashion Revival

Several friends from FBC, Amite have invited us to attend their old fashioned revival beginning on February 4. If you have no schedule conflict, please consider attending.

Anna Lee

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Read the Bible in 2023

• Philippians 1:20
• Titus 2: 11-13
• Titus 3:7
• “An expectant hope means that I can . . . .”

Every Day Bible Reading in 2024

• Genesis 41:8-42:4
• Psalm 13:1-6
• Proverbs 3:11-12
• Matthew 14:22 – 15:9

Obituary

Salvador “Sal” Perez

May 24, 1941 – January 19, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at his home. He was born May 24, 1941 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. Sal was a U. S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his brother, Larry Perez and wife, Annie; 2 sisters, Amelia Toten and Anna Castella; numerous nieces and nephews; step-daughter, Richelle Corkern Hoover and husband, Michael; step-grandchildren, Stephenie Reid and husband, Gabriel, Lane Hoover, John Hoover, Brianna Folse and husband, Austin, Thomas Corkern, Dakota Corkern, and Leighann Corkern; step-great-grandchildren, Ellie Mae Reid and Leon Folse. Preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Lynn Perez; parents, Henry and Dorothy Vilardo Perez; and a step-son, Craig A. Corkern. Memorial Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Glenda Harrell’s eye surgery went well. She said she would be able to come home later yesterday. Thank God for her successful surgery.

Jackie Babin’s husband said she is now able to move around the house some. Thank God for her progress.

Thankfulness

I hope you are writing your thankfulnesses down daily. I started with a small jar, but will change jars as I fill one up. Yesterday I chose to write my thankfulness about the warmer temperatures and nights above freezing. I wonder if you did too.

If you didn’t start daily writing about what you are thankful for, it is never too late. Maybe you and a friend might choose to talk with each other each day and start the conversation with your daily thankfulness. I like telling God.

It’s all about realizing how thankful you are. God surely would be pleased to hear from you about your daily thankfulness.

Sunday School Lesson

In the past, I read (not prepared) my lessons on Sunday mornings. I have since learned to begin my preparation on Sunday afternoon or Monday and add to it all during the week. I can get so much more from the lesson this way. Sunday’s lesson is about the Tower of Babel, which is found in Genesis 9.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the people who are having storms in their lives. We all know every day does not go smoothly. Pray for those days in your life and in the lives of others.

Thank-you for your time and attention so you can pray for the things I mention here. I am so thankful to know you include TPL in your days.

Anna Lee

Verse of the Day

The LORD gives strength to his people;

the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalms 29:11

Thankfulness

Today, I’m thankful for warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast for this week. You surely are thankful for them too! I’m also thankful that most people made it through these hard days with no broken pipes!

Read the Bible (2023)

• Romans 5:1-5
• Romans 15:13
• Galatians 5:5
• “I need the Holy Spirit to strengthen my hope when . . . .”

Read the Bible Every Day of 2024

• Geneis 39:1 – 41:7
• Psalm 12: 6-8
• Proverbs3:9-10
• Matthew 14: 1-21

Prayer List

• Glenda Harrell – Eye surgery today
• Russ Tolar – Upcoming kneee surgery
• Elaine Tolar Doucette – Virus
• Jackie Babin -Improving
• Dorothy Wall – Virus

What a Day! Glorious Day!

If you weren’t there, watch the FBC morning worship service on Facebook.

Sanctity of Life

Yesterday, we celebrated Sanctity of Life (conception -> natural death). Think about that. Then pray for the people of our world today.

Operation Christmas Child

Two people, one immediately behind the other, asked me about when we are starting OCC this year. Be ready. Watch for an announcement soon!

Celebrate the Improved Weather

Do something special:

• Take a ride.
• Cook and share something.
• Have a coffee gathering.
• Shop for OCC needs.
• Pick someone up for lunch.
• Have a S.S. class gathering one day M-F.
• Sing as you ride.
• Buy a new scarf, gloves, or socks. Nothing expensive!
• Hug someone rather than shaking hands.
• Call someone you have missed.
• Etc.

Anna Lee

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

Everyday Bible (2023)

• Sunday’s Reading
• Lamentations 3:17-26
• “Hoping in the Lord can sustain me in . . . .”

Everyday with Jesus Bible (2024)

• Sunday, January 21
• Genesis 37:1-38:30
• Psalm 12:1-5
• Proverbs 3:7-8
• Matthew 13:36-58

Obituaries

Alycia “Lisa” Joe Brumfield

August 5, 1963 – January 17, 2024

A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at her home. She was born August 5, 1963 in Independence, LA and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Terry W. Brumfield; daughter, Roseann Arnone (James King); son, Harvey Arnone, Jr. (Elizabeth Nettles); grandchildren, Starr King, Julia King, Seth King, Alex Arnone, Mason Arnone, Gage Arnone and Hunter Kemp; great-grandson, Gunner James DeLatte; 2 sisters, Debbie Maxie and Debra Cross; and a brother, Henry Holden. Preceded in death by parents, Delbert G. Cross and Mary Helen Mansfield Cross; sisters, Jannie Lott and Marilyn Cross; brothers, Wayne Cross and Steve Cross.  McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Elmer Earl “Skeeter” Ballow

February 5, 1948 – January 18, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. He was born February 5, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 75 years of age. Skeeter spent the majority of his days at his home on Airport Road. He enjoyed chopping wood, gardening, and fishing. You would typically find him sitting on his porch, listening to the breeze or in his home watching football. He was the self proclaimed number one arrowhead hunter in the state of Louisiana. He loved showing off his collection. He loved his visits from his children and grandchildren. Skeeter was a very simple man, but yet complicated in his own ways. He will be missed by all, for he was a great father, brother and friend. He is survived by his son, Jonah Ballow and wife, Casey; 2 sisters, Patricia Guidry and Earline Harrington; 1 brother, Harry Williamson; 10 grandchildren, Austin Ballow, Darien Ballow Miller, Reese Ballow, Pearce Ballow, Luke Ballow, Lundyn Ballow, Betty Ballow, Emmie Ballow, Peyton Dupuy, and Jordan Dupuy; 1 great-grandson, Benjamin Miller. Preceded in death by his mother, Annie Ballow; father, Earl Ballow; daughter, Honey Ballow Dupuy. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until Memorial Services at 7:00PM on Monday, January 22, 2024. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thankfulness

Once it warms up this morning, the temperatures should be above freezing for a few days. I’m thankful to have those really cold nights behind us.

FBC Schedule

Until told otherwise, we will be on regular schedule today. 

Sunday School – 9:15

Worship. Service - 10:30

Evening Worship – 6:00

If you don’t have a place of worship, come join us this morning.

Prayer List

You may notice I have referred you to your personal list. That’s good for habit-forming and to get the list more personalized for you.

Anna Lee

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

Psalms 119:114

Read the Bible (2023)

• Last weei of these Bible Readings
• Week 52: Hope: New Day Dawning
• Psalm 33:18-20
• Psalm 43:5
• Psalm 146:3-9
• Psalm 119:74
• “The most meaningful benefit of hope is: . . . .”

Read the Bible Everyday in 2024

• January 20
• Genesis 36: 1-43
• Psalm 11: 4-7
• Proverbs 3: 5-6
• Matthew 13: 10-35

Prayer Focus

Today, our focus is still on our friends and neighbors as they deal with these extremely cold weather we are not accustomed to having.

As you pray, ask God what you can do for these people who are not well-prepared for weather this cold.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

What better way to support missions than to provide for missionaries as they reach out to the lost all around the world! 

Elmer Earl “Skeeter” Ballow

February 5, 1948 – January 18, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. He was born February 5, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 75 years of age. Skeeter spent the majority of his days at his home on Airport Road. He enjoyed chopping wood, gardening, and fishing. You would typically find him sitting on his porch, listening to the breeze or in his home watching football. He was the self proclaimed number one arrowhead hunter in the state of Louisiana. He loved showing off his collection. He loved his visits from his children and grandchildren. Skeeter was a very simple man, but yet complicated in his own ways. He will be missed by all, for he was a great father, brother and friend. He is survived by his son, Jonah Ballow and wife, Casey; 2 sisters, Patricia Guidry and Earline Harrington; 1 brother, Harry Williamson; 10 grandchildren, Austin Ballow, Darien Ballow Miller, Reese Ballow, Pearce Ballow, Luke Ballow, Lundyn Ballow, Betty Ballow, Emmie Ballow, Peyton Dupuy, and Jordan Dupuy; 1 great-grandson, Benjamin Miller. Preceded in death by his mother, Annie Ballow; father, Earl Ballow; daughter, Honey Ballow Dupuy. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until Memorial Services at 7:00PM on Monday, January 22, 2024. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday School Lesson

Tomorrow’s lesson will be from Genesis 9 and includes Noah and the Covenant God made with him that the world would never again be destroyed with water.

Anna Lee

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:19

Obituary

Laura Lee Tiner Robertson

October 4, 1945 – January 17, 2024

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 surrounded by her family.  She was born October 4, 1945 in Orange, TX and was 78 years of age. Laura Lee was never shy of hard work as she spent many hours on the dairy with her loving husband of 62 years. She loved reading, quilting, and spending time with her ever growing family. She was a friend to everyone she met and most of all she put God first in her life. Laura Lee is survived by her husband, Eugene Robertson; daughters, Tessa Robertson Crouch (Stefan) and Scarlett Robertson Breckwoldt (Chris); sons, Daryl Robertson (Mary Jo), Curtis Robertson, and Hilton Polk Robertson (Regina); sister, Jelaine Tiner Fitzhugh (Buddy); grandchildren, Jay Crouch (Samantha), April Hayden (Kyle), Dustin Robertson (Amanda), Brittany Cockerham (Ben), Amanda Hyde (Devin), Austin Robertson, Hunter Crouch, Kristin Sicard (Jody), Cassidy Johnson (Myles),  Shelby McKee (Aaron), Bryce Robertson (Ashley), Ashton Breckwoldt (Gaten), Billy Trabeaux (Lindsey), Barbie Trabeaux, and Brandi Thomas (Kane); many great-grandbabies that she loved and adored; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Strickland Tiner; father, Polk Tiner; brothers, Wayne Kenyon Tiner and Donald Polk Tiner. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite,  from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 11:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Interment Robertson Family Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. Pallbearers will be Jay Crouch, Dustin Robertson, Hunter Crouch, Bryce Robertson, David Tiner, and Malcolm Fitzhugh. The Robertson Family extends their sincere appreciation for the excellent care provided by Pinnacle Hospice, Ethel Blair, and Amanda Blades. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I knew and liked this lady. We shared many interests. I taught her children and saw their parents at many school events.

Read the Bible in 2023

• January 19
• Psalm 21:1 – 22:5
• John’s description of heaven helps me . . . .

Read the Bible Everyday in 2024

• January 19
• Genesis 34:1 – 35:29
• Psalm 11: 1-3
• Proverbs 3: 3-4
• Matthew 12:38 – 13:9

Prayer Focus

Pray for the people who are without heat, food, water, and or electricity/butane. They are numerous. We have two more very cold days before we return to our more usual type of winter days.

Prayer also for those on your prayer list.

Pray for the schools in our parish to ALL be able to open.

Pray for safe drivers on the highways when there is ice on the road.

Pray for those who have had broken pipes and damage in their homes.

Anna Lee

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

ISAIAH 26:33

Prayer Focus

I hope last night was a better night since the temperature was not quite as cold. Yesterday, when the temperature got above freezing, many of you got to check on your pipes and learn that all was well, but a few of you found water running where it was not suppose to be running. I cannot fix pipes, but if there is anything you need in my skills range, please call me. I’m sure there are plenty of others to help all of you on a very difficult day. 

Please thank God for all the homes and businesses that fared well. Pray for the homes and businesses that didn’t. Pray for all the homes and businesses that will be without water because the water supply is diminished. Help others as you can.

Read the Bible (2023)

• II Timothy 4:6-8
• Hebrews 19:32-39
• Because of my relationship with Jesus, I . . . .”

Read the Bible Everyday in 2024

• January 18
• Genesis 32:1-33:20
• Psalm 10:13-18
• Proverbs 3:1-2
• Matthew 12:9-37

Prayer List

Dwaine Creel

Jackie Babin

Dan’l Johnson

Mike Sumrall

People of Kentwood (Town) – No Water: Boil List

Add those on your list.

More Freezing Temperatures Ahead -Be Prepared

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

Prayer Focus

We survived a long, cold day yesterday and a short, cold night last night. I trust you did too. Let’s thank God we made it through both the day and the night. It’s 16 degrees and still going down a little more. Hopefully, the sunshine today will melt the ice today and things will be better tonight. Let’s thank God for helping get this far and staying with us today. Let’s also ask Him to prepare us for the next cold weather Saturday and Sunday.

Read the Bible in 2023

• John 12:26
• John 14:1-6
• Revelation 7:9-17
• “The most beautiful aspect of heaven is . . . .”

Read the Bible Everyday of 2024

• January 17
• Genesis 31: 1-55
• Psalm 10:7-12
• Proverbs 2:20-22
• Matthew 11:20-12:8

Obituary

Gary Wayne Dees, Sr.

January 31, 1949 – January 15, 2024

GARY’S OBITUARY

Gary Wayne Dees, Sr., Kentwood, LA, was born on January 31, 1949, and went to be with the Lord and his soulmate on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the age of 74. His devoted wife of 50 years was surely waiting as he entered the arms of his Savior. Gary, called by many “Poppa”, was known to be a slightly rugged man in earlier years but later became a humble and devoted husband, dad, and grandpa. He adored his family, the Lord, and his church family. Although he wasn’t always a fan of animals his wife would bring home, he later grew the same heart for animals. However, his heart seemed to revolve around his grandkids and he was the foundation of his family. Earlier in his life, Gary served 4 years in the Army and participated in 2 tours to Vietnam. Throughout the years after his service Gary went through many trials as his body began to fail him. He lost the majority of his vision, yet never failed to make the best out of his circumstances even if it meant making jokes of himself. He was a veteran, a fighter, a committed husband, a firm father, and a passionate grandfather. He is survived by his oldest son, Gary Dees, Jr. and wife, Sarah Dees, of Roseland, LA, youngest son, Jonathan Leo Dees and wife, Amy Dees, of Albany, LA, and daughter, Leslie Jannell Dees and friend, Ronald Walker, of Wilmer, LA; his grandchildren, Shawn Walker and wife, Beth Walker, Brentley Dees, Alex Miller and Madison, Olivia Dees and Beau Slaven, Meghan Dees and Nathan Graves, and Trey Dees; great-grandchildren, Lexie and Lizzie Walker. As well as survived by his siblings, Lester Dees and wife, Judy, Nell Dees and wife, Glenda, Reed Dees and wife Chris, Nell Bond, Sarah Bankston, and Sharon Lindsey; and numerous nieces, nephews, church family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ima Jean Dees; his loving wife, Maxine Janet Dees; sister, Carrol Reed Dees; nephew, Brentley Reed Dees, and great-grand-daughter, Arianna Luella Miller; three brothers-in-law, Charles F. Bond, Jerry Lindsey, and Leroy Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday, January 19, 2024  and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Eric Catha and Bro. Rick Ledoux. Interment Dees Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

This includes new stories you will want to read.

Please us your prayer list for praying today.

Anna Lee