Pastor's Blog

This afternoon around 3:00PM, Miss Dollie Trout passed from this life and entered Heaven.  Pray for Bob, Laura and the family as they walk through this valley.  Bob & Laura have been so very faithful to stay by their mother’s side until the very end of her earthly life.  Arrangements pending.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Good day in our services yesterday even though our attendance was down somewhat due to the rain.  Baptists and rain can be like oil and water.  Just saying!  LOL!

There is a meeting tonight in the CAB beginning at 6:30PM for all of the parents of the players who will be involved in our Spring leagues.  A soccer parent – I am so glad that I could never be called that!

The annual yard sale takes place for three days beginning next Thursday, 3/12.  Want to help get things ready on Monday & Tuesday?  Contact Bro. Jerry Hovel.

Larry Whitehurst is scheduled for a test this morning and a surgical procedure this afternoon.  He is not feeling great this morning so please remember to pray for him.

Sarah Thornton did well through her surgery yesterday morning.  If things go as planned, she will be discharged today.

Eddie Albritton’s father also had surgery late yesterday afternoon.  He too did well but will remain in the hospital for a couple of days.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother remains in the hospital.

Dollie Trout continues to decline physically.

Myrtle Bowden continues with her treatment regiment.

Ethan, Brittney and the boys continue to walk through this valley of grief.

Miss Connie Hardy’s brother passed from this life on Tuesday, 3/3.  The visitation is from 5:00 – 7:00PM tonight at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore and the service will be in the morning at 10:00AM.

So, pray for all of these needs plus others.

Color me wrong if the weather forecasters are correct about tomorrow night’s temperature.  I had said that we would not see another low in the thirties this calendar year but the forecast calls for thirty eight Friday night.  I hope I can be colored wrong!

Spring forward this Saturday night!  Move your time pieces up one hour before going to bed.  My least favorite Sunday of the year!  Congress, leave the time alone!

You ever wonder why a mother is never late for a high school softball game but is late for Wednesday night church services?

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

Eddie Albritton’s dad will be having surgery late this afternoon.  He was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  Pray that all goes well.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Sarah Thornton will have a surgical procedure done on her heart this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Larry Whitehurst will travel to Jacksonville, FL today in order to have a surgical procedure.  I am not sure of the schedule but do know he will be there for several days.  Pray for Larry.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother has been admitted to a local hospital.  She is ninety two years old.  Pray for Mrs. Amonett.

Visited with Miss Dollie’s daughter, Laura, yesterday morning as Miss Dollie slept through the visit.  Miss Dollie’s physical condition continues to slowly decline.  Keep praying.

Two radiation treatments down and fifteen more to go for my dad.  Eddie stayed in Hartselle this week instead of going to Ohio to work so he can take dad to his treatments.  I am grateful.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

They say the rain is coming but it is arriving a bit later than forecast and may not be as much as originally projected.  If the rain does come today then my plans are to get in a corner and study while watching it rain.  Perfect day!

Time change this Sunday as we “spring forward” one hour before going to bed Saturday night.  Please do not forget!

Deacons meet this Sunday, 3/8, at 4:00PM.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

McKemie Place ministry tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Everyone invited.

Visited with Miss Dollie Trout yesterday morning.  Actually, Miss Dollie slept as I sat and talked with her son, Bob.  I am not a doctor but Miss Dollie’s physical condition seems to be worsening to me.  I continue to be impressed with the care being given to Miss Dollie by her children, Bob & Laura.  Pray for Miss Dollie.

As far as I know, my dad had his first radiation treatment yesterday afternoon.  At least that was the plan.

Today is voting day for those of us living in Alabama along with a number of other states.  I encourage those who are registered to go vote.

I had two folks give me a tremendous helping hand yesterday.  First, John Milton Ladnier came over and plowed my garden spot. He feels sorry for me as he already has his seeds in the ground.  I really appreciate John Milton being such a good neighbor!

(Speaking of a Good Neighbor – I live with one!  She would love to hook you up with a life insurance policy this month.  Just saying!)

Logan Wainwright came over late yesterday afternoon and serviced my mower.  Folks, Logan knows small engines!  If you need someone to service, repair, et cetera your mower then you really need to consider using Logan.  He is a great small engine mechanic but he is an even better guy!

It appears we will get some rain today but the real rain event for our area is coming tomorrow.

We are on a regular schedule on our campus for tomorrow morning and evening.

Friendship family, we will receive a special offering for the next two Sundays.  This offering will go toward the purchase price of the travel bus we purchased back in January.  Pray and then give as the Lord leads.

Deacons, we will meet this Sunday, 3/8, at 4:00PM.  Deacon Vice has the devotion if my memory serves me correctly.

The Easter Sunday schedule for the Friendship family – Sunrise service at 6:00AM with Pastor Wes Bates, worship service at 9:00AM with the pastor preaching, worship service at 10:30AM featuring the ministry of our adult choir.  No evening service.  Pass the word and bring folks with you to these services.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Happy birthday to Lisa’s sister, Kim!  I hope Kim has a great day.  How old?  Exactly!

I did not visit with Dollie Trout over the weekend but have plans to do so this morning.  Keep praying for Miss Dollie.

My dad should be discharged from the hospital this morning and then will have his first radiation treatment later today.  Thank you for the prayers.

The Lord blessed us with a good day in our services yesterday.  Our attendance was not great but it was not bad considering it was that second Sunday of an off week for the public schools.  I appreciate Larry Crawley sharing about his recent mission trip to Zambia & Uganda in our evening service.

Randall & Rita Broome will lead a night of ministry at McKemie Place tomorrow night, 3/3, beginning at 6:00PM.  All are invited to join them!

This Sunday, 3/8, will be my least favorite Sunday of the year as we will be required to “spring forward” thus losing an hour of sleep on Saturday night.  It seems that a good number of Baptists tend to “forget” this time change but never have a problem remembering the one in the Fall – LOL!

The forecast is calling for a significant chance of rain for us tomorrow and Wednesday.  I am good with that.  What I am not thrilled about is the call for higher humidity and higher temperatures.  I miss Winter!

The Easter Sunday schedule on our campus will be as follows:  sunrise service at 6:00AM with Pastor Wes Bates preaching; 9:00AM worship service with the pastor preaching; 10:30AM service featuring our adult choir presenting their musical.  Just FYI.

TJ Vice is reporting that the Alabama football team has hired a strength and conditioning coach.  Seems he is bringing a doctor with him.  Folks, if TJ reports it then write it down in concrete!

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Good morning from sweet home Grand Bay, Alabama!  Lisa, Titus & I arrived home safe and sound last night and we give God the glory for giving us safe travels.

Keep praying for Miss Dollie Trout.

My dad’s physical condition is better.  We are thankful.  However, he had a tough day mentally yesterday.  Stayed way confused all day.  Thank you for your prayers for him.

The church on GRACE Mountain will officially change their name to Iglesia JET this morning to better align it with Colegio JET.  The existing members of the church went into the town of El Tejar yesterday evangelizing and sharing information about the church.  Today, the church will have Sunday School classes for the first time.  These are exciting times for the church!

My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend our services today and tonight.  We are on a regular schedule.  June mission trip meeting immediately following the evening service – important!

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Good Saturday morning from the Decatur Morgan Hospital in Decatur, Alabama.  More on that later in this entry.

Well, I have not spoken to Ethan & Brittney since Charleigh’s celebration of life service ended but I feel it went well.  I was very impressed with Ethan & Brittney and the sense of peace that they possessed before, during and after the service.  I cannot begin to list all of those who helped with the service and those who ministered to this family but I can say a huge “thank you” to each person.  God knows who you are!  There were probably seventy or so folks who stayed for the meal following the service and there was sufficient food for everyone to enjoy.  Witney Edwards made an awesome “celebration of life” cake.  Thank God for a church family who knows how to minister!

I also want to say thank you to each person who contacted me prior to the service to assure me of their prayer support.  Very meaningful.  Likewise, I received a good number of messages yesterday afternoon and last night of folks complimenting the service itself.  All I can say is “only God!”  To Him be the glory.

I did not visit with Miss Dollie Trout yesterday but I did speak to her son, Bob, on the phone.  There was basically no change in Miss Dollie’s condition and Bob graciously told me to get on the road to visit with my dad.  Very kind and thoughtful of him.  I am grateful.

I am also grateful to those who contacted me telling me to go see my dad and to stay as long as needed.  The support has been most encouraging.

Lisa, Titus & I left Tillman’s Corner at 1:00PM yesterday.  We stopped in Cullman to purchase pizzas for Titus to take to his Aunt Jamie’s as she is not that great of a cook.  Titus loves staying with Grayson & Jace.   We dropped Titus off around 6:30PM and then headed for the hospital in Decatur.  Wait, we did do a drive through in Hartselle for a bar-b-que pork sandwich – oh my!  So, we were in the hospital room by 7:15PM and around 8:30PM Lisa would leave along with mama, Eddie & Sue.  Yes, I had the night shift!  I told the nurse that if she would give dad something to knock him out and then give me the same thing then we would be great!  Dad is pretty confused as he does not believe he is in the hospital.  He says this is a nice camper but it really needs a refrigerator to keep the drinks cold.  I just agree and go on.  Dad’s physical condition is some better but he will be in the hospital until at least Monday.  He is scheduled to begin his radiation treatments on Monday.  That will be the first of the fifteen scheduled.  I appreciate those who are praying for dad.

I am told that the service at the Mission of Hope went well last night and that Dylan Westbrook did a very good job of sharing the Word.  Good stuff!  Thank you Dylan!

Bus workers’ meeting this morning at 8:30AM.

Bro. Abel closed on a house in West Mobile yesterday afternoon.  I have a plan to help Bro. Abel and will be sharing that this Sunday morning in our services.  Hopefully, in a couple of years Bro. Abel will be able to relocate to Grand Bay.

We are now in a stretch where the average daily high will be in the seventies and the lows in the fifties.  Winter 2020 is over in South Mobile County.  Sad!

Tomorrow is the second weekend of the MCPSS schools being out for a week.  We need all available members of the Friendship family to be in attendance for our morning services, Sunday School, Discipleship Training and the evening service.  Important!

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit Sunday morning at 8:00AM!

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

We will gather with the Ethan Nelson family this morning at 10:00AM to celebrate Charleigh’s life.  Yes, that will be a tough service but I pray that God will be glorified through it all.  Ethan & Brittney are very grateful for all of the prayers offered on their behalf.  I have had fellow ministers and long distance friends reach out to me via electronic means to let me know that they are praying and I am also most thankful.  So, if you cannot attend the service today, please stop at 10:00AM and voice a prayer for Ethan, Brittney, the boys, the rest of the family and the service.  Thank you.

I want to say “thank you” to those who helped with the food last night and to those who will be doing likewise today.  I also want to thank Raymond Wilkinson and James Mareno for their help in handling the audio and video last night.  Today, Rhea Wilkinson will also be providing assistance.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Miss Dollie Trout remains about the same.  Keep praying.

My dad was admitted to the hospital last night as he is battling with pneumonia, a UTI and other issues.  I am struggling with whether to head that way later today or to simply stay put for the time being.  My older brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, continue to do a marvelous job of giving care to our parents.  My sister, Melissa, is there too but Eddie & Sue are the mainstays.

The Friendship family will host a service at the Mission of Hope tonight beginning at 7:00PM in their chapel.  Everyone invited.  Pray for that service.

One source says it is thirty one degrees right now while another source says it is thirty three degrees.  I hope the thirty three degrees is correct as I did not cover Lisa’s palm tree last night and feeling her wrath would not be good for me.  Just saying!

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.

June GRACE Ministries mission trip meeting following the evening service this Sunday.  Important!

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Today is a day that will tough for Ethan, Brittney and their family along with the members of the Friendship family and many others.  However, today is also a day when these folks will be able to show a total reliance on God.  Would you take some extra time today and pray for the Nelson family?

Visited with Miss Dollie yesterday.  She is very, very soft spoken now but expressed her gratefulness for the prayers being offered on her behalf.  Honestly, I did not do much talking as Beth Wright was in the room and when Beth is around you do not talk you listen as Beth has the gift of gab!  LOL!  Keep praying for Miss Dollie.

I am taking Bob Evans to the hospital this morning for a test.  He told me that he has a #2 pencil and a notebook ready to take with him.  I am thinking he may be confused about what this “test” is all about.  Pray that all goes well for Bob.

The students are out of school all week in the MCPSS but the teachers have to go back to work today.  I did not realize that until this past Tuesday.  What is up with that?

My sources tell me that it reached thirty seven degrees in Grand Bay last night and the forecast is for thirty three tonight.  I hope they are correct!

Today is Joey Bosarge’s last day on the job in his present job as he will be “retired!”  The call of the bayou was just too strong for him to resist.  Congratulations, Joey!

Do you remember when Billie Jean roamed the tennis courts?  Just curious!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.