Pastor's Blog

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

That “plans, rats & people” thing came into play again yesterday.  How about that?

Brenda Poiroux sent me an e-mail Monday morning saying that she was scheduled to have a heart cath Wednesday afternoon.  As I was leaving the office yesterday morning for a meeting of the Grand Bay pastors, Edna told me Brenda had been admitted to the hospital and would be having a heart cath in the afternoon.  Well, afternoon kinda sorta turned into evening as she did not get taken if for her procedure until just before 6:00PM.  The test results?  Open heart surgery requiring four bypasses.  That surgery will take place either today or tomorrow.  Pray for Brenda, Gerald and the family during this time.

Had a really nice visit with Joe & Kathy Ladnier yesterday.  He is doing well.  Do not be surprised if you read these headlines in the local paper – “man breaks out of hospital” as Joe is ready to go home.  He has been dismissed from speech therapy as he passed all of their tests.  The man is determined!  Keep praying for Joe.

I do not do FB.  Have never read a FB post or even seen a picture.  Just not me.  So, how was I to know that Sandra McElwee was involved in an automobile accident in late March.  She will not be having knee replacement surgery on April 15 due to her injuries but will be having both knees replaced at some point in the future.

Keep praying for Gena Davis.  I do not have an update but I know she needs our prayer support.  (Being married to Gene is plenty of reason to need prayers – just saying!)

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

The weather folks are saying it will reach eighty six degrees here today – ouch!  The good thing is that the humidity is supposed to be lower than normal.

Lord willing, I have plans to get some planting done this Friday.  We shall see.  We have a Sunday School fellowship on the hill Saturday afternoon and Lisa has already laid down the law regarding what has to be done in the yard prior to that event.

Bobby & the boys pulled back to five hundred last night.  The Dodgers have lost two in a row.  I am pulling for a Nationals vs Dodgers World Series.

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

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

You know about the best laid plans of rats and people, right?  Well, I had plans yesterday but only after a couple of hours in the office those plans changed drastically.  Ended up using a vacation day which means I did not get to visit with Joe Ladnier in the hospital.

However, as usual, Kathy updated on Joe.  He had a good Monday and is working really hard in his rehab.  They had his bed and chair fixed so that if he got out of either the alarm would sound.  No problem for Joe as he figured out a way to simply bypass the alarms – LOL!  Keep praying for Joe!

The celebration of life service for Denise Tindle will take place this Thursday, 4/11, at 2:00PM from the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Coker, Alabama.  Pray for Pastor Tim and family.

If nothing has changed, Sandra McElwee will have knee replacement surgery this coming Monday.  Pray that all goes well.

Yancey Hall told me this past Sunday that he will have knee replacement surgery on May 15.

The Friendship family gave graciously to Evangelist Michael Mason so we are all set for Resurrection Sunday.  We will receive our regular offering in both services that day but no special offering.

Miss Jeanette and the choir will present their Easter musical this Sunday, 4/14, beginning at 6:00PM.  Pray for that service.  Attend.  Bring others.

Well, my heart won as UVA took home the trophy last night.  Good game.  I like the UVA coach.  (Maybe because he looks so much like Will Reynolds?)  Seems to be a really nice guy.  Texas Tech played a really good game and had a great season.

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

 

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

Kathy Ladnier has done an excellent job of keeping me updated on Joe’s situation.  He is making progress and striving to be discharged later this month.  Lord willing, I will visit with Joe later today.  Keep praying.

Edna Glover’s brother-in-law, Calvin Heptinstall, passed from this life last Thursday.  The visitation with the family takes place today beginning at 1:00PM  and lasting until the 2:00PM service.  Everything is at the First Baptist Church of Sharon, Mississippi.  Pray for the Heptinstall family.

Andy Hamil called last night to share that Denise Tindle passed from this life.  Her husband, Tim, is a pastor in the Tuscaloosa area.  Andy & Betty attend church there when they are in Tuscaloosa during the football seasons.  Pray for Pastor Tim and his family during this most difficult time.

We were blessed with some really good services yesterday.  I appreciate those who have communicated with me about what the services meant to them personally.  It is all about God!

The Friendship family has voted to call Zach Huhn to serve as our interim minister to students during June & July.  Dale is doing a good job right now but his schedule picks up in June so this is a really good move for our student ministry.  Pray for Dale, Zach and our students.

Ok, I had picked Auburn and MSU to win the semifinal games in the tourney.  So much for my prognosticating skills!  My heart is going with Coach Will Reynolds and UVA tonight but my gut says TTU will win it because of their defense.  An 8:20PM tip – are you kidding me?  That is 9:20PM Eastern time.  Ridiculous!

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

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

Kathy Ladnier sent me a message last night saying that Joe had a tough day.  He is battling some sickness and they are putting him through the proverbial “ringer” with therapy.  However, they have given him a possible “get out of here” date and that will motivate Joe because he does not like being in the hospital.  Pray for Joe!

Anna Carol Bosarge continues to need our prayer support.  She is home, is trusting God, has great support but still needs our prayers.

Bro. Jerry Hovel saw two doctors yesterday and will have a test today.  Pray that can find the root of his problems.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Deacons meet at 4:00PM, Finance Committee meets at 5:00PM, Lord’s Supper and baptism as a part of our evening service.

Love offering for Evangelist Michael Mason in all three of our services this Sunday, 4/7.  Pray and give as the Lord leads.

Bobby and the boys have now won two in a row to pull up to five hundred.  Go Nats!

Are you ready for some awesome news?  The ice maker is working!  Is that great or what!  Does it get any more exciting!  Hip, hip hooray!

Folks have been asking me for directions to the Byrd “nest” for the AU watch party tomorrow night.  I am not getting involved in all of that so you will have to contact Chris personally for the details and directions.  Rumor has it that steaks are on the menu but you know how rumors get started!

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

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

Kathy Ladnier sent me a message yesterday morning saying that Joe is now in rehab and he will be having really full days of therapy.  Visitation times are limited but I hope to catch him at lunch today.  Keep praying for Joe.

Dale Bosarge will be leading a college Bible study tonight beginning at 8:00PM at our house.  I have told Lisa that she cannot provide a meal but she will have something food wise because that is just who she is and what she does.  She definitely has a servant’s heart.  This Bible study is for all persons who are college age regardless of whether or not they are presently in college.  It  is for those who are already in the work force too.  Pass the word!

Regular schedule this morning and tonight on our campus.

We will be receiving a love offering for Evangelist Michael Mason in our three services this Sunday, 4/7.  Pray and give.  Remember, online giving is available 24/7.

Resumes are being accepted for the position of minister to students.  Ideally, we would like to have all resumes in hand by the end of April.  Pass the word.

I see where they are having a Final Four watch party in the Auburn arena this Saturday night.  “Word” has it that Chris Byrd is hosting a watch party at his house here in Grand Bay.  In Auburn they are selling concessions.  At the Byrd “nest” they are providing a meal and snacks complimentary.  Plus, they are allowing folks to spend the night in the Byrd “nest” if they so desire – all free!  I encourage all Auburn fans to join Chris and family for this celebration!

Bobby Henley and the boys have not gotten off to a great start this season.  The Phils appear to be the team to beat in the NL East.  I would ask that you join me in praying for Bobby that he will continue to be a strong witness for Jesus.  I really hope to get to DC for a game or two this season just to support Bobby.

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

 

 

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

Joe Ladnier was moved into a regular hospital room last Saturday.  When I visited with him yesterday the thought process was that he was going to be moved to a rehab facility possibly in the afternoon.  I do not know if that happened yesterday but do know he is heading that way soon.  He is better but still needs our prayer support.

Today is supposed to be one of those absolutely great weather days.  I have plans to plant some things this weekend but now it all depends on the rain.  We shall see.

Who is going to win the NCAA men’s basketball tourney?  I can see any of the four teams losing their first game or winning it all.  My gut tells me that Texas Tech is the sleeper of the four.  No one, and I mean probably no one, picked TT to win it all before the tourney began.  They did not even have them in the final four.  So, it should be a good Saturday and Monday night of basketball.  For the record, I am in hopes that Auburn wins it all.  I have family members, church family members and many friends who are Auburn fans and I would love to see Auburn win for them.  Would they feel the same way if the scenario was reversed?  Probably not but I am ok with that.  My second choice is Michigan State as I have tons of MSU fans who are friends.  My third choice would be UVA just because their coach looks just like Will Reynolds.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  Our attendance was good but we had a ton of regular folks missing.  If they had all been present then we would have been really good.  Those folks were missed!  The messages were really hard for me to preach.

Lisa, Dana & Jayden were at the house when I got home last night.  Very good to see them!  Thank the Lord for His traveling mercies upon them.  Thanks for Ross Hatcher for helping Jayden have some nice flights!

The Personnel Committee is accepting resumes for the position of minister to students.  Have them sent to the church or contact Rick Bradley about sending them to him via e-mail.

How about that Auburn basketball team!  Congratulations!  I am of the belief that if the tourney were rigged then there is no way Zion is not in the Final Four.  This will probably be a low rated Final Four viewing wise because there are no blue bloods playing.  Two first time teams along with a team that has not been there since 1980 something.  MSU is a constant but I do not know if they have a national appeal.  However, it should be a great three games.

Enjoy these cooler temperatures as they will probably be our last until next February.  Just saying!

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

 

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

Good bye March 2019!  Can you believe it?

Dale Bosarge has begun a college age Bible study.  It will meet at our house beginning this Wednesday night, 4/3, with a goal of beginning at 8:00PM.  Some type of light refreshments will be served.  Pass the word!

Regular schedule this morning and evening on our campus.  Personnel Committee meets today at 5:00PM.

Please note the we will receive a love offering for Evangelist Michael Mason in all three of our services today.  Dr. Michael will be with us on Resurrection Sunday for both of our morning worship services.  I do not want to receive an extra offering on that day so we will take the offering this Sunday, 3/31, and possibly next Sunday, 4/7.  Pray and give as the Lord leads.

Are you sitting down?  Our ice machine continues to be out of order.  So, if your Sunday School class needs ice today then please make other arrangements.  (We have ample ice at the church but it is not frozen!  Just  saying!)

Our “exercise” leagues went well yesterday.  Half of South Mobile County comes to those happenings.  Elizabeth Westbrook led a team that got tons of exercise.  Their legs have to be sore this morning!

Lisa is schedule to arrive back in Grand Bay probably around 7:00PM tonight.  I was gone for a week and she has now been gone for nine days so it seems like we have not seen each other in months.  I will be glad to see her even though the “list” is not done!

How about Texas Tech?  (So much for Pastor Joe Bailey’s bracket).  The Edwards kid from Purdue was unreal in their game against UVA.  However, when the dust settled, Tony “I look just like Will Reynolds” Bennett and his boys were the team left standing. I am going with Auburn and MSU in today’s games (Sorry ZH).

Eddie Albritton is looking for an app that will allow him to schedule his “delivered” meals for the next six weeks while he “recovers” from his “major” knee surgery.  Kayla Hatcher & Daphne Hutto took him more food yesterday.

Let me give a shout out to Bobby Gene Evans as he has been an invaluable help to me these past two days.  The man is a machine! He has forgotten more about being an electrician then Sammy Bowden has ever known!  Master electrician, master carpenter, master plumber, master lawn care expert and the list goes on.  What a guy!

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

 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11)

I did not make any hospital visits yesterday so I do not have any updates.  Just keep praying for those who have been mentioned over the past few days.

We had some folks feed Eddie A yesterday – thank you Amy H, Rita B & Leah F.  He is wanting me to set up a six weeks schedule!  Are you serious!

Bus workers meet this morning at 8:30AM.

“Exercise” leagues begin play at 8:30AM at the middle school.

Regular schedule for the Friendship family tomorrow morning and evening.

Personnel Committee meets at 5:00PM tomorrow.

We will receive a love offering for Evangelist Michael Mason in all three of our services tomorrow.  This is in lieu of receiving a special offering on Resurrection Sunday.  Please pray and give as the Lord leads.  Remember, online giving is available 24/7.

Good basketball games last night.  Congratulations to Auburn on their big win over North Carolina.  Dominating performance.  Too bad about the young man who apparently suffered a serious knee injury.  LSU was out of their league against Michigan State. So, the SEC conference will have one representative in the Final Four.  I hope it is Auburn.

I will attend some the “exercise” today but I have a ton of yard work to finish too.  Lisa will be home tomorrow evening and it is “finish or else!”

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11) Miss Lanell McConnell was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning. I know she is a happy camper. Joe Ladnier remains in the hospital and in the unit. He is not such a happy camper as he will have to remain in the hospital and in the unit for the immediate future. Pray for Joe! Anna Carol Bosarge was taken by ambulance to the hospital yesterday morning. I went by and they were taking her for tests. Not sure if she was admitted or sent home. Pray for Anna Carol. Eddie Albritton’s surgery went well. He sent me a message wanting to know how one goes about getting signed up for those “meals after surgery” thing? Somebody please bake Eddie a cake, pie or something! The Friendship “exercise” leagues take place tomorrow morning beginning at 8:30AM. Everything takes place at the middle school. Bro. Benny and our bus workers will meet tomorrow morning at 8:30AM before going into the community to invite folks to our Sunday School and service. Pray for this ministry. The Lord is blessing us with some absolutely beautiful weather. Titus and I are sleeping with the windows open and are enjoying every second of it. I enjoyed the first two basketball games last night but the second two were difficult to watch. The Purdue vs Tennessee game was a really good one. I did not realize Texas Tech was so good defensively. UVA is also good defensively but those games tend to bore me. However, offense sells tickets while defense wins championships. I can see the SEC getting shut out tonight but I cannot see them winning all three as I do not think LSU will win. Lisa is scheduled to arrive home late Sunday afternoon. She left me a list of things “to do” while she was away. So far I have done zero of those things! I have my work cut out for me today and tomorrow! I want to go with the “she has not seen me in two weeks so she will not care that I have not completed all of the tasks she assigned me” but somehow I think that is not going to fly! We shall see! I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus. *This entry was ready at 4:00AM but it would not publish.  Soy had to bale me out.  Sorry for the tardiness.