Pastor's Blog

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 19-20; John 13:21-38

This entry is late and is coming from Decatur, Alabama.  Mainly wanted to give an update on those folks in the hospital.

Yesterday, my plan was to go West to East in visiting the four hospitals where we have folks as patients.  However, that was changed with Betty Clair Hatcher contacted me to say that Helen was going into surgery.  So, I began East and went West.

Helen did have surgery on her left leg.  The cut a muscle in her calf because of an infection.  Yes, she already had a fracture in that leg but the two are not related per the doctor.  I have heard from Betty Clair this morning and they are waiting to see the doctor to check the incision.  Helen is not a happy camper as she wants to be held by her parents but needs to have her leg elevated.  Pray for Helen, Ross & Betty Clair.

Tommy Watson is now in a Mobile hospital.  He is unable to communicate verbally due to a tracheotomy.  In my opinion, Tommy has a long road to recovery in front of him.  Pray for Tommy.

Fannie Fortenberry was sound asleep when I visited her yesterday afternoon so I prayed and left a card.  Pray of Miss Fannie and for Evelyn as she gives care to here mother.

Greg Boutwell was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  I arrive less than fifteen minutes after he had gone home.  Would have loved to have visited with him but was glad he had gone home.

The visitation with the Becky Sellers family takes place tomorrow, 6/4, from 4:30 until just before the 6:00PM service time.  I am in hopes the Friendship family will attend this service in great numbers as we remember Becky and show support to her family.

Regular schedule in the morning.  Soy and/or Deidra will share in both services and I will also be preaching in both of those services.  We will receive a love offering for Soy, Deidra and the girls in both of the morning services.  Attend, pray and then give as God leads.

Vacation Bible School begins Monday morning, 6/5, at 9:00AM!  Pray for VBS!

Lisa and I had our plans changed yesterday so we did not leave Grand Bay until 5:00PM.  Arrived in Decatur just before midnight.  Kenneth & Keri were very gracious in allowing us to miss the wedding rehearsal.

We will meet with my family today for lunch at Big Bob Gibson’s.  Does it get any better?

So, Lord willing, we will arrive home around 2:00AM in the morning and then join the Friendship family for worship at 8:00AM.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20

Greg Boutwell remains in the hospital.  I did not visit with him yesterday but have plans to do so this morning.

Fannie Fortenberry has been hospitalized.  Pray for Miss Fannie and for her daughter, Evelyn.

Tommy Watson was moved from Louisiana to a local facility yesterday afternoon.  I appreciate Phil Sims keeping me in the loop regarding Tommy’s situation.  Pray for Tommy as he begins rehabilitation.

Little Helen Hatcher was admitted to the hospital last night.  She continues to have problems with one of her legs.  They will be doing more tests as well as watching her very closely.

Spoke to Dave Sellers last night.  He is doing “ok” as there are many folks around and much to do right now.  However, he fully realizes that everyone will soon go home and life will not be the same for him.  Stop and say a prayer for Dave and Brittany right now.

Katelyn Johnson tells me that we are good with the food for the Sellers family following the memorial service.  Thank you to each person who is helping with this ministry.

Men’s breakfast in the morning at 8:00AM.  All men invited to attend.

Bus workers meet at 8:30AM in the morning.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning, 6/4.  Soy and/or Deidra Taylor will be sharing some in each of our morning services.  We will receive a love offering for them in those two services as they will make the move to Guatemala on June 14.  Pray, attend, and then give as the Lord leads.

Remember, no Discipleship Training or regular evening service this Sunday.  The memorial service for Becky Sellers will begin at 6:00PM in our auditorium.

Wow, one of the weather sites says we had no rain in Grand Bay yesterday.  Well, I pulled corn in a pretty good rain for several hours.  Maybe I was just sweating that much?  I can tell you that the Lord really blessed our corn crop this year.  Lisa did a great job of cutting off the kernels and putting it up.  She does an excellent job of putting up our garden stuff.

Soy gets a huge call out for mowing and picking up limbs yesterday.  He worked into the night.  Big help to me.  Still have a ways to go this morning but without his help I would be in trouble.

Lisa and I are leaving this morning to drive to North Alabama in order to take part in the wedding ceremony for Kenneth Smith and Keri Callahan.  Rehearsal tonight and ceremony tomorrow night.  Lord willing, we will be home around 2:00AM Sunday morning.  Pray for traveling mercies.

Got to go.  Lisa has already made me do the Walmart run and is now demanding that I get after it with the weedeater.  The woman is a slave driver!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Learned yesterday that Greg Boutwell has been admitted to the hospital again.  Greg has had such a difficult time with his legs.  Please pray for Greg, Rita and family.

Tommy Watson was not moved yesterday from Louisiana to a local facility.  However, that transfer is supposed to happen today.  Pray that it does.

The arrangements for Becky Sellers are as follows:  visitation with the family this Sunday, June 4, from 4:30PM until the 6:00PM service time.  The memorial service will begin at 6:00PM.  Visitation and service will take place in our church auditorium.  This is going to be a large family numerically and we are going to need much help in feeding them after the service.  Please call the church office today (6/1) or contact Katelyn Johnson directly @ 423 2018.

Good day in our services yesterday.  We thank God for His blessings!

Men’s breakfast this Saturday, 6/3, beginning at 8:00AM.  All men are invited to attend.

The storm that passed through here on Monday night really left us with some downed pecan limbs – like one million!  Lisa and Soy did a great job of getting many of them picked up yesterday.  Many more to go but it was a start.

Someone said the NBA Finals begin tonight.  I really have no interest but I do hope the Lakers win it all.  Hope Jerry West hits the game winner as the clock expires in Game Seven.  That would be sweet!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 13-14; John 12:1-26

Becky Sellers passed from this life somewhere around 4:30AM today.  She passed peacefully with her husband, Dave, laying beside her.  She was surrounded by family members and friends as well.  Pray for Dave, Brittany and the entire family.

Tentative plans call for a memorial service to take place this Sunday night, 6/4, beginning at 6:00PM in our church auditorium.  Plans also call for a time of visitation beforehand but those exact hours have not been set.  Will post them here once all is finalized.

Tommy Watson was not moved yesterday due to some paper work.  Plans now call for him to be moved at some point today.  Keep praying for Tommy.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Not sure of the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study.  I am leaning toward pizza but the big boss has not signed off on it yet.  Whatever it is, it will be good.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 10-12; John 11:30-57

This entry is intentionally late as I wanted to give an up to the minute report on Becky Sellers as well as an updated report on Tommy  Watson.

Visited with Becky last night.  Daphne went over to check her vitals, et cetera.  I appreciate her doing that for Dave and family.  It was thought the hospice nurse would be there firs thing this morning but that has not happened yet.  I just came from there and Becky’s condition really remains unchanged from last night.  It appears they are going to have to find a different way to administer her medicines.  Just pray for wisdom for the medical folks and for comfort for the family.  I can tell you that Dave is an awesome care giver!  Really strong supporter of his wife!

Word just came to me via Phil Sims that Tommy Watson is being moved from Louisiana to a local facility today.  That will be so much better on the family.  Pray for Tommy’s complete recovery.

Phil will see his cardiologist tomorrow.  He is struggling with a cough.  He feels that if they can control the cough then he will be well on the road to a complete recovery.  Keep praying for Phil.

Dave asked me to express thanks to the folks who have provided the food for his family.  He is most grateful.  Such a gracious guy too.

I have been asked about the bowling scores from Sunday night.  Well, I was not going to mention it.  I will just say this – Steve Morris impressed me greatly!  He only bowled one game but posted a score of 164.  Really good for an “old” man with a bad leg!  Did I top that score?  Did you seriously just ask that question?  Coach Eric Collier bowled like a 68.  Amy Reynolds bowled like a 51.  And these folks are supposed to be “PE” teachers!  Just saying!  Jason Husband had a higher score than either of them!  Go Jason!

Wow, we had a major wind storm at the house last night.  Pecan limbs are on the ground everywhere!  And I do mean everywhere!  Wow!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 7-9; John 11:1-29

Tuesday, May 30 – 2 Chronicles 10-12; John 11:30-57

Wednesday, May 31 – 2 Chronicles 13-14; John 12:1-26

Thursday, June 1 – 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Friday, June 2 – 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20

Saturday, June 3 – 2 Chronicles 19-20; John 13:21-38

Sunday, June 4 – 2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14

This entry is late and will be short and sweet.

First, thank God for the military personnel from the US Armed Forces who have given their lives in service to protect freedoms.  Do not forget those sacrifices today as you go about your various activities.

Kenny Cooper is gone until early August serving in the Chick-fil-A Winshape camps.  He can receive cards and letters.  If you want to send him one at his first camp then you probably need to mail it by this Wednesday, May 31.  Here is the address:  Kenny Cooper  220 Masonic Street  Dyersberg, TN 38024.

Visited Becky Sellers yesterday afternoon.  No significant change but happy to be home.  If you want to help with a meal then please contact Katelyn Johnson either on FB or by calling 251 423 2018.  I appreciate the help Marisa Felps has been to this family over the past few months and especially this past weekend.

Our bowling fellowship went well.  Special thanks to Carl Ray Moulds for driving the bus.

Praise the Lord for a salvation decision in our evening service.  God is faithful to give the increase.

I have concluded that Memorial Day Sunday may be the biggest holiday of the entire year.  Wow, we had like six million folks out of town.  We had some folks who stayed in town but they opted to stay at home and not attend the services.  We had some who attended Sunday School but opted to miss the services.  However, we had a pretty good group who opted to attend the services and Sunday School and for that group I am very, very thankful.

VBS is the next thing up.  Jason Husband and I are ready!

The church office is closed today but I am available, if needed in an emergency situation.  I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

T0day’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 1-3; John 10:1-23

Visited Becky Sellers fairly early yesterday morning.  No significant change at that point and I spoke to Dave around 10:15PM last night and he said things were basically status quo.  Since Becky is now under hospice care, she wants to go home and Dave is going to honor her request.  So, it is very possible that either today or tomorrow she will be coming home.  I write this just in case someone wants to visit them in the hospital today – probably should check first as they could be discharged.

I plan to visit with Dave & Becky tomorrow morning fairly early as I make my way to Pell City for Rusty & Anna’s wedding ceremony.   I decided to stay in Grand Bay just in case and Rusty & Anna gave me their blessing to miss the rehearsal.  Nice gesture on their part.

I think we should coordinate meals for Dave & Brittany plus other family members once they are home.  Who wants to organize/coordinate this so we are not unbalanced (i.e. too much food one day and not enough the next) in this effort?

One more thing regarding Dave & Becky – at this point their door is open to any, and all, guests.  Such nice people!

Spoke with Caleb Watson yesterday afternoon about his dad, Tommy Watson.  Tommy is better.  They are now thinking he will be moved to a local facility probably mid-week next week.

Had a nice visit with Miss Ica Walley yesterday afternoon along with her daughters Betty & Sue.  Miss Ica is thankful for the prayer support and wants us to pray that she can get back in church soon.  Is that not incredible?  The lady loves the Lord Jesus and loves her church.

Received a call from a really good sibling in the Lord earlier this week.  Facing some uncertainty regarding a medical issue.  Concerned and asking for prayer.  Needs to remain anonymous for the time being but I do ask you to join me in praying.

Bro. Benny & the bus workers meet this morning at 8:30AM and will then go into the community visiting folks inviting them to ride the buses to Sunday School and church tomorrow.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  As I wrote yesterday, I have plans to be in the pulpit for all three services tomorrow.  Hope those in town will join me in our services.

Bowling fellowship for the entire Friendship family tomorrow night.  Cost is only five dollars per person with a maximum of twenty dollars per immediate family.  Families will have the lanes from 8:00 – 10:00PM and then the students will take over from 10:00PM until midnight.  Students are welcome to join their families but that would not be so cool – LOL!

I did make it to the Due South Bar-b-que restaurant this week.  Did I receive the pastor’s discount?  Hello!  Actually, one member of the Friendship family who was in there pulled the old tried and true “I forgot my purse” and stuck me with her ticket too!  I will not identify her but do ask that you pray for Grant!  Plus, Elizabeth Westbrook basically harassed me the entire meal!  Just saying!

Here is my menu question for DSB – you get slaw on a large sandwich but not on a small one.  What is up with that?  At Big Bob Gibson’s you get slaw on any sandwich regardless of the size.  Plus, Big Bob has amazing white sauce!  Just saying!

I mentioned Caleb earlier in this entry which leads me to the question – does Bo even work any more?  She is never in the store when I go in needing assistance.  Does not have delivery service either!  Come on Bo!

Pray for me as I travel to Pell City and back today.  Pray for the wedding ceremony.  Pray for one another.

I pray you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

T0day’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 28-29; John 9:24-41

Visited with Becky Sellers in the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  We were able to have a good talk.  She was resting.  Dave sent me a message around 10:00PM saying that Bernard & Rusty had driven down from Pell City and that Becky was very happy to see them. Becky’s brother, Eddie, should be arriving today as he is driving from Montana or one of those Western States.  Becky’s attitude remains amazingly positive.

Mission of Hope tonight at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves at 6:15PM.  Everyone invited.

Regular schedule on Sunday.  We need every member of the Friendship family in town to attend as we will have folks out of town because of the wedding and the holiday weekend.  Bowling fellowship Sunday night.

Coach Eric Collier received an award last night at the USA Mitchell Center.  (Husband of the year or something like that!). I appreciate Eric’s Sunday School teacher, Sonny Bates, and three of his Sunday School class members, Eddie Albritton, Chris Byrd & Billy Teasley, attending that banquet to support Coach Collier.  Alex Byrd and I went for the food!

I was also there to support Courtney Cavin and family as her late father, Coach Calvin Crist, was honored with an award.  Was able to see Calvin’s mother who spent time serving the Lord through the Friendship family when her husband pastored here in the 1950’s.

Lisa and I attended the visitation with the Nelson family yesterday.  Of course, Mr. Nelson is the Uncle of Amy Huhn & Kendall Falana which is why we were there.  What I did not know is that Amy is the cousin of another person I have known for years!  Small world.  I put two and two together yesterday and can now see it in their looks, personalities, et cetera.

I will be visiting with Becky again today and will then turn North at some point tomorrow for the wedding.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for all three services this Sunday.

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

Becky Sellers has been admitted to the hospital and has been placed under hospice care.  The situation is not good.  Pray for Becky, Dave, Brittany, Bernard, Rusty, the rest of the family and the medical folks giving care.