Pastor's Blog

Phil was moved into a regular hospital room around 1:00PM today.  He is a happy camper and has been out walking the halls!  Just FYI for those who have been wanting to visit once he got put into a room.

“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 – 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26

This entry is late and that is by design (did not really plan on being this late but things happen).  Wanted to wait until after I had visited with Phil Sims before posting.  He remains in SICU and their first visiting time is from 5:30 – 6:30AM which I absolutely love.  So, I was there shortly after 6:00AM to visit with Phil although it was closer to 6:30AM before I got to see him due to his nurse working with him.  The nurse said that Phil “may” get into a room today but she was not one hundred percent positive.  Phil did not rest well last night.  He wants to go to a regular room.  Actually, he wants to go home but he definitely is not ready for that move.  So, just keep praying for Phil in his recovery.

Did not visit with Jimmy Tagert’s mother yesterday because of her remaining the the unit and the contact isolation.  Keep praying for Mrs. Hickman.

Keep praying for Keith Young in Georgia.

Mission of Hope service tonight beginning at 7:00PM in our CAB.  Meal for the men beforehand.  Any help with food for that meal would be appreciated.  Pray for the service.

I am going to try and get a job like these NFL draft gurus.  They are almost always so far off on their projections and yet people clamor over the projections prior to the draft.  The only job I know where you can fail miserably year after year and still have people following your every word.

I do know that even though a player is drafted in the first round it makes a huge difference financially where they are drafted in that round i.e. top five, top ten, top twenty.  It all relates to guaranteed money based on the selection.  Some of those guys lost some big money last night simply by sliding down in the draft.

The yard and garden are calling my name.  Sure does look like rain although the weather folks say “not today!”

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

Visited Phil early this morning.  His ICU nurse said that he “probably” would not be moved from the unit today.  He said he was feeling good but they have not gotten him up to walk him yet.  Just keep praying.

Really posted this in case anyone was planning on visiting today thinking Phil would be in a regular room.

“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 – 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48

Visited with Phil Sims yesterday morning and he was doing well.  He had some soreness/pain where the opened him up but otherwise he felt good.  Very thankful for the prayer support.  Someone told me they visited around noon and he was sitting up in a chair.  Just keep praying for Phil.

Looked in on Jimmy Tagert’s mother but she was asleep.  Did not attempt to go into her room because she is in contact isolation which means you have to put the mask, gown, gloves, et cetera on due to infections.  Spoke to Jimmy on the phone for an update and then talked to Ian last night at the 7:30PM Bible study.  She is doing good all things considered but obviously needs our prayer support.

Dave Sellers sent me an update on Becky.  She is having a tough time.  She definitely continues to need our prayer support.  As Dave and I say, “pray big!”

Mark Hubbard sent me an update on Courtney.  She is still fighting hard and is seeing some good things and some things that are not necessarily good.  Keep praying.

Keith Young lives in Georgia now and is in a battle for his life.  His condition has to do with the front lobe of his brain and the doctors are numbering his life in months.  I have never heard of anything like this.  Keith and his wife definitely need our prayers.

Good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  Saw two miracles – the folks in the morning service actually moved closer to the front of the auditorium.  Then the evening crowd did likewise.  Folks, the return of Jesus must be getting close!  LOL!

The Mission of Hope service tomorrow night will take place in our CAB.  Service begins at 7:00PM.  Meal beforehand.  Everyone invited.

We need our senior adults who have not signed up for the meal on Sunday, May 7, to call the church office no later than Monday, May 1.  We want to be accurate on our food order.

I sure do hope we get some of the rain they are forecasting but the high winds predicted for Sunday could be problematic for the corn crop.  God knows and I trust Him.

Rumor has it that Chis Cavin attend the Nick Saban event this past Tuesday night and got Saban’s autograph?  Chris is denying these rumors but where there is smoke there is fire!  He so wants to be a Bama fan as does Courtney.  Maybe this will be the season Chris comes to the table!  The girls are going to be so cute in their Bama outfits!

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 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27

As I reported late yesterday afternoon, Phil Sims & Jimmy Tagert’s mother both came through their respective surgeries very well.  Now they are in the beginning stages of the recovery process.  Both were serious surgeries and we need to pray that these two will continue to do well.

Obviously, the situation in North Korea bears watching closely.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be found faithful on Wednesdays. The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study will be pizza.  (Trying to help Lisa not be so overloaded.  She never complains but I do try to lighten her load).

Have I ever mentioned that we need an IT person(s)?  We do!

Back on March 4, I planted corn, snap beans and okra.  The corn and snap beans are doing well.  The okra is doing ok (if Larry W or John L ask just tell them I am already picking okra!).  I had plans to plant some plants on Good Friday but I was out of town.  So, this past Friday I went to see Bo at Grand Bay Feed & Seed to purchase some pepper plants (sweet only), squash & egg plants.  (Tried to buy from Bobby Jack Felps but he had already sold out). So, Bo sells me these “special” squash plants that I thought she said are supposed to produce squash within a couple of days of their being planted.  Paid extra for them.  Guess what?  Did not happen!  Bo apparently stuck me with an inflated price for something that did not work.  She says it is my soil! Wants me to send a soil sample to Auburn University. I think she saw me coming!  She knows I will not take her to court so it was a no risk maneuver on her part.  Live and learn!

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

Jimmy Tagert’s mother did well through her surgery.  I appreciate Jim Chinners praying with her this morning before surgery.  Keep praying as she begins the recovery process.

Phil Sims did well through his surgery too.  The doctor spoke to the family around 6:00PM.  He was pleased.  Pray for Phil as he recovers.

“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 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43

Jimmy Tagert’s mother is scheduled to have surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.  Jimmy’s mother has been through a lot physically over the past few months.  Pray for her and this surgery.

Phil Sims is scheduled to have surgery around noonish today.  He is in excellent spirits and is ready to have the surgery, go through recovery, and get back to being in church and fishing!  Pray that all goes well.

As far as I know, no significant change in Maria’s mother’s situation.  Just keep praying.

Just a reminder that Bro. Jerry is on vacation this week so please do not contact him for any reason.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Yes, I had a weak moment.  Yes, it is embarrassing!  What?  Did I go to the mall?  No, worse.  Way worse!  I attended a high school girl’s soccer game yesterday afternoon!  My plan was to go incognito but there were folks there who recognized me!  And they saw me!  Probably one of the low lights of my entire life!  It gets worse!  I actually paid five dollars in admission!

So, Kaleigh Cooper and Madison Poiroux (Courtlyn’s sister) should be very. . .  (do not even have a word!)  By the way, they both played well and Madison scored a goal.  There were actually six goals scored which is the first time in my three high school girls’ soccer games that I have even seen a goal scored.  The question was asked of me as the clock was ticking down to end the game, “has your opinion about this sport changed?”  My response?  NO!  I will say this – the grass on that field grew nicely during the game!

I left the “game” and stopped by an Urgent Care to get some strong medication.  Came home, took it and went to bed!

I will say this about the whole incident.  If the doctor ever tells that I have six months to live then I am going to attend high school girl’s soccer games every day!  Why?  Will be the longest six months of my life!  Just saying!

I have group therapy beginning at 10:00AM today!

Dr. Rex, I need date of birth info.

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

Failed to write that Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation today through next Sunday, 4/30.  As always, I ask that you not contact Bro. Jerry for any reason this week.  Not even that call that says, “I know you are on vacation and I do not want to bother you but. . . ”  The secretaries are in the office all week (Monday through Thursday) and I am here all week too.  So, please respect Bro. Jerry’s time off.

No GROW visitation tonight since Bro. Jerry will not be here.

Our prayer time will take place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Our numbers have been up a bit over the past two Mondays.  Thank you to those who are faithful to pray.

“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 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
Tuesday, April 25 – 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
Wednesday, April 26 – 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27
Thursday, April 27 – 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
Friday, April 28 – 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26
Saturday, April 29 – 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
Sunday, April 30 – 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19

Phil Sims is scheduled for surgery at some point tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.  They will replace his aortic valve and do a couple of other things.  He does not have any blockages.  However, it will be open heart surgery.

Maria’s mother continues in her battle against cancer.  It is pretty amazing to see how God has worked in her life thus far.  Pray for Mrs. Hamilton and the family during this time.

What a blessing to hear from Tim Knighten in last night’s service.  Tim has been a rock of faithfulness and trust during his battle against cancer.  Pray for him as they will remove the feeding tube this Wednesday.

As you heard in last night’s service, we are hosting the men from the Mission of Hope this Friday, 4/28.  Service begins at 7:00PM in the auditorium.  We need folks willing to help with feeding these men even if you cannot attend the service.  Ideally, bring some food and stay for the service.  At the very least, pray for that service.

The Lord blessed us with a good day in our services yesterday.  Our attendance was off some as there were a good number of our regulars who were missing.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Saturday, April 22 – 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19

Maria Wainwright called around 9:00PM last night to say that in her sister’s opinion their mother would not live through the night.  It is just before 7:00AM and, as far as I know, Mrs. Hamilton is still with us.  Just keep praying.

After talking to Phil Sims early yesterday morning,  I have not gotten any more updates.  Figuring surgery on Monday.  Keep praying for Phil.

Gena Davis posted a personal prayer request as a comment on yesterday’s blog entry.  Go read it and pray for Gena’s physical problems.  Gene & Gena have been gone for several years now and I sure do miss Gena!

Keep praying for those battling cancer.

Soccer this morning beginning at 8:00AM.

Bus workers’ meeting this morning beginning at 8:30AM.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  SNBA following the evening service.

Soy did indeed “help” me yesterday.  Cost me a couple of hours and money for a “mighty kids” meal at McDonalds.  We did not mow everything on the hill as it is simply too dry and the grass is not growing very quickly.

How dare Bill Kendrick mention the name Bill Russell in the same conversation with Jerry West!  I may have to block his ability to post comments if such as this continues.  What is next?  Someone going to mention the Jordan guy?  Folks, just face the facts!

Well, it is soccer early today and then garden time.  My yesterday was consumed with eating weeds and trimming pecan trees.  I did go buy garden stuff from Bo.  I was in hopes of getting a discount but she actually charged me ten percent extra.  Said it was the tithe in reverse?

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

P.S. –  Yesterday’s and today’s entries have been a bit late.  There is a reason.  Courtney Cavin had asked if she could be the guest blogger.  I agreed.  I told her it had to be posted no later than 6:30AM.  She failed yesterday but asked for a second chance so I gave her one today.  Same results!  Can you say USM?