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 -1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17

Sharon Jardee had her surgery time changed twice yesterday and then they just scrubbed it for the day with the intention of doing it this afternoon at 1:00PM.  She was not a happy camper and I cannot say that I blame her.  She was mentally/emotionally prepared for the surgery to take place.  She has been dealing with a great deal of pain.  So, join me in praying that the surgery will indeed take place today and she can move forward with her life.

Bobby Stork is scheduled to have one, possibly two, surgeries tomorrow.  Pray that all goes well.

Greg Boutwell has basically been sick ever since coming home from the hospital.  He is supposed to see a doctor today.

Warren Guidry is also supposed to see a doctor today as it relates to his most recent surgery.

My mother-in-law, Ann Clark, had surgery yesterday morning.  Everything went well.  (I sure hope she lives for many more years because Charles is not moving in with us!  Just saying!).

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

Lord willing, Lisa and I will leave this afternoon heading toward Hartselle in order to visit my parents in the morning.  I have not seen my parents since 11/13/16.  Have tried to go a couple of times but things have happened to prevent that from taking place.  I do not get up there to visit with them enough and I am aware of that.

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 – 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 8:26-56

I reported earlier that Sharon Jardee would have her knee fused in six weeks.  I was wrong (let that sink in for a moment!).  She is scheduled to have surgery today, 4/5, to have that procedure done.  If all goes well, this will be her final surgery on that leg.  She is ready to get this process over and move forward with her life.  Pray that all goes well today.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  The potential of more severe weather is in place for this morning and, if that happens to become a reality, our senior adults have a pass on this morning’s service.  Otherwise, I hope to see them in our 10:00AM service.  The weather should not be a factor in our evening service/activities.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is tube steaks with nachos & cheese.

Jeff Holifield brought some utility poles to the church yesterday that he and Phil Sims will place today in an effort to keep our newly place soiled from washing and to keep folks from driving on/through it.  Folks will no longer be able to use the East side of the office building as a way of entry or exit.  We are respectfully asking folks to not drive/park on the grass in front or behind the office building.  I appreciate the guys who have been working on this project.

Well, this is a “dry hole” time for me as far as sports are concerned.  I am not an avid baseball fan but I will keep up with the Nationals because of Coach Bobby Henley (1 – 0 to begin the season) and, of course, I keep up with the Dodgers (1 – 1).  I am not big on Spring football practices and have only been to one A Day game in my life – just not for me.

So, my focus is on the garden and yard.  Hoe, weed eat and mow!  Love it!

Let me give Soy his props regarding the chicken coop addition.  He is doing an excellent job.  The chickens are going to be very happy campers!  I appreciate his efforts but please do not tell him I said so!

Lord willing I will drive up and see my parents Friday morning and return to Grand Bay on Friday night.  I hope that plan materializes as I have not seen my parents in a good while.  Shame on me!

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 – Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25

Did not visit with Sharon Jardee yesterday after her surgery but plan to do so this morning.  Will update her condition in tomorrow’s entry.

Maria Wainwright’s mother was to have a procedure/test early last night.  Have not gotten any update since that took place.

Caroline Ford continues to have physical problems and will see a doctor today.  If she does not improve physically, her surgery set for 4/18, is in danger of not taking place.  She needs to have that surgery so pray that she can get better quickly.

I failed to mention GROW or our prayer time in yesterday’s entry.  Not sure about GROW but our prayer time numbers were down.  I do appreciate those who are faithful to pray.

Some folks think the school board missed it on the school closing yesterday.  I am not in that number.  In my opinion, it was the possibility of the buses running their routes in a severe storm that made the call a good one.  Sure, everyone can make the “right call” afterwards but making the call beforehand is a much different situation.  Does the MCPSS have any weather days built in or will yesterday have to be made up?  Just curious as adding a day could affect our VBS.

I tried to tell you to go with UNC to win the tourney.  What an easy call.  You cannot coach experience.  Coach Williams has now moved into an elite group with his third national title.  All I can say it that UNC had better be glad that the committee overlooked Alabama or it could have been way different!  Just saying!

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 – Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50

Tuesday, April 4 – Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25
Wednesday, April 5 – 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 8:26-56
Thursday, April 6 – 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17
Friday, April 7 – 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
Saturday, April 8 – 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
Sunday, April 9 – 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 10:1-24

The church office is closed this morning due to the imminent threat of severe weather.  I am in the office in case of an emergency.  Bro. Jerry & Miss Edna will be in at 1:00PM.

I just spoke to Sharon Jardee via the phone.  I did not realize it but she is being taken into surgery this morning.  They are going to do some more cleaning out of the knee area and begin putting things in place for the fusion.  The actual fusion is probably going to take place in about six weeks.  She is having a lot of pain as her pain med dosages are limited due to a drop in blood pressure.  Pray for Sharon.

Maria Wainwright’s mother is back in the hospital and is supposed to have a test done this morning.  Pray for Mrs. Hamilton.

Really good day in our services yesterday.  We seemed to be down a bit numerically but we still had a good attendance.  I am praying that folks will embrace the concept of church membership and all it involves.  We thank God for His blessings!

Our deacons and our Missions Committee both had productive meetings yesterday.  I appreciate these folks!

I will continue to go with UNC to win it all tonight.  If Gonzaga wins Nanette will be happy and I really do not care.  Nanette wants us to watch the game together but I have declined her invitation.  Says she wants to have a cook out (tailgate) and just enjoy the experience like the old days.  Wow!

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

Due to the threat of severe weather, I made the decision to close the church office this morning, 4/3.  The office will be open from 1:00 – 5:00PM today.

I am in the office this morning should an emergency arise.  I would strongly suggest folks staying in place until the threat of these storms passes.

“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 – Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30

The celebration of life service for Lisa Davie Thompson takes place this afternoon beginning at 2:00PM.  A one hour visitation with the family will precede the service.  Everything will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, Alabama.  Keep praying for Lisa’s family.

Sharon Jardee remains in the hospital.  I went to visit with her yesterday but she was sleeping soundly.  She should have another surgical procedure early this week if all goes as planned.

Ruby Gulley was discharged from the hospital on Friday.  I know she is happy to be home.

Regular schedule today and tonight.  We will focus on a miracle of Jesus this morning and then will be in chapter six tonight.  My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful!

Deacons meet today at 4:00PM.

Missions Committee meets today at 5:00PM.

SNBA tonight following the service.

I do not have a report on yesterday’s soccer action except to say that the crowd was huge.  I will talk to PT today to get an update.

Bro. Jim and the students had a good day of paint balling yesterday.  Some of the students joined Bro. Jim in helping at the work day before heading to the paint ball field.

Our work day was great!  Really good attendance.  Much accomplished.  Much discarded.  Thank you to each person who came and helped.  Your help was greatly appreciated.

You should notice two things today as you drive on our campus.  First, the West house is gone.  Second, the area behind the office building has been filled with three loads of dirt.  Obviously, we are asking folks to stay off of that area with vehicles.  This will continue to be the case from this point forward.  Likewise, we ask folks to not drive/park on the grass in front of the office building.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these matters.

A group of about seven guys took part in a ministry project yesterday morning.  They did well.  I appreciate them going the extra mile to minister.  Good stuff!

Got to watch the second half of the first game last night and almost all of the second game.  As I wrote this past Monday, it is going to be a Gonzaga/UNC title game.  I picked UNC from the start so I will stay with that pick.  Nanette still has that California school as her pick.  We shall see!

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Go to church!

April 1 Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49
April 2 Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30
April 3 Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50
April 4 Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25
April 5 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 8:26-56
April 6 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17
April 7 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
April 8 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
April 9 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 10:1-24
April 10 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 10:25-42
April 11 1 Samuel 17-18; Luke 11:1-28
April 12 1 Samuel 19-21; Luke 11:29-54
April 13 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31
April 14 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59
April 15 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22
April 16 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35
April 17 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24
April 18 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35
April 19 2 Samuel 6-8; Luke 15:1-10
April 20 2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32
April 21 2 Samuel 12-13; Luke 16
April 22 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19
April 23 2 Samuel 16-18; Luke 17:20-37
April 24 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
April 25 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
April 26 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27
April 27 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
April 28 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26
April 29 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
April 30 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19

“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 – Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49

Our Spring work day begins this morning at 7:00AM.  I am about to go get the biscuits (out of the oven?) while Lisa goes to Sugar Rush for the sugar fix.  We need as many hands on deck as possible.   We will finish no later than noon.

I need a few men to leave the work day and help me with a ministry project today.  Pole saws, lopers, weed eaters, rakes, et cetera are needed.  No riding mowers needed.  John Milton Ladnier got a jump on this ministry project yesterday.  I appreciate that so much!

The Friendship soccer leagues begin play today at 8:00AM.  All games will be on the middle school campus.  Thanks to all who are helping with these leagues.  We have well over one hundred children involved.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Deacons meet at 4:00PM.  Missions Committee meets at 5:00PM.  SNBA at 7:00PM.

The celebration of life service for Lisa Davie Thompson takes place at 2:00PM tomorrow, 4/1, from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  Visitation with the family one hour prior to the service.  Pray for Britnie, Mr. Jack, Brenda and all of the family.

Greg Boutwell was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Hooray!

Sharon Jardee remains in the hospital and, as far as I know, so does her sister, Ruby Gulley.  Pray for these ladies.  I am going to try to squeeze in a visit this afternoon.

Deacon Bill Kendrick visited with Oscar Petersen yesterday afternoon and said he is doing really good.  Still a bit unsteady on his feet but otherwise is doing well.  Keep praying for Oscar.

Rusty moved out at 11:59PM last night.  I said, “why are you leaving so late?” to which he replied, “getting as much out of my rent as possible!”   I said, “you have not been paying rent which is why you got evicted!”  No reply.  He did tell me that he cranked the air conditioner unit down to sixty as he was walking out the door?  (Just wanted to awaken Charles this morning!).

Was able to get the garden plowed yesterday.  A very, very good friend gave me a basically brand new tiller and it is sweet!  I am very grateful!

SEC, SEC, SEC!  First, I did not even know the NCAA women’s tourney semifinals were being played last night.  Just being honest.  Second, I did not know that South Carolina and Mississippi State were in those games.  However, when I saw that State upset UConn I was happy for them.  An all SEC final.  Sweet!  I want to commend UConn’s coach, Geno Auriemma, for the way he handled himself following their first defeat since 2014 – 111 consecutive wins!  In my opinion, he was all class.

Looking forward to hopefully catching some of the men’s games tonight.  Depends on what I get done today following work day.  I am going with USC & Oregon to win tonight.

Here is a progress report on my chicken coup being built by Soy –

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

Age 57, born September 16, 1959 earned her cancer warrior wings on Thursday, March 30, 2017 when she entered the gates of Heaven. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Davie, nephew, Shane Timerlake and a host of other very dear family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Britnie Joyce (Buford) Young, her “Angel Love” granddaughter, Harper Elizabeth Young, who was the light of her life, father, Jack Davie, sister, Brenda (Mark) Timberlake, niece, Shannon (David) Peters and their sons, Tyler and Dylan, nephew, Drew (Andrea) Timberlake and their children, Kate and Andrew, her dearest friend for over forty years, Adele Borne Logan and many other much loved family and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Rodney Rocconi and his staff at Mitchell Cancer Institute for the love and care they have shown Lisa since 2011 when she was first diagnosed until her death. Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 2pm with visitation one hour before service time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mitchell Cancer Institute Ovarian Cancer Research in memory of Lisa Davie Thompson.

“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 – Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26

It is with a sad heart that I write this morning to say that Lisa Davie Thompson passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  She was taken to a local hospital via ambulance after being found unresponsive at home by her sister, Brenda Timberlake.  Obviously, the arrangements are incomplete at this time.  I ask you to pray for Lisa’s family during this most difficult time in their lives.

The visitation with the Falana family will take place today from noon until 2:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, Alabama.  Kendall’s niece was tragically taken from this life in an automobile accident this past Sunday morning.  She was twenty six years old. Pray for the family and for the service.

The arrangements for Pastor Alvin Tucker mirror those for Kendall’s niece with the only exception being location.  Everything for Pastor Alvin will take place at First Baptist Silas, Alabama.  I had intended to attend that service but will now be with Kendall and family instead.  Pray for Bro Johnny and family during this time.

I prayed with Sharon Jardee before her surgery yesterday and was then called about Lisa Thompson’s situation which kept me occupied for the remainder of the day.  As far as I know, Sharon did well and will have her leg fused at some point next week.  Keep praying for Sharon.

I visited with Ruby Gulley yesterday morning but she was sleeping so I did not awaken her.

Greg Boutwell was waiting to see if “might” could be discharged yesterday afternoon.  They were waiting on one more test result.  I can tell you that he is more than ready to be home!  Pray for Greg!

Work day tomorrow, 4/1, beginning at 7:00AM with a biscuit breakfast.  We will conclude no later than noon.  We have the tractor, front end loader and box blade needed.  Bring tools for yard work too.  The dumpster is in place thanks to Leslie Hacker.

The Friendship soccer league begins play tomorrow, 4/1, at 8:00AM.  Pray for this ministry.

Men, we have a ministry opportunity that was presented to me yesterday.  It involves yard work.  Will take maybe ninety minutes if we have four or five guys with equipment.  We will move from the church work day to this opportunity.  If you will help, let me know.  Thanks!

Well, we lose a neighbor today as Rusty is moving.  I have been trying to tell Rusty that he needed to keep his rent payments current but the boy will not listen!  I just hope his landlord does not have to involve the deputies.

Rusty’s eviction got me to thinking – Soy will be moving in June.  I began to count up the number of hours Soy & Rusty have helped with the yard care during their time on the hill.  Realize we are talking six years for Soy and three years for Rusty.  My calculations show that together they have helped a total of around three hours and twelve minutes with all of that being on a riding mower!  I could be off by a few minutes one way or the other.  As mama always said, “it is hard to get good help these days!”

Walmart, the garden and the yard are calling my name!  Lisa is screaming at me to get busy!

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