Pastor's Blog

Age 83, a longtime resident of Irvington, AL departed this life on Saturday, December 24, 2016. She was a devoted wife to her husband Gussie for 61 years, until he went to be with the Lord 4 years ago. She has cherished her children with a love that only a mother has. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gussie Johnson, parents, Homer and Rubye Yates, brother, Jack Bateman, sisters, Ruby Frances Barginear, Gilda Gros and Dell overstreet, grandson, Bradley Johnson and granddaughter, Candace Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Robert “Bubba”) Morrison, sons, Tommy (Kathy) Johnson, Victor (Linda) Johnson, Marty (Tammy) Johnson, Andy (Jeanie) Johnson and Shane (Deanna) Johnson, a very special family member, Doreen Yates, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 4 great great-grandchildren, numerous other relatives and many friends. We would like to send a special hug to Debi Barginear Lowe for her love and devotion through our mother’s illness. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We appreciate all of the prayers, food, and visitation that we have received during our loss. A special thank you to Bro. Jerry Hovel, Bro. Rusty Johnson, Bro. Scotty Scott, Bro. Teddy Turrentine and special nurse, Gayle. Visitation will be held at Lighthouse of Hope Church on Argyle Rd. Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 5-9pm. Funeral service will be held at the church on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11 am. Interment will be in Oddfellow Cemetery.

Michael Westbrook, died 12/21/16. Service 12/28/16 Serenity Funeral Home 12pm with visitation 11am until service time. Interment Serenity Mem Gardens.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Revelation 1-5

The visitation with the Michael Levi Westbrook family will take place this morning from 11:00AM until the noon service time.  The visitation and the service will be held from the Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Pray for the Westbrook family.

The visitation with the Willadean Johnson family will take place tomorrow night, 12/29, from 5:00 – 9:00PM at the Lighthouse of Hope Church on Argyle Road in Irvington, AL.  The celebration of life service will take place on Friday, 12/30, beginning at 11:00AM also from the Lighthouse of Hope Church.  Pray for the Johnson family.

Ray Baber had hip replacement surgery yesterday afternoon.  He was a bit anxious going into the surgery because he watched a YouTube video of the same type surgery beforehand.  Probably not a good idea!  I will visit with Ray today.

By the way, Ray is single.  If ever someone needed help with meals following a surgery, Ray is that person.  Interested?  Contact me.  Interested in coordinating this ministry?  Contact me.

Visited ever so briefly with Miss Maxine Rogers yesterday.  Vera is telling me that Miss Maxine will most likely be in the hospital until next week and will then be moved to rehab.

Carla Kyser continues to have some problems with her breathing.  Pray for relief, please.

Remember, the office will open at 8:00AM and close at noon today and tomorrow.  As usual, the office will be closed on Friday.  Anyone wishing to give a monetary gift to the church and desiring tax credit for 2016 must bring the check to the office either this morning or tomorrow.  Or, you can mail it just make sure the postmark is in December and the check is dated for December.

No services/classes/activities this morning or tonight.

The board of directors for Soy & Deidra’s ministry, SLAM, had their initial meeting last night.  It seemed to be a productive meeting.  Soy, Deidra and the girls are still looking at moving to Guatemala at some point in June.  Remember, financial gifts can be given directly to them by simply making a check payable to SLAM.  You can also give online by going to shininglightabroad.com.  Simply click on the donate now button and the rest is simple.

Lord willing, Lisa and I will join Morris & Diane Bryant in traveling to Atlanta this Friday in order to attend the Alabama game on Saturday afternoon.  The Lord has provided the tickets and a hotel room for Friday night.  Can Lisa travel following her surgery?  Are you kidding?  That was the very first question I asked the surgeon before, during and after the surgery!  We are looking forward to seeing Bama play at least one more time.  Hopefully they will have one more game but who knows?

Deacons, meet with me this Sunday, 1/1, at 5:00PM in the regular room.

The Friendship family bowling fellowship takes place this Sunday night, 1/1, from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS.  Tim nor Peggy objected to the after fellowship party at their house so I guess it is a go.  I am sure they will provide everything!  How awesome is that!

Remember, Sunday School at 9:15AM followed by worship at 10:30AM this Sunday, 1/1/17.  Our senior adults are asked to fill the choir loft for the 10:30AM service.  We will then have our evening worship beginning at 6:00PM.

Yes, Nanette has asked if we can share a lane Sunday night just like old times.  Wow!  I do not mind sharing one with her husband, Scott, as he is a good bowler.  I think he will take Jack and Rusty down!  Soy was spouting off yesterday after his bowling expertise!  Will someone please tell Soy that 88 is not a good score!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Yesterday’s Bible reading – 1 John 1-5

Today’s Bible reading – 2 John; 3 John

Wednesday, December 28 – Revelation 1-5
Thursday, December 29 – Revelation 6-11
Friday, December 30 – Revelation 12-18
Saturday, December 31 – Revelation 19-22

Let me begin by saying that in 2017 I plan on posting a Bible reading plan on the first day of each month instead of including a reading each day.  Just so you know in advance.  I do not have any way of knowing if anyone other than my wife even follows these readings.  Lisa has faithfully done so for the past two or three years.  The other twelve readers?  Have no clue.

Second, let me remind you that our office hours are 8:00AM until noon today, tomorrow and Thursday.  I am in town and available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.  Actually have two afternoon surgeries this week so the office hours mean very little to me.  Happy for the rest of the folks though.

Third, I remind you that we are having no services/classes/activities tomorrow morning or evening.

The service for Levi Westbrook will take place tomorrow, 12/28, beginning at 11:00AM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Keep praying for the Westbrook family.

The Johnson family will meet with the funeral directors today to set the arrangements for Miss Willa Dean.  Keep praying for the Johnson family as well.

Ray Baber is scheduled to have hip replacement surgery this afternoon.  Pray that all goes well.

Amy Huhn said that Gary’s father has been taken off the ventilator and is breathing on his own.  Thank the Lord.

Lisa Thompson is trying to get an appointment for an additional opinion/option on her leukemia.  Pray that she can get one.

Carla Kyser continues to have pain.  Hopefully, they can find someone/something that can help her.  Pray for Carla.

If my memory serves me correctly, Courtney Hubbard either begins or goes for a consultation tomorrow regarding a new clinical trial.  Pray this works!

Tim Knighten just keeps on taking treatments and not missing a beat.  What an inspiration! Pray for Tim!

Elizabeth Martin will have her ACL repaired on Thursday.  Pray that all goes well.

Yesterday was a good off day for me as I was able to slip into the office for around five hours and get some needed things done.  Nice and quiet.  I did watch some of the MSU game during lunch.  I am a SEC homer (unlike Bill Kendrick) and I like for the SEC conference (that was for Rusty) to win every bowl game, if possible.

Watched some of the NFL game last night but quickly became uninterested once it became a blow out.  Have I ever mentioned that I am not a fan of the Cowboys?  (I do appreciate Jerry Jones’ stance on the national anthem and his players standing for it)

Friendship family bowling night this Sunday, 1/1, from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Bowling Lanes in Gautier, MS.  Obviously, evening church attendance is a must!  Everyone is going to Tim & Peggy Knighten’s house for a New Year’s night party afterwards!  LOL!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Peter 1-3; Jude

Merry Christmas!

Miss Willa Dean Johnson passed from this life yesterday morning.  Pray for the Johnson family.  The arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Spoke to Dylan last night at the service and the arrangements for his brother, Levi, are also incomplete.  Keep praying for the Westbrook family.

Rusty’s grandmother did well through her surgery.  It only required the insertion of a screw which is a real blessing.

Visited with Carla K yesterday morning and she was having a pretty good day up to that point.  What trooper!  Keep praying!

Spoke to Tim Knighten last night in the service.  He said he is doing ok.  Still losing weight.  Keep praying for Tim.

We will have a 10:30AM service today and nothing else as far as organized services, classes, et cetera.  My prayer is for a really strong attendance.

Last night, we were blessed with basically a full house minus the choir loft.  Thank you for responding.  Our Christmas Eve service is a very special time each year.  I strongly encourage families to go ahead now and plan their schedule for 2017 around the Christmas Eve service.  Is there a better place to spend Christmas Eve as a family?  It is only one hour as far as the actual service is concerned.  Pray about it!  Obviously, in 2017, Lord willing, we will have a morning service and then our normal Christmas Eve service.

Lisa, Dana, Gina and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!  If you are in Grand Bay, attend the morning service and then spend time with your family today!

I pray that you will have a great Christmas Day with Jesus!  After all, it is His birthday!  Happy birthday Jesus!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Timothy 1-4

Rusty Suthoff’s maternal grandmother fell and broke her hip.  She is scheduled to have surgery early this morning for possible repair.  Lord willing, I will go by and pray with her prior to the surgery.

Miss Willa Dean Johnson was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  It is my understanding that she will be placed under hospice care.  Keep praying for Miss Willa Dean and her family.

Our annual Christmas Eve service takes place from 5:00 – 6:00PM in the auditorium.  Nursery will be provided for children two years of age and under (no exceptions).  Special music, the Lord’s Supper, a brief message.  We will dismiss by 6:00PM – promise.

As a general rule, I do not worry about church attendance.  We always have a strong attendance for our Christmas Eve service but I find myself worrying about it in the days leading up to it.  Crazy!  I pray that my worries will be for naught!

Glenda Chinners has coordinated our “angel tree” ministry this year which is our first year I think (at least in a very long time).  It was her idea and she has handled it all with lots of help.  Those families will be in attendance tonight and will receive their gifts after the service.  It would be helpful to have a few folks get the gifts to the vehicles.  If interested, go to the church office as soon as the service ends.

Danny Lewis came by the house early yesterday afternoon to tell me that a transformer had blown at the church.  I decided to go straight to the top of Alabama Power.  I sent an iMessage to Sam Schjott and then called him.  Within two hours the transformer had been replaced and all was well.  So, I say “thank you” to CEO Sam and give props to the FSR who did the actual work.  Obviously, a special thanks to Danny Lewis for being keenly alert and discovering this problem.  Danny is a gem!

I plan on taking our five daughters to breakfast this morning.  Lisa normally cooks breakfast on Christmas Eve morning but that is not possible this year.  The girls have invited me so they will have someone to pick up the tab!

We will have our extended family time at Brad & Daphne’s house after the Christmas Eve service.  (Please do not tell Nanette Brooks or she will try to crash the party!).  Tomorrow will see us have our normal Sunday lunch following the church service featuring all six tornadoes!

We have eaten well this week.  Real well.  Ann Clark, Marlene Broome, Julie McGath, Rita Broome, Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Davis have provided some great meals.  Diane Bryant brought some great candy.  The Lighthouse Restaurant sent us a goodie box. A very special “thank you” to each of them for a job well done.  We are grateful!  Of course, one would think that folks like Eddie Turrentine, Ross Genzink, Tom Compagner, Joe David Bailey, et cetera would call a local restaurant and have meals delivered to us?  Just saying!

Did the USA really turn their back on Israel yesterday?  Wow!  It seems the president got what he wanted.  Maybe the next president will make amends.

Did I mention the Christmas Eve service beginning at 5:00PM?

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  O come let us adore Him!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Hebrews 11-13

This entry is late and I apologize.  Joey Switzer had asked if he could be the “guest” blogger for today and promised to have an entry posted by 6:30AM.  You can imagine my surprise when I checked a few minutes ago and nothing had been posted.  What can I say?

For the past two days, bad news has come our way.  First, the news about Levi’s passing.  Yesterday, Brenda Timberlake called to say that her sister, Lisa, has been diagnosed with acute leukemia.  She will see an oncologist after Christmas.  Pray for the Westbrook family and for Lisa.

Yesterday, they decided to remove Miss Willa Dean from the vent.  Called the family in expecting the worse.  I was going to attend the funeral so Bro. Jerry went to be with the family.  As far as I know this morning, Miss Willa Dean did fine through the night.  Pray for her and for the family.

Visited with Miss Maxine Rogers yesterday.  She was feeling pretty good.  Told me they are going to celebrate Christmas in her hospital room.  Keep praying for Miss Maxine and family.

Visited with Carla Kyser yesterday afternoon.  Good visit.  She tried to borrow money but that is beside the point!  She looked good and was feeling pretty good but tires easily these days.  Remarkable young lady!  (Please do not tell her that I said that!)

Attended the funeral service for Amy’s grandmother yesterday afternoon.  Will Reynolds handled everything.  He was a pall bearer, brought the message and did the grave side.  Not sure why he did not sing too.  He did very well.  I was proud of him.

Courtney Hubbard has been approved to begin a new clinical trial.  That is good news and Mark tells me it is a God thing.

The funeral service for Alia Hyatt’s father takes place this afternoon at 2:00PM from Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the O’Connor family.

Christmas Eve service tomorrow from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Please attend and bring others with you!

Christmas Day service from 10:30 – 11:45AM.  Let’s fill the house for the birthday of Jesus!

Lisa may be pretty much confined to the bed but that does not stop her from barking orders!  I have not bought groceries yet this week and she is letting me know about it!  So off to a very crowded Walmart I go!  Folks, you just do not know!  (No, Nanette, I will not buy two packs for you!).

Thank you to everyone who has visited, called, brought food, et cetera during this week.  Lisa and I are blessed.  We are mainly thankful for the prayers on Lisa’s behalf.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Hebrews 7-10

Early yesterday morning, word came that Levi Westbrook, twenty six year old son of Jason & Melinda Westbrook, had passed from this life while sleeping early Wednesday morning.  Of course, Levi is Dylan’s older brother and a grandson to Jimmy & Mariam Moates.  Very shocking situation.  Levi lived in Birmingham but the service will take place here.  The arrangements are incomplete at this time but the family plans on doing the service after Christmas.  Pray for the Westbrook family as they work through these dark days.

The visitation with Amy Reynolds and her family takes place today beginning at noon from Serenity Funeral Home.  It will last until the 2:00PM service time.  Will Reynolds will be bringing the message.  Pray for family and pray for Will as he shares.

Gary Huhn’s father, Ed, is in ICU in a Jackson, MS hospital.  Per Zach last night, his grandfather is not doing well.  Gary, Amy & Zach traveled to Jackson yesterday.

Tommy Johnson’s mother, Miss Willa Dean, is back in ICU.  Obviously, she is not doing well either.

David Bosarge’s mother, Miss Maxine, remains hospitalize too.  She is now in her fourth week of hospitalization.  Dale said yesterday that they hope to discharge her before Christmas Day.

Dave Sellers contacted me to say that Becky is feeling much better.  That is encouraging.

Really no new updates on the others battling cancer.  Just keep praying!

A “thank you” to Chris Byrd and Jack Lastorka for their help last night with a medical situation following our service.  They did great and I appreciate them.

Our Christmas Eve weather is supposed to be great – sunny skies, seventy three degrees and no rain.  Therefore, I am in hopes of our having a full house for our annual Christmas Eve service. Begins at 5:00PM and ends no later than 6:00PM.  Attend and bring others with you!  O come let us adore Jesus!

We will have one service on Christmas Day and that will begin at 10:30AM.

Wow!  Nanette Brooks Fontenot was waiting on me when I got to church last night!  She said, “how dare you?  You know that I did not smoke two packs a day while we were dating!”  With that she stormed off murmuring something about me not getting a Christmas gift or something like that.  Folks, did I even hint at how many packs a day anyone smokes?  As I said, wow! (Scott needs our prayer support and that girl needs help!).

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Hebrews 1-6

Bill Kendrick’s surgery went well yesterday morning.  I heard from him last night.  I may have dreamed this but I think he signed off “RTR” whatever that means!

I have failed to get an update from Carol Lucky on her daughter.  Keep praying.

Tim Knighten continues to lose weight.  His doctor wants him to try to reverse that trend for the time being.  Pray that this can happen.

David Bosarge’s mother remains in the hospital.  This is like twenty one days or so now.  Pray for Miss Maxine.

I do not have an update on Miss Willa Dean but will get one today.  I do know we need to keep praying.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  No children’s choir tonight!  Not sure about the adult choir?  Christmas fellowship for our student ministry i.e. 6th grade – high school seniors at 6:30PM in the CAB.  Ditto for the college students at 7:30PM at the house.  Both fellowships will feature pizza from the Hut.

The visitation with the Howard family tomorrow from noon until the 2:00PM service time.  Pray for the family.

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Help us pack the house!

Lisa was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  We are glad to be home.  The question has been raised – what kind of nurse am I?  I will defer to Lisa on that one.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Peter 1-5

Bill Kendrick is having outpatient surgery this morning.  I am still holding out hope that something can be done about his college football allegiance but it is a long shot based on his comment to yesterday’s blog entry.  By the way, Bill gave me a pass on attending his surgery this morning.  What a kind and considerate thing to do and he did not even know my situation (keep reading).

I believe I am correct in saying that Kenny Lingle had outpatient surgery yesterday.  I trust that all is well with him.

Carla Kyser was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  It is hoped now that she is home and back on her regular schedule of pain medicines that she will be somewhat “normal!”  Are you serious?  The girl has never been “normal” a day of her life!  (I am not even going to mention the fact that when I visited her early yesterday morning she slept through the entire visit.  How rude is that?  Just saying!).

Miss Willa Dean Johnson remains in the hospital.  I visited with Tommy’s wife, Kathy, early yesterday morning as Miss Willa Dean is in CCU and on a vent.  Pray for Miss Willa Dean as she is apparently battling pneumonia again.

Heard from Dave Sellers last night.  Becky continues to not feel well.  As I said previously, Becky really needs our prayer support during this difficult time.

Lisa Thompson had her test yesterday.  I do not know if the results were immediate or something that will be given at a later time.

Tim Knighten continues to receive his weekly chemo treatments and his daily radiation treatments.  Pretty amazing guy!  Not sure of the results of Peggy’s visit to the doctor.  She will eventually send me an e-mail update.

Confession time – I spent most of yesterday in the hospital with an anonymous church member having surgery.  As a  matter of fact, I am writing this shortly after 4:00AM and I am still at the hospital with the aforementioned church member.  She would not let me mention her surgery beforehand but has now agreed to it.  Who?  My wife, Lisa.  Surgery went well and she “should” be discharged today if all goes as planned.  Lesson reinforced through this ordeal – Daphne is a great nurse and Deidra is a horrible nurse!  However, Deidra knows the hospital cafeteria menu by heart and knows that today is “taco Tuesday!”  She is pretty excited!  I will give Deidra props for sending her dad a care box of goodies!  Thank you for praying for Lisa!

You cannot get this type information from any other blog.  My very reliable source tells me that there will soon be a Taco Bell and a Popeye’s Chicken in Grand Bay.  These will be located just North of the TA Truckstop.  Construction should begin in January.  (Has Pastor Jack Bailey ever provided such insights on his blog?  Exactly!).

Folks, do not shoot the messenger.  I only report.  Another one of my reliable sources shared this story with me.  My former girlfriend, Nanette Brooks Fontenot, was in Walgreens in Grand Bay late this past Saturday night.  Witnesses say that she was checking out and there were two, not one, packs of cigarettes on the counter beside her stuff and, upon seeing a fellow church member, Nanette began to declare those were not her cigarettes.  Now, I was on my way home from Chicago at the time so I obviously did not see this episode.  I will simply say this – why do you think I broke up with Nanette?  Think about it!

Coach Eric Collier is a modest guy.  I spoke to him at church this past Sunday to get his take on the OC position at Alabama.  Basically it came down to finances (Coach C wanted $1.5 and the offer was $1.1) and he was demanding the right to address the media each week.  The head coach would not agree to such a scenario so he moved on to the next candidate.  Now you know the rest of the story!

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