Pastor's Blog

“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”  (Proverbs 22:9)

I want to be a giver.  I want to be a cheerful giver.  Yes, I want to give financially but I want to give of my time, talents, et cetera in service to Jesus.  I want to be one who gives all to Him!  I want to give in life and it would be great to give in death too! 

Jennie Blaukamp lived in Michigan and was a faithful member of the Harlem Reformed Church.  She passed from this life and entered Heaven last October.  She impacted my life.  Several years ago, her nephew, Ken Assink, told me his Aunt Jennie wanted to make a donation to GRACE Ministries.  She made the donation which was a rather generous one too.  Wow!  She had never met me or anyone from the Friendship family and yet she gave.  The next time Lisa and I were in Michigan we went to meet Aunt Jennie.  That was the first of many visits for us.  We loved to go listen to her share her heart for Jesus and her desire to see lost folks come to Him.  When a well was needed in Panimaquin, God used Aunt Jennie to be the giver!  I could go on!  This past Tuesday night around 10:00PM I was going through the day’s mail and there it was – a check from Aunt Jennie’s trust.  A large check made payable to GRACE Ministries.  In life, a giver.  In death, a giver!  I thank God for Aunt Jennie Blaukamp and the lessons she taught me about giving!  What a lady!  She had a bountiful eye!

Sonni Eyler will have surgery on her broken heel today.  Pray for her. 

The refs cheated!  How else can you explain the Lakers loss last night? 

Wow, what a crowd at Faith Academy’s graduation last night – a SRO crowd.  Hien & I got there late so we were in the SRO number for two and one half hours!  It’s all good! 

We are definitely living in the last days!  How do I know?  Soy mowed my yard and trimmed my hedges yesterday afternoon!  Strange happenings!  I cut Charles’ grass from time to time to hopefully get in his will.  (Fat chance as he will outlive me anyway)  Perhaps Soy thinks I have a will – whatever!  I know the real reason but that is for another post!   

Pastor Travis Northcutt is doing good and looking great!  (As great as someone like him can look!) 

It is 9:00AM and I am late posting as I simply forgot!  Sorry! 

I pray that you will have a great Friday.  I will probably post Monday even though it is a holiday.  Friendship family – don’t forget the eatin’ meetin’ on Sunday afternoon! 

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23)

Have you ever said it and then immediately wished you could take it back?  The only problem is that we can’t take it back!  There are many proverbs that speak to our use of the tongue – good & bad.  We would do well to heed to the song we probably learned in preschool – “be careful little tongue what you say!”

Thankfully, the hospitals are empty as far as members of the Friendship family are concerned.  Max Peacock was in our service last night and the left side of his face has taken a pretty good burn from the radiation treatments.  Joyce Bosarge was also in our evening service and she is doing pretty good.  Shea is finished with the doctor for six months.  Carla Kyser continues to receive treatments.  Pray for these folks!

Sonni Eyler, Edna Holifield’s daughter, will have her broken heel surgically repaired tomorrow.  It is supposed to be a rather lengthy surgery.  Pray for her.

Once again, our young adults helped finish my Wednesday with a bang.  There were around 40 of them present for our Bible study last night.  Our “time with Tony” had to be postponed but we had a good time in the Word and fellowship anyway. 

Faith Academy will have their graduation ceremony tonight.  If tradition holds, it will be the longest one of the season but that is okay.  This will conclude the ceremonies involving members of the Friendship family. 

Speaking of FA, the mornings of making that trip are over for a couple of months.  I will miss Kenny Cooper as he is a barrel of laughs.  However, I won’t necessarily miss that drive but it is all good! 

I am a Dwight Howard fan so I was glad to see the Magic beat the Cavaliers last night.  LeBron can ball!  I still think Cleveland will eventually be crowned the champions.  The Lakers take the court tonight and need to maintain their home court advantage. 

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

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” (Proverbs 20:3)

I don’t intend on always using a Proverb to begin these entries but it sure seems like a good place to start.  Individuals, families, friends, churches, et cetera would all do well to “cease from strife” and to focus on eternity in view of the fact that life is short!  You think this verse was in the mind of Jesus when He spoke about peacemakers being blessed? 

One of my good friends and faithful readers gently rebuked me yesterday for not mentioning that yesterday, 5/19, was Coach Gene Chizik Day!  I didn’t know!  Had I known, we would have closed the church office to celebrate!  Someone (Kim French, Scott Fontenot, Cecil Guidry) remind me next year so we can give Coach his proper due! 

Lisa and I attended the graduation ceremony for Alma Bryant High School last night at the Mitchell Center.  Nanette Fontenot insisted that we sit by them and that was okay until they called Korie’s name to receive her diploma.  I have never witnessed such hollering & screaming i.e “Go Korie, that’s my girl, who dat” by a mother in all of my life – I was amazed and looking for a rock to crawl under.  Wow! 

Christy Wynn’s surgery went better than expected and the doctor was well pleased.  After eating breakfast this morning, Christy should be discharged from the hospital.  Joann Jackson is in the hospital too related to an infection from pins in her arm.  I went on a wild goose chase yesterday in an attempt to see her and did not catch any geese!  Bro. Jerry will visit her today!  FYI – don’t ever get your hospital information from Robin Black i.e. “8 to 8”! 

I met with TJ Vice and Lindsey Hatcher last night for a pre-marital counseling session.  TJ is calm, cool, and collected about the whole matter.  Lindsey on the other hand – can you say “bridezilla?”  LOL!

Life is good!  The Lakers are up 1-0 following Kobe’s 40 while the Red Wings went up 2-0 last night.  The NBA & the NHL – does it get any better?

We are on a regular schedule today.  I hope to see many members of the Friendship family in our respective services.  Our 8:00PM Bible study will feature “Time with Tony” and it is going to be awesome! 

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

“The discretion of a man defereth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”  (Proverbs 19:11)

I have faults!  I make mistakes!  (Sorry, Rex!)  Follow me for a couple of hours (minutes?) and you will see clearly that I speak the truth.  However, I realize that I am just like everyone else as they have faults too.  Of course many of us believe as the bumper sticker says, “all of my faults are normal!”  I want to be a person of “good sense who can overlook a trangression or an offense” as the Amplified Bible states it.  Yes, I want to be forgiven but may God help me to be a forgiver! 

Christy Wynn will have surgery this morning and she is very nervous!  Pray for her as they will be removing a tumor and possibly more. 

Jordan Smith, Tena’s nephew, is supposed to go home from the hospital today.  The doctors now think he may have suffered a mini-stroke during his surgery.  Dawn Autin has been discharged from the hospital too. 

T. Garrett pointed out that his sister, Brittney Wright, also graduated from the University of West Alabama this year.  Brit got the looks and the smarts in that set of siblings!  Congratulations to Brittney!  She is a sweetheart!  Bryant High holds their commencement service tonight at 6:00PM. 

I received a number of personal remarks, voice mails, e-mails, and even comments on this blog yesterday.  Thank you!  (No one tried harder to reach me than Mark Mast & his family – thanks for the effort!)  I spent the day “working” and then my father-in-law graciously allowed me to work in his yard to bring the day to a close – something about his last testament & will being rewritten “if”!  As if that $50 is going to make a difference in my life – LOL!

I am envious of Brad & Daphne as they are in Ephesus & Patmos touring some of the sites known to us by the New Testament.  Wow! 

Someone gave some money this past Sunday to help the lady in Guatemala with her surgery and then someone else gave some yesterday.  Thank you!  The total cost of the surgery is going to be $625 and GRACE Ministries is going to make sure it is covered.  Lisa & I feel led to help in this situation.  If you want to help with this need simply contact me, call the church office, or place a contribution in Sunday’s offering making sure it is clearly marked “surgery”. 

The hospital is calling!  I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus! 

P.S. – The menu this Sunday will be ribs & crawfish!

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”  (Proverbs 18:10) 

I decided to begin each daily blog entry with a Scripture verse.  I try to read a chapter from Proverbs each day and this verse was in today’s chapter.  That song is playing in your head right now, isn’t it?  Aren’t you glad to have a safe place?  Praise the name of the Lord! 

Kathy Wadkins and the other children’s choir workers are to be applauded for leading our children in a wonderful presentation of the Gospel through song/skit last night.  Each child did a really good job!  I know their parents were proud and rightfully so!  Thank you Kathy, workers, and children! 

The Lord blessed our morning services too.  Amanda Blackwell, Drew Crawley, Brandon Davis, Korie Fontenot, Tyler Hayes, Katelyn Jackson, Matthew Schlehuber, Kristen Whitehurst, Rhea Wilkinson, & Brianne Woods are our high school graduates for this year.  Dale Bosarge, Bridget Whalen Chambliss, Kristin Fontenot, Chris Taylor, & Josh Woods are our college graduates.  Brad Hutto received a doctor’s degree in physical therapy and Derrick Wilkerson graduated from seminary.  T. Garrett Wright received his doctorate in law.  (I think he told me he is now a DJ or something like that!)  Congratulations to all of our graduates!  

Jordan Smith, Tena Hovel’s nephew, had surgery on Friday and continues to have some complications following that surgery.  Pray for him.  Reb Nevin’s cousin, Dave Reilly, continues to have some serious health issues too so keep him in your prayers.  As always, pray for those folks battling cancer. 

It was a sweet/sweet weekend as the Lakers won (was there ever any doubt?) and the Celtics are done!  (Sorry Ethan, Bro. Benny, & Reb)  Of course, the bigger news is that the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks in game one of their series!  Of course, the sweeter news is that the Jacksonville State Gamecocks softball team beat UT twice (in Knoxville) to win their regional!  (I’m pretty happy if UT gets beat in any thing!) 

My good friend, Pastor Jack Bailey, is considering doing a blog.  If he does, I’m done!  His entries will be much more entertaining than mine!  (Pastor Michael Mason has a blog that he updates annually – what’s up with that?)  I would pay a subscription fee to read Pastor Jack’s blog.  I will let you know if, and when, he is up and running. 

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

Maxine Rogers was doing better yesterday and was in hopes that she would be discharged from the hospital by today.  The family is concerned for Ralph as he refuses to leave the hospital and it is taking a physical toll on him too.  Tara Sinquefield did well through her second surgery and hopes to come home today.  I don’t have an update on Dawn Autin. 

The wedding ceremony of Rebecca Bates & Jay Taylor will take place tomorrow afternoon at 5:00PM and the Friendship family is invited to attend.  The ceremony and reception will take place in the auditorium and CAB.  Pray for Jay & Rebecca as they begin their life together. 

The June 18 – 25 GRACE team was scheduled to meet this Sunday afternoon, 5/17, but we are moving that meeting to Monday, June 1, at 6:00PM.  That will also be the date when the trip must be paid in full. 

Last night was one of those bitter/sweet nights.  Sweet to watch the Celtics go down to the Magic and bitter to see the officials cheat again and the Lakers lose to the Rockets! 

FA calls but will only do so four more times this school year – hooray!  I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus!    

The adults met in the fellowship hall last night as the children’s choir used the auditorium for a dress rehearsal.  As I walked out of the fellowship hall at the conclusion of the service, the student ministry building door opened and it seemed as though a thousand students poured out – praise the Lord!  I then went to Soy & Deidra’s house and it was basically wall to wall with young adults – praise the Lord!  I have mentioned before that meeting with those young adults is really a blessed way to end my day. 

Speaking of that, we are going to meet at Soy & Deidra’s one more Wednesday and then we will move to the student ministry building.  We just need more space and that building is more condusive to hosting a large number.  So, on Wednesday, 5/27, we will meet in the student ministry building as soon as the high school students dismiss. 

Dawn Autin did well through her surgery.  Brenda Poiroux had a procedure done too but I am not sure if she came home from the hospital.  Maxine Rogers will remain in the hospital until at least tomorrow following her procedure.  Betty Hamil is having a procedure done today.  Shea Childress got a good report from the doctor yesterday – praise the Lord! 

Tammy Johnson passed away yesterday morning.  She has battled cancer for several years.  Please pray for that family.  Continue to pray for all of those from our church family who are battling cancer. 

Tracie Holifield’s sister, Tara, will have surgery today at noon.  Sonni Holifield Eyler fell and broke her heel last week.  I am not sure what they are going to do to correct that problem.  Pray for these ladies!

A group of ushers/greeters met with Bro. Jerry & me last night to discuss how we can be most effective in that area of ministry.  Hopefully, we will meet again in the very near future to continue our dialogue.  We need more greeters – male and/or female. 

T. Garrett Wright has invested a number of hours already in trying to help us get a passport for Hien (pronounced Hennie).  I appreciate his efforts.  It is always good to know folks in high places!  By the way, it was great to have T. Garrett in our service last night and he was happy that I mentioned Rush Limbaugh! 

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

Dawn Autin is scheduled for surgery today.  They will be grafting skin from her leg to her thumb/hand area.  Pray for her as I don’t think they have ever determined the exact cause of her infection. 

Bro. Jerry & Tena Hovel have a nephew who is 15 years old and he scheduled for surgery too.  It was scheduled for today but I am not sure if it is still on due to some other problems.  At any rate, pray for him. 

I have not heard from Maxine Rogers as to how she did during her procedure yesterday.  Brenda Poiroux was thinking she would be discharged but I don’t know if that happened either.  Continue to pray for those folks battling cancer. 

T. Garrett Wright came by the office yesterday and I enjoyed our time in conversation.  He is set to graduate this Sunday with his doctor’s degree as a lawyer.  Congratulations are in order to him and all of our graduates!  By the way, we will be recognizing our graduates this Sunday during the 10:30AM service. 

We are on a regular schedule today with one change – our 7:00PM Bible study/prayer time will take place in the open area of the fellowship hall as the children’s choir will be having a dress rehearsal in the auditorium. 

Today takes me down memory lane as it was 39 years ago today that my maternal grandfather passed away very unexpectedly.  I was a nine year old boy but I remember the events of that day as though they happened yesterday.  I remember our Pastor, Bro. Jack Freeman, coming to the house to comfort & pray with my mama.  I will be thinking of, and praying for, my mama and her siblings today. 

Again, thanks to those from the Friendship family who have encouraged me to blog daily as it helps you keep up with the prayer requests. 

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

I realize that some members of the Friendship family use this blog to keep with the prayer needs within, and connected to, the Friendship family.  So, I want to give an update on some folks.

Betty Neal did great as she received four stents and is now at home.  Donald Stork was also discharged from the hospital and is presently staying with his mother. 

Dawn Autin was admitted to the hospital again last Friday and will receive a skin graft on her hand tomorrow.  David Bosarge’s mother, Maxine Rogers, was admitted to the hospital again last week and will have a procedure done today.  The doctors now feel they know the source of her problems and prayerfully this procedure will get her on the road to wellness.  Brenda Poiroux was admitted to the hospital yesterday morning and is probably battling a kidney stone(s).  Pray for these folks.

Dee Dee Douglas’ father was diagnosed with liver cancer yesterday and she has asked us to pray for him.  Max Peacock continues to receive daily treatments for his cancer.  Miss Joyce Bosarge was in church this past Sunday.  Carla Kyser continues to take treatments too.  Shea is finished with her treatments but still needs our prayers. 

Wes Bates has been preaching revival services in Idaho since Sunday morning.  He has a service tonight and tomorrow night so please pray for him and those services. 

Jay Taylor & Rebecca Bates will have their wedding ceremony this Saturday, 5/16, so pray as they make the final preparations.  That ceremony will be at 5:00PM in the church auditorium and the members of the Friendship family are invited to attend. 

I appreciate those who have commented about missing these entries.  I am not sure where I am going from here but will eventually be back to writing on a regular basis. 

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

Today – Betty Carol Neal will have stents placed in her heart.  Sara Nell Moulds will have another procedure done on her scalp in hopes they can eradicate her problem.  Marisa Felps’ father, Frank Boykin, will have surgery too.  Carla Kyser goes for a scan.  I think Lewis Jackson sees the doctor again regarding his kidney stones.  Pray for these folks today! 

Donald Stork, Bobby’s brother, has been moved to a regular hospital room so he is obviously making improvement.  As far as I know, Mike Moreland’s brother, Chuck, remains hospitalized in PA.  Betty Hamil is at home but is very sick. 

Tomorrow – Bill Goff will have a spot removed from his temple area.  Vera Bosarge will have cataract surgery.  Larsyn Kyser will see the doctor again. 

Louise Mason returns to Arkansas today and then to Guatemala later this month.  It has been a real joy to have her here with us.  I thank God for Louise and her ministry. 

I don’t have “writer’s block” or anything of that sort but I am going to step away from this blog until at least next Monday, 5/11.  It may last beyond that date.  Beth Moore’s Esther study says, “The world doesn’t care about our relationship with Christ. . . it cares about our resemblance to Christ.”  For me, the relationship part is solid & secure.  The resemblance part?  That’s what I need to examine in my own life.  I desperately want others to see Jesus in me! 

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