Pastor's Blog

Harold Dueitt, Jr. called me this afternoon to let me know that his mother, Dottie, passed from this life during the night.  The family is going to make the arrangements today in hopes of having a visitation Thursday night and a service at noon on Friday.  (Please note those arrangements are not final at this time)  Pray for the family and I will post the arrangements once they are finalized.

Vinnie Brewer’s grandson, Nate, and his wife, Megan, became parents last night as Case Brewer entered this world.  It was already known that Case would have some physical problems requiring surgery.  That surgery will take place today, 9/23, and the doctor says it will be a long and tedious surgery.  Please join me in praying for Case, his parents, and the entire family.

As a dad, I have told Deidra that the best thing for her today is rest by sleeping.  She had a very restless and basically sleepless night due to the baby being in ICU.  A “code blue” was called for one of the units which Deidra misunderstood as being the unit Audrey is in.  Since Audrey is the only baby in that unit, you can imagine what went through Deidra’s mind.  Obviously, it was another unit.

So, while Soy & Deidra are very appreciative for all of the support, it would be best (dad speaking) for Deidra to not have visitors today at least until the evening.  Please note that Audrey will remain in ICU and cannot be seen even through the nursery viewing window.  Why would anyone want to visit just Soy & Deidra?  I mean, really?

Thank you for being very supportive and understanding.

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 41:17-43:13 Ephesians 2:1-22 Psalm 67;1-7 Proverbs 23:29-35

I posted yesterday afternoon that all was well with Audrey.  That was premature on my part.  After attempting to take her first bottle, her breathing increased significantly.  She has been placed in the ICU within the nursery.  The problem is seemingly underdeveloped lungs.  She is on some oxygen.  The doctor feels this will correct itself over the next few days.  It appears Deidra will be discharged while Audrey will remain hospitalized.  Time will tell.

Visited “C” early yesterday morning.  She had a great weekend.  I did not talk to Rusty last night but I do not think her Monday was as good.  It seems to be that proverbial roller coaster ride.  This has absolutely nothing to do with “C’s” situation but I did notice that Rusty is no longer wearing that goofy cap – wonder why?  Bandwagon fan maybe?  Just sayin’!

Visited the convalescent home patients.  Mrs. Woods did not seem to be feeling well but everyone else was good.  Kevin Vice’s mother told me that I needed to pray for him!

Visited with Sandy Felps.  She looked and sounded good.  The doctors do not know the cause of her strokes but thankfully she recovered very quickly from this last one.

The senior adults arrived safely in Tennessee.  (Why would anyone want to go to TN?)  I am praying that they will have a great week.

We are on a regular schedule for tomorrow morning and evening.  My “normal” week may get changed due to Audrey’s situation. This would probably be a good time for Bro. Jerry to have a message in his back pocket!

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

Audrey Clark Taylor entered this world at 1:08PM today.  She checked in weighing 7 pounds and 11 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long.  Mother and daughter are doing fine.  Thanks to everyone for their prayers!

Today’s Bible reading – 22 Isaiah 39:1-41:16 Ephesians 1:1-23 Psalm 66:1-20 Proverbs 23:25-28

Tuesday, 9/23 – Isaiah 41:17-43:13 Ephesians 2:1-22 Psalm 67;1-7 Proverbs 23:29-35

Wednesday, 9/24 – Isaiah 43:14-45:10 Ephesians 3:1-21 Psalm 68:1-18 Proverbs 24:1-2

Thursday, 9/25 – Isaiah 45;11-48:11 Ephesians 4:1-16 Psalm 68:19-35 Proverbs 24:3-4

Friday, 9/26 – Isaiah 48:12-50:11 Ephesians 4:17-32 Psalm 69:1-18 Proverbs 24:5-6

Saturday, 9/27 – Isaiah 51:1-53:12 Ephesians 5:1-33 Psalm 69:19-36 Proverbs 24:7

Sunday, 9/28 – Isaiah 54:1-57:14 Ephesians 6:1-24 Psalm 70:1-5 Proverbs 24:8

Really good day in our services yesterday.  I appreciate the extra time given in last night’s service for us to pray for Rusty & Caryn’s families.  Manolo & Mildred Padilla did a very nice job of ministering during that service too.  God is faithful!

Bro. Kerry and some of our senior adults leave early today heading to the National Quartet Convention.  Pray for them to have safety in travel and a good week of fellowship.

Sandy Felps was discharged from the ICU yesterday afternoon.  It is a bit unusual to leave a unit and go home but that is what happened.  She is obviously doing much better.  Praise the Lord!

Caryn had a good day yesterday per an iMessage to me from Rusty.  It is “possible” she could be discharged from the hospital at some point this week.

I did not think to ask Bro. Kerry last night if J.B. was discharged from the hospital yesterday or not.  My mistake.  I will find out today.

Big day for the Taylor & Turrentine families today as we are set to welcome Audrey (probably spelled that wrong) Clark Taylor  into this world.  We are praying that everything goes well for Deidra as she gives birth to our sixth grandchild.  Curtis & Myrna arrived last night to be here for the big event and to help with the older two girls.

Brad & Daphne arrived home last night.  Brad’s parents will arrive tomorrow to help with the children as Daphne’s surgery is scheduled for early Wednesday morning.

So many folks, Friendship family and beyond, have been so gracious in their prayer support and offers to help our family.  (No one has offered me cash yet – LOL!)  Lisa and I are grateful!  My plan is to have a “normal” week for me.  I normally do not do the birth of babies but will make an exception today simply because I will once again be in the birthing room.  My plan is to then spend the rest of the day doing pastoral stuff i.e. visiting “C” in the hospital, visiting the convalescent home folks, et cetera.  May even stop by Glenn’s Grocery and get an ice cream cone!

I plan to be at Daphne’s surgery on Wednesday but back in time for the morning service and then present for the evening services too.

I hear “rumors” of folks from the Friendship family planning on taking part in next Summer’s GRACE trips.  Rumors are not final.  Folks, you have nine days to sign up.  After that there are no promises regarding a space.

Speaking of Guatemala, a church service was held at the feeding center yesterday with 86 in attendance – praise the Lord!  Plans call for a monthly service through December and then weekly services beginning in January ’15.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 37:1-38:22 Galatians 6:1-18 Psalm 65:1-13 Proverbs 23:24

Sandy Felps continues to be in ICU.  It is my understanding that she did speak “some” yesterday.  Pray for her, Bobby Jack and the family.

J.B. Kelley was admitted to the hospital on Friday.  His blood count is low.  The belief is that he will be discharged today.

“C” had a good day yesterday.  The drained another four liters of fluid from her body.  The latest biopsies came back negative.  Pastor, what does all of that mean?  IDK.  I am just praying for God to move in a miraculous way in Caryn’s life.

Deidra is scheduled to be induced tomorrow.  Hopefully, we will have a baby before noon.

Daphne is still scheduled for surgery on Wednesday morning.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Lord willing, I will be preaching all three services.  I hope many members of the Friendship family will join us.

A group of our senior adults leave for the National Quartet Convention early tomorrow morning.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 33:10-36:22 Galatians 5:13-26 Psalm 64:1-10 Proverbs 23:23

Sandy Felps suffered a stroke yesterday.  She is in ICU.  I am told it will be a few days before they are fully able to determine the severity.  Pray for Sandy, Bobby Jack and the family.

Visited Caryn around noon yesterday.  She was not having a great day but she had been up and showered.  They were supposed to drain the fluid again but could not because of a shot she had been given.  The draining process should take place today.  The results of the biopsies did not come back so maybe Monday.  Keep praying for C and pray for Rusty.  IMO, Rusty is handling everything extremely well.  Lot of pressure for a 25 year old young man to be dealing with.  He is doing well and when you consider that he is Bernard’s son that makes it all the more impressive!  LOL!  (If I could just get him to stop wearing that goofy cap!)

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Our goal is for each member of the Friendship family to be in his/her rightful place!  Come and bring someone with you!

Football Saturday.  Lisa, the girls and I will attend the UF vs Bama game this afternoon.  (I should have brought Rick & Rick, Jr with me!)  It is either going to be Roll Tide or Go Gators in SS tomorrow.  I am partial to RTR!

Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for all three services tomorrow.  Hope to see the members of the Friendship family join me.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 30:12-33:9 Galatians 5:1-12 Psalm 63:1-11 Proverbs 23:22

The doctor biopsied some areas from Caryn’s stomach on Tuesday.  Those pathology results should be known either today or Monday if on schedule.  “C” was good yesterday morning whenever Lisa and I visited with her & Kayla.  Kayla told me last night that she had a good day.  They are talking of sending her home once they get some meds adjusted, et cetera.  When will that be?  IDK.

Daphne’s MRI results came back clear which is what was expected.  We are thankful to God.  Still set for surgery next Wednesday, 9/24.

We did learn yesterday afternoon that our newest granddaughter is set to make her appearance this Monday, 9/22.  That is a week earlier than expected.  I am happy about his but probably more happy that Deidra’s body can get some relief from the pain she has been experiencing.  Also happy that Daphne will be able to be in the birthing room as that is her field of speciality.  What is the baby’s name?  I am not for certain but I am thinking “La’stone” which is translated “last one!”

Congratulations to AU for carrying the SEC banner last night in their victory over KSU.  I am a SEC homer.

Lisa, Dana, Gina and I will leave this afternoon beginning our trek toward Tuscaloosa for the UF vs Bama game.  One of the teachers in the 20 – 29 Sunday School class is going to be happy this Sunday morning and the other one not so much.  I hope Rick is the unhappy one!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 28:14-30:11 Galatians 3:23-4:31 Psalm 62:1-12 Proverbs 23;19-21

They did some more testing on Caryn yesterday afternoon which ended up taking all afternoon.  I really did not get the full report of the test results as I was in the service and then had our in home Bible study.  Rusty tried to call me to give me an update but I was unavailable.  I will visit early this morning.  If there is anything significant, I will post another entry later today.

The funeral service for Hilda’s brother, Bernard Switzer, takes place today in South Carolina.  Joey’s brother, Jeff, will be preaching the service.  Pray for the family.

Daphne had her labs last night along with the MRI.  Her count has risen a little more.  I think she gets the results of the MRI today.  Still scheduled for surgery next Wednesday morning, 9/24.  Lisa and I appreciate the many e-mails, phone calls, text, et cetera of concern and support.

Dale, Karla & Harper leave early this morning headed to Canada for a weekend of ministry.  Pray for safety in travel and their ministry.

Pastor Clint Landry has accepted the call to become the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Arab, Alabama.  He resigned his position as pastor of First Bayou La Batre last night.  His first Sunday in the pulpit at Arab will be October 5.  Pray for Clint, Suzy and the children as they make this transition.

Good services yesterday morning/last night.  We continue to have good numbers in the morning service.  Our 7:30PM Bible study has gotten off to a good start.  God is good!

Auburn takes the national spotlight tonight in their game at Kansas State.  I suspect the Tigers will handle the Wildcats fairly easily.  You may see KSU start big because of the emotion but things will settle down and AU will win.  They have a good football team (I get my info from Ross Hatcher and he is unbiased!)

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