Mar
22
2017
1

WEDNESDAY, 3/22/17

“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 –  Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  I trust that you are doing well today.  If so, that means there are fifteen folks (thirteen readers plus Lisa and me) doing well!  Guatemala update in a moment.

Bro. Jerry went to the hospital to visit Richard Glass but he was sleeping.  Just keep praying for Richard.

Tim Knighten’s doctor says he is better but still has a ways to go to get rid of the soreness in his throat.  Keep praying for Tim.

Coach Mark Hubbard sent me a message last night sharing the latest clinical trial that Courtney has been on did not work.  They meet with a doctor this Friday to explore the next step.  Options are now very limited.  Pray for Courtney, Mark and their children.

I will not go into the details but our soccer leagues had a huge answer to prayer yesterday.  Let me simply say glory to God and thank you to the three folks whom God used to help make it happen.  A special “thank you” to the two who actually made it happen.  God is good and our soccer leagues begin play on Saturday, April 1.

Regular schedule at Friendship this morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry will be teaching in the auditorium at 10:00AM & 6:30PM.  Pizza will be the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study at the house.  Nobody out pizzas the hut!

If you have ever heard me preach then you are aware of my disdain for waiting.  How many of you know God has a sense of humor?  Well, I left the mission house at 8:30AM yesterday morning with Kirk Lightfield dropping me off at the square in Chimaltenango in order for me to meet Tico.  Mission accomplished as I was there at 8:45AM.  Problem was that Tico & I did not connect until a little after 9:00AM as he was on one side of the square and I was on the other side.  However, he had gone into the SAT office (which I did not even know was there) and gotten us a number at 9:00AM.  So, we were number G014.  Not bad!  Not so fast my friend!  So, G014 as called at 1:13PM!  (Not that I was watching the clock) Do the math – over four hours in line!  Are you serious!  I think God was so laughing at me!

The meeting with the SAT representative started off a little bad but then went very well.  I got fined a very small fine (Q225 or $31.25) for not filing a form on time.  Hello, I live in Alabama and cannot just drop by the SAT office.  No big deal as Larry Whitehurst has promised to pay any and all fines for me!  Our meeting with the SAT representative ended at 1:48PM but who was keeping track of time!  I had seen a lady come in during our wait and she seemed to be in charge.  As soon as we headed to the door, she stopped us and said she needed to talk to us.  I am thinking “why?”  She simply wanted to know how long we had waited and told us they were working to improve the process.  (I told her to contact Kim Hastie!).

We then headed to the bank to open the accounts SAT has recommended.  I promise you that I probably signed my name over one hundred times.  Tico left me there alone at periods of time and I signed stuff that I do not even know what they said.  I “think” I signed my wife and children away if anything goes wrong with those accounts.  I have “never” seen such stacks of papers.  John King, Kirk Lightfield, Lisa Vargas & Lazaro Suruy eventually showed up to sign some papers too.

It is now 4:30PM and Tico and I head to the lawyer’s office.  We had to wait on him to finish a document that needed our signatures. That took almost an hour.

We then headed to the second bank where I had to sign my name about ten more times.  Much less complicated process.  Why?  I have no idea.  I do know Vanessa who was the one working there but that had nothing to do with it.  It is now almost 5:30PM and Lisa picked me up and we quickly grabbed some Pollo Campero as I had to meet with our architect, Oscar Espana, at 6:00PM.  That meeting was productive.  I finally walked back into the apartment at 7:30PM.  My brain was fried!

Ok, this entry is way too long.  Lisa is leading a ministry project this morning.  I will share that story tomorrow, Lord willing.

I do have to stop by the first bank from yesterday and guess what – sign another document!

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

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
21
2017
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TUESDAY, 3/21/17

“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 – Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38

Betty McMann’s surgery went well.  The doctor says he is almost certain there is no cause for worry.  That is good news.

Richard Glass remains in the hospital.  He will have a heart cath at some point today.

Miss Kittie has a friend in California who has received a less than desirable report from the doctors regarding her health.  Pray for her and her family.

Keep praying for all of those battling cancer.

Lisa and I arrived safely on GRACE Mountain around 2:30PM yesterday afternoon.  Our flights were perfect and we actually arrived in Guatemala City twenty five minutes early.  A driver met us at the airport, we stopped by Walmart and then came to the apartment.

Our evening was spent doing some shopping for a ministry opportunity and then meeting with Tico and Ingrid Aju.  Good day.

Kirk Lightfield will take me into Chimaltenango this morning to meet Tico and then we get in line waiting to meet with the SAT officials.  Fun stuff!  Tico is then in hopes that we can meet with officials from three other places before the day ends.  Will that happen?  Maybe.  I am supposed to meet with an architect at 6:00PM to discuss the proposed medical clinic.  So, it should be a long day.  I am praying for a productive day.  I am praying to stay out of jail too!  I do not want to be a part of Jeff Holifield’s ministry! Just saying!

By the way, that power supply cord for my computer that Lisa forgot to pack?  No worries as she found  one to purchase in the Atlanta airport.  She made the purchase and all is well!  What a woman!  (You do not even want to know what it cost!).

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

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
20
2017
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MONDAY, 3/20/17

“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 – Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20

Tuesday, March 21 – Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38
Wednesday, March 22 – Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56
Thursday, March 23 – Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80
Friday, March 24 – Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
Saturday, March 25 – Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
Sunday, March 26 – Joshua 22-24; Luke 3

We were blessed with a really good Sunday in our services.  What a joy to see two men come forward during the 10:30AM service to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.  We give God the glory!

Our evening service was once again well attended.  Chapter four was the toughest one for me to preach but I think God honored it.  Thank you for the prayers.

Betty McMann is scheduled to have surgery this afternoon.  Pray that all goes well.

Richard Glass is in the hospital with a heart condition.  Lisa told me that he is in CCU.  Not sure of all that is going on but do ask you to pray for Richard.

Lisa and I are sitting in the Gulfport, MS airport waiting to catch a flight to Guatemala via Atlanta.  I have been summons by the “IRS” equivalent in Guatemala to come down to take care of some legal matters i.e. sign papers.  Tico Vargas has been a huge help in these matters.  Our plans are to work in some ministry opportunities as well we are on GRACE Mountain.

The good news is that I have my laptop.  The not so good news is that somebody forgot to bring the charger.  Folks, you cannot fix stupid!  So, I will blog each day until my laptop dies.  Sorry about that!

If you heard a scream late last night that was me celebrating Duke’s loss in the tourney (sorry Zach).  Just not a Duke fan.  Why not?  Did not really know.  Joe David Bailey had told me that MTSU could take Butler down.  Last time I am listening to him for picking advice!

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

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
19
2017
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“NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND”

Just came from the auditorium (5:30AM) and there is not water in that building.  So, unless there is something I do not know or Larry has a trick up his sleeve we will be without restroom facilities in that building only today.  Again, there is water to every other building on our campus.  

Please note – there is NO water in the auditorium.  Pass the word!

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
19
2017
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SUNDAY, 3/19/17

“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 – Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”  (Psalm 122:1).  The Psalmist David expressed what I pray that each member of the Friendship family feels this morning and tonight!  I am glad to be able to go to church today – morning and evening!  Are you?  Will you join me and my family in Bible study and worship today?

I personally did not check the water supply in the auditorium yesterday but I did see where Larry Crawley and crew had implemented “Plan B” so I am assuming all is well.  I really appreciate the many hours Larry has given to correcting this problem this past week.  If you see him in the services today, why not express a word of thanks to him?

The Lord blessed me with a good Saturday.  Lisa and I met Rusty & Anna for breakfast (they asked what time and I said early and they set the time for 9:00AM – this younger generation!).  I was then able to make a couple of visits and then did something that I really like to do – rode a weed eater and a mower from early afternoon until almost dark thirty.  What a beautiful day weather wise we had yesterday.  God is good!

Soy is doing a very nice job of adding two hundred and forty square feet to my chicken coop.  He is “slow as Christmas” but mama always told me that “beggars cannot be choosy!”  (That will be in today’s morning message).  Once the addition is complete then I will be adding more birds to the flock.

Did catch some of the tourney yesterday/last night.  The Purdue/Iowa State game was a good one.  I think I had picked Wisconsin over Villanova – let me check on that!  I as sticking with UNC to win it all with Gonzaga being my second choice.

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

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
18
2017
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SATURDAY, 3/18/17

“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 – Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47

Praise the Lord the Friendship family is presently  “hospital free” as far as I know.  It can come in waves but this is the first time in a few weeks that we have been without anyone in the hospital.

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  We will be in chapter four during our evening service.  Looking at another miracle in our two morning services.  My prayer is that we will have a really strong attendance in each of our services.

Larry Crawley left me a message yesterday morning saying they were moving to “Plan B” on getting water to the auditorium.  I did not go by there last night to see if it worked.  However, I have full confidence in Larry “McGyver” Crawley to get it done!

We are on for SNBA tomorrow night immediately following the evening service.  Obviously, church attendance is a must.  Johnny Five and Bradley Phillips have been scared away because they have not been getting on my team.  Even deacon TJ got scared away last Sunday night.

It looks like today is going to be a beautiful day.  Enjoy it.

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

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
17
2017
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FRIDAY, 3/17/17

“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 – Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25

Lisa Thompson was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  That was a bit unexpected.  I visited her late morning and she had not seen a doctor but was in hopes she would get discharged today.  So, I know she is a happy camper.  Keep praying!

Courtney Hubbard will have a scan today and then get the results on Monday.  Pray.

Did not talk to Phil Sims about Darron yesterday.  Just keep praying.

Maria Wainwright’s mother is holding her own.  She and her daughters are supposed to leave tomorrow going on a cruise.  Pray that she makes it for the entirety of that trip.

Pastor Terry Rainey continues to struggle in his recovery.  Two new blood clots were discovered.  It appears he will need an additional surgery on his knee.  He is discouraged.  Pray for Pastor Terry.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers.  It is my understanding that she has good days and not so good days.

Four down and one to go!  Larry and crew got water into the fellowship hall yesterday but when I went up last night to check the auditorium there was no water.  I will contact Larry today to see what is happening.  They have done really well in working us in their busy schedule.  As it presently stands, the auditorium is the only building without water.

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

PT tells me that we now have over one hundred soccer participants.  We need favor in securing a place to play the games.  I have asked some folks to help us secure that favor.  Pray that happens, please.

My schedule had to be adjusted a bit yesterday so I did not get back to the house until mid-afternoon.  However, I did catch some of the tourney games then and more last night.  It was a bit disappointing to only see two lower seeds win in the sixteen games.  MTSU looked pretty good.  Will they beat Butler?  I am going to say they will although I have not seen Butler play this year.

Soy built the chicken coop that I presently use.  He began yesterday adding an addition that will allow me to get more chickens and will allow the chickens more space to roam.  Really cannot let them free range because of hawks and owls.

Lisa has demanded that I make a “Walmark” run early this morning as I missed last week due to being out of town.  I then need to be outside working in the yard.  We shall see.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
16
2017
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THURSDAY, 3/16/17

“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 – Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72

I was wrong!  Imagine that!  (Have you noticed that I am pretty good at making mistakes?).  Lisa Thompson was not discharged from the hospital yesterday.  The plan is to discharge her tomorrow.  It is my understanding that she will be using oxygen once she comes home.  Keep praying for Lisa.

Miss Vinnie told me yesterday morning that Oscar was being discharged from the rehab facility.  In my opinion, he still has a ways to go being the PT that I am!  Pray for Bro. Oscar!

Phil’s son-in-law, Darron, has been discharged from the hospital (happened on Tuesday afternoon) but has to remain in Denver for the time being.  I so should have gone out there for his surgery as I could have stayed at one of the ski resorts!  Yes, it would have been a sacrifice on my part but I could have suffered through it!

We survived the “no water” situation at church yesterday.  I appreciate everyone being so understanding and cooperative.  Pray that Larry Crawley and the guys can find the “missing” connection today.

Good day/night in our services yesterday.  I thank God for His blessings and I appreciate the faithfulness of the Friendship family.

I am loving this cool weather!  May not be exactly what my garden needs but it is all good as God knows what He is doing!  The warmer stuff is on the way!

I will visit Lisa today and then make a couple of other visits.  I “may” then find myself at home “studying” as the first round of the NCAA takes place beginning around 11:00AM.  Just saying!  I can multitask!

Nanette Brooks Fontenot is upset with me again – imagine that!  What did I do this time?  She says she is related to the Wittners and thinks I should taken her to the visitation on Tuesday night.  Says we could have gone to the truck stop for supper on the way home which is where we used to go on our dates!  I told her that I did not remember taking her to the truck stop and she went off on me – wow!  By the way, I am not real sure she is kin to the Wittners!

I have not kept up with college basketball this season but I am going to take North Carolina to win it all!  Gonzaga is going to be my second choice.  David French has Michigan in the final four – I think he has lost his mind!  Wait, he lost his mind when he accepted Kim’s marriage proposal!

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

 

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
15
2017
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IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE FRIENDSHIP FAMILY

There is no water in the auditorium or fellowship hall today/tonight.  Please do not use the restrooms in either of those two buildings!  We are having our services, classes, Bible studies, et cetera as normal.  Just having to deal with this one glitch.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Mar
15
2017
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WEDNESDAY, 3/15/17

“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 – Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53

Very important notice for the members of the Friendship family – there will be NO WATER in the fellowship hall or auditorium today/tonight, 3/15.  We have a leak under the parking lot asphalt.  Larry Crawley and his employees literally worked until dark yesterday trying to correct this problem.  They were able to get water to the youth building and the CAB.  So, please do not use the rest room facilities in the fellowship hall or auditorium today/tonight!

Chief chef Jeff Holifield and his trusted sidekick, Cousin Bob Evans, will be cooking breakfast for our senior adults this morning.  We will eat at 9:15AM either in the fellowship hall or CAB.  All senior adults are invited to join us for this meal.

Our 7:30PM Bible study group is to meet at Sam’s Super Burger tonight at 7:45PM where you will be treated to supper.  After you finish at Sam’s, you will come to our house for Bible study.

The celebration of life service for Norman Wittner will take place today at 2:00PM from the chapel of Radney’s Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  I will be preaching that service.  Pray for the family.

Lisa Thompson is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  She looked and seemed really good whenever Dale & I visited her yesterday.

I will get updates from everyone else in this morning’s and tonight’s services.

Jeff Holifield did an Emmett Clark and repaired the folding machine yesterday.  Works like a charm!  I appreciate his efforts and expertise.  Saved the church family over one thousand dollars!

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

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |

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