Jan
24
2018
1

WEDNESDAY, 1/24/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

The celebration of life service for Courtney Hubbard will take place tomorrow night beginning at 7:00PM from the gymnasium on the campus of Ocean Springs High School.  It will be preceded by a time of visitation with the family beginning at 5:30PM.  Pray for Mark and family.

Thank you to those who are helping with the meal today for the Hubbard family.  You have responded beautifully.  A special thanks to Marisa Felps and Cecil Guidry for taking over the coordination of this meal.  They are being assisted by a good number of folks.  Thanks to Deidra for her help.  Thanks to Morris Bryant for transporting the meal to Ocean Springs.  If you have a question about the meal then contact Miss Kittie in the church office today and she will give you instructions.

I spoke to Larry Whitehurst a couple of times yesterday.  Folks, we need to seriously pray about Larry’s vision.  It is frustrating to him and I understand that.  Larry & Judy are strong believers in prayer and they strongly desire your prayer support on Larry’s behalf.

Keep praying for David Sellers.  Pray his rehab goes well.

Keep praying for Brittney Nelson and the baby.  Ethan too.

Word came to me yesterday morning that Ted Ezell is not doing good at all.  He is now under hospice care.  I spoke to one of his sons, James, yesterday.  I appreciate Rickey & Carolyn Barkley visiting with Ted.  Ted is a great guy.  Pray for him.

Our daughter, Dana, had an appointment with her doctor yesterday morning.  All was well.  As was the case last Tuesday, she had some issues and was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Lord willing, we will see a baby born at some point today.  Pray for Dana and the baby.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Bro. Jerry will be preaching in both services in my absence.

I told you yesterday morning of three folks who did their homework on Monday.  I learned of a fourth person who did their homework too.  It is an anonymous situation but “wow” what an absolute following of James 2:14-26.  I will never be able to share it but I sure am grateful that person shared it with me.  What a spirit of humility!  Have you done your homework?

Still supporting the NFL?  Consider this – The NFL has rejected an ad for the Super Bowl’s printed program submitted by a national veterans organization. The full-page ad features a photo of the American flag, along with the words “Please Stand.”

“While we are well aware of the controversy surrounding players kneeling during the National Anthem and the public relations problems this has caused the NFL, our ad is neither a demand nor a judgment upon those who choose to kneel during the National Anthem,” AMVETS National Commander Marion Polk said in a letter sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday.

“It’s a simple, polite request that represents the sentiment of our membership, particularly those whose missing or paralyzed limbs preclude standing. We sought to give a new context to the discussion from the perspective of veterans who had been largely disregarded.”

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement Monday: “The Super Bowl game program is designed for fans to commemorate and celebrate the game, players, teams and the Super Bowl. It’s never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement.”

“Freedom of speech works both ways,” Polk said in his letter. “We respect the rights of those who choose to protest as these rights are precisely what our members have fought — and in many cases died — for. But imposing corporate censorship to deny that same right to those veterans who have secured it for us all is reprehensible and totally beyond the pale.”

Enjoy the game!

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

 

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
24
2018
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OBITUARY FOR COURTNEY HUBBARD

Our world lost its sparkle on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, when Courtney Michelle Jalanivich Hubbard, wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend entered her eternal heavenly home.  Look to the sky and you should see it shimmering brighter than it ever has because she leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. Courtney was born 1977, to her loving parents, Cheryl and John Jalanivich.  She was a life long resident of Ocean Springs, MS.  She touched the lives of countless children during her eighteen year career as an elementary school teacher for the Ocean Springs School District.  She was a phenomenal teacher and viewed her students and teaching as her medicine.  Courtney loved spreading joy and was known to shower her family and friends with special gifts to make them smile.  Her smile alone could light up a room and now the world seems a bit dimmer for all who love and cherish her.

Courtney fought the fight of her life battling cancer.  If love could cure cancer, Courtney would still be here spreading her love and kindness.  However, cancer did not win, Courtney is at peace and perfectly whole. She is singing, laughing, and adding extra sparkles of glitter in Heaven.

Courtney was joyously welcomed to Heaven by her niece, Blayne Davis who is enjoying all CoCo’s undivided attention; as well as, her maternal and paternal grandparents, Patricia and John Fagan and Winton and David Jalanivich, Sr.

Courtney leaves behind her Prince Charming of 20 years, Mark Hubbard.  Together they have 3 beautiful children, twins, Brock and Maura Kaye and son, Brayson.  Her children were her greatest achievement and brought her much joy and happiness.  She lived for watching her boys play sports and Maura Kaye dance and cheer. She was always on the sidelines or in the crowd cheering them on. She cherished the life she and Mark had built together.  Along with her husband, children and parents, she leaves behind two sisters; Melissa (Chad) Davis and Ashley (Chad) Collums; father and mother-in-law, Angelyn and Billy Hubbard; brother-in-law, Tracy (Jade) Hubbard; nieces, Laynee Davis and Logan Hubbard; nephews, Pruett and Parker Collums and Easton Davis; countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She treasured her friendships and considered her friends part of her family.

Courtney was treated by the world’s best medical teams at two of the finest facilities on the planet. Courtney loved her medical team and the staff at both locations.  Her team at MD Anderson was led by Dr. Abenaa Brewster and her team at The Regional Cancer Center was led by Dr. Benjamin Gatewood.  Her family would also like to thank Hospice of Light for the care and compassion that was provided in the days and weeks leading to her passing.

In lieu of flowers, Courtney wishes donations be made to: Sprinkles of Hope an organization that she established to shower patients with love and support; while undergoing cancer treatment. Donations can be made at Charter Bank under Sprinkles of Hope, 2702 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or you can hand deliver to the branch. She also wishes that you seek God in all things, give your life to Jesus, sign up to become an organ donor, and perform a random act of kindness.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm at the Billy G. Hubbard Gymnasium at Ocean Springs High School, 6701 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.  A service celebrating her incredible life will be held at 7 pm.

Online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com

She is clothed in strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
23
2018
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TUESDAY, 1/23/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

When the phone rang at 1:05AM this morning I immediately knew that one of two things had just taken place.  Either Dana was calling to say it was time to go to the hospital because she was in labor or Mark was calling to tell me of Courtney’s passing.  It was Mark sharing that Courtney had just traded life for everlasting life.  It is approaching 4:00AM and I just returned from being with Mark and family while they waited for the funeral home personnel to come.  Pray for Mark, the three children, Courtney’s parents, Courtney’s siblings and all of the family as they walk through this valley.

Lisa, Daphne and Deidra have been cooking a meal for the Hubbard family at least once week for the past several months.  Ann Clark & Marisa Felps have helped.  Lisa will be cooking a meal for them again tomorrow.  I am going to give anyone reading this blog the opportunity to help.  Lisa will be cooking roast – they absolutely love Lisa’s roast.  If you want to help with this meal then you can bring a side or a dessert.  I would simply ask you to have it in fellowship hall by 3:00PM tomorrow.  Cakes, cookies, brownies, et cetera would be great as they do not have to be refrigerated.  Please use disposal containers that do not have to be returned.  Please call Lisa’s office at 865 4517 by 5:00PM today (Tuesday) if you want to help with this ministry.

I did not contact Larry Whitehurst yesterday.  I was coughing so badly that I did not want to get around anyone.  I will contact him today to get an update.

Maria Wainwright shared with me yesterday that her daughter, Brittney Nelson, has been having problems with high blood pressure during this pregnancy.  She will be thirty eight weeks next Wednesday and, if she does ok until then, there is a strong likelihood they will allow her to have the baby then.  Pray for Ethan & Brittney and their family.

Charles Wainwright’s mother took a fall yesterday.  She was taken to the hospital by ambulance but did not break any bones.  Pray for Mrs. Wainwright.

Jennifer Brinkman’s grandfather in Maryland has been put under hospice care.  He is in the latter stages of Parkinson’s.  Pray for him and his family.

A huge shout to Jack Lastorka and his employer, Merit Health in Biloxi.  Merit Health provided us with several hundred individual containers of hand sanitizer that were placed in our worship center this past Sunday.  I am not saying the we knew exactly what to do with them but it was nice having them available.  Thank you Jack!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Mission of Hope service on Friday night beginning at 7:00PM.  Service will be a the mission.  The men will join us for our 8:00AM service this Sunday, 1/28.  We have folks preparing breakfast for the men which will be served before the service.  Thank you to everyone helping with this ministry.

Folks who attended our evening service this past Sunday were giving a homework assignment.  I heard from one of our young adults and her daughter yesterday.  They prayed on the way home from the service and asked God to give them an opportunity on Monday.  He did!

One of our  a bit older ladies shared with me following the service that she may have missed an opportunity on Sunday.  God gave her another opportunity on Monday and she did not miss it.

The Lord graciously placed an opportunity in front of me yesterday too.  I am thankful!

Called the doctor’s office yesterday morning which is a major step for me.  Told the lady that I had a persistent cough and an awful voice.  She asked, “are you sick?”  I replied that I was not running a fever.  She said, “we cannot see you this week as we are only seeing sick folks!”  (Believe me when I say that this old boy will be one sick puppy before he calls that office again!).

So, I contacted a doctor friend who graciously called in a prescription to help cut this cough.  It has helped.  Still sound horrible but not coughing as much.  I am also eating Luke Green’s honey like it is going out of style in an effort to stop this cough.  I did ask the doctor to give me an excuse to miss work the rest of the week but he did not do so.

Why did I not just go to an Urgent Care?  Two reasons – do not want to wait and do not want to spend the money.

Are you tired of hearing me complain?  Thought so.  I will stop!

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

P.S. – remember to call Lisa’s office today before 5:00PM if you want to help with the meal for the Hubbard family.  (Yes Courtney Cavin they will need tea and rolls!).

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
22
2018
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MONDAY, 1/22/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Larry & Judy Whitehurst arrived home around noon yesterday.  Larry is thankful for the prayer support and asks for continued prayers as he experienced some problems with his vision yesterday.  So keep praying for Larry.

As of yesterday afternoon, no significant change in Courtney Hubbard’s situation.  Keep praying.

Dave Sellers’ dad may be moved to a rehab facility at some point this week.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  We give God the glory.

The folks who attended last night’s service were given a homework assignment.  Would love to hear how those assignments come to fruition.

By the way, if you agreed to help with the breakfast this Sunday morning, 1/28, then please have your items in the fellowship hall by 7:00AM.  Questions?  Contact Carl Ray Moulds.

Mission of Hope this Friday night, 1/26, at 7:00PM.  Everyone invited to attend.

Final day of basketball this Saturday, 1/27.  Awards ceremony in the evening.  Everyone invited.

Carl Ray Moulds has asked for those on the security team to meet with him this Sunday, 1/28, at 4:00PM in the fellowship hall building.

As the thirteen of you know, I have not watched any of the NFL games this year.  However, Pastor Joe David Bailey had told me about Carson Wentz and his position as a believer in Jesus.  My friend in Montgomery, Decker Terry, sent me an article last night that shared the faith stories of three other players on the Eagles team – good stuff.  So, while I will not be watching, I will be pulling for these guys and any on the Patriots who have the same faith.

The extended forecast as of yesterday afternoon called for three consecutive nights of below freezing temperatures for us next weekend.  Now they have changed that to only having one night, Monday, 1/29, at thirty two degrees.  I was in hopes of another cold snap!  Oh well, there is always February!

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

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
21
2018
--

SUNDAY, 1/21/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Got a message from Larry Whitehurst himself yesterday afternoon.  He was obviously feeling much better and is ready to come home.  Pray for Larry & Judy as they plan to travel home today.  Pray for Larry’s healing.

Heard from Mark yesterday.  Courtney has been placed on oxygen and a hospital bed has been brought in because she can no longer get up.  She is basically not responding.  Difficult days.  Pray for Courtney and her family.

Dave Sellers’ father, David Sellers, suffered a stroke this past week and was airlifted to New Orleans.  The stroke affected his right side.  He can move his right side but has not control.  Plans are to move him to a rehab facility.  Pray for Mr. Sellers and his family.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.

Wedding shower for Chloe McGath & Garrett Keating this afternoon in the fellowship hall.  All ladies of the Friendship family are invited to attend.

Soy & Deidra will travel to Wetumpka, Alabama today to be with Pastor Doug Chappelle and the Thelma Baptist Church family.  Pray for them as they travel and speak in the evening service.

Where are Morris Bryant & Raymond Wilkinson when you need them?  I ended up officiating four basketball games yesterday.  You may say, “but Phillip Turner officiated all six games!”  I agree.  However, Phillip is half my age and half my weight!  Phillip runs 5K, 10K, marathons, triathlons, iron man races, et cetera and all I do is run to the table at meal time.  Just saying!

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

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
20
2018
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SATURDAY, 1/20/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

I received the following from Judy Whitehurst last night – “Larry was discharged from the hospital today around three. He’s doing much better. Once the pain got better the BP went down. He was able to get the MRI and the results did show that there is a small amount left. We go back next month and I think we will discuss what to do about that. We are thankful to be out. We know that all the prayers offered up yesterday is the reason The Lord touched Larry last night. If all goes well we will be home Sunday evening. Please thank the church family on our behalf for lifting us up in prayer!”  Good news indeed!  To God be the glory!  Continue to pray for Larry & Judy.

Communicated with Mark Hubbard yesterday morning.  No significant change in Courtney’s situation.  Keep praying!

Basketball today from 8:00AM until 2:00PM.  Pray for this ministry.

Bus workers’ meeting today at 8:30AM.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  The low tonight is forty seven and the high for tomorrow is sixty eight with only a very slight chance of a shower.  Translated – we should have a great attendance in our services.

We continue to tweak our security measures.  It will be an ongoing process.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

I will spend today reflecting as it was one year ago today that Carla Felps Kyser entered Heaven.  It was one year ago yesterday that Miss Kathleen Henderson entered Heaven.  Our double loss.  Heaven’s double gain.  Then Monday, 1/22, will be C’s birthday.  May the God of all comfort be our source!

We had basketball in the CAB on Thursday night.  Kayla Hatcher messaged me beforehand and said she was bringing me some of her mom’s sweet onion muffins.  She brought me two of them – oh my!  Size wise they were like the cheese muffins at Jim n Nick’s.  Taste wise they were obviously way different but they were totally awesome!  Props to Debbie!

Today is my nephew Josh’s birthday!  I do not normally mention birthdays.  Why mention Josh’s?  Same reason as last year – to aggravate his sister, Jamie.   She gets so upset when I do not mention her birthday in November!  Oh well!

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

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
19
2018
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FRIDAY, 1/19/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Judy Whitehurst has been very faithful to keep me updated on Larry’s situation.  I have already heard from her this morning.  Larry did not have a good first twenty four to thirty six hours following his surgery.  He was in a lot of pain and his blood pressure was too high.  However, as of 4:00AM today they “think” they have things under control.  Judy is thinking that Larry may actually be discharged today which means they will go to the hotel which is located on the hospital campus.  Keep praying for Larry.

Heard from Mark Hubbard yesterday afternoon and Courtney’s situation remains basically the same.  Courtney is a remarkable young lady.  Keep praying for her and her family.

I told Dana that she needs to be walking to help move this upcoming delivery along.  So, she took me at my word and walked for two and one half hours yesterday.  One problem – she walked while she and Gina were shopping!  That “walk” cost me a pretty penny!  I now have her on complete bed rest!

We are on are on a regular schedule this Sunday.  The colder temperatures are gone (which is sad) so we should be good to go.  I hope that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend our services and classes.

Next to last Saturday of basketball tomorrow beginning at 8:00AM.

Bus workers’ meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30AM followed by their visitation.

I am “off” today.  You should see the list of what to do that Lisa has for me!  But I have to get out of this house because Deidra has the heat way too high!  She loves spending her dad’s money too!  Killing me!

Hey, speaking of Deidra, sponsors of children in our feeding center need to bring their picture to church this Sunday.  Soy & Deidra will be in Wetumpka but you can give them to Lisa or me.  Thank you.

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

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
18
2018
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THURSDAY, 1/18/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Please note that the church office will not open until 10:00AM this morning.

The best news to report this morning is basically a repeat of my second entry yesterday.  Larry did well through his surgery.  The surgeons got all of the tumor that they could.  However, he was confident that the remaining tumor could be handled through other means in the future.  I spoke to Judy following the surgery and she said they much like the hospital, the surgeon, and all that has taken place there thus far.  It is possible that Larry could go back to his hotel room today but will need to remain in Jacksonville for several days for observation.  Praise the Lord for this good news.  Keep praying for Larry.

Again, Dana, Lisa and I are very thankful to each person who called, messaged, et cetera us yesterday.  The support was pretty overwhelming.  Dana is home and is literally “fat and happy!”  We are sitting on ready!

Mark Hubbard sent me a message last night and nothing has really changed with Courtney.  Just keep praying.

Evangelist David Miller’s son, Josh, has been having some really serious health issues ever since last Friday or Saturday.  Of course this is Edna Glover’s cousin.  Pray for Josh as the Lord brings it to your mind, please.

Yesterday was certainly a different day with the office being closed and us not having services.  I went to the hospital early and then spent time in the office during the afternoon before going to visit Mark & Courtney.  Our family did take advantage of the opportunity to share a meal together at a restaurant in Pascagoula.  Probably our last “out to eat” meal before the Taylor family heads back to Guatemala so it was nice.

We have three tornadoes staying here right now and two more joined them last night.  Man, I needed some Calgon, Tylenol and a sound proof room!

I am going to admit that it was pretty cold yesterday.  How cold?  Cold enough that I actually put a sweater in my car just in case.  Was wearing a short sleeve shirt but decided I “might” need a sweater.  Thankfully, it never got that cold.

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

 

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
17
2018
--

UPDATES

Larry Whitehurst did well through his surgery.  The doctor did not get all of the tumor and it will take a MRI to determine exactly how much they did remove.  If all goes well, Larry could be discharged tomorrow and will then stay in the hotel for an undetermined number of days.  The doctor has a plan for what remains of the tumor.  Again, I am grateful to those who made the trip to Jacksonville to be with Larry and family.  Keep praying.

Our daughter, Dana, was discharged from the hospital today.  She is doing good.  We are not playing the proverbial waiting game.  Thank you to each person who has checked on her and that has been a large number.  We are grateful.

Lisa and I visited Mark & Courtney late in the afternoon.  Courtney seemed to be weaker to me.  Keep praying.

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |
Jan
17
2018
2

WEDNESDAY, 1/17/18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Important announcement for the Friendship family – there will be no services/classes/activities on our campus at all today, 1/17, morning or evening.  Again, nothing on our campus today – morning or evening.  It is a little after 3:00AM as I write this entry and we have a little snow on the ground and I would imagine some ice on the roadways/bridges.  I know that will clear before tonight but the expected temperature at 6:00PM will already be below freezing again.  As a matter of fact, the forecast only calls for like three or four hours above freezing for us all day.  It is presently twenty three degrees and is expected to hit seventeen degrees around 7:00AM.  Folks, for our area this is cold!

Second important announcement for the Friendship family – the church office is closed today, 1/17.  It will open tomorrow morning, 1/18 at 10:00AM.  Please note that I am available in the event of an emergency – 24/7.

I have made these decisions on my own.  If you agree, great.  If you disagree, great.  Who are you going to call at 2:00AM to discuss this matter?  Exactly!  (The State Convention is not going to be happy but I have to do what I have to do!)

So, I need our thirteen blog readers to spread the word about no services today.  I know it is a tall order but you can do it!

Ok, now to the matters at hand.  The most pressing matter for the Friendship family is Larry Whitehurst’s surgery that is schedule to take place at noon (CST) today.  Larry is at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.  Pray for Larry, Judy, the boys and the family.

Amy Huhn’s father was discharged from the hospital early yesterday morning.  Everything seems to be good.

Visited with Mark & Courtney Hubbard early yesterday morning.  Her condition seems to be about the same.  She is very weak physically but we did have a brief conversation.  Keep praying for Courtney.

Our daughter, Dana, is in the hospital.  She had some “issues” yesterday that caused her to spend most of the day at the hospital and then the doctor made the decision early last night to admit her.  Is she about to give birth?  Probably not but the possibility does exist as she is thirty eight weeks into her pregnancy.  Pray for Dana.

I made the decision last night to not travel to Jacksonville to be with Larry & Judy.  It was a very tough decision because of my relationship with Larry but it was an easy decision because of my love for Dana.  Can I just say what an awesome attitude Larry displayed when I called him.  As a matter of fact he said, “you do not worry about me and you tell Dana that we are praying for her!”  And here is the deal – it was real.  That is Larry.

Now, I rest in the fact that our bus director, Bro. Benny McGath, and the chairman of our deacons, John Ladnier, are in Jacksonville with Larry and family.  They will pray him through there and we will be praying him through from here.  Larry’s family is with him and we have others from the church family there too.  I appreciate these folks ministering during this time.

I have to be honest – I was all set to leave around 3:00AM today and travel to Jacksonville.  I would then just travel back when Larry’s surgery was complete.  Soy, Deidra and the girls arrived home last night.  Soy decided that he would ride to Jacksonville and back with me.  That cemented my decision!  Last thing I want to do is ride fourteen hours with Soy.  It was a sign and I took it!  Just saying!

Folks, be safe and stay warm.  Mark Mast can talk about their cold weather but our cold weather is colder even though it is sixty degrees warmer.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.  Remember, nothing on our campus today or tonight.

 

 

Written by Teddie in: Uncategorized |

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