Pastor's Blog

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Good morning from Hartselle, Alabama?  What?  Arrived here around 10:00PM last night.  Dad has been having some “issues” so I will be taking him to the doctor this morning.  In the late afternoon, Lisa and will board a plane heading to Chicago and we will then drive over to Michigan for the annual GRACE Ministries pig roast that takes place on Thursday night.  We will meet Deidra in Atlanta tonight as she is the keynote speaker for the pig roast.  Lord willing, we will get to visit family in the Kalamazoo area tomorrow before heading North to the Holland area.  We are scheduled to fly back to Huntsville on Friday in order to spend some more time with my parents.

Myrtle will visit her oncologist today.  Sonny will receive another radiation treatment.  Pray!

World Series 2019 game one is tonight.  The Astros are the favored team but do not count Bobby and the boys out!  Tonight will feature Max against Cole on the mound followed by Stras vs Verlander in game two.  Great pitching match ups.  Let’s go Nationals!

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry Hovel will be teaching in the auditorium in my absence.

It is very likely there will be no blog entry tomorrow due to my traveling schedule.  Just FYI.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  Praise the Lord!  Randall did a nice job on the special to close out our 10:30AM service.  Thank you to those who gave to the special “sweet” offering too!

As it stands right now, we are hospital free.  It was good to see Eddie Albritton in our early service yesterday.  Sarah & Myrtle are at home recovering.  Myrtle sees an oncologist tomorrow.  Sonny Bates continues his radiation treatments today.  Pray for these folks.

Bobby & the boys will be in Houston for game one of the World Series tomorrow night.  In my opinion, if they can gain a split of those first two games then they will win it all!

If Tua is not at one hundred percent come 11/9 then Alabama is toast!  I would not be surprised to see Auburn beat LSU this Saturday but do not think it will happen because they are playing in Baton Rouge.  So, the game on 11/9 when LSU travels to Tuscaloosa will be a big one.  Alabama has to have Tua play that day.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Myrtle Bowden was discharged from the hospital last night.  Yes, odd time to be discharged but she is now at home.  She was very content to do whatever the doctor decided but I am sure she is glad to be home.  Keep praying.

As far as I know, Sarah Thornton is also at home.  Pray for Sarah.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening. “Sweet Sunday” offering to be received.

UMS, Faith, Mobile Christian & Theodore all won their respective games last night.  Bryant and Resurrection both lost their respective games.  That was Resurrection first loss of the season.

Verlander got hit pretty hard in the first inning last night and that was all the Yankees needed to win.  Series shifts to Houston tonight.  I still think the Astros win but the longer this series lasts the better the Nationals’ chances of wining it all.

Heading to Tuscaloosa for the game.  One guy who was going with me had to back out because of work obligations.  Another guy had to back out because his wife said so!  Who?  Not saying!  (I am looking forward to drinking some sweet tea at the game!)  TJ Vice is always my “go to” guy as he will go to any Alabama game.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

The visitation for the Mary Ann Vice family takes place this morning from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Everything will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  Pray for TJ and family during this time.

Sarah Thornton was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Not sure if that happened but that was the plan when I visited her in the morning.  Keep praying for Sarah.

Myrtle was doing better when I visited her.  Not sure about her discharge but do ask that you keep praying for her too.

We will have a “Sweet Sunday” this Sunday as we will receive an offering in all three services.  The offering will be used to purchase candy for our TOTAT (Trail of Truth & Treats) on 11/2.  Pray, attend, and give as the Lord leads.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Yes, I plan on attending the Alabama game on Saturday night and will not get home until early Sunday morning.  However, Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit at 8:00AM.

I “think” the football games will be played in Mobile County tonight.  (This entry is being written at 1:00AM so things could change)  Bryant, Theodore, UMS & Mobile Christian will host games while Faith & Resurrection will travel.

It is going to be the Astros and Nationals in the World Series.  The Yankees are done!  I am sticking with my prediction that the Astros will win it all but I am obviously pulling for Bobby & the boys.  Will I be surprised if the Nationals win it all?  Absolutely not.  They have the pitching to win.  The Astros have the experience of having been there already and that may be the difference.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Sarah Thornton is doing well as far as her knee replacement is concerned.  She had some breathing issues on Tuesday night so we was on oxygen yesterday morning.  She thinks she will be discharged tomorrow but hopes it is today.  Pray for Sarah.

The pathology reports have come back regarding Myrtle’s situation and she will be seeing an oncologist soon.  Once she meets with an oncologist then a plan of action regarding any possible treatments will be put in place.  The surgeon thinks Myrtle will be discharged tomorrow.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

The arrangements for TJ Vice’s paternal grandmother are as follows:  visitation with the family tomorrow, 10/18, from 10:00AM until the noon service time at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  Pray for the Vice family as they go through this time.

Sonny Bates continues to receive his daily radiation treatments.  Pray for Sonny.

Eddie Albritton is still milking it for all it is worth!  Come on Eddie!

“Sweet” Sunday this week as we will receive an offering to help with the purchase of candy for our “Trail of Truth & Treats” which will take place on Saturday, 11/2.

Bobby & the boys are just patiently waiting on an opponent for the World Series.  Yes, Bobby did interview for a manager’s job but it does not appear he will be the one selected for that position.  Do you realize that if Bobby were to get a manager’s job in the MLB that he would almost be in the same salary financial category as Joey Switzer?  Just saying!

I watched a good bit of the South game last night.  They are struggling.  I hope they can turn it around soon.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

Sarah Thorton’s surgery was a success.  They had to address an issue before the surgery could begin but they finally proceeded after about an hour’s delay.  Keep praying for Sarah.

Visited with Myrtle and they had just gotten her up for the first time.  I was in and out in about thirty seconds.  Folks, those who are sick do not need to have to entertain company.  Just saying!  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Talked to TJ Vice late yesterday afternoon and learned that his paternal grandmother had just passed from this life.  Obviously, the arrangements are pending.  Pray for the Vice family.

As far as I know, Eddie and his cow are doing fine!

I have Rick Bradley, Betty Creech, Witney Edwards, Tommy Johnson, Jamie Jordan, Tim Knighten & Tina Wilkinson as the members of the Friendship family who plan on taking part in our December 4 – 11, 2019 GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala.  Am I missing anyone?  If so, you must personally contact me no later than this Sunday, October 20.  Very important or you will not have a ticket on the airline.  Folks, this is going to surprise you but I do make mistakes!  So, if your name should be on the list and is not, blame Katie Tillman as she has been serving as my December trip secretary!

Speaking of Guatemala, Pastor Joe David, Pastor Jack and their respective churches are presently in Guatemala.  They are scheduled to return home tomorrow and Friday.  Pray for them to finish strong!

Bobby and the boys are heading to the MLB World Series!  Let that sink in!  Yes, for the first time since 1933 there will be World Series baseball in DC.  The Nationals are on a roll!  Congratulations to Bobby and the boys!  Four more wins!  I am excited for Bobby!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Myrtle’s surgery went “as expected” per the surgeon.  She will remain in the hospital for several days.  Keep praying for Myrtle and family.

Sarah Thornton is next up on the surgery list as she will have a knee replaced today.  Pray that all goes well.  Sarah is a sweetheart and a diehard Auburn fan!  Yes, I even pray for Auburn fans!

Sonny Bates continues his daily radiation treatments so keep praying for him too.

I appreciate Jeanette Bates, Bro Jerry & Bro. Abel for their help with the celebration of life service for Wanda Jordan yesterday morning.  The family appreciates all of the prayers that have been offered on their behalf.

Eddie Albritton continues his “recovery” at home!  Eddie could have very well been a dairy farmer as he knows how to “milk it” for all it is worth!  LOL!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

The weather forecasters are giving us a decent chance for rain over the next day or so.  I hope they are correct as I love the rain!

Get the brooms out as Bobby and the boys are on the verge of a sweep!  What a big win last night.  Win tonight and they can rest until next Tuesday, 10/22.  Let’s go Nationals!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

There will be a private, family only memorial service for Wanda Jordan today.  I appreciate Steve and family allowing me to return from Guatemala before having this service.  Wanda was a very important part of the Friendship family although she chose to stay in the background.  Pray for the family as they seek closure to Wanda’s passing.

Myrtle Bowden will be having surgery today.  As you know, she has been diagnosed with a malignancy in two different areas of her body.  Today’s surgery will address one of those malignancies.  I visited with Sammy & Myrtle yesterday afternoon.  They are trusting God as I expected.  Pray for Myrtle!

Joey Switzer’s mother will also be having surgery today.  Pray for Miss Shirley.

Sarah Thornton will be having a knee replaced tomorrow.  She has already had two knee replacements.  (Think about that one!)  Pray for Sarah!

Eddie Albritton is at home recovering from his hip replacement surgery.  Says he will try to only miss two weeks of work.  Let’s be honest here – he sits at a desk all day long so why the long delay in going back to work?  Coach Saban went back to work the day following his hip replacement surgery without a walker or cane – hello!  Bob Evans would go from the surgery table back to the job on the same day if he were having the same surgery!  Come on Eddie!

Gideon Jeff Holifield did a very nice job of sharing about the work of the Gideons in our morning services yesterday.  The Friendship family did a very nice job of giving financially to support this worthwhile ministry.  Thank you Jeff and thank you Friendship family.

Our attendance in the services was down somewhat yesterday.  I am so dumb!  I was trying to figure out why not realizing that the public schools are not in session tomorrow which means folks leave town for the long weekend.

I was involved in a number of meetings while in Guatemala.  One of those was with Pastor Lazaro Suruy at his request.  It was during that meeting that he submitted his resignation as a part of GRACE Ministries.  He strongly believes this is God’s will for his life so I support his decision wholeheartedly.  He will be with us through the end of this calendar year.  Pray for Lazaro and family.  Pray for us to find God’s man to lead the GRACE Community Church as pastor.

Go ahead and pencil in the Nationals for the World Series.  That did not come from Coach Bobby.  It came from me.  Just saying.  Could not believe the Yankees dominated game one of the ALCS but the Astros pulled even last night.  Good series.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  Finance Committee meets at 4:00PM.

At some point in one of today’s services, we will spend time praying specifically for Myrtle Bowden.  I ask that you pray without ceasing for Myrtle as she undergoes surgery tomorrow.

I also ask that you keep praying for that individual in need of a miracle.  God knows.

Love offering for the ministry of the Gideons today in both of our morning services.  Pray for Jeff Holifield as he shares with us.

Randall Broome will be leading the musical worship at Brewer Baptist Church in Richton, MS this week beginning this morning.  Pray for those services to go well.

The Lord blessed and I arrived safely home a little after 11:00PM last night.  I am “meeting out” but it was a productive few days.  I appreciate my brother, Eddie, joining me for a couple of days in meeting with the school personnel.  Deidra did a nice job of organizing everything.  It was good to spend some time with Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

This is actually almost a Sunday entry as it is Saturday night and I am sitting in the Atlanta airport waiting on my connection.  Sorry for the delay.  Was going to wait and post in the morning but Jennifer Brinkman is whining!  So, this entry is in her honor!

Myrtle Bowden is facing two separate malignancies.  She will have surgery this Monday morning to address one and then the other will be addressed a bit later.  Myrtle, Sammy & family are requesting fervent prayer support.  Join me in doing just that!

Eddie Albritton is doing well following his hip replacement surgery.  Keep praying for a complete recovery.

Gideon Sunday at Friendship tomorrow morning in both services.  Jeff Holifield will be sharing about the ministry of the Gideons and we will receive a love offering for this ministry.  Pray, attend and give as the Lord leads.

Finance Committee meets at 4:00PM tomorrow.

Bryant won their game last night – good for them!  UMS & Faith also won.  Theodore and Mobile Christian were not as fortunate.  I do not know about Resurrection.

Bobby and the boys are on fire!  Two more wins and they are World Series bound!  Let’s go Nationals!

I pray that you will have a restful Saturday night and that you will attend church tomorrow.