Pastor's Blog

“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 – Psalms 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

Robert Baria was awake and alert when I visited him yesterday morning.  He is mouthing words and I have really hard time understanding what he is trying to tell me.  It frustrates him and me.  Keep praying for Robert’s complete recovery.

Visited with Linda Johnson and Charles Faucette.  They were both in the process of being discharged and were happy campers.

Tina Wilkinson was some better.  Not sure when she will be discharged but I can see them keeping her through the weekend.  Her concern is missing church again – wow!

Bobby Morrison was a bit anxious over the fact that he is not getting better quickly.  However, he is willing to stay in the hospital until they get his infection under control and/or completely eradicate it.

Bryan Creps was doing better in his recovery yesterday afternoon.  Translated – they feel his blood flow in the surgically repaired area was better than it was yesterday morning.

I was able to make other visits yesterday and even got to stop by and see one of our fourteen blog readers.  Fourteen?  Why have you not told us the number has risen to fourteen?  Because I do not want to sound like I am bragging!  (Bloggers like Pastor Jack Bailey and Deidra would do anything to have fourteen readers of their respective blogs so I do not like to rub it in)

Service at the Mission of Hope tonight at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves church at 6:15PM.  Everyone invited.

Work day in the morning beginning at 7:00AM.  Biscuits will be available.  All hands on deck.

The best laid plans of rats and people!  I had “plans” to attend the Mobile Christian football game last night.  Left the office at 5:00PM, came home and went to change clothes.  Enter Miss Lisa.  She said, “where are you going?”  I told her.  Then she went all Lee Corso on me – “not so fast my friend!”  I received a lecture on “Harvey” and how our grass needed to be cut before it makes landfall.  I tried to explain that “Harvey” is headed for Texas and she quickly reminded me of Elena in 85.  I tried to tell her that even if “Harvey” did change directions and come our way that it would be next week and that I could mow today and tomorrow.  She said the weather folks do not know squat and it could be here by nightfall on Friday.  So, I cut grass until dark thirty and she has already told me that I had best finish this morning!  Folks, you just do not know!

I have “plans” to attend the Theodore High School football game tonight.  (Please do not tell Lisa)  If I were the head coach and my pastor was coming to watch my team play then I would have a pass waiting for him at the gate.  But I am not the head coach!

Bobby and the boys righted the ship yesterday and won again.  Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!

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

“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 – Psalms 116-118; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19

The roller coaster ride continues for Robert Baria as he is now somewhat better in that he is much more alert and is communicating by mouthing words.  I am joining Roseanne in praying for a complete healing.

Tina Wilkinson got rid of the infection but now has pneumonia.  She is frustrated.  Folks, tried to tell you that the girl is complicated!

Linda Johnson should be discharged from the hospital today.

Amy Huhn’s father, Bobby Morrison, has been in the hospital since last Saturday.  Probably has a few more days before he will be discharged.

Mary Jackson’s grandson, Charles Faucett, had emergency surgery yesterday.  I am thinking he will be discharged today.

Vera Bosarge had a procedure done earlier this week.  It is something new.  I do not know all of the details but it involves being kicked by a mule or something like that.

Pastor David Jones has been in a rehab facility for  a number of days.  Jeff H said last night that he continues to need our prayers.

Greg Boutwell continues to be at home and in need of our prayers.

Bryan Creps is recovering in Birmingham.  The doctors are concerned about blood flow but were more hopeful last night.  Keep praying.

Mission of Hope service tomorrow night beginning at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves the church at 6:15PM.  Everyone invited.

Acton Bowen is coming to Friendship the weekend of September 15 – 17.  Pray for these services.

Work day this Saturday, 8/26, beginning at 7:00AM.  Biscuits and drinks will be available.  Helpers needed.

The high school football season begins tonight.  My hope is to catch some of the Mobile Christian game tonight and the Theodore game tomorrow night.  They both are playing regular season games while Bryant and Faith are playing a jamboree.

Deidra’s blog entry was late yesterday and I have to go full disclosure – she was waiting on me to provide some information before posting it.  (Just wanted to make her look not as efficient as me)

Our folks in Guatemala get a much needed break this week after hosting teams for the past fifteen consecutive weeks.  After this off week, they will host teams for six consecutive weeks, have a week off and then finish the year with six more consecutive weeks of hosting teams.  Wow, God is good!  And 2018 is shaping up to be an even busier year for GRACE Ministries.  Amazing!

Bobby and the boys took it on the chin last night.

Nine days.  Almost here!

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

“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 – Psalms 113-115; 1 Corinthians 6

Wow, that Al really did something whenever he invented the internet.  I am typing this entry while traveling South on I-65.  That is crazy!

Lisa and I are on our way home from Birmingham.  Bryan Creps’ surgery lasted just under eleven hours yesterday.  They started at 9:15AM and the doctors walked out to talk to the family at 8:00PM.  Surgery went pretty good but there are a couple of things they will be watching closely over the next few days.  Pray for Bryan and his family.

No real change in Robert Baria’s situation.  Do not have an update on Tina Wilkinson this morning.  Just keep praying.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Not sure on the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study.

It is Wednesday morning which means that Deidra is supposed to post a blog.  I am so ahead of her and I am traveling!  Just saying!

Work day this Saturday, 8/26, beginning at 7:00AM.  All hands needed.

Bobby has the boys rolling!

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

“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 – Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5

Good morning from Birmingham.  This entry is a bit late and for that I apologize.  I wanted to get to the hospital before blogging.

Bryan Creps and his wife, Lisa, and their children, Kortni & Aaron, are good friends and are very involved in GRACE Ministries.  Lisa is a great niece of Norman Richerson.  Bryan is having major surgery on his chin as he was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer.  The surgery is scheduled to take eight to ten hours and involves removing his chin, taking a bone from his lower leg, skin from his leg and arm, et cetera.

I was able to stop by and pray with Robert Baria yesterday morning.  Of course he was not awake but did try to open his eyes whenever I spoke to him.

I visited with Scott, Jennifer & Craig Kirschenman.  The thought process was that Craig would be moved to a rehab facility either yesterday or very soon.

Also visited with Linda Johnson.  Linda is Vic’s (Coley’s dad) wife and is the sister-in-law of Tommy Johnson.  They were planning on putting a pace maker in place yesterday but they decided to treat her with medicine instead.  She will be in the hospital for a few more days.

I then went to another hospital and visited “complicated” Tina Wilkinson.  She is ready to go home but wants to be ready to go home when she is discharged.  Tired of going home and then back to the hospital.

As Lisa and I were heading to Birmingham yesterday we made a stop in Troy, Alabama and visited with Cora Martin.  What a delightful visit!  Miss Cora looked very good and is doing very good.  It was great to see her.

We also stopped in Millbrook and visited with Ken & Kathryn Huff.  They recently moved from Louisiana in order to be close to their daughter, Mandi, and their new granddaughter, Ruby.  They had lunch cooked and it was a feast!  I mean a feast!  Of course, Mandi & Ruby were there too so it was a great visit.  Really nice folks!

We were able to meet Craig & Jennifer Moss for supper last night.  That too was a delightful time.  It was our first opportunity to spend quality time with them since Craig’s dad passed from this life.

We hope to see the Dendy’s while we are in Birmingham.  These folks have sat in front of us at the Alabama games for many years and have become great friends.

So, I will be at the hospital for many hours today.  Not sure if we will get home late tonight or early in the morning.  I want to be here for Bryan and family, if needed.

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

“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 – Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4
Tuesday, August 22 – Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5
Wednesday, August 23 – Psalms 113-115; 1 Corinthians 6
Thursday, August 24 – Psalms 116-118; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19
Friday, August 25 – Psalms 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40
Saturday, August 26 – Psalms 119:89-176; 1 Corinthians 8
Sunday, August 27 – Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9

Tina Wilkinson was admitted to the hospital on Saturday.  Rhea Rhea told me last night that she would be there for a couple of days. As I have written before, Tina is complicated!

Robert Baria remains in the hospital.  It now appears that he will need to be on the vent from this point forward according to the medical folks.  Pray for Robert and his family.

Craig Kirschenman should be moved to a rehab facility at some point early this week.

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  Praise the Lord!

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Use the West side door to enter and exit, please.  Prayer changes things.

There will be an important Sunday School workers meeting tonight beginning at 7:00PM in the fellowship hall.  All Sunday School workers are asked/encouraged to attend.  Contact Bro. Jerry for more information.

The Alabama women’s soccer team won again yesterday!  2 – 0 and on a roll!  How exciting!

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

“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 – Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2

Probably was not going to blog this morning but was asked to remind folks of the student ministry car was taking place today in front of State Farm on Highway 90.  It is from 9:00AM until noon.  Donations accepted.  I may go by and make a donation to keep them from washing my car!  I mean really – do you want Byrd, Grant, Elizabeth, Sofie, Kaleigh, et cetera washing your vehicle?  Just saying!  LOL!

Robert Baria’s procedure went well.  Hopefully, this will be a huge step in his recovery.  Roseanne is encouraged.  Keep praying!

Conner Ferguson’s surgery did not take place.

Craig Kirschenman will most likely be moved to a rehab facility early next week.  Should be the twenty one days thing.  Keep praying for Craig.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Logan Wainwright spent yesterday working for me.  Let me give the guy a huge endorsement.  Logan is presently between jobs.  I have never known a young man who knows so much about small engines.  I think the dude invented the small engine!  He is fast at what he does and his rates are really low based on his expertise.  So, if you have a mower, weed eater, chain saw, garden tiller, whatever that needs work, servicing, et cetera then you need to give Logan a call to do that work.  He makes house calls and since he is presently unemployed now is the perfect time.  (Please send eleven percent of whatever you pay him to me as a reference fee – LOL!).

The Alabama women’s soccer team opened their regular season with a win over Jax State last night – I am stoked!  Bobby who?

Fourteen days!  (Sound like Rita Broome counting down the days until her next birthday!).

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

“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 – Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1

Robert Baria will have a tracheotomy today.  Pray that all goes well.  Keep praying for Robert.

Conner Ferguson will have all four of his wisdom teeth surgically removed today.

Craig Kirschenman’s family has some decisions to make as far as his rehab is concerned.  Pray for wisdom and for Craig to do well.

Tina Wilkinson remains “complicated” but was in hopes of going home yesterday.  Not sure if that happened or not.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.

Randall Broome and the ad hoc committee are actively working on purchasing a new sound system.  They met with a company yesterday and hope to meet with one more soon.  If that happens, they will have three different proposals to consider as they make a final decision.

Fifteen days!

The Nationals won again last night.  Is that Bobby amazing or what?  Dusty Baker is the manager but we all know who is really calling the shots!

Was on the mower until dark thirty yesterday and have more to do today.  Charles has done the lion’s share of the grass cutting on the hill this Summer.  I have to give him his due.

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

“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 – Psalms 97-99; Romans 16

Roseanne Baria shared in our service last night that Robert’s doctor said he is doing all he can for Robert.  Robert is a very sick man. Please pray fervently!

Greg Boutwell did not have a good day yesterday.  Keep praying for Greg!

Courtney Hubbard has been at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.  Not sure of the latest test results but do know Courtney needs our continued prayer support.

We clear the hospitals of folks from the Friendship family with the exception of Robert and then folks seemingly say, “let’s give the pastor something to do today!” and they get admitted to the hospital!

That was not Craig Kirschenman’s thought process as he fell on Tuesday afternoon and broke his hip.  He had surgery yesterday morning to repair it.  Surgery went well.  Craig should be discharged today.

Well, Tina Wilkinson obviously wanted me to be busy so she puts another kidney stone in motion.  She was admitted to the hospital and they went in and got the stone.  (What Tina did not know was that, because of our morning service, Bro. Jerry was covering the hospitals yesterday)  However, she got the doctor to keep her overnight which means I will have to visit this morning – LOL!  BTW, the doctor told Raymond that Tina is “complicated” to which I say “amen!”  Just saying!

Bobby and the boys took it on the chin last night.  However, the highlight of the night was seeing Aaron Judge of the Yankees hit a blast into the third deck at Citi Field in New York.  They say it came off of his bat at one hundred and seventeen miles per hour and traveled four hundred and fifty seven feet.  An amazing shot!  Have not seen one hit like that since the days of Sammy Bowden!

Phil Sims and Bobby Stork went fishing on Tuesday.  My sources tell me that they caught around twenty fish with Phil catching twenty one of those.  Is my source reliable?  As Dub Ladnier used to say, “if I tell you a chicken dips, check under her wing for a can of snuff!”  I appreciate Phil working with Bobby!

Nanette Fontenot called me yesterday to ask if we were going to have a baby shower for Levi & Brianne Seymour.  Do I look like “Shower Susie?”  I said, “I do not know” and Nanette said, “why don’t you and I give them one?”  Odd!  Katelyn Johnson has since assured me there will be a baby shower and Nanette or my help is not needed.  Thank God for Katelyn!

Jason Husband and I are taking on all challengers in the Friendship bowling fellowship on Sunday, 9/3, from 8:00 – 11:00PM.  We have never lost a doubles match.  Jason reminded me yesterday that we have been knowing each other for over fifty years!  Plus, it is no one’s business where we plan on going after bowling!

Sixteen days.  Got my tickets to the opening game in Atlanta yesterday.  Am I going?  Great question!

One final word – Deidra is not nearly as consistent in blogging as I am.  Just the facts!  (Plus she makes many more grammatical mistakes!)

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

“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 – Psalms 94-96; Romans 15:14-33

Good news in the fact that both Cameron and Alex were discharged from the hospital on Monday afternoon.  I know they are happy campers!

Visited with Robert Baria yesterday afternoon.  He remains in CCU but was able to open his eyes and talk to me some.  He still has a long way to go but each step forward is a blessing.  Keep praying.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Praying for a strong attendance in all of our services/classes.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is ham, green beans, macaroni & cheese, et cetera.

Our students will be having a “free” (donations accepted) car wash this Saturday, 8/19, from 9:00AM until noon in front of State Farm Insurance on Highway 90.  What does this really mean?  A typical student car wash means that you go get your vehicle washed which then means you have to go home and wash it yourself because the students miss so many spots that now stand out like the proverbial sore thumb.  LOL!

Well, now we get six weeks of more campaigning in the election of a senator.  A lot of negative advertising took place in the primary but I not so sure that can be the case in the runoff.  I did predict a runoff (boy, that was hard to predict with a field of nine candidates) and that the workers in our fellowship hall were bored.  I was in there twice and they were certainly not busy.  Twice?  Did I vote twice?  No, went and voted early and then went back with Nanette Fontenot when she voted.  Said she needed me to help her understand the ballot.  Just trying to be a good pastor.

Seventeen days!  Still do not have tickets in hand.  Something about the seat configuration in the new stadium.

Bobby and the boys continue to roll beating the Angels last night.  I trace their success back to the third base coach.  Just saying.

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

“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 – Psalms 91-93; Romans 15:1-13

Robert Baria remains in CCU but was taken off the ventilator on Sunday afternoon.  Roseanne was with him whenever I visited yesterday and he opened his eyes and talked some.  I am joining Roseanne in praying for a complete healing.  Pray.

Cameron Watson was sitting in a chair and looked bored!  He is ready to go home.  There is a good possibility that will happen today.  He still has soreness around the area where they went into his chest but otherwise is doing well.  Did I mention he is ready to go home?

Alex was bouncing off the walls.  Amazingly, they were talking about sending him home yesterday.  Not sure if that happened or not. He will not be going to Birmingham for therapy.

Bro. Benny McGath called yesterday afternoon to let me know that Hansel Gray passed from this life on Sunday night.  We have had him on our prayer list as he battled against cancer.  Hansel was very actively involved in his church and in going on mission trips.  Pray for his family.

Bro. Jerry & Gloria Whitmore allowed me the privilege of taking Pastor Alex to lunch and then to the airport in Gulfport.  Who knew that a man from India would love the dollar menu at McDonalds?  I guess we are all kids at heart.  Anyway, I enjoyed my time with Alex.

We had a better number (basically double last Monday) at our prayer time last night.  I appreciate those who come to pray.

Today is voting day in Alabama as we vote in the primaries for a new senator.  I will make two predictions – both parties will have a runoff and the folks manning the polling place in our fellowship hall will be bored to tears today.  I am considering writing in Bill Kendrick’s name on my ballot.

Yesterday was a good day!  Why?  Because Nanette Fontenot called me!  Just kidding!  Because we received our Alabama football season tickets!  Eighteen days away!  (BTW, Nanette basically calls me every day – just saying!)

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