Pastor's Blog

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Timothy 1-4

Rusty Suthoff’s maternal grandmother fell and broke her hip.  She is scheduled to have surgery early this morning for possible repair.  Lord willing, I will go by and pray with her prior to the surgery.

Miss Willa Dean Johnson was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  It is my understanding that she will be placed under hospice care.  Keep praying for Miss Willa Dean and her family.

Our annual Christmas Eve service takes place from 5:00 – 6:00PM in the auditorium.  Nursery will be provided for children two years of age and under (no exceptions).  Special music, the Lord’s Supper, a brief message.  We will dismiss by 6:00PM – promise.

As a general rule, I do not worry about church attendance.  We always have a strong attendance for our Christmas Eve service but I find myself worrying about it in the days leading up to it.  Crazy!  I pray that my worries will be for naught!

Glenda Chinners has coordinated our “angel tree” ministry this year which is our first year I think (at least in a very long time).  It was her idea and she has handled it all with lots of help.  Those families will be in attendance tonight and will receive their gifts after the service.  It would be helpful to have a few folks get the gifts to the vehicles.  If interested, go to the church office as soon as the service ends.

Danny Lewis came by the house early yesterday afternoon to tell me that a transformer had blown at the church.  I decided to go straight to the top of Alabama Power.  I sent an iMessage to Sam Schjott and then called him.  Within two hours the transformer had been replaced and all was well.  So, I say “thank you” to CEO Sam and give props to the FSR who did the actual work.  Obviously, a special thanks to Danny Lewis for being keenly alert and discovering this problem.  Danny is a gem!

I plan on taking our five daughters to breakfast this morning.  Lisa normally cooks breakfast on Christmas Eve morning but that is not possible this year.  The girls have invited me so they will have someone to pick up the tab!

We will have our extended family time at Brad & Daphne’s house after the Christmas Eve service.  (Please do not tell Nanette Brooks or she will try to crash the party!).  Tomorrow will see us have our normal Sunday lunch following the church service featuring all six tornadoes!

We have eaten well this week.  Real well.  Ann Clark, Marlene Broome, Julie McGath, Rita Broome, Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Davis have provided some great meals.  Diane Bryant brought some great candy.  The Lighthouse Restaurant sent us a goodie box. A very special “thank you” to each of them for a job well done.  We are grateful!  Of course, one would think that folks like Eddie Turrentine, Ross Genzink, Tom Compagner, Joe David Bailey, et cetera would call a local restaurant and have meals delivered to us?  Just saying!

Did the USA really turn their back on Israel yesterday?  Wow!  It seems the president got what he wanted.  Maybe the next president will make amends.

Did I mention the Christmas Eve service beginning at 5:00PM?

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  O come let us adore Him!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Hebrews 11-13

This entry is late and I apologize.  Joey Switzer had asked if he could be the “guest” blogger for today and promised to have an entry posted by 6:30AM.  You can imagine my surprise when I checked a few minutes ago and nothing had been posted.  What can I say?

For the past two days, bad news has come our way.  First, the news about Levi’s passing.  Yesterday, Brenda Timberlake called to say that her sister, Lisa, has been diagnosed with acute leukemia.  She will see an oncologist after Christmas.  Pray for the Westbrook family and for Lisa.

Yesterday, they decided to remove Miss Willa Dean from the vent.  Called the family in expecting the worse.  I was going to attend the funeral so Bro. Jerry went to be with the family.  As far as I know this morning, Miss Willa Dean did fine through the night.  Pray for her and for the family.

Visited with Miss Maxine Rogers yesterday.  She was feeling pretty good.  Told me they are going to celebrate Christmas in her hospital room.  Keep praying for Miss Maxine and family.

Visited with Carla Kyser yesterday afternoon.  Good visit.  She tried to borrow money but that is beside the point!  She looked good and was feeling pretty good but tires easily these days.  Remarkable young lady!  (Please do not tell her that I said that!)

Attended the funeral service for Amy’s grandmother yesterday afternoon.  Will Reynolds handled everything.  He was a pall bearer, brought the message and did the grave side.  Not sure why he did not sing too.  He did very well.  I was proud of him.

Courtney Hubbard has been approved to begin a new clinical trial.  That is good news and Mark tells me it is a God thing.

The funeral service for Alia Hyatt’s father takes place this afternoon at 2:00PM from Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the O’Connor family.

Christmas Eve service tomorrow from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Please attend and bring others with you!

Christmas Day service from 10:30 – 11:45AM.  Let’s fill the house for the birthday of Jesus!

Lisa may be pretty much confined to the bed but that does not stop her from barking orders!  I have not bought groceries yet this week and she is letting me know about it!  So off to a very crowded Walmart I go!  Folks, you just do not know!  (No, Nanette, I will not buy two packs for you!).

Thank you to everyone who has visited, called, brought food, et cetera during this week.  Lisa and I are blessed.  We are mainly thankful for the prayers on Lisa’s behalf.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Hebrews 7-10

Early yesterday morning, word came that Levi Westbrook, twenty six year old son of Jason & Melinda Westbrook, had passed from this life while sleeping early Wednesday morning.  Of course, Levi is Dylan’s older brother and a grandson to Jimmy & Mariam Moates.  Very shocking situation.  Levi lived in Birmingham but the service will take place here.  The arrangements are incomplete at this time but the family plans on doing the service after Christmas.  Pray for the Westbrook family as they work through these dark days.

The visitation with Amy Reynolds and her family takes place today beginning at noon from Serenity Funeral Home.  It will last until the 2:00PM service time.  Will Reynolds will be bringing the message.  Pray for family and pray for Will as he shares.

Gary Huhn’s father, Ed, is in ICU in a Jackson, MS hospital.  Per Zach last night, his grandfather is not doing well.  Gary, Amy & Zach traveled to Jackson yesterday.

Tommy Johnson’s mother, Miss Willa Dean, is back in ICU.  Obviously, she is not doing well either.

David Bosarge’s mother, Miss Maxine, remains hospitalize too.  She is now in her fourth week of hospitalization.  Dale said yesterday that they hope to discharge her before Christmas Day.

Dave Sellers contacted me to say that Becky is feeling much better.  That is encouraging.

Really no new updates on the others battling cancer.  Just keep praying!

A “thank you” to Chris Byrd and Jack Lastorka for their help last night with a medical situation following our service.  They did great and I appreciate them.

Our Christmas Eve weather is supposed to be great – sunny skies, seventy three degrees and no rain.  Therefore, I am in hopes of our having a full house for our annual Christmas Eve service. Begins at 5:00PM and ends no later than 6:00PM.  Attend and bring others with you!  O come let us adore Jesus!

We will have one service on Christmas Day and that will begin at 10:30AM.

Wow!  Nanette Brooks Fontenot was waiting on me when I got to church last night!  She said, “how dare you?  You know that I did not smoke two packs a day while we were dating!”  With that she stormed off murmuring something about me not getting a Christmas gift or something like that.  Folks, did I even hint at how many packs a day anyone smokes?  As I said, wow! (Scott needs our prayer support and that girl needs help!).

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Hebrews 1-6

Bill Kendrick’s surgery went well yesterday morning.  I heard from him last night.  I may have dreamed this but I think he signed off “RTR” whatever that means!

I have failed to get an update from Carol Lucky on her daughter.  Keep praying.

Tim Knighten continues to lose weight.  His doctor wants him to try to reverse that trend for the time being.  Pray that this can happen.

David Bosarge’s mother remains in the hospital.  This is like twenty one days or so now.  Pray for Miss Maxine.

I do not have an update on Miss Willa Dean but will get one today.  I do know we need to keep praying.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  No children’s choir tonight!  Not sure about the adult choir?  Christmas fellowship for our student ministry i.e. 6th grade – high school seniors at 6:30PM in the CAB.  Ditto for the college students at 7:30PM at the house.  Both fellowships will feature pizza from the Hut.

The visitation with the Howard family tomorrow from noon until the 2:00PM service time.  Pray for the family.

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Help us pack the house!

Lisa was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  We are glad to be home.  The question has been raised – what kind of nurse am I?  I will defer to Lisa on that one.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Peter 1-5

Bill Kendrick is having outpatient surgery this morning.  I am still holding out hope that something can be done about his college football allegiance but it is a long shot based on his comment to yesterday’s blog entry.  By the way, Bill gave me a pass on attending his surgery this morning.  What a kind and considerate thing to do and he did not even know my situation (keep reading).

I believe I am correct in saying that Kenny Lingle had outpatient surgery yesterday.  I trust that all is well with him.

Carla Kyser was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  It is hoped now that she is home and back on her regular schedule of pain medicines that she will be somewhat “normal!”  Are you serious?  The girl has never been “normal” a day of her life!  (I am not even going to mention the fact that when I visited her early yesterday morning she slept through the entire visit.  How rude is that?  Just saying!).

Miss Willa Dean Johnson remains in the hospital.  I visited with Tommy’s wife, Kathy, early yesterday morning as Miss Willa Dean is in CCU and on a vent.  Pray for Miss Willa Dean as she is apparently battling pneumonia again.

Heard from Dave Sellers last night.  Becky continues to not feel well.  As I said previously, Becky really needs our prayer support during this difficult time.

Lisa Thompson had her test yesterday.  I do not know if the results were immediate or something that will be given at a later time.

Tim Knighten continues to receive his weekly chemo treatments and his daily radiation treatments.  Pretty amazing guy!  Not sure of the results of Peggy’s visit to the doctor.  She will eventually send me an e-mail update.

Confession time – I spent most of yesterday in the hospital with an anonymous church member having surgery.  As a  matter of fact, I am writing this shortly after 4:00AM and I am still at the hospital with the aforementioned church member.  She would not let me mention her surgery beforehand but has now agreed to it.  Who?  My wife, Lisa.  Surgery went well and she “should” be discharged today if all goes as planned.  Lesson reinforced through this ordeal – Daphne is a great nurse and Deidra is a horrible nurse!  However, Deidra knows the hospital cafeteria menu by heart and knows that today is “taco Tuesday!”  She is pretty excited!  I will give Deidra props for sending her dad a care box of goodies!  Thank you for praying for Lisa!

You cannot get this type information from any other blog.  My very reliable source tells me that there will soon be a Taco Bell and a Popeye’s Chicken in Grand Bay.  These will be located just North of the TA Truckstop.  Construction should begin in January.  (Has Pastor Jack Bailey ever provided such insights on his blog?  Exactly!).

Folks, do not shoot the messenger.  I only report.  Another one of my reliable sources shared this story with me.  My former girlfriend, Nanette Brooks Fontenot, was in Walgreens in Grand Bay late this past Saturday night.  Witnesses say that she was checking out and there were two, not one, packs of cigarettes on the counter beside her stuff and, upon seeing a fellow church member, Nanette began to declare those were not her cigarettes.  Now, I was on my way home from Chicago at the time so I obviously did not see this episode.  I will simply say this – why do you think I broke up with Nanette?  Think about it!

Coach Eric Collier is a modest guy.  I spoke to him at church this past Sunday to get his take on the OC position at Alabama.  Basically it came down to finances (Coach C wanted $1.5 and the offer was $1.1) and he was demanding the right to address the media each week.  The head coach would not agree to such a scenario so he moved on to the next candidate.  Now you know the rest of the story!

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

Amy Reynold’s paternal grandmother, Janne Kay Howard, passed from this life early yesterday morning, 12/18.  The visitation with the family will take place this Thursday, 12/22, from 12:00PM until the  2:00PM service time.   Everything will take place at the  Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Pray for the Howard family.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Titus 1-3

Tuesday, December 20 – 1 Peter 1-5
Wednesday, December 21 – Hebrews 1-6
Thursday, December 22 – Hebrews 7-10
Friday, December 23 – Hebrews 11-13
Saturday, December 24 – 2 Timothy 1-4
Sunday, December 25 – 2 Peter 1-3; Jude

A really good Sunday!  God blessed and I am grateful!  Pastor Wes Bates did a really nice job of preaching the Word in our morning services.  I gladly gave the pulpit to him in order to remember his grandfather, Pastor L.G. Camp, Jr. as last Friday, 12/16, marked the fiftieth anniversary of Pastor Camp’s promotion to Heaven.  What a special time for Miss Kittie and the entire Camp family.  I am certain that Bro. L.G. would be very proud of his preacher grandson!

Bro.  L.G. would have been equally proud of his choir directing daughter, Jeanette Bates.  She did a great job of leading our adult choir as they led us in worship last night.  What a blessing to see the choir loft filled and to hear the musical praise lifted to God.  It was a worship experience for me!

Hats off to James Mareno for coming through in the clutch last night.  The South side of Grand Bay lost electricity just before 5:00PM yesterday.  Obviously, our church building is on the South side of town.  So, James got his sound system, his generator and borrowed lights from Jerry Graham (thank you Jerry!).  By 6:00PM, with the help of a good number of men, we were set up and ready for the service.  Yes, the constant rain and the lack of electricity affected our attendance but when all was said and done we had a really nice attendance.  The most important thing is that God was there and for that we are most grateful!  It was a real blessing that no one panicked and there were no negative words when the electricity went out.  Everyone remained calm and just did what had to be done in order for the service to take place.  Is that awesome or what!  To God be the glory!

Lisa Thompson will have a bone marrow test this morning.  It was a blessing so see Lisa in our service last night.

Carla Kyser remains in the hospital.  There is a possibility that she will be discharged today.  She is pretty upset with me that I have not visited with her yet.  I figure she will get over it but do have plans to be the first person she sees whenever she wakes up this morning!

Tommy Johnson’s mother, Miss Willa Dean, is back in the hospital battling pneumonia.  She is on a vent.  This is a constant battle for her.

Becky Sellers is having a tough time.  She and Dave need our continued prayer support.  There probably will not be anything new to report until she has scans in early January.

Tim Knighten was in our services yesterday.  He has lost weight.  He is still eating/drinking some although he told me most things have no taste and water tastes salty.  Tim has maintained a great attitude through everything up to this point.  A blessing!

Carol Lucky’s daughter is in the hospital.  I hope to get a report on her condition today.

Bill Kendrick is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow.  I am in hopes they can fix that “Ole Miss gene” in his brain and that he will come out of this thing cheering for the right team!  BTW, it is carpal tunnel surgery.

Ray Baber (hip replacement) and Elizabeth Martin (ACL repair) are both scheduled for surgery next week.

Regular schedule this Wednesday morning and evening!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Lord’s Supper.  Much musical praise.  Going to be great!

Christmas Day service at 10:30AM.  No other services/activities on that day.

The Jack Lastorka/Rusty Suthoff challenge bowling fellowship on Sunday, 1/1/17, from 8:00 – 10:00PM.  This is a church wide fellowship as we have the entire bowling center to ourselves.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.  Share the Light!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading –  Philippians 1-4

Sunday, December 18 – 1 Timothy 1-6

Good Saturday morning from a warm & balmy downtown Chicago where the temperature has climbed to twenty five degrees and the wind chill factor is up to sixteen degrees.  It did snow “some” last night as Lisa and I were out walking.  A major system is moving into this area tonight and the temps tomorrow are going to be really frigid.  Hopefully, we will be long gone by then.

Dave Sellers contacted me yesterday to share that Becky did not get the report they were in hopes of receiving.  Becky has a lot of fluid in her stomach and the doctor is convinced it is because of the cancer.  She was scheduled for another scan in February but they have now moved it up to early January.  It will be then before they know anything definitive.  Pray for Becky, Dave and the family.

Tomorrow is going to be a special day at Friendship.  I am in hopes of seeing many members of the Friendship family in attendance for our morning services and Sunday School.  (This will be our last Sunday School of the 2016).  Yes, it is supposed to be a raining day but I am asking you to not let that keep you away.

I have a feeling that our Sunday evening service is going to be awesome!  Jeanette Bates and the adult choir members will be presenting their Christmas music.  That service will begin promptly at 6:00PM.  Do not miss it!

Lisa and I will soon be heading to the wedding and then straight to the airport.  I hope you have a great Saturday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ephesians 1-6

Good morning from a fairly cold Chicago!  When Lisa and I arrived yesterday it is like nine degrees with a wind chill below zero.  It has since warmed up to a sweltering fifteen degrees this morning with a wind chill of two degrees – why did I even bother to bring a coat?

Mark Mast was so very kind to meet us at the airport upon our arrival in Chicago.  We then went by the church and got his sweet wife, Tina, before heading to lunch.  We ate lunch on the ninety fifth floor of the John Hancock Center with an absolutely great view of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago.  Fabulous meal and even much greater fellowship.  After lunch, Mark & Tina gave us a quick tour of the Moody Bible Institute before dropping us off at the hotel.

Lisa is in hog heaven as we are literally just across the street from the Water Tower Place which is seven stories of shopping – are you kidding me!

I do not have any updates on the folks on our prayer list.  I do know that little Hollin had a heart cath yesterday and that Becky Rogers is receiving a treatment today.  Tim Knighten continues to battle a problem in his mouth as he receives his radiation treatments.  Peggy sees her doctor again on Monday.  Lisa Thompson will have a test on Monday.  Carla is Carla – just saying!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Colossians1-4; Philemon

Carla Kyser was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  She was whining because I did not visit her but she will get over it!  Such a drama queen!

David Bosarge’s mother is better.  Still in the hospital but better.

Learned yesterday morning during the service that Michael Farni passed from this life.  Court & Shonn have been very good to me and many others through their dentist office.  Join me in praying for Sue, the children and their families.

Edna’s great grandson, Maddox, is scheduled to have surgery today.

Becky Sellers is scheduled to have an ultrasound today to hopefully help them understand what is taking place within her body.

Wow!  What else can be said about the tremendous job Sherry Schlehuber did in hosting the senior adults Christmas fellowship yesterday!  She cooked so much stuff especially desserts!  It was all amazing!  Many of the senior adults commented to me about how much they enjoyed the food and the fellowship.  Sherry definitely gets an “A+” for a job very well done!  Our senior adults also get an “A+” for showing up in really strong numbers as we had a great crowd!  Bobby Gene Evans gets a “B” for his help in setting up and taking down!

Lisa and I are sitting on a plane in Gulfport, MS heading to Atlanta and then on to Chicago, IL, in order to attend the wedding ceremony of Miriam Mast, Mark & Tina’s youngest daughter.  I like cold weather the forecasted high for today in Chicago of ten degrees with a low of two degrees tonight.  Right now, it is two degrees with a wind chill of negative sixteen degrees.  Mark knows I like cold weather and I appreciate him ordering this Arctic blast just for me!

Lord willing, we will return home Saturday night.  Good thing as the forecasted low for Sunday night is negative fifteen degrees!  I do plan blogging tomorrow morning if this laptop is not frozen!

We have our first ever church wide bowling fellowship on Sunday night, 1/1/17.  Jo Nell Barnes proudly showed me her 200 patch yesterday.  I think she is gunning for Jack Lastorka and Rusty Suthoff!

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