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 –  Acts 27-28

Miss Dottie Clark will be having eye surgery this morning in Guatemala so please pray for her.

Carla’s surgery went well.  Took them a good while to finally get her into the operating room but the actual surgery was very quick.  The doctor was satisfied with the results.

David Bosarge’s mother, Miss Maxine Rogers, remains hospitalized.  I attempted to visit with her yesterday but they were working with her so I did not get to see her.

Peggy Knighten told me that Tim has continued to eat some things.  He has lost ten pounds already which is not a good thing.  Keep praying for Tim.

Our senior adults will have their Christmas fellowship today immediately following the morning worship service.  It will take place in the fellowship hall.  Sherry Schlehuber is doing all of the decorating and cooking so all the senior adults have to do is show up.  I hope we will have a good attendance.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  Lisa has basically prepared a feast for the 7:30PM Bible study.

My sources are now telling me that Coach Eric Collier is holding out for more money in order to become the next OC at Alabama.  The outgoing OC was making $1.4 million and Coach Collier is demanding at least $1.5 million to even consider taking the position.

I pray that you are enjoying the Christmas season and 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)

Yesterday’s Bible reading – Acts 20:4-23:35

Today’s Bible reading – December 13 Acts 24-26

Wednesday, December 14 – Acts 27-28
Thursday, December 15 – Colossians1-4; Philemon
Friday, December 16 – Ephesians 1-6
Saturday, December 17 – Philippians 1-4
Sunday, December 18 – 1 Timothy 1-6

Carla Kyser will have a surgical procedure done this morning.  The hope is to improve her ability to breathe easier.  Pray that all goes well.  It is my understanding that she will spend at least one night in the hospital.  My policy is one surgery per person, per month.  Carla expects me to be there this morning even though she recently used up her “one” surgery for the month thing!  That girl is so demanding!

Tim Knighten continues with his weekly chemotherapy treatments along with his daily (Monday – Friday) radiation treatments.  I “think” he is to the point now of not being able to eat so he is now dependent on the feeding tube.  Obviously, this will eventually change once he is finished with his radiation and his throat improves.

Lisa Thompson will have a bone marrow test next week.

Not sure what the word is on Miss Myra Herod’s daughter, Brenda, but will find out today.

Bill Kendrick recently had surgery on one of his hands.  He liked it so much that he will have the same procedure done on his other hand next Tuesday, 12/20.

Our senior adults will have their monthly fellowship tomorrow, 12/14, beginning immediately following our 10:00AM service.  This will take place in the fellowship hall and will be a Christmas fellowship.  An anonymous donor has provided a gift for each senior adult attending this fellowship – what a kind gesture!  Sherry Schlehuber will do all of the decorating and cooking for this fellowship. All senior adults, age sixty five and older, are invited to attend this special fellowship.  Spread the word and invite other senior adults to join you!

Word on the street is that Coach Eric Collier is being considered as the next OC at Alabama.  Any truth to this rumor?  Not sure if Coach Collier can take the pay cut!  However, the allure of coaching college ball may be too much for him to pass on.  Time will tell!

Twenty six years ago today, Lisa, Deidra, Daphne and I moved into the parsonage.  Is that a random fact or what!  I mention it mainly because I fondly remember Cynthia Cumbie helping us make that move.  Precious memories!

Let me close by saying this, Pastor Shirlon Davis’ wife, Jennifer, can flat out cook some chicken and dumplings!  Amazing!  I do not really like her but the girl can cook!

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

P.S. – Why no blog entry yesterday?  Internet connection issues early and then the day was gone before I remembered I had not posted.  Heard from two of our thirteen readers so it was all good!

“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 – Romans 8-10

Per Bro. Jerry Hovel there are no significant changes in any of those I mentioned in the blog yesterday.

I failed to mention Tim Knighten having the feeding tube placed this week.  I think that was on Tuesday but my days are all running together.  Peggy said it was an “experience!”  I ask you to keep praying for Tim, Peggy and the family.  (Tim, forgive my slothfulness!)

I received another prayer request that has to remain confidential at this time.  It is a very serious situation.

The GRACE Ministries team had another really good day yesterday.  Carbon copy of the previous two days.  This team has been excellent in their attitudes, work ethic, and flexibility.  (The only complaints thus far has all related to Bernard Suthoff – 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 – Romans 4-7

Miss Kathleen Henderson has been moved to a rehab facility.

David Bosarge’s mother remains in the hospital.

Miss Myra Herod’s daughter, Brenda, has been moved out of the ICU.

Belinda Baggett had surgery yesterday morning and deacon Jeff Holifield went to pray with her before the surgery.  I appreciate him doing so.

Bro. Jerry says we had a good attendance in our morning service yesterday and a small attendance in our evening service.  Some of that can be attributed to so many of our folks being involved in the Christmas fellowship at the convalescent home last night.  I appreciate Bro. Jerry preaching/teaching in my absence.

The GRACE Ministries team in Guatemala had a really good day yesterday.  A group of guys went and completely finished all six of the houses that were started on Monday.  Another group stayed on GRACE Mountain and worked at the feeding center as well as preparing for the evening meal.  The rest of the team hosted two more block parties.  Tico Vargas did a nice job of sharing the Gospel with those children.  Of course, the evening saw us host thirteen families from the feeding center for supper.  Jonny Gaston has done a great job of sharing with these families each of the past three nights.

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 – Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3

The attack on Pearl Harbor took place almost nineteen years before I was born.  However, it is a day that is etched into my memory.  So, today I remember that fateful day as this is the seventy fifth anniversary of that attack.  I realize many of our younger generation do not think much about that attack but it is a very important day in the history of our country.  I salute those USA military personnel who served in the second World War.  What a great generation!

Miss Kathleen Henderson remains hospitalized.

Belinda Baggett and family have been attending our services for a few weeks.  She is scheduled to have an outpatient surgery today.

Rita Broome sent me a message saying there were ten salvation decisions at McKemie place last night.  Praise the Lord!

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Bro. Jerry will teach in my place and Jim Chinners will teach all of the students.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is Pizza Hut pizza.

Things are going well for the GRACE Ministries team in Guatemala.  They saw over two hundred children yesterday at the two block parties and were able to give some (most?) of those children the only Christmas gift they will receive this year.

The evening saw another fifteen families gather for a meal and then each family received a basket of goodies i.e. food staples and some special treats.  I wish each supporter of GRACE Ministries could be present to see/hear these folks as they share their gratefulness for all that is being done for their families.  Good stuff!

The team did receive some sad news in that Marc Van Dam did not get home before is brother passed from this life yesterday morning.  Pray for the Van Dam family as they walk through this valley.

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 –  2 Corinthians 10-13

Happy 81st birthday to Lisa’s father, Charles Clark!  So sad that I cannot be there to celebrate it with him (or something like that!).

I arrived in Guatemala a bit late but safe and sound.  Had to stay in the city for a little extra time to change the ticket so Marc Van Dam could fly home today.  One of his brothers is not expected to live much longer due to a malignancy.  Willard Garnett and I took Marc to the airport early this morning.  Pray for the Van Dam family.

The team started/built six houses yesterday.  We hosted fifteen families for supper last night.  It was a good day/night of ministry.

Today, the team will host two block parties and then host another fifteen families tonight.

In Grand Bay, Randall & Rita will lead the ministry at McKemie Place tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Pray for that service.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday 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 – 2 Corinthians 5-9
Tuesday, December 6 – 2 Corinthians 10-13
Wednesday, December 7 – Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3
Thursday, December 8 – Romans 4-7
Friday, December 9 – Romans 8-10
Saturday, December 10 – Romans 11-13
Sunday, December 11 – Romans 14-16

Good Monday morning from a plane setting at the gate in Gulfport, MS.  I am hopefully bound for Guatemala to join the other twenty eight folks who arrived there on Saturday.  This could be a very important trip for me so I appreciate your prayer support.  As a matter of fact, an extra prayer or two would be awesome!

Wow, what happened?  We needed rain and thank God that He provided some yesterday.  It has been said that “one drop of rain will keep forty Baptists away from church” and I think that was true yesterday morning.  We actually had more folks in attendance last Sunday (Thanksgiving weekend) than we did yesterday.  (Have not seen the numbers but I can usually tell). However, I am very, very grateful to those who were in attendance.  We had good services.  I appreciate our two man band (Levi & Alan) for leading our musical worship in the morning and then Randall for organizing and leading our evening of musical praise.  Good stuff!

Remember, no prayer time on Monday nights during December.

Lisa and I visited with Miss Kathleen Henderson in the hospital last night.  Her COPD is really giving her difficulties.  What a sweet lady.  Pray for her

They are asking for us to shut these devices down so I have to do so.

I pray that you will have a great Monday 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 Corinthians 15-16

Happy 33rd birthday to our daughter, Daphne, today!  Hope her day is awesome!  (Her husband, Brad, is so excited about it that he is leaving the country!).  BTW, today is also Brad’s dad’s birthday and then Brad & I share a birthday – is that odd or what!

Our December 2016 GRACE Ministries team leaves today heading to Guatemala.  Pray for these folks as they travel from Chicago, Huntsville, Birmingham & Mobile.  They will return next Saturday, 12/10, or Sunday, 12/11.

Men’s breakfast this morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.

Carla Kyser was in pain yesterday.  They did remove the tube so she should be better.  She “may” go home today or she “may” keep milking this thing!

David Bosarge’s mother was much better yesterday.  Much better spirits too.

Myra’s daughter is making nice progress in her recovery.  Keep praying.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning.  No DT tomorrow evening.

The bus workers had their Christmas fellowship last night and it was nice.  Catered by the Heritage House.  I appreciate our bus workers!

We have our SS class Christmas fellowship last night and it went well.  Chris Cavin did a great job with the meat and The Lighthouse provided some great gumbo.  Bo was the star of the show.  Nanette’s daughter, Koach Korie, did not show – just saying!

I pray that you will 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 – 1 Corinthians 12-14

Myra Herod’s daughter, Brenda, is seemingly making some improvement.  The doctors now think it will take her a couple of days but she will recover.  She has been really, really sick.  Just keep praying!

Carla Kyser’s surgical procedure went well.  She “could” come home today, “could” be tomorrow, “could be Sunday” as it just depends on how she does.  If it is up to Carla she will be home before breakfast today!

David Bosarge’s mother, Miss Maxine, will be in the hospital at least through the weekend.  She is discouraged and your prayers are appreciated.

Men’s breakfast in the morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men are invited to attend.

Lazaro & Glendy Suruy are set to return home early tomorrow morning.  I appreciate Clara Broadus hosting them for these past couple of days.  I also appreciate each person who has treated them to a meal during their time with us.  A blessing!

We have a team heading to Guatemala tomorrow for a GRACE Ministries trip.  Pray for them as they do ministry and then will return next Saturday, 12/10, and Sunday, 12/11.  Lord willing, I will join them on Monday, 12/5.

Regular schedule on Sunday morning.  No Discipleship Training on Sunday evening.

Our family was hosted by Pastor Shirlon Davis, his wife, Jennifer, and their children last night for supper.  What a great evening of food and fellowship.  Jennifer is an excellent cook and her chicken and dumplings are superb!  I mean superb!

Lord willing, Lisa and I will join Morris & Diane Bryant in traveling to the SEC championship game tomorrow.  It has been a long time since we have spent any time with Morris & Diane and we are looking forward to the fellowship.  We appreciate the invitation.

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 – 1 Corinthians 9-11
Friday, December 2 – 1 Corinthians 12-14
Saturday, December 3 – 1 Corinthians 15-16
Sunday, December 4 – 2 Corinthians 1-4
Monday, December 5 – 2 Corinthians 5-9
Tuesday, December 6 – 2 Corinthians 10-13
Wednesday, December 7 – Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3
Thursday, December 8 – Romans 4-7
Friday, December 9 – Romans 8-10
Saturday, December 10 – Romans 11-13
Sunday, December 11 – Romans 14-16

Carla Kyser is scheduled to have surgery this morning.  The hope is to prevent the excessive build up of fluid in/around her lungs.  This will help her breathing from this point forward.

Myra Herod’s daughter, Brenda, is in the ICU.  She had been in the hospital for about week following surgery.  She was discharged on Tuesday afternoon and was readmitted yesterday morning.   She suffered three seizures in about a six hour span and has never had seizures previously.  They are trying to do a MRI but have not been successful thus far.  Pray for Brenda, her family and the medical personnel.

David Bosarge’s mother, Miss Maxine, has been admitted to the hospital again.  She was taking chemo and her blood count continues to be low.

Men’s breakfast this Saturday, 12/3, from 8:00 – 9:00AM.  All men invited.

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