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 –  Judges 19-21

Joey Switzer is scheduled to have a heart cath this afternoon.  Yes, Joey Switzer.  The one who looks like the picture of perfect health.  Pray that all goes well.  (Folks, this is exactly why I do not lift weights!)

Tucker Vice was discharged from the hospital.  Per the message I got from his mother, Lindsey, he went home with Goober?  I am not exactly sure who Goober is but at least Tucker is out of the hospital.

Carla sent me this message last night which she had posted on FB – “Today was round 2 of chemo. Everything is going great and I feel wonderful!! As you can see radiation took all my hair but I have been bald many times before and it makes summer so much cooler!! No major side effects from last week’s chemo treatment so we are praying for the same this week. Thank you all for the messages, the texts, the food (wow, what some fabulous meals), the flowers, visits, cards, quilts, prayer shawls, etc. Most importantly for all the prayers. We know this is a GOD thing!! We are trusting and believing!!”

Continue to pray for Holly Lybarger, Jimmy Moates, Lisa Thompson, Courtney Hubbard, Maxine Dupont and all of the others battling cancer.

Haley Rae Garnett is with us today.  I plan on her sharing briefly in both services.  She is the assistant director of our feeding center ministry in Guatemala.

Still looking for at least twenty five men to join us for breakfast this Saturday, 4/9, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.

Someone did some major bush hogging work on the back forty yesterday.  I did not do a thorough check but we may not need any tractors on Saturday for our work day?  I will check it tomorrow.  We still need to cut/remove a ton of brush around the trees but it should not take us long if we have ample help.

Lisa and I were out of town Monday afternoon and yesterday as I had an important meeting yesterday.  We were actually able to meet Dale Bosarge at Jim & Nick’s barbecue for supper on Monday night.  The server thought Dale was our son – are you kidding me?  Why did she think that?  Simply because we all three ordered the same thing (not tacos).  Dale was pretty excited!  Folks, I am 5’8′ 220 and Dale is 6’12” and 120 – really?

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 –  Judges 16-18

Visited with Tucker Vice and his mother yesterday.  “If” he could keep some solid food on his stomach they were going to discharge him late yesterday afternoon.  I do not know if that happened or not.  (What I do know is that Lindsey “borrowed” ten dollars from me for lunch!  I thought the hospitals gave courtesy trays to the parents of in patient children?)

Everyone I visited in the convalescent home seemed to be doing ok.  Miss Jimmie Hall was asleep so I did not get an update on her.  Miss Barbara Nevin was moved to a different room and seemed happy with the move.

Claire Belle’s mother has been released to come home from Atlanta so they will do so today.  They did the tests yesterday and now they will wait on those results.

Carla K will have her chemo today and Holly L continues her radiation.

Wow, what some beautiful weather the past two days.  Thank you Jesus!  Getting some garden fever!

What a game last night.  My gut was correct.  You just knew that one was coming.  That was a big time shot to win it all!  Now we enter into a really boring time of year when it comes sports as MLB is the only game in town.  Of course there is always SNBA at Friendship!

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 – Judges 13-15
Tuesday, April 5 Judges 16-18
Wednesday, April 6 Judges 19-21
Thursday, April 7 Ruth 1-4
Friday, April 8 1 Samuel 1-3
Saturday, April 9 1 Samuel 4-8
Sunday, April 10 1 Samuel 9-12
Monday, April 11 1 Samuel 13-14
Tuesday, April 12 1 Samuel 15-17
Wednesday, April 13 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11; 59
Thursday, April 14 1 Samuel 21-24
Friday, April 15 Psalms 7; 27; 31; 34; 52
Saturday, April 16 Psalms 56; 120; 140-142
Sunday, April 17 1 Samuel 25-27

We were blessed with another good day in our services yesterday.  God is faithful!  We praise Him!

TJ & Lindey Vice’s youngest son, Tucker, was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  He is dehydrated as the result of what appears to be a virus.  I will check on him this morning.

Claire Belle’s mother will have some tests and a biopsy today in Atlanta.  I am not sure when they will be traveling home.  Just keep praying.

Carla Kyser will have her chemotherapy treatment tomorrow as they moved her schedule to Tuesdays.  She will then be off for one week.  It was good to see Carla in our first service yesterday.

Holly Lybarger continues with her weekly radiation/chemo routine.

David Bosarge’s mother was taken to the hospital yesterday.  An infection was discovered and hopefully this will allow them to treat some problems she has had in recent weeks.

Dale & Karla Bosarge will be traveling to Tennessee and then Virginia this week for ministry purposes.  Pray for them.

Our SNBA went well last night.  Billy Teasley & Eddie Albritton went AWOL on us – what is up with that?  However, Levi had a couple of friends join us which was their first time to be in one of our services.

I am looking for twenty five men, age 40 or older, to attend the men’s breakfast this Saturday, April 9, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  Guys, do me a favor, if you have not done so already, and send me an e-mail letting me know that you will be present.  It would help to have that notice before this Thursday, 4/7.

Work day on the back forty this Saturday, 4/9, from 9:00AM until noon at the very latest.  Tractors with bush hogs, mowers, chain saws, et cetera are needed.  The weather this week is supposed to be really, really good.

It “appears” this may very well be the week for me to get some seeds in the ground.  I know that I am way behind but that is ok.  How about the signs?  All signs point to me being able to take time to plant this week!  Those are the only signs I consider when deciding when to plant.

Who wins – UNC or Villanova?  My mind says UNC but my gut says Villanova.  So, I am going with my gut on this one and taking Villanova in an upset.

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:  Judges 10-12

It dawned on me about 10:00AM yesterday that I did not post an entry for Saturday.  Nothing earth shattering had happened so I just let it be.  I was full steam ahead with a weed eater by that time and had much more to do.

Two updates:  Claire Belle’s mother will have a couple of tests and a biopsy tomorrow in Atlanta.  Pray for her.

Coach Hubbard sent me a message to say that his wife, Courtney, had qualified for a clinical trial at M.D. Anderson in Houston.  They are excited and thankful.  Evaluation in two weeks.  Pray for Courtney!

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Lord willing, I will be preaching in all three services and we will baptize as a part of our evening worship service.

Bro. Chris will be preaching this morning at the Higher Ground Baptist Church in Irvington.  Pray for him.

Report from Curly, Larry & Moe is that soccer went well yesterday.  Good deal!

I have had two delightful days the past two days.  I love days like Friday when I am off and can stay at home.  Only wish it would have been about twenty five degrees cooler.   Loved the rain.

Yesterday, I spent about nine hours or so working in the yard i.e. weed eating and mowing.  The weather was picture perfect and I so enjoyed myself.  Yes, I know that is weird but what can I say?

Was able to watch the two basketball games (if you have to ask which two then never mind) last night.  Wow, did Villanova play a great game or what!  UNC played well.  Can Villanova repeat that shooting performance?  I will give you my pick on Monday (or Tuesday).

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

“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:  Judges Judges 6-7

Saturday, April 2 Judges 8-9
Sunday, April 3 Judges 10-12  

Raymond’s mother was in a lot of pain when I visited her yesterday morning.  Did not ask about being discharged.

Roy Blodgett remains in the hospital too.  He seemed to be doing ok.

Made one other hospital visit and it seemed to be appreciated.  I do not list folks on this blog unless I have their permission.  I just “assume” permission from the members of the Friendship family but I wait on others to give it to me.  Just so you know.

The rains are supposed to come today but be gone by tomorrow.  Larry, Curly & Moe tell me that “the show must go on” when it comes to the soccer leagues.  So, they will begin play at 9:00AM tomorrow at the GBMS.

I am looking for “25/40” for the men’s breakfast and so far have zero!  It least the food costs will be low and the time to prepare the meal will be brief!  Guys, I am waiting!

I was going to enjoy an evening at home last night just doing nothing.  Did not happen!  Lisa came home about 7:00PM and asked my plans.  When I told her she then demanded that I make the Walmart run so that I can do other things today.  I tried to explain to her that it would be raining today but she would not have it any other way.  You folks just do not know!  At any rate, we have groceries!

I would not mind if it rained all day.  Just a nice, steady rain.

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:  Judges 3-5

Raymond’s mother’s injury was not as severe as they thought so she did not have a total shoulder replacement.  They only replaced the ball.  She should be discharged tomorrow.

Roy Blodgett is in the hospital.

Carla Kyser sent me a message fairly early yesterday morning telling me that all of her hair has fallen out.  It all came out at the same time Tuesday night.  Otherwise, she is doing really well.

Holly Lybarger had another chemo treatment yesterday along with her radiation treatment.  She is one tough lady!

Claire Belle and her mother remain in Atlanta as Claire’s mother is undergoing various tests, meeting with the doctors, et cetera.

Mark & Courtney Hubbard are waiting to hear from the doctors in Texas regarding her possible admittance into another clinical.

Tommy Johnson told me last night that his mother will be receiving more chemotherapy treatments beginning next week.  New spots were discovered on her other lung.

Liz Whalen shared last night that Chase Chambliss went back to w0rk this past Monday.  Pretty amazing to me!

I am looking for “25/40” which translated means twenty five men age forty or older to attend the next men’s breakfast which will be on Saturday, April 9, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  Send me an e-mail by next Wednesday, 4/6, if you will attend.  (This will allow the cooks to have the proper amount of food)

We are going to follow up that breakfast with a work day on the back forty.  (You can attend the breakfast and not stay for work day or vice versa)  We need tractors with bush hogs, mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, et cetera.  Our goal is to further clean that area.  We may also remove the old playground equipment minus the swing sets.

I was told yesterday that my blog entries are now being automatically posted on FB and twitter.  Just know this – that is not of my doing.  I am just typing and hitting a button that says “publish!”  Al has not given me the details on what happens after that!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.  Stay dry and be safe!

“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:  Judges 1-2

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother will have surgery on her shoulder today.  Pray that everything will go as planned.

The celebration of life service for Betty Clair’s Aunt, Helen Stuart, takes place this morning at 10:30AM in Tallassee, AL.  Pray for the family.

I have not heard from Carla K (just saying) but do know that she received a chemo treatment this past Monday.  She has done well thus far through her radiation and this first new treatment.

Keep praying for Holly Lybarger as she continues with her radiation and chemo.

Visited the folks in the convalescent home yesterday.  Miss Eunice Bowden, Sammy’s mother, is now a resident there.  I spoke briefly with Miss Jimmie Hall as she was in therapy (I think) and she seemed to be doing ok.  Rob Nevin’s mother was asleep and has not been feeling well.  Everyone else seemed good to go and Miss Wittner confirmed that fact!

We are on a regular schedule this morning and tonight.  I think that Lisa told me the fare for tonight is lasagna along with the trimmings.

Soy worries me!  I basically allowed him to join me on the trip yesterday in order for him to help drive.  First, he thought we were going to Tallahassee which explained the FSU t-shirt!  Second, he made me be the first driver even though I had driven seven hours the day before and then had been to Pascagoula and back yesterday morning.  So, I did my share of the driving.  Third, we did go to Jim & Nick’s and he ordered tacos!  Are you kidding me?  In a great barbecue place and the dude orders Taco Bell.  Fourth (and the worst), he sent me a message yesterday morning wanting to know what I was wearing?  Do I look like a sophomore girl?  I am telling you that if he had told me at the restaurant that he was going to the restroom and wanted me to go with him then I was calling a taxi to bring me home!  Wow!

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:  Joshua 22 – 24

Let me begin by going back to complete yesterday’s entry!  No one has mentioned this to me but I failed to express my “thanks” to several folks for their efforts on Sunday.  The greeters did well in all three of the morning services, the quartet did a nice job in the three morning services, the praise band did a nice job in the afternoon service, Randall, Rita & Lynda did a nice job with “Arise My Love” in all three morning services, James Mareno provided assistance in all four services (I think James & Logan Wainwright were the only ones who joined me for all four services.  Did I miss someone?), Jeanette Bates graciously offered to come to the 3:00PM service to play the piano, if needed, while Deidra & Dana were there for childcare during the 3:00PM service.  Obviously, we had others who provided childcare in the morning services.  So, please know that I am very thankful to each person who helped in any way.  If I missed someone, please forgive me.  Send me your name and I will mail you a copy of one of Dr. Jack Bailey’s sermons!

BTW, I was proud of the SNBA guys as they were all present in at least one of the services this past Sunday even though we did not have any basketball action.  Good stuff!

I also want to say “thank you” to Larry & Judy Whitehurst for driving to Preston, MS yesterday in order to attend the celebration of life service for Sara Nell Mould’s mother.  I was able to do likewise and was impressed with the words Carl Ray Moulds spoke as he shared the Gospel plain and simple.

The celebration of life service for Betty Clair’s Aunt Helen Stuart will take place tomorrow, 3/30, in Tallassee, Alabama.  The visitation with the family takes place tonight and, Lord willing, I will attend it.

Claire Belle Turner will travel with her mother to Atlanta, GA today in order to meet with the folks at The Cancer Center.  They will be there for at least three days and possibly up to seven days.

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother will be having shoulder surgery tomorrow, 3/30.

I “think” that Carla Kyser began her chemotherapy treatments yesterday?  (The girl is not good at keeping me in the loop!)

Reb, will you give us an update on where Holly is with her radiation/chemo at this time?  (BTW, the site I use for the daily Bible readings will not give me April’s readings until April is actually here.  Crazy I know!)

I do not have an update on Eddie Hall’s mother but will get one today.

We had a “fair” number attend our prayer time last night.  I appreciate Bernard Suthoff sitting in for me during part of those two hours as I had to be a grandfather i.e. go watch Pee Wee Roberts miss a ton of calls in a t-ball game.  (The dude just cannot get a call right!  I do not think he could call 911 if he had to!)  Bernard graciously covers the prayer time whenever I cannot be present.  I am thankful!

I missed Phil Sims this past Sunday and found out yesterday from Andy Hamil that Phil had fifty one inches of water under his house!  I guess that is good enough reason to miss a service?  Wow!

Men’s breakfast on Saturday, April 9, from 8:00 until 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  I am looking for twenty five men over the age of forty to commit to being present.  Will you be one of those twenty five?  If so, contact me personally.  Thanks!

I drove around seven hours yesterday and it was a beautiful day for a drive.  I drove 63/57/45 and there were times when I was the only vehicle on the road.  I placed some phone calls and did a lot of praying/thinking.  Enjoyed myself immensely!  Stopped in Buckatunna going and coming  – what a town!  (TJ Vice is so jealous!)

Today, I will spend another seven or so hours in the vehicle going to Tallassee and back.  It will not be nearly as pleasant as yesterday!  Why not?  Great question.  Short answer – Soy is going with me!  (“Are we there yet?”  “Can we stop for ice cream at Priester’s?”  “I need to go to the bathroom!”)  My head already hurts just thinking about it!  Two things will sustain me – getting to see Betty Clair as she is just the sweetest thing and eating supper at Jim & Nick’s (can you say “pig in the garden salad?”).

Coutney Cavin is already thinking, “why did he drive 63, then slow down to 57, and go down to 45 mph?”

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

Today’s Bible reading – Joshua 19-21

Tuesday, March 29 Joshua 22-24
Wednesday, March 30 Judges 1-2
Thursday, March 31 Judges 3-5

We were blessed with a wonderful weekend!  The rains came somewhat unexpectedly on Saturday morning but our workers did an excellent job of brining the children in on the buses and then teaching them the Word of God.  “Thank you” to each person who helped in any way.

Our adult choir did a nice job of sharing through song on Saturday night.  Our attendance was not good and I really do not understand why although I may have an idea.  At any rate, I am thankful to those who attended that service.

The rains may have affected our attendance some yesterday morning but, if so, not by much at all.  We were blessed with four wonderful services.  As usual, the 9:00AM service was our strongest one attendance wise followed by the 10:30AM, 7:30AM and 3:00PM.

The Lord blessed and we had one public profession of faith in the 9:00AM service and then two baptisms in the 3:00PM service.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!  A wonderful Easter Sunday!

The celebration of life service for Miss Nell McArthur will take place this afternoon at 1:00PM.  It will be a graveside service in Preston, Mississippi.  Pray for Carl Ray & Sara Nell along with their family as they travel there and back today.

Melinda Eckert was to have been discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

Betty Clair Hatcher’s aunt, Helen Stuart, passed from this life on Saturday night.  That visitation and celebration of life service will take place in Tallassee, AL tomorrow night and Wednesday morning.  Pray for the family.

Griefshare tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM in the choir room.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.

Bro. Jerry, Bro. Kerry & Bro. Chris will be off today as a result of being involved in this past Saturday’s activities.  Bro. Jerry will then be on vacation the remainder of the week.  Please respect his time and do not contact him.

My NCAA bracket remains intact.  Was glad to see ND get beat last night.  Still do not understand how UVA let a sixteen point lead evaporate.  (Personally, I think UVA’s coach and Will Reynolds are brothers as they look just alike to me!)

To answer the question I have been asked numerous times – no!  I have not planted a single thing in the garden yet.  Wet!  Having to think through this whole thing now because of my Summer schedule.

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