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 –  Deuteronomy 24-27

Today’s entry is late.  My apologies.  No excuse (I am not like Courtney Cavin!)  Well, actually I am so pumped about today’s soccer games which begin at 9:00AM that it just slipped my mind – something like that!  The weather is much nicer than forecast and for that we are thankful.  You want a pretty Saturday morning?  Let me call off a scheduled work day – happens every time!  LOL!

Heard from Katelyn Johnson around 2:30AM this morning saying that her grandmother is now not expected to live through the day.  just keep praying for Mrs Jackson and the family.

Holly and Carla get a two day break from their respective radiation treatments.  If my numbers are correct, Holly has now taken nine of thirty and Carla has taken five of ten.  Pray these treatments work effectively.

Claire’s mother met with the doctor and is scheduled for more tests on Monday.

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother took a fall on Thursday and injured her shoulder.  They initially thought surgery but then decided against it.  She met with a specialist yesterday and is going to have to have shoulder replacement surgery possibly as early as next week.  Ouch!

Pastors Fred Wolfe and Greg Pouncey did a nice job with the service for Justin Joyner’s grandmother yesterday.  The weather was bad enough that there was no committal service at the grave.

Regular scheduled tomorrow morning and evening.  Special offering for the CAB roof in all three services.  Lord’s Supper led by the deacons in the evening service.  Baptism in the evening service too.

Wow, what a really good day of basketball yesterday in the NCAA tourney!  (I was able to catch a lot of it although there was about a ninety minute period when the six tornadoes invaded the house and watching television was virtually an impossibility!)  Along with everyone else, totally shocked by MTSU beating MSU.  The game winning shot by NIU was almost unreal.  I do not have a dog in the fight so I can just watch and enjoy.  Makes me totally no difference who wins or loses.  Would like to see Kentucky win it all but they have a tough game today against IU.  My bracket remains intact!

The sun is out and I hope to get some yard work done today.  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 –  Deuteronomy 21-23

The celebration of life service for Justin Joyner’s maternal grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Herrera, will take place this afternoon at 2:00PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family during this time.

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother remains in the hospital and has been placed under hospice care.

Joyce Hacker was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Claire Belle’s mother will see another doctor today.

The second week of games in the Friendship soccer league takes place tomorrow at the Grand Bay Middle School field.  Games begin at 9:00AM and end at 1:00PM.   It could be a rainy day but hopefully not enough to negatively affect the games.

Regular schedule on Sunday morning and evening.  The evening service will feature the observances of the Lord’s Supper and baptism.

Watched “some” of the tourney yesterday/last night.  In my opinion, nothing earth shattering happened.  Yes, a couple of twelves beat fives but that always happens.  USC obviously got caught out of position on the inbounds play that cost them the win.  Looking forward to the UK vs IU game on Saturday.  Pulling for Kentucky to win it all!  My bracket has not been busted yet!

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 –  Deuteronomy 17-20

The visitation with the Minnie Herrera family takes place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The service takes place tomorrow, 3/18, at 2:00PM also at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family.

They called the family of Miss Jean Jackson in last night.  I am writing this fairly early so I do not know the up to the minute status.  Just pray.

Betty Clair & Lydia Jean were discharged from the hospital last night.  They are doing good!

Joyce Hacker had to have one stent placed in her heart following the cath yesterday.  If all goes as planned, she will be discharged today.

Chase Chambliss has been discharged from the hospital but is having some problems with his breathing per John Whalen in our service last night.  Chase was initially thinking that he had maybe broken a rib or two – perhaps that is the case?  I guess time will tell.

Claire Belle Turner’s mother is having some health related issues and will be meeting with another doctor tomorrow.  She needs our prayers.

Liz Whalen was bitten by a tick and is having problems because of it.  Pray that she can get over this quickly.

Carla has three of ten radiation treatments behind her now.  Holly has seven of thirty radiation treatments behind her.  Lisa Thompson had a test on Monday and they are still waiting on the results.  Pray for these ladies.

The shower for Jessica Hall takes place this Sunday.  It is not in the news & notes but she is registered at the Singing River Hospital Gift Shop too.  Just FYI!

I shared with the church yesterday morning that I may have something bad wrong with me!  Problem is that I do not know it yet but apparently my family does.  As I drove up the driveway this past Tuesday afternoon after having been gone all day, Charles was mowing and had been mowing.  Not necessarily a big deal as he is good to help.  No red flags!  However, Soy then got on a mower and mowed until dark thirty – major red flag!  I think they know something I do not!  If Rusty had gotten on a mower then I would have probably gone ahead and picked out my headstone!

Nanette Fontenot and Soy came to prayer time together this past Monday night.  Not trying to start anything or be a gossip – just saying!  I asked Nanette about it and her reply was, “he is just like my son-in-law too!”  What does that mean?  Weird!

Today is a good day!  The tourney begins (those play in games do not even count)!  It is very possible that I can be found in front of a television later this afternoon.  Definitely will be tonight.

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

Herminia “Minnie” S. Herrera, age 79, a resident of Irvington, AL passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016. She is survived by her husband, Greg Herrera, children, Katie H. Joyner and Oscar Herrera, grandchildren, Misty Marie Putman and Justin Joyner, great grandchildren, Madison, Sophia, Lauren and Landon, brothers, Ernest Salazar, Alfred Salazar, Tony Salazar and Lupe Salazar, sister, Irene Gonzalez, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 5 pm until 7 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel of Serenity on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 2 pm. Interment will be in Serenity Memorial Gardens.

“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 – Deuteronomy 14-16

I drove to Kennesaw, Georgia and back yesterday in order to attend the celebration of life service for Raymond Wilkinson’s Uncle Bob.  It was a good service.  Raymond’s Uncle was a retired Methodist pastor.

Since I was out of pocket yesterday, I may not have all of the details on the folks for whom we have been praying.  I may miss some.  So, I am confessing and asking for forgiveness up front.

The heart cath on Charles Suthoff showed no blockages – praise the Lord!

I do not have an update on Chase Chambliss as to whether he was discharged or not.  Regardless, he needs our continued prayer support as his back mends.

I am going to “assume” that Betty Clair and Lydia will be discharged from the hospital today.  (Could be wrong – imagine that!)

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother, Miss Jean, remains hospitalized but seems to be some better.

Joyce Hacker has been admitted to the hospital and is supposed to have a heart cath at some point today.

Carla received her second radiation treatment yesterday.  If my addition is correct, Holly Lybarger should have received radiation treatment number six yesterday.  Jimmy Moates is finished with his radiation treatments.

Amy Huhn’s dad, Mr. Morrison, was told that his tests looked ok.  They will compare the results with an earlier MRI and then go from there.

Zach Huhn remains in NYC on a mission trip.

There are others in need of prayer but I do not list folks who are not members of the Friendship family on this blog without permission.

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight.  Meatball subs and the trimmings will be the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study.

No, I did not watch the Alabama basketball game last night.  I do not get excited about the NIT as it is a consolation tournament.  Will the winners proclaim, “we are #69?”  Also, not a fan of the the “first four in” concept with the NCAA.  Folks, the whole thing is driven by  the networks and their desire to turn a profit.  That is true of all sports now.  I can see the shock on your faces as you read this!

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 –  Deuteronomy 11-13

Charles Suthoff will have a heart cath at some point this morning.  Pray that the doctors will get a clear view of what is happening in his heart.

The celebration of life service for Raymond Wilkinson’s Uncle Bob takes place this morning in Kennesaw, GA (think Atlanta).  Pray for the family during this time.

Carla Kyser was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  They drained one liter of fluid from her right lung and did the first radiation treatment.  She has nine more radiation treatments to go.  I want to say “thank you” to the person who provided supper for Carla and her family last night – wonderful!

Chase Chambliss was doing “better” yesterday but is still very sore.  It is possible that he was discharged yesterday but I am not sure.  Keep praying for Chase.

Betty Clair and infant Lydia are obviously still in the hospital and are doing well.  Thank God for this new addition to the Ross Hatcher family.

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother remains in the hospital.  She is a very sick lady.  Pray for her.

We had another good number attend the prayer time last night.  A call to prayer!

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

Sometime after noon today, Lydia Jean Hatcher made her grand appearance into this world.  She checked in weighing seven pounds and one ounce and is twenty inches long.  As far as I know, mother and daughter are doing fine.

Congratulations to Ross, Betty Clair, Blair and Helen.  Also to the grandparents – Stan & Becky Hatcher and Donnie & Amelia Barton.

First, failed to mention in my earlier entry that Carla Kyser is still requesting no visitors.  She is not feeling well today.  Thanks for understanding.  Thanks for praying.

Lydia Jean Hatcher is ready to make her grand appearance into this world!  Betty Clair has gone into labor and has been admitted to the hospital.  So, it would appear that at some point today Blair & Helen will get another sister.  Pray that all goes well in the delivery process.  Congratulations to Ross & Betty Clair!

Amy Reynold’s mother is having surgery on her hand today.

Amy Huhn’s father is having some tests tomorrow.

Pray for these folks!

“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 – Deuteronomy 8-10
Tuesday, March 15 Deuteronomy 11-13
Wednesday, March 16 Deuteronomy 14-16
Thursday, March 17 Deuteronomy 17-20
Friday, March 18 Deuteronomy 21-23
Saturday, March 19 Deuteronomy 24-27
Sunday, March 20 Deuteronomy 28-29
Monday, March 21 Deuteronomy 30-31
Tuesday, March 22 Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91
Wednesday, March 23 Joshua 1-4
Thursday, March 24 Joshua 5-8
Friday, March 25 Joshua 9-11
Saturday, March 26 Joshua 12-15
Sunday, March 27 Joshua 16-18
Monday, March 28 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 really good day in our services yesterday.  Three professions of faith and one joining by statement.  Good attendance considering it was time change Sunday.  Dale Bosarge did a nice job of sharing the Word with us last night.  The praise band did a nice job of leading us in our musical worship during the evening service.  We thank God for His blessings.

Chase Chambliss suffered three broken vertebrae in his back when he fell on Saturday.  He also had other injuries but the broken vertebrae are the big ones which means he is really sore.  Soy & I visited him yesterday afternoon and they were just about to get him out of the bed for the first time.  Not sure when he will be discharged but do ask that you pray for him.

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother was placed in the hospital last night.  She has been declining physically for some time now.

Carla Kyser will have the fluid drained from her lungs today and will receive his first radiation treatment.  (If you will go back a couple of entries then you will find a personal update from Carla)   It is 6:20AM and I just heard from Carla.  She has had a really rough morning since 2:00AM due to a severe headache.  They had put her on oral meds and are now going back to iv.  Plans called for her to come home today but that all may have just changed.  Pray!

Charles Suthoff will have a heart cath tomorrow.  It “appears” they will find some blockage(s).  How many? How severe?  Time will tell.  Charles has an absolute trust in the Lord.

Raymond, Tina & Rhea Wilkinson will travel to Kennesaw, GA today in order to attend the celebration of life service for Raymond’s Uncle Bob tomorrow.  Pray for traveling mercies and for the service.

GriefShare tonight at 6:00PM.

GROW outreach tonight at 6:30PM.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM.

Zach Huhn is in New York City on a mission trip.  Pray for him.

Have not decided if I will fill out a bracket this year or not.  How do you put Texas A&M as a higher seed than Kentucky when UK just beat them in the conference championship game?  Crazy!

SNBA went well last night.  One team did not lose a game last night but I will not get into who was on that team.  Jason Taylor joined us last night for the first time.  He and TJ were doing some major physical play on the inside.  I stay out of there!

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:  Deuteronomy 5-7

Chase Chambliss was knocked off a ladder by a limb yesterday.  He was transported by ambulance to the hospital and admitted.  Injuries to his spleen, spine and abdomen.  He is very sore from these injuries.  Pray for Chase!

Carla Kyser will begin her radiation treatments tomorrow and will also have fluid drained from her lungs.  It is my understanding that she will then be discharged from the hospital.  Hey, I am happy!  Why?  Because each time I go to visit she orders a meal for me to bring to her.  This has become some expensive visiting on my part!  Do I look like “meals on wheels” or what?  When she is discharged, I will save money!  Do they not have food for the patients in the hospitals any more?  Wow!  (I would be ok with McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, et cetera but Ruth’s Chris, Felix’s, Olive Garden, et cetera are killing me!  Just saying!)

Jimmy Moates should be finished with his radiation now.  Holly Lybarger continues taking her radiation treatments.

The Friendship soccer leagues began play late yesterday afternoon.  I am told by Larry, Curly & Mo that everything went very good!  Yes, I made an appearance in the final few minutes of the last game.  Was able to see the coaching expertise of Brianne Seymour and Claire Bell Turner.  They were so out coaching Alan Aldridge and Eddie Albritton.  I really appreciate each adult who is making this ministry opportunity possible.  Good stuff!

Two of our weather spotters reported the rainfall totals from Friday.  Herbert Benefield reported three and one half inches on Hall Road.  Bobby Story reported four and three tenths inches on Potter Road.  You can take these totals to the bank as being absolutely accurate!  Thanks Herbert & Bobby!

Could we have had our work day yesterday?  No way.  Too wet!  Just saying!

I visited Carla in the hospital yesterday (can you say “bring me food?”)  I was also able to do some weed eating and some mowing.  Had to use the push mower as my ZTR would not start and I did not want to take the time to get it started.  Charles wanted two hundred dollars rental fee to use his riding mower plus fuel plus proof of liability insurance.  The pushing did me good although it took much longer and almost killed me!  LOL!

I have been down to two chickens for several months.  Bought two more yesterday.  One is white and one is kind of reddish blonde.  I am told the white one lays “green” eggs which sounds kind of “iffy” to me.  I guess we will be having ham for breakfast from this point forward!  My two “Baptist” chickens are not happy with these other two joining by transfer of letter!  I would like to get three more chickens to get my count up to seven.  All seven need to be filled with wisdom and filled with eggs!  (Courtney Cavin is thinking right now!)

A call to prayer this morning at 7:45AM & 10:15AM and then this afternoon at 5:45PM.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family are faithful!  Remember the love offering for the CAB roof.

Sunday Night Basketball Action tonight following the evening service.  All men invited to attend the service (required) and then stay for basketball.  Bring your “A” game!

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

P.S. – I was told yesterday that my blog has been being “tagged” by several folks.  Not sure what that means but do you people not understand copyright laws?  Do not make me call Alexander!