Pastor's Blog

Wow, what a day yesterday was!  The day began with the call coming that Mr. Tom Hill had passed away.  I spent a couple of hours with Tyrone & Jodie until the ambulance came to take Mr. Tom’s body.  I then spent some time getting ready for the Christmas Eve service. 

Our Christmas Eve service went well and, all things considered, we had a nice attendance.  The weather from about 4:30PM until 5:00PM was pretty tough.  I had a couple of folks tell me they got ready for the service but did not come due to the severity of the weather.  (That excuse is acceptable and can be used by all of those who did not attend – LOL!)  I will give props to Ethan Williams for a job well done of his guitar special with Bro. Kerry. 

I was at Charles & Ann’s house when I received the call about Cassie Reynold’s passing.  I went to be with Hilda and stayed until the police had finished their work and the ambulance came to take Cassie’s body.  I appreciate Bob Henley being there too. 

Our immediate family always leaves Charles & Ann’s house on Christmas Eve and then comes to our house for a private family time.  Last night, that time had to be pushed back to 10:30PM and we were missing Brad as he has the swine flu.  We read the Christmas story, prayed, and then opened way too many gifts!  We are blessed! 

Please note that I personally purchased Lisa’s Christmas gift online early on the morning of Saturday, November 14 and then drove to Mobile to pick it up that very day!  I haven’t done the research but I believe that a husband purchasing a Christmas gift for his wife on November 14th may be a world record for the earliest date ever in the history of the human race!  (Lisa loved her “slicer dicer” and I just love those “as seen on tv” products!  LOL!) 

Today, we will have a family breakfast at Charles & Ann’s.  (Charles is making me provide the food and give him some money for the electricity – go figure!)  We will then drive to Hartselle, AL where we will have the Turrentine family Christmas gathering tomorrow afternoon.  I will drive back to Grand Bay tomorrow night in order to be in this Sunday’s service at Friendship. 

This entry has already been too long so I will tell you “the rest of the story” in another post.  I pray that you will have a Merry Christmas!

I received a call around 8:00PM last night that Earl & Hilda Gunter’s oldest daughter, Cassie Reynolds, had unexpectedly passed away.  She was at home after having spent the day at Earl & Hilda’s for a family Christmas gathering.  Cassie was 45 years of age.  While Cassie had her share of health issues, her passing came as a complete shock to the family.  Pray for her husband, two sons, Earl & Hilda and the entire family during this most difficult time.