Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 28:1-29:32 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Psalm 86:1-17 Proverbs 25;17

C remains in the hospital but could be discharged today.

Amber and the baby should be discharged from the hospital today.

Roy Blodgett has had a couple of tough days.  Decisions need to be made regarding his continued care.

Evangelist Danny Lafferty will be having surgery this morning.  Has a bad infection in his leg.  Supposed to go home this afternoon if all goes well.

Have had a couple more folks from the Friendship family inquire about sponsoring a child in the feeding center program.  We only have seven more children available.  Contact me personally if you are interested or need more information.

Pastors Terry Rainey, Doug Chappelle, David Jones and Abel Garcia all did very good jobs preaching in yesterday’s conference.  It was a long day with the first session beginning at 8:00AM and the last session ending at 8:30PM.  We did get a break and were treated to supper above Antigua by Dr. Tico & Lisa.  Nice treat!

Chimaltenango has gotten a lot of rain over the past two days and nights.  I visited with Paul Leytham for a few minutes yesterday and he said they need more rain in order to be set for the dry season.  Paul has been having problems with his back and leg which has basically confined him to the house.  Pray for him.

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 26:1-27 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 Psalm 85:1-13 Proverbs 25:16

C was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  Daphne sent me a text to let me know and very soon thereafter I received one from C herself.  Her temp went up on Monday night and they suspect an infection but are not sure of the source.  (Personally, I am wondering if she is simply trying to avoid coming to church this Sunday, 10/19?)  BTW, why did C’s sister, Kayla, and her friend, Claire, not contact me to let me know about this hospitalization?  Second question – is it true Claire gets a bonus each time a referral is admitted to her hospital?  (Claire is way too sweet to be picked on but I sure do enjoy it!)

William & Amber Sessions welcomed Oliver William into the world yesterday.  Rumor has it that he checked in weighing 6 lbs and 9 oz and is 20 inches long.  Those figures may or may not be exact as they came from Kayla Hatcher.

Bill Unrue was taken to the hospital with possible heart issues but was sent home and told to see his cardiologist as soon as possible.  It still seems unreal to me that Miss Bea is gone.

Jodie Johnson was discharged from the hospital.

The flight from ATL to GUA was perhaps the roughest flight I have ever been on as the turbulence was really bad.  When the flight attendants remain seated for extended periods of time, the plane is shaking and things are falling in the galley then it is not going to be good.  I have flown a fair share and the thought briefly crossed my mind that this could be the end of my life on earth.  I was thankful when we landed safely.  (BTW, that would have ended the blog!)

Pastor Eddie Burdette and Evangelist Johnny Tucker did very good jobs of preaching in the sessions yesterday.  I think all of the guys taught a break out session but I did not attend any of those.  Pray for today as Terry Rainey, Doug Chappelle, David Jones and Abel Garcia will be preaching.

Now for the rest of the story regarding my blogging – I received an e-mail from Louise Mason from Arkansas.  She asked me to continue blogging.  They are now able to receive internet two days a week (Mondays & Thursdays) in Arkansas and she loves to read the blog entries on those days.  (She does not understand that she can go back and read any day’s entry whenever so she just reads Monday’s & Thursday’s)  I am proud of her.  Not many folks her age (mid 90’s?) can even turn a computer on.  She said her routine on Mondays and Wednesdays is to wake up, read the obituaries to make sure she is not listed, put her teeth in, get a cup of coffee and then read the blog.  How can I be responsible for breaking that routine?

Looking for seven more folks from the Friendship family to sponsor a child beginning in January.  Interested?  Contact me.

Big day this Sunday, 10/19!  Do not miss it!  Pray fervently!

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

I failed to mention in today’s earlier post that we need to pray for Maxine Ervin Dupont’s  grandson, Jerome, and his wife, Bailey.  They live in Texas and were expecting the birth of a child next week.  The baby passed away in the womb and they are now in the process of trying to have the delivery without doing surgery.  Obviously, this couple and family need our prayers.

On a much brighter note, Vinnie’s great grandson, Case, recently was discharged from the hospital.  Amen!  Thank you for praying for him!

I was scheduled to fly out of Gulfport this morning but one of the Delta employees was kind enough to move me to Mobile due to the stormy weather.  I am grateful.  I thank God for favor.

I do have exciting news.  It appears our blog readership is up to maybe thirteen or fourteen!  Wow, that means we are averaging two folks per year!  My goal is to reach twenty readers by June 30, 2015!  We can do it!

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 23:21-25:38 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Psalm 84:1-12 Proverbs 25:15

Ever sense the Holy Spirit is speaking directly to you?  I was really spoken to very sternly yesterday morning regarding this blog.  Said that it would not be fair to the eleven readers who depend on it daily to know how to pray for folks within the Friendship family.  Said that it is a good means of communication which allows members of the Friendship family to know most of what is happening within the body of believers.  Said I cannot just quit after seven years and eight months of blogging.  Said a lot more that I will not go into for various reasons.  At any rate, I decided that I did not want to “cut bait” but would rather fish so here it is!

C was not able to receive her third chemotherapy treatment yesterday due to a low blood count.  She received some potassium before coming home yesterday (I do not know why she does not simply eat her mama’s banana nut bread for potassium?).  She goes for a shot each day this week and then, hopefully, she will receive a chemo treatment next Monday, 10/20.  She has every intention of being in the 10:30AM service this Sunday, 10/19.

Jody Johnson remains hospitalized as far as I know.  Has an infection from her recent surgery.

Kevin Sprinkle’s brother, Archie, is in the hospital in Texas.  Has a couple of problems with one of them being pneumonia.

William & Amber Sessions are set to welcome Oliver William Sessions into this world today.  I do not know the details but do say congratulations to this couple and the entire family.

Missionary/evangelist Danny Lafferty will have surgery on his leg (infected) this Thursday, 10/16.

Bags of wrapped candy are needed for the Hallelujah Festival (10/31).  Receptacles in the foyer of the auditorium and the fellowship hall.

Work day on Saturday, 11/1, beginning with breakfast at 7:00AM.  We need to get ready for the “winter” in South Mobile County.  You know where it sometimes can drop to as low as forty degrees – burr!  All hands will be needed that day for a few hours.

Big day this Sunday, 10/19, in our 10:30AM service.  We will focus on “hope” as hear from ladies who have hope in their battle against cancer.  Our own Carla Felps Kyser and Courtney Hubbard from Ocean Springs, MS will be sharing with us during that service.  Jeanette Bates, Brad Hutto and Randall & Rita Broome will all be singing specials.  I am asking folks to forego the 8:00AM service and attend the 10:30AM service even though we are having the 8:00AM service.  You are asked to, if possible, wear pink or whatever color you choose symbolizing the fight against a particular cancer.

O by the way, it was my wife who nailed me yesterday morning about the blog.  We had to go to Mobile and she hammered me basically all the way there and back – I have never been so glad to see the Grand Bay exit sign!  So, if you are glad to be reading this blog entry you can send her a note of thanks at lisa@lisaturrentine.com.  I have often said that I am married to the Holy Spirit and it sure felt like it yesterday!  (Plus, Katie Tillman owes me big time too!)

I leave early AM today headed to Guatemala for the pastors’ conference.  Everyone else is already there.  I will do my best to keep the blog going this week although it is a little more difficult when I am not in town.  Bro. Jerry is good about sending me updates which allows me to pass those on to you.  Pray for these men as they lead the conference – Eddie Burdette, Doug Chappelle, Abel Garcia, David Jones, Mark Mast, Terry Rainey & Johnny Tucker.  Thank you for supporting this conference with your prayers and your finances.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 22:1-23:20 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Psalm 83:1-18 Proverbs 25:11-14

Tuesday, 10/14 – Jeremiah 23:21-25:38 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Psalm 84:1-12 Proverbs 25:15

Wednesday, 10/15 – Jeremiah 26:1-27 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 Psalm 85:1-13 Proverbs 25:16

Thursday, 10/16 – Jeremiah 28:1-29:32 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Psalm 86:1-17 Proverbs 25;17

Friday, 10/17 – Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Psalm 87:1-7 Proverbs 25:18-19

Saturday, 10/18 – Jeremiah 31:27-32:44 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Psalm 88:1-18 Proverbs 25:20-22

Sunday, 10/19 – Jeremiah 33:1-34:22 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Psalm 89:1-13 Proverbs 25:23-24

When this year began I made a commitment to myself that I would post the daily Bible readings (daily or weekly) on the blog for those who wanted to read the Bible thru in 2014.  I do not know how many folks utilize this guide but I do know for certain of one who does.  One is sufficient for me to provide this service.

As for the actual blog itself, a number of you have been so kind either through the comments on this site, via e-mail or with your personal remarks.  (I have only received one threat!)  Lord willing, I will be in Guatemala this week for the annual pastors’ conference.  I should have some down time for prayer and consideration.  I will make you this promise – by next Monday, 10/20, a decision will be made to either “cut bait” or “fish” as far as this blog is concerned.  Fair enough?  I pray so.

I pray that you will have a good week with Jesus.

I had written Sunday night that I would post today.  I had basically changed my mind as I have been on an almost exclusive break from the internet.  Call it a “fast” or whatever but it has been good for me.  As it stands right now, I am not sure when, or even if, I will resume a daily blog.  Just praying to see if this “season” has passed in my life.  The Lord knows and will let me know in His time.

The main purpose for this entry is to give an update on our daughter, Daphne.  She had lab work this morning and her count was down but not enough per the doctor.  So, he suggested the strong chemotherapy but did say that, if Daphne wanted to do so, she could keep the same regiment as before.

Daphne & Brad have given it prayerful consideration and have decided to go with the strong stuff.  Yes, the hair loss, potential nausea and sores in the mouth treatment.  It will take a little time to get the insurance approval and picc line in place but the plan, as it presently stands, is to begin on Monday, 10/20.  Treatments will be every other week Monday – Friday.

Folks, this is not what we wanted but Lisa and I totally agree with, and support, this decision.  We, along with Deidra, will tag team to get Daphne to and from her treatments as needed in order for Brad to be able to go to work.   We are totally confident  that God is in control.  We trust Him!

You have been so supportive of us through your prayers, cards, calls, comments, et cetera.  We are grateful.  It is great to have such a wonderful church family and friends.

The question has been asked several times – are you going to be in the pulpit this Sunday, 10/12.  The answer is, “Lord willing, yes” both morning and evening.  As a matter of fact, I have missed six (6) Sundays in 2014 (3 mission trips; 1 church anniversary in El Salvador; 1 Miss Cristy’s funeral service; 1 vacation) but am not scheduled to miss another Sunday until February 8, 2015.  I am fully aware that things can change but those are the plans as they presently stand.

Thank you for taking the time to read this entry.  Blessings!

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 6:16-8:7 Colossians 2:8-23 Psalm 78:1-31 Proverbs 24:26

Tuesday, 10/7 – Jeremiah 8:8-9:26 Colossians 3:1-17 Psalm 78:32-55 Proverbs 24:27

Wednesday, 10/8 – Jeremiah 10:1-11:23 Colossians 3:18-4:18 Psalm 78:56-72 Proverbs 24:28-29

Thursday, 10/9 – Jeremiah 12:1-14:10 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8 Psalm 79:1-13 Proverbs 24:30-34

Friday, 10/10 – Jeremiah 14:11-16:15 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13 Psalm 80:1-19 Proverbs 25:1-5

Saturday, 1011 – Jeremiah 16:16-18:23 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3 Psalm 81:1-16 Proverbs 25:6-8

Sunday, 10/12 – Jeremiah 19:1-21:14 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28 Psalm 82:1-8 Proverbs 25:9-10

I am posting this entry on Sunday night shortly before 11:00PM.  Lisa and I have gone away for a couple of days.  As such, I have no plans to blog until Thursday, 10/9.  Our eleven readers (yes, we have finally hit double digits in our readership) will have to find something else to entertain them for the next three days!

I pray that you will have a great Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 4:19-6:15 Colossians 1:18-2:7 Psalm 77:1-20 Proverbs 24:23-25

Sue Blodgett sent an e-mail yesterday telling me that her husband, Roy, was in the hospital due to a fall earlier in the week.  He suffered six broken ribs and internal bleeding.  The bleeding has stopped and the ribs simply have to heal on their own.

I am told that C had a much better day yesterday.  Amen!

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  The student ministry is providing a meal after the morning services but I do not know if it is pre-order only.  Will announce in the services.

Have had two couples step forward to sponsor a child from the new twenty that will be added in January.  Friendship family, October is your opportunity to sponsor one of these children before others are given the opportunity.

Congratulations to the AU Tigers, the Rebels, and the MSU Bulldogs on their wins yesterday.  I saw AU’s coming but the other two took me somewhat by surprise.  Folks, that is why they play the games!

I will be on vacation this coming week.  Out of town some and in town some.  May not be consistent with the blog entries especially early in the week.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 2:31-4:18 Colossians 1:1-17 Psalm 76:1-12 Proverbs 24:21-22

I stepped outside about 4:30AM to simply enjoy a few minutes of the cool temperatures.  While I do not consider sixty one degrees “cool” it is way better than what we have been experiencing.  The high today is supposed to be seventy two and the low tonight is around fifty degrees – absolutely perfect!  What a great weekend, weather wise, the Lord is giving us!

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

Bus workers’ meeting this morning at 8:30AM in the church office main suite.

Visited Morris’ mother in the hospital yesterday afternoon.  She was doing “ok” all things considered.  She is battling pneumonia and sinusitis.

Visited with C, Rusty and Debbie yesterday afternoon.  C was feeling sick.

Learned last night that Sue Blodgett’s husband, Roy, is in the hospital.

Ricky Barkley asked us to pray for his brother, Johnny, who has just been diagnosed with terminal lung/pancreatic cancer.  Johnny lives in West Virginia.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Want to sponsor a child at the Jennie Blaukamp Ministry Center in Guatemala?  We plan on adding twenty additional children beginning in January.   We are giving the members of the Friendship family the first opportunity to sponsor these children.  After October, we will allow others to do so.   Contact me for more details.

Big college football day today!  Television has gotten this day right by showing important games at 11:00, 2:30, and 6:00PM which allows one to watch the games without having to switch back and forth.  Sorry to see what happened to the the BYU quarterback (Taysom Hill) last night as it is never good to see a guy’s season end due to injury.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Several folks have asked me about Daphne’s latest report.  Here is what she sent me today – My pathology was clear which was good. My levels have not had time to come down so we will be doing additional testing before any decisions will be made. Chemo is definitely in the future but what kind/how long is undecided at this point.” 

We definitely appreciate the prayers and support.  Blessings!