Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Amos 1:1-3:15 Revelation 2:1-17 Psalm 129:1-8 Proverbs 29:19-20

They removed the drain from C yesterday as the doctor in Houston determined it was not needed at this time.  She did not receive another chemo treatment as she remains too weak to do so.  Pray for C & Rusty.

Rachel Jackson’s nephew in Georgia continues in his battle against leukemia.  He has been running an elevated temp and continues to need our prayers.

Derrick, Jodie & Bella begin their flights home today.  If all goes well, they should arrive in New Orleans tomorrow night.  Pray for traveling mercies.

Terry Lucky has surgery tomorrow.

The wedding shower for Jamie Hall takes place this Saturday, 12/13, from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  She is registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target.  Thanks Brianne for the heads up!

All is well in Guatemala.  I will give a more detailed report later.

Regular schedule today at Friendship.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Joel 1:1-3:21 Revelation 1:1-20 Psalm 128:1-6 Proverbs 29:18

Good Tuesday morning from Guatemala!  (More about that later)

Amy Huhn sent me an e-mail yesterday saying that her mother, Gloria Morrison, was being discharged from the hospital.  The doctor plans on starting her on another chemo treatment in a few weeks.  Pray for Miss Gloria to gain strength and to get better.

Clara Broadus’ sister, Faye, remains hospitalized but is still breathing on her own.  Pray for a complete recovery and for the doctors to understand what happened.

I do not have an update on C.  (Kayla, send me an iMessage, please)  I do know that she is one sick young lady in need of our prayers.  It bothers me to see her in this condition.  Pray for her, Rusty, Deb and the family.

Terry Lucky is scheduled to have surgery on Thursday.

There is a wedding shower for Jamie Hall this Saturday, 12/13.  I need someone to send me the details i.e. location, time, where they are registered, et cetera.

BTW, Lisa told me what an awesome job Alisha & Rita did in hosting the shower for Katelyn this past Sunday.  She said it was very nice!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry will handle the 10:00AM and 7:00PM services in my absence.  Friendship family, I am praying for you to be faithful.

The GRACE team in Guatemala is doing great.  I have only been here a few hours but what a great group (23 out of 25 being great is great!)  Yes, we do have a couple of “divas” amongst us!  (Folks, when you refuse Coke Zero b/c it is not diet Coke then you are a diva!)  Yes, the General has been his usual shy self not really saying anything to anyone but I am thinking he will warm up by Friday and begin to talk.  Yes, Chad Blakeney did get stopped by the law!  (Why was Chad driving and why did he listen to Betty Creech?)  Yes, Bernard did get the team “lost” on their way from the airport Saturday afternoon.  Yes, we did have one team member get altitude sickness.  Yes, Jacqueline “schooled” Tyrone, Larry, Tim & Bernard fishing yesterday.  Yes, one of our fishermen provided the chum for the fishing team.  Yes, a bottle of Karo syrup did burst open in one of my suitcases – can you say sticky mess?  Yes, I did see enough Clemson orange on my ride from the airport yesterday to make me sick!  Yes, we are having a great trip thus far!

I have already walked down memory lane this morning.  Sixteen years ago this morning, I was heading home from my first trip to Guatemala.  Stan Strickler was with me on the ride from New Orleans to Grand Bay and he was one sick puppy.  I will never forget that experience.

Enough rambling.  Hope you have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

P.S. – Here is the link (I hope) to Evangelist Michael Mason’s claim to fame – http://youtu.be/XDFtA5J_pA4

Today’s Bible reading – Hosea 10:1-14:9 Jude 1:1-25 Psalm 127:1-5 Proverbs 29:15-17

Tuesday, 12/9 – Joel 1:1-3:21 Revelation 1:1-20 Psalm 128:1-6 Proverbs 29:18

Wednesday, 12/10 – Amos 1:1-3:15 Revelation 2:1-17 Psalm 129:1-8 Proverbs 29:19-20

Thursday, 12/11 – Amos 4:1-6:14 Revelation 2:18-3:6 Psalm 130:1-8 Proverbs 29:21-22

Friday, 12/12 – Amos 7:1-9:15 Revelation 3:7-22 Psalm 131:1-3 Proverbs 29:23

Saturday, 12/13 – Obadiah 1:1-21 Revelation 4:1-11 Psalm 132:1-18 Proverbs 29:24-25

Sunday, 12/14 – Jonah 1:1-4-11 Revelation 5:1-14 Psalm 133:1-3 Proverbs 29:26-27

Good day yesterday.  We had a really good attendance in our first service but the second service and the evening service were slacking some.  However, there was an excellent spirit in each of the services.

Lisa and I visited C & Rusty last night after the service.  She felt no better.  Praying the the meds will kick in today.

Kevin Sprinkle’s brother, Archie, remains in the hospital too.  He is also having some tough days.

Amy Huhn’s mother remains hospitalized.

Levi Westbrook is now able to get about using a wheelchair.  He remains in a Birmingham hospital but word is that he could be discharged much sooner than originally expected.

Terry Lucky is scheduled to have surgery this Thursday, 12/11.

Lisa Thompson was not feeling well yesterday.

The GRACE team in Guatemala is doing well.  Daphne, Kim French and I are headed that way this morning.  I am smarter than I look – I put Daphne & Kim on United and I am flying Delta.  Do you really think I want to be on a plane with Kim French?  (She will probably be wearing a Jaguar shirt!)

The CFP turned out just as I thought.  No way the committee was going to leave the Big 10 champion out after OSU destroyed Wisconsin.  Should be two interesting games on 1/1.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Hosea 6:1-9:17 3 John 1:1-15 Psalm 126:1-6 Proverbs 29:12-14

“C” remains hospitalized.  She did not feel well at all yesterday and we are in hopes that today will be much better.  I would advise folks to pray for her but avoid visiting her in the hospital until she gets to feeling much better.  (I am a strong advocate that folks in the hospital are there for a reason and do not need to be entertaining company.  That is why my hospital visits are generally short and sweet)  Social media allows folks to stay in touch without having to be physically present so those in need know of their concern.  The main thing to take from this is – pray for C, Rusty and family!

Kevin Sprinkle’s brother, Archie, has been placed in the hospital.  Of course, he is battling a malignancy but has some other issues as well.

Amy Huhn’s mother remains hospitalized.  Her sister’s (Adra Nelson) funeral service was yesterday.

Donnie Felps’ mother was discharged from the hospital.  I do not have an update from Clara’s sister, Faye, or Danielle Julian’s father.  Dr. John Nicely has made some improvement but continues to need our prayer support.

Our GRACE Ministries team of fifteen folks led by Tyrone Crawley arrived safe and sound in Guatemala yesterday afternoon.  As far as I know the other five arrived safely a bit later.  Two were already there and three more go tomorrow.  Pray that this trip will be special as there are some special opportunities lined up.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  It is my prayer that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.  If you cannot be faithful during the Christmas season, then when can you be faithful?  What a great opportunity to celebrate His birth!  O come let us adore Him!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Hosea 4:1-5:15 2 John 1:1-13 Psalm 125:1-5 Proverbs 29:9-11

Happy birthday to my father-in-law, Charles Clark.  I will always be grateful that more than thirty four years ago he allowed me to marry his youngest daughter.  So, I owe him and always will!  Hope his day is great!

Men’s breakfast at 8:00AM today!  All men invited to this food and fellowship in the fellowship hall.

Upward basketball begins in the CAB at 8:00AM today!  Pray for this ministry!

Two folks left Mobile yesterday to take part in the GRACE Ministries trip.  Fifteen more will join them today by leaving from Mobile, one will leave from Huntsville, AL, and four will leave from Grand Rapids, MI.  Three more will leave on Monday to bring the team total to twenty five.  Pray for this team as they will build eight houses and celebrate Christmas with the forty families of the Blaukamp Ministry Center.  They will return next Saturday, 12/13, and Sunday, 12/14.

Wedding shower for Coley Johnson and Katelyn Jackson tomorrow afternoon, 12/7, from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  Registered at Target.

C was admitted to a Mobile hospital yesterday.  Needs some nutrition as she has not been able to eat properly in recent days.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Everyone should be back in town so our attendance should be really good.

The Quack attack struggled in the first half last night but really came on strong in the second half to defeat Arizona handily.  It would be nice to see Alabama win convincingly today but I will take a win of any margin.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Hosea 1:1-3:5 1 John 5:1-21 Psalm 124:1-8 Proverbs 29:5-8

Rusty, C & crew arrived home fairly early last night.  It is my understanding that C will receive a chemo treatment next week in Mobile.

Amy Huhn’s mother was sleeping soundly when I visited yesterday.  They are scheduled to do a procedure today to help her kidneys.

Amy’s aunt, Adra Nelson, passed away on Tuesday.  Her service will take place tomorrow at noon from Serenity preceded by two hours of visitation with the family.

Donnie Felps’ mother was doing some better and, if the test results came back ok, she will possibly be sent home today.

Danielle Julian’s father had an episode with his heart yesterday.  It is my understanding that four stents were placed into his arteries.

Miss Kittie worked half a day yesterday but probably should not have done so.  I had told her to stay home but there was a lack of communication.

Tiffany Dawn Bowden Fox is on my list!  She is so stinking stubborn!  She probably needs to be back in the hospital but she refuses.  Her comment is “I am fine!”  Killing me!

Men’s breakfast in the morning at 8:00AM.  Upward basketball league play also begins at 8:00AM tomorrow.

GA Post Office is open!

Two folks leave today heading to Guatemala.  Most of the team leaves tomorrow.  Three of us leave on Monday.  Pray for this GRACE team.

Regular schedule Sunday morning and evening.

Cannot believe that East Carolina let Central Florida win the game last night on the last play of the game.  Unreal!  Cannot believe the Cowboys won either!  (Have I ever mentioned my dislike for the Boys?)

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

Today’s Bible reading – Daniel 11:36-12:13 1 John 4:1-21 Psalm 123:1-4 Proverbs 29:2-4

Rusty & C are heading home today.  What did they learn at MDA?  Basically, the doctor wants to keep her on chemo but will tweak it some to help her not be so sick because of it.  They will continue to monitor her condition.

Miss Gloria Morrison was better yesterday.  She is scheduled to have a procedure done today.  Her sister passed away and that service will be held on Saturday.  Pray for the family.

Donnie Felps’ mother, Miss Earline, remains hospitalized as she battles pneumonia in one lung.

Ricky Benefield’s (Herbert & Peggy’s son) mother-in-law is in the hospital.  Visited with her yesterday afternoon and she seemed to be doing ok.

The wedding shower for Coley & Katelyn will take place this Sunday, 12/7, from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  Registered at Target and Bayou La Batre Lumber.

The monthly men’s breakfast takes place this Saturday, 12/6, beginning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.  I have dropped the proverbial ball on promoting this fellowship.  My apologies!

Upward basketball league play begins this Saturday morning at 8:00AM when my two (you read that correctly) teams play each other.  I have always known that Kristy did not like me and she has now proven it by giving me the earliest game possible!  Why not give it to the new coach, Phillip Turner?  I can handle my players.  It is the parents that concern me.  Can you say Amy Reynolds, Kayla Hatcher, Daphne Hutto, Cassie Lewis?

All Christmas gifts for the residents of the Grand Bay Convalescent Home must be brought to the foyer of the auditorium no later than this Sunday night, 12/7.  Imperative!

Our GRACE team leaves this Friday, Saturday and Monday headed to Guatemala to celebrate Christmas with the families involved in the Blaukamp Ministry Center.  I will be leading that team (arriving Monday) and am already regretting letting Carla K on the team – about to drive me slap crazy!

Good day in our services yesterday.  Lisa did her usual good job with the supper for the 7:30PM Bible study.  I married way over my head!

Nanette Fontenot was stalking me in the church parking lot last night.  Just saying!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Daniel 11:2-35 1 John 3:7-24 Psalm 122:1-9 Proverbs 29:1

Happy birthday to our daughter, Daphne!  I will not divulge her age but will say that Auburn beat Alabama 23 – 20 that day as they played in severe weather at Legion Field in Birmingham.  Bo scored on a seventy one yard run to seal the deal!  I am a great dad – cannot tell you how much Daphne weighed at birth but can tell you the score of that year’s Iron Bowl!  At any rate, I hope Daphne has a great day today!

Rusty & C had a very long day at MDA yesterday.  Consultations and tests.  I think today is more of the same.

Amy Huhn’s mother remains hospitalized.  I will be visiting her today.

Miss Kittie had a severe vertigo attack early Monday.  She was taken to the hospital and placed on three medications.  She is at home recovering.  (Jeanette sent me a text but my phone (circa 1984) does not receive texts and will not let me send texts therefore I did not get it.  I received an e-mail from Jeanette yesterday)

I do not have an update on Clara’s sister, Faye, but do ask that you keep praying.

Ray Baber’s mother remains hospitalized.

Katie Tillman has a cousin, DJ, who, along with five others, was involved in an automobile accident on Monday.  All six received significant injuries.  DJ will have surgery today.

Dr. John Nicely, Michigan, was taken back to the hospital on Sunday morning and placed in ICU.  His present problem is a bleeding ulcer and he has received four units of blood.  Dr. John is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.  Pray for him and his wife, Robin.

Pastor Charlie Watts’ wife, Dianne, passed away Monday.  Visitation is tomorrow night at Mobile Memorial with the service taking place on Friday afternoon.  Pray for the Watts family.

I still have not heard whether the wedding shower for Coley & Katelyn is this Saturday or Sunday.  I have sent an e-mail and placed phone calls but to no avail.  I am thinking that Monday’s entry had zero readers!  Katelyn is registered at Target and Bayou La Batre Lumber.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  That will be true of the next two Wednesdays (10th & 17th) as well.  No services on the 24th and 31st.

“We” have not been able to get all of our Christmas trees up and decorated yet.  At this point, we only have five up!  We are missing at least two!  Are you serious?  I am!  My wife loves Christmas trees (obvious statement) and enjoys decorating the house for the Christmas season.  I love the Christmas season too.  However, if it were left up to me, we would have one tree and it would be poorly decorated.  My wife does good!

South is supposedly going to Montgomery for a bowl game on 12/20.  Is going to Montgomery for a game really a reward?  Will David & Kim follow the Jags to Montgomery for an 8:15PM kick off on a Saturday night?  If I was not preaching the next morning. . . .

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

Today’s Bible reading – Daniel 9:1-11:1 1 John 2:18-3:6 Psalm 121:1-8 Proverbs 28:27-28

Rusty, Caryn & crew arrived safely in Houston around 8:00PM last night.  It is my understanding that Rusty & C have appointments today and Thursday.

Visited Amy Huhn’s mother, Miss Gloria, in the hospital yesterday morning.  She is in a room and was very thankful for the prayer support the Friendship family is giving her.  She asks that we keep praying.

Visited with Darryl & Betty McMann in their home to check on him and to apologize for my mistake of last Wednesday.  Such a gracious couple.  Darryl is doing well and was set to begin physical therapy yesterday.

Visited with some of the residents in the convalescent home.  Miss Woods was sleeping and Miss Nevin said that she did not feel well.  Otherwise, everyone seemed to be doing good.  Miss Nell Mulkey celebrated her 99th birthday last week.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Must have been pretty bored last night as I watched the vast majority of the Dolphins vs Jets game.  The game was pretty boring too.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Daniel 8:1-27 1 John 2:1-17 Psalm 120:1-7 Proverbs 28:25-26

Tuesday, 12/2 – Daniel 9:1-11:1 1 John 2:18-3:6 Psalm 121:1-8 Proverbs 28:27-28

Wednesday, 12/3 – Daniel 11:2-35 1 John 3:7-24 Psalm 122:1-9 Proverbs 29:1

Thursday, 12/4 – Daniel 11:36-12:13 1 John 4:1-21 Psalm 123:1-4 Proverbs 29:2-4

Friday, 12/5 – Hosea 1:1-3:5 1 John 5:1-21 Psalm 124:1-8 Proverbs 29:5-8

Saturday, 12/6 – Hosea 4:1-5:15 2 John 1:1-13 Psalm 125:1-5 Proverbs 29:9-11

Sunday, 12/7 – Hosea 6:1-9:17 3 John 1:1-15 Psalm 126:1-6 Proverbs 29:12-14

Really good day in our services yesterday.  I was blessed by our Sunday morning attendance.  Dale Bosarge did a nice job of sharing the Word with us in last night’s service.

Amy Huhn’s mother remains hospitalized.  The reports from the doctor regarding her malignancy are not positive.  As far as I know, she remains in ICU.  I have plans to visit her this morning.

Darryl McMann had hip replacement surgery last Wednesday.  He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday.  I totally missed this one!  No excuses – my mistake.  I publicly apologize to Darryl for this error.  I have plans to see him today as well.

Rusty & Caryn leave today driving to Houston and MDA.  Their appointment with the doctor is tomorrow.  Pray that Caryn travels well.  Kayla is going with them along with Rusty’s sister and her husband.

Ray Baber’s mother is in the regular hospital in Atmore, Alabama.

Upward basketball league play begins this Saturday, 12/6.  Pray for this ministry.

There will be a wedding shower for Coley Johnson & Katelyn Jackson this weekend.  I cannot remember whether it is on Saturday, 12/6, or Sunday, 12/7, but I do know it is from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  They are registered at Target and Bayou La Batre Lumber.  (I will clarify the date in tomorrow’s entry)

Wes is now Pastor Wes.  Congratulations.  I will share more details once he has had the opportunity to share it with his present church.

Derrick & Jodie will be with us on Sunday, 12/14, in the morning services.  This will be our focus Sunday on the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  I am praying that we will have a strong attendance.

Brooke Ladnier will be having a yard sale on Friday, 12/12, to raise funds to help Levi Westbrook’s family with the expenses related to staying at the hospital in Birmingham.  If you have items to donate, contact Brooke and she will arrange to get them.

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