Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 James 4:1-17 Psalm 118:19-29 Proverbs 28:3-5

Wow!  What a nice number of senior adults who came to the dinner yesterday!  Our professional counter, Junior Bosarge, told me there were two hundred fifty five senior adults plus all of the workers.  Everyone did a splendid job!  Bro. Kerry did a nice job with the program, the folks did very well with the cooking, the serving folks did great, the clean up crew was spot on, et cetera.  Thank you to each one who helped in any way!

I think I am correct in saying that there were four other pastors present at the meal yesterday.  Pastor Alton Stokes of the Grand Bay Church of God, Pastor Vince Grayson of Bay View Baptist, Pastor Steve Merritt of Baptist Chapel and Pastor Tony Kadavil of St. John Catholic.  I appreciate these men supporting this event.

Infant Laney Hyatt was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  I know her parents are happy campers!

Melba Schafer did not have exploratory surgery on Wednesday.

The fence company began putting the fence up around the playground yesterday afternoon.  I had not gotten on the plane before they hit a water line (I think).  Do not know the whole scoop but will hopefully find out today.

So pastor, are you really in Michigan for a dental appointment?  I am.  It is shortly after midnight here and I just arrived at Tom & Shari Compagner’s house.  Are there not dentists in Mobile?  Yes.  (However, there is only one dentist in Arkansas.  Just for you Louise!)  So pray tell me why you would fly to Michigan for a dental appointment?

Well, Dr. Derek (I will leave his last name anonymous) is struggling.  He asked me to allow him to work on my teeth in hopes that the nine readers of this blog would 1)use his services and 2) tell others about what a great dentist he is.  I am basically a public relations/advertisement guy for him.  He picked up the airfare and is giving me a huge discount on the work so how could I say “no?”  I will wait to endorse him after he does the work later this morning.  Lord willing, I will fly home this afternoon and will be in Tuscaloosa tomorrow.  (Folks, I hope you realize that not everything in my blog entries is the gospel truth!)  Dr. Draft is the man!

As I left the airport last night, there were snow flurries.  Ever so light but snow flurries nonetheless.  I only had to pull over three times! One would think that Ross Genzink, Deb Van Heck, Carol Miles or Queen would have offered to meet me at the airport and drive me to Hamilton.  Did they? Absolutely not!  Queen could have at least sent her driver!  Great friends!

Excuse the mistakes in this entry as I am tired and my proofreading is poor as the hour is late/early.

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

P.S. – Why does the woman who basically never shuts up and talks louder than anyone on the plane always sit right behind me?  One of life’s great mysteries!

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 James 2:18-3:18 Psalm 118:1-18 Proverbs 28:2

First, I was wrong about Miss Barbara Nevin’s condition as she does not have the shingles and is no longer in isolation.  I am happy for her because she has so looked forward to attending the community Thanksgiving meal today.

Obviously, Jenni & Sadie Grace remain in the hospital.  I am thinking they will be discharged on Saturday.

Infant Laney Hyatt should be discharged from the hospital today.

Miss Jackie Goff was in hopes of being discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  I do not know if that happened.  I can tell you that she was so ready to go home!

Brian Amonett has been placed on intravenous antibiotics for six hours a day for eight days.  He began to run a low grade fever.  Otherwise, he continues to improve.

Teddy Ray & Rachel’s granddaughter, Bella, will be seeing two doctors over the next two days because of an infection in her eye.  This is a recurring problem.

Mary Cook’s grandmother is in the hospital.

Melba Schafer, Herbert Benefield’s niece, had exploratory surgery yesterday afternoon.  Not sure of the results.  (Lisa and I saw Herbert & Peggy in the lobby of the hospital yesterday and he “borrowed” ten dollars for supper!)

Larry Haney had heart surgery on Tuesday (I think) and they did five by passes.

Betty Clair Hatcher’s Aunt is in the hospital.

Holly Lybarger continues to struggle with her chemotherapy treatments specifically the side effects.

Eddie Whitmore saw the doctor yesterday and both his white and red blood cell counts are too low for him to receive treatments.  He is receiving shots for the next three days in hopes of building these counts up.  He will see the doctor again on Monday.

Carla Kyser continues to have back pain.

The Thanksgiving meal for the senior adults of our community takes place this morning from 10:00AM until noon in the CAB.  Pray this will be a great day!

We had a good Wednesday in our services.  The heavy rains really hurt our morning attendance but we had a strong evening attendance.  About fifteen of our men set up the tables and chairs for today’s meal during our 6:30PM service and I appreciate them doing so.

This entry is long so I had better close.  I have a dental appointment in the morning so I had better get on my way soon.  What?  My appointment is in Michigan!  Are you serious?  I am.

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

Today, around 4:15AM, Sadie Grace Baggett made her grand appearance into this world.  She checked in weighing an even nine pounds and is twenty one inches long.  Proud parents are Bubba & Jenni Baggett.  Congratulations to the entire family!

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 James 1:19-2:17 Psalm 117:1-2 Proverbs 28:1

Visited with infant Laney Hyatt and her mother, Alia, yesterday.  Laney is doing better and “may” be discharged tomorrow.

Visited with the folks in the convalescent home and everyone seemed well with the exception of Miss Barbara Nevin.  She is battling the shingles so I did not get to visit with her.  Painful.  Pray for her.

Visited with Louis & Carmen Reyer as Miss Carmen has been having some blood pressure issues.  She seems to be on the mend now.

Learned yesterday afternoon that Miss Jackie Goff is in the hospital.  Will visit her today.

Brian Amonett remains hospitalized but, as far a I know, continues to improve.

Regular schedule this morning/tonight.  Main entree for the 7:30PM Bible study is poppy seed chicken.  Lisa surely does it right!

Senior adult Thanksgiving meal tomorrow from 10:00AM until noon in the CAB.  All senior adults of the community are invited to attend.

Have I mentioned that Sessions Produce is now open in their new building just north of the interstate?  Jeremy told me a couple of weeks ago that it would be open before Thanksgiving.  He was right.  I am in hopes that they will give me like a discounted price on something in exchange for this free publicity!  I hope all nine of our blog readers will stop by for a look see.

Watched Kentucky dismantle the Blue Devils on the hardwood last night.  Always does me good to see Duke get beat!  (Sorry Zach!)  Bama’s basketball team must have looked sharp yesterday afternoon against Dayton as they only lost by thirty two – wow!  It will take Coach Johnson a few years to get his system/players in place.  Until then it may be tough sledding!

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

Today’s Bible reading –  Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 James 1:1-18 Psalm 116:1-19 Proverbs 27:23-27

The church grounds/buildings were a beehive of activity last night  with Griefshare, GROW, and Upward practices taking place.  It will basically be that way many nights from now until the first of February.  Good stuff!

There was also much activity taking place yesterday as folks were preparing for the Thanksgiving meal for the senior adults of our community.  That ministry opportunity takes place this Thursday, 11/19, from 10:00AM until noon in the CAB.

Reb Nevin wants those folks with the shoeboxes to remember they have to be turned back in (filled) by this Sunday, 11/22.

I was in the office all day yesterday so I did not make any visits.  Today will be exact opposite so that will allow me to provide some updates on those who are battling sicknesses in tomorrow’s entry.

Our son-in-law, Brad, is in Jackson, MS this morning receiving a state wide award.  It is called “Healthcare Hero for Mississippi.”  Congratulations Brad!

I found myself watching the entire second half of the NFL game last night.  Can you believe the Texans won and are now in first place in their division with a 4-5 record?  Wow!

We have enjoyed having the windows raised for the past couple of days but that comes to a screeching halt today as the high is projected to be seventy six degrees and the rain is moving in.  That Sam Schjott is not going to let it stay cool for any extended period of time!  Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 Hebrews 13:1-25 Psalm 115:1-18 Proverbs 27:21-22

Tuesday, 11/17 – Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 James 1:1-18 Psalm 116:1-19 Proverbs 27:23-27

Wednesday, 11/18 – Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 James 1:19-2:17 Psalm 117:1-2 Proverbs 28:1

Thursday 11/19 – Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 James 2:18-3:18 Psalm 118:1-18 Proverbs 28:2

Friday, 11/20 – Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 James 4:1-17 Psalm 118:19-29 Proverbs 28:3-5

Saturday, 11/21 – Ezekiel 42:1-43:27 James 5:1-20 Psalm 119:1-16 Proverbs 28:6-7

Sunday, 11/22 – Ezekiel 44:1-45:12 1 Peter 1:1-12 Psalm 119:17-32 Proverbs 28:8-10

Good day in our services yesterday.  We thank God for His continued blessings.

Infant Laney Hyatt remains hospitalized.

Reb Nevin asks that the members of the Friendship family be reminded that this Sunday, 11/22, is the final day to return your Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.  You can drop them in the office today through Thursday or bring them to any of the three services this Sunday.  This is an absolute deadline.

Our annual Thanksgiving dinner for the senior adults of our community takes place this Thursday, 11/19, from 10:00AM until noon in the CAB.  Always a big day!

Griefshare tonight at 6:00PM.

GROW tonight at 6:30PM.

Our Tuesday prayer time will be from 5:00PM until 7:00PM in the auditorium tomorrow night, 11/17.

Upward basketball practices begin tonight.  League play begins on 12/5.

Today is Buddy Jones’ 56th birthday.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 31:1-32:32 Hebrews 12:14-29 Psalm 113:1-114:8 Proverbs 27:18-20

We are set for a regular day in our services today/tonight.  Worship at 8:00AM, 10:30AM and 6:00PM.  Sunday School at 9:15AM and Discipleship Training at 5:00PM.  I pray that many members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

A quick look back shows that I was 4 – 3 in my college picks yesterday.  That was a bad day for me!  Going to have to try a little harder this week!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 29:1-30:26 Hebrews 11:32-12:13 Psalm 112:1-10 Proverbs 27:17

As the old song says, “hey it’s good to be back home again!”  Lisa and I arrived home safe and sound around 10:30PM last night.  Good trip.  God is faithful!

We have a birthday party today and I then have a ministry opportunity in Mississippi.

Regular schedule tomorrow.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for all three services.  Yes, we are having Discipleship Training at 5:00PM.

Football picks – take South over ULL; Bama over MSU; AU over UGA; VT over GT; Baylor over OU; LSWho over the Hogs and USM over Rice.  (I do think Ray Goff will have UGA ready but their offense has been so anemic this season!)

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

Happy 59th wedding anniversary to my parents!  They were married on Tuesday, 11/13/56.  I am going out on a limb here to say they did not have a big church wedding on a Tuesday night!  Have already spoken to my Mama this morning to wish them well today.

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 Hebrews 11:17-31 Psalm 111:1-10 Proverbs 27:15-16

Infant Laney Hyatt remains hospitalized.

Peggy Knighten did well through her surgery yesterday and came home.

Lisa Thompson was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  The doctor suspects her problem may be pneumonia.

Joyce Hacker is in the hospital.

Baby shower for Matt & Alisha Burk on the island tomorrow at 11:00AM.   Registered at Ship-n-Shore and Greer’s in Baylee’s Corner.

The Mall of America had a record sales day yesterday!  Lisa hit it as soon as we got out of the hotel shuttle which was around 10:00AM and literally did not stop until just before 9:00PM.   The girl loves to shop.  True story – I decided to go down and spend some time shopping with her last night.  We walked probably one hundred and fifty feet in the mall when I asked if I could return to the hotel room.  My feet began to hurt and I just could not take it any longer.  I am going to have to call 1-800-UHaul just to get all of this stuff home!

This entry is a bit late this morning.  Minnesota state law does not allow posting blog entries until after 7:30AM.  Is that crazy or what?  (If you believe that one then. . . . )

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 24:1-26:21 Hebrews 11:1-16 Psalm 110:1-7 Proverbs 27:14

This entry is late and for that I apologize.  My plan was to blog from the airport this morning but the internet was not free so I decided to wait until I was on the plane.  So, this entry is being written and delivered from thirty nine thousand feet above the earth.  That Al is incredible!

Peggy Knighten is having surgery on her shoulder today.  Pray that all goes well.

Debbie Hyatt’s granddaughter, Laney, is six weeks old.  She was hospitalized on Tuesday with strep throat which has now traveled to her eye.  They are keeping her for ten days to make sure it has not/does not travel anywhere else in her body.  Pray for Laney, the doctors and Laney’s parents, Cody & Alia.

Eula Mae gave me an update on her sister, Juanita, yesterday.  They are watching some spots on her brain which they have already done radiation on.   She will have another scan in about three months.

Eddie Whitmore was able to attend the morning service yesterday.

There will be a baby shower for Alisha Vice Burk this Saturday, 11/14, beginning at 11:00AM from the Dauphin Island home of Morris & Diane Bryant.  I do not know the address but do know it is in the rich part of DI.  Alisha will be giving birth to either a boy or girl.  Since it is on the island, folks are invited to drive over on Friday night and spend the night with the Bryants.  The more the merrier!  Just bring your toothbrush.  You can probably wait and buy your gift at Ship-n-Shore.  As a bonus, all shower attendees are invited to stay and watch the Bama game with Morris!

Yesterday afternoon, Lisa and I drove to Billings where we met Andy & Betty Hamil’s daughter, Dr. Marjorie Tevlin, for supper last night. We got to visit ever so briefly with her husband, Jim, and their youngest son, Paul, but then they had to leave for Paul’s hockey practice.  We enjoyed the fellowship with Marjorie and she paid for our supper which was such a very kind thing for her to do.  Pray for Dr. Marjorie as she has a major test today.  She is a nephrologist and the test is something to do with keeping certification (I think)

I have begun my list of folks who can make the mission trip to Red Lodge, MT.  First name on the list?  Bernard Suthoff.  Based on his record, all deer in Montana will be safe.  Second name – Courtney Cavin.  She is just too sweet to harm anything!

Lisa and I are on our way to Minneapolis, MN.  Lisa took care of getting the tickets for this trip and somehow we ended up with an overnight layover in Minneapolis which just happens to be home to the Mall of America.  Is that coincidental or what!  So, she figures that since we are there she might as well do some shopping!  Wow!

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