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: Job 35 – 37

Eula Mae Blackmon’s sister, Juanita Harris, passed from this life last Saturday, 1/9.  There will be a visitation with the family today from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Visitation and service will take place at the Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS. Pray for the family.

Louis Reyer will have a procedure done today to prayerfully keep his lung from collapsing again.  He was doing a good bit better yesterday.

Terry Brooks’ heart cath revealed three blockages – 100%, 80% & 70%.  They placed stents in the 70 & 80.  He should be discharged from the hospital today if all goes as planned.

Our granddaughter, Emmy, was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  They have now determined which antibiotic will combat her infection.

The procedure to crush Jason Taylor’s kidney “oyster” did not work.  I am thinking the machine is geared to stones vs oysters?  Anyway, Jason is not a real happy camper!  He goes back next week for more stuff.

I did not get by to visit Miss Annie or Brian Amonett yesterday but will do so today, Lord willing.

Rob Nevin’s mom, Nancy Rayner, is in the hospital with pneumonia.  She is in ICU.  Pray for her.

One of Rick Bradley’s paternal Aunts has battled cancer for years.  It appears that her time on earth is now very limited.  Pray for her and the family.

I mentioned a 99 year old lady from Michigan in one of my messages this past Sunday morning.  I was unaware at the time that she had passed from this life last Thursday.  Her committal service will take place today and the celebration of her life service will take place this Saturday.  Her son is David Scholz.  He, along with his wife, are very involved in GRACE Ministries.  Pray for the family.

Good news – Jimmy Moates has been declared cancer free!  Praise the Lord!  Mariam and the family express much appreciation to the Friendship family for your prayers and support.

The first team to use the L.G. Camp, Jr mission house in Guatemala leaves in the morning.  This team is from Moline, MI and will be led by Dave & Donna Westhouse.   There will now be nine consecutive weeks with a team in the house minus one day.  There will be one week off for Easter followed by five consecutive weeks minus two days.  Then there will be fourteen consecutive weeks of teams in the mission house.  Yes, it is team season!  Pray for GRACE Ministries.

I am thinking that our readership has fallen below the double digit mark again!  That distresses me!  Why do I think that?  I have not heard a peep from Gene & Gena Davis, David & Sandra McElwee or Mike & Janice Moreland in like seven years!  I realize all three of these couples have gotten really old and maybe the convalescent homes where they stay do not have internet access?  That is the only plausible explanation!

The $64,000 question on your mind – did Nanette Fontenot ride with me to the hospital yesterday?  No!  I rode with her!  It was all good until the doctor asked me “who are you?” and, before I could answer, Nanette said, “he is my former boyfriend.  We almost got married!”  How embarrassing!  You should have seen the look on the doctor’s face!

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 – Job 32 – 34

Terry Brooks is scheduled to have a heart cath today.  It is just before 5:30AM and his sister, Nanette Fontenot, has already called wanting to know what time “we” are going to the hospital!  It is going to be a long day sitting in that waiting room with her!

Visited Louis Reyer in the hospital yesterday.  He is some better.  Plans are being made for him to spend about three weeks in a convalescent facility once he is discharged from the hospital.  As of yesterday, there was talk of him being discharged real soon.

Visited Miss Annie Rogers.  She is much better.  What an amazing lady.  Not sure when she will be discharged as I did not ask that question.

Our granddaughter, Emmy, will be in the hospital at least until this afternoon.  They have determined she has an infection and now just need to match it with the proper medication to combat it.  She is not eating or drinking much at all and that will need to change in order for her to be discharged.

I attempted to visit Brian Amonett yesterday but he must have been in therapy.

Logan Wainwright has pneumonia in both lungs.  If he is not better today, he will most likely be admitted into the hospital.  Logan is an outstanding young man.

A couple of young ladies did some deep cleaning in one of the church buildings last night.  I very much appreciate their efforts and willingness to serve!

Prayer time today from 5:00 – 6:00PM in the auditorium.  Please use the West side door!

Evangelism class takes place tonight from 7:00 – 8:30PM in the youth building.  “Jonny the Baptist” is the instructor.

Weather.com says it is 36 degrees right now while one of the local stations says it is 37 degrees.  Either way it is “cold” for South Mobile County and I love it!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday 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)  Learn it.  Live it!

Today’s Bible reading – Job 29-31

Tuesday, January 12 – Job 32-34
Wednesday, January 13 – Job 35-37
Thursday, January 14 – Job 38-39
Friday, January 15 – Job 40-42
Saturday, January 16 – Genesis 12-15
Sunday, January 17 – Genesis 16-18

Louis Reyer remains hospitalized.  He is doing “better” but still has a long way to go in his recovery.

Our granddaughter, Emmy, was admitted to the hospital yesterday.

Miss Annie Rogers remains hospitalized.

Brenda Timberlake told me yesterday that her sister, Lisa, is battling the shingles – ouch!

It is my understanding that Jason Taylor is having a kidney stone(s?) crushed today.  (I am thinking his “stone” may actually be an oyster shell?)

Terry Brooks will have a heart cath tomorrow.  (Nanette thinks I will be at her house at 5:00AM in order for us to ride together!)

It was great to see Becky Sellers in our services yesterday.  She continues to have such a positive attitude.

Thank you to each member of the Friendship family who attended and/or took part in the memorial service for Eddie Whitmore last night.  Jerry & Gloria and Sierra were very appreciative.  I believe God received the glory.

Griefshare tonight at 6:00PM.

GROW visitation tonight at 6:30PM.

Prayer time tomorrow from 5:00 – 6:00PM.

Evangelism training tomorrow night from 7:00 – 8:30PM.

If my memory serves me correctly, there is a college football game tonight?  I hope to get to watch it.

Not much of a NFL guy but I do enjoy the playoffs leading up to the Super Bowl (oddly enough, do not really care for the actual Super Bowl).  Watched the final two minutes of the Seahawks v Vikings game yesterday and felt really bad for Walsh.  Did not see any of the Packers v Redskins game but was a bit surprised by the final score.  Honestly, I do not even remember which teams played this past Saturday.  (Joe David will fill me in on the details)

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

Friendship family’s verse for 2016 – “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 – Job 24 – 28

Major change – tonight the Friendship family will host a memorial service for Eddie Whitmore.  There will be a time of visitation in the auditorium with Jerry & Gloria, Sierra, and any other family members who are able to attend from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  The memorial service will begin promptly at 6:00PM.  I am asking the members of the Friendship family to show this family our support and to show our appreciation for Eddie by attending this visitation and service.  The service is the most important part as it will be our evening worship service.

So, we will not have Discipleship Training tonight, 1/10.  Please note this and plan to attend the visitation and then the memorial service.

I was out of town all day yesterday so I do not have an update on any of the folks in the hospital.  I expect to receive updates today in our services.

Regular schedule this morning.  First time in three weeks for us to have our 8:00AM worship service.  I am looking forward to being a part of that service again.

Lisa and I enjoyed some quality family time with my side of the family Friday night and yesterday.  We had a nice time celebrating my parent’s birthdays.  Deidra & Daphne joined us for the wedding and it was nice as well.

I hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family in our morning services today and then in the memorial service this evening.

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

Friendship family’s verse for 2016 – “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 – Job 21 – 23

It was a sad heart that I share that Eddie Whitmore passed from this life and entered Heaven yesterday afternoon.  Not sad for him but sad for Jerry & Gloria, Sierra, his other family members, his church family, and his friends as we will be the ones missing him.  Eddie is now in the presence of the Lord.  No more cancer.  No more pain.  Jerry & Gloria and Sierra did an awesome job of providing care and standing beside Eddie ever since he moved to this area.  He loved them and loved them caring for him.  There will be a memorial service  for Eddie and those details will be announced as soon as they are completed.

It is with a glad heart that I share that Carla Kyser got a good report from the medical folks yesterday.  Her scans were “stable” and she will get the official results next week when she meets with her doctor.  Praise the Lord.

It is with a glad heart that I share that Brian Amonett has been moved to another hospital for therapy.  He will be there for fourteen or twenty-one days and then will be moved to another PT facility.  Basically six months in the same hospital so you know he was ready for a change of scenery.

Louis Reyer was better yesterday per his son.  He and I talked briefly when I visited yesterday morning but he is still really sick.  Obviously, he remains hospitalized.

Lisa and I visited Pastor Jack & Miss June Bailey last night.  He was doing well in his recovery from surgery.  Plans on preaching tomorrow.

Upward basketball today.  Pray for the group that coordinates this ministry.

Jonny “the Baptist” e-mailed me yesterday to tell me that the evangelism training classes are completely filled with twenty folks in each class.  That is awesome!  Those classes will meet each Tuesday and Thursday for the next seven weeks.  “Lord, send laborers into the harvest!”

After I made hospital visits yesterday, I drove back to Grand Bay and then Lisa and I had left heading to Birmingham.  As we were driving, those plans got changed and we ended up driving straight to Decatur, AL where we met some family members for supper at Big Bob’s (my favorite bar-b-que place).  We then attended my great nephew’s (Grayson) basketball game and caught the second half of the Danville High School varsity boy’s game. I was able to see a good number of long time friends including Fuzz & Rose Mary.  We then checked into the Glenn Hotel, got settled in our room, and crashed.

Today, I plan on seeing my great nephew, Jaden, and his twin sister, Joslyn (probably spelling that wrong) play basketball in sprawling metropolis known as Eva, Alabama.  We will then celebrate my parent’s birthdays (80th & 77th) before attending the wedding of my nephew, Cody.  (Sarah Smallegan from Michigan is here for the wedding so my ears will be tired as that girl can talk, talk, talk!)  Lord willing, we will arrive home late tonight and I will be in the pulpit for all three services tomorrow.

I need someone to volunteer to recite, from memory, our church verse for 2016 in each of the services tomorrow.  (Different person in each service)  If there are no takers, our staff members will be called upon to do so.  Hope they are ready!

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

Friendship family’s verse for 2016 – “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 – Job 17 – 20

Eddie Whitmore’s condition remains basically unchanged.  He is in a room and is unresponsive which is most likely medically induced. Just keep praying!

Louis Reyer was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  He has been having difficulty breathing and they did a procedure to help him.

Gerald Brannan is going to be moved to a convalescent facility.  He may have been moved yesterday afternoon.  If not, it could happen today.

Miss Annie Rogers remains hospitalized.  She is anxious to get home but understands the need to stay in the hospital until the doctor releases her.

Brian Amonett “may” be moved to another hospital for rehab.  That could take place today but nothing is set in stone.

The evangelism training class began last night and it was a success.  After some prayer and thought, the class is going to be divided and will meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights (duplicate classes).  This allows for around five or six more folks to join this training.  Interested?  Contact Jonny Gaston or me.  The smaller class size is going to help when all is said and done.

Lisa and I are leaving today in order to attend the wedding of my sister’s only son.  Actually, we will also celebrate my parent’s birthdays tomorrow as Eddie, Freddie and I will all be out of the country on their actual birthday, February 11.  (Yes, they share a birthday)  My dad will be 80 on 2/11 and mama will turn 77.  This will be the only opportunity for all four of the children to be with them before that big day.

Nanette Fontenot called me yesterday asking me to come over and pray with her since her brother, Terry, is having a heart cath on Tuesday.  Really?  She is out of control!

Rumor has it that Kim French was so convicted by the message this past Wednesday night that she is now fixing David’s plate at every meal!  Not sure if that rumor is true?

Lisa bought us a new set of scales yesterday.  Those things are going to have to be returned.  I gained like six pounds so I am going to say our old ones are correct and the news ones are wrong!

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

Friendship family’s verse for 2016 – “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 – Job 14 – 16

Eddie Whitmore’s physical condition continues to decline.  He was moved from the ICU into a room yesterday but certainly not because he has made any improvement.  Jerry, Gloria & Sierra are faithfully standing beside Eddie.  I am really glad that he was able to move here in order to be with family especially in a time such as this.  Pray for Eddie and his family.

Miss Annie Rogers was moved to a room but I do not know if she was discharged from the hospital.  I am thinking that she was not.  I plan on visiting with her today.

Visited with Gerald Brannan yesterday.  Mary Kay said that he was having a better day than the day before.  He has been placed under hospice care while in the hospital.

Holly Lybarger had another treatment yesterday.  Up to this point, the treatments have been really tough on Holly so pray that this one will not be as severe.

Carla K could get some results back from her scan today or tomorrow but more likely it will be next week.

Visited with Louis & Carmen Reyer yesterday.  Louis is really struggling to breathe and certainly needs our prayer support.

Really good day in our services/Bible studies yesterday/last night.  Good attendance and good spirit.  Lisa did a nice job with the meal last night.  Those young adults love taco soup and Butterfinger cake!

The first evangelism class begins tonight at 7:00PM in the youth building.  It is “possible” that Jonny will add a second night based on the response from the group tonight.  If so, each class will be limited to twenty five participants.  Interested?  Contacting Jonny or me today would be helpful.

Had three comments on yesterday’s blog which is like a record!  One from Reb, one from a really famous worship leader and one from a Pentecostal!  The two Baptists just wanted to point out my error (LOL) but the Pentecostal gave an encouraging word – thanks Donald!

Five of our ten readers contacted me to say that they are using the blog as their guide for reading through the Bible in 2016.  That is almost fifty percent of our readers!  Is that amazing or what?

The Colts keep Pagano and then the Bucs fire Lovie just seemingly out of the blue.  Wow!

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

Friendship family’s verse for 2016 – “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 – Job 10 – 13  (It would be helpful to me to know if anyone is using this guide to read the Bible through chronologically.  If so, great.  If not, no need for me to post it daily as I can share it with Lisa personally.  If you are, please send me an e-mail.  Thanks!)

Lisa and I visited with Eddie Whitmore yesterday.  He is very weak physically.  They are giving him medications to help him relax and hopefully rest.  His family i.e. Jerry, Gloria and Sierra are sitting beside him.  Keep praying for Eddie and his family.

Visited with Miss Annie Rogers’ family too.  They had gotten word from her that she was going home although she was still in ICU.  I do not know the end result of what happened but will find out today.

Made the rounds in the convalescent home yesterday.  Everyone seemed to be doing ok.  As usual, a couple of the folks I visit were sleeping.  Miss Wittner gave me the update and all seems well.

Nolan Brannan’s father is in the hospital too.  He has been placed under hospice care.  Pray for Gerald and his family.

It is my understanding that Carla Kyser will have some scans done today.

Pastor Jack Bailey is having a procedure done today that will sideline him for at least a few days.  Pray that all goes well and that this procedure will help.

Nanette Fontenot sent me an e-mail last night telling me that her brother, Terry, will be having a heart cath next Tuesday, 1/12.  Wanted me to come over and pray with her last night!  Plus, she wants me to take her to the hospital next Tuesday.  Impossible!

Regular schedule today/tonight including the 7:30PM Bible study.  I think the fare is taco soup.  Let’s start 2016 off on a very positive note attendance wise.

I am loving these cooler temperatures.  Feels a little like Winter.  Thank you Jesus.

My hope is that someone present in our services today/tonight will recite the church verse for 2016.  It is my greater hope that we will live it!

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

Friendship family’s verse for 2016 – “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)  May we all learn it.  May we all live it!

Today’s Bible reading – Job 6-9

Eddie Whitmore is a really sick man.  He is in ICU.  The hospital has an open visitation policy which allows folks to visit whenever except during shift changes.  That is good because Eddie’s family can be with him at all times.  Keep praying for Eddie.

Visited with Miss Annie’s family in the ICU waiting room.  Barney told me that she was some better and could possibly be placed in a room yesterday with the prospect of “maybe” being discharged late this afternoon.  Miss Annie wanted to be discharged like five minutes ago!  Amazing for a lady is 101 years old!

Made another hospital visit and that person was thinking they would be discharged yesterday.

Brian Amonett is being fitted for braces to help with his walking.  Slow but sure progress for him.

Thank you to each person who attended either the visitation with the family, the service in the chapel, or the committal service for Cynthia Cumbie.  Caroline is most appreciative.

Our Tuesday night prayer time resumes tonight beginning at 5:00PM and ending at 6:00PM.  As in days gone by, please use the door on the West side.  (Please note the earlier ending time)

We are on a regular schedule for tomorrow morning and night including the 7:30PM Bible study.  Let’s make the first Wednesday of 2016 a great one.

Continue to receive positive comments from folks regarding this past Sunday night’s service.  Good stuff.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Job 1-5
Tuesday, January 5 – Job 6-9
Wednesday, January 6 – Job 10-13
Thursday, January 7 – Job 14-16
Friday, January 8 – Job 17-20
Saturday, January 9 – Job 21-23
Sunday, January 10 – Job 24-28

What a great day we had in our services yesterday!  Praise the Lord!  The service yesterday morning was blessed with an excellent spirit and attendance as well.  The house was filled!  Thank you for being faithful!

The service last night was a real blessing!  I am so honored that Pastor Alton Stokes and the folks from the Grand Bay Church of God joined us for worship.  Their praise band and choir did a nice job of leading our musical worship.  The house was filled and the spirit was excellent!  I cannot begin to tell you how many folks have told me what a blessing that service as to them.  We give God the glory!

Eddie Whitmore was admitted to the hospital last night after being taken there by ambulance.  He has been diagnosed with pneumonia.  I will visit today and will get an update.

Miss Annie Rogers, age 101, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday.  She has double pneumonia.

We go back to a regular schedule this Wednesday, 1/6.

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