Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading –  Psalms 121; 123-125; 128-130

Miss Maxine Dupont will have surgery first thing this morning.  As I stated yesterday, I plan on being there with her and the family either until the surgery is complete or I have to leave in order to make it to our morning service.  Pray that all goes well.

Tommy Johnson’s mother was doing better when I visited with her yesterday.  I suspect she will be in the hospital for a few days.

Courtney Cavin’s dad, Calvin Crist, is in the hospital.  He was in but was discharged on Monday before being readmitted yesterday.  Calvin’s father is a former pastor of Friendship.  He has since entered Heaven but Mrs. Crist is still living.  The doctors are seemingly stumped as to what is causing Calvin’s problems.  He and I go way back as we used to play ball against one another.  I think my punishment for beating him so often is that I now have to be Courtney’s pastor – just saying!  LOL!

Brittney & Ian are doing fine.  Brittney is bouncing off the walls to be discharged.  That will happen this morning.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Lord willing, I will be preaching/teaching at 10:00AM, 6:30PM and then again at 7:30PM.  All classes, Bible studies, choir practices, et cetera as normal.

I am pretty upset about tonight’s menu for the 7:30PM Bible study.  I had posted last week that the menu would be sloppy joes.  I had actually bought everything except the buns before I left for Guatemala.  Somehow, Rusty convinced Lisa to have hot dogs instead!  What is up with that?  So, tonight’s menu is sloppy joes for everyone except Rusty!  Amazing!

Unbelievable!  It happened again!  I was in Guatemala on Monday night, 4/11.  Obviously, I was not at our prayer time but I did leave the instrumental compact disc by Diane Enriquez.  That cd has just vanished!  No one knows a thing about it!  This has become one of life’s great mysteries!  We had a nice group at our prayer time this past Monday night, 4/18, and I am sure they noticed a different instrumental compact disc was being used.  I am considering hiring Tony T as security for the nights I am not at the prayer time – LOL!

It appears that everything I planted in the garden Saturday before last has come up.  I checked it this past Saturday and nothing had come up.  Checked it on Monday afternoon and it was looking good.  Have not checked it since then but will work it this weekend.  I do not think there are going to be any skips.  Could be wrong.  I still have to plant more corn and also some plants.  No need to plant tomatoes as John Milton has 120 plants and about 100 pepper plants.  He is not at home during the day – just saying!

FYI – I have scheduled seven vacation days in May over two weeks.  Family time.  One trip is a total surprise (location wise) to Dana & Gina.  Will not miss any Sundays.  Our June, July and August are full so it is now or never!

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 –  1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm 18

Tommy Johnson’s mother (Coley’s grandmother) has been admitted to the hospital as she is battling pneumonia again.  This seems to be a couple of times annually.  Pray for her.

Carla Kyser has an appointment with her oncologist today and then one with her radiation oncologist on Wednesday.  She is in hopes of continuing her chemo treatments.

I will check on Brittney and Ian today.  Ethan sent me a message last night saying that all is well.  He thinks they will be discharged tomorrow although Brittney is asking for today!

Maxine Dupont will be having surgery early in the morning.  Lord willing, I will be with her until I have to leave to come to the early service.  Maxine is one of the finest ladies I have ever known!

Of the folks I was able to see in the convalescent home, all seemed to be doing ok.  I was especially pleased at the progress being made by Miss Jimmie Hall.  Obviously, I did not see her last week due to being out of town and there has been a nice improvement since I last saw her.  Keep praying.

This Sunday, 4/24, will be your opportunity to purchase a rose for “mother” to be given on Mother’s Day.  We have to place our order in advance so this Sunday will be your one, and only, opportunity to make this purchase.  Please take note of this and pass the word.

Today is supposed to be a beautiful day weather wise.  I hope you are able to get outside at some point and enjoy it.

Remember, regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Let’s get back into the routine of being involved in the services.  What if other followers of Jesus followed your example?

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

Today, at 3:53PM, Ethan & Brittney Nelson welcomed their third son into their family.  Ian Daniel Nelson checked in weighing 8 pound and 3 ounces and is 22 inches long.  Big brothers, Eli & Cade, are excited about this new addition to their family too!  Congratulations to the entire Nelson family!

“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 – Psalms 17; 35; 54; 63

Tuesday, April 19 1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm 18
Wednesday, April 20 Psalms 121; 123-125; 128-130
Thursday, April 21 2 Samuel 1-4
Friday, April 22 Psalms 6; 8-10; 14; 16; 19; 21
Saturday, April 23 1 Chronicles 1-2
Sunday, April 24 Psalms 43-45; 49; 84-85; 87
Monday, April 25 1 Chronicles 3-5
Tuesday, April 26 Psalms 73; 77-78
Wednesday, April 27 1 Chronicles 6
Thursday, April 28 Psalms 81; 88; 92-93
Friday, April 29 1 Chronicles 7-10
Saturday, April 30 Psalms 102-104

Ethan & Brittney Nelson are set to welcome their third son into the world today as Brittney will be induced this morning.  Pray that everything goes well.

I was surprised that the public school break actually affected our attendance more yesterday than the previous Sunday.  I am very grateful to those folks who were faithful over the past two Sundays.  It was a joy to welcome two into the Friendship family by transfer of letter.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  As far as I know, I will be able to attend the entire time.  I so appreciate Bernard Suthoff for his willingness to be there whenever I am out of pocket.  Let’s have a good number present for tonight’s prayer.  Please enter/exit through the West side door.

GriefShare tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM.

GROW visitation tonight from 6:30PM until.

I pray that you will have a great Monday 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 –   1 Samuel 25-27

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  My prayer is that we will be found faithful in our church attendance and every other area of our spiritual service to Jesus.  I pray that those who have been out of town and are now back home will be back in their rightful places this morning and tonight.

We need pray for the folks in Ecuador who have been affected by the earthquake.  Same for those in Japan who were affected by the two earthquakes there.

Deidra and I arrived in Mobile at 10:00PM on Friday night.  We had an uneventful day of traveling and we are very thankful for God’s traveling mercies.

I was lazy yesterday morning and then mowed yesterday afternoon.  It was a good day.  Alabama won their football game!  Auburn won the Saturday before so we should all be happy!

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

“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 – Psalms 7; 27; 31; 34; 52

Helen Hatcher will be put to sleep today in order to have two tests performed.  Pray that all goes well.

I had posted Monday that Joyce Hacker was in the hospital.  As far as I know, she remains hospitalized.

I realize that South Mobile County has gotten a fair share of rain this week.  It looks as though that is coming to an end.  Here, it is the very end of the rainy season which means hot and very dusty.  These folks are so ready to see some rain to settle this dust.  They are so ready to see the month of May arrive.

Met with an architect yesterday to see the best spot for the proposed medical clinic.  Exciting to me!

Was able to spend about thirty minutes at the feeding center.  Precious children!

Deidra and I enjoyed a noon meal with Tico & Lisa, Ben & Ligia, and Jose & Rosa yesterday.  You know Tico.  (Who does not?)  Ben is the pastor of the church that meets at the seminary.  Jose is the president of the seminary.

It is moving day!  Kirk & Michelle Lightfield are so graciously taking Deidra and me to the airport today.  We are leaving GRACE mountain at 8:00AM in order to make our 1:15PM flight.  The normal one hour drive could take three to four today because it is Friday!  Lord willing, we will arrive in Mobile late tonight.  Seems as though we just left.

I pray that you will have a great Friday 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 –   1 Samuel 21-24

No updates so really nothing to report.  Pray for Helen Hatcher as she will undergo tests tomorrow.

Deidra is plugging along in getting the apartment set up and ready for their June arrival.  The weather here is dry and hot.  The dust is deep on the roadways.  All is good!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday 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 –  1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11; 59

I was wrong about Helen Hatcher’s tests as they will take place this Friday, 4/15, and not today.  So, that gives us an extra two days to pray for Helen and her parents, Ross & Betty Clair.

Tiffany Fox’s surgical procedure was a little more involved than originally thought but we still came home yesterday.

It is Wednesday which should mean another radiation treatment for Holly Lybarger along with a chemo treatment.  Pray for her.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Lisa will be serving sloppy joes, chips and dessert for the 7:30PM crowd.  It will be good.

Since I am on vacation, I am limiting my time online especially related to “work” related stuff.  If you have contacted me about any business stuff then do not expect a reply until next week.  I thank you for understanding.

Kirk Lightfield was kind enough to take Deidra and me “shopping” yesterday and Deidra was able to purchase everything on her list except for one thing.  We shopped at Walmart, Sears and Pricesmart (think Sam’s).  I hate shopping!

Last night, we had the privilege of joining John & Laurie King and Nick “@ night” Davis for a delightful meal in Antigua.  Nick @ Night is moving back to Canada in early May so I wanted to treat him to his “last” supper in Guatemala.  He will be working at a camp this Summer and then begins college in the Fall.

We will join the team from Lakeside Baptist from Birmingham for their team devotional this morning.  I hope to get a $1.30 haircut and $1.30 shave today.  We will spend some time at the feeding center too.

Hey Nanette F!  (She has been blowing my phone up wanting to know why I have not mentioned her in any of my entries lately – wow!)

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 –   1 Samuel 15-17

Esther Beritich had a surgical procedure done yesterday.  She is scheduled to go home today.

Virginia Easterling had an outpatient procedure done yesterday while Charles Suthoff had a MRI.

Tiffany Fox is scheduled to have a surgical procedure done today.

Helen Hatcher will have tests tomorrow that will require her to be put to sleep.

Rusty Suthoff tells me that we had eleven folks come and pray last night.  Thank you to those few who were faithful.  It is appreciated.

Deidra and I arrived in Guatemala safe and sound yesterday around noon local time (1:00PM GB time).  The Lord was very gracious to us as the flight from Mobile to Atlanta was delayed taking off by about forty five minutes.  We were already on a tight schedule with a fifty minute window to get from that flight to the next.

So, the plane pulls up to the gate (B9) in ATL at 10:15AM and our flight to Guatemala is scheduled to depart from gate E16 at 10:31AM and is on time.  The gate normally closes ten to fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.  In my mind I am thinking, “there is no way!”  As we got to E16 the Delta gate personnel were waiting on us and said “we held the plane for you!”  The door basically hit me in the backside as we boarded!  The Delta folks could not have been any nicer to us and that includes the attendants as we boarded the plane.  All I know is that I asked God to have them hold that plane and they did so “to God be the glory!”

Oscar Solis (think vehicle rentals) was waiting on us and brought us to the GRACE mountain.  We unpacked and Deidra began to work in the apartment getting it ready for June.  We eventually made our way down the mountain into Chimaltenango and Deidra purchased a few things she needed to keep on setting up shop.

It is dry and hot here.  The dust on the roads is deep.  The rains do not come until next month.  Today will be a shopping day in the city – hip, hip hooray!  I love shopping!  (Can you say “tongue in cheek?”)  We are taking Nick Davis and his grandparents, John & Laurie King, out to supper tonight as Nick @ Night is leaving the GRACE mountain in early May in order to move back to Canada.

Paul Leytham is the first person I saw on the mountain yesterday and he looks really good.  As a matter of fact, that is the best I have seen Paul look in several years.  He is doing well.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday.  From the looks of the various forecasts, you are going to need an umbrella most of the day!  Be safe!

“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 –  1 Samuel 13-14
Tuesday, April 12 1 Samuel 15-17
Wednesday, April 13 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11; 59
Thursday, April 14 1 Samuel 21-24
Friday, April 15 Psalms 7; 27; 31; 34; 52
Saturday, April 16 Psalms 56; 120; 140-142
Sunday, April 17 1 Samuel 25-27

As expected, the first Sunday of the bookend weekends for the public school Spring break saw our morning attendance on the low side as we had seemingly a ton of folks out of town.  Actually, our evening attendance was fairly strong.  I am very thankful to those who attended the services yesterday.

Our SNBA play went well last night.  We had our largest number to date.  Eddie Albritton was in the service but he has just seemingly gotten “afraid” of the competition so he was missing!  Rumor has it that Bradley Phillips actually moved to Birmingham just because he was not winning on Sunday nights – wow!  Our SNBA is involving folks in church which is what it is really all about.

We are on a regular schedule tonight with our prayer time from 5:00 – 7:00PM; Griefshare from 6:00 – 8:00PM and GROW visitation beginning at 6:30PM.

Helen Hatcher will have some tests on Wednesday.  It will be required for her to be put to sleep in order for these tests to be done.  Pray that all goes well.

As far as I know, Miss Ann Collins remains in the hospital.  Keep praying for her.

It is my understanding that Joyce Hacker is back in the hospital too.  Pray for Joyce.

Holly Lybarger continues her regiment of radiation daily and chemotherapy weekly.  Pray for her and all those battling cancer.

Deidra and I are scheduled to fly to Guatemala today.  These are vacation days for me as we are going down to set up shop so that when Soy, Deidra and the girls arrive in June everything will be ready to go.  I am doing this for Soy!  I look forward to spending the next few days with Deidra (ask me if that is still true when we return on Friday!).  When she was a preschooler, anytime I went to to a Kid’s Krusade or whatever out of town, Deidra had to go with me.  Seems like yesterday!

These few days will also allow me to take care of some business for GRACE Ministries.  I really intend on being on “vacation” but I am not holding my breath!

I do plan on blogging something daily.  It may not be much as it will be based on what info I receive from home.  I really do not think you will be that interested in what Deidra and I will be doing.

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