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 –  Psalms 5; 38; 41-42

Miss Shirley Hill be having surgery on her broken leg this morning.  I will be going to pray with her before the surgery.  Pray that all goes well.

They almost put Carla Kyser in the hospital yesterday afternoon.  I do not know for a fact but I imagine that she “wiggled” her way out of it.  She is a stubborn thing!  Pray that she gets better in a hurry!

Jimmy Moates will be having a scan on Tuesday.  Pray for good results.

Last day of soccer tomorrow!  Each player will receive their “swimming” medal!  What?  Yes, Soy has a swimming medal for each player!  Said they were cheaper than the soccer medals!  Hey folks, do not worry – Curly, Larry & Moe have got this!

I plan on starting an online petition.  I need all ten of our blog readers to sign it.  It is a petition demanding that Joey Switzer repair the “squeaking” exercise machine in his gym!  I am tired of hearing my wife complain about it!  Joey continues to charge full price but has less than adequate machines?  WOW!

Speaking of Joey, if you ever need lights on a trailer repaired, contact Phil Sims instead of going to Joey.  Just saying!  Phil knows what he is doing!

Yesterday was a long day of traveling for me as I went to Hartselle, Alabama and back.  Left home at 2:00AM and got back at just before 5:00PM.  It was all ministry related but I cannot share the details until tomorrow.  I did get to spend about thirty minutes visiting with my parents which was good.  Jim N Nick’s was also good – pig in the garden salad!

Was able to jump on the mower pretty soon after getting home and mowed until dark thirty in anticipation of today’s rain.  Now, the forecast for rain does not look as threatening.  Soy also got on a mower so we have a good bit of the mowing behind us.  As soon as I get back from the hospital today, I plan on hitting it again and then moving into the garden.

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 –  2 Samuel 19-21

I posted yesterday that Becky Sellers will be receiving chemo treatments.  At that time, I did not know the details.  Rusty shared with me last night that those treatments will begin this Monday, 5/23.  Pray for Becky, Dave and family.

Carla Kyser is trying to get into a clinical trial.  She, and others, are checking into various possibilities.  Pray that something will work out very soon.

Courtney Hubbard is in Houston for the next couple of days meeting with doctors.  She will come home tomorrow and then go back on Sunday in order to receive a sixteen hour treatment on Monday, 5/23.  Pray for Courtney, Mark & family.

Courtney Cavin’s maternal grandfather had heart surgery last night.

Good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  Very good to see the number of adults stepping up to help with our student ministry.

Came home from last night’s church service to find a leaking air condition unit in the attic.  Thankfully, Soy took care of it while I led the Bible study.  What would I do without Soy?

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

The test results came back positive so Becky will begin taking chemo treatments soon.  Not the news that we had prayed for but we are still praying big and trusting God!  Join us in that prayer.  Will provide more details in the days ahead.  Pray for Becky, Dave and 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 26; 40; 58; 61-62; 64

Today is an important day for Dave & Becky Sellers as they will learn the results of the latest tests.  Please pray for them this morning.

Saw Carla Kyser last night but did not ask her if she has heard anything from Texas.  Just keep praying.

Hilda Gunter was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning and is resting at home.

Eddie Albritton has finally run out of excuses to keep missing basketball on Sunday nights!  Basically, the doctor told him to “man up” and keep playing.  Actually, he has a hip labral tear and they will eventually give him a shot.  If that does not work, then they would do a surgical procedure.  Long story short – he scared!

We had, in my opinion, a really good meeting last night regarding our student ministry.  Twenty nine folks showed up and gave good input and insights.  Tonight will see Jonny Gaston teaching our senior high Bible study and Jim Chinners teaching our middle school Bible study.  Our ultimate goal is to build our student ministry spiritually and numerically while making disciples.

The Alma Bryant High School Class of 2016 will graduate this morning at 10:00AM in the USA Mitchell Center.  Obviously, I have a scheduling conflict because of our morning service but I say “congratulations” to each of the graduates from the Friendship family.

Regular schedule for the Friendship family today with our morning service at 10:00AM and the evening Bible studies/classes at 6:30PM.  Children’s choir at 5:30PM.

The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study will be baked spaghetti, caesar salad, bread, drink and dessert.  I can promise you that it will be a spread as Lisa always does well.

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 –  2 Samuel 16-18

The forces of evil are very alive and very well!  I was involved in three different situations yesterday that underscored that fact big time! All I can do is to ask that we pray for one another.  I do know this – God is bigger!

Hilda Gunter had a heart cath yesterday afternoon.  It revealed some blockage but not enough for any corrective surgical measures.  They will be treating her with medication.

Rev told me Sunday that their daughter, Holly, is actually doing pretty good as she continues to take her treatments.

Carla Kyser is in contact with the Anderson Hospital in Texas.  It is possible they could suggest a different treatment option.  She is in a holding pattern right now.

Courtney Hubbard goes to Houston tomorrow for consultation, et cetera and then gets her first treatment on Monday, 5/23.

I was able to see everyone that I planned on seeing in the convalescent home yesterday morning with one exception.  Miss Carmen Reyer was fast asleep but all of the others seemed to be doing good.

Our prayer time was pretty well attended last night.  I thought about suspending it for the months of June & July but felt a definite prompting from the Lord last night to not do that.  So, we will continue each Monday night with an exception here and there i.e. Memorial Day, July 4, et cetera.  I firmly believe that God called me to this time of prayer so I will continue to do as He has said.  I am very appreciative to those who take part in this ministry.

There will be a meeting in the auditorium tonight at 6:30PM for anyone involved/interested in our student ministry.  This will be a time of discussion and sharing of ideas.  We will not be making any decisions.  How long will it will last?  IDK but I plan on it not taking longer than one hour.

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

Today, 5/16, marks the first wedding anniversary of Alan & Henni Aldridge!  Congratulations!  I hope their day is special!  All Lisa and I can say is “thank God for Alan!”  LOL!

“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 3-4; 12-13; 28; 55
Tuesday, May 17 – 2 Samuel 16-18
Wednesday, May 18 – Psalms 26; 40; 58; 61-62; 64
Thursday, May 19 – 2 Samuel 19-21
Friday, May 20 – Psalms 5; 38; 41-42
Saturday, May 21 – 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57
Sunday, May 22 – Psalms 95; 97-99

Yesterday was a blessed day!  Bro. Chris did a nice job of sharing his heart in the early service and then preaching to the high school graduates in the second service.  The reception last night was very nicely done.  Thank you to Marisa for coordinating that and to each person who had any part in making it a success.  In my opinion, the Friendship family did a nice job of saying “farewell” to Bro. Chris and his family.  Keep them in your prayers.

Hilda Gunter was admitted to the hospital last night as she was having some chest pains.  Her daughter says she is doing ok now.  I will be heading that way first thing this morning.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Enter and exit through the West side door.

Griefshare tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM in the choir room.

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:30PM.

Dr. Rex, waiting on you!

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 –  2 Samuel 13-15

Received an iMessage from Dave Sellers last night telling me that Becky will get the results from her latest tests on Wednesday morning, 5/18.  Will you join Becky, Dave and me in praying big?

Talked to Carla Kyser via iMessage last night as well.  She is “considering” getting a second opinion regarding her present situation.  (I have offered to give her a second opinion but she has not warmed up to that concept yet!)

Heard from Claire Belle via iMessage as well.  Her mom received her second dose of chemo this past week and had some fluid drained which made her feel better physically.  She is set for scans in July.

Do not have an update on Jimmy Moates or Holly Lybarger but do ask that you pray for all of these folks plus Lisa Thompson (last word on her condition was good).

Curly, Larry & Moe tell me that soccer went well yesterday and that this coming Saturday, 5/21, will be the final day of this season.  Two of them got pretty emotional expressing their appreciation to me for my support of this inaugural league especially for using this blog as a means of promotion.  Also, thanked me for the time I showed up at the soccer field.  Basically, they feel that I catapulted this league into the force it has become.  I am humbled by their gratefulness and I do not deserve such credit.

Regular schedule this morning with services at 8:00AM & 10:30AM.  Sunday School at 9:15AM.  Bro. Chris will be preaching in the two morning services as we will recognize the high school Class of 2016 in our 10:30AM service.

Our evening service will begin at 5:00PM and I will be preaching as we bring to a close Bro. Chris’ seven year ministry at Friendship.  Bro. Chris wanted it to be a regular service so it will be.  We will move to the CAB immediately following the service for a reception honoring Bro. Chris and his family.  Members of the Friendship family are asked to bring casseroles and desserts.  We need a really strong participation from everyone for this service and the reception.  There will be a card/gift basket in the CAB.

All staff members and active deacons are asked to help set up for the reception immediately following the 10:30AM service.  So, brothers, please go to the CAB as soon as the last Amen is spoken in the service.

Speaking of deacons, I am going to share something that will most likely shock everyone (all ten) reading this entry.  If you stand for always doing the right thing regardless, stop reading now as I do not want you to be upset.  Yesterday, I attended the UM graduation ceremony, went to Titus’ final t-ball game of the season, made a visit and then had plans to hit the garden.  Not so fast my friend!  Lisa informed me that I would be going to Walmart to buy groceries and that was not up for debate.  I. . . went to Walmart!

While in Walmart, I saw the wife of one of our deacons whom I shall let remain anonymous.  She actually got behind me in one of the two open (ninety seven closed) checkout lines.  That is when it happened!  She suddenly said, “I am going to the twenty items or less line” to which I replied, “but you have more than twenty items!”  Her reply, “watch me!”  (Loose interpretation!)  I walked over and told the cashier that she had more than twenty items and if looks could kill!  Yes, she got out much, much sooner than me (my cashier is explaining to me the difference between sea salt and regular table salt – really?) but I did not cheat!  I was just glad that she did not have on a “wife of Friendship family deacon” t-shirt (like the “mother of 99” shirts you see at the ball park).  Yes, I will speak to her husband as we teach Sunday School together today – he needs to know!

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 32; 51; 86; 122

Good morning from Sweet Home Alabama!  Lisa, Dana, Gina and I arrived in New Orleans late yesterday afternoon and then had a nice drive home.  We had a great five days away but, as they say, “there is no place like home!”

Bus visitation today beginning with a meeting at 8:30AM.

Friendship soccer today beginning at 9:00AM.

Today is a big day for us as Alan & Henni will graduate from the University of Mobile this morning – hooray!  Great accomplishment for both of them.  We are proud of Alan and we are absolutely amazed at where Henni has come from to get to this point!  Congratulations to Alan & Henni!

Tomorrow is a big day for the Friendship family as it will be Bro. Chris’ last day as our Minister to Students.  He will be preaching in the two morning services and I will be preaching in the evening service which will begin at 5:00PM.   Casseroles and desserts are needed for the reception which will take place in the CAB immediately following the evening service.  I do hope the members of the Friendship family will support these services in a big way tomorrow as we honor God by recognizing Bro. Chris and the ministry God gave him here.

All staff members and deacons are asked to go to the CAB immediately following the 10:30AM service tomorrow in order to set up for the reception.

Miss Shirley Hill took a fall and broke a leg.  It is my understanding that surgery will be required.  What a sweetheart of a lady!

They are doing some tests on Becky Sellers as a result of her latest scan.

Probably the most amazing thing to happen while I was away is two fold – Soy managed to not kill the garden but did a nice job of keeping it watered (most of it) and he mowed my yard yesterday.  The mowing thing helps me out big time today.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday 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 –  2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20

Carla Kyser’s scan results showed stability in every area except her liver.  She will start on two different drugs next Tuesday, 5/17, with one of them being something she has taken previously.  Neither drug is supposed to have harsh side effects.  Keep praying for Carla.

Becky Sellers gets her scan results today.  Pray big!

Eddie Albritton will learn the results of his MRI next Tuesday, 5/17.

Gloria Whitmore is scheduled for surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  All of our students will meet together in the CAB with this being Bro. Chris Taylor’s last night as our Minister to Students.

Speaking of Bro. Chris, the Friendship family will host a reception for him this Sunday evening, 5/15, immediately following our evening service which will begin at 5:00PM (please note the earlier starting time).  Marisa Felps, church hostess, is asking folks to bring casseroles and desserts for this fellowship.  All of our staff members and active deacons are asked to go to the CAB immediately following the 10:30AM service this Sunday, 5/15, in order to set up for the reception.  There will be a card/gift basket available at the reception.

I am looking for a maximum of three folks to share no longer than three minutes during the evening service about what Bro. Chris and his ministry have meant to them personally.  First come, first served.  E-mail will be the official way to contact me and that address is tcturrentine@gmail.com.  All volunteers must do so no later than Friday afternoon, 5/13, at 5:00PM.

Mother’s Day is always celebrated on May 10 in Guatemala.  Talk about a celebration!  First, the vast majority (if not all) mothers are given the day off work.  The restaurants, malls, parks, et cetera are literally teeming with people.  I have never seen anything like it in my life.  Lisa and I stopped by Burger King at 9:00PM last night to get food for some locals and the place was literally packed with people.  They have even brought in extra tables and chairs and they were filled too.  Absolutely crazy!

Our 30 – 39 year old Sunday School class sent money with us to take a local pastor and his wife grocery shopping.  I wish the members of that class could have seen the look on their faces when we told them and then watched them shop – what a delightful scene!  They were so humble and so very grateful.  Good job by this Sunday School class of being givers!  A need was definitely met!  God is good!

Lisa and I began our day yesterday having breakfast with Lazaro & Glendy Suruy.  It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship.  They are doing a great job of working with the seventy five (presently seventy four) children in the feeding center.

Today, Lisa and the girls, along with Haley Rae, will enjoy Antigua.  Me?  Lord willing, I will enjoy the peace and quiet of the GRACE mountain.  I hope to join them for supper at Las Antorchas tonight.

BTW, the fare for tonight’s 7:30PM Bible study will be pizza from Pizza Hut in the bayou.

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