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 – Ezekiel 38-39

Terrance McGaster, son-in-law of Robert & Rose Anne Baria, is scheduled to have open heart surgery today.  This surgery was supposed to have taken place this past Tuesday but the surgeon had complications in another procedure which delayed this one.  Pray that all goes well for Terrance and that the surgery will be successful.

Carla Kyser was able to receive a chemo treatment yesterday.  However, her blood count was low so she will go in today to receive a couple of units of blood.

Claire Turner has a fourteen year old cousin who is in ICU due to heart failure.  No prior history of heart problems.  Pray for this young girl.

Jeff Long’s mother will have a pacemaker inserted tomorrow.

Clara Broadus has a great nephew whose life was taken in an accident.  I am not sure of the arrangements but do ask that you pray for the Johns family.

We had a good day in our services yesterday/last night.  The number in our student ministry Bible studies continues to climb and we give God the glory.

This morning our senior adults will gather at 9:00AM in the fellowship hall for breakfast.  A simple time of food and fellowship.  All senior adults are invited to attend even if you did not sign up as that was just to give our cook a general idea.  We will finish by 10:00AM.  Come join us!

We are going to have TNBA tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  The guys know the requirements.  I realize the NFL regular season begins tonight but the show must go on!

The Friendship Fall soccer league begins at 8:00AM this Saturday, 9/10.  All games will be played at Grand Bay Middle School on the baseball/softball fields.  Pray for this ministry.

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 – Ezekiel 35-37

We had a group of folks minister at McKemie Place last night.  I received the following from Rita Broome:  “We were very blessed to see how our church family responded to the McKemie ministry. So many people donated to the supply list and many others prepared a meal to bring to these women. Their prayer tonight was so touching as they thanked the Lord for our church and the time we took to bring them a meal. 9 women came to know Christ tonight as a result of us giving economically and giving our time. Would you please let the church know how very appreciative and how blessed they were to receive such a delicious meal? They had enough left  for tomorrow’s breakfast due to the outpouring of love from Friendship.”   All I can say is “amen” and “to God be the glory!”

By the way, I mentioned that we had two salvation decisions in our middle school Bible study last Wednesday night.  We also had one following our senior high Bible study taught by Dylan Westbrook.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is lasagna and the trimmings.  Dylan Westbrook will once again teach the senior high students while Jim Chinners will teach the middle school students.

All of our senior adults are invited to join us in the morning, 9/8, at 9:00AM for a breakfast.  We will meet in the fellowship hall.  All you have to bring is yourself.  It would be great if you would bring a friend!  The food will be great but I believe the fellowship will be even greater.  Come join us!

I did not make any college football picks last weekend and I am glad.  I would have fanned on most of my picks.  Sure I would have picked South to beat MSU – right!  I am just in hopes that Bama can beat WKU this Saturday.  BTW, Troy won this past Saturday too!

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 – Ezekiel 32-34

Good morning from home sweet home – Grand Bay, Alabama!  It is true that there is no place like home!  We thank the Lord for His protection and watch care as we traveled over the weekend.

Really no updates today.  I suspect those should come tomorrow.

McKemie Place ministry tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Want more information?  Call Rita Broome.

I am asking our senior adults to sign up for this Thursday’s (9/8) breakfast by noon tomorrow.   We will meet in the fellowship hall and the meal will be served beginning at 9:00AM.  Great food and greater fellowship!  Come one, come all!  Call the church office to sign up or do so in tomorrow’s morning service.  This is designed to become a monthly happening for our seniors.

The Friendship Fall soccer league begins league play this Saturday, 9/10.  Pray for this ministry.

Enjoyed the weekend of watching the college football games.  Got called out following yesterday’s post for not mentioning the USM Eagles come from behind victory over UK.  (Honestly, I did not even know USM played UK and certainly did not know they had won)  So, “climb the top” or whatever it is they say in the ‘Burg!

While I am at it let me mention that the Montana State Bobcats lost a close one, 20 – 17, to the Idaho Vandals.  Louisiana Monroe was able to win in their new coach’s debut.  Did I miss anyone?

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)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 28-31

Tuesday, September 6 – Ezekiel 32-34
Wednesday, September 7 – Ezekiel 35-37
Thursday, September 8 – Ezekiel 38-39
Friday, September 9 – Ezekiel 40-41
Saturday, September 10 – Ezekiel 42-43
Sunday, September 11 – Ezekiel 44-45

Good morning from Dallas, Texas.  Lisa, Dana, Gina and I have enjoyed a long weekend away.  We have certainly enjoyed the company of Tom & Shari Compagner and Ross & Kathy Genzink (it would have been so much better had Tom or Ross at least offered to pay for at least one meal – just saying!)

Obviously, we enjoyed the game on Saturday night.  I enjoyed watching other college games on television. Happy for South Alabama and their huge win on Saturday (that comment was for Kim French).  Auburn can be proud of their effort against Clemson.  Bryant won their game on Friday night while Coach Collier and team took a tough loss.  The ND vs UT game was entertaining last night.  Looking forward to the FSU vs Mississippi game tonight.

We were able to attend a church service yesterday morning.  I always enjoy attending other churches just to see how they do things.  This church observed the Lord’s Supper as the main focus of their worship.  They were very, very welcoming of guests.  I think they have a bright future.  Which church?  First Baptist Dallas.

Our four Yankee friends boarded a plane and headed home this morning while we will get in a car and drive home.  We are in no rush so we will be home whenever we get home.

Do not have an update from our services yesterday.  I am sure Pastor Wes did well.  Hope to update in tomorrow’s post.

I pray that you will have a great Labor Day with Jesus.  Remember, the church office is closed today for the holiday.

“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 – Ezekiel 22-23

Good morning from Dallas.  Nothing new to report today as far as those on our prayer list are concerned.  Just keep praying.

Regular schedule tomorrow with Pastor Wes Bates preaching in all three services.  Randall Broome will be leading our musical worship.  Pray for the services.  If you are in town, please be in your rightful place.

Emotionally, it has been a tough couple of days for me.  I vividly remember 9/1/14 (Labor Day) when “C” sent me an iMessage telling me that she was in the hospital.  Little did I know at that time that in just a little over three months she would pass from this life at such a very young age with so much life seemingly in front of her.  However, she had an absolute trust in God as do I so I take comfort in “absent from the body present with the Lord!”  One day I will see her again but death sure does stink!

Yesterday, 9/2, marked the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of Lisa’s only brother.  I had the privilege of knowing Michael Clark for just over six years.  He was not only my brother-in-law but he was my good friend.  I also vividly remember where Lisa, Deidra, Daphne and I were when we got the news of his accident.  One of the toughest (maybe the toughest) days of our lives up to this point.  Again, so young.  However, Michael also had an abiding faith in God and I will see him again too but death sure does sting!

Exactly three years later, 9/2/89, the Lord would call Dub Ladnier home after a tough battle with cancer.  Bro. Dub & Michael were friends and I guess it was only fitting that they shared a promotion date (9/2).  Dub Ladnier was a faithful church member and a very good friend.  I miss Dub too.  I do not like cancer!  However, cancer did not win as Bro. Dub was simply escorted from this life into eternity because of his personal relationship with God through Jesus – our God is an awesome God!

So, we all need to enjoy each day of life given to us and celebrate with those we love as we have no promise of tomorrow.  Tell those close to you that you love them today!

College football galore today!  Somehow I let Lisa make the hotel reservations for here and we are staying in a hotel connected to a mall – imagine that!  She “thinks” she is in Heaven!  We had a good time fellowshipping with Ross & Kathy Genzink and Tom & Shari Compagner yesterday afternoon.  Last night, we were joined by Joe David, Lori, Ty & Josie Bailey.  Good times.  Dana & Gina joined us around midnight.

Lisa and I spent Thursday night in Monroe, LA at the home of Ken & Kathryn Huff.  You talk about good hosts – wow!  I highly recommend “Hotel Huff” to anyone passing through Monroe!  Great people!

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 – Ezekiel 20-21

Good morning from somewhere in Texas.  Sorry for the lateness of this entry.  No excuses.

Miss Maxine Rogers remains in the hospital.

Larry Moss did have surgery yesterday.  Still not sure if it was repair or replacement.

Randy Collins was discharged from the hospital.

Regular schedule on Sunday – morning and evening.  Pastor Wes Bates will be preaching in all three services.  Randall Broome will be leading the congregational musical worship.

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 – Ezekiel 18-19

Friday, September 2 – Ezekiel 20-21
Saturday, September 3 – Ezekiel 22-23
Sunday, September 4 – Ezekiel 24-27
Monday, September 5 – Ezekiel 28-31

Miss Maxine Rogers remains hospitalized and is in good spirits.  She is ready to go home but is also wanting to wait until the doctors are totally convinced that she can be discharged and not have to be brought right back to the hospital as has been the case previously.  They are trying to regulate her medicines which will have to be taken orally.

Randy Collins is basically in the same situation as Miss Maxine.  He is not really sure what the next step will be for him but is waiting on the doctors to make that call.

Larry Moss fell on Tuesday night and broke his hip.  He “thinks” they will do a surgical procedure today but is not sure if that will be to repair the break or to replace the hip.  His son, Craig, and daughter, Jennifer, were on the way to Mobile yesterday.

Carla Kyser received her chemo treatment on Tuesday.  She was able to join us in the service last night.

Becky Sellers continues to follow her regiment regarding her treatments.  Her dad, Bernard Suthoff, continues with his daily radiation treatments.

Holly Lybarger will soon have a scan to see where she stands regarding her malignancy.  She is driving to and from Montgomery on a regular basis for work.  (She is a NP serving as a doctor in an urgent care facility)

The Lord blessed us with some good services yesterday morning/last night.  Our student ministry enjoyed another good night attendance wise but the greatest news was there were two salvations in the middle school Bible study – praise the Lord!  God is doing a “new thing” in our midst and we give Him the glory!

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Pastor Wes Bates will be preaching in all three services.  I encourage all members of the Friendship family who are in town to be present for these services.

Today is another vacation day for me.  Lisa and I will leave this morning heading toward Dallas.  Our plans are to stop in northern Louisiana for the night visiting with some friends and then drive on to Dallas tomorrow morning.  We are meeting Ross & Kathy Genzink and Tom & Shari Compagner in Dallas.  We will also spend some time with Joe David and Lori Bailey.

Looking forward to the college football season beginning tonight.  South Carolina vs Vanderbilt will the headliner of tonight’s games.  The season begins tonight and will be over tomorrow!

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