Pastor's Blog

Failed to write that Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation today through next Sunday, 4/30.  As always, I ask that you not contact Bro. Jerry for any reason this week.  Not even that call that says, “I know you are on vacation and I do not want to bother you but. . . ”  The secretaries are in the office all week (Monday through Thursday) and I am here all week too.  So, please respect Bro. Jerry’s time off.

No GROW visitation tonight since Bro. Jerry will not be here.

Our prayer time will take place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Our numbers have been up a bit over the past two Mondays.  Thank you to those who are faithful to pray.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
Tuesday, April 25 – 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
Wednesday, April 26 – 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27
Thursday, April 27 – 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
Friday, April 28 – 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26
Saturday, April 29 – 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
Sunday, April 30 – 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19

Phil Sims is scheduled for surgery at some point tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.  They will replace his aortic valve and do a couple of other things.  He does not have any blockages.  However, it will be open heart surgery.

Maria’s mother continues in her battle against cancer.  It is pretty amazing to see how God has worked in her life thus far.  Pray for Mrs. Hamilton and the family during this time.

What a blessing to hear from Tim Knighten in last night’s service.  Tim has been a rock of faithfulness and trust during his battle against cancer.  Pray for him as they will remove the feeding tube this Wednesday.

As you heard in last night’s service, we are hosting the men from the Mission of Hope this Friday, 4/28.  Service begins at 7:00PM in the auditorium.  We need folks willing to help with feeding these men even if you cannot attend the service.  Ideally, bring some food and stay for the service.  At the very least, pray for that service.

The Lord blessed us with a good day in our services yesterday.  Our attendance was off some as there were a good number of our regulars who were missing.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Saturday, April 22 – 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19

Maria Wainwright called around 9:00PM last night to say that in her sister’s opinion their mother would not live through the night.  It is just before 7:00AM and, as far as I know, Mrs. Hamilton is still with us.  Just keep praying.

After talking to Phil Sims early yesterday morning,  I have not gotten any more updates.  Figuring surgery on Monday.  Keep praying for Phil.

Gena Davis posted a personal prayer request as a comment on yesterday’s blog entry.  Go read it and pray for Gena’s physical problems.  Gene & Gena have been gone for several years now and I sure do miss Gena!

Keep praying for those battling cancer.

Soccer this morning beginning at 8:00AM.

Bus workers’ meeting this morning beginning at 8:30AM.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  SNBA following the evening service.

Soy did indeed “help” me yesterday.  Cost me a couple of hours and money for a “mighty kids” meal at McDonalds.  We did not mow everything on the hill as it is simply too dry and the grass is not growing very quickly.

How dare Bill Kendrick mention the name Bill Russell in the same conversation with Jerry West!  I may have to block his ability to post comments if such as this continues.  What is next?  Someone going to mention the Jordan guy?  Folks, just face the facts!

Well, it is soccer early today and then garden time.  My yesterday was consumed with eating weeds and trimming pecan trees.  I did go buy garden stuff from Bo.  I was in hopes of getting a discount but she actually charged me ten percent extra.  Said it was the tithe in reverse?

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

P.S. –  Yesterday’s and today’s entries have been a bit late.  There is a reason.  Courtney Cavin had asked if she could be the guest blogger.  I agreed.  I told her it had to be posted no later than 6:30AM.  She failed yesterday but asked for a second chance so I gave her one today.  Same results!  Can you say USM?

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 12-13; Luke 16

Phil Sims was moved to another hospital yesterday.  Just talked to him via the phone and they are “thinking” he will have valve replacement surgery on Monday.  That could change but that is the supposed plan for now.  Phil has been up walking this morning and is feeling good.  Keep praying for him.

Bro. Jerry went and prayed with Elizabeth Sessions before her procedure yesterday.  I have not heard how that procedure went but am assuming “no news is good news!”   Pray for Elizabeth.

Spoke to Maria Wainwright via the phone this morning and her mother’s situation has not changed much at all.  Just keep praying for Mrs. Hamilton.

Friendship soccer resumes tomorrow morning at 8:00AM at the Grand Bay Middle School.  Jeff Long, Jonathan Jordan and Jeff Holifield are working on getting the field on our campus ready for next year.  We need Phil to hurry up and get back so he can run the dozer!

I did keep my promise late yesterday afternoon and then attended Titus’ game last night.  John Milton and I grew our gardens while the boys played ball.

Caught maybe thirty second of the Spurs vs Grizzlies game last night.  Want to be able to converse with Levi Seymour this Sunday!  The NBA is rigged!  How else can one explain the absence of the Lakers?  What a disgrace to Jerry West – simply the greatest player in the history of the NBA!

Well, the yard and garden are calling my name.  Lisa is punishing me today as she has told Soy that he has to “help” me today.  Just what I needed – a babysitting job while trying to mow, plow and eat weeds!  Please do not mention to Lisa that I have not made the WM run yet!  She is going to be furious!

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

Spent most the day at the hospital with Phil Sims.  They finally took him in for a heart cath.  Here are the results – his aortic valve will have to be surgically replaced which will involve open heart surgery.  He is also in afib which they plan to address while doing the valve replacement.  There were no blockages.  Phil is very, very grateful to God for His watch care over him.

In my first post today I wrote that Phil’s problem stemmed from a birth defect.  I was wrong!  (Let that sink in for a moment!).  This is not birth defect related.  I also said that Phil would be sent to Houston, Texas for surgery.  Again, I was wrong.  (Is it sinking in yet?).  He will be transported to a local hospital either this afternoon or tomorrow.  Surgery could take place on Monday, 4/24, but that has not been definitely decided at this point in time.

Let me say a few quick words about the military hospital where Phil has been a patient.  In my opinion, an excellent facility with excellent health professionals.  The nurses were great and the cardiologists were extremely informative and compassionate.  Obviously, I was impressed!

Tried to visit with Bill Goff this afternoon but he was not at home.

Got to go keep a promise and then attend a machine pitch baseball game today – I am so excited!  LOL!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading –  2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32

Phil Sims is scheduled to have a heart cath at some point today.  There is a problem with his heart that appears to be a birth defect and the doctor is talking about sending Phil to Houston, Texas to have it repaired.  Pray for Phil.  Lord willing, I will be visiting with Phil this morning.  He is in a military hospital and getting in can sometimes be a challenge.

Elizabeth Sessions is scheduled to have a kidney stone(s?) blasted today.  She has twenty and I think they intend on going after the largest one which is said to be the size of a quarter – ouch!  Pray for Elizabeth.

Caroline Ford’s tests revealed a bleeding ulcer and diverticulitis.  Not sure what the plan of action is from this point forward but at least they have something to work from now.

Talked to Maria Wainwright yesterday and, as of that time, there had been no significant change in her mother’s physical condition.  Just keep praying.

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  “Potluck with the pastor” went well.  My wife, Lisa, and Marisa Felps did an outstanding job of hosting that meal.  The roast was extremely good as were the side dishes and desserts.  I appreciate each person who participated in this fellowship.

Well, yesterday weather.com had us with an eighty percent chance of rain this Saturday morning.  They have now changed that to twenty percent.  According to their forecast, the next “good” possibility of rain for us is a sixty percent chance on Saturday, April 29.  You think they will change that forecast again before then?  Hour by hour it seems.  God knows and we have to trust Him.  Thank God for well water when it comes to watering the garden.

So far I have managed to squeeze in “zero” seconds of watching the NBA playoffs.  I did read that the number one seeded Boston Celtics are 0 – 2 in their first round series.  Breaks my heart!

Alabama’s spring scrimmage is this Saturday, 4/22.  Will I attend?  No.  I would not attend if they were paying folks to do so.  May watch some of it on television but probably not.

Bobby and the Nationals are winning their division again.  They totally routed the Braves last night.  I miss Bobby being around here.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading –  2 Samuel 6-8; Luke 15:1-10

Obviously, Phil Sims remains in the hospital this morning.  There is a possibility of him being moved to another facility but that decision had not been made as of late yesterday afternoon.

Amy Huhn is having oral surgery this morning.  She asks for our prayers.

Spoke to Maria Wainwright via the phone late yesterday afternoon.  Maria was back in Grand Bay.  Her mother continues to be in much pain and that is especially true whenever anyone touches her.

Tried to reach Caroline Ford via the phone yesterday afternoon but no success.  Hopefully I will hear from her today relating to her tests.

Elizabeth Sessions is scheduled to have a surgical procedure done tomorrow.

My Aunt Alice in Michigan recently had a couple of procedures on her heart.  I am told they put a stent inside of a stent?  At any rate, she seems to be breathing easier now.  Prayers appreciated.

The funeral service for Mrs. Couch takes place today at 2:00PM from the Escatawpa Baptist Church.  It will be preceded by an hour of visitation with the family.

Regular schedule today/tonight – children’s choir, classes, Bible studies, et cetera.

“Potluck with the pastor” this morning immediately following our morning service.  Thanks to Bob Evans for setting up the tables and chairs.  Bob is a great help!  We have the meat (Arby’s has the meats) which is roast beef, the bread and the drinks.   You are asked to bring the sides and the desserts.  Come join us for this time of food and fellowship.

Guess what the fare is for tonight’s 7:30PM Bible study?  If you guessed roast beef with all of the trimmings then you win!

I need an IT person!

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

Phil Sims has been admitted to the hospital and is in CCU.  Obviously, there are some issues with his heart.  Pray that the medical folks can get to the cause and give Phil the proper treatment/procedure.

Rumor has it that Amy Huhn will be having oral surgery tomorrow.  Someone said, “that will not keep her from talking!”  I know who that person is but I am not going to throw him/her under the bus!  Pray for Amy!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading –  2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35

Caroline Ford was originally scheduled to have surgery today but her blood count remains so low that surgery is not an option at this time.  They will be doing a test today to try and understand why her blood count is staying low.

Elizabeth Sessions will be having a procedure on Thursday to begin the process of eliminating some of her kidney stones.  She has somewhere around twenty (20) stones with at least one being really large.  Those of you who have experience with kidney stones can certainly feel her pain!  (I thank God that I am not in that number!)

Maria Wainwright’s mother is at home in Louisiana.  Maria is there with her.  Not exactly sure what the latest update is but do know that Mrs. Hamilton continues to be physically low.  Keep praying.

“Potluck with the pastor” takes place tomorrow, 4/19, immediately following our 10:00AM service.  The meat (roast beef), bread and drinks will be provided.  You are asked to bring the sides and desserts.  Please bring enough for whoever is coming with you plus one or two more.  Pass the word!  Come join us for great food and even greater fellowship!

Lisa and I will be driving into a foreign country (Mississippi) today to visit with a pastor friend and his wife.  They are faced with a difficult challenge in their ministry and we are simply going to talk, pray and encourage them through this time.

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

Ok, let me share some things that I left out of my earlier entry this morning:

I failed to mention a very, very important group of folks who were involved in our three worship services yesterday – our nursery/extended session workers!  While I have no clue who they were I do know that those folks ministered in a place that does not get much credit.  I am very thankful to each one who served in this area.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I also failed to mention our audio/video guys.  All of them, minus one, did great!  I appreciate them!

Our greeters did a nice job too.  That is such a vital part of making our guests feel welcome.  Thank you to all who took part in that ministry.

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

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Meet in the church office, please.

We will be having our “potluck with the pastor” this Wednesday, 4/19, immediately following our morning service.  The meat will be roast beef.  It, along with the drinks and bread, will be provided.  You are asked to bring the sides and the desserts.  Please bring enough for you and whoever is coming with you plus one or two more.  Pass the word!

I am pretty sure that I have left some other things off.  If they are brought to my attention, I will list them.  Did I mention that our video man totally messed up the first song in our 10:30AM service?