Pastor's Blog

“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 – 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36

Good morning from Birmingham, Alabama!  Lisa and I soon leave to meet family in Hartselle for breakfast and fellowship.

Bobby Stork will have having at least one surgery today.  It is possible they will two procedures but that all depends on the first one.  Pray for Bobby to do well.

Sharon Jardee did well through her surgery yesterday.  Hooray!  Happy for her!

I posted the obit for Mrs. Moates in a separate entry.  The visitation and service take place tonight and tomorrow at Radney’s Funeral Home in Mobile.  Pray for the Moates family.

Yesterday afternoon, Lisa and I began our drive to Birmingham.  We had to take the Arnold Strahan route as traffic on I-65 was backed up onto I-10.  So, that delayed us a bit but not too bad.  We stopped in Montgomery for a few minutes to visit with our dear friends, Decker & Martha Terry.  Folks, this is one of the finest couples you will ever meet.  They are faithful supporters of GRACE Ministries and have such giving hearts.  More importantly, they are prayer warriors!  Martha is one of the most faithful prayer warriors I personally know.  She is basically confined to the house but that does not stop her from bombarding Heaven with her prayers.  Awesome!  Decker played football for the University of Mississippi back in the day and I think that is probably his greatest “sin” (LOL) in his life but God has graciously forgiven him.  Lisa and I very blessed to call Decker and Martha our friends.

I said all of that to ask you to pray for Martha.  She has recently been having some tough days physically.  You do not know her but God does and I would appreciate you joining Lisa and me in praying for Martha and for Decker as he provides care.

We also had the privilege of stopping in Prattville at Jim & Nick’s for supper where we were joined by our dear friends, Josh & Mandi Fortner.  What an outstanding young couple.  We always enjoy fellowship with them.  (Mandi always stick me with the bill but that is ok!).  They are expecting their first child in August and we are excited for them.

Lisa saw KFC yesterday.  Just a random statement that means nothing to anyone except Lisa, KFC and me!  Just glad it was Lisa and not me!  Just saying!

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

April 25, 1920-April 6, 2017 Ila Lois Dykes Moates, 96, was born April 25, 1920 in Perote, Al. to Charles Henry Dykes and Mary Elizabeth (Bessie) Boyd. She was affectionately known to her family as “Granny Moates”. She passed away peacefully at home in Elsanor, April 6th after a brief illness surrounded by her family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elmer Moates, her 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and one grandson: Levi Westbrook. She is survived by her son, James (Mariam) Moates. She is also survived by her daughters: Norma (James) Rogers, Louise (James) Akridge, and Susan (Charles) White; 10 grandchildren: Mari Lynn Hammac, Charity O’Connell, Jeanie Dillashaw, Kay Hammac, Krystal Parden, Steve Akridge, Mike Akridge, Lisa Bellknap, Teresa Ladnier, and Melinda Westbrook; 12 great-grandchildren: Reo, Nicole, Rachael, Johnnie, Brooke, Dylan, Caroline, Bryan, Jarrett, Katie, Kayleigh, and Alei; 7 great-great-grandchildren: R.J., Riley, Tag, Traunt, Lane, Lexie, and Ellie. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Lois’ family and friends celebrate her long life, and her clear testimony and strong faith in God. Her favorite Bible Verse is Psalms 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God”. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandparent. Visitation will be held Friday, April 7th at 4pm for the family and 5pm-7pm for friends and visitors at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street at exit 4. Celebration of Mrs. Moates’ life will be Saturday, April 8th. The funeral service will be at 2pm with the Rev. Jeff Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway. The family wishes to express their appreciation and deepest thanks to Covenant Care Hospice.

Just learned from Teresa Ladnier that her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Moates, passed from this life during the night.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family.

“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 -1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17

Sharon Jardee had her surgery time changed twice yesterday and then they just scrubbed it for the day with the intention of doing it this afternoon at 1:00PM.  She was not a happy camper and I cannot say that I blame her.  She was mentally/emotionally prepared for the surgery to take place.  She has been dealing with a great deal of pain.  So, join me in praying that the surgery will indeed take place today and she can move forward with her life.

Bobby Stork is scheduled to have one, possibly two, surgeries tomorrow.  Pray that all goes well.

Greg Boutwell has basically been sick ever since coming home from the hospital.  He is supposed to see a doctor today.

Warren Guidry is also supposed to see a doctor today as it relates to his most recent surgery.

My mother-in-law, Ann Clark, had surgery yesterday morning.  Everything went well.  (I sure hope she lives for many more years because Charles is not moving in with us!  Just saying!).

Good day/night in our services yesterday.  We thank God for His blessings.

Lord willing, Lisa and I will leave this afternoon heading toward Hartselle in order to visit my parents in the morning.  I have not seen my parents since 11/13/16.  Have tried to go a couple of times but things have happened to prevent that from taking place.  I do not get up there to visit with them enough and I am aware of that.

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 – 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 8:26-56

I reported earlier that Sharon Jardee would have her knee fused in six weeks.  I was wrong (let that sink in for a moment!).  She is scheduled to have surgery today, 4/5, to have that procedure done.  If all goes well, this will be her final surgery on that leg.  She is ready to get this process over and move forward with her life.  Pray that all goes well today.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  The potential of more severe weather is in place for this morning and, if that happens to become a reality, our senior adults have a pass on this morning’s service.  Otherwise, I hope to see them in our 10:00AM service.  The weather should not be a factor in our evening service/activities.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is tube steaks with nachos & cheese.

Jeff Holifield brought some utility poles to the church yesterday that he and Phil Sims will place today in an effort to keep our newly place soiled from washing and to keep folks from driving on/through it.  Folks will no longer be able to use the East side of the office building as a way of entry or exit.  We are respectfully asking folks to not drive/park on the grass in front or behind the office building.  I appreciate the guys who have been working on this project.

Well, this is a “dry hole” time for me as far as sports are concerned.  I am not an avid baseball fan but I will keep up with the Nationals because of Coach Bobby Henley (1 – 0 to begin the season) and, of course, I keep up with the Dodgers (1 – 1).  I am not big on Spring football practices and have only been to one A Day game in my life – just not for me.

So, my focus is on the garden and yard.  Hoe, weed eat and mow!  Love it!

Let me give Soy his props regarding the chicken coop addition.  He is doing an excellent job.  The chickens are going to be very happy campers!  I appreciate his efforts but please do not tell him I said so!

Lord willing I will drive up and see my parents Friday morning and return to Grand Bay on Friday night.  I hope that plan materializes as I have not seen my parents in a good while.  Shame on me!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday 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 – Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25

Did not visit with Sharon Jardee yesterday after her surgery but plan to do so this morning.  Will update her condition in tomorrow’s entry.

Maria Wainwright’s mother was to have a procedure/test early last night.  Have not gotten any update since that took place.

Caroline Ford continues to have physical problems and will see a doctor today.  If she does not improve physically, her surgery set for 4/18, is in danger of not taking place.  She needs to have that surgery so pray that she can get better quickly.

I failed to mention GROW or our prayer time in yesterday’s entry.  Not sure about GROW but our prayer time numbers were down.  I do appreciate those who are faithful to pray.

Some folks think the school board missed it on the school closing yesterday.  I am not in that number.  In my opinion, it was the possibility of the buses running their routes in a severe storm that made the call a good one.  Sure, everyone can make the “right call” afterwards but making the call beforehand is a much different situation.  Does the MCPSS have any weather days built in or will yesterday have to be made up?  Just curious as adding a day could affect our VBS.

I tried to tell you to go with UNC to win the tourney.  What an easy call.  You cannot coach experience.  Coach Williams has now moved into an elite group with his third national title.  All I can say it that UNC had better be glad that the committee overlooked Alabama or it could have been way different!  Just saying!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday 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 – Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50

Tuesday, April 4 – Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25
Wednesday, April 5 – 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 8:26-56
Thursday, April 6 – 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17
Friday, April 7 – 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
Saturday, April 8 – 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
Sunday, April 9 – 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 10:1-24

The church office is closed this morning due to the imminent threat of severe weather.  I am in the office in case of an emergency.  Bro. Jerry & Miss Edna will be in at 1:00PM.

I just spoke to Sharon Jardee via the phone.  I did not realize it but she is being taken into surgery this morning.  They are going to do some more cleaning out of the knee area and begin putting things in place for the fusion.  The actual fusion is probably going to take place in about six weeks.  She is having a lot of pain as her pain med dosages are limited due to a drop in blood pressure.  Pray for Sharon.

Maria Wainwright’s mother is back in the hospital and is supposed to have a test done this morning.  Pray for Mrs. Hamilton.

Really good day in our services yesterday.  We seemed to be down a bit numerically but we still had a good attendance.  I am praying that folks will embrace the concept of church membership and all it involves.  We thank God for His blessings!

Our deacons and our Missions Committee both had productive meetings yesterday.  I appreciate these folks!

I will continue to go with UNC to win it all tonight.  If Gonzaga wins Nanette will be happy and I really do not care.  Nanette wants us to watch the game together but I have declined her invitation.  Says she wants to have a cook out (tailgate) and just enjoy the experience like the old days.  Wow!

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

Due to the threat of severe weather, I made the decision to close the church office this morning, 4/3.  The office will be open from 1:00 – 5:00PM today.

I am in the office this morning should an emergency arise.  I would strongly suggest folks staying in place until the threat of these storms passes.

“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 – Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30

The celebration of life service for Lisa Davie Thompson takes place this afternoon beginning at 2:00PM.  A one hour visitation with the family will precede the service.  Everything will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, Alabama.  Keep praying for Lisa’s family.

Sharon Jardee remains in the hospital.  I went to visit with her yesterday but she was sleeping soundly.  She should have another surgical procedure early this week if all goes as planned.

Ruby Gulley was discharged from the hospital on Friday.  I know she is happy to be home.

Regular schedule today and tonight.  We will focus on a miracle of Jesus this morning and then will be in chapter six tonight.  My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful!

Deacons meet today at 4:00PM.

Missions Committee meets today at 5:00PM.

SNBA tonight following the service.

I do not have a report on yesterday’s soccer action except to say that the crowd was huge.  I will talk to PT today to get an update.

Bro. Jim and the students had a good day of paint balling yesterday.  Some of the students joined Bro. Jim in helping at the work day before heading to the paint ball field.

Our work day was great!  Really good attendance.  Much accomplished.  Much discarded.  Thank you to each person who came and helped.  Your help was greatly appreciated.

You should notice two things today as you drive on our campus.  First, the West house is gone.  Second, the area behind the office building has been filled with three loads of dirt.  Obviously, we are asking folks to stay off of that area with vehicles.  This will continue to be the case from this point forward.  Likewise, we ask folks to not drive/park on the grass in front of the office building.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these matters.

A group of about seven guys took part in a ministry project yesterday morning.  They did well.  I appreciate them going the extra mile to minister.  Good stuff!

Got to watch the second half of the first game last night and almost all of the second game.  As I wrote this past Monday, it is going to be a Gonzaga/UNC title game.  I picked UNC from the start so I will stay with that pick.  Nanette still has that California school as her pick.  We shall see!

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

April 1 Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49
April 2 Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30
April 3 Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50
April 4 Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25
April 5 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 8:26-56
April 6 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17
April 7 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
April 8 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
April 9 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 10:1-24
April 10 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 10:25-42
April 11 1 Samuel 17-18; Luke 11:1-28
April 12 1 Samuel 19-21; Luke 11:29-54
April 13 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31
April 14 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59
April 15 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22
April 16 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35
April 17 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24
April 18 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35
April 19 2 Samuel 6-8; Luke 15:1-10
April 20 2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32
April 21 2 Samuel 12-13; Luke 16
April 22 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19
April 23 2 Samuel 16-18; Luke 17:20-37
April 24 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
April 25 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
April 26 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27
April 27 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
April 28 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26
April 29 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
April 30 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19