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 – 2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22

Helen Hatcher did have the MRI yesterday morning and did ok through the procedure.  The results came back that she does have a blood clot.  So, she will remain in the hospital a few more days as they regulate her medicines.  Keep praying for Helen.

Larry Whitehurst’s MRI revealed that his tumor had increased in size but not to a point that the doctor wanted to take any action at this time.  He will have his usual MRI in six months.

Tommy Watson remains about the same.  Long road in front of him.  Not sure what the long term prognosis is.  Pray for Tommy.

Larry said his brother, Charlie, is recovering.  Hoped to be moved from CCU either yesterday afternoon or today.

Vera’s nephew remains hospitalized too.

Bus workers meeting this morning at 8:30AM.  Pray for these workers and this ministry.

Regular schedule in the morning – worship at 8:00AM & 10:30AM.  Sunday School at 9:15AM.

VBS family night tomorrow night beginning at 5:00PM.  We will have hot dogs, chips and drinks for our VBS children and their families immediately following the service.  That will basically be a “grab & go” deal as some of the children will be riding the buses home.

We need men to let us know that they will be in the cake baking contest next Sunday, 6/18.  Ditto for the homemade ice cream contest.

As it stands right now, the CAB will be closed the week of June 19 – 24 as the floor will be painted.  Just FYI.

You cannot fix stupid!  I told Lisa like Tuesday or Wednesday that I would end up at Serenity for Claude Landry’s dad’s celebration of life service even though it was taking place at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  I was in Mobile doing the hospitals and timed it perfectly to arrive at the funeral home at 11:55AM!  One problem – I went to Serenity!  Started to open the door into the chapel and then it hit me!  How stupid is that!  Hurried to MMGFH and caught all of the service (I think)!  Folks, you simply cannot fix stupid!

I basically mowed about twelve or so acres yesterday.  Literally mowed until midnight thanks to a headlight on the mower.  Came in at 9:30PM and Lisa asked, “you finished?” and I said “no!”  She said, “then get back out there!”  Slave driver!

While it is widely known that Al invented the internet it is not widely known that he also invented the headlights for mowers.  Amazing!

Told you to go with the Cavs.

Hope you have a great Saturday 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 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:19-40

I have failed to mention this earlier but Hilda Gunter had surgery on his knee this past Tuesday.  She did well.  Is working through the soreness but is doing well otherwise.

Helen Hatcher will have yet another MRI (with contrast) today.  This is probably not a concern in a normal situation but Helen is very small and this will be her second time to be put to sleep within in the past three days.  Would you join me in praying that all will go well and the doctors can get a clear picture this time?

Tommy Watson was asleep when I visited yesterday.  It seemed things remain basically the same.

Vera Bosarge’s nephew, Buddy, remains in intensive care.  He is making progress and is appreciative of the prayer support.

Nadine Holifield’s mother, Miss Myrtis, was doing well following her surgery.  She is in a room and will most likely remain in the hospital through the weekend.

Larry Whitehurst’s brother, Charlie, remains in a unit but is doing well.  Hopes are that he will move to a regular room today.

Speaking of Larry, he will have a MRI this morning.  I am praying they will find everything just as it was (or better) in his last MRI.

Fannie Fortenberry remains at her daughter’s house and under hospice care.  She is no longer eating or drinking.  Pray for Miss Fannie and her family.

The celebration of life service for Claude Landry’s father takes place today at noon from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Garden Funeral Home.  It will be preceded by two hours of visitation with the family.

Pray for the leadership and members of the Mt Zion Baptist Church from Huntsville, Alabama as some of their students and adults were involved in the accident near the Atlanta airport yesterday afternoon.  There was one death and numerous injuries.

Today is our last day of VBS.  Elizabeth Westbrook did a horrible job of getting the reports to me so I fired her and hired Katie Tillman.  As mama always said, “you get what you pay for!” and Katie is just as bad as Elizabeth!  I do know things are going well.

Lots to do today.  Lisa is cracking the whip.  My “work” day did not end until 6:00PM yesterday and I was then on a mower until after dark.  My garden needs plowing and my okra needs hoeing.

The Cavs will win tonight!  Write it down!

I pray that you will have a great Friday 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 Chronicles 30-31; John 18:1-18

The visitation with Kevin Vice and his family will take place from 10:00AM until the 11:00AM service this morning.  Everything will take place at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS.  Thank you to those who are ministering to this family by providing a meal today.

Today is the evangelistic day in VBS.  Pray.

Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, had a skin graft yesterday.  The procedure went well but now she is dealing with more pain for the time being.  Ethan said the doctors say they are right on schedule as far as Shelby’s recovery is concerned.  He is grateful for the prayer support.  Keep praying for Shelby.

Tommy Johnson was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning.  He goes today to get a heart monitor which he will wear for the next month or so since they have found no cause for his episodes this past Sunday night.

Miss Fannie Fortenberry is at Ricky & Evelyn’s house and is under hospice care.  The medical folks are now numbering her life on earth in days.

Miss Jackie Goff continues to lose blood.  She is receiving blood on a regular basis now.  She remains in a local facility.

Ted Ezell continues to decline physically.  The Parkinsons is really taking a toll on him.

Charles Suthoff seems to be doing well.  It appears he stays in the bed most (all?) of the time but he is a happy camper.

Nadine Holifield’s mother, Mrs. Jones, took a fall yesterday morning and broke her hip.  They did a partial replacement yesterday afternoon.  She did well through the surgery.

Larry Whitehurst’s brother, Charlie, had his aorta valve replaced yesterday.  The surgery was a success.

Tommy Watson seemed to be better when I visited yesterday.  He still cannot communicate verbally but he thanked us for the prayer support.

Phil Sims tells me that he is doing good – getting better.

It “appears” that little Helen Hatcher will remain in the hospital for – I give up!  They did a MRI yesterday and should get the results today.  Ross & Betty Clair are tired but they are doing a great job of taking care of Helen.  Still having problems with one night shift nurse but no hospital is perfect.

The church office will close today after VBS ends.  It will be open tomorrow morning from 8:00AM until noon.

My Wednesday was different with no services.  I actually stayed in the office until after 8:00PM.  The youth service seemed to go well.

I tried to tell you yesterday that the Cavs would win up until the last three minutes of the game and then they would choke which is exactly what happened last night!  In my opinion, Lebron is no MJ, Magic, Bird, Jerry West, when it comes to “give me the ball” when the game is on the line.  He could have won that game last night but passed the ball too much.

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 Chronicles 28-29; John 17

Today is a most unusual day in the life of the Friendship family as we are not having our morning or evening services.  VBS takes place this morning and then our students (6th – 12th grades only) will be the only ones having a service tonight.  The students from Youth Works will be joining them.  NO services today/tonight except for our middle school and high school students at 6:30PM.

Tommy Johnson spent hours being tested yesterday and, as far as I know, nothing out of the ordinary was found.  Tommy called me early last night and is thinking he could be discharged today.  One doctor has suggested a possible heart monitor for a season just to see if that shows anything unusual.  Tommy remains very upbeat.  Keep praying.

I thought that little Helen Hatcher might be discharged soon.  It now appears she has at least a couple more days in the hospital.  They will do a MRI today which means she will be put to sleep.  Helen looks good and seems to be feeling much better.  Still has some swelling in her foot that has the medical folks a little puzzled as to the why? Keep praying for Helen.

Was unable to see Tommy Watson yesterday but hope to do so today.

Luke & Jennifer Brown have traveled to the Memphis, TN area again because Jennifer’s paternal grandmother is not doing well physically.  Pray for her.

Greg Boutwell is on my mind and in my prayers constantly.  Please pray for Greg, Rita and family.

Kevin, Rita, & Mark handled the passing of Miss Betty extremely well yesterday.  Mark was very close to his grandmother.  Kevin has been a faithful son and Rita has been a wonderful daughter-in-law.  Yes, they have felt the sting of death but they are clinging to the hope that is found in Jesus.  Pastor Rodney Coleman will be preaching the service tomorrow and I will be assisting him.  Pastor Rodney and Kevin are first cousins by marriage.

Edna told me that Vera’s nephew is facing additional surgery.  Not sure what that means but do know he needs prayer support.

Claude Landry’s father passed away and that service takes place Friday at noon from Mobile Memorial Funeral Home.  Pray for the Landry family.

Our second day of VBS went. . .  I did stop by for a few minutes and visit some of the workers and children in the CAB.  I do not have a report.  Elizabeth Westbrook had promised to get me a report and she failed.  What can I say?  I can report that Jason Husband has the CAB concession stand in order!

Speaking of Jason, let me share a brief story from Monday.  He told me that he got up at 5:00AM in order to be ready for Carl Ray Moulds to pick him up at 7:15AM for VBS.  Here is the part he shared that spoke volumes to me – “I woke up, read my Bible, had my prayer time and then started getting ready!”  Woke up, read my Bible, prayed, got ready.  If you know Jason, let that sink in for a few minutes.

Well, the Oklahoma softball team has owned the SEC in recent years when it comes to the championship series as they have defeated three SEC teams in the finals.  All you can do is tip your cap to them.  (You know I am pretty bored whenever I watch any of a girls softball game on television).  Nanette is mad again because she wanted her, Scott, Korie, Lisa and me to go to the WCWS this year.  Said it could be a “family” vacation!  I told her it was VBS week and she lost it!  That is why she is not working in VBS!  I am telling you that the girl has issues – pray for Scott!

The Cavs will win tonight.  Write it down.  Big, bold letters!

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

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holder-Wells Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Rodney Coleman and Reverend Teddie Turrentine officiating. Interment will follow at Serene Memorial Gardens.

While Kevin has not officially met with the funeral directors, the plan is for a visitation this Thursday morning, June 8, from 10:00AM until the 11:00AM service time.  Everything will be at the Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS.  Keep praying of 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 – 2 Chronicles 25-27; John 16

Kevin Vice’s mother is seemingly in the last hours of her life.  She has not eaten or had anything to drink in over a week.  However, she seems to be resting comfortably.  Kevin & Rita are faithfully sitting beside her which brings great comfort to her as well.   Update – Kevin’s mother just passed from this life around 6:30AM.  Pray for Kevin and family.

Tommy Johnson had several tests performed on him yesterday and, as of about 4:00PM yesterday, they had not revealed the cause of his episodes on Sunday night.  As usual, Tommy has a great attitude and is trusting the Lord.  Pray that the medical folks can give him some answer.

Tommy Watson seemed better to me yesterday.  He still cannot communicate verbally but he did express his appreciation for the prayer support.  His road to recovery will be long so keep praying for Tommy.

Helen Hatcher is doing better.  She could probably go home but they are being extra cautious and monitoring everything.  I was thinking yesterday that Helen is certainly blessed to have Ross & Betty Clair as her parents.  Ross & Betty Clair have been satisfied with every aspect of the hospital with the exception of one night shift nurse.  I told them that no hospital is perfect.

Fannie Fortenberry was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Vera Bosarge has a nephew who underwent two major surgeries this past Sunday.  Pray that these procedures have corrected his problems.

How did the first day of our 2017 VBS go?  Great question.  My answer is IDK.  Let me explain – one of our bus drivers got their bus stuck while bringing folks to VBS.  How stupid is that?  (I would mention women drivers here but I will refrain)  At any rate, Jeff Holifield and Morris Bryant had to be called into action to take the children to VBS and then pull the bus out of the mud.  I “helped” them and then went to check on Kevin’s mother before heading to the hospitals.  So, I literally never even talked to anyone about our numbers, et cetera.  By the way, our VBS director, Myrtle Bowden, fired that bus driver!  Good job Myrtle!

Happy birthday to Deidra.  How old?  Really?

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 – 2 Chronicles 23-24; John 15

Tuesday, June 6 – 2 Chronicles 25-27; John 16
Wednesday, June 7 – 2 Chronicles 28-29; John 17
Thursday, June 8 – 2 Chronicles 30-31; John 18:1-18
Friday, June 9 – 2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:19-40
Saturday, June 10 – 2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22
Sunday, June 11 – Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42

Tommy Johnson suffered what appeared to be a couple of seizures right before the service last night.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted and will be undergoing tests today.  Pray for Tommy.

They are still watching/monitoring Helen Hatcher although Betty Clair tells me that she is getting more like her usual self with each passing day.  Maybe they will discharge her soon.

Tommy Watson and Fannie Fortenberry both remain hospitalized.

Wow, what a strong attendance for the memorial service for Becky Sellers last night!  Several commented to me at how blessed they were by the content of the service too.  Folks, Becky preached her own funeral service while she was alive on this earth and she did a great job!   I appreciate Pastor John Womack, Student Pastor Gabe Krebs, Dr. Terry Taylor, Jeanette Bates, Randall Broome, Kathy Grimes, Brad Hutto, Soy Taylor and Raymond Wilkinson for the respective roles they had in the service.  Keep praying for the family.

Also, a huge thank you to Katelyn Johnson and everyone who helped with the food – wow!  Dave’s work sent Dreamland Bar-b-que in addition to the ton of food brought by the Friendship family.  Amazing!  I do know that Bob Evans & Danny Lewis stayed late to help with the clean up – thanks men!  Folks, you did an amazing job in this ministry!  Thank you!

Our Vacation Bible School begins today at 9:00AM!  Pray that all goes well!

This is basically a “dead” week on our campus with the exception of VBS.

No prayer time tonight!

No GROW tonight!

No Wednesday services, morning or evening, with one exception.  Our students, 6th – 12th, will meet at 6:30PM as usual.  A commitment had already been made to Youth Works so our students will have their regular services.

The church office will be closed Thursday afternoon since it will be open on Friday morning for VBS.  Otherwise, the office hours remain normal.

I predict the Warriors will win the first two games of the Finals.  Just a hunch!

Was in Huntsville Saturday and thought that Dr. Rex would treat me to a meal – did not happen!

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 – 2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14

This entry is being written shortly after 2:00AM.  Lisa and I were in Decatur and/or Huntsville all day yesterday.  We enjoyed visiting with my family over lunch and then made our way to the Keri Callahan & Kenneth Smith wedding.  The Lord gave us traveling mercies and we arrived home shortly after 1:00AM.  So, Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for both services this morning.

Really sad what took place in London last night.  Pray for those folks affected.

No real updates on those folks in the hospital except to say that Betty Clair told me they were still watching Helen very closely.  They have done some things to help her be more content.  Bless her heart!  Pray for Helen, Ross & Betty Clair.

Regular schedule this morning.  Soy and/or Deidra will be sharing in both of the services.  I will be preaching an abbreviated message as well.  A love offering with be received for Soy, Deidra and the girls in both services.  Attend.  Pray.  Give only as God leads you.

Visitation with the Becky Sellers family this afternoon from 4:30PM until just before the 6:00PM service.  I believe the celebration of life service is going to be great.  Pray that it will glorify God!

I have made a ministry decision based on the last two weekends.  Something I have considered for years.  The past two weekends have seen me not be able to make the wedding rehearsals due to reasons beyond my control.  Know what?  Both weddings went off without a single problem.  Therefore, I have decided that from this point forward I will no longer attend wedding rehearsals.  I will be at the weddings in plenty of time but will not do the rehearsals.  Totally not needed for the pastor.  I realize couples may cut my pay in half and I am totally good with that scenario.

Our deacons must not trust me as they sent Jeff Holifield to Huntsville to keep tabs on me.  Really?  Killing me!  I was in the presence of royalty as “Pee Wee from Grand Bay” was also in attendance.  The man has fans everywhere he goes!  (Still a horrible umpire but a celebrity otherwise)  The wedding was nice.

Let me get on my soapbox for a minute – the left lane on the interstate is a passing lane and not a “I am going to drive sixty two miles an hour and stay right next to the vehicle in the right lane” lane!  Talk about raising my blood pressure!  What are Coach Collier and the other drivers education teachers teaching these days?  Obviously not how to drive on the interstate!  Come on Coach!

Pastor Jack Bailey has planted “round up ready” sweet corn.  High dollar stuff!  Per Dr. Jack, you can spray it with Round Up and it will not negatively impact the corn.  Is that crazy or what?  Here is the million dollar question – do you want to eat corn that can withstand poison?  It also has no worms as they are killed if they get on the stalks/ears.  Wow!

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

“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 Chronicles 19-20; John 13:21-38

This entry is late and is coming from Decatur, Alabama.  Mainly wanted to give an update on those folks in the hospital.

Yesterday, my plan was to go West to East in visiting the four hospitals where we have folks as patients.  However, that was changed with Betty Clair Hatcher contacted me to say that Helen was going into surgery.  So, I began East and went West.

Helen did have surgery on her left leg.  The cut a muscle in her calf because of an infection.  Yes, she already had a fracture in that leg but the two are not related per the doctor.  I have heard from Betty Clair this morning and they are waiting to see the doctor to check the incision.  Helen is not a happy camper as she wants to be held by her parents but needs to have her leg elevated.  Pray for Helen, Ross & Betty Clair.

Tommy Watson is now in a Mobile hospital.  He is unable to communicate verbally due to a tracheotomy.  In my opinion, Tommy has a long road to recovery in front of him.  Pray for Tommy.

Fannie Fortenberry was sound asleep when I visited her yesterday afternoon so I prayed and left a card.  Pray of Miss Fannie and for Evelyn as she gives care to here mother.

Greg Boutwell was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  I arrive less than fifteen minutes after he had gone home.  Would have loved to have visited with him but was glad he had gone home.

The visitation with the Becky Sellers family takes place tomorrow, 6/4, from 4:30 until just before the 6:00PM service time.  I am in hopes the Friendship family will attend this service in great numbers as we remember Becky and show support to her family.

Regular schedule in the morning.  Soy and/or Deidra will share in both services and I will also be preaching in both of those services.  We will receive a love offering for Soy, Deidra and the girls in both of the morning services.  Attend, pray and then give as God leads.

Vacation Bible School begins Monday morning, 6/5, at 9:00AM!  Pray for VBS!

Lisa and I had our plans changed yesterday so we did not leave Grand Bay until 5:00PM.  Arrived in Decatur just before midnight.  Kenneth & Keri were very gracious in allowing us to miss the wedding rehearsal.

We will meet with my family today for lunch at Big Bob Gibson’s.  Does it get any better?

So, Lord willing, we will arrive home around 2:00AM in the morning and then join the Friendship family for worship at 8:00AM.

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