Pastor's Blog

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Carolyn Abendroth continues to wait on the doctors to decide what their next course of action is going to be regarding her gall bladder.  At one point yesterday they were going to send her home for a few days but then reversed course and decided to keep her in the hospital.  Just keep praying for Carolyn.

Bobby Morrison, as far as I know, has not had a heart cath done thus far.  They are waiting for something related to his kidneys to be at the proper level.  Not sure if the cath will take place today or not.  Pray for Mr. Bobby.

Miss Ann Stults was in a lot of pain yesterday morning but it seemed to be more related to her back than to her surgical incision.  The plan is to send her home today.  Pray for Miss Ann.

Sierra Edwards has a good friend, Brett, who has been in the hospital for seven weeks now.  He has received thirty two (yes, 32) units of blood during that time period.  The medical folks do not know where the blood is going.  Pray for Sierra’s friend, Brett.

Brian Amonett will not be having the test done today.  He is doing better.  This is Debbie Kendrick’s nephew.  Keep praying.

The celebration of life service for Jimmy Moates sister, Louis Akridge, takes place today beginning at noon from the chapel at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  Pray for the family.

What a blessing it is to me each time I see Robert Baria in our services!  He and Roseanne were present again last night.  Robert is walking miracle.  Praise the Lord!

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  We give God the glory.

The yard sale begins today and concludes with the auction on Saturday beginning at 5:00PM.  Everything in the CAB.

Lisa is in Guatemala.  I have not said anything about it but it has been on FB so the word is out.  She left last Saturday and is scheduled to return home this Sunday.  Here is my point – even in her absence she left me a list of things to do!  She may be twenty five hundred miles away but she is steadily cracking that whip!  She “says” she is doing ministry but all I know is that each time I call she and Deidra are in a “little” restaurant!  Actually, she is enjoying her three granddaughters and I am sure she is spoiling them day by day.  I am thrilled she is having this time away with family.  If anyone deserves it, she does!

With all of the work on the railroad crossings they almost have the South side of the tracks closed off!  What a crowded situation on Shell Road (Highway 188).  I do not understand the need to close two crossings at the same time but they did not call to ask my opinion!

Do not forget that the time change this Sunday morning so move your time pieces forward one hour before going to bed!  My least favorite Sunday of the year.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Carolyn Abendroth’s procedure went well yesterday.  The problem was that they did not take her until 5:00PM – long day for her, Blow Joe and Cecil.  They removed three stones and decided against surgery today.  The doctor wants to reevaluate.  Keep praying for Carolyn.

Ann Stults also had a successful surgery.  She was worried as was her son, Stephen, but the surgeon was pleased with the procedure.  She will be in the hospital a day or two.  Pray for Miss Ann.

Amy’s father was to have a heart cath done yesterday.  I do not know the outcome of that test.

Katelyn’s grandmother is going to be sent home instead of to the rehab facility.

Miss Willie’s daughter is doing better and will be kept in house at the hospital for her physical therapy.

I know of at least three other situations but I do not put needs in this blog without permission.  On one of those I was specifically told “it is not bloggable at this point.”  So, I am not leaving folks off but am simply being mindful of privacy issues.

The visitation with the Louise Akridge family takes place this afternoon from 4:00 – 6:00PM at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  Service tomorrow at noon.   Pray for the family.

Three ladies prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Savior at the McKemie Place service last night.  Praise the Lord!

The floral arrangement that was placed in our worship center this past Sunday was perhaps the most beautiful one I have ever seen in that setting.  Edd & Sandy Gillespie placed that arrangement in memory of their daughter, Britan, who passed from this life eight years ago March 5, 2010.  Absolutely beautiful arrangement!

Regular schedule for the Friendship family this morning and evening.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

If nothing has changed on the schedule then the Friendship family will host a meal/service at McKemie Place tonight.  Randall & Rita Broome lead this ministry and have several others who faithfully help.  If you are interested in helping, attending the service, et cetera then just give Randall or Rita a call.

This a busy week for Bro. Jerry Hovel and those assisting him in getting ready for the annual yard sale and auction.  Folks are sorting, pricing, et cetera daily in the CAB.  If you want to help in any way or to make a donation then just contact Bro. Jerry.  The actual yard sale is this Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the auction on Saturday night being the culmination of the event.

Time changes this Saturday night (actually 2:00AM on Sunday morning) as we “Spring forward” one hour before going to bed.  This is my least favorite Sunday of the year!  Time change along with the call for AM thunderstorms is not good in many Baptist churches.  I am praying Friendship will be an exception.

Ann Stults is scheduled to have surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Carolyn Abendroth was thought to have a tumor but they were wrong.  She has gall stones and the plan is to get remove the stones today and then the gallbladder tomorrow.  Not glad she has gall stones but thankful she does not have a tumor.  Pray for Carolyn.

Talked to Phil Sims via the phone yesterday.  He is doing better.  It “seems” that he was after a pair of high dollar sunglasses that are technically fishing glasses.  One of his friends has loaned him a pair and he is now a happy camper – LOL!  Seriously, the glasses have helped him tremendously as he has struggled with the light.  Pray for Phil.

Visited with Amy Huhn’s father yesterday.  He was much improved.  Realizes he waited too late to see the doctor.  Hopefully he is on the road to complete recovery.  Pray for Mr. Bobby.

Debbie Kendrick’s nephew, Brian Amonett, is once again having some health issues.  They will be doing a procedure on him this Thursday.  Pray for Brian.

Pam Tillman has been placed on hospice care.  Pray for her.  Pray for Randy.

Found me a new mowing partner this past Saturday – Gina Bug.  I put her on one of Charles’ mowers and she mowed the entire back forty here.  Did a nice job!  Better than Soy or Rusty when they lived on the hill?  I can only say that she definitely did better than Soy as she stayed in the same area until finished.  I never saw Rusty mow during the entire nine years he lived here so I cannot make a comparison.  I could make a guess!

Bo is wrong!  Wrong!  Wrong!  She told me Sunday that we are going to have one more freeze in Grand Bay at some point this Winter or Spring.  Since when does working in a feed store make one a weather expert?  Killing me!

Bo has rubbed off on her husband, Scott.  He too is wrong!  Told me Sunday that the Great Value lasagna is not as good as the Stouffer’s brand.  Wrong, wrong, wrong!  Some people just have so much money that saving the dollars does not matter!

The hospitals are calling my name.  You would think folks having surgery on the same day would at least consider my schedule and go to the same hospital!  LOL!

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

Sept. 14, 1946-Mar. 3, 2018
Louise Moates Akridge was born to James Elmer Moates and Ila Lois Dykes Moates. She died peacefully at her home in Mobile surrounded by her husband, James (Jim) Akridge and her two sons, Stephen “Stevie” (Lynn) and Michael “Mike” (Sandy) Akridge. Louise is survived by one brother, James (Jimmie) Moates (Mariam) of Grand Bay and two sisters, Norma Rogers (James) of Brewton, and Susan White (Charles) of Robertsdale. Louise is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews and a great host of friends. Growing up in Mobile she enjoyed playing softball, bicycling, fishing and swimming: she also loved music and sang in the choir at Moffett Road Baptist Church. One of her greatest lifelong joys was living near Dog River, Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. She graduated from Semmes High School and after she gave birth to her two sons, she began her long nursing career. She completed the LPN Program at Southwest Technical College, and began her professional career at the Mobile Infirmary Hospital in Mobile. Later she was awarded the D.W. McMillian Nursing Scholarship to attend the Registered Nursing Program at Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Alabama. She was among the first Career Mobility students that enabled her to complete that program in one year. She excelled and was the salutatorian of her class. She also was awarded “The Spirit of Nursing: and the Mental Health/Psychiatric Excellence Award. During the year that she attended the Registered Nurse Program she continued to work full time at the Mobile Infirmary. Louise retired from the hospital in 2008 and pursued her many interest including sports. She was an avid fan of the football program at the University of Alabama, and she spent many hours following softball. Louise’s favorite Bible verses came from I Corinthians Chapter 13 which is the Love Chapter. She especially enjoyed verses 4-8 and verse 13. Services will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch Rd., Mobile, AL, 36619. Family hour will be Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 3:30-4:00; visitation will follow 4:00-6:00 P.M. Celebration of Louise’s life will be at the chapel at 12 noon on March 8, 2018 with Rev. Dr. Joy Blaylock officiating. Interment will follow at the cemetery located at 6100 Three Notch Rd. The family wishes to thank Covenant Hospice Care for the care that they rendered..

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Phil Sims was not able to attend our service yesterday morning as he has had a little problem with his post surgery.  It was expected as this was the worse of his two eyes.  Pray that he can mend quickly.

Carolyn Abendroth will have a test done today and hopefully get the results on Wednesday.

Amy Huhn’s father remains hospitalized.  His condition has worsened as they keep getting new information.  Pray for Mr. Bobby.

Katelyn’s grandmother should be moved to a rehab facility some point this week.

Jimmy Moates sister, Louise Akridge, passed from this life on Saturday night.  I do not know those arrangements.  Pray for the family.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  We are thankful to God for His continual blessings!

Church wide work day on Saturday, 3/17, beginning at 8:00AM.  All hands needed on deck!

One of our three Easter services this year will be a sunrise service at 6:30AM.  More details to follow.

I had to opportunity to make a late night airport run last night to pick up two very weary travelers.  They were glad to be home.  I am thinking about becoming an Uber driver or something like that!  LOL!

This entry is late.  I “thought” I had posted it earlier but I “thought” wrong.  My apologies.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Regular schedule for the Friendship family this morning and evening.  Deacons meet at 4:00PM, Buildings & Grounds meet at 5:00PM and anyone interested in helping with soccer meets immediately following the evening service.

Visited with Carolyn Abendroth yesterday afternoon.  Blow Joe & Cecil were with her.  She was in good spirits just waiting until Monday for her test.

Phil Sims has plans to be in our service this morning.

Amy Huhn’s father is in the hospital having been admitted Friday night.

Katelyn Johnson’s maternal grandfather was released from the hospital but her grandmother remains hospitalized.

Claire Belle Turner sent me an iMessage saying it is ok to put it in the blog.  What does that even mean?  I asked and she sent me an emoji (I am not a fan of emojis)  I am guessing that she and Phillip either got a new vehicle or a new pet.  Could be wrong.  Ask Phillip or Claire if you see them today.

Bobby Broome, John Milton Ladnier and I have all three been blessed by our gardens coming to life.  As of right now, my corn is ahead of my green beans.  Cannot find pea seeds anywhere which is different being it is already March.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Received a call from Reb Nevin early yesterday afternoon to let me know that Rob’s mother, Miss Barbara Nevin, had just passed from this life.  I visited with Miss Barbara on Wednesday afternoon and felt that she did not have long on this earth.  Pray for Rob, Reb and the family.  I can say that Miss Barbara was always very gracious to me when I visited with her.

Spoke to Phil Sims via the phone yesterday afternoon and he did well through his surgery.  Not as good as on his other eye but that was expected.  Of course, Phil was as upbeat as ever.  That is Phil’s disposition.  Pray for Phil’s complete recovery.

Talked to Cecil Guidry yesterday afternoon about her sister-in-law, Carolyn Abendroth.  She will remain hospitalized over the weekend and have a test on Monday.  Pray for Carolyn.

Did not get an update on Miss Rebecca Perkins or Miss Willie’s daughter but just keep praying for them.

Bro. Benny and the bus workers meet this morning at 8:30AM before going on visitation.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule for the Friendship family tomorrow morning and evening.  Deacons meet at 4:00PM and the Buildings & Grounds Committee meets at 5:00PM.

Yard sale next Thursday – Saturday culminating with the auction on Saturday night.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Happy birthday to my favorite sister-in-law on Lisa’s side of the family – Kim Denbleyker.  I hope her day is great!  Lisa bought her a strawberry cake from Edgar’s.  If you like strawberry – amazing!  Happy birthday Kim!

Phil Sims is having eye surgery today.  Pray that all goes well.

Miss Rebecca Perkins told me yesterday they were talking about letting her go home.  She was unclear as to when that might take place.  Pray for Miss Rebecca.

Carolyn Abendroth’s doctor came in while I was visiting with her yesterday.  Carolyn was waiting on her brother, Warren aka “Blow Joe”, to get there so they could discuss the report.  Pray for Carolyn.

Katelyn Johnson’s maternal grandfather had a couple of stents placed in his heart yesterday.  Her maternal grandmother is also in the hospital.  Pray for Katelyn’s grandparents.

Miss Willie Roberts’ daughter remains in the hospital.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Deacons meet at 4:00PM.  Buildings and Grounds Committee meets at 5:00PM.  Those interested in helping with soccer meet immediately following our evening worship service.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

I have posted the verse listed above every day in 2018.  Man, if I would only live according to those principles – kind, tender-hearted, forgiving others as God has forgiven me.  Needless to say that I would be on a good path if I followed those principles!

Good day in our services yesterday morning and last night.  God is good!

Miss Willie’s daughter remains in ICU.  I was not able to get in to see her yesterday.  Linda Green reports that she is some better.

Miss Rebecca Perkins was admitted to the hospital.  They are doing tests.

Caroly Abendroth was also admitted to the hospital and they are running tests.

Phil Sims is scheduled to have eye surgery tomorrow.  Pray it goes well.

Keep praying for those battling cancer.

I noticed that Billy Graham’s celebration of life service will be broadcast live tomorrow.  You can go to his website for the details.

If you have items for next week’s yard sale, please contact Bro. Jerry Hovel.

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