I have a fishing bud that when we go out on his boat and look to try a new or different bait he’ll say; “If I was a fish I’d eat that”!  Ha ha, well, I’m here to tell you that just like that fish bait, the power washer is a trap!  Men of America…Run for your lives!!!!

Just so you will recognize it, here’s the sequence.  “Honey, our house really needs the dirt and mildew washed off, you would please get the Clorox and the power washer and take care of that?  Would you mind?”  Seems harmless enough, doesn’t it?  But that’s where it STARTS, not where it ends.  You see, I’m up and down ladders and soaking wet with water and clorox and 2 days later, I finish.  It looks so nice and I’m proud of the work and grateful things went well.  Then it happened…

“Oh honey, you know…the house looks wonderful!  You did a great job!”  (wait for it, wait for it)  “Would you mind doing the patio? It really looks bad when you compare it to the house.”  Now I have a patio that runs almost the length of the back of the house and is 15 ft. wide.  So I grab a quick bite of lunch, took off on it and got it done.  Wow, I’m done…this is great!  And she was right, it does look a lot better now.  (wait for it…wait for it)

“Sweetie…you were planning on doing the sidewalk and driveway weren’t you?”  “Ummmmm, yeah.”  Don’t let this be you, my friend.  Run!

Seriously, things are looking so much better and I’m thankful that God has given me this time at home, the strength and health to accomplish these much needed chores.

Patty’s dad woke this morning with a slight weight loss and we are grateful.  Patty has been in touch with his kidney doctor as well as his oncologist to try and get a second opinion to know for sure that the road the general practitioner is taking us on is indeed the correct one.  We, thankfully, have received confirmation and now pray this heavy 2 day dose of Lasix will bring the desired results.  Please join us in this.  And again, we are thankful that Patty’s brother Ken is headed in to Yazoo City today and will be there until Saturday.

Tomorrow is driveway day.  By the way, does anyone know how many Advil one can take before the kidneys shut down?  : )

Blessings,
John

Ha, ha, ha… well, it’s really not that bad, at least not yet.  Those of you who follow us regularly know about our time at home when we come off the road.  Depending on the turn around time from one engagement to the next and such, we will spend time preparing for the next event.  On times such as now, we will try and accomplish those household things that “normal people” do on a weekend basis.  Today was one such day.  After a walk, I found myself attached to the end of a power washer.  I cleaned the front of my house.  Actually told Patty that I was glad she wasn’t around to witness me reaching the upper peaks.  Even though our house is one story, there are some elevated angles in the front as decoration and it was, um…….fun!  I’m feeling it in my shoulders pretty good right now but there’s much to do as I will start on the side and back tomorrow.  Patty is already seeing how the…um….sidewalk, patio, and driveway need special attention.  Oh well!

Now on to more serious things.  Patty’s dad is not doing well with his fluid retention.  After this mornings weigh in at a significant weight gain, he went to his general practitioner who is putting him on a huge dose of lasix beginning tomorrow.  We are thankful that Patty’s brother had planned a visit beginning tomorrow night and going through Saturday, otherwise, I’m fairly certain Patty would have been headed back to Yazoo.  We would appreciate your prayers on his behalf.  This fluid is difficult on his breathing and heart.

Thanks!
John

Patty took her dad this morning. He has had a cough along with everything else and the nurse that administered the chemo injection listened to his chest. An exray was ordered. There was very little explanation so that’s a bit disconcerting but obviously there is something suspected or worth checking out.

His weight is still up and breathing is not as comfortable as you can imagine but he says he’s not feeling too bad, all things considered. I guess we will find out, sometime this next week, what’s going on.

Tomorrow I will be with the MS Baptist R.A. Congress being held at MS College in Clinton, MS. I’m not sure what time things will wrap up I’m scheduled for my set up and sound check around 9 a.m.

We would appreciate your prayers as we do the work and for doctors wisdom in healthcare.

Blessings,
John

Well, Patty’s dad’s weight is now up considerably. This is very frustrating for us. And for him especially. We are not sure if this is simply a result of tired kidneys (we were told, 2 years ago, the chemo would be hard on the kidneys) or the new chemo drug itself. We’ve done some research on the drug and see no evidence that fluid build up is a side effect so we are just doing what we can to get rid of it now and follow up to get a grip on it.

Patty will be driving her dad over in the morning for another injection and I will stay with mom to work here at the house.

We would appreciate your prayers for them as well as the pastor of FBC here in Yazoo. He’s having some difficulties. Health difficulties that would cause one to question God. Obviously, Pastor David is not questioning God in the least but is having serious health issues and would appreciate your prayers for Gods plan. Mom is on two different committees, working with him and is much concerned.

Blessings,
John

On the road again.  It’s been this way for a little while now and will continue until God leads otherwise.  The program I have in MS is on Saturday but Patty’s dad’s cancer treatment is Friday and there are some things needing to be done on Thursday so we’re headed that way.

The engagement we have on Saturday morning is the state Royal Ambassador (R.A.’s for you guys that grew up Baptist) Congress that will be held at MS College in Clinton, MS.  The director has told me to expect up to 500 boys.  Should be lots of fun.

We appreciate your prayers for our travel, our parents and the program on Saturday morning!

Blessings,
John

I know it’s a bit late, especially for me and my usual schedule but I’m sitting here reflecting.  Yeah, thinking about the day today.  We are enjoying our new furniture pieces.  Things have settled into a typical schedule for us and time off the road.  Days are usually filled with yard/house chores and prep for the next road trip.

Well, in the midst of the usual came a reminder of the blessed life we live.  We got word of a need.  Some friends of ours have a daughter that has moved here from PA.  We don’t know the whole story but about 2 years ago the daughter was driving when she and her family were involved in a tragic auto accident and her 3 year old girl was lost.  Just a month ago or so she packed her 17 yr old son and 12 yr old daughter in the van, put whatever they could fit in the van with them, and moved here leaving anything and everything else in PA.  Our friends have come upon some difficult times as well and are unable to do much for them although they are doing what they can.

We got her number and called to ask if she could use a sofa.  This afternoon we loaded the sofa we previously used and just replaced and delivered it to her little basement apartment.  When we asked what else she could use she really didn’t say much except; “beds”.  Folks, we are so blessed.  We didn’t wander through the small apartment so we don’t know if there is at least one bed in there or not and what the three are sleeping on right now.  I’ve got these things running through my mind right now and although I’m tired from the days activities, I can’t seem to shut my mind off thinking about  it all.  As I said, I don’t know the story of how she and her kids ended up here but that’s a ministry need that you don’t have to get on a plane and fly halfway around the world to see and have the opportunity to meet.

We will be praying for guidance to see the next step for us in this endeavor.  In other things, I began work today on some new music and skits for the new year.  I would appreciate your prayers as I kick this old brain into overdrive to memorize and tie everything together to bring the gospel to life.

Patty’s dad is still retaining fluid although it is better than over the weekend.  He is back on “an every other day regiment” of a fluid pill and we’ll be keeping an eye on this and talking with doctors in the next few days.  And we are still planning on heading that way in a couple of days!

Blessings,
John