My pastor friend was quick to say he realized the results were not up to him but rather to give his best in obedience to the Lord and God would take care of it, “but still”, he said, “it sure would be encouraging.”

Immediately, a blessing came to my mind.  I was working a series of summer camps a few years ago and was running on empty.  I was tired and I needed something in the way of encouragement.  As I headed to my next destination I asked the Lord for a word.  Something to encourage.  I arrived at the camp where I was met by a young man who asked that question I dislike perhaps more than most…. “Hey, remember me?”  Well, honestly, there was a glimmer of familiarity in his face but I was blank.  “I am associate student pastor at ___________ Baptist Church”, he said.  Since I hadnt done any ministry at that church, the riddle was still unanswered.  We talked for a moment then he said; “I was saved at a camp you did when I was in 6th grade.”  That’s it!  I remembered that and what an encouragement it was.  I was so excited and thankful and knew God was going to do something special at the camp.  This camp involved over 15 churches with approximately 350 pre teen kids.  Well, as God often does, He reinforced His encouragement.  That night, at the first worship session of the week, we had a good start and as everyone was leaving a man who had brought a group came up to me and told me his son had been saved in a camp I did.  I asked him where his son was now and it blessed my heart to overflowing when I was informed that his son was a Journeyman (Southern Baptist 2 year mission) in China.  To say I had received an overflowing reminder that God is in control, would be a huge understatement.

Listen Christian, there will be those times when you see immediate results of being used by God.  There will be many more times when you will never know, this side of heaven, the impact or effect you will have on someone else.  You are called to be faithful, that’s all.

Keep pressing on!

Everyone has headed back to their homes but us.  I will handle some household business as well as property upkeep the next couple of days and the camp will begin on Wednesday.  It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 3 months since mom’s home going.  I find it still almost as difficult to handle things now as I did 3 month ago.

God is faithful and we’ve seen Him working throughout this journey.  As always we appreciate your prayers on our behalf.

Blessings,
John

Slogans and catch phrases are everywhere.  Some accomplish exactly what’s intended as that “jingle” sticks with you or you can hear that phrase and it automatically brings to your mind the product it represents.

The line between the life of the world and the life with Christ, will become a bit blurred unfortunately.  For we as Christians have our expressions really meant sincerely but over time have become not much more than catch phrases.  Another line blurred.

We respond to someone’s hurts by saying; “I’ll pray for you.”  Now many times we will but often times we say it, give a little smile, and think nothing else of it until we see them next week at church.  What about; “I don’t feel led”?  That one is used often times to get out of something that God may be trying to do in and through us because it’s a bit inconvenient or more difficult than another. We choose the easy route and opt out of the difficult, God chosen task with the spiritual sounding, “I don’t feel led”.  A catch phrase.

I heard it best expressed by an old country preacher when he said; “You are walking so loud, I can’t hear what you’re saying.”   Without the living testimony, our words are just that.  Words.  Catch Phrases.  Galatians 5:25; “If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.”

As Christians, followers of Christ, we are reminded by Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus to live according to His leadership. Ephesians 4:1; “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called,…”

Go out today and live for Christ. Make a difference!

Aside our time with Mr. Shurley, my week has been to handle bills here at moms and to process paperwork as well as do lawn work and general upkeep.  So, Thursday and Friday was dedicated to the yard and today I did the same at Mr. Shurley’s.  I am always thankful to be able to do these things but I have to tell you I’m a bit pooped, too.  ha ha

Our plan, right now, is to drive home tomorrow (Sunday) and handle things there before heading back on the weekend for an engagement just outside of Jackson.

Oh did I mention I’m also in the process of learning the VBS curriculum for this year!  1st one begins June 1st!  We appreciate your prayers as we do all these things.  Please pray that God really speaks to the little hearts and lives in our upcoming schedule.  That, and that alone, is what it’s all about!

Blessings,
John

Whitley just turned 4 years old and quickly became one of moms favorites.  Mom served on the pulpit search committee that brought the new pastor to First Baptist in Yazoo City in March.  Whitley is the youngest of 2 sweet little girls.  Whitley visited mom on more than a couple of occasions and always brightened her day.

I’ve thought of that often as the days have passed.  While I am aware that “mad”, or anger, is one of the emotions in the grieving process I can honestly say I’ve not experienced that much at all.  Sadness? Well, yes, but one thing I can say…No regrets.

Too often in our lives we find ourselves regretting something in our past.  As a part of the maturing process we look back and wish we had done something different or not at all.  When Patty’s mom was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2010, we knew the road ahead was going to be a rough one. Trying to balance the ministry on the road and ministering to parents was going to be tough but we chose to take those two simple words to heart.  No regrets.  We wanted to be able to look at ourselves when that road ended and be able to say that we had done all we could do.

It was the same with my father in 2012 and now with mom.  I told dad I would take care of mom.  She was a very independent woman so trying to do for her was a delicate balance for sure but once she detected a lump, I was with her through the entire process.  Balancing this with the road ministry again proved difficult at times but God was so faithful and I was determined to live with no regrets.

Have the events leading up to her 1^st stroke run through my mind often?  Yes indeed.  Of course it was the 2^nd stroke that eventually took her to her heavenly home and although there is sadness and a void there I know that those feelings are simply selfish for she is rejoicing at the feet of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

And me?  I’m here knowing I did everything I could.  No regrets!

he told His disciples that he would rise from the grave after 3 days.  They didn’t laugh and mock but the doubt must have been overwhelming, don’t even factor in the fear of the upcoming loneliness and oncoming persecution.  But, in a supernatural act of pure love and promise keeping, He did just that.  Thank you Lord for your promises.

Last night after eating dinner, mom, my brother, and I were visiting.  The nurse came over to change moms bandages and check drain tubes from her surgery when all of a sudden, with no warning her face began to draw showing signs of a stroke. And just like that we are sitting in University Medical Center in Acute Stroke Care Unit. On the weekend of miracles we have seen mom move from no movement on the left side and drawn face with garbled speech to now when she speaks she is understood easily and the physical therapist says there seems to be equal strength in all extreme ties.  Miracles

shes resting for the most part but all the doctors have been wonderful and leaning toward optimism. Miracles

praise God for yet another unspeakable gift.  Or gifts.

blessings,

john

2 years ago, dad passed away.  With mom’s recent health issues, I’ve been basing the ministry out of Yazoo City some of the time and today was interesting.  I needed to do a little lawn work so after mowing I decided to trim things up but the only weed eater available was the little battery operated trimmer.  There it was hanging up on a large nail in the workshop.  I looked over at the charger and was surprised to see that not only was there a battery mounted on the charger but the charger was still plugged in.  Why not try it, huh?  What’s to lose?  So, I took the battery off the charger, removed the one left on the trimmer and traded them out.  The trimmer lit up with excitement and off I went.  When the battery eventually ran down, I again swapped it with the one I put on the charger just a little earlier and picked right back up where I left off.

I smiled as the thought crossed my mind.  In the business, the hustle and bustle that is this life, what a tremendous reminder to remain plugged in to the ultimate power source.  How can we possibly expect to be effective for the Kingdom if we allow ourselves to get side tracked to the point of neglecting time with the One True Power, Jesus Christ.  The battery left attached to an idle trimmer for over 2 years was not useful for the task for which it was created.  The other battery that had been on the charger for the same amount of time was totally effective.

Can it be said of you?  Oh that I can be fully charged and ready for the tasks ahead.

Blessings,
John

Patty’s dad had his oncologist checkup today and “the monster” has returned.  The tumor is very slight but was detected by the doctor.  She (the oncologist) doesn’t want to start treatments back just yet because of his recent other health battles.  He has another appointment in 6 weeks unless the tumor (it can be felt in his neck) increases in size dramatically in which case he will call for an earlier time.

Blessings,
John

There were 3 men there when I arrived 2 hours early and as host church members they readily volunteered to help me move things in.  I set up while talking and then, as I glanced up I began chuckling just a bit.  In walks a man and his son, carrying a guitar, mandolin and yes, a banjo.  It seems they were asked to sing and play as part of the program by someone other than the program chairman.  Although unexpected, it was no problem as I made room and helped them get ready.  Everything worked out fine and it was a good night with 80 men from 10 different churches.

I used two different ventriloquism sets, played my horn and sung then challenged the men to be a man that counts for The Lord out of 2Timothy 4.  The men were very gracious and it was a joy and privilege to be part of this annual event!

Blessings

We were excited to see a friend of ours begin his new pastorate at FBC Yazoo City.  We are so very thankful to the Lord for His leadership and look forward to seeing God work through Dr. Clint Ritchie.  Being here for his first Sunday was such a blessing.  God has wonderful plans!

We are thankful to hear of the 3 professions of faith and the many others being followed up from our time in Paragould this past week.  Again, not much to say but a special thanks for your support and prayers as we follow His leadership.

Blessings,
John