Am I guilty, at times, of not being thankful?  Yep.  It saddens me and frustrates me to no end.  Having to take this month off FROM TALKING has caused a frustration and even the occasional pity party but I am so thankful that He is in control through it all.  I know that I am blessed beyond measure and far more than I deserve.  I do know that regardless of where this voice stuff leads, I am still willing to be a useful vessel and because of that He will use me.  So, let’s just see where this goes.

With this month at home I have been able to concentrate on the ministry ahead.  There will be 3 different Senior Adult Christmas Banquets along with a couple of kid’s events so the first 2 weeks of December will require a lot and because of this time off there has been the obvious rest but also a time to plan.  I’m thankful.  I’ve had the month to practice my horn every day…another “luxury” that life on the road doesn’t offer.  I’m thankful.  I’ve been able do a great amount of work on my 2014 1st Quarter Newsletter that has to be turned in around the first week of December and I’ve done my December E Letter that will go out right after Thanksgiving.  I’m thankful.  Are all these things “small” in the grand scheme of things?  Simply put, yep.  But right now, when one is called to life on the road and can’t do it then there are frustrations, naturally, that seep in, and it becomes easy to lose overall focus on God and what He may be doing.

The prayer we have is that we will finish this years ministry as strong as possible, not so much physically but with the heart that He desires and one that glorifies Him.

The parents are doing well and are looking forward to the family gathering during the Thanksgiving holiday.  As always, we appreciate your prayers as we keep our eyes on Him…”the author and perfecter of our faith”.

Blessings,
John

It’s been a week now that I’ve giving the world the silent treatment.  I have to admit, it’s been frustrating, there’s no other word to describe everything.  Texting everything seems to be the way to go for me right now with our communication at home.  One thing that has me a bit concerned is, as yet, not perfectly clear.  We have received mixed recommendations as to whether practicing my horn is harmful or not.  I’ve not noticed my cords doing anything but letting air pass during my rehearsal but after about 3 days of playing, the pre-exam dull ache I had, came back so I’ve put off a few days of rehearsal.  ARRRRRGGGG!  This is important for I can rest my voice and still be able or should be able to present my programs in December with just a bit of effort.  Without rehearsing my horns, I will not be able to play to the quality I feel I owe the Lord.  Sure would appreciate your prayers for the healing.  Thanks.

Mom and Patty’s dad are doing well and we are so very thankful for that!  You have prayed for them on many occasions and we are so grateful.  The fact that Patty’s dad doesn’t have to face chemo for at least a couple of months if not longer gives us a special thankfulness during this season.

The report from Dallas is that Chris’ lungs seem to be clearing a bit more.  They are taking 2 xrays each day.  While we are so thankful and praise the Lord for this we are reminded how serious this is by the 5 personal medical team that is in the room monitoring him and the equipment functioning for him regularly.  He was given 5 units of blood yesterday.  Drs say this is common for the machine he is on.  Again, his mother, Joann is a first cousin (practically sister as they grew up together) of Patty.  Her husband is Jim.

Blessings,
John

Hi Friends,

I thought I would catch you up on things and let you know how to pray!  First off, the silence around the house is deafening.  I am going the entire month without speaking, as you know.  This is proving quite difficult.  Not talking is difficult in and of itself but there’s also the fact that included in it all is that I am not supposed to clear my throat, or hum or anything like that.  Trying to do that but at the same time prepare for my Christmas programs is very difficult for sure.

Patty is in Yazoo City right now and her dad had his “eye to eye” with his oncologist today.  Things went really well.  He had a treatment but the great news is that the dr wants to suspend further treatment and wants to see him in 2 months.  Praise the Lord!  I know many of you have remembered this in your prayers and we are grateful.

We really need your prayers on behalf of Patty’s cousin (almost sister) that lives in Dallas.  Joann is married and has one son, Chris, who is 17 years old.  He has some kind of virus that has had him in the hospital since this past Saturday and the medical staff, trying different things has been unable to turn this thing around.  One moment things begin looking better and before long it turns.  Today there were as many as 7 different specialists in the room at one time conferring.  God is the great Healer and we pray for His will in all of this.  Patty is ready to fly on out there should the need arise, but right now she is committing to pray until further word.

Thank you again for everything.  Some things in this ministry will require change for the new year but God has all that in His hands!

Blessings,
John

What an interesting life…the life of Faith! For 27 years we have traveled throughout the U.S. and some abroad using the gifts He’s given me.  As most of you are aware, my voice has struggled somewhat since August, following the very busy summer schedule.  When the dust settled, I made an appointment with my ENT (vocal doc) to make sure that my struggles were coming from overuse and not from anything more serious.

After examination today, he said I have the beginning of nodules from that overuse.  God is way ahead of this whole situation as He has been all along.  When we saw the month of November had no bookings we weren’t concerned at all even though we had no idea what was in store.  Turns out it’s vocal rest.  I’m not taking any more bookings this year but do have several banquets the first two weeks of December so I plan on doing as little as possible this month, vocally, and will be ready to go once December gets here!

We appreciate the prayers and look forward to what God has in store!

Blessings,
John