God blessed our trip out and we are grateful.  We pulled out last Wednesday to drive to Yazoo City.  Patty’s father was through with his physical rehab and ready to get back to his house.  So, on Thursday, we got him back home and were busy lining up all the home healthcare and such before we pulled out on Friday.

It was Valentines Day, of course, and we did what we’ve done the past 27 years.  We spent it with a church family somewhere, entertaining at their banquet.  This year it was in Poplarville, MS, down close to the gulf coast at Juniper Grove Baptist Church.  We had a great time, the crowd was responsive and seemed to really enjoy themselves through the laughter and message.

We were able to lay low on Saturday and are so grateful for that.  As you know, with my voice the way it is right now, down time has become essential to my effectiveness.  On Saturday evening, the pastor who is having some physical issues as well as having to deal with a very sick mother, called and asked if I could please preach Sunday morning.  I was scheduled to lead the worship and present a program after lunch for the kids ministry as they did a Valentine luncheon.  I needed to help him, so I was a little concerned about my voice but knew God had it in control.

Everything went well and we loaded and pulled out around 1:30 this afternoon.  The next 3 days we will be laying low and getting some necessary medical tests done for the insurance company.  The good news is these tests are preventive care so we’ll knock them out at the same time and be done.

Then it will be time to get back on the road.
Blessings,
John

It was the first of November when I was diagnosed with the early stages of vocal nodules.  Thank the Lord that it was just beginning and with proper care and recuperation involving rest and rehab, everything should return to normal.  I realize that for those of you who know me…you have many observations. Thank you for remaining quiet for the time being.

In December I had a couple of bookings but for the most part remained fairly secluded and began vocal rehab and exercises. And now, we begin our ministry schedule again. It was recommended by the dr that I cut my schedule in half.  This doesn’t mean that I will have only 2 bookings a month, not at all.  I will simply have to be judicious in my scheduling, knowing how much can be done at each event and should one event go longer than a couple of days, I will take that into consideration for the rest of the month.  Time and experience will help determine everything.

And so it begins…tomorrow night in northeast MS, I will be giving a concert for area families, hosted by FBC Saltillo, MS.  It will be a fun program that will include fun music, worship, laughter, and a message of God’s love.  On Sunday morning, I will have the entire service, leading the worship and speaking.  As I said, this first weekend will tell us where we are and what effect the vocal rehab has had these past months.

Sure would appreciate your prayers.

Blessings,
John