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

It was comic relief yesterday. Patty has been shopping for a new sofa and recliner for the better part of 2 years. For those of you that know Patty and her shopping style, you are not surprised by this. On Thursday she found what she wanted at SAMs in Dothan. So…we checked with the delivery service recommended by SAMs and they deliver almost anything. The operative word is ALMOST anything. Sofas and recliners are not on the list. Hahaha. Know what that means, right? I unloaded all my ministry equipment into my garage and measured my trailer, compared it with the dimensions of the furniture description, and drove over to pick up the furniture yesterday.

Note to self…the furniture out on the floor, arranged so beautifully, HAS ALREADY BEEN ASSEMBLED! Let the games begin.

I pulled into the loading area and the guys came wheeling out two really large boxes. Ruh-Ro Shaggy. Well, after a little effort and angling, the boxes were successively loaded and we headed home. Let the games begin.

I won’t bore you with anymore details but through prayer and perspiration, we got everything inside and assembled. Imagine seeing us carrying our old sofa out the front door and around the sidewalk to the garage. Nope, couldn’t take the shortest route through the kitchen because of obstacles. Whew! Pretty hilarious, actually. NOW!!

Patty’s dad had another treatment yesterday. He did not see the dr and although he is feeling a reduction in the tumor size in his throat, he won’t be tested and consulted by the dr for another few weeks. Our main concern is the fluid buildup measured by his weight. He weighs each day and this is a problem. He is taking meds to reduce that but he is 90 years old so balancing the meds is even more difficult. We would appreciate your prayers on this.

Take care, friends. I’m going to take some advil!

John

Hi friends,
We arrived home around 6 p.m. and are beat. We ran behind our intended schedule as Patty’s dad woke with another nosebleed. This is something that ended in the local E.R. last time so we were really observant and cautious to make sure things were covered and settled down before we pulled out. Patty is talking with him now and he seems fine. Praise the Lord!

We will spend some time this week doing house chores, both inside and out, and I’ll do some music rehearsal. Some things never change. Ha ha

We will be heading back to Yazoo, barring anything unforeseen, a week from Thursday to continue the ministry to parents and the local churches.

Blessings,
John

The concert went well and it was a sweet fellowship in Terry, MS. We had a nice crowd at Oak View Baptist Church tonight and it was a blessing to use 4 of my “friends”, play my horns and sing and the people were so responsive.

We will be heading home tomorrow. Pray for our travel and for Patty’s dad. There is a good deal of fluid build up and we are really trying to get that off. It’s a delicate balance between the chemo and other meds. We appreciate it!

Blessings,
John

Hi friends,
Well, Patty just got through with her dads appointment. His levels are good according to tests but the dr is concerned with his weight. I mentioned his fluid build up that’s been going on and this is what she ( Dr Tammy Young ) is concerned with so she upping his dosage of LASIK. She also said that he would continue his chemo injection once a week indefinitely. She expects to see changes in a few weeks. No doubt the chemo is moderate based on his 90 years of age.

I’m guessing that as of now, we will continue to make trips back and forth from Enterprise. God will direct and we will be obedient.

A while back I ask you to remember my friend, Craig, in LA. he had surgery to remove a tumor on his pituitary gland. He is not doing quite as well as they had hoped by this time. My pastor friend told me he visited yesterday and although he thinks Craig knew he was there, he wasn’t able to open his eyes or be responsive. There is still a drain tube on one side of his head but is hoping to have that removed today. I haven’t heard. The plan is to move him, Lord willing, to a regular room next week. Craig and his wife Jaclyn would appreciate your prayers.

I’ve been busy running a few errands and doing a little fixing up for mom and will minister in Terry, MS, on Sunday!

Blessings,
John

Got back home!  Whew!  Yard work knocked out and preparations have begun for the upcoming concert in MS.  We are excited that Patty’s dad seems to be tolerating his chemo so well.  We will be heading that way, again, on Thursday.  Patty will take him to his appointment on Friday.  It will be this visit where blood will be drawn and tested to see if the treatment is beginning the desired results then he will consult with the oncologist.  Another reason for Patty’s attendance.  Best to have some “extra ears” you know.

We appreciate your prayers as we juggle ministry on the road and ministry to parents.  We are blessed to do both and need God’s strength to fulfill His call.

Not much else now so I’ll check back in, barring anything unforeseen, when we arrive in Yazoo City on Thursday.

Blessings,
John

Mr. Shurley’s treatment went well today. It was a new concoction administered my an injection to the stomach. Patty said her dad described it as similar to the insulin injections he has taken the past. He did not see the oncologist today but the treatment has been set up for once a week as opposed to the original plan of twice a week. We are to expect fatigue in him but not sure if any other side effects will come. We will monitor him for a bit.

I’ve gotten mom taken care of for the time being with a number of calls and a little fix up work. Still don’t know an approximate departure but will know in time.

Thanks for the prayers!
John

Yep, I know this surprises you but FBC Hampton, AR, ministered to us this past week. We stayed in a very old home redone completely and formerly used as a Bed and Breakfast. We moved in and the church had stocked us up on all kind of things, then the owners came in and added some to everything. I lead in worship only (as opposed to preaching too) so this gave me an opportunity to sit back and be fed. Dr. Sonny Tucker from the AR Baptist Convention came in and preached to the church, and boy did he preach to the church. He really challenged the church in every service.

FBC is a unique church filled with wonderful servants. They reach out and minister to many who might, sadly enough, find themselves on the outside of many of our churches. This church also incorporates music from many styles often times within the same service. So…….they were very accepting of us and this ministry. Lots of blessings, for sure!

We traveled to Yazoo City today and now we enter a bit of the unknown. Patty will take her dad to Jackson tomorrow for a “new” treatment of his lymphoma. We will monitor him tomorrow evening and Saturday before determining when we will head back to Enterprise.

Thank you for your faithfulness in checking in with us and for praying for us!

Blessings,
John