I'm back

• I left Wed morning for Hernando, MS, just south of Memphis, TN, for my aunt's funeral and returned on Fri. It was good, even under these circumstances, to reconnect with my cousins and aunts and uncles some of which I hadn't seen since high school. I was not close to my aunt, Linda Kay, but was glad that I got to see her last Aug. at my uncle's funeral. It was good to hear about her faith and that she lived her life as a child of God. The funeral and the family and friends that attended were a great tribute to her life and I am glad that I was able to be there.
  
• I rode with my sister, Pam, who has become a good friend and encourager over the years. I enjoy our times together and our conversations are meaningful.
• You cannot buy hazelnut ice coffee at McDonald's in MS. They do not carry this product and I tried several locations. I didn't get my ice coffee until we hit AL in the late afternoon. I have decided that I will no longer tell Alabama jokes. They will all be Mississippi jokes from now on.
• I couldn't get that close to the Mississippi River without crossing it. It was only the third time to cross it in my life.
  
• I met with Jason from Ewtonville Baptist Church in Dunlap, TN, for whom I am speaking at his youth camp in Gulf Shores this Summer. We had a small planning meeting and decided on a theme and the number of times I would be speaking. It's going to be great.
• It's always nice to come home to Pattie and my family. It's the best part of going out of town.
• Can't wait for church tomorrow. I love our church. I am speaking on our vision and our and our strategy for the next three months. We are also having a membership class Sunday afternoon.