On Tuesday, July 14, my wonderful Mom, Lois J. McKeever, reaches age number 93. Far from keeping it a secret, she’s justly pleased to have attained this pinnacle. I think this makes her the oldest member of her (Kilgore) family in memory. Also, probably the oldest living member of her church (New Oak Grove Free Will Baptist). She still lives on the home place, across the hill from the house where she was born. Each day, she reads the newspaper, reads her mail and her Bible, watches the TV news and “The Price is Right” and “Wheel.”

Thanks to all who have sent (or are sending) birthday cards or notes to her. At last check, she has received 70 or so. However, anyone who would still like to send one, Mom loves getting mail, so go right ahead. The address is 191 County Road 101, Nauvoo, Alabama 35578. Thanks!

Mom says so many of the cards she is receiving are from my friends (from this blog and Facebook) who all say things like, “You must be a wonderful person to have raised such a fine son.” She laughs and says, “I have three fine sons–which one are they talking about?”

You can see why I like her to get these notes!

Next Sunday, July 19, I’m preaching both morning services in Knoxville’s great Central Baptist Church-Bearden. Pastor Larry Fields will be out of town and in a desperate attempt to get back at his deacons for something, has invited me to fill the pulpit! (That’s an attempt at humor, Mom.)

This will be my third time to preach in that church, having ministered there in the fall of 1989 and again about three summers ago. So, I plan to walk up to the pulpit and begin: “Now, continuing in our sermon series, message number three will be….”

(Another humor attempt. I make lots of those! My batting average is about the same as the typical baseball pitcher’s!)

Then, on Monday night, July 27, I’ll preach for the wonderful Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, Louisiana, as a part of their “Marvelous Mondays.” The service starts at–now get this–6:00 pm. They feed supper at 5 o’clock, and go immediately into the service. The idea is to encourage people not to go home after work, but come straight to the church. (Rick Byargeon is pastor.)

Other Monday night speakers at Temple-Ruston are Ken Hemphill, Clint Presley, and John Talbert. They scheduled me last in a go-for-broke scheme to salvage the month! (Third attempt at humor.)

If you’re on Facebook, look for me on there too. Great way to catch up with old and distant friends.