The lectureship at FHU last week was very enjoyable. It was number 42 for me. We did not have ice or snow, but tornadoes. They missed Henderson, but the area of Union University in north Jackson was severely damaged. Fortunately, no lives were lost.

Monday, we had a great turn out for the Friends of the Restoration lectures. I participated on the panel discussion. There were speakers who told us about Roe Porter and songwriters of the restoration movement. David Lipe spoke at the luncheon which followed the lectures. He discussed his work with Thomas Warren and the debates he had with famous atheists like Anthony Flew.

For the seventh year, I operated the computer using PowerPoint and Bible software during the Open Forum moderated by Ralph Gilmore. Ralph had several hundred slides, but did not use them. I put the Bible references being discussed on the screen.

This was my 15th year to speak on Computers and Church Workers. I discussed PowerPoint on Tuesday. We had 63 in the class. On Wednesday, I discussed Logos Bible Software and Jeff Dove from the IT department at FHU spoke on Internet Safety. Thursday, the FHU archivist spoke on local church histories during my session.

Many of 15 students in the class I teach, Technology for Ministers, helped various guest speakers with their PowerPoint setup and presentations.

It was a very busy week but I visited with a lot of old friends and made some new friends. The gem of the week was when I was talking with J. A. Thornton from Booneville, MS. He has attended 71 of the 72 lectures. While eating lunch with brother Thornton, I asked him if he had ever heard of M. H. Armor who spoke on a lectureship in Henderson in 1892. He said he had and that he was named after brother Armor. The "A" in J. A. Thornton stands for Armor. Brother Armor preached in Mississippi for many years.

I meet a vendor who is from Gunter, TX and knows all my kinfolk who live out there. I learned about a service called "Call A Member." I hope to present it to the church Sunday and hopefully we can start using it.

While I was extremely busy last week, I came for the men's business meeting at Southside last Thursday night. I thought it was one of the most fruitful meetings we have had since I have been with the Southside church. And, we got out early! I appreciate the spirit of cooperation which prevails at Southside.

The Director of Nursing at Morningside evaluated Mr. Day today and decided it would be better for him to be in the Memory Gardens wing which is for Alzheimer and dementia residences. It was not so much due to his memory, but because he would be in closer quarters which would provide him with easier access to the dining hall and other people. Carole and I plan to move him to the other wing Tuesday morning. Please remember us in prayer.

Tom

I received the report on my MRI which I had last week. Some of it was as expected, but one report unexpected. I have one bulging disk and one that is fractured and 14 cm out of place.

What was not expected was the report of the "ectasia to the abdominal aorta" which is about 2.6 cm in diameter.

I underwent more x-rays today and will go Thursday for more evaluation for back treatment. The other problem will be handled by my local physican who will monitor the aorta to determine if it is growing any larger. Please remember me and my family in your prayers.

Carole's day, Waitstill Day, is now in Morningside in Jackson. He reacted as we had expected. After three months in the skilled nursing wing at Chester County Nursing Home, he had finally adjusted. Last Monday, Carole and I moved all his furniture and clothes to his new home. About 3:30 p.m. I picked him up at the nursing home and we had a very pleasant drive to Jackson. It was about 65 degrees and a beautiful day. About five miles from Jackson, I asked Mr. Day what direction we were traveling. Without hesitation, he said we are going north. I said, "How do you know that?" He said the sun is on our left. While Mr. Day has advanced dementia, he still amazes us with his sense of awareness and remembrance of certain things.

It was only when we got him in his room that he became aware that he was being moved and he demanded to go back to his home. The realization came when he noted that he was not in his "old" wheelchair. The human mind of the elderly is amazing. Most of us would be grateful for a beautiful place to live, but the elderly want to remain in their comfort zone even it is not what is best for them.

Carole's sister, Sharon, is staying with Mr. Day for a few days. I will stay with him some and so will Carole. In a few days, Mr. Day will be evaluated to determine the level of care he will need. Please pray for our family, and especially, Mr. Day, as we make this transition which is devastating to an 89 year old man whom we love so much.

Mr. Day's address is:

Mr. W. L. Day
Morningside of Jackson
1186 North Parkway
Jackson TN 38305
Phone: 731-423-1004