As some of you know, my family and I are moving to serve God in Akutan, Alaska. This will be my final article for the immediate future as we will not have good access to the internet in our new area. I want to express to everyone in the Sikeston community so much thankfulness for your support for the article over the last few years. ...

The last two weeks, I have shared a lot about fishing. I actually have one more fishing story. While my daughter was fishing she caught a fish. When she went to bring it in the line got hooked on some brush by the bank. Since this was the first fish she had ever caught, she looked so upset...

I must confess something very personal to you. This confession may cause me to lose any credibility I have ever had about being from Missouri. This is so shocking that you may not ever believe anything I wrote about fishing with my grandma. Here it is… I hate fish. People always with disbelief ask why and I generally say it taste so “fishy” and smells...

My grandma was the typical famer’s wife in the sense of keeping a perfect house, being a great cook and being an incredible person in general. Although she seldom got angry, there was one day where I saw her get violent and it would be at a summer fishing trip to the pond...

I decided that Sept. 2, 2022, will forever be remembered as “Goat 101.” I visited my brother on his farm and he proclaimed we would be “working” goats. I pondered, “work goats?” I know there is a labor shortage, but we should not fill it with goats. I think they would do okay with laundry they could hang on their horns...

Who was the teacher that you remember the most in elementary school? Who was your favorite high school teacher? Everyone remembers those special teachers that changed their life. Recently, I have been reflecting on all the special teachers I had at Howard County R-2 in Glasgow, Missouri...

The following article is dedicated to Jim Barnes who for more than 50 years has worked as a pharmacist. Let’s thank a pharmacist and pharmacy staff who labor to help all of us when we need prescriptions. Moses no doubt would have said a word that has come to mean RX in English...

It’s rodeo week in Sikeston and let’s dive into some rodeo facts. “Nationwide, there are more than 600 rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Countless more are operated independently. Bull riding, one of rodeo’s marquee competitions, is the fastest growing sport in the United States.” (westernranches.com)...

I grew up canoeing on the Jack Fork and Current River. It was such a joy to canoe with my family and we never tipped over. Since that time, you are expecting me to proclaim I am still a great skillful sailer, but I have gotten worse. The Bible says that the way you go to heaven is by trusting Jesus Christ...

There are 518.3 million chickens estimated to be in the USA as of 2020, which is only 4 percent of the world’s population. At the same time, Americans are smart enough to know that chickens are made for eating as we are still the leader in broiler chickens...

Everywhere there is a unified call of frustration at the price of a gallon of gas. I am equally sure in 1980 everyone said the same thing as it was the first-year gas went over $1. In 1929, 21 cents was the first national average price of a gallon of gas ever recorded. Unbelievably the price of a gallon of gas kept dropping until 1947 when it “shot” up to 23 cents...

Growing up I always went to Clover Point for 4-H camp in the summer. It was like most camps with crafts, swimming, outdoor adventures and games. I remember one summer (probably around the fourth grade) they were going to have swim races. I was very excited to show off how fast a swimmer I was. Like most of the great fourth grade athletes of the time, I looked for any advantage to help me in my swimming dominance...

Have you ever noticed that toddlers make a lot more work, but sure are cute? One of my earliest memories happened when I was about three on a hot June day. On my grandparents’ farm, we had two huge gardens, and, on that day, we were planting potatoes. We had gotten the potato seed ready by first quartering them up and putting them in a bucket. After my grandpa (with the team of horses) plowed up a very long row, my grandma went dropping two pieces about a few inches apart...

Growing up we were very active in 4-H and I would always do the annual horse show. One of the timed events was pole racing and my dad saddled Joe for me to race with. Joe was strong and very fast, but I was a small 14-year-old and a little scared. As the event began, I was flying around the poles and was going to have a great time...

Sikeston is home to one of the best outdoor rodeos in America which is August 10-13 (tickets on sale now). Whenever I think of rodeos, I think of my brother Pax who as soon as he could talk proclaimed he would do rodeo. Not only did my parents have the shock of a toddler proclaiming he would do rodeo, but he also added it would be bull riding...

It was 1984 and I was excited for a day of hiking with my fellow high school freshman Ron. We planned to eat beans from the can like on the adventure movies and I put the cans in my backpack. We hiked through the mud and hills by the creek and in about 20 to 30 minutes came to the Missouri River...

As we move into the summer many of you will take or have already taken a summer vacation. As we think about those summer vacations, fill in the blank of the following sentences: “Don’t make me” or “I’m going to _ down the middle of the back of the seat.”...

As I was processing the terrible Texas school shooting, I felt it might be helpful to address the terrible week our nation has experienced with the shooting in Uvalde, Texas. These are simply a few ideas that might assist with the long process of shock and sadness we are feeling...

A few weeks ago, I had to go back to my hometown to get a used car my family was giving us. On the way there, I mentally went over what I had to do. I confidently reviewed to myself that I would get the title, go to the license bureau and super quick be on my way before noon...

I have known Christians that seemed to be so committed, but everywhere they went was drama and challenges. Although they boasted of Jesus Christ and their call to embrace his path, it seems like they had a bigger goal to tick off everyone and be as offensive as they can. Today, we turn to Proverbs 16 which gives insight into what it looks like to live for God in this difficult world...

Have you ever had someone to refer to their life by saying, “I’m stuck?” If you are that person that thinks they are stuck, let’s look at a plan modified from the mind of Life Coach Larry Glabe. He is my friend that developed this to help people figure out how to get somewhere...

I am one person who believes you must be open and real when dealing with mental health. Too many individuals and churches are not open about the reality of depression, suicide (don’t do it), and other mental health challenges. I am not a medical professional and encourage you to go to whoever is your doctor or medical provider for medical questions...

I love top 10s. Unfortunately, being a MIZZOU graduate we have not been on any lately (wrestling excluded). As we remember and celebrate the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ this week here is a top ten on Jesus Christ to think about. 1. Jesus is fully God- John 10:30- “I and my Father are one.”...

This week is the week before “Holy Week.” In chapter 15 of Mark, take a moment and meditate on the cross of Jesus Christ. First, we see Pilate so amazed that they would want Jesus crucified as that was the most painful way to die. Be amazed of the God man being willing to endure this death...

Disclaimer: This article is from a Pastor and is not regarded as professional counseling, therapy, or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or licensed therapist if needed. In 1919, Cigna released the results of a study of adults 18 and over that found that three out of five Americans reported being lonely. Although loneliness is neither bad nor good as it is a feeling, it is what you do with it that matters. Here are power points that can help you conquer loneliness...

When you are a pastor one of the more challenging and blessing times is when you administer a funeral. The blessing part is when the family are comforted and encouraged in their time of loss. The challenging part is when you see family not getting along...

Our country is very divided right now, but it does not have to be for anyone. I know you are thinking MAGA and President Biden and you have your labels and tribes ready to go you associate with. The issues is we have bought into our side that we believe is right (and it may be), and have married that with creating worth of individuals based on them sharing that belief...

How do I deal with the stress of everything? Whether it is the war in Ukraine, the high gas prizes, inflation or anything else it is causing us all to feel fearful. Let’s take five verses that remind us what to do: 1. Pray instead of worry! Philippians 4:6- “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Let all your worries become prayers...

When I went off to basic training, I was definitely tempted to be scared. It was so bad that a few times I hyper ventilated. There was one way I overcame it. I knew and quoted Isaiah 41:10 often. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”...

Have you ever been scared? Once, a man named John living in exile for his Christianity, wrote about his vision of God, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.” He was so terrified he fainted like he was dead. The response of this was the being next to him told him to “fear not.” (Revelation 1:17)...

The stress and fear everywhere has caused uncertainty about the future due to the country’s division, election year, COVID, potential increase of conflict with Russia and China, border issues, and so much else. According to David Nather of Axios, “Americans are less optimistic and more nervous about what 2022 has in store for the world than they were heading into 2021, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.”...

Psalm 89:1-2 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. Here are two words that are good news: mercy and faithfulness...

1 John 4:10-11: Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. It’s February and love is in the air (Valentine’s Day). When we think about that we no doubt can picture in our brain a person with little hearts around them. The issue is to think about what is love...

Proverbs 14:12- “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” How many have said, they know what they are doing to only discover they go the wrong way and end up hurt or worse. Although there are many, let’s look at five ways a person keeps going and ends up in destruction...

“Has anyone explained how you can trust the Bible?” I asked the high schooler I was talking with. She answered, “absolutely not as the Bible is not true.” She explained that in her church they don’t even use the Bible. She shared when someone asks a question about key elements of the faith, they are given a standard answer, “just have faith.”...

In talking to people over the years I have discovered that many people want to move forward, but they don’t. If you are starting 2022 with a desire to move forward: 1. What is your big goal you need to commit too? What is it you want to do? For example, I want to be a nurse, or I want to go into this business. ...

Happy New Year!! There is one resolution that everyone I know can make. This is a resolution that will get your soul back on tract. This resolution will make you wise which will help you know the right way to live in this evil world. This resolution will turn your sad stressed-out heart to joyful. ...

This Christmas Eve spend a moment and read Matthew account. Make sure to read slowly and notice Jesus was born pure (free from sin) of man (fully man). He was was God in the flesh (Immanuel), and came to free us from our sins. Make sure you have accepted his free gift of eternal life. ...

A new tradition has emerged in recent years that at least half of the readers love and some of you hate. This tradition involves watching something on the TV that repeats itself repeatedly multiple times a day for almost the entire month of November and all of December...

With Christmas we celebrate the baby born in Bethlehem (first advent), but let’s also remember the second advent or his return (second advent). What is your favorite song or symbol at Christmas? Mine might XMAS. I know many of us think that when we see XMAS, we assume that people have tried to take Christ out of Christmas. Although some might think and desire that action, that could not be father from the truth...

They began on Sept. 16, 1620, on the Mayflower and arrived in Cape Cod (Nov. 11, 1620). These first-generation Americans stepped into the beginning of the terrifying New England winter in a new world with no shelter. According to their compact they had come for one reason. They wrote, “having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith.” (www.mayflowercompact.org)...

Have you heard about the law that was passed about church attendance? This law states that everyone over the age of 16 must attend their local perish. If the law was violated the punishment was fines and possible jail. This law was called the Act Against Recusant of 1593 and was directed by Elisabeth in England...

The Bible has 66 books and is divided into two sections that are the Old Testament and New Testament. It was written over 1400 years by over 40 authors. It is divided by subjects with the first five books being the Law, the next books (Joshua to Esther) are the history books and is followed by the Poetry Books (Job to Song of Songs)...

Let’s talk about slime. According to pandjtrading.com: “Slime was invented by Mattel Toys in 1976. While creating slime, the toy company wanted the oozing substance to be gross as possible. Thus, slime was first created as a light green material which you could find in a little green trash can.”...

When I think about legacy, I think about Bob Patterson a member of our church. Legacy is what outlives you and can be bad or good. Bob Patterson has been married for over 70 years to his lovely bride Martha and they are both in their “young” 90s. Brother Bob has accomplished so many things professionally and traveled to many different countries, but what matters is he is a Christian and carrying on a long list of Godly men in his family’s legacy...

I have a new niece and she is 10 years old. Her name is Halley and I want to share with you about her. She came to my brother and sister-in-law from a very difficult situation as a foster kid. They decided to move forward with adopting Halley. Last week our family went to the courtroom and there was a short hearing about the adoption. At the end, the judge declared that she was now Halley Linda Vroman and my brother and sister in law’s daughter...

Are you living in fear? I am concerned that in this day many people are living in fear instead of by faith. Here are four verses that command to not fear. •Exodus 14:13- And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever...

I just heard a story about a man in Turkey. After spending an evening with some friends, he ended up not coming home. After a while his family went to the authorities, and they started looking for him in the forest by where he was last seen. It was not long before a man noticed the people in the woods looking for the lost soul and he decided to join them...

I am from Mid-Missouri and our climate is too cold to produce cotton, but Sikeston has incredible soil and perfect climate for this crop. I love that you celebrate cotton by having the Cotton Carnival. “Cotton plants have a rather large growing period, about 200 days. ...

Proverbs 4:20-27: “20My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh. 23Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. ...

Many people are thinking and asking about the end times. The problem is when we try to decide about the end times without actually reading the verses that deal with the end time incorrect views results. What this leads to is an End Times understanding based on the news and events versus what is accurate in the Bible...

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed counselor so this is my perspective as an ordained pastor. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As a pastor I have seen a lot of stigma with these this and mental health. Although many don’t want to talk about suicide, it is the 10th leading cause of death with 47,511 deaths in 2019 (American Foundation for suicide Prevention)...

With everything going on in our world, many have been asking are we living in the end times. Many base their end times thinking by what they see on the news, a youtube program, or false preachers instead of the Word of God. Today, let’s take a moment and look at a very basic overview from the Bible about the end of the world...

Recently I am hearing “Bible” teachers proclaiming the vaccine is the mark of the beast. My official statement as a pastor is not advising people to get or not get the vaccine. I am not a doctor or health professional so I don’t have the credentials to give health counsel...

 All over America, videos are surfacing of Americans almost rioting at school board meetings and in public squares because of mask mandates, CRT, and other issues.  Before you stop reading, assuming as a pastor I am going to say some line that sounds like it should be a 1980s love song lyric (get along) please continue.  In fact, I am primarily writing to those who are passionate and excited to do something about an issue by action.  Although I am someone that have passionate views about these issues and think it is great when people get involved, it troubles me when we can't be kind.  As Americans we should be engaged, speak out and lobby for change, but be kind.  Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”  What this means is if your objective is to be heard or win an argument, the key point is stay calm.  Grievous words means words that are cutting (or something bad).  When I see these individuals on all sides angry and yelling about an issue, I know the Bible says all they do is stir the other side up.  Next, control wins the day!  When I see great debaters (like Ben Shapiro) they always remains calm and even laugh at themselves.  It is important to remember the value of staying in control. ...

One day I was listening to an interview of a famous scientist on the radio. He was so bold and funny and explained about his latest book. He was one confident man, but there was one subject that made him scared… death. Truly death is one of those subjects we avoid at all cost. Hebrew 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”...

This Saturday Rodeo week kicks off with the annual rodeo parade, after that the annual Rodeo Revival (August 8-11) begins, and it concludes with the incredible 2021 rodeo. You know what the most popular event in rodeo is? Bull riding is far and away the most popular. Here are some interesting facts about the event...

This article is dedicated to my barber Jeremiah Quick (Sikeston Rodeo chairman) and the incredible Jaycees of Sikeston Rodeo week is just around the corner with the parade on Aug. 7 at 10 a.m., the rodeo Aug. 11-14, and this year the Rodeo Revival will be held at First Baptist Church Aug. 8-11 (fbcsikeston.org)...

Every decade or so it seems there will be a movie that comes out where the main character is portraying God (George Burns). This will cause people to say, what is God like? The good news is we actually know an answer to that questions and it is Jesus as he is God that became a man. ...

One of the most loved characters from the Bible is Mary. Catholics and Muslims all revere her, but what were her feelings about Jesus. In the Bible, during her pregnancy, she prayed a very insightful prayer that shared some of her thoughts on Jesus...

Albert Einstein said, “As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene...No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.”...

If I had a dollar for every time a farmer told me they were fixing their equipment I would be rich. The fact is, farmers work hard to get everything ready to farm. I remember the hours my grandpa spent greasing the equipment, mowing pastures, fixing fences, doing the paper work and so many other tasks. I can’t say that my Papa honestly enjoyed the jobs, but he faithfully did them...

This article is dedicated to a group of Arbutus ladies and Lee S. who loves the Red Birds. Let’s talk about the Cardinals. I come from a family that has followed the Cardinals for generations. I would love to have seen the 1926 team that won the first world series in seven games...

Last week I met an incredible lady who has spent the last few years being a full-time caregiver for her dearly loved husband. As I talked with her, I realized how difficult this time has been. Although I have never been a full-time caregiver, I wanted to provide some insight and perspective that might help a person in this challenging service of love...

Although June 20 is the first “official” day of summer, we all know it really kicks off on Memorial Day weekend. One of my favorite times of the summer as a kid was when we would go to the Cross Country Trail ride in Eminence (shout out to a true cowboy Don B)...

Monday is Memorial Day (May 31). America is a great country that everyone has freedoms you do not see in many of the places in the world. The reason we have these freedoms is because men and women served in the military and some even died. Memorial Day is to remember those military service people who were killed in action (KIA). Missouri’s own President Truman designated part of the Memorial Day to be a day for peace...

Memorial Day will be May 31 where we remember and honor those killed in action in service to our country. “Do you celebrate Memorial Day? In 1868, Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued what was called General Order Number 11, designating May 30 as a memorial day. ...

Memorial Day is May 31 and is established to remember those who were killed serving our country or they are called Killed in Action (KIA). I want to highlight one generation that needs special acknowledgment and that is our Vietnam generation. That generation was treated so poorly and called terrible names as they returned to an ungrateful nation. ...

Mother’s Day is Sunday and I hope all moms have a great day! I love my mom and she is always is very supportive. I want to share one time when I know she regretted supporting me. It was when I was in junior high and our church youth group was making and selling pies. Like a good momma, my mom made sure she bought the beautiful pecan pies I had prepared and baked...

Recently, I had a person in our community ask me one of the most difficult heartfelt questions that has touched the lives of the friends, communities and families of over 48,000 people in 2018. She asked the question, “My grandson has a best friend that committed suicide. What can I say to him?”...

Recently we visited my wife’s friend from college. They had just moved back from California to the St. Louis area (go Cards) and were able to buy a house. Although they had not closed yet, they showed us pictures of the wonderful home. I thought why not take this idea and re-introduce you to your Bible and give you a brief overview to better understand what is in the Greatest book ever written. ...

Often when I preach, I will say, “Amen!” and the congregation will reply, “amen.” Last Sunday I got an “amen” for something only in the south you would get an “amen” for. Amen means so be it and is a word truly only appropriate for God’s truth. Well in my excitement I asked for an “amen” after I shared a sermon illustration. Before I share what that item was our church gave the “amen” for, let’s look at real truths worth holding too. These are seven that are worth giving an “amen”:...

What is your favorite Easter candy? Some will say Peeps or jelly beans, or better yet chocolate bunnies. It was amazing to watch the kids at our church do an Easter Egg hunt. To see the focus and intensity of these children in their quest to get as many eggs as they could was amazing...

This is the week where we celebrate, reflect, and remember the greatest moment in history when Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead. Here are the last words recorded on the cross from Scripture. 1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34 Jesus is in complete pain, blood running all over his body, his back ripped open, and he utters the words of forgiveness. ...

Today, I saw beauty. What is beauty? It is a life changed and living in hope. Today, I was talking with one of Sikeston’s retired dentists Wendell Weathers. He was so excited and alive he could not contain himself. Next week is Resurrection week (Easter) and we celebrates Jesus Christ died on a cross for our sins and rising from the dead...

We lived in Turkey for about 9 years One day our church got a call that a man needed to be picked up at the bus station. He was coming from another country and wanted to get baptized. They gave me the name and I told them I would get him. As I was on the way, the person called and gave me additional information they failed to mention. The man was from Jordan and a year earlier had gone to Iraq to kill Americans for Jihad. I remember thinking, “that might have been useful information to know.”...

I am a USAF veteran and am proud to stand for Old Glory. Today, I had the honor of going to two visitations of dearly loved ones who have passed in the community. One was a veteran of the Korean War and was named Bill Ponder. I never got to meet him, but his son is a deacon (Rudy) at our church. One thing is clear his son loved and respected his dad as a real man and father...

What team has 11 World Series Championships (second only to the hated Yankies)? Which team is regarded as Baseball City? Fox Sports writer Dieter Kurtenbach, “St. Louis and the Cardinals are synonymous. What other team and city can say that? Sometimes it is just as simple as that.”...

We moved back to the greatest state in America December 2019 from Michigan. We were saying, “Praise God we are leaving this snow and cold temperatures behind” (actually it was my family saying that as I love snow). Earlier this week as I checked the temperature in Detroit vs. ...

Yesterday I talked to a Christian that explained about a family member’s mental health challenges. I realized that many times the issue of mental health is still stigmatized in the churches and our community. It is important that we not condemn people when they are struggling with the challenges of mental health. ...

Can we all agree that they have some mud in the river bottoms? My town Glasgow is located in mid-Missouri along the Missouri River (about 45 north west of Columbia) and has a population 1,200. I learned this first hand when I was in high school and was riding around the roads by the river bottom. ...

One area most of us have struggled with is worry and fear. I recently came across a study referenced in the Huffington Post. The point was that the majority of our worries and fears do not come to pass, but we continue to be overwhelmed. “In this study, subjects were asked to write down their worries over an extended period of time and then identify which of their imagined misfortunes did not actually happen. ...

I want to dedicate this article to all of the horse riders in Sikeston (shout out to Don B.). Growing up I rode horses and attended many trail rides. In fact, one of my connections to southeast Missouri is my family attended the Cross Country Trail Ride (in Eminence) and I received the 15-year belt buckle (for attending 15 years). I rode in our county’s 4-H horse show...

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. -1 John 5:4 Victory is the theme of 2021 from 1 John 5:4 and every Christian can experience victory. The verse shares that this victory overcomes the world. What is in the world? The world would include the areas we are stressing about right now like the country’s division, big tech censorship, COVID etc...

This week’s article is the passages from Scripture dealing with the birth of Jesus. I enjoy reading it every year with the family. I include it with the hope that you might choose to do that as well. Next week, I will share the theme for 2021. Matthew 1:22-25 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. ...

As I mentioned previously, we have worked really hard since August to produce the Quarantine Christmas Comedy. It is super funny, but more than that it makes you understand where is God in this time. As I began thinking about Christmas being a time of giving, I heard that Sikeston Little Theater has not been able to have many plays this year. ...

We are definitely excited about the Quarantine Christmas Musical Comedy happening this weekend at First Baptist and Old Bethel Baptist. Be sure and come out for this incredible Christmas event or watch online (First Baptist on Facebook). Did you get your Christmas tree and put the candles on it? Obviously we don’t use a tree for candles, but this is all rooted in the history of the Christmas tree. ...

As a pastor, Sundays are always exciting and I look forward to preaching the Word of God. Last Sunday morning before heading to church, my wife and I had coffee. Everything was normal until she said these words, “I can’t taste or smell my coffee.” By Monday, we had confirmed through rapid testing, she has that five-letter word... ...

Where would a farmer be without his tractor? Try pulling a disk, plow, bailer, planter, or any of our other great massive farm equipment with a team of mules. We thank God was the incredible development and updated tractors from all of our great Ag companies. You can’t seriously farm without your tractor or tractors. Like the tractor for the farmer, the most important possession for the Christian is the Bible...

A man walks into a gas station and as he is checking out, the man starts talking with some of the locals. One of them asks the man if he is new around here. The man says, “yes, I am from around here. I am in the fields with my cotton. I don’t own a cotton picker, but love my electric car.” ...

If I had a dollar for every time a farmer told me they were fixing their equipment I would be rich. The fact is farmers work hard to get everything ready to farm. I remember the hours my grand-pa spent greasing the equipment, mowing pastures, fixing fences, doing the paper work, and so many other tasks. ...

Why do you love Sikeston? Since coming here in December, I have met so many wonderful lifelong residents who love being from Sikeston. As a new resident, I have noticed how much joy people have when I share how friendly and welcoming the Sikeston community is. ...

Have you found yourself trying to figure out what the future holds? It is impossible for anyone to tell you what we will happen or when we will get back to normal. What I thought would be helpful is to focus on what we actually know according to the Bible. Here is a list of 10 known truths:...

When I was a small child we were floating on the Current River. We stopped to take a lunch break on one of the sandy areas. I was playing in the water, while the adults were talking and suddenly something happened. I noticed when I went under the water; I came up several feet from where I went under. ...

“What are we going to do?” I found myself pondering often during this time. I have felt deep, uncertainty, and panic about the terrible plight we are enduring. Recently, God spoke to me that this Virus is not a time of hopelessness and defeat, but a time to find hope. ...

With the election in full swing, coronavirus growing by the moment, and our country at large, a spirit of fear has engulfed the hearts of most Americans. Further, it is imperative that we review five big truths for the Christian. First, God is in control even when the World seems like it is not. ...

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. -2 Timothy 4:3-4...

Have you ever felt scared and helpless? David did many times. In Psalm 18:4-5 he wrote, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” David references a situation he experienced that was so terrifying. ...

I grew up in Glasgow, MO (population 1200) and graduated from Mizzou with a degree in General Agriculture. My grand-father was a cattle farmer. Agriculture is in my blood and I have always thought of how incredible our farmers are. I decided to start a tradition that the last Sunday in February would be Agriculture Sunday at our church (First Baptist Church of Sikeston). ...

Galatians 6:7- “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” In 2019, Missouri ranked seventh in cotton production. Can you imagine all the hours our incredible farmers worked on getting their equipment ready? To get a harvest it requires allot of preparation. ...

As I was thinking about the sermons for February at First Baptist, I began to think of the beautiful brothers and sisters in our church that have experienced loss and sadness. These are faithful followers of Jesus that are finding it very challenging as they experience loss. ...

Can you imagine naming a town after yourself? Everyone who lives here does as that is exactly what John Sikes set out to do in 1860 when he decided to call his purchased plot of ground Sikeston. Just like Sikeston is named after the founder, believers in Jesus are so named. ...