Hi. Hope you are well and being blessed of the Lord each day. On March 6-7, we went to Pensacola, Florida as a short getaway and to see the beautiful beaches located just south of town.
The goal was to see the section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore located on Santa Rosa Island south of town. We also visited the community of Pensacola Beach. We were blessed with good weather and a peaceful and enjoyable time.
I’ve created a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) showing more about this trip. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/J7Y4hV-CemQ
Here are some pictures from that trip:
A view from behind our hotel at Pensacola Bay and the bridge going out to the island.There was a nice veteran’s memorial located in that area.This was the first of two “Areas” we visited in the National Seashore.Fort Pickens is located at the eastern end of this AreaThe beaches in the National Seashore are pristine!The sand dunes are a nice addition to the beach.Back in the community of Pensacola Beach as we drive eastThe second of two “Areas” in the National Seashore.Love the beauty of the sand dunes
A blessed time on the beautiful beaches outside of Pensacola, Florida.
Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.
On Friday evening 05-30-2025 through Sunday morning 06-01-2025, Providence Primitive Baptist Church – Elder Mark Quarles, Pastor, hosted its annual June meeting. This meeting is normally held on the first weekend of June.
290 CR 10 Stringer, MS 39481
Each preaching service was preceded by a song service, led by song leaders, and sung by the congregation “a Capella” (without musical instruments).
Brother Lyndol Green from Arkansas leading singing.
The Friday evening service was proceeded by a fellowship supper in the dining room.
Friday Evening, 05-30-2025
Elder Gary Rhodes opened the meeting with preaching on “Baptism”.
From this message: – Baptism includes the Holy Ghost and immersion into water – We are “immersed” into Jesus’ death – We cannot totally “cleanse” ourselves, only through the blood of Jesus – Look to God for help in this life
References included: – Matthew 20:20 – Romans 6:7
Bro. Gary is pastor of Fuller Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Elder Luke Addison preached on “Death of the Cross”. From this message: – We died in and with Jesus – Jesus fulfilled the Law since we couldn’t – God fights our battles – Purpose of the Law: Show us the sins we are guilty of – Jesus redeemed us from the Law by submitting Himself to the cross. – Our sins caused the suffering of Jesus on the cross.
Bro. Luke is pastor of Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church in Smithdale, Mississippi.
L-R: Eld. Luke Addison, Eld. Gary Rhodes
Saturday Morning, 05-31-2025
Elder Philip Blankenship preached on “Power of God to Us”.
From this message: – There is a rest when Jesus said “It is Finished!” – Seek the Mind of Jesus – Jesus fulfilled the Law – Gospel of Jesus: The power of God unto salvation – Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!
Bro Philip is pastor of Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church in Abbott , Arkansas.
Elder Tom Griffin preached on “Grace and Mercy of God”
From this message: – We often forget God’s Grace and Mercy – We are bankrupt sinners and have nothing to offer – What the Lord requires of us: 1. Do Justly 2. Love Mercy 3. Walk Humbly with God
References included: – Micah 6
Bro. Tom is pastor of Middleton Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Meadville, TMississippi.
L-R: Eld. Philip Blankenship, Eld. Tom Griffin
Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.
Saturday Afternoon
Elder Josh King preached on “”Spiritual Sight”.
From this message: – “… Was blind but now I see” – Jesus healed the blind man’s “Physical Sight” – The Holy Spirit provides us with “Spiritual Sight” – We are to share the Gospel as a testimony to others
References included: – John 9; 21:15 – 1 Corinthians 2:14 – 1 John 5:13
Bro. Josh is pastor of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church near Bay Springs, Mississippi.
Elder Mickey Myers preached on “Transgressions of Israel”.
From this message: – Sins of Israel included: Dealt corruptly with God Did not keep God’s Commandments Did not keep God’s statutes and judgements on Moses – Put your problems before the Lord
References included: – Nehemiah 1 – 2 Kings 19
Bro. Mickey is the pastor of Antioch Primitive Baptist Chrch near Brookhaven, Mississippi.
L-R: Eld. Josh King, Eld. Mickey Myers
Sunday, 06-01-2025 Morning:
Brother Sonny Huckaby preached on “The Battle is God’s”.
From this message: – When the great enemy came to fight Judah, the battle was God’s and not theirs – God gave them the victory (destroyed sin) and great was the spoil (Blessings of our Salvation) – The enemy in the valley (sin) had to be destroyed, the battle was won by what Jesus did this for us on the Cross
References included: – 2 Chronicles 20 – Joel 1, 2, and 3 – Ephesians 2:3 – Revelation 12:10-12
Ed. Sonny Huckaby
Personal Notes:
We are thankful for the blessings of this meeting. It was well attended, and we enjoyed hearing 7 preachers from several states (Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi),
The church did a great job in hosting the meeting, and our pastor, Eld. Mark Quarles was an excellent moderator (as always)!
Lord willing, we’ll be hosting another meeting the fourth weekend of January, 2026 (Friday 01-23 through Sunday 01-25). We encourage all to come and enjoy the blessings of God’s Kingdom!
Eld. Mark Quarles and his wife Sis. Emily
Church Information For more information on Providence Primitive Baptist Church, see this page: http://providencepb.church/
Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.
On Friday morning 01-24-2025 through Sunday morning 01-26-2025, Providence Primitive Baptist Church – Elder Mark Quarles, Pastor, hosted its annual January meeting. This meeting is normally held on the 4th weekend of January.
290 CR 10 Stringer, MS 39481
Each preaching service was preceded by a song service, led by song leaders, and sung by the congregation “a Capella” (without musical instruments).
Eld. David Crawford of Providence Church leading singing.
Friday Morning, 01-24-2025
Elder Ward Rowell opened the meeting with preaching on “Follow God’s Commandments”.
From this message: – God never stops loving His Children – Look at what God has done for us (gives us spiritual life) – Jesus is the “captain” of our salvation
Bro. Ward is pastor of Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Elder Mark Rowell preached on “The Lord Leading His People”.| From this message: – God gives us spiritual strength daily – He will never leave us nor forsake us, even in the worst of times – God fights our battles – Hold onto Jesus and His Ways – God leads us always
Bro. Jeb is pastor of Pilgrim’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church in Stratton, Texas.
Elder Gary Rhodes preached on “Second Place”.
From this message: – Abel’s offering was accepted by the Lord, Cain’s was not – We have a fear and trembling when coming to God – What the law didn’t do, was fulfilled by Jesus – Man rejected God when asking for a king (Saul) – Being “Second Place” includes: Wanting others to be blessed before us Accepting our ways and desires are second to God’s Word
Bro. Gary is pastor of Fuller Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
L-R: Eld. Gary Rhodes, Eld. Jeb Owen
Proir to evening services, a fellowship supper was served in the dining room.
Friday Evening
Elder Chris Crouse preached on “Whom Heaven Must Receive”.
From this message: – Give our attention to God’s Kingdom vs. the world – All that the Father gave Jesus will not be lost
Bro. Chris is pastor of Little Union Primitive Baptist Church in Lithia, Florida.
Elder Philip Conley Preached on “By Faith”
From this Message: – Our God is non-changing – God’s People equally share an inheritance through Jesus – Trust in God at all times of our life – Finish our course with joy – The resurrection of God’s People is assured through Jesus Christ
Bro. Ronald is pastor of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
L-R: Eld. Ronald Lawrence, Eld. David Crawford
Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.
Saturday Afternoon
Elder Shane Arnold preached on “”Prayer”.
From this message: – The prayer of a righteous man availeth much – Jesus prayed to the Father
References included: – James 5:16 – John 17:1-12
Bro. Shane is pastor of Old Good Hope Primitive Baptist Church near Magee, Mississippi.
Elder Luke Laird preached on “God is Truth”.
From this message: – Worship in Spirit and Truth – Present ourselves a living sacrifice – Jesus’ sacrifice is much greater than man’s – Don’t take Jesus’ sacrifice for granted!
Bro. Luke is the pastor of the Madison Fellowship in Madison, Mississippi.
L-R: Eld. Shane Arnold, Eld. Luke Laird
Sunday, 01-26-2023 Morning:
Brother John Mark Quarles preached on “Let Us Pass Over to the Other Side”.
From this message: – Jesus walked on the water Peter was alble to also because he had his eyes on Jesus When Jesus entered the ship, the wind was calmed – The Lord is with us through life’s “storms” – God’s love for us is always – Through all of our storms, the Lord has promised we will “pass over to the other side”
References included: – Matthew 14:22-33
Bro. John Mark is a member of Providence Primitive Baptist Church in Stringer, Mississippi.
Elder Philip Blankenship preached on “Getting Through Trials”.
From this message: – Try not to be alone when going through trials – Do the work of the Lord – Praise the Lord, keep His Commandments – Be of good cheer, the Lord is on His Throne
Bro. Philip is pastor of Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
L-R: Bro. John Mark Quarles, Eld. Philip Blankenship
Personal Notes:
We are thankful for the blessings of this meeting. It was very well attended, and we enjoyed hearing 12 preachers from several states (Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi),
Included in those that preached was Brother John Mark Quarles (see the Sunday section above). He is a long-time member at Providence Church, and was liberated to preach in 2024 by the church, who recognized the excellent gift he’d been provided. This was the first time he’d preached at a Providence meeting and he ably used his fine gift! 🙂🙏
The church did a great job in hosting the meeting, and our pastor, Eld. Mark Quarles was an excellent moderator (as always)!
We very much enjoyed having our son Brian and his wife Carmen from Texas with us for the Friday sessions.
Lord willing, we’ll be hosting another meeting the first weekend of June (May 30, May 31, and June 1). We encourage all to come and enjoy the blessings of God’s Kingdom!
Eld. Mark Quarles and his wife Sis. Emily
Church Information For more information on Providence Primitive Baptist Church, see this page: http://providencepb.church/
Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.
OnSaturday morning and afternoon, 12-31-2024, Ideal Primitive Baptist Church – Elder Hugh Sanders Pastor, hosted its annual New Year’s Eve meeting. Elder Joe Myers was the invited minister.
413 N Main St, Petal, MS 39465
Each service was preceded by a song service, led by song leaders, and sung by the congregation “a Capella” (without musical instruments).
Song leaders up front leading the singing
Tuesday Morning, 12-31-2024
Eld. Hugh Sanders, pastor at Ideal Church, introducing Eld. Joe Myers
Eld. Joe Myers preached from Malachi 3:6 on “God’s Promises”.
From this message: – We can count on God – God’s dominion is everlasting – As in God’s promise to Abraham for a son, His Promises are assured – God’s promises give us hope. – God’s promises are provided regardless of our belief or unbelief – Diligently seek God, His Grace is sufficient
Eld. Joe Myers is pastor of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Kenner, Louisiana
Following morning services, a fellowship lunch was served in the dining room.
Tuesday Afternoon
Following the song service, Eld. Joe Myers preached from 1 Hebrews 2:1 on “Take Heed on What We’ve Heard”
From this message: – Man is not justified by his works or the Law – Live by faith in the work of Jesus – We have no righteousness without Jesus – Have no fear, God Loves us! – Believe in God’s promises, we will have peace in that
Hi. Hope you all are well and being blessed of the Lord.
As I did last year, wanted to share our Christmas decorations with you, both inside and outside.
Inside
First, a look at the traditional “Christmas Village” and other decorations in the “Poppa Cave in the Sky” (actually, a room over the garage 🎅).
The next scenes are of the buildings in the back, going right-to-left First House and Bakery:
On the right is the first of two multi-story houses. If you look hard enough, you’ll see someone standing on the balcony of the second floor. Next, is the town Bakery. Again, can you see someone standing on the balcony located over the door? On the right, an employee pushing a cart loaded with baked goods. Inside the bakery window, Mom and two children buying baked goods.
School and Library:
Inside the school, a teacher with a blackboard and student at their desk. Looks like a math class.Inside the library.
Second House:
On the far left, the second house. I like the multi-story style with a balcony, front porch, and a “turret” section on each level.
Scenes from the town area in front of the buildings.
Building a snowman and greeting SantaSinging carolsWith all the snow, why not a second snow manSleigh ride!Looks like a fun place to be.Not far from the village, a covered bridge, and a team of horses waiting for a load of Christmas treesThe Christmas Village surrounded by the library.
Other Inside Decorations:
Beautiful embroidery by my Aunt Elva. The diffuser in the middle has a light that can be changed to many colors. It also can put out a very nice “Christmas Tree” like fragrance!Even an old lamp has the holiday spirit!Always enjoy a nativity scene!One of my favorite ornaments! A beautiful ornament on the fireplace mantelA downstairs country homeThankful to have our “Holiday Guards”!I guess the snowman is in charge of security.
Outside
Beautiful front door wreaths!The mailbox got some attention.As the sun starts to set, the nighttime lights come out.
Hoping the Lord richly blesses you in the holiday season.
As much as we enjoy the decorating and celebrating this time of the year, this is really what the Christmas season is all about: Luke 2: 8-14
Hope all of my fellow veterans had an enjoyable and special Veteran’s Day!
We live in south Mississippi and attend a wonderful country church just north of Laurel and west of the small town of Stringer.
The school there – Stringer Attendance Center (grades K – 12) annually has a special program for veterans on Veteran’s Day. Several of the young people from our church attend there, and one member is a teacher. Each year, they graciously invite me to attend the program.
This year’s was the 25th time the school has conducted this program. It is always very nice and touching, and is preceded or followed by a meal for the veteran and his spouse.
The sidewalk leading to the gym is always lined by flag-waving young students, typically from grades K-2. They greet us with thanks, hand shakes, and sometimes hugs! 🙂
One of those greeting me was Kindergartner Tucker Townsend, a little buddy of mine from our church. As always, excellent participation by students in the program.The second grade class did a great job of singing”Thankful for the USA”. We are thankful for you!!
The kenote speaker this year was Air Force Master Sergeant (Retired) Deborah Pinkham.
School Principal Tony Keys is a veteran of the US Navy Submarine Service.In the corner near the stage was a display of thank you cards written and signed by students.
Here’s an example of one of the cards:
“Thank you for keeping our country safe, and thank you for loving us all” Thank you M’Kynleigh, very nice!
There were some nice gifts left on the each vetean’s seat. One was a bookmark which had a hand-written message on the back.
“We appreciate you for your sacrifices, and serving our country. Love, Zaleah” Thank you for such a nice message Zaleah!
Another gift was a special Veteran’s Day Card. It had a message on the inside, and picture on the back.
“Thank you for your service! Love, Braxton 2nd Grade” Thank you for this nice card Braxton! That’s a nice drawing Braxton – thank you!
It was another wonderful experience at Stringer School on Veteran’s Day. It’s obvious each time, how much work and thought has gone into the program. The participation of, and wonderful messages from the students makes it even more touching and special. Much thanks to my fellow submarine veteran and school principal Tony Keys, the entire staff at the school, and all the students, for making this Veteran’s Day such a wonderful and touching experience. I and my fellow veterans salute you!
Hi. Hope you all are having a blessed day in the Lord.
I always enjoy the Fall season with its beautiful scenery and cooler weather. Lately, we’ve had highs in the low 80s, with lows at night in the 40s and 50s. The lower temperatures make for a much more comfortable weather for my morning walks, but do require a slight change in “walking wardrobe”.
My Fall Thoughts Most of you know I love (and feel called) to walk outside in the mountains and forests of the Lord’s beautiful Creation. Doing so after a hot summer makes it even more enjoyable.
Here are some of my “Fall Traditions”. – Charlie Brown: When I was a teen, I loved watching the 1966 classic “It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. In those days, it was only on television (CBS). In the 90s, they put it out on VHS tape and I bought it (bundled with the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Christmas shows). Sometime later, it came out in a DVD format and I bought that (I still have both the VHS tapes and DVD discs). When my boys were home, and later grandkids were near by, we’d get together and watch it each October. Later, I took it to some of the homes of church families to watch. Now, no one is close by, so I occasionally watch it myself.
– Vermont Life Magazine, Autumn Issues Background – I discovered this magazine in the Fall, 1974 after a long weekend of sightseeing and hiking in Vermont. My subscription ran from the late-70s until the end of 2001. I kept the Fall issues due to the interesting articles and wonderful pictures. I have around a dozen of the original magazines I received as a part of my annual subscription. Some were lost over the years. The magazine has been out of print for some years. But, fortunately, a college copied all of the issues and put them on their web site for viewing and downloading. So, I was able to find and download the electonic/pdf versions of those that were lost, as well as years where I did not have a subscription. Each year in late-September, I start reading the issues (only the articles I like) each night before bed time.
– Open Windows When the temperatures drop to the low 60s and lower, I open the windows to get the feel of the Fall weather.
My Fall Pictures I’ve been blessed to see and photograph many fall colors scenes over the years during my hikes in the Creation. Here’s a movie I recently published showing peak Fall colors in the Viriginia Highlands area, located in southwest Virginia on the Appalachian Trail (AT). It’s my favorite part of the trail. Walking in Creation – Mt. Rogers High Country – Fall 2008
Vermont Life Magazine – Autumn 1974 Here are some pictures from my first Fall edition, Autumn 1974. It remains one of my favorites.
An idyllic village scene on the front cover of this edition. Note the church building and red school house with the 70s-era autos parked nearby.
Each Fall issue had a section which mainly displayed pictures of the season. It typically had little verbage, to emphasize the beauty of the scenery.
A view along a country lane, past farms towards Vermont’s highest peak – Mt. Mansfield (4.395 ft.)A sugar maple ablaze with its yellow leaves. Looks like wood piles for use in cooking maple syrup.A nice combination of colors and reflections on the stream flowing under a small iron bridgeThis was a part of an article on the days between the last leaf falling and the onset of the winter season. I’ve always liked this picture due to its helping the reader get a sense of the change in weather.On the back cover of this edition, another visual example of Fall’s ending…
I’ll attempt to publish a “Fall Article” a few more times during the season.
Glory be to God for the beauty of His Creation – in ALL seasons!
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Sandra and I drove to near Smithdale, Mississippi to attend the preacher ordination of Brother (now Elder) David Berryhill at Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church. Elder Luke Addison is Pastor at Mt. Gilead Church.
Mt. Gilead Road Smithdale, MS 39664
The ordination was preceeded by a song service led by song leaders from several churches.
Brother Riley Owen from Pilgrim’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church in Stratton, Texas, leading singing.Eld. David Montgomery, Pastor of La Vernia Primitive Baptist Chrch in La Vernia, Texas, leading the final song before the ordination.
Following an opening prayer, Eld. Luke Addison and Mt. Gilead Church entered into conference, during which the ordination would occur.
Eld. Luke Addison, Moderator of the conference.
Bro. Gary Lewis, spokesman for the church, indicated the decision to ordain Bro. David Berryhill was a unanimous.
Bro. David Berryhill was seated in preparation for the ordination.
Order of Ordination
1. Seating the Presbytery, which consisted of ordained Elders and Deacons from sister Churches. Elders: Luke Addison Pj Walters David Montgomery Tom Griffin Jeb Owen Danny Wisner Shane Arnold Mark Quarles Lonnie Mozingo jr. Harvey Bates Mickey Myers Tony Lester Luke Laird Joseph Myers Ricky Myers Joseph Shows Hugh Sanders Phillip Conley Gary Rhodes James Conley
Deacons: Johnny Parson Jeff Bein William Wilkinson Doug Touchstone Seth Touchstone Johnny Monroe Tom Owen Joe Young David Cothren Gary Rogan Rick Johnson Dennis Rushing Martin Jones Joe Spring Shane Burris Darrel Brume Robert Storey Robert Mcclatchy
2. Assignment of a Moderator by the Presbytery Elder Luke Addison was chosen as Moderator of the ordination
3. Assignment of a Clerk by Presbytery Bro. Tom Owen was chosen as Clerk of the ordination (taking of minutes)
4. Elder James Conley questioned the candidate, Bro. David Berryhill, regarding his knowledge on various bible doctrines.
Eld. James Conley questioning the candidate, Bro. David BerryhillBro. David Berryhill stepped forward to answer each question.
5. Upon completion of the questioning, the Presbytery unanimously agreed to ordain Bro. David to the full work of the ministry. As seen in Acts 6:6 and Acts 13:1-3, all members of the Presbytery gathered around Bro. David, knelt to pray, as they laid hands on him.
Eld. Ricky Myers offered prayers for Bro. David.Following the prayer, the presbytery greeted Bro. David
6. Bro. David and his wife, Sis. Catherine, were seated to received the charge from the Presbytery.
Eld. Jeb Owen delivering the charge.Eld. Luke Addison delivering the charge.
7. The minutes of the ordination were read.
Bro. Tom Owen
8. The church accepted the work of the Presbytery. With the completion of the ordination, the Presbytery was dismissed. Conference was closed.
The congregation participated in a handshake (mostly hugs 🙂) with Elder David and Sister Catherine Berryhill.
Bro. David and Sis. CatherineThe Berryhills with the Presbytery.
Personal Thoughts
It was my third preacher ordination, and one of great joy.
In late 2022, Mt. Gilead Church liberated Bro. David to follow the leadership of the Spirit in the use of the preaching Gift the Lord provided him. We’ve always enjoyed hearing Bro. David preach, and was uplifted when we heard the church was calling for his ordination. It is obvious Bro. David has a Gift, and a desire to use that Gift. It is also apparent he has received excellent support from Mt. Gilead Church, and fine leadership and mentoring by his pastor, Eld. Luke Addison.
I was very impressed with how the ordination was conducted. During the questioning, Bro. David offered excellent answers to the questions asked. During the handshake at the end, one could feel the loving Spirit of God as we greeted one another.
Praying the Lord will richly bless Elder David Berryhill, his ministry, and his dear wife Sis. Catherine, as they go forward in the service to God’s Church, to His People, and to His Kingdom. 🙏🙏❤️
Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting Grace of our Lord.
On Saturday, 09-07-2024, I walked on the horse trail that parallels the Longleaf Trace rail-to-trail. The Longleaf Trace bike/walking path (10 ft wide, asphalt paved) runs 44 miles from the Hattiesburg Gateway to the north end at Prentiss, Mississippi. I’ve created three videos about the Trace on my YouTube channel. This is discussed in the previous article on this site.
The southern end of the horse trail is at a camp area located just north of the beaver pond. It runs 24 miles northwest, paralleling the paved bike/walking trail to its northern end at a camp area in Carson.
I drove to a parking area called Lott Circle, and hiked the horse trail 4.5 miles north, then returned on the same route, back to the car. Lott Circle is located on the Trace 6.8 miles north from Sumrall, or 7.3 miles south from Bassfield.
Here’s a map showing the location of Lott Circle and the approximate area in which I hiked:
The small, green dotted line is the horse trail.. The solid green line is the biking/walking paved trail.
Here are some pictures taken while walking this section of the trail. The scenery was very nice.
The partly-cloudy skies enhanced the views of the surrounding farm/pasture land.Very peacefulTypical view of the horse trail. Someone(s) used a tractor with bushhog to keep it clear. I was very impressed with the condition of the trail.A few remaining summer flowers blooming along the trail.I passed by a very nicely-maintained and scenic farm with green pastures and plenty of water.Another perspective from further down the trail.A final look back. The cattle are the black dots in the lower-middle area. What a nice place!Encountered another large farm which had this crop planted throughout. Not sure what it was, suspect soybeans (?).On another large farm, came across this old/dying tree standing guard over the pasture and pond.And finally, this group of “locals” followed me for a ways as I passed by their farm. Guess they were expecting some sort of handout. All I had to offer was some remaining trail mix.
It was a blessing to do this first hike since last Spring, and encounter such nice scenery. Praise God!
Jeremiah 27:5 I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.
I am thankful it seemed meet unto the Lord to allow me to see this view into His Creation.
Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.
In the past 5-6 weeks, I’ve produced and published four new videos on my YouTube Channel Ken Brenner (click on this link to see the channel contents).
Longleaf Trace This is a three-part series that shows my hikes on a nearby rail-to-trail, the Longleaf Trace. Like other rail-trails, this one follows the route of an abandoned railway that is now a paved trail for biking and walking. The southern end of the trail is on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, and goes 41 miles northwest through farmland, woods, and the towns/communities of Sumrall, Bassfield, Carson, and ending in Prentiss.
In May, 2021, we moved from Cumming, GA (where we’d lived for 22 years) to Jones County, Mississippi. I desired to continue my hiking, but the nearby DeSoto National Forest trails are not “walkable” in the heat of the summer. I knew about the Trace from my previsious visits to family here. It seemed like a good place to do “summer hiking”. I began my journey (day hikes) from the Hattiesburg Gateway in July, 2021 and walked into Prentiss in October, 2021. There are three movies of this trail as follows: Hattiesburg to Sumrall Part 1 Sumrall to Bassfield Part 2 Bassfield to Preintiss Part 3
To see the movie, click on the link next to each description.
As with all my movies, I like to use music to accompany the photos and videos. You may note that, the music used at the start of each movie, has a bit of a “railroad” sound. In Part 1, I also added a traditional railroad song that I’ve always liked. Hope you enjoy this detailed look at the variety of scenery seen in the 41-mile walk.
Tishomingo State Park Hikes (I originally documented this trip in an article on this web site: Hike at Tishomingo State Park) I had heard of this park and decided to pay it a visit on June 11-12, 2024. This park is in the far upper northeast corner of Mississippi, and at over 1,500 acres, its largest state park. I met my long-time hiking buddy Tom there and in two days we day-hiked all 13 miles of this unique state park. We camped out in the campground at the end of the first day. What I find different (than any other parts of Mississippi) is the amount and size/shape of the rocks. Considered being in the “foothills” of the Appalachian mountains, provides this area is much different look than the rest of the state. We were blessed with nice scenery, a lake, and a swift-flowing river. We were also blessed with an incredible start to the second day (I’ll let you watch to see what it was! 🙂).
Here is a link to this movie: Tishomingo State Park Hike. Hope you enjoy this walk with us through the very special scenery.
