Today’s Top 50 Person: Bob Taylor. One day in the 8th grade, I was standing in the cafeteria line. This tall man was talking to someone in line, and spoke to me. He started talking to me, and I had no idea who he was. He told me he was the band director and wanted to know if I was interested in playing in the band. That was the furthest thing from my mind. I had 4 years of piano in Columbus, and I wasn’t very good, so I was relieved when we moved to Amory and there was nobody to teach me piano. So, I’m sure I just blew it off. But he told me to come to the band hall during lunch one day and we would try out some instruments. The day I went, I told him I wanted to play drums (because I figured that was cool and of course I had no idea about any of the other instruments). He had me peck a few times, and then proceeded to put a baritone in my hands. For the rest of the semester, I took lessons from him during lunch. I tried and tried but I couldn’t get the tone we were looking for. One day I watched Phil Jones and tried to emulate him. Bingo! I was so happy the day I finally “broke through” and could create a nice sounding tone! Second semester I joined the band and had a blast. It wasn’t long till I was drum major and starring the high school band. He also taught me to play bass, which I talked about on Day 22. But in spite of all the teaching that Mr. Taylor did, it was his friendship and his life that has inspired me more than almost anyone I have ever met. I have never met anyone that is so outgoing and desiring to help people as Mr. Bob Taylor. What an incredible man he is! Most people only see the talent and the humor. But he is so deep in his understanding of God and his kingdom, and how we all fit into it. We might not agree on everything theologically, but that is ok! I can never repay Mr. Taylor for all the things he taught me, and for everything that he has done for me, which put me on the path that I am now on. Besides my parents, he influenced me more than any other person on earth. He is the most important person on this earth to me. His example of how to live and love is what has shaped my life. If I can live the way he has, and helped half as many people, and shone the way for a tenth as many people as Mr. Bob Taylor has, my life would be a huge success. I love you, Mr. Taylor, and when I grow up, I want to be just like you!

Today’s Song: Stop Loving You by Toto. My favorite group. So musical! Perfect bass line; perfect vocals; brilliant songwriting. I love the way the song is put together. Genius drums. Genius guitars. Incredible lick on the bridge. Wow – I will never get over this song. Pop perfection.

Today’s Christian Song: Love That Will Not Let Me Go by Steve Camp. This song was sung by Andy Sharpe at our wedding. Beautiful melody and beautiful message! And forever linked to my most special day.

Today’s Quote: “There’s a choice you have to make in everything you do. Keep in mind that in the end, the choice makes you.” John Wooden

Today’s Thanks: Angie. As I think about it, my whole world is wrapped up in her. She’s the reason I live in Pearl, MS. I do what I do and how I do it because she is in my life. I thank God that He held me and her for each other, because it is so evident that we are perfect for this marriage. I thank God that she is such a rock that my everyday life is based around. She loves God and is committed to living her life in a way that reflects his goodness. I tell her all the time that she is “the best mommy in the whole world” and I really believe that! I can’t imagine anyone being any better for these kids. She is really beautiful, talented, smart, outgoing, funny, and incredibly good at what she does. Of all the things I have to be concerned about on a daily basis, I don’t have to worry about our relationship. I know she loves me, and I know she loves our kids. And I know that she is going to do what’s best for me and for us in every situation. What would my life look like without her? Thank you God, for Angie. May I always continue to strive to be the husband that she deserves. I love you Sweetheart!

Today’s Verse: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.