Today’s Top 50 Person: William Pruitt – one of my absolute best friends! One of the greatest guys I know. He played 1st trumpet in the band in high school, junior college, and at State. Majored in music and is now teaching band at Shannon High School. He was the only one as tall as I was, so when we played basketball we always were on different teams. He . . . um. . . outplayed me just about every time! Haha What a great friend! He’s my all time favorite Chocolate Moose!!

Today’s Song: Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi – besides being a great song, this is what Tim and LeAnn surprised all of us with when they played this as the recessional at their wedding . . . and then promptly named their son after them!

Today’s Christian Song: Every Moment by DeGarmo & Key – great song that we used as our opener in Immanuel.

Today’s Quote: “Look carefully at the closest associations of your life, for that is the direction you are heading.”

Today’s Thanks: Joy. I hope that people see the joy that’s in my heart because of what God has done for me, given me, and blessed me with. If I didn’t have Him and the way He has blessed me, there would be no joy for sure.

Today’s Verse: “13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.” Psalms 139:13 – 16.

Last night, I had what I consider another milestone in my life. Jaron had his first practice as a member of the Pearl Pirate High School Marching Band! Angie and I were supposed to pick him up from practice, so we went about 30 minutes early and stood on the sideline to watch him. The memories and the excitement for me just came flooding back. I really hope he loves band and will want to be a part for as long as he can, both in high school, in college, and maybe even in drum corps! That would make me very proud!

Today’s Top 50 Person: Ginger Lindsey. Ginger was my best friend-girl in high school. We went to prom together! I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone with more life, more energy, and more love for the people around her. She is just so special! I remember meeting her in 7th grade right after I moved to Amory, and we immediately hit it off. That’s probably why I was accepted into the “inner circle” of popular kids when I got there. Although we live in separate cities these days, she’s one of the very few people that, when we talk, we pick up right where we left off and it seems like we were never apart. I love you Booger 2!

Today’s Christian Song: I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me

Today’s Quote: “Give your time and energy only to the things at the heart of your life.”

Today’s Thanks: Peace. A life filled with turmoil must be hell on earth. I am so glad that I don’t have anything in my life that overcomes the “peace that passes understanding” that comes from the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Linda Halfacre – I love this girl! I am so proud of what God has done in and through this girl, and I am genuinely proud to call her my friend. She is the absolute craziest, funniest, most out-going person I have ever known. But she uses those traits to reach people for Jesus, having gone all the way the “Big House” in Nashville (Southern Baptist Convention, where she is head over Baptist Student Union work). I could write stories for days, but I will just take time here to say that I am so thankful God brought mine and Linda’s path together at Mississippi State!

Today’s Christian Song: Love Song by Third Day

Today’s Quote: “Beware the barrenness of an over-crowded life.”

Today’s Thanks: Health. Relative to most people that I am in touch with through my church and in the world today, I have been so healthy for most all of these 50 years and I am so thankful.

Today’s Verse: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:25

Today’s Top 50 Person: Jan Bradas. I love this girl! What a blessing she has been in my life, even though I haven’t seen her in around 20 years, and I haven’t interacted daily with her since the early 80’s. I looked up to her so much because of her faith and how she lived her life. I was a better person for having dated her. When we broke up, we were instantly very close friends the next day. I remember when we first got together, she shared a Billy Graham tract with me in my car sitting behind Hamlin Hall at State. It talked about how our faith was the engine of the train, and our feelings were the caboose – and not to let them direct our Christian walk. She just wanted to tell me that she saw great potential in me from a spiritual standpoint, and having someone like her see that in me really made an impact. I could write much more, I suppose, but I will just say that there are so many reasons why Jan is simply one of my all-time favorite people! Moan, Jan!

Today’s Christian Song: Missing Person by Michael W. Smith. I used to work at Family Christian Stores. For 14 years, I worked mostly part-time. But when I started to work full-time, they trained me how to be an Inventory Control Specialist. That’s a fancy name for someone who received all the merchandise in the back room, made sure the actual physical quantities agreed with what the computer said, and put it out on the shelf in the right place. The first store that I learned this craft (haha) was in Colonial Mart in Jackson, by the old Colonial Heights Baptist Church. I worked in a very small back room and my manager was a lady named Carolyn Shell. Carolyn had a great heart, but she was a little overwhelmed with the job. So I didn’t have the most enjoyable experience working back there. I would play CD’s on this little CD player to pass the time away. On the WOW 2007 Red CD, there were about 4 songs that I used to play over and over again – and this song was the crown jewel! Wow, the transparency of the lyrics says just what I would say so many times in my life. Just a very well written song and the music is really good too. There are lots of MWS songs that I enjoy, but this one is by far my favorite!

Today’s Quote: “Successful people are successful because they form the habits of doing those things that failures don’t like to do.” Albert Gray

Today’s Thanks: Friendship. My life would not be worth much without the relationships that I have enjoyed. I’m the kind of person who likes, and needs, to talk things through, and communication is such a key in being a friend. I’m so thankful for everyone that I have intersected with over these last 50 years, the ones that are on this Top 50 list as well as people that didn’t make the list but have added immense value to my life and my journey. I can never repay all those friends for what they mean to me!

Today’s Verse: “5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death —
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 5-11.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Greg Mahan – possibly the funniest person I know, and a great drummer too! What a great friend he is and has been to me!

Today’s Christian Song: Whatever You Ask by Steve Camp

Today’s Quote: “Life is not a dress rehearsal.”

Today’s Thanks: Music. My life would just not be the same without the gift from our Father of music. Whatever mood I’m in, whatever I want to feel like, whatever I want to say to someone, whatever I want to say to God, there is a song for it. And I am so thankful that we are not going to run out of melodies or lyrics any time soon!

Today’s Verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5: 22, 23.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Karen West – my best friend growing up on Gaylane Drive in Columbus. We had the best time doing homework, and playing every sport that was in season!

Today’s Christian Song: God Is In Control by Twila Paris

Today’s Quote: “If your passion is for God, you can trust your desires.”

Today’s Thanks: Mentors. There are just a handful of people who have “took me under their wing” – either intentionally or not – and served a critical position in my life. Most of them are on my Top 50 list! But I can never repay these guys. As I look back over my life, I see the consequences of missing a dad as I grew up. I gained an awesome step-dad when I turned 12, but there was definitely a void in those first 12 years that I had no idea about until much later. These guys stepped into my life and imparted wisdom, love, guidance, and care, although sometimes it wasn’t a planned thing. But as I look at them, I see different pieces of a big puzzle that came together because they all played their part. Uncle Don, Robert McKay, Bob Taylor, Gary Maze, and David Landrum all have been so important in my life in so many different ways, and I can’t thank God enough for them!

Today’s Verse: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6.

So glad it’s Friday. I was hoping to take Angie out tonight, so we could just sit quietly and talk some. And some more. But things didn’t work out with Melody’s BFF, so I think we’ll all go eat and maybe window shop some.
I think we are ready for Wow Week.

WOW WEEK 2012 from Broadmoor Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Wait, you never get ready for Wow Week. I have several thoughts, but it would take up lots of time and space. So I will just say that I am glad we have a team together that can handle it – we think.
Spent most of the day talking with Bill about philosophy concerning work and church, corporate mindset and grace mindset and where I fit into all that, and how he and I fit together. Again, it would take up a lot more time and space than I have here. Maybe I’ll create another document and type a little at a time. It was a great conversation, but it wears you out after a while! Then we had to deal with a personnel issue, and that FOR SURE wears me out in just a few minutes. So, I’m glad to be home and not have to think about all that for a few days.
I’ll just say this: I am by nature a “feeling” type of guy. Can’t help it. Don’t necessarily like that about myself, but I’m learning more about myself and how to deal with who I am. So, I think about this season of life and here’s what I find:
• Not excited about where I am professionally and ministerially, and frustrated because I don’t see how I can get to the place of doing what I would love to do. My greatest fear is that I am going to waste away and not be effective in the Kingdom, but will have spent my whole life looking to do what I really loved and felt called to do. It’s a black cloud that hangs over me constantly.
• My mom living with us, and seeing her go down mentally and physically is REALLY a black cloud, because I feel total responsibility for doing something for her, but I don’t know what.
• The house is falling apart in many areas.
• The finances aren’t allowing me to get to the point where I can do something about the house, or the kids’ college, or our retirement.
• I’ve been seeing double vision for about 4 months now.
• Angie spent 3 days in the hospital last week and who knows how this bulging disk and nerve problem is going to play out.
• I love my kids, but they are at a tough age when they need me in their lives so much, to help keep them on the straight and narrow. And in some cases, find the straight and narrow.
So I ask you, in looking at all this, shouldn’t I be feeling a little “weight of the world”???

Today’s Top 50 Person: Ame McIntire Berry – love this girl, and I’m so proud of her for making great choices, and so happy for her that she is getting to live a great life!

Today’s Christian Song: More Power To Ya by Petra. This was the first song on the first Christian album I had ever heard. It is sort of foundational for me. I always considered Petra the solid foundation that I would always trust to put out great rock and roll with solid Biblical lyrics. And Bob is such a great song writer. This is certainly one of his signature songs, on this is their early signature album, along with Beat the System and Beyond Belief.

Today’s Quote: “If you haven’t got time to do it correctly right now, when are you going to find time to do it again?”

Today’s Thanks: Hearing. I’m thankful that I can hear, not only what is necessary to live normally but to hear things that make life beautiful. My favorite music. Birds singing. Laughter. My family and closest friends sharing their life and love with me. It would have been a boring life to not be able to hear. Thank you Father, for knowing my every need.

Today’s Verse: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8,9.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Harvey Ellis. Altough I’ve known him for over 20 years, Harvey is someone who has stepped into my inner circle in the past 4 years or so, and I can honestly say I don’t know a more humble, servant-hearted guy in the entire world. Harvy genuinely loves God and truly loves people in a way that honors the Lord. He is really quick to catch himself before he says anything negative, and he takes great care to go out of his way to praise and compliment people around him. I am so thankful that God has brought Harvey into my life. He makes me want to be like him, and like Jesus!

Today’s Christian Song: Barrier by Greg X. Volz. Signature song off a landmark album by the singer of a group that just totally changed my life. When Greg’s first solo album came out, we had never heard anything like it. And of course, what is better is that one of my best friends, David Baughn, went on the road with him to run sound and basically live with him for the better part of a couple of years. Also, I knew the guitar player, Kirk Henderson, who is from Vicksburg and had a band that I had used a couple of times called Prevail. Still one of my favorite band names! I can still hear Baughn singing, “Gonna marry her!”

Today’s Quote: “The highest destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule.” Albert Einstein

Today’s Thanks:Tasting. The thought here is similar to the others – we could’ve had a normal life with no good food, and never knew the difference. So I am thankful to God that I can taste great stuff like banana pudding, veal parmegian, sweet tea, hot baked bread, hot chocolate chip cookies, strawberry cake, veal cutlets, steak with baked potatoes, anything on the grill, Majestic SourDough burgers, etc. Life is good!

Today’s Verse: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:11-13.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Eddie Pace

Today’s Christian Song: Runner by Twila Paris

Today’s Quote: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

Today’s Thanks: Seeing. The ability to see, and to see correctly, is something I am really tuned in to at this point! Dealing with this eye patch has taught me several things: 1) be thankful for eyesight, 2) be mindful and helpful to those who have disabilities, 3) it takes correct vision to have correct depth perception (think about that for a while!), and 4) God doesn’t owe me good vision – He gives it to me as a free gift! Again, it blows me away that God could have made the world black, white, and grey – or at least our perception of it – and we would have lived normally and functioned properly. But God is so creative and so passionate about us, that He designed this all just for us. God’s character is intact whether our world has color or not. But we are much better off! It is a blessing that He gave us sight in the first place. We would have learned to live life even if none of us had ever seen anything. But thankfully He gave us a gift that allows us to experience life to the full, if we would just take the time to notice! Remember the time right after you got glasses or contacts, and the world around you seemed so much sharper? Like, you could see the individual blades of grass? Take time right now to press the re-set button on how you see the things around you (both literally and figuratively). And resolve never to take it for granted again!

Today’s Verse: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3,4.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Rusty Holcomb

Today’s Christian Song: Nobody Knows Me Like You by Benny Hester

Today’s Quote: “Character is defined as ‘who you are when no one’s looking.’” Bill Hybels

Today’s Thanks: Truth. I thank God all the time that there is absolute truth. What God says is truth; everything else is opinion. You can argue about the interpretation of what He said, but you can’t argue that what’s written down in His holy book of truth is true. I’m so glad that I don’t have to depend on some person’s opinion about what to believe. I’m not smart enough to re-invent it. I just trust it, because God Himself said it was true and that it would never pass away. What am I going to do, trust my own feeble intellect, or trust the God of the universe’s wisdom? I’m so thankful that I have a Heavenly Dad that I can talk to rely on, and trust!

Today’s Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7.