Soon the United States Senate will begin confirmation hearings over the Presidential appointment to the Supreme Court. Harriet Miers is the President’s choice out of all persons in America. What an honor to be chosen like that, but still the right thing must be done. What is the right thing?

The conservative base that elected the President is confused and divided over this choice. Certainly the President would not choose to disappoint his base, especially knowing the critical nature of this choice. However, people that I have great respect for, who have talked personally with the White House, and know much more than I will ever know are in great disrray over this choice. Many of our conservative Christian leaders are taking a split stance on this appointment.

This is why we must pray; remembering, God knows the issues and has a heart for them more than us. God is bigger than the Supreme Court, any nominee, and yes, our President. He has the power to determine who receives exaltation and who does not. This is why we must trust Him in this matter.

Therefore, pray…both diligently and earnestly over this national issue; in fact, it is a world issue. So much of the world follows the cues of the United States. Even though laws can mandate the need for certain morality to be demonstrated, only God alone can change hearts and lives, where true morality can run like a river.

Please push people to today’s blog due to the critical nature of it.

My Prayer: "O Lord, you are in charge of all things. We do not trust any man, process, court, President, or nominee; but we trust You alone. You put down and you set up according to Psalm 75:6-7; therefore, we are standing on this Word from God. If you want Harriet Miers to be on the United States Supreme Court, then let it happen. If you do not want her, then it is in Your hands to change it. Therefore, we trust You and You alone in this process and for your instrument to be placed on this court. In the name of Jesus, we stand. Amen."

Fall has arrived in Northwest Arkansas. In my early morning walk the air was brisk and even somewhat cold. At the end of last week, if warmth was not the agenda of a football fan, then miserable cold would have been.

Fall always indicates change. The seasonal change is illustrated in our region through the changing of the leaves from green to all kinds of beautiful colors. Changes like this remind me of the changes we walk through in life.

Change is inevitable. Position, prestige, and possessions do not eliminate you from change. You cannot run away from change or attempt to avoid it all costs.

Life involves revolving change; however, life is about adjusting to change. This is a different agenda and it is very difficult at times. The more mature I find myself walking through life, the more I realize that change makes you better.

Adjusting to change always makes you better, but a failure to do so usually makes you bitter. This is why we love to "live in the past" or "recount old war stories" or "reflect on how things used to be." Living in the past and for the past is boring. Life is not about yesterday only, but also today and tomorrow if God so wills you the breath to enjoy it.

Embrace change. Embrace today. God has purpose for you in it or you would be out of here! Find it. You will be better for it. Go forward.

Last night was a cold night in Northwest Arkansas. It was one of many nights just like it to come. The game this evening will be cold, cold, and cold. Great football weather!

Even I left two games early last night. Of course, it was not just the cold weather, but I had not seen my grandson, Peyton, since Tuesday. He called me and asked me to come by on his two week birthday. So, I did.

I used to love watching the television series, "Coach." He would always make a deal about no one ruining his weekends! I need one of those kinds of weekends, where no one challenges it. I need some rest. What about you?

Have a great weekend. Go to church on Sunday!

Yesterday we had our quarterly staff luncheon, where we gather each employee in our entire ministry for a two-hour engagement of great fun built around lunch. As I looked upon the faces and eyes of those who work with us in this ministry, I thought about how this is where the power of the church is from a human standpoint. The power is in diversity.

In this group, each person is different in almost every way. Their look, their facial expressions, their attitude…they are all pretty different. Their reactions to various things is so humorous. Why? It is so diverse. What is funny to one is not to another. What one gets excited about, the other does not. It is a real hoot to look upon that group.

Diversity…we are different for purpose, distinct in giftedness, uniquie in look. Yet, this is where the power is. Different people lead different ministries. Different people have different passions for ministry. It is really something else!

Diversity reminds us of a big God who loves to create uniqueness in people. His plans are unique for all of us and He has created us in certain ways to accomplish that purpose. We are fashioned by Him. This is why I love Psalm 139. It might be worth a read today.

Diversity reminds us also of a God who is committed to reach every person in the world, from all walks, from all races, who speak in various languages. This is why the Revelation is clear, saying there will be representation before the Throne of God one day from every people group and language in the history of the world! This is a serious God who is so creative and so loving. Are you not glad today that, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life!" John 3:16.

If you have never had a John 3:16 fix, receive Him into your life today. It is all a part of His plan.

I am giving you some fresh new pictures of my first grandchild, Peyton Elliott. He will be two weeks old this Thursday and he is growing…started out at 9 lbs. 8 oz. As he matures before my eyes, adjusting to life outside the womb, I am overwhelmed with the grandness of him. Now I understand why they call them "grandchildren."

When life goes through ups and downs, mountains and valleys, it is easy to be "sobered up" when you hold this little guy. For those moments, nothing else really matters. It is just cool to be with him, crying, sleeping, or just looking around. It is special…yes, Grand!

Busy appointments await me today. A diligent morning of study and prayer now moves into relationships with others. The day is full, but I am blessed.

More pictures

Oh my, it was hard to get up today. Yesterday was an exhausting Sunday for me. I must have spoken too much or something. Yet, I was up today at 4:00 a.m. engaging in God’s Word and prayer. Pray for me today.

How does your Monday look? Were you ready to rise early today or was it one of those days when you would rather pull the sheets back over your head? I am confident that Mondays can be great days…I am planning to have one…I hope you do also.

I talked about community yesterday. Blogging is about creating community. It is about sharing my heart on various matters from all areas of life. Hopefully as you join me through participation and partnership by reading my blog from time to time, you will feel you are getting to know me better as a person.

My Fantasy Football Team is a disgrace. I am rapidly moving from 1st to WORST! I went into draft night unprepared…way too busy…and now it is showing. My team is horrible!

I hope your week is FAR BETTER than my Fantasy Football Team. If it is not, seek counseling immediately!