I am thinking of my friends and colleagues who will be attending the Memorial Service tonight for Dr. Adrian Rogers, the former Senior Pastor of the Bellevue Church in Cordova, Tennessee. I regret deeply I am unable to attend due to so many challenges in transitions happening which have challenged my schedule severely. Dr. Rogers had a big impact on my life. His commitment to the Word of God and prophetic preaching served as a model for my life and ministry. Please pray for Mrs. Joyce Rogers and family, as well as the Bellevue family and my close friends who served with Adrian, Bob and Buna Sorrell. Bob walked beside Adrian as his right hand man for 20 years.

I am thinking of one of our dear ladies yesterday, who had just witnessed her husband die the evening before. He really loved reading my blog. Why? It helped keep him in touch with life away from illness… the kind of life he enjoyed… like the Lord and His Church. It reminded me of the greatness of technology and those who make this happen. Thanks to Brian Armas who makes this possible by serving as our church’s technological wizard. Bless you Brian!

I am thinking that we have moved from summer to winter in the past few days. Wow! It is very cold outside… freezing! I walked out on our football field to watch 10 minutes of practice late yesterday afternoon at almost dark and I ran back to my office. Oh yes, but it reminds me… it is football season! My absolute favorite time of the year.

The intensity of High School Football Playoffs is so genuine and meaningful. There is no money at stake. Winning is at stake. School pride is at stake. The way a senior class leaves is at stake. Playoff tradition and history is at stake. This is what makes it fun.

I will join my son, Josh, and his team in Warren, Arkansas, on Friday night. It will take an estimated five hours to drive it and perhaps even more. You talk about tradition? Warren High School and Shiloh Christian High will tee it up as two of the most prestigious programs in Arkansas High School football, both have sported state championships in the recent past. It will be a war on Friday night! If anyone in Warren or fans of the Lumberjacks watch us on television… sorry… I hope we win!

Even as we play, I will listen closely to discover ongoing scores, especially from Fayetteville and Springdale. Fayetteville High plays at West Memphis and my dear friend, Gus Malzahn, will lead his team of greatness against Benton High School, as they host this great battle. Oh man… I am ready to roll! Suit me up! Buckle my chin strap! Give me the ball baby!

What a great moment is before us during the Thanksgiving season… a season to reflect on all God has done for us. He has blessed us with relationships and with provision. Yes, I am so very grateful to so many and for so many things, but mostly to God. Thanks God!

Tomorrow I will be traveling, so I will NOT BLOG unless something huge occurs in the world. If not and I pray not, you may not hear from me until next Monday. If I do not blog, have a great weekend. Pray for me when you can.