I have struggled having time even writing, so we will let this late night entry serve as my final words for the weekend. It has been one long week, filled with enormous preparations for meetings and presentations, plus meeting after meeting, phone call after phone call at night. So much transition is happening at this first of the year and I think the entire world is getting ready for it at the same time.

I stand amazed at what is happening in Washington D.C. about the confirmation recommendation for the Supreme Court. I have watched only about 20 minutes of it and some various clips concerning it. I am appalled at the blatant attacks and lack of trust. I am overwhelmed with the assaults upon this proven man.  Seeing an individual go through that scrutiny would make most candidates run, regardless of their past achievements. May God have His way in this process, in spite of the challenges.

Our media ministry changes its name publicly this coming Sunday. For years we have been called "Invitation To Life," but beginning Sunday the look and name will change greatly.  It will be named, "Winners." I believe you will be encouraged by our attempt to become sharper and creative to reach this generation. Everyone wants to be a winner. God wants us to win. Our hearts can become free in Him regardless of the world falling apart. Pray for "Winners" as it launches this coming Sunday across the world.

We are down to the final eight teams in the National Football League Playoffs, with all pursuing the Super Bowl Championship in Detroit, Michigan, on February 5th.  Some have asked, "Pastor, will you do predictions as you did with college football?" Oh my, I would love to and thanks for asking.  I hope I do better than I did in the Bowl Series.  The following is what I believe will take place.

• Seattle will defeat Washington due to an anemic offense of Washington and the offense for Seattle has Shawn Alexander.  No one has stopped him yet and he has had a week of rest.  Being a Cowboy fan, go anyone against Washington!
• New England will defeat Denver due to a 10-0 starter in the playoffs, Tom Brady.  Need I say more?  It will be a great game with fantastic coaching!
• Indianapolis will take it to Pittsburgh!  Please win Colts, for Tony Dungy, a profound witness for Jesus Christ in the NFL.  I am pulling for the Colts to win it all! 
• Chicago will win over Carolina.  The defense of Chicago is 1985 style and the coming on of Rex Grossman as Quarterback will be strong for Chicago.
• My early choices in the Super Bowl are the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts!  Of course, that could change by Sunday night!

Be in church this Sunday. You will be better if you do!

Ok – so maybe he does understand the whole gift thing …

Peyton looks pretty tired in this one, but it may have something to do with that large car sitting on his chest.

Peyton’s attire for his 1st National Championship Game … he really is a Razorback though!

Way too cute … are those bite marks on the frame behind him?

Do you ever feel like you are spending your life giving hours and hours to preparation? This is exactly the way I feel today. I am preparing for seven major speaking venues or meetings I am speaking at by next Tuesday afternoon. Yes, I am still churning towards reaching that goal. This coming Sunday I have three major venues I will speak in where major preparation has to occur. This means I will speak several times this Sunday. I have a major "in-house" Staff Retreat I will lead here on Monday and Tuesday, of which I am speaking to the entire employee staff from both our campuses, in an extensive time of leading. The list continues on to get ready for in my life. 

I have learned this:  the degree of preparation usually determines the success of the experience. I am so grateful that years ago, around 1980, I began to give my mornings to God in prayer and preparation. If I had not done that, I would be sunk! Therefore, on Sunday through Thursday mornings, I arise at 4:00 a.m. and walk up to my study, staying usually until 10:00 or 10:30. At that time I journey downstairs, shower, prepare for a lunch meeting and afternoon full of events, appointments, and meetings.  Preparation is what I spend most of my life doing. I am grateful for the privilege of preparation and am so thankful for the power to do it through God’s leadership.

I actually enjoyed a television show last night:  "Commander-in-Chief". I have not seen many of them, but I enjoy events experienced, imagined, and personified around Washington D. C. and the Office of the President. Every time I see something like that, or even being in that city, I get fired up! I think to myself, "Oh man, would it not be great to lead the greatest nation of the world?"  I know, you think I have lost it, but what an honor and enormous challenge. I have never met the President nor ever been asked to a meeting at the White House by any President. At the same time, I have been committed to pray for the leadership of our nation for many years. 

My man, Nick, was very sick on Saturday and Sunday. He was so sick with a virus that Meredith called us at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday seeking counsel and advice. Thank God that to date she has not gotten it. Nick missed all day at Prestonwood where he ministers on the staff team, but was able to be at the office on Monday. Pray for them please.  Her call that early morning added to a short night of sleep already, but I am so glad she called. I am so excited about their future. They are a great team.   

Mom is recovering from eye surgery. It is slow due to many matters. Her eyes are being really challenged to heal.  She felt better yesterday, but since before Dad died she has been limited on reading due to her glasses not meeting her present eye condition. Every time I talk to her I sense the deep pain of loss. On Thursday, it will be eight weeks ago that Dad died suddenly. It remains an enormous challenge for her. It remains a challenge for all of us. There are many decisions I am involved in at nights involving her and her situation. I am walking slowly through it with her and uncertainty abounds. The good news is: Mom and Dad walked by faith for years. They have honored God for years. God will meet her needs.   

I was reminded again last night: life is so short. Give it your best shot! It might be good advice for all of us to remember today.

The new television sitcom, "The Book Of Daniel", is a true mockery.  So many times, Christian groups over-emphasize a situation that is out there concerning various programming.  As well, I have learned every hill is not worth dying on and God has not called me to fight.  At the same time, He did call me and the church to engage our culture.  Not only in a way to be relevant to the culture, but also in a way to confront the culture when it collides with the Word of God. 

The other evening, while "channel surfing" I noticed this new show was on … I looked for about 5 minutes and was turned off by it completely.  Yes, in five minutes I saw enough to prove to me that it is a mockery of what we stand for as born again evangelical Christians.  I turned it off immediately. 

First, it is a mockery of family values.  This dysfunctional family unit that fully exhibits all kinds of sins and lifestyles is pictured as being the "normal family."  Yes, our society does struggle with some matters like this, but this is not every family in our nation.  Even if it was, it does not make it right to put it out there in front of the American public, especially in prime time television.  NBC needs to get a clue!

Second, it is a mockery of the Bible, the Word of God.  It mocks it in many ways, of which I will only mention a couple, plus the main one of which is my third major point of my blog today.  It mocks the Bible for what the Bible stands for…what God says….what God stands for…what God believes.  It also mocks the Bible for even using it to "catch the attention of the public" by naming it, "The Book of Daniel."  It is sad and everything the prophet Daniel stood against.  Think on this one:  the very thing Daniel is known for, such as being placed in the den of lions due to his courageous allegiance to God, is the very man of God this sitcom mocks.  Sad, sad, and even more sad.

Third, it is a mockery of the person called Jesus Christ.  Oh my, I would not want to be the writers, directors, producers, nor the major network, nor its affiliates for running such heresy.  The show is now the content of conversation nationally, of which the way Jesus is personified is now the content of jokes.  Well, Satan is having his heydey mocking Jesus right now.  However, one day the account will be settled.

Be careful what you place in your mind and heart.  In time, you become it.  The Word of God, Jesus Christ, and genuine family values collides with this new "NBC culture."  It is time for them to regroup and yank it off of the air. 

Major networks always filter and censure what I preach on the air, not letting the subjects of abortion or homosexuality ever be addressed.  What a strange paradox, is it not?  Major secular networks do not let true balance occur.  Yes, some of them are helping to be the winds beneath the wings of this cultural spiral. 

Would someone from somewhere in the major network broadcasting field stand up and say, "enough is enough!"  The church of Jesus Christ would surely appreciate it.

Yesterday Bert Miller retired from our Staff Team. He has been beside me since 1988 functioning in many areas of assistance and support. He and Wanda are dear friends of Jeana and I.

When I think of Bert, just a normal guy in many ways, I think of the IMPACT OF 1 LIFE. Yes, one powerful life that has raised a godly family, worked with integrity, and gave the final half of his life to expanding the Kingdom of God. Bert represents many normal people in life today. He is not flashy, but he can be very funny. He is not the most articulate person with a suave tongue, but when he speaks all listen. He is the power of 1 Life.

Bert has been used in many ways, the most strategic of which will be the legacy of his leadership and life. He designed with me and has overseen our massive expansion projects on both of our campuses through the years. At this point he will continue to oversee the Pinnacle Hills project only, giving a day or two a week towards it or as need demands. He still is out "point person" over the entire budget of both projects.

At this point, Bert and Wanda have made Northwest Arkansas their home, as they have just completed building a new home in Bella Vista. They will begin to engage in and be an active part of the Pinnacle Hills location. This is where they will give themselves to ministry and fellowship.

One of Bert’s greatest assets is his dear wife, Wanda. No staff couple in all these years has brought greater encouragement to our lives than Bert and Wanda miller. We love them. They are part of our family.

Therefore, join me in honoring this man of God … one of you … a layman who determined God was leading him to give "the second half of his life" to helping a pastor take the gospel to the world. Bert’s diligent and faithful leadership has saved us into the hundreds of thousands of dollars on these projects, even though his task is huge. May God bless Bert and Wanda Miller in a special and powerful way with great health and maximum enjoyment as they enter into formal retirement.

Each one of you can be like Bert Miller with your life. You can use the one life God has given to you to impact others and the Kingdom of God. Thanks Bert…..your life as presented in this blog will raise up others like you. You are loved!

The blood was orange last night in Pasadena, California, as Mac Brown, Vince Young, and their Texas Longhorns won the National Championship.  This was perhaps the greatest college game I have ever seen in my life.  It was incredible! 

Discipline, focus, passion, and more was personified through that Texas team last night.  The quality of team and leadership was extraordinary.  I sat very calmly through the game watching every minute of it.

I grew up 90 minutes from Austin, Texas, going with a friend’s family to Texas Longhorn Football games.  I saw those National Championship teams play, bringing great defeat on their opponents while Darrell Royal was the Head Coach.  I walked into the Texas Club.  I attended games in my young adult years as well with other friends who were major Baylor Bear fans.  Please understand, I remember playing football in the front yard by myself, listening to the Arkansas and Texas game in 1969.  What I want you to know … I come by it honestly.  Additionally, I have a signed autograph football from the Longhorns last National Championship Football Team that sits in my back office … the last being prior to last night. 

Reality:  Today, I am an Arkansas Razorback fan … even when Texas played here two falls ago, I was in my seats cheering for the Razorbacks.  Was it hard?  Not really, because your heart follows where you are.  God has me here, not Texas.  At the same time, my roots are real and I love them.  I rejoice exceedingly that Texas won last night and will against anyone they play until they play the Razorbacks.

Coaches from the Razorbacks are members of our church and always some have been through the years.  When I moved here, I stopped bleeding orange and began to bleed red.  Not one year later, but the day I moved here.  I learned many years ago:  live where you are in every way.  If you do not, you will only decrease your influence upon others and your cause.  Enough of that for the sake of clarity.  Honestly, last night was awesome – I did not sit calmly but was wildly passionate about the Longhorns.  So I rejoice because of my heritage, my homeland, but also rejoice because I love the game and it thrills me to see any great game in the sport of football.

My December 22 Blog was given to JANUARY BOWL PREDICTIONS … How did I do?  I heard someone on ESPN say the other day prior to last night’s game, there have been five upsets this week in bowl games.  Well, if that is so, I did better than I thought.  I was 3 wins and 5 losses.  I love Alabama and Texas Tech football, but that kick to win it messed me up … I guess it was a kick!  Louisville made the passing game look outstanding and made my pick of Virginia Tech over them a loss.  Wisconsin did it Barry’s way.  I knew I was in trouble in my pick in pre-game when they flashed upon the screen Barry Alvarez, coach at Wisconsin was 7-3 in bowl games.  Wisconsin sent Auburn home, reminding us how you finish the season is no guarantee you will play at the same level in a bowl game 30-40 days later.  Ohio State, the team I just do not like, made the Irish of Notre Dame look not very good.  It was surprising to me, but give it this:  Charlie Weiss is not used to waiting with his team 30-40 days after the last game to play a game.  I can tell you this:  it won’t happen again like it did.  Georgia got too far behind in the Sugar Bowl, resulting in losing to West Virginia … what a team are those Mountaineers! 

My predictions ended up winning the Outback, Orange, and yes, THE ROSE BOWL!   The Rose Bowl victory is the only one most will remember anyway when Texas upset USC. 

All of this pretty much tells you … I need to stick to preaching!  I will not quit my day job.  I will do all I can to let folks know that! 

I have one other prediction that has yet to play out:  The Razorbacks next year in a January Bowl Game.  Yes, I will be right on this one … I think … I believe it … I really do.

Let me give you some pointers for 2006 … reminders to myself as well. I remember something an old man told me years ago in one of my churches when I was a very young pastor: "Pastor, always remember, each time you point your finger at the congregation, you have three pointing right back at you!" That was a big OUCH to me, but he did it with the right spirit and was not "correcting me," but reminding me of my own challenges. Yes, that was an appropriate word for me to hear. Therefore, as I give you these reminders, they are for me as much as for you.

Pointer #1: Focus. A scattered life will result in a frustrating life. An unfocused vision will result in a life without direction. Whatever you do this year, remember, focus! People used the greatest in life are always focused people.

Pointer #2: Discipline. This word is often equated with cursing in some people’s vocabulary. Yet, it is a great word. Discipline means that you do things in your life at times even when you do not want to do them. It is training yourself to stay on course of fulfilling your goal or dream. Discipline is critical to success. Whatever you do in life from achieving a goal, losing weight, following through with exercise, being the right spouse, or whatever … it does not and will not happen without discipline. There is just no other way around it.

Pointer #3: Passion. Do you love what you do? Do you have to convince people with your words you are passionate about something or do they just catch it from you? Passion is contagious. Passion is natural. Passion is loving what you do and where you do it. A passionless life is death to a dream or to a vision or to a marriage or to an organization. I have never seen any influential person who did not have great passion about what they are doing and where they are doing it. They ooze with it and do not have to "work it up!"

Pointer #4: Others. Living your life for yourself will result in nothing productive. It indicates extreme insecurity. It creates distance with others. It will only lead to an unfulfilling life.

Use these pointers in your life today. Everyone needs these words. Yours truly needs them the most. What about you?

Christmas and the Holidays are now over … welcome to life again. Oh yes, life without time away and no hope of it for a season. It may take you a couple of days before you get back into the grind, but do so quickly.  Life is too short to waste one moment and even one minute.

Jeana and I spent Christmas Day in worship in the morning at both of our campuses, followed by a lunch with just the two of us. Josh and Kate were in Little Rock with family and did not return until Christmas night.  Nick and Meredith were in Florida to see her folks over an extended Christmas weekend. 

Therefore, we gathered in Dallas with all of the children and one grandchild beginning on Wednesday for a few days. Jeana and I went to her Mom’s in Bridgeport, Texas, which is located an estimated 50 minutes northwest of Fort Worth. We spent Tuesday, Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning with her. Then we drove over to be with the children. On the 28th, we experienced our Christmas together as well as celebrated Nick’s 22nd birthday. 

Now for my football bowl picks … I will delay my comments on them until after the game on Wednesday night with Texas and USC. You never know how a bowl game will play out and as we found out yesterday, sometimes the season itself does not determine the outcome. 

I have spent most of the last two days doing two things:

1. Getting ready for Staff Meetings to kick the year off, plus my own stuff in regards to leadership and administration, as well as my own preaching calendar.
2. While watching football, I read a new book about Darrell Royal and his leadership at the University of Texas when he was the Head Football Coach, winning three national championships. What a great read, done in an interview style with this legend. A man who even though he has not coached since 1976, is still the personification of Longhorn football. Any leader can gain insight on reading this new book. I completed it on Sunday night and Monday. The book is entitled, Coach Royal. The author and interviewer is John Wheat.

Welcome back to life today. Hey, remember, spend time with God each morning. It is always, Jesus FIRST in everything.