One of the great blessings of my countdown to my 20-year celebration as pastor of this church is that a group of guys are taking me down to the Cowboy game tonight. We will leave mid-afternoon, fly to Dallas, and arrive back into Northwest Arkansas late tonight. This will be my first game to attend in a couple of years in Dallas, so I am grateful and look forward to the fellowship and fun.

People usually ask me on Sunday nights, “What did you think of the Cowboys game today?” Yes, I am a long-time fan, but with my schedule right now, many Sunday afternoons by the time I get home mid-afternoon, rest and getting ready to return for Sunday evening keep me from being able to watch the game. Therefore, it will be refreshing to be a part of tonight’s game in Dallas against the New York Giants. Nick and Meredith will join me and the others from our church who will be going. I am so grateful for this blessing provided by some of our guys who attend our Springdale location.

I have received so many cards and notes as well as some wonderful gifts from our people. The time of fellowship with many of them has also been a refreshment to Jeana and me. We are more than blessed by being able to serve here and we know it. Thanks to all of you thus far who have participated in this countdown to 20 years. You have made it more than special.

Our beloved Razorbacks continue to roll – surprising America by being 6-1. The huge upset against Auburn has changed everything in Razorback land. We should defeat our non-conference foe on Saturday, putting us 7-1. I believe one of the scariest games on the schedule is against South Carolina in Gamecock Land! Steve Spurrier is a great coach, and they are radical fans “win or lose” filling that stadium and rocking strong doing it. If we can land the plane on victory runway in South Carolina, we may surprise everyone and run the table! You say, “you are crazy Pastor!” Our schedule is very Razorback-friendly. We will not be favored against Tennessee or LSU, but both games are here! It will get crazier and more intense by the week, and our entire state is ecstatic and most shocked about where we sit today.

We need to remember, football is just like life many times. It is one game or one day at a time. Can we lose again? Absolutely! This is SEC football and we cannot take anyone lightly, including Mississippi State who seems to be moving towards improvement.

Regardless of where we end up in potential and reality, we are now eligible for a bowl game … and this has Razorback fans, as a whole, in a much better mood! Thank God! Life is just better in Arkansas for everyone when the Razorbacks are winning.

Wherever we end up, just rejoice … we are one really good football team!