"Red Roots" in Concert

Last night, our church enjoyed "The Red Roots" in concert. Natalie, Nika, and Nicole Taylor are Godly Teenage Girls who are multi-talented. They are identical triplets. I've known them since 1994. Their parents, Mark and Sherry Taylor, are dedicated Christians and they faithfully minister through Wade Baptist Church. Also, they have a brother who was a member of my youth group for several years when I was Youth Minister at Wade Baptist. Check out their website TheRedRoots.com. They can play 12 different instruments and various styles of music. I praise God for thier dedication.

The "Egg Bowl" and my Jonah Experience

Yesterday, I took my daughter to the "Egg Bowl" on the campus of Mississippi State University. This annual rivalry football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss is always an interesting affair. In the past, the game has had some amazing finishes, but this year was crazy. (Read about it here.)

I haven't been on the MSU campus much since the Fall of 1987 when I was enrolled there for one semester. Being on the campus brought back a lot of memories and an appreciation for the journey I have taken in the last 20 years.

After graduating from Calhoun City (MS) High School in 1983, I made a commitment to be a minister. So, I enrolled in the Winters School of Music at William Carey College (now Wm. Carey University) in Hattiesburg, MS.

At that time I was preparing to be a Minister of Music, but I never had the "passion" that many of my fellow students exhibited. For example, my roommate from Japan, Kenichoroh Fugisawa, practiced 8 hours a day--even on Saturday. That was never my level of commitment, but I did graduate.

Deep down, I still felt a desire to be in the ministry, but I didn't want to go to seminary. So, I compromised and rationalized not going to seminary by pursuing an Master of Business Administration Degree at MSU. My plan was to get the degree and go to work in some aspect of the Christian Music Industry--exactly in what capacity I was clueless.

I loved being a student at State. My roommate from Florence, MS was a member of the Famous Maroon Marching Band at MSU and he encouraged me to join. I did. Being in the band was a dream fulfilled. The band gave me opportunities to carry a tuba to football games at Auburn, Legion Field in Birmingham, and LSU's Tiger Stadium (I was even present when they filmed scenes during Halftime for the movie Everybody's All American).

The courses at MSU were challenging, but the academic environment was very different from what I experienced at William Carey.

Even though MSU was a great place to study, I came to the realization that I needed to focus on preparing for ministry in a church setting. So, during Christmas Break I transferred and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While leaving State was difficult, I felt a peace about going to seminary. So, like the prophet in the Bible, my "Jonah Experience" came to an end.

As I look back, if I had stayed at MSU, I would have never met my wife in New Orleans. Terri has been such a blessing to me. So, unexpectedly, the journey that took me from Hattiesburg to Starkville to New Orleans was necessary for me.

Consequently, I am a Bulldog fan and I enjoyed watching Ole Miss choke down the stretch. They had a 14-0 lead with Ten Minutes left. State won on a last second field goal. Go Team, and you go to Ninevah if necessary.

Alternatives to the Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

10. Turkey Bologna Lasagna served with a Cranberry Spinach Dip. Drink: Two Raw Eggs seasoned with a dash of Olive Oil.
9. Turkey Ham Croquettes covered with Honey Mustard Butter. To Drink: a lemon-lime sports drink with a splash of Sodium Free Tomato Juice.
8. Super-Sized Cajun Pepper Chicken Sandwich Combo with a Diet Coke.
7. Deep Fried Twinkies, Smoked Italian Sausage, and Broiled Banana Creamed Moon Pies. Beverage: Royal Crown Cola or any Faygo Brand Soda.
6. Fig Newtons dipped in White Chocolate and "chased" with a Strawberry Yahoo warmed over an open fire.
5. One Word: Ramen Noodles
4. Pecan Crusted Trout, Pecan Crusted Green Beans, and Pecan Crusted Pecan Pie. Drink: A Pecan Crusted Glass filled with your favorite Laxative.
3. A Spam Omelet smothered with a cranberry sauce served on a bed of a green beans wrapped in black pepper bacon. Drink: A Pepto Bismol Smoothie.
2. Deep Fried Beer-Battered Meatloaf, Fri tos "Scoop" Corn Chips, Bean Dip, and Iced Goat Milk.
1. My Favorite: Can You Spell K.F.C.

Thanksgiving a Matter of Perspective

Thankfulness is a matter of perspective.

Sherwood Wirt once met a woman who only had two teeth (top and bottom) and she was “rejoicing” because “they hit.”

Will Rogers spoke from a unique perspective when he said, “Just be thankful you’re not getting all the government you’re paying for.”

Yes, thankfulness is a matter of perspective.

From my vantage point, God has been good to our church this year. We have seen many join our fellowship and several have been baptized. Throughout the community I hear positive things about FBC. However, I am thankful that God is not finished with us. Many more people need the love of Jesus in their lives and what a privilege FBC has to share that love with them. What a joy to anticipate the upcoming months just to see what God is going to do as we sacrificially follow Christ.

Personally, this year will always be remembered as the year we officially adopted Jared (5) and Charlee (3). Along with their big sister Abbey (13) and my incredible wife Terri, I have been blessed with an amazing family. As a young “twenty-something,” I never dreamed I would be entrusted with such a treasured wife and children.

So, this month, show your gratitude to God by “entering into his gates with Thanksgiving (Ps. 100:4)” and demonstrating thanks-living.

If you can’t think of anything for which to be grateful this month, just be thankful you are not a turkey.

Interview on WDAM-TV

Last week, WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS aired a series entitled "Faces of Adoption." My wife and I appear in Part I and Part III of the series discussing our adoption experience. Access Part I here. Access Part III here. If you cannot access the segments at the previous link, go to the WDAM website and look under Featured Videos, which is not at the top, but in the middle of the page.

In Part I of the series, a representative from the Department of Human Services stated that there is a great need for adoptive families. However, I talk to people all the time who are struggling to adopt a child. Also, I hear of many people who attempt to adopt here in the states, but "give up" and go overseas to get a child. It's hard for me to understand. However, I have to admit, while our experience was better than most, 3 1/2 years elapsed from the time we had our son placed in our home. We are blessed.

The USS Alabama and the USS Drumm

We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning touring the THE MIGHTY BATTLESHIP USS ALABAMA (BB-60). SUBMARINE USS DRUM (SS-228) at Battleship Memorial on Mobile Bay.

When I was 5 (I'm now 43), my father took me to tour the ship. I still have memories of the awe I felt at such a massive vessel. The power of America is epitomized by this ship.

Today, I was so proud to carry my son and oldest daughter to the DRUM and the ALABAMA. My Father-in-law and Brother-in-law along with his two sons went with us as well.

What America accomplished in WWII is staggering. We owe a great debt to our Veterans.

I have an Uncle who served in Vietnam. Every Veterans Day I always call him and thank him for his service to our country. Please don't forget to thank our Veterans.

The Depth of Jesus' Love

Paul prayed that the Christians at Ephesus would understand the depth of Jesus’ love. No matter how deep you have been submerged into sin and rebellion against God, God’s loving arms are able to reach you. Jesus will never give up on you. You are never too low for Jesus.

In August 2000, Rescuers raced to save the crew of a Russian nuclear submarine, which sank during military exercises in the Barents Sea off the northwest coast of Russia. The submarine was approximately 300 ft under water. Due to fierce weather and incredibly cold water, rescue efforts failed. In Oct. 2000 the bodies of the Russian sailors were recovered. A note found on the body of one of the dead seaman, Lieutenant-Captain Dmitry Kolesnikov, indicated there were 23 survivors immediately following two explosions that ripped through the nuclear submarine. However, they were trapped and no one was able to rescue them.

In sin, we are trapped. However, deep we are in guilt and shame. Jesus can reach us.