It’s been awhile since we updated this series, but I told you at the beginning that it would be irregular. I’m not a big fan of country music (okay, there are about 50 songs in the history of the genre that I like), but there are some singers that I think are fantastic. Sometimes those singers get a great song, and that I like. Larry Gatlin is one of those singers. He can sing just about anything, and here’s a medley of some of their biggest hits, with the best one at the end. How about the trim on that suit?!

I would have posted this sooner, but I came back from Lads to Leaders and immediately fell ill. Thankfully, it was just a quick bug. What an amazing weekend! Our young people did a great job. More about that in a minute. BracketsYes, mine have fallen apart, but so have everyone else’s. ESPN says that, on their “bracket challenge” only two have the Sweet 16 correct. The real tragedy is that Duke lost! Oh well. Anyone else for Davidson and Western Kentucky in the Final Four? Go, Hilltoppers! BootsThere was an interesting activity going on this weekend at the same time as Lads to Leaders. The Opryland Hotel was also…

I didn’t have time to do a full (read: insanely-long) NCAA tournament preview this year. Last year, Matt Reaves and I gave you information on all 65 teams in the tournament. This year, I barely have time to type this entry. But, I know that you have been laying awake at night thinking, “I just wonder who Adam has in his brackets. I know it’s wrong to steal, but I also know he never misses any games in the NCAA tournament.” Well, if you are thinking that, you need a nap. I miss several games each year (although, I did go 28 for 32 in the first round once). With…

We didn’t get to do the roundup last week, and now we are doing it a day early. Are you confused yet? My son, Turner, was scheduled to have surgery on his tear duct last Friday, and then I was supposed to go to Missouri for the annual Dexter Youth Rally. Both were cancelled! Turner got an ear infection with fever, so his surgery was postponed until tomorrow. That’s why we’re doing this today. So, here are several links from the past two weeks. 1. Preaching Help writes a short article based upon a survey which found that 44% of Americans are leaving the denomination of their childhood. Read his…

In this column, I have said things such as, “9th Avenue is a special place” many times. Each time I have typed those words, I have meant them. This is a great congregation of God’s people, and it is an honor to be part of the work here. Last Sunday night, you honored my family and me with the “going away party.” You were generous with your gifts and with your words of kindness. We were moved, and you truly made us feel special. “Thank you” just doesn’t seem like enough. As I said Sunday night, we are thankful for your gifts, but we are more thankful for 9th Avenue’s…

THINK magazine is a joy to read. Published by Focus Press, this magazine bills itself as “Current Issues from a Distinctly Christian View.” The magazine is well-written and the articles are very timely. What’s more, the layout (or design) is sensational. To say that the magazine is well-done would be an understatement. It is an honor to have an article published in the most recent issue (March 2008). The issue is about relationships, and I wrote an article on adoption. Dave Lemmons has a brief article about the current issue and includes a list of all articles. He also links to Focus Press. Check out his article here. A subscription…

Drew Kizer’s latest volume, The Cast of the Cross, is a tremendous study. 13 chapters lead the reader through the lives of those who were there (or who were remarkably absent) at–nor near–the cross of Jesus Christ. While some may have studied the cross from a similar perspective, Kizer’s take on the subject is very good. Each chapter begins with a short narrative which, in a very personal way, helps the reader see that these are people with feelings, not just characters in a play. The chapters are well-researched and well-written. While the book is mainly for classroom use, I have been enjoying it the past few days for my…

You are in America’s Real War: An Orthodox Rabbi Insists that Judeo-Christian Values are Vital for Our Nation’s Survival. If you think the title is long, wait until you read the book! Seriously, Rabbi Daniel Lapin has written a very interesting book. He writes about how those on the secular Left are trying to take any reference to God, Jesus and Christianity out of everyday life, and how that negatively impacts America in general, and his people (Jews) specifically. Some of the book will sound like what you might hear if you read a conservative Christian newspaper or blog. Lapin maintains that Christianity is the reason why America prospered in…

We had many who were absent from Bible classes and worship in the Winter quarter (December-February). Many missed due to holiday trips, but we trust they attended worship and Bible classes in the town where they were visiting. Others missed due to illness, which has been running rampant, or because of surgery. We know they would like to be in Bible class, but their health would not allow it. It is sad to mention, but we know there were others who made the decision to willfully miss their Bible class. Friend, when you do that, your class misses you! More than that, though, you miss so much. You miss Bible…

Friday was one of those days that people just don’t enjoy. Waiting…waiting…waiting. Leah’s mom, Mary Ellen Moon, had surgery to remove lymph nodes, because cancer had been found in her body. The surgery began very late, and then lasted longer than expected. As we sat around in the waiting room, another family got “the call” to the desk. A few minutes later, they came back with the good news. “All’s clear!” One woman in the family sat down and, after a big breath, just began to cry. About 45 minutes later, Leah, her brother, and her dad went to the desk. After five or 10 minutes, they came back. The…