SBC 2011

The Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix is history. It was the smallest SBC since WW2, and one of the hottest (107° by day).


Fortunately, nothing controversial happened. Mundane is good. It keeps us out of the newspapers. Negative controversies are a downer.


I was able to enjoy a vast majority of the proceedings. I also attended five meetings.


I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinarily high quality of the schmoozing this year. There seemed to be people everywhere wanting to talk. Huzzah.


My gladness was tempered by the fact Ruth's knee troubles kept her from attending with me. It's the first time in years she has not gone with me.


There's always next year. New Orleans, home of my alma mater, will host the convention in 2012. I'm sure it will be fun.


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Lemons and Me

I love lemons. Always have. As a boy, I would walk a block to Henson's Grocery on South Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau to buy lemons for a nickel apiece. I still eat them, though they are a tad bit more expensive now.

I've learned a few interesting facts about lemons recently. General Stonewall Jackson was addicted to them. He was rarely seen in public without a lemon in hand to suck on. My great-uncle Vernon was a soil chemist on a lemon farm. One of my favorite songs of all time, "The Love of God," was written while the author was sitting on a lemon crate. I've also been recently told a lemon a day keeps kidney stones away.

All these new revelations about lemons are increasing my love for them. The only possible drawback is damage to teeth enamel, but many say even this is not a danger. For now, I intend to keep enjoying my low calorie, high taste, friend. When the Lord thought of a lemon, He had a wonderful idea.

Ruth to Joplin

Ruth left at 6am to help with disaster recovery in Joplin. As she left, she said, "Pray I will be a blessing." Let's honor her request. Thank you for praying.

By the way, this would be a good prayer for us to pray about ourselves every day. The Bible commends the person who can go through a dry valley and turn it into an oasis.

Carry your own sunshine with you. Be a blessing to all who come into contact with you today and every day.

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