I’m still a novice at this whole “blog” thing. So you can imagine my surprise when a good friend told me he’d “tagged” me. According to the rules, I’m supposed to answer the same questions he’s answered on his blog. So, here goes. Enjoy.

1. What were three of the stupidest things you have done in your life?
Well, when I was in high school, some friends and I played a prank on our football coach. Long story short, we were caught, the police were called and they took us downtown to the station in the back of the police cruiser….while we were handcuffed. I guess we were pretty stupid.

During a pick-up basketball game, I once got so mad I punched a brick wall. My hand still hurts.

And finally, there was a little incident involving me and a pair of Sunny’s jeans. Not one of my brighter moments.

2. At the current moment, who has the most influence in your life?
An easy one: Jesus. My prayer these days is John 1:14 — that the Word would take up residence in my flesh so I can bear witness to His glory. There’s no one else I want to be like.

3. If you were given a time machine that functioned, and you were allowed to only pick up five people to dine with, who would you pick?
I really agonized over this one. And if I’m being honest with myself, I would have to choose Christ. I mean, how could I pass up the opportunity to dine with Him? But I wouldn’t want to invite anyone else to join me…I’d want Him all to myself. So I’m excluding Jesus from the list. Thus…

…I choose family. Mom & Dad are 1 and 2 for me. As most of you know, it’s been a long time since I’ve been with my parents. My Dad passed away in 1987, Mom in ’94. I cannot tell you how much I long to see them again. I long to introduce them to the other three at the table: Sunny, Abby Kate & Joshua. The image that gives me the most peace, aside from being cradled in the arms of my Jesus, is the moment in heaven when I get to introduce Sunny to my parents. I’ve told her so much about them over the years, but she’s never had the chance to meet them. She and my Mom would have so much in common; my Dad would enjoy giving her a hard time. And now that I’m a parent, I can’t wait to introduce my children to their grandparents. They’ll hear so many stories about my parents, but that moment will be really special for me. Gives me a lot to hope for.

4. If you had three wishes that were not supernatural, what would they be?
That my children would know Christ
That Christians in our nation would have a burden for the impoverished & the oppressed around the world
That my Cardinals would win another World Series in my lifetime

5. Someone is visiting your hometown/place where you live at the moment. Name two things you regret your city not having, and two things people should avoid.
I regret that Huntsville doesn’t have a spirit of unity & brotherhood among her churches. I regret that we’re too often more concerned about defending & protecting our doctrines rather than bearing an authentic witness to the lost.
Avoid Hwy 72 in Madison between 4-6pm. And (this one’s for Sunny), it’s always a good idea to avoid McDonalds.

6. Name one event that has changed your life.
Meeting my wife. Before she came along, I was really good at shutting others out. She taught me how to love others and let myself be loved, and for that I’m forever in her debt. I love you, Sunny.

There you go. I think I’m supposed to tag someone else from this point, but I dont’ read anyone else’s blog page, so if you’re reading, YOU’RE IT!