Sunny and I will be packing up the ol’ family roadster and heading for the beach in the morning for some much needed R&R. Last year, we were at the beach one day before Hurricane Katrina forced us to evacuate. We’re really looking forward to some time to relax & eat some great seafood. I don’t plan on doing any blogging this week, but while I’m out, I thought I’d commend a few things to you:

– Over at Lane’s World, my buddy Lane is soliciting some teaching material on homosexuality. Lane is a youth minister in Guntersville, Alabama and has been a lifelong friend of mine. Check out his blog and if you have any suggestions, give him a holler.

– If you haven’t done so already, pick up a copy of the new Jars of Clay album Good Monsters. It’s easily their best effort since their self-titled debut. This is Jars Plugged Up. A rich, diverse, aggressive rock sound coupled with deep, personal lyrics — this is rock music with a conscience. A must-own. Check it out.

– If you’re looking for a good read, pick up a copy of Trolls & Truth by Jimmy Dorrell. A good friend recommended this book to me and I’ve been reading through it in between grad school readings. Some 10-12 years ago, Jimmy Dorrell began reaching out to the downtrodden & homeless individuals living underneath an interstate in Waco, TX. Today, he ministers to a diverse group of people — business men & bag ladies, the homeless, the helpless and the meek — that’s known as “the church under the bridge.” This book calls us to a deeper understanding of the Lord’s church and all He intends her to be. A great read.

Those are your assignments while I’m away. There will be a test.