There are some things that I know. For instance, I know that this coming Sunday night, August 1, at 6 p.m. I will deliver my “first sermon” at the First Baptist Church of Magnolia. I am very excited, but if I told you that I’m not nervous, you could brand me as the biggest liar in the world! I am extremely nervous about it, but I keep telling myself that it will all be okay. God is in control.

Another thing I know is that I plan to pursue a seminary degree. After talking with my pastor and our youth pastor, this seems to be the best option for someone setting out on this journey. I feel like God is leading me to the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas. I plan to start the application process immediately (why wait?), and I hope to begin classes in January. Which degree I’ll pursue is still up in the air.

All of this doesn’t mean that I’ll be making a speedy departure from Magnolia or my current job at Southern Arkansas University. The BMATS has programs for correspondence work and intensive seminar classes where you go to the Jacksonville campus for one week per course and complete the coursework at home. This looks like my best option. I still have to eat and pay the bills while I’m working on what will be my third degree, right?

Departure from my current career will come some day. I don’t know when, but I do know that God has called me to full-time ministry of some fashion.

I hope you enjoy this ride as much as I will. Speaking of rides, I guess I’d better get to moving. I have a previously planned appointment near the central part of our great state today. I’m ready to go back to work tomorrow. More than one week off on “vacation” has been nice, but I need to get back to a routine!

Until next time . . .

God had different plans for my life, and I’ve been running from those plans for quite a while now. This morning, I publicly surrendered my life to preach the gospel. You can’t believe the overwhelming peace and joy that I’m feeling. I still don’t know what the future has in store, but I have complete peace that God is in control and that He will lead me each step of the way.

Here’s the way it went down: I spent this last week as the bus driver and a sponsor for our group at Daniel Springs Baptist Camp in Gary, Texas. We had an amazing week. Late in the week, the camp evangelist used an illustration of Peter jumping out of the boat to be with Jesus (John 21). He said that some of us needed to “jump out of the boat” and follow the path that God would have for our lives. It hit me hard. Really hard. I knew God was using the evangelist to talk to me.

I spent a lot of time in prayer from that point until we got home. When Saturday rolled around, I knew I couldn’t wait any longer, so I spent about an hour in the living room of Dustin Wisely, our youth pastor. After I finished talking to Dustin, I knew there was only one option for me – total surrender to the will of God.

This morning during Sunday School time, I spent time talking with Bro. David Watkins, our pastor, and when the invitation was given at the close of the service, I made it official. It felt great!

I was also excited that Zach Phillips, a young man who had also served as a church camp sponsor from our church, surrendered this morning as well! God is good!

I don’t know all of the details of the future, but I do know that I won’t be quitting my job any time soon. At the encouragement of Bro. David and Dustin, I will be looking into a seminary degree. There are options that will allow me to remain in Magnolia for the time being and take the classes through a combination of intensive one-week studies and online work. I will also be preaching my first sermon soon. I’ll keep you updated on that.

God is in control! I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.

Stay tuned . . .

Here’s what got me first: Many of the Congressmen wouldn’t even give the guy a chance to answer their questions. They would ask, and when he got two words into his response, they would interrupt with a follow-up question accusing him of refusing to answer. It was absolutely clear that these politicians were being just that. They were playing politics with a very serious topic. They weren’t concerned about how the groups could work together to come to a reasonable conclusion. They were interested in seeing how much of a show they could put on for the folks back home. Even my own representative, Congressman Mike Ross (D-Presskit), failed in my opinion. (Yes, I know it’s actually Prescott, but don’t get me started about the land of the Squirrelly Wolves… I mean Curley Wolves.) I would have liked to seen things done a little differently.

The Congressmen wanted to blame Hayward, as if he were personally responsible for the disaster. He kept trying to get it through their thick skulls that as CEO is he not a part of every decision that is made within the company. That makes perfect sense. Here is an analogy: Do you think Bobby Petrino, head football coach at the University of Arkansas, calls UA System President Alan Sugg to clear a play before it is called? No, he doesn’t. No chief executive is involved in EVERY decision.

The members of the committee kept asking Hayward if he had fired anyone yet. Hayward continually told them that someone may end up getting fired, but to date, the investigation is ongoing. They don’t want to jump to any conclusions. What ever happened to due process? Apparently, the members of Congress do not believe in basic human rights.

Congress should be taking some of the heat, too. Who passed the law that said permits must be granted within 30 days? Congress. This law removes the ability to conduct environmental impact studies. They should examine themselves before they start blaming others.

So, cut Tony Hayward some slack. He seems to be trying to do the right thing.

1. The Talley Trio

Jeremy Langley with Roger, Deborah, and Lauren Talley

Roger, Deborah, and Lauren Talley are amazing people. I’ve admired the work of this extremely talented family for years. (I know. I’m only 24, but I’ve followed Southern Gospel music since before I even knew Reba McEntire existed. That’s pretty major since I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb screaming “I love Reba!”) Until this cruise, I had never had the opportunity to interact with the Talleys. I was not disappointed. Not only did they put on the best performances of the week, but they were more than willing to interact with the “fans” off the stage. We ran into Roger several times around the ship, and he always smiled and spoke. I don’t think we ever ran into Deborah and Lauren on the ship outside of the Abraham Production events, but they were probably shopping or sometime. That’s what most of the women on board seemed to be doing a lot.

Lauren Talley and Jeremy Langley

During the time when we could purchase the artists’ product, I asked Lauren if I could have my picture made with her. She was more than happy to oblige. I had to get Roger to take the picture. After the last concert, I decided that I wanted to have a picture with the entire Talley Trip, but Roger was MIA. Deborah suggested that we form our own little trio, so I had my photo taken with Deborah and Lauren. Then Roger showed up and suggested we form a quartet, so I finally got my picture with the best Southern Gospel group out there. It will definitely go in my office.

Lauren has a new book and CD coming out in the next few days. I’ve heard the title track of the CD. The CD and book are both called “Songs in the Night.” If the rest of the songs are half as good as the title track, we’re in for an amazing treat. I plan to order one just as soon as they are available. Maybe I can get her to autograph it for me…haha. Check out her Web site for more information.

2. The Greenes

Jeremy Langley with Tim and TaRanda Greene

Tim and TaRanda Greene are two amazing people. We first ran in to Tim at the elevators on embarkation day. He stopped and talked to us like he had known us forever. Each time we saw him after that was the same. I had to have my picture made with them, and when I looked at it I laughed. It looks like it could be a cell phone ad. “More bars in more places.”

If you don’t know much about Tim and TaRanda, you should get to know them. They have an amazing ministry, but their personal story will make even the toughest man cry. Shortly after they were married (about 9 years ago, I think), Tim was diagnosed with a terminal illness that would lead to the complete failure of his kidneys. He ended up on dialysis for 8 years, unable to find a donor kidney. Finally, TaRanda decided to go through the testing process, and they found out that Tim and TaRanda were a closer match for the kidney donation than twins. She saved his life. To hear Tim tell that story was a blessing.

3. The Hoppers

Jeremy Langley with Claude and Connie Hopper

I didn’t get the chance to meet all of the Hoppers, but I got to meet my favorite two – Claude and Connie. I have never met a sweeter lady in my life than Connie Hopper. She just radiates, and her joy is contagious. Claude is just flat out hilarious. There is no way you can be in a bad mood with Claude Hopper in the room. He says he gets his jokes from his brother, but he does a pretty good job of delivering them.

Claude got in the habit of coming by our table each evening at dinner. He would tell us to just put it all on his tab (of course, dinner is already paid as part of the cruise package). He kept us entertained. I loaned him one of my extra spoons one night to stir a little bit of sweetner into his tea. I hope I get the chance to visit with these two more in the future.

4. Our dinner table

The people who sat with us at dinner were from all over the country. They shared our love for Southern Gospel music and our love for Christ. We had some of the best conversations getting to know one another. Although I was by far the youngest person at the table, they made me feel right at home. I hope they cruise with us again in the future.

5. Random people

Everywhere we turned, we met new people from all over the world. I had a long talk with the manager of the Orlando Ferrari dealer one day. We met a couple who was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I am determined that they are Alabama’s finest. They work athletic events for the University of Alabama. Roll Tide! Who knows when and where these connections may help me in the future?

If you ever get the chance to take a Southern Gospel music cruise. Do it. It will give you a whole new appreciation for the music and its fans. We’re planning to go back in November.

Ellie May

Okay, don’t take that headline too seriously. My child is a 12-week-old Australian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix that I adopted from the Columbia County Animal Protection Society. She is my pride and joy, and I named her “Ellie May.” I have a hang-up on naming my dogs after female characters from 1980-era television shows. My last dog was named “Daisy” after Daisy Duke of the “Dukes of Hazzard.”

Ellie May is a very active and loving dog. She is going to be HUGE when she grows up, and I’m sure she’ll grow faster than I want her to. I expect that she’ll be 100 pounds or more when all is said and done.

I had thought about buying a pure breed dog. I really wanted a chocolate Lab, but I couldn’t find one. I looked at some German Shepherd puppies, but I just didn’t want to spend that kind of money. So I went to CCAPS to see what they had. (Daisy was a CCAPS dog.) When I saw Ellie May and her litter mates, it was love at first sight! I brought her home before I even had any furniture moved in the new house. I’m sure she will grow to love her large fenced-in backyard. As long as she stays out of the pool, we’ll be okay.

Ellie May will be an outside dog when she gets a little bigger. Besides, it’s too cold for her out there right now. For now, she is sleeping in a crate at night. She hardly even complains. I have bought her enough toys to entertain an army of dogs!

I’ll keep you updated on her as she grows up, and I’m sure I’ll be taking lots of photos. I’m sorry for the quality of this picture. I took it with my cell phone. I’ll see about getting a better picture of her later.

My house!

I’ve been a bit overwhelmed lately. I bought a house!

Here’s a picture of it. It’s a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath post-WWII home in a nice neighborhood. There is a space that was previously used as an office, but I plan to turn it into a second full bathroom just as soon as Uncle Sam sends me my first time home buyer tax credit money. I won’t plan to be in a hurry.

I’ve been living in an apartment since moving to Magnolia in May 2008. It will be a major adjustment moving from my little one bedroom economy apartment to a 3 bedroom house, but I don’t think I’ll have any problems. I have just grown tired of paying rent and making my landlord richer when I can be making payments on a house that will build equity for me. I also want a dog really bad, and I can’t have one in an apartment.

Oh, I should mention that the house has a pool! WOOO HOOOO!! Pool party at Jeremy’s house!

One of my favorite things about the house is the fact that it is on two lots. I will love having a HUGE yard. I really enjoy working outside in the summer doing yard work. It’s a big contrast from my office day job. Good thing we only work four days a week in the summer. That will give me Friday and Saturday to work in my yard!

I’m in the process of moving in this week, but it will be a while before everything is the way I want it. The entire house will have to be painted on the inside. I don’t like any of the previous owners’ color choices. One bedroom is hot pink with orange stripes. It goes away first.

I’ll keep you updated on the progress as it goes along.

Until next time …

I’ve gotten a “promotion” of sorts since the last time I blogged. I now have two titles at Southern Arkansas University. I’ll keep my title as Assistant to the President for Special Projects, and I’ve taken on the extra title of University Editor. It’s pretty exciting, but it will keep my as busy as I was in college when I worked a full time job while attending a college full time. I guess I like to work myself to death!

Tonight was our First Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir Christmas party. It was amazingly fun. Our hosts, Max and Debbie Story, were very gracious to have us at their new home. I wouldn’t mind having a few of the amenities they have in my house some day! We’ll keep things in perspective for now.

Seeing has how it’s midnight, I guess I should wait until later to catch up on blogging any more. The alarm clock will go off early!

Merry Christmas!

That changed today. I got a call from a friend and former employer who asked if I would be interested in doing the play-by-play for the Smackover High School Buckaroos. I took a few hours to think it over and shuffle my calendar, but I made it work. I accepted the offer. Smackover is a lot closer to Magnolia, so I won’t have to take off work as much or as early to make it to games this year. It will be fun to follow the Buckaroos. I’m told the color commentator for the broadcasts is awesome.

So it’s back in the saddle on Sept. 4. I’m looking forward to it. The games can be heard on KELD-FM 106.5 out of El Dorado. If you listen in the first week, please forgive me. I’m sure there will be a few kinks to work out!

It just occurred to me that one of the first football games I ever attended was at Smackover. I was in elementary school and attended a school that didn’t have football at the time. I think it was probably my first football game ever. I don’t remember who won. I just remember I accidentally cheered for the wrong team because I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Ha Ha!

Here’s a thought to leave you with: Go buy Reba’s new CD. It’s awesome!

UPDATE: The CD is everything I ever expected and more. Reba is AWESOME.

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!