Things to think about this weekend

Why have I been blogging about hymns this past week? Some people I love dearly have suffered pain and loss recently. They are grieving. I was composing a letter that I hoped would encourage them. And I began to think about some great hymns that teach us how to deal with suffering in a way that actually enhances faith. So, it's personal for me. And for those people I love.

Maybe nobody outside Nashville cares, but my alama mater, Vanderbilt, is 5-0 so far this year in football. One sign seen when Vandy upset Auburn last weekend? It was a dig at Kirk Herbstreit and the Big Ten: "Hey Kirk, the SEC drew straws and it's Vandy's turn to beat Ohio State." Ouch. Vandy is supposed to beat Mississippi State this weekend. I got a nice Vandy hoody from our close family friend, Brian Pacetti, for performing his wedding ceremony this summer. It's very cool, but the weather hasn't been cool enough to wear it enough. I always wear my VU gear with pride - even throughout the long losing seasons in football. Now, Vandy's on a roll. So, I'm really loving the Vandy hoody. Get ready to see it. A lot. Nice.

Pastor Steven Furtick's wife told him, “Whatever you do, you simply cannot have a moral failure. There’s too much at stake, too many people are counting on you, and God has given you too many wise voices speaking into your life for you to blow it.” Pray for pastor's and their wives. Please.

Want to know how to pray for wives of church staff members?

Jim Collins, who wrote the book "Good to Great," was speaking at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta this past week. He has some interesting insights for church leaders. Tim Stevens summarizes his thoughts.