On this particular morning, I'm in Indiana, watching the clouds darken as a cold front moves in - one that is supposed to take the current temperature (in the sixties) on a free-fall to the upper twenties by sunrise Saturday. Someone mentioned snow, too. Oh joy.

In any case, let me bring you up to speed. The past two weeks have been a roller coaster. During the opening days of November, I was in Palatka, Fla., for the first ever Rodeheaver Gospel Music Festival. If you were there, you know what a strong success this event was. The Perrys, the McKameys, Brian Free & Assurance, Mercy's Mark Quartet, the Jody Brown Indian Family, the Gospel Enforcers, the Pickerings, the Mark Trammell Trio, the Pfeifers, Legacy Five, Greater Vision and Gold City teamed up to make three enjoyable days of Southern Gospel music. Randy Perry led two morning Chapel Services and I'll have to admit, the ole boy did well.

Many of the artists (and fans who attended) commented that this was one of the better events, in terms of organization and professionalism, they had been a part of recently. But more importantly, there was a strong sweet spirit that sometimes is missing from concerts today.

Regardless of how one might want to judge this event in comparison to others, it was one that was not to be missed. The crowds were very good - especially good for a first-time event - and event organizers were encouraged enough to start making plans for next year. So, block off that first weekend in November for Palatka and make your plans to be there. And, if you have an RV, don't winterize it - you'll want to take it as there are over 500 camping slots (with hook-ups) available. You'll be hearing more about this event soon.

While I was in Palatka, God decided to take one of His children home. For the past two years, my wife's grandfather had been in steadily declining health and while the Rodeheaver Festival was taking place, God had been finalizing the plans for Robert Moody's homecoming. As I was driving home on Sunday, my cell phone rang and it was then that I learned that an 84 year old man had joined the cast in heaven.

I was honored to be asked by his family to present the eulogy during the funeral this past Wednesday. Because Robert had put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ, there was no question of his destination. But as I looked over the congregation as I spoke, I had to wonder how many there had done - or not done - the same thing.

I've shared that with you for one reason: The older I get, the more convinced I am that there is no time to waste. I often wonder where some of my friends and family stand with the Lord and I'm thankful that God is developing in me a boldness to, if you will, take the bull by the horns, and start working a little harder to make sure they are where they need to be.

I believe that God offers us many opportunities to witness. Maybe it's in a word we say, a song we sing - or maybe even just the simple thing of living our daily lives. There is a lot of truth in that old saying that you are the only Bible that many people ever read. I also believe that we are accountable for those opportunities taken - and those opportunities missed.

With that said, where do you stand? Can you look in the mirror and KNOW that you know that you're headed to a mansion that God's prepared when your earthly clock winds down? When you wake up in the morning, can you face the day knowing that if you don't see the sunset, there's nothing for you to worry about?

If you've answered yes to those questions, then one day, you - just like an 84 year old man I knew - can look back and say...

It's been good ... but it's about to be even better.