As I write this, I'm sitting in Jacksonville, Fla., where the sun is brightly shining and it's a lot warmer than in many parts of the country. Tonight, I'll be in Waldo for a Bill Bailey concert - and if you've never been to Waldo, it's about halfway between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.

It's also much warmer than where I was last weekend: Sioux Falls, SD. Yes, they have Southern Gospel out there and it was a pleasure to see over 800 people in attendence at that particular event.

While I don't have much in the way of any organized thoughts, I'll just share with you these tid-bits and let you be on your way to the weekend.

- While coming through the northern end of Jacksonville, I passed a large Baptist church and on the sign in front of it were the words "Thanksgiving is in the heart, not just on the calendar." Great thought.

- I saw Gerald Williams and his Melody Boys last night in concert near Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Granted, the groups who were on the program fought sound issues all night, but I have to say Gerald is still one of Southern Gospel's finest bass singers. Nothing flashy; nothing that'll make you stand up in your chair and cheer like crazy - but some of the most solid-right-down-the-middle bass notes you'll find. He's in that same mold as Ed O'Neal and Rex Nelon: consistent and can always be counted on to hold down that fourth slot.

- At that same concert, I ran into David Bruce Murray (you've seen his writings in various places on the internet). It only takes about three or four minutes of conversation with David to know he LOVES Southern Gospel music.

- Also, one of Singing News' writers, Tim Gardner, was there. As some of you may know, Tim's mother passed away earlier this year. Tim and his dad had taken care of Mrs. Gardner for the past few years as serious illness had gradually taken away the quality of her life. Though Tim has comfort in knowing where Mrs. Gardner now resides, the pain created by her absence still lingers. Keep Tim and his family in your prayers as they continue to adjust.

- Today is Gregory Allen Jones' 16th birthday. Yep, I'm the father of a 16 year old. I can't complain, though. Gregory is a good kid - oops, I should say, a fine young man - and he continues to make his mother and me proud as he excells in his schoolwork and other aspects of his life. I'll overlook the fact that he is also taller than I am (not that that is any great achievement, though).

That's it for now. Have a great weekend -and I'll be talking to you next week.