Only 3 more days!!

I realize it's good to actually have some patience in life, but I really don't think I have any....Paducah is about 3 days away and I can hardly contain myself. I really need this weekend for several reasons. First off, I am still a little bummed about my exit exam grade--I have never 'failed' anything until now so it's a big hit to my confidence. Second, the next exit exam is scheduled for Wednesday of next week--right after our neurological test. I really dislike back to back exams, but I will manage. And last but not least, I just NEED some SSQ to wake me up inside! All this 'last semester nursing school mumbo jumbo' has totally fried my brain and my heart. I have never felt so ADD in my life! Four hundred things need to be done by a particular date and it's like I don't even know where to start! Boy, I really need Saturday!

And now it's over

This time last week I was jumping for joy over the week of freedom I was about to endure. I can sleep late!! Oh how wonderful it was to be able to sleep past sunrise! I never knew how relaxing it was to sleep until 7:00! Unfortunately, now that my internal clock is TOTALLY messed up, I have to start waking at the crack of dawn again! I haven't been to bed before 2 AM in a week now, but I have got to start getting back into the swing of things--you know, in my REM cycle by 10:00. I have enjoyed the break, but as all breaks are, this one was not long enough. I did accomplish a few things on the break--I started walking again and I feel great! I have been walking about 3 miles a day--sometimes more. I have completely neglected my studies this past week...I mean really...who wants to spend their ONLY break studying?!?! I will probably pay for that laziness later, but for now I am enjoying the last day of spring break! I am excited about this weekend--Ernie Haase and Signature Sound concert in Paducah, Kentucky! Although it hasn't been THAT long since I saw the guys, I still suffer from withdrawals after about 2 weeks. I am also looking forward to meeting a new message board friend--I love that MB. I have met so many great people over the past year or so. Ahh...I am so anxious!!! I need to calm down--I think I am going for my walk now!

So THAT'S what a pretty day looks like!

I have not seen a sunny, pretty day in quite some time now. I am either stuck in a hospital from before the sun rises until after the sun sets, or I am trying to study something completely boring and miserable! I had a rough morning....failed my exit exam by about 5 questions, so the pretty day was not accepted as such until after I calmed down some. I decided to take a few pictures of the pretty day--just to remember that no matter what happens in my 'personal' life, God is still great!


Friend to the bees and other creepy crawlers! One bee in particular kept trying to get rid of me, but I stood my ground--but not for long....I hate bugs!

This is the only little purple flower in the entire flower pot! This little trooper has survived some frigid temperatures!

It was so pretty outside, I just had to let Jazz get a breath of fresh air. He has become an 'inside' kitty over these past few months (he was not thrilled with that change, but he is learning) so I was a good mom--let the kitty play in the sunshine for a while!

I planted this tree when I was in the 4th grade and now it towers over our swimming pool and is a good bit taller than our house! It's endured many a tornado warning and even became the home to a little nest of birds for a while. I can't believe how big it has gotten!

A walk down memory lane

Today I went back to the church of my childhood deep in the heart of Weogufka, Alabama. I haven’t set foot in this little white church in probably 15 years. As I walked into the church this morning, several faces looked familiar—but names escaped me. Several people asked,

“And what is your name sweetheart?”
My reply struck deep into their memories—
“Little Jennifer! My word darling, last time I saw you, you were this high…how’s your mama doing, are you married yet darling?”

With all the introductions complete, I found my seat closer to the front of the church and began to look around. I can remember going with my mom every Sunday and sitting on that back pew, singing those good old gospel hymns that are still at the root of my soul today. I remember Papaw, Grady, Glory, Sherry, and Mamaw singing together—Grady playing that old piano the way no one else could. It’s been such a long time since I laid eyes on that ‘rocking piano’. Everything looked the same, smelled the same, I think the same flowers were on display 15 years ago. I remember my Papaw leading the song service and Sherry playing the piano, I remember the duets that Grady and Glory used to sing—I love those songs. I remember my Mamaw keeping those tissues and cough drops tucked away safely in her Bible, I remember going to ‘children’s church’ and making ants on a log with Mr. and Mrs. Benson, I remember painting during Sunday School and messing up my lacey dress, I remember playing Simon Says on the bricks out back, I remember sitting on the church sign, I remember the smell of Sunday supper at Mamaw’s. I miss it so much, but things are not the same anymore- people have gone on to be with the Lord, people have grown older and unable to “come and do” like they once could. Seeing all those familiar, yet older faces made me realize how much I missed when I was younger. There are some things that just make you feel at ease, make you feel at home, make you feel like a child again—this was one of those times. Grady and Glory did sing a song together today…tears rolled down my cheeks when I saw that old piano begin to rock as Grady tapped his foot. So many good memories lingered through my mind today. I wish I could go back to those times—I wouldn’t take them for granted…

What happened?

I really don't know how I let my blog get into the shape that it's in! One might speculate that nursing school is getting all of my attention, but I think it's because I have somehow wandered into a spiritual valley and don't quite know how to make it back out. Nursing school is taking up a lot of my time, but I still need to have time for God. He gave his son for me--a sinner like me--so that I would have everlasting life. "The least I can do is make time for Him"...it's easy to get into that mindset, but I don't think that's a very good place to be. I don't think I should have to 'make' time for God. ALL my time should be for God first and foremost, then everything else will fall into place. I am struggling with some "inner demons" and I can't seem to get away from the things that bind me to this particular valley. A very good friend has helped me out and I feel her words are wise and true...

Girl, everyone walking this earth has 'bumps', some big ones too! You must forgive yourself. That clears the path for God to truly work in your life, pruning the branches until you begin the fruit He wants you to be, ..." I am the vine, you are the branches..." You can never out love the Lord, yet as humans we can put up roadblocks through our own need to milk our hurt and disappointment in ourselves...don't go there! God would rather you spend that emotional energy praising Him, not pitying yourself~Think about it!

I am guilty of putting up that roadblock and it's a hard one to take down, but I keep remembering a verse from my favorite Doug Anderson song--

" If your lost and confused wondering where it will end,
There’s a way you can know that wherever you’ve been,
You can make your way home and be forgiven again!"

I love knowing that no matter what happens--GOD LOVES US AND FORGIVES US FOR OUR SINS! All we have to do is ask and believe, pray about it, and truly repent. God's love knows no boundaries!

It's getting closer!!

Tupelo Homecoming--Feb 9, 2008

EH&SS have really spoiled me—I normally only attend Homecomings for that ‘hold me over until solo’ feeling, but this one was the best I have seen! We had a great time—not too far to drive, traffic was nonexistent until we tried to find a place to eat! The traffic in Tupelo was horrible! While we were creeping along in traffic, Lindsey freaks out and starts screaming…”MARSH! IT’S MARSH! TURN AROUND!” I almost had a wreck trying to see what this crazy girl was hollering about. She saw Marsh walking down the sidewalk! If traffic had not been so crazy, I would have at least rolled the window down and let out a big “HELLO!” After having my eardrum ruptured by Lindsey’s screams, we stopped at Red Lobster to eat and everyone, including management, was looking at our MB shirts. Our waitress got an earful about SSQ when she inquired about our matching attire.

We got to the venue a little early because our tickets were held at the box office. When we entered the arena we saw David at the table—there’s probably not a better way to be welcomed that to have it done by David! He is so very sweet to us…always open for hugs, pictures, and a little chitchat. We kept David company for a few minutes before making our way inside. Thanks, David!

We took our seats and waited patiently…time was creeping by too slowly. Frankie passed through the arena and saw our shirts, threw up a big ‘hello’ wave-- busy guy, but always manages to say hi somehow or another! A few minutes later, Tim came walking through with big ‘hello waves’ and smiles.

We went back out to the tables hoping the rest of the guys would be out—they were. Doug was really excited to have Lindsey back with us—he always takes the time to make us feel so special! We talked with him a while and told of our future concert appearances. Doug asked Lindsey “You been riding any more 4 wheelers with Ernie?” She is still giving me a hard time about posting that! We saw Ryan and Tim without a fan attached, so we jumped in for a picture. Ryan was looking in the other direction when we suddenly appeared for a photo op. I asked how Olivia’s big birthday was and he said she had a great time. We got our pic with Tim and told him he’d be seeing us again in Corinth!

So with all our hugs and hellos completed, we went back to our seat and waited for everyone to come on stage. Those crazy Gaither guys are hilarious at the beginning of the show—Rory and Kevin keep the crowd laughing! Before we knew it, the concert was starting! I cannot even begin to remember all the songs that were done, but they were good! Lots of stuff from the Together project, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Greg and Charlotte Ritchie and Landon—such a little cutie, Ivan Parker, Ben Spear, Lynda Randle, Michael English, Janet Paschal…I am sure I will forget to mention someone. The show-stopper (as always) was EH&SS. They rocked! Get Away Jordan was awesome—people on their feet, clapping, shouting…it was fun! I love the body slam between Ernie and Doug—pretty cool! Every Homecoming event I have been to, EH&SS are always the first standing ovation, and that didn’t change for this show. They always bring energy to the arena. Ah, I just love em! Oh yea, I almost forgot, Wayne Haun was there also--doing a great job on the piano again. GVB hit the stage right after our guys. I was glad they did I’ll Tell It Wherever I Go…I like the songs where Wes has a time to shine. Gotta support my Alabama guys! Speaking of Alabama guys, Gordon Mote rocks! I love the songs he does solo—Don’t Let Me Miss The Glory, Old Gospel Ship, Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand…. It just doesn’t get any better!

At intermission, we went to say hi to Ernie. He asked us how long our drive was…they know we are crazy enough to drive for hours. Got a good hug and a picture. About this picture…well, it seems that Labernie showed up when he heard there would be a photo op! (((Thanks Ernie))) Speaking of Ernie, he was dressed quite normal. Lindsey even said, “Does he…match?” I didn’t know what to think—no bunnies, no safety pins, what is the world coming to??? Anyway, he looked great—they all looked exceptionally spiffy—from the tip of their beautifully spiked hair to their shoes. It was wonderful seeing them again. We miss them so easily! We get home after a concert, rest for a few minutes, then we miss them again! It’s a vicious cycle…

After intermission, we went back to our seats and Kevin was drawing names for the $200 give away from Gaither. You will never guess who won—LINDSEY! She was the last name to be called. She screamed so loud when they called her name—people from every direction turned and looked. She got to go to the stage and she was on the big screen during the time when Bill would ask their names. Tim talked to her while she was up there. Pretty cool! She is thinking about giving it away to the animal shelter—she’s an animal nut, so the shelter will more than likely be receiving some money soon. Ah, this was the best Homecoming we have been to! I can hardly wait for Meridian and Pensacola!

Thanks guys! You always make our drive worth while!

More fun to come in 2008???

I have been filling out my calendar this morning-- adding important school dates and times, clinical hours, ect...I have also been studying the SSQ concert schedule to see how many potential concerts there are for us this year. With 3 down in the books already, I am hoping to see many more dates scheduled for us southern folks! Not that I didn't enjoy the traveling days of 2007, but it got expensive--flights, hotels, rental cars--I am jobless until graduation, so money is tight until I see that RN license come in the mail. I can't wait till the first concert for us this year! I am really excited about it since we got really good seats and it just so happen to fit into my clinical schedule--barring any type of schedule change on my end *keeping fingers crossed and a prayer sent everyday* So, in addition to all these concert jitters I am ALREADY suffering from, I start my preceptorship this semester at the hospital I plan on working for! Preceptorship hours are crazy! I have to put in 150 total preceptor hours along with the twelve 8 hour clinicals that are required for this semester! I may be showing up to that concert in my scrubs! But, like Ernie always says, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Oh my....I didn't realize

It's been FOREVER since I made a blog entry! What in the world has been occupying my time so that I cannot blog!?!?!? Well first of all, school almost killed me--I have never been so nervous about an exam in my life! The final for the fall semester was the only test that has EVER made me sick! I am so glad that part is over with. With four semesters down and one to go, nursing school is coming to an end. Seems like I just started out, but I am almost finished! The one thing that I look forward to the most is not having to wear those ugly white uniforms--hideous! Who ever decided to dress a bunch of girls in all white was crazy!

Secondly, I have been following four of the greatest guys all over the United States during 2007. 12 concerts really will spoil a person. 3 airplane rides will totally turn a person against the airline industry. 1 scuffed rental car will make you wish you took out the insurance to cover that little mishap at the Steak and Shake...oops! $117.oo worth of scrapbook materials and photos will make your checkbook sad and your heart smile--especially when you look at the finished product! Looking back, 2007 has been an AWESOME year! It was full of SSQ...how could it NOT be great?

Thirdly, I had been changing bedrooms. I moved the majority of my junk into the bigger bedroom. That was a disaster! I can't even talk about it--LOL

Fourth, my laptop has been out of commission--bad DVD/CD drive. It's been in the shop getting fixed. You never realize how much a small machine can make your life miserable until it stops working. I was stuck with the big desktop--old faithful. That PC has been through a lot. I am glad she is still hanging in there!

So, to make a quick ending here--I have been extremely busy! I hope to be back to blogging on a regular basis. I won't know anything until school starts back. Something tells me it may be another 3 months before my blog gets updated! Yikes~

Twenty Things To Remember!

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every

day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of

shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants

us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so

enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise

it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again.

Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires

courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage

and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress

when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.

Your character is what you really are, while your reputation

is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm,

when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the

angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life

and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have

lived the width of it as well.

Did You Know?

Add Random Facts to your profile!

funny myspace comments

Vrrrrooooommmm!

I suddenly remember why I stopped going to the races....SUNBURN! I am miserable! My oh so tender neck is like a fiery furnace radiating heat to my already scorched face. I used sunscreen, but of course the sun felt it necessary to show me that the application process needs to be repeated several times throughout a 3 hour period....


Anyway, I managed to get a few decent pics...those rockets zoom by just a little to fast for a quality shot....

A View From Heaven--Devotional

Encouragement for Today - Oct. 4, 2007

October 4, 2007

A View from Heaven

By Van Walton

“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…” John 17: 21 (NLT)

Devotion:

Fall has arrived, meaning football season reigns, All across the U.S. family rooms, sports bars, and stadiums rock and roar with victory chants, loyal cheers, and triumphant shouts. Nothing is quite like a sports stadium full of excited fans where everyone comes together to cheer the home team to victory.

Most Saturdays my husband and I can be found right in the middle of the spectator storm! Recently, while sitting in the stands, God invited me to witness the game from His point of view. That’s right…. at a football game God showed me a glimpse of His desire for humanity.

For two consecutive seasons our tickets have been located in the end zone – not a bad place if you are high and lifted up, sitting inside! From that vantage point I watched as over-the-top pomp and circumstance ushered in our team. Thirty minutes before kickoff, the caged and snorting mascot arrived, led by a high-stepping band and adoring cheerleaders. The drums and trumpets might as well have announced the arrival of a supreme world leader the way the fans went crazy while a mere pig rolled around the track! When the entire band marched onto the field, the crowd roared, stood, and, all in one accord, sang the national anthem and our school song. Then, in no time, a perfect human A-shaped runway took shape complete with flying flags, banners, pom poms, glitz and glitter. Just when I thought the noise had climaxed, the entire stadium began to rock and thump. The frenzy gone wild has to be experienced in order to understand how out-of-control 75,000 men, women and children behave seconds before their team runs out on the field.

For the next two hours scores of people worked together to win a game. From ushers to vendors, water boys to coaches and every fan - all united for one common cause – to win. And win we did!

While I sat in my comfy seat God turned my thoughts heavenward. In the midst of fan frenzy I began to reflect on His position – high and lifted up, sitting in His throne watching the game of life we all play. From my position in The Hog Heaven Club– yup that is the name of the club house in the Razorback Stadium - I understood how He delights in His children when they unite for one cause.

I left the game that Saturday with a new goal – work at all costs to unite with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to delight my Father. I am without excuse because He has given me a clear illustration as to how I am to live. He has called me to cheer on those who fight life’s battles. He has called me to march beside those whose goal is godly victory. He has called me to encourage those who struggle. Above all else, He has called me, and you, to experience such perfect unity that the world would know that God sent Jesus to show His love for all.

All together now – Go! Fight! Win!

Father, You stop at nothing when You want to teach us life’s lessons. I stand amazed that You would chose to reach me in the midst of a loud and crazy football stadium. I want to play life’s game well, pleasing You in all I do. It is an honor to be part of Your team, but I need Your strength and encouragement to participate consistently. I ask for Your wisdom to play well, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton

Welcome to Community by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

Sponsor a child through Compassion International

Application Steps:

Read the following verses that give insight into God’s will for our lives:

John 17, Matthew 18:10-14, 21-35, 20:25-28, Luke 10:25- 37, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, James 1:27

Reflections:

Do I live to please myself, others, or God?

How can my life reflect that of a spiritual team player?

Power Verses:

Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command, ‘Love you neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” (NLT)

Colossians 3:1-2, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven…” (NLT)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

Countdown!

I am ready already!

So, I have been watching the Together DVD on the Gaither site for about 2 days now....It's not helping me be patient for September 16! I can't wait! Although I am excited I am also depressed. This will be our last concert for this year--number 8.
I have a feeling I will be forced to attend a Gaither Homecoming date just to curb my concert appetite....but it's just not the same :-(

Wow! What else can be said about such a night! First off, we left extremely early to stand outside in line in the 105 degree (no joke) heat. By the time we got inside we were on the verge of heat strokes. We RAN, not walked, RAN to claim our treasure…2^nd row seats! WooHoo! That made all the heat a little more bearable! After claiming our seats, we went back out to the product tables and graced the guys with our presence once again. We took a few pictures and talked with a couple of message boarders. Doug said “Man, it’s been a LONG time since we have seen you guys!” Haha…it’s only been 12 hours! All 5 of us wore our matching shirts so they really couldn’t miss us…we stuck out in a good way!

After the opening “concert” from Bill Gaither we all joined in the clapping chant for our SSQ! They ran out on stage and the fun began! They opened with “Someday” and went right into “Our Debts Will Be Paid”. “Glory to God in the Highest” came next and that’s when I lost the note pad….all it takes is one “jumping up and clapping fit” and I lose my note pad! I do apologize so very much for not having a “real” song list. I will try to make up for it!

Gordon sang his new song, “Don’t Let Me Miss The Glory” and I bought the CD just for that song. It’s wonderful! He sang a few more while the guys were taking a little break. He talked about his wife and the new arrival that is soon to join this world sometime in September. What a super guy…there are just no other words to describe him. I must give two thumb up to our crowd…we were very motivated! Gordon Mote came back from intermission in an Alabama Football jersey….we love our football here! The back of the jersey said “G. Mote”…too funny! Gordon was trying to explain to Ernie the love we all have for some good college football here in Alabama, which led to a new twist on an old joke from Ernie. The guys did a couple of songs with only Gordon playing…those were a nice surprise for us!

How could I not mention the “Happy Bear”? He made his big entrance and had the whole crowd singing along. I bought one of the bear’s last night and I love it! I have played it several times since then. It makes me feel like I am at a concert!

After Gordon sang another new song for us, Ernie’s stories of George’s neighbor brought tears to every eye in the crowd—including the ones on stage! George ‘loved him’ to Jesus….that is a great story! I will never get tired of hearing it!

After “I Pledge My Allegiance”, Ernie had all the veterans to remain standing—the thing about tonight that was different from any other concert I had been to was that Ernie had the guys passed out special made T-shirts for all the veterans. I cannot remember exactly what they said, but you should have seen the number of veterans that were there—Thank God for our troops! That particular part of the concert was very moving and Spirit filled….we applauded our veterans for what felt like an eternity. I still have glory bumps and if I could put in words what I saw on the faces of all the guys, you would cry. I am still wiping tears off my face.

As the concert progressed you could really tell that the Spirit was in Birmingham Alabama. This, by far, has been the best concert I have seen. There was not a dry eye in the house during Ernie’s stories and speeches. Doug’s tears brought tears to my eyes and from there on out we all needed a little Kleenex. This is the first time I had ever seen Ernie in tears—what a blessing to hear and see the love he has for his Lord and Savior.

During “He Made A Change”, I always love the part where Ernie and Doug sing together. There’s just something about those two voices together that I love. Gordon stepped up and helped out some on that one. I feel like that song was meant just for me….HE MADE A CHANGE!

During “Pray For Me”, we had a little surprise for all the guys that went over perfectly! I hate to give the story away because we talked it over with Ernie about doing it again at the Macon concert in September since we have front row seats. Ernie had a great suggestion about it….so, I won’t spoil the surprise. Those of you that saw it…you are sworn to secrecy…..All the guys loved it! Doug caught us coming out after the concert was over and he LOVED it! I wish I could have videoed it, but I was a part of it. Ryan’s exact words were…” You guys are CRAZY!” (That should be enough to keep your interests peaked!)

“John In the Jordan” always cracks me up! That Ryan…he is quite a sight to see! His grandmother was there for the show. She sat right behind us and she was a darling! She jumped up and cheered her grandbaby on during “Get Away Jordan”.

“I Then Shall Live” is the real tear jerker of the evening. I know I have said this before, but I am going to say it again….when the music is building up and they burst into “Your Kingdom come…” I could just leap out of my skin! I love that song and from the applause and tears, so did everyone else. Ernie was really feeling the Spirit by now. There are no words to express how genuine and wonderful this concert was. And on top of the heartfelt speech after, Ernie sang “Oh What A Savior”….he was just determined to keep us all crying, but in a good way.

After the concert, we got to spend some “quality” time with David and Ernie…what crazy guys! I love the pics we got with them. Thanks Ernie, for being so….You! Doug makes me smile no matter what he does, can’t help being drawn to his personality and smile. Ryan still amazes me…he used to be so shy….what happened to him!? Tim….what can you NOT say about Tim!

This has been the BEST concert I have seen! I hope that SSQ decides to come back next year! We were a full house, but more importantly, we left with the Spirit of God in our hearts and minds, and a sweet sweet sound in our ears! I love you guys! Thanks for all you do!

Fun Fun Fun

I am just gonna start at the beginning! We left our house pretty early—around 1:00. GA time is an hour ahead of us and I knew they would be doing road work, so better safe than sorry!!! We got to the church about 2 hours early so we rode around for about an hour just looking at stuff. They opened the doors early—thank goodness! It was so HOT out there!!!!!! When we first went in, we found our seats and tried to take a few pics and talk to the guys before the concert started. We got our pics taken with all of them including Gordon Mote. That was my first time meeting him and I must say, what a sweetheart! He is a very nice man. He was telling a lady standing near us that Kimberly is due in another 6 weeks or so. He was praying the baby could wait till then so he could be home for the delivery.

We made our way up to the tables to see the guys when all of a sudden a guy with a video camera comes our way. Lindsey and I part, thinking he just needs to walk past. Nope, he told us to get back together and he started asking us questions…”Why are you here, how many concerts have you been to, etc…” Well, we had no clue what the interview was about until after he had already videoed us making idiots of ourselves….he works with Muzik 3:16—we may possibly end up on EH&SS TV. Just a warning in advance…..we had no clue what he was up to, so we look like absolute morons talking to that camera!!! When we talked to the guys Ryan said, “Haven’t I seen you two lately?” We told him Ft. Worth was the most recent time that we graced them with our presence J He was a little shocked that we came from Alabama to Ft.Worth. We bought a bear—haha…I asked them to sign it and Doug laughingly said, “The only place there is to sign him is on his butt.” The facial expression that went along with the statement was priceless! In conversation with Doug, we were telling him we would be at the Birmingham concert also since we live right outside of Bham. He asked us all about Wright’s Music Hall—how big it is, where it’s at….that kind of stuff. He said they have been waiting all summer for the Birmingham venue…they were really looking forward to it. He graciously thanked us for “always showing up” hehee…we have turned into to groupies! Tim was so nice, as always. He also thanked us for coming….again! Ernie was hiding—we thought either Doug or Ryan may have given him the heads up that the “crazy camera girls” were here….hehee

As the concert started more people filled the church. The entire lower section was sold out and there were very few seats available in the balcony. I did not make a song list...bad Jennifer! We clapped and clapped and screamed and screamed! The night was perfect! Aside from being a little warm in the church—I could not have asked for a better trip! All my favorite songs were done, Gordon did a few songs, Ernie talked about some stuff…I know we have all heard it before, but I never get tired of hearing what he has to say. I will never get tired of the same jokes or stories—we have too much fun to get tired of it!

During intermission we looked for Ernie—still MIA—we were sure of it now…they DID rat us out! Gordon opened the show back up and the guys came in shortly afterwards. About another hour of clapping and clapping, screaming and screaming….fun fun fun! “I Then Shall Live” always gets me….that part where the music is building…then BOOM! “YOUR KINGDOM COME…..” Oohhh…glory bumps still!

After the concert we spotted the one the only—Ernie. We chatted for a brief minute or so and got him to sign our posters that we bought in Ft.Worth. He signed our bear and he told me to play it every day before I get out of bed to give me a good start for the morning…don’t worry, just be happy! He took a pic with me and my mom—that one is becoming my favorite pic. He thanked us for showing up—again! He gave us the official name—ROADIES! We have progressed to the roadie category. I guess by telling them we were coming to a concert the very next day didn’t help our cause….it’s OK to be a roadie….I like it!

I'm Baaack!

Wow! Where should I even start! Our flight left on time and we arrived in DFW at about 10:30 Saturday. We then proceeded to the "Fridays" at the airport. We had to waste some time until our check-in at the hotel. We rented a car...a PT Cruiser....man, that thing was U-G-L-Y!!! That was pretty much all there was left to choose from! After renting the car we checked into the hotel. This was by far the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at....I felt a little uneasy driving around DFW with only mapquest at my side, but it got us to the hotel so I guess I can't complain too much. When we got to the hotel, the two lazy folks took a nap while I tried to get all our stuff together for the concert. I took my photo album with all our concert pictures in it for the guys to sign. (I was hoping they wouldn't put out a restraining order on me after seeing ALL those pics). Good news, we only missed 2 turns on the way to the auditorium Saturday! :-)


As soon as we drove up into the parking lot, we got out and took a few pictures of the auditorium. We started to walk back to our car when what did I see.....Erniefan and her brother, Warren! I spotted Warren's red suspenders and then Erniefan's curly hair and I knew that had to be them....I hurried over to their truck and there it was.....instant hugs and laughs! We waited a while to actually get in the auditorium, so Erniefan, Warren, Lindsey, mom, and I just stood around talking for a while. Lindsey and I went in to find a restroom and we saw a few familiar faces. We took a peak inside the seating area but got run off by a "mean old lady" sitting in the back row eating popcorn...she was really rude! I guess she thought we were gonna steal a chair or something...LOL We DID have PERMISSION to be in there....anyway, when the doors officially opened, we found our seats....WAY up in the balcony, then went back down to take some pictures with the guys and MB'ers. I met sweet miss Hannah and her mom~such sweet smiling faces to remember! I met Janet...it was so nice to finally "see" the real person! Of course, long awaited hugs were exchanged and pictures were taken ***Janet, if you are reading this, don't forget to send me a copy of our picture together***


The funniest part of the Saturday show had to be when they sang "John In The Jordan". There are no words to describe how funny that was! After the concert, we went to Chili's and ate supper. I don't know if we got there really early or really late because we missed the MB table until we had already ordered....OOPS! After we ate, we went over and took some more pictures with the MB and talked for a while. I met several MB'ers~ Janet, Brayden, Kylan, Pam, Gran, Hannah, Diane, Kay, Warren, Aleisha, Misti, Ricks, Mitch...I may have left someone out. My memory is still fried from all those concert memories :-) After all that talking and eating, it was probably close to 12:30 AM before we got back to the hotel, so we were really tired.


Sunday, we got up late so we were rushing to get checked out on time. We left the hotel around 11:30 and ate "breakfast" at Denny's near the auditorium. Afterwards, we kept looking for a grocery store or department store of some kind to buy some sunglasses for Lindsey....no luck! We eventually parked at the auditorium about an hour before the doors opened. We got more pictures and more hugs from all the MB'ers there. I tried to get a poster signed, but Ernie was really hard to keep up with that night. I got the poster's signed by everybody but him....oh well...I will try again in Georgia. Thanks to a **MB angel**, we got the center section, 3rd row seats for Sunday's concert!!! That was so much better than sitting way up in the balcony! I loved every minute of the concert! "John In The Jordan" was even funnier sitting up close!


We had to leave the Sunday concert early because we had a plane to catch so we left around 5:30. We had to return the rental car and find our way to get our plane tickets and the correct gate. As luck would have it, our flight was delayed over 2 hours and switched gates 4 times! We could have stayed for the entire concert! Ahhh!!! We ended up getting home at 2:00 AM and I had to be back up at 4 for clinicals....I am still recuperating from the lack of sleep! I had such a wonderful time in Texas this weekend! A little sleep deprivation is a small price to pay for such a wonderful trip! I hope to do it again soon.....just maybe with a better airline experience and better directions! Being lost in a big city with a time limit is scary!!!!

What time is it?

It's almost concert time! Only 2 days and a few hours stand between me and a plane leaving for Texas! Can't wait to blog about it!

You can say that again...

“Experience is what you get when you do not get what you want.”
~Unknown

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
Helen Keller

“Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.”
~Unknown

“To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”
Elbert Hubbard

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Eleanor Roosevelt

I have really been thinking about the quote that says "To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." I kept thinking about Ernie's post on the MB about the "distractors" and I think that particular quote fits in well with the post. No matter what you say or do, there will always be someone there to critique what you are doing. Basically, to avoid criticism you must do nothing, say nothing.....BE nothing. What a way to live....