Saturdays...

I've been on the phone with a friend from Nashville (who shall remain nameless) all morning... so I haven't written anything on the blog. It occurs to me that it should be against the law for some people to operate a computer, especially in Tennessee.

Alrighty, we finally got cleaned up and hung out this afternoon with the pastor of the church we are singing at tomorrow and tomorrow night. I'm falling in love with Xaxby's! I love their buffalo flavor... everything on the menu is great!

After dinner we came back to the trailor and was challenged by Colton and Spencer to a game of basketball. After pastor and I beat them like a drum 11-1, they unashamedly asked for a best-of-3 series. We knew we could dominate them at any time, so we began to shoot ourselves out of the next game. It was close but we lost 9-11. Since we played in street clothes and the boys were in gym clothing, I must admit we were at a disadvantage. But with experience on our side, we completely dominated them, beating them like little girls to the tune of 11-2. I can't wait to share the scores with the congregation tomorrow morning as I introduce the boys. He who has the microphone, has all the power! Haha I just hope I can get out of bed in the morning without having to crawl on my hands and knees. It is going to be an Advil kind of night. I love being the "Larry Bird/Jackie Moon" of Pentecost.

Living for the Weekend!

Another Friday has arrived! Today is a lazy day for the most part. We need to wash clothes and I'm putting that chore off until later in the day. We are meeting a pastor and his family for dinner later this evening. The boys' activities today include shooting basketball, watching videos, practicing the music, eating, wrestling, and complaining of being bored.

I've been doing some computer work today and reminded of God's goodness and His unlimited blessings in my life. The wheels are turning as to the direction my life is taking. I'm excited about all the possibilities that are in store for our family. I am praying for God's perfect will in our lives. Please help me pray for a more clear understanding of His plan for my life, and for us to make the right decisions. From today's phone calls, emails, and conversations, I have been encouraged and reminded that God is at work not only in my life, but in the lives of many of my friends. I want to become Kingdom minded. I desire a servant's heart. I want to reach the world with God's message of hope, love, and peace. I'm very appreciative of the gifts He has given us. I have been so blessed to have such a loving and close family, and to be surrouned by so many wonderful friends who are "real". I don't have time for fakes. I have no desire to be around those who choose to go through the motions in service unto God. No more playing around. It is time to become all we can be... in Christ.

Leaks!!!

I woke up early this morning to find what appears to be a leak somewhere in the bathroom, either around the toilet or the shower. The carpet outside the doorway is wet and it must be repaired. So, I am going to unplug things and head toward the RV service center while the boys are still sleeping. Maybe they will take a walk-in customer and get us taken care of so we can continue enjoying our summer! Say a prayer for us today... More later

$85 later the leak is repaired. I am amazed there is a two week wait for RV service. I'm even more amazed at how they took me in as the first customer of the day. And I'm even more amazed at the great conversation I had with the young man who repaired our leak. It seems there was a leak in the toilet. It also seems there are many people in the world who are hurting, who suffer from past setbacks in their lives, people who are reaching out for help from someone who may possibly have an answer to their lives. My answer is Jesus. This young man just lost his dad to a heart attack at the age of 55. I just lost my mother in April. We both shared our hearts, and simply talking about things sometimes is a great help. He seemed sympathetic to us since we travel and help churches out with their music. (I guess I would feel sorry for me too. Ha!) All in all, God had his reasons for allowing me to procrastinate until today to get the leak repaired. My path crossed with a hurting individual who may come hear us play this weekend. More than that, he might connect with a local church here that can offer him some help, and understanding to life's dissapointments. We are all on a journey to find peace, joy, and happiness for our lives.

A side-trip to Wal-Mart was successful to the tune of $50. That will hold us for a while. As I sit here typing this blog, a fan is blowing in the back near the bathroom to dry the carpet. Colton is sitting beside me singing falsetto (worse than the Bee Gees), which is more annoying than you could ever imagine. Spencer is playing his 357,472,891th game of the summer on Xbox. Tate is... oh my goodness! Where is Tate?!?!

We finally found Tate and got everyone to dinner on time. The bishop's wife made for us, are you ready for this? Barbeque chicken, cream style corn, buttered rice, lima beans, homemade biscuits, sweet tea, and to top it all off... peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream!!! Aren't you feeling sorry for us now? I can count on probably less than 4 or 5 fingers, no, probably on two fingers (now that my mom is passed away) of people I know who make homemade biscuits. Is it a lost art? It is a dying talent. Pause... I just re-read the list of items we had for supper! Amazing!

After the boys got showered and straightened up the RV, I went next door to our friend Nate Whitley's rv and spent some quality time with him discussing life's goals and making a difference in the lives of others. It is very refreshing to meet a young person (28 years old) who is filled with passion, and talent to go with it. I believe you'll be hearing of great things coming from the life of Nate Whitley. He is an incredible speaker, and full of energy. (He is an awesome drummer too!) Colton just informed me that tomorrow is "wash day". I had better get to bed and rest up for tomorrow's activities.

Another Hump-Day

We made it to Asheboro, NC today and everyone is getting ready for a concert tonight. After some problems with our MH hookup, we are finally ready to clean up and tune up. The boys had a great time in Concord! It was wonderful to have mom with us as well. She flew home Monday afternoon and we're missing her already.

Since then though, we've just about overdosed on the shopping malls! Nearby Charlotte has a wonderful mall called South Park, and the Concord Mills Outlet has the always-popular NASCAR go-cart attraction! We were lucky since yesterday was buy 1 get 1 free day! Alrighty! On the last ride of the night, Spencer was banned for life from all NASCAR attractions. A combination of wreckless driving and his boxers showing out of his pants all day long (even in NC) warranted the ban.

I'll write more tonight. After the concert we will go eat somewhere, and then hit a Wal-Mart Supercenter for some groceries and other goodies.

The concert went great and the boys outdid themselves! They're becoming quite the traveling band. A regular Jonas Brothers! (especially Tate) Our friend Evangelist Nate Whitley was in town and sat in with us on drums. Not only is he an outstanding evangelist, he can tear up a drum kit! It's always good to play with guest musicians. Chili's was still open by the time we got around to eating. The buffalo chicken fajitas are becoming my favorite! For some reason we hadn't eaten since lunch time. Oh yeah, we haven't made a run to Wal-Mart yet for groceries. Tomorrow will be dedicated to washing clothes, buying groceries, etc.

Hotel Checkout

I am convinced it would be easier to...

This was my opening sentence to the blog on Monday morning. As you can imagine, the chaos that filled our hotel room was maximized so, that my mind was completely jumbled to the point I couldn't even finish the opening sentence.

And now that I've had a couple of days to look back to those moments... I remember so vividly as to the reason I left the blog empty, until now. Lucky Kim. She was able to fly home Monday afternoon, while I am stuck here with the boys. Just kidding! It isn't that bad at all. We're just making memories... and Kim will join us in Knoxville next Friday for a wonderful weekend together in the Gatlinburg area. I can't wait!

Sunday - The Lord's Day

7:30 AM arrived sooner than I expected!!! We are all very tired and still recovering from last night's concert. But we know that great things are waiting for us this morning. Everyone's getting ready and dressed, and the guitars will be tuned pretty soon. Then it will be time for a God moment!

I can see myself either passing on lunch altogether, or just hitting a drive-thru on the way back to the hotel where my pillows and soft mattress awaits me for at least a 3 hour Sunday afternoon nap. I'll keep you updated. Meanwhile, I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday morning service and enjoys time spent with your family and friends.

So much for a drive-thru lunch. A bunch of people went to Texas Roadhouse Grill and by the time we got back to the room, we only have about an hour before rehearsal. I also never knew Willie Nelson owns that restaurant. (At least that is what I am told.) I am so tired! Which was more important? Lunch or sleep? Time will tell...

Tonight's service was a blowout! The boys did great playing the music. I can really see a lot of progress in their musicianship. All except that Tate fell asleep on the stage and knocked over Spencer's guitar. I was afraid it was one of the other musicians' $2,600 Taylor acoustic guitar. I heard the noise but was afraid to turn around and look. During the message, Tate sat by me off to the side, up in the choir loft. He fell asleep about 10 minutes into the sermon. Kids can be so cute. Tate is the life of the party! Everyone just adores him. Then again they aren't here as I am typing this blog. It is 11:53 pm, and by the looks of things, he must have drank at least 5 or 6 soft drinks. I can't watch the kids all the time. Ha!

Kim's flight is 4:30 pm tomorrow and we'll miss her badly. She helped us wash clothes, put up with our foolishness, and takes good care of us in many ways. Maybe one last trip to the outlet mall enroute to the airport tomorrow will make her trip complete. Goodnight to all...

Saturday Night Live!

Today was awesome! The church that hosted tonight's concert also had a huge community carnival in their parking lot today. The boys played and had a wonderful time, especially throwing baseballs at the dunk tank! We had some North Carolina barbeque at Troutman's BBQ for lunch, and I have to admit it was very good. The boys' afternoon naps were brief, and then it was time to get back for a soundcheck.

A special friend of mine Todd Parrot flew in from Albuquerque, NM for the concert. Todd is probably one of the best harmonica players on earth. He is for sure, my favorite. Some people call the harmonica a "french harp". I'll have to research as to why, and let you know the reasoning at a later date. Todd mesmerized the audience with his dazzling performance! It isn't easy following such an extremely talented individual such as Todd Parrot. So I did the most logical thing and made sure about halfway through my set, I included Todd in the rest of my songs. His playing made such an impression on my son Spencer, that he wants to buy a harmonica first thing Monday morning. Also, what makes Todd's playing so special is he is one of the most humble musicians I've ever met. A real talent, unlike those who think they are "all that and more", just because of their last name, or where they live, or who they work for. Real talent speaks for itself. Not only was I delighted to share the stage with Todd Parrot tonight, I was especially thrilled to see my boys also playing with him. Memories. We're just making summertime, life-long memories.

We had a wonderful dinner at Chedder's after the concert with some new friends we met here in Concord. One of the joys of traveling the country is meeting so many new and wonderful people. And of course, all of the young people (my boys included), had their own thing happening... on the opposite side of the restaurant.

Its almost 1:00 am, and the gang are all zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Tomorrow we'll play in both AM and PM services here in Concord. I can't wait! I also can't wait for a couple of days off, starting on Monday!