I had such a wonderful time in Indiana working with all the great people and churches. I left Lafayette on the 12th and drove down to Bedford, IN for the weekend and had a fantastic time! The young people there are terrific and it was a pleasure working with them. Who says a 45-year old can't relate to youth? They are already scheduling a couple of trips later next year to work on some their musical skills. And the church in Bedford has some wonderful "senior saints". We did everything from "All In Him" to "Take It All", from G.T. Haywood to Hillsongs. And everyone enjoyed it in the process. Just imagine. Seriously, it was a wonderful weekend with friends and people who simply love Jesus. I love including everyone in the worship experience too. It is nice whenever people of all ages come to the CD table and say how they were blessed through the music and worship. I would hate to know that someone felt excluded from God's presence just because I was one-dimensional in my worship leading, or lacked the talent to present a well-rounded worship hour. From the pastors and saints I speak with, they value the concept of a blended worship experience, and feel this is a huge struggle in many churches. Maybe it is something that should be taught to churches everywhere? Anyway, I can't wait to go back next year! Go Hoosiers!
I must admit though, it felt oh so good to get back to Nashville! (I am three states closer to home!) When I think of how I could be stuck in Kentucky right now without any gasoline in my tank. I drove the back way to I-65 and saw where gas prices were at $4.15 or more, so thought I'd wait and get gas in New Albany, IN which is across the river from Louisville, KY. No can do. The stations were out and people were driving across the river into Louisville which was also a mess since many stations were out. I was pretty much between 1/16th of a tank and empty. Yes, I am a man of great faith. Or is it simply dangerous living? I drove south of Lousiville about 8 miles and found a Pilot station with gas for $3.99. I pull in, go in and give the lady $220 which I already know from a previous fill-up this summer will at least put 52 gallons into the R.V. But when I walk outside the guy is changing the price on the sign to $4.08 per gallon! $208 later, I headed toward Nashville.
When I got to the Ft. Knox exit I decided not to take it, and continued on without adding to an already exhausting mid-life crisis. (See earlier blogs) I am disappointed they haven't yet added my name to the "Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln" sign at the highway 31 exit to Radcliff. Someone needs to let the KY Dept. of Highway know I was born in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Friends had already told me gasoline in Nashville was sky high and some stations were completely out. So I stopped in Bowling Green, KY and filled up with another $43 worth. After White Castle defeated Cracker Barrel in my decision making process, I crossed the KY/TN state line and began to sing "wish that I was on 'ole Rocky Top... down in the Tennessee hills". I know once I get south of Nashville (maybe Chattanooga), there will be no more White Castle hamburgers to enjoy. (Except the dozen of frozen ones I bought in Wal-Mart that are still in the RV freezer.) I'm going mandolin shopping today with some friends and hooking up with Michael English tonight at TBN in Nashville. More later...
