Lead Me On

I got to meet Amy Grant on Sunday night. It was one of the most exciting three minutes I have ever spent with anyone.

For those of you who don't know, or haven't just picked up on it, I am a huge fan. I have been for as long as I can remember! My parents have an audio recording of me singing "The Lord Has a Will," one of her earliest songs, when I could barely even talk. "Tennessee Christmas," her first song off her first Christmas album, is how I officially start my Christmas season every year. Her music has been the backdrop to many of my most precious memories. The Lord never fails to use her words, honest and true, to lift me up and remind me that I am not alone.

I realize she may be considered controversial by some in the Christian community, but there are very few artists I respect more. Throughout all of the multiple articles, books and interviews I have read concerning her, she has shone with graciousness and dignity, despite rumors and falsities swirling around her. She is nothing if not genuine. And she deeply loves the Lord and her family.

Anyway, the concert was held Sunday night at the church where my dad is on staff. That morning, she surprised everyone by singing two different times during the service. It was incredible to see her that close. My mom and I had front and center tickets that evening with our lifelong friends, Diane and Christine (who equally love Amy). Christine and I have DREAMED of getting to talk with her face to face, so we were beyond excited when we got two backstage passes to meet her after the show. The concert was really amazing - she sang nothing released after 1988, so it was all of her old, really good stuff. Christine and I laughed and cried through the entire show. It's amazing how music can take you back.

When our turn to talk finally came, all of the things we wanted to say just flew out the window. It's so hard to know where to start when you are trying to convey to someone the incredible impact they have made on your life. But despite all of our un-eloquence, I think she knew.

Homecoming, the elections, and a great sale

My mom and I headed south last week to see my sister Lesley perform in her first Pigskin. For those of you who have no idea what Pigskin is... in a nutshell, every spring, all of the fraternities and sororities put together a 7 minute song and dance routine, complete with costumes, backdrops and props. The best eight acts are chosen to perform during Baylor's homecoming the following fall, and that performance is called Pigskin. Not really sure why.

Anyway, we stopped in Dallas first to spend a couple of days with our relatives there. Upon our arrival, we were very pleased to learn that our visit happened to coincide with a wonderful event called the partners card sale. Once a year, you can buy a card for $60 (all profits go toward a neat pro-family organization) that allows you to save 20%, in addition to any sale prices, at more than 750 shops/restaurants in the city. Pretty much every store in Dallas. 

So, my mom and I immediately got out a map and set a game plan including the Container Store, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel. In less than 48 hours, we managed to FILL the jetta (like so I couldn't see out of the rearview mirror) with deeply discounted purchases. We are pretty proud of ourselves for saving so much and think we might have to start making this sale an annual tradition!

Homecoming was so fun - I'm embarrassed to admit that it was the first one I have attended as an alumna. My dear friend Carrie drove up from Austin to spend the weekend with us, and we had a great time reliving old memories. Our first stop in Waco was Common Grounds. Yummm! Has anyone else been there recently??? It's a completely different building, but thankfully, the coffee is just the same. We decided against the bonfire (it was waaaayyy too hot that night to be standing by a huge fire) but we did get up early the next morning for the parade. We also skipped the game (which turned out to be quite exciting, but how were we to know?) and instead spent the afternoon at Spice. Les did a fabulous job in Pigskin - Pi Phi's act was "Mischief in the Library." It was adorable. We also got to have lunch with my Waco grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Cunningham. I think I'm going to have to start making homecoming an annual tradition along with the Dallas sale.

We got back to Wichita just in time to gear up for election day. While I could post a lot of anxious thoughts, instead I'll opt for a verse which calms my spirit during this time:

"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hands of the Lord: He turns it wherever He wishes." - Proverbs 21:1

Presidents are not, and never will be, sovereign. Thank you Lord, for giving us such a promise.

I am now in the midst of a huge project - 400 20-page programs for a wedding next week. Since I just started on them today... I better get back to work. :)