Hello Dolly and Heaven!

I bet you're surprised to see "Hello Dolly" and "Heaven" in the same sentence. These two words describe only some of my recent experiences in Texas. In July, I was blessed with the opportunity to join some friends from church to attend the 2008 National Worship Leader's Conference in Austin, Texas. OH MY GOSH! It was amazing! Think about being SATURATED with worship experiences for four days straight. We heard from some of the most amazing, profound and well known speakers in the Christian community...and the music....all the big names in the business! Don Moen, Paul Baloche, Leland, Chris Tomlin, Tommy Walker, Rush of Fools, Gateway Worship (with my very own favorite Kari Jobe!)....and the list goes on and on. They really made a concerted effort to demonstrate all styles of worship music and it was FANTASTIC!!!! I wish my life was like that every single day! I can only imagine that what I experienced was just a fraction of what we'll experience in Heaven.

So now for some pictures....

Leon, our Senior Worship Pastor is not in this photo (but miraculously made it into the BBQ photos). Pictured here are L to R (me, of course), Kimber (lead singer of Just a Vapor - check her out on My Space at www.myspace.com/justavapor - and all around great girl), Charles (Asst Worship Pastor and all around great guy, fantastic husband and dad), Preston (lead singer of Jagertown - also on My Space at www.myspace.com/jagertown - and crazy funny 27yo guy - he's taken ladies! Sorry!) and Brian (singer/songwriter, 17yo hilarious roommate to Preston - um, sorry young ladies, he's taken too!). All of these folks have tremendous hearts for God and patience with me....driving....in Austin. Seriously! Whomever created the interstate system in Austin should be shot!

Leon took us to the Texas capital (yes, he drove) and it was really amazing! Considered one of the most beautiful capitals in the United States, the architecture is stunning. On the way to the capital, we saw a couple other amazing buildings. Take a look...the first is obviously a church but I never did catch the name of the second...still, we all loved it!


The grounds are pristine scattered with Live Oaks, Pecan, Magnolia and other assorted southern trees.
The floor patterns are made of terrazo and are really beautiful. A picture from above shows the entire floor...and then a couple of close-ups (I love the fleur-di-lis pattern)



Even the chairs and light fixtures reflect the pride Texans have in their great state!


Even in our downtime, we managed to have fun. A quick trip to Guitar Center landed me in a sweet spot. I got serenaded by our singer/songwriter team members.

The conference was held at Riverbend Church. The auditorium must hold about 4500 people and looks like an indoor amphitheater. There were nearly 3000 in attendance at the conference. Here's a view of the stage. We attended several great sessions on a variety of different topics like being a more effective worship leader, songwriting, vocal technique, effective communication from the stage, the heart of worship, ministry through music, etc. There was truly something for everyone involved in a music ministry at this conference. :)

We enjoyed a lot of BBQ! The food was great and we had a lot of fun enjoying ribs, brisket and sweet tea!!!!



Oh yeah...and Hurricane Dolly made her presence known with rain bands passing through Austin. I wasn't worried at all until I pulled out of our hotel and IMMEDIATELY began to hydroplane. Seriously! It was like driving on snow. I had forgotten how rain affects the roads in the South. Texas was about 98 degrees and 75% humidity nearly every day (oh, except for the day it was 100% humidity!). At last, we were on the plane headed home to loved ones (and a less humid climate). During our time away, I think we grew closer as a worship team and closer as friends. But, there's no place like home! :)
....until we meet again!