Only in Nashville

We just got back from a benefit concert at our church for the victims of the tornadoes that went through middle Tennessee a few weeks ago. It was sort of a "writers in the round" type feel with Bebo Norman, Christy Nockels (formerly of Watermark), Brandon Heath, & Jason Ingram, and it was wonderful. They did a few songs we knew and lots of new stuff that was just incredible. Music has always been something that moves me, but I am just blown away when I get the opportunity to meet and hear the writers of such powerful songs. It was especially cool tonight to watch these artists use their God-given talents in such a generous way. It was a free concert with a love offering that will go directly to tornado relief efforts, but they also went one step further and had a sign-up sheet for anyone who wants to join them in a couple weeks to go work in some of these areas. Our names are on the list, so we're excited to see how God will use this!

At the end of the night there was a special "surprise" appearance by none other than Michael W. Smith - affectionately known as "Smitty" around here (this is where my title comes from, because really that sort of thing only happens here in Nashville - I love it!). And I've got to admit, there really is no one like him. The other artists left the stage, and after the offering plates were passed Smitty walks onto the stage, sits down as his piano and before long the whole room has errupted in worship. We sang several songs, including one of my favorites "How Great is Our God" - one that we had at our wedding. And while we were singing this song I was simply struck by the overwhelming faithfulness of our God. Dan & I sang that together at the wedding alter nearly two years ago, surrounded by our friends and family, and rather unsure of what the future held. And there tonight we sang it again, surrounded by new friends, in a new church we have grown to love, and at a completely different place in our lives. God knew on March 18, 2006 that he wanted Dan & I to be here in Nashville in March of 2008, leading a community group, working through PA school, planning events for GMA, and continuing to take steps towards a life of ministry as He directs us. And tonight as we sang that same song, I held that same hand and praised the very same God, knowing that He will be just as faithful to us the next two years, and the next two years after that, and forever as He has been to us in these first two years of our marriage.

Oh, and Bebo was there tonight, and we had a Bebo song at our wedding too. So that was kinda cool.