powerless

listening to: The Struggle, Tenth Avenue North's newest album.

'Bout a month ago, my dad's sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Since Mom-mom passed, Aunt Debbie's been the matriarch of Dad's clan. Oh, and did I mention she lives five states away? So when we got the news, we couldn't even hop in the car and go see her. This is the woman whose laugh sounds just like Mom-mom's and shares my dad's smile. I only see her every two years or so, but somehow I still feel close to her. At family gatherings, when Aunt Debbie called in, I was the only kid who got the chance to talk with her. She's one of those people who just lights up a room, much like Dad and Mom-mom.
And now she's going through chemo, with just my uncle and two cousins to comfort her. I mean, they're her immediate family, but we're the extended portion---and seeing my father hide his fear for Aunt Debbie is such a struggle.

 

We were watching Doctor Who; me, Owen, and Mom. The phone rang, so Mom answered. She says hello to the other line, then goes quiet. With the show paused, I glance at Mom. Her face is rather pale, and her mouth is open, in a literal 'O.' It's her sister, Deborah---calling to say the doctor's have found cancer. She goes to the oncologist tomorrow, where she'll learn more. For an hour, Mom alternates between laughing and crying as she takes in what's happening to her older sister. I'm just in disbelief, and a flash of what life would be like without my crazy, hoarse-voiced aunt goes through my mind. Cursing my sick imagination, I push the thought away. Mom hangs up and starts sobbing. I hug her tight, wishing with all my heart I could do something to make her feel better.

I'm powerless to heal my two aunts of their cancer. I'm powerless to hug the sickness right out of them. I'm powerless to ensure they both believe that Jesus died for them. I'm powerless to keep my parents from crying in the middle of the night, when we kids can't hear. I'm powerless to make the potential sadness stay away. All I can do is watch my mom and dad suffer through the next few months, along with my aunts.

And that's what scares me most: my loved ones suffering.

I've got my Lord to comfort me; I can handle just about anything. But not knowing if my afflicted family and friends are turning to Him in their pain/grief breaks my heart. If I could, I'd honestly take their sadness in to my own heart and pray for strength to bear it. But yeah, that's kind of impossible.

I'm powerless. And it isn't a good feeling.

gosh, I hate that one word

You know, the word that leaves your heart open to ridicule, makes your voice go all soft, and gives you the feeling that everyone else in the world is way smarter than you.
Confused? Here's a hint......sorry.
So, it's more of a phrase. I'm sorry.

 I'm sorry for ditching y'all. I'm sorry for being a horrible follower myself. I'm sorry for not responding to emails, pertaining to certain blogs *cough, Raquel* I'm sorry for that really long story in the last post. I'm sorry if it made you cry {seriously, not my intent}. I'm sorry if you lovely, beautiful, sweet followers thought I really had abandoned you {or simply died. there's always that, I suppose}.
Anyway, I'm sorry. I don't even have a really good excuse for being absent, other than a lack of creativity. It's summer, so for the most part I have time on my hands. When I'm not working, attending camp, or reading, that is. Or, creating silly collages to show just how busy I've been *exaggerated wink*

 Successfully made a brownie in a mug /// Hanging out with the little cousins a whole lot /// Eating lots of popsicles in my new bedroom /// Buying too many pairs of sunglasses and taking too many pictures of moi /// Waiting eagerly for the London Olympic Games, whilst wearing an actual necklace from that lovely city {thank you, wonderful people who know they are} /// sibling bonding during a soccer game on television

summer, could you just never leave? kthanksbye.


-L
o.y. I pinky-promise to write an actual post, once my thoughts are snatched from the wind.

it's so easy with a pen and paper

I'm not good with words. 

then, why in the world do you have a blog? 

Because I'm better at writing than I am at talking.

What is that supposed to mean? 

It means that when I do have a coherent thought I'd like to convey, I'd rather write it than speak it. 

Such as....

Such as telling someone how much they mean to me. 

Don't you tell people you love them?

Yeah, every day. But often, the words "I love you" don't seem to be enough.

Like an, "actions speak louder than words" kind of thing?

No, it's more like I show the love, but I can't really explain why I love someone. And for me, that's a pretty important step I'm missing! 

~*~

I talk a lot, but oftentimes my words don't contain much. At least, the ones that come through my mouth. It's so much easier to write down the reasons I love someone, and then never show it to them. That way I can let go of the pressure held on my heart by the guilt of just saying "I love you."

Maybe, now that this romantic thing is hyping up, I'll get a bit better at expressing why I love the people in my life. Until then, to all of you people who've made my life wonderful...

I love you.

Hopefully, I'll get to tell you why someday.

always yours,

-L

more than anything, I just want to go back

for a moment, if you can, transform yourselves into my 6 year-old self, when everything was right in the world.....especially at Grandma and Mom-mom's houses.

"Grandma's House"

Marshmallows.Those big, plastic blocks.The Dragon Tales theme song.The feel of that scratchy carpet in the family room.The sounds of bullfrogs, crickets, and cicadas.The smells of woodsmoke, soap, and cookies.the library, where I spent countless hours reading and dreaming.Walker Texas Ranger on the tv screen.Playing hide-and-seek.The laughter of my cousins. The wallpaper in the front upstairs bedroom.The pink upstairs bathroom.The daybed on the backporch.Old coloring books.Running into the master bedroom during a thunderstorm.The warmth of a summer's evening.The sounding of the grandfather clock in the hallway.Rush Limbaugh's voice coming from the kitchen radio.The crunch of old leaves in the yard.Fireworks on Independence Day.Barbies and pony beads in the basement.Hitty and Narnia in the guest bedroom.Late night ghost stories and whispers.Pulling weeds from the flower beds. Penny, the sweetest dog in the world.Long walks around the neighborhood.My imaginary friend, Megan, and my imaginary pet parrot.Lemonade and strawberries covered in sugar.The very grand piano. Pokemon with Tyler.Mosquito bites and dirty feet.The crowded garage.Family parties.Earaches and my rag doll, Cornelia.Which Way USA? activity books.Magic Tree House and Boxcar Children.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Mom-mom's House"

Ham and cheese sandwiches.The front door that was never, ever used.The family room wall of mirrors.Easter baskets and bunnies.Sledding.The carport floor.Scooby-Doo on Cartoon Network."Bambi" in Pop's study.The whirliglass in the kitchen.Noodles and ham for dinner, with applesauce on the side.Listening to Rice Krispies in milk.Ben and Christopher, neighbors on either side.Chasing lightning bugs in the front yard.The splintery back porch.Christmas!Looking at skeeters while wading in the creek.The attic's musty smell.Daffodils and tulips.The 'Welcome' sign with ducks on it.The, '1-800-Mom-mom' sign in the kitchen.Saying grace while holding hands.Juicy Juice.Old Yeller and Alvin and the Chipmunks movies.Drinking apple juice from sippy cups.Darts in the basment.The year-round nativity scene in the family room.Peeled apple slices.Looney Tunes movies.Barbies and stuffed animals for Christmas.The crucifix in Mom-mom's bathroom.Paint-in-books.Lots of talking, laughing, and telling of stories on the carport.The banister-less basement stairs.That china doll with a built-in music box.'Santa' giving out gifts.Singing Christmas songs in the family room.Swinging around the basement support pillar.Pop's comfy recliner.Special vanilla-Oreo cookies.Family parties.The creepy laundry room.New books from Borders.Passing the soccer ball with Christine.Holding baby cousins on the couch.Birthdays full of love.

Obviously, there's no way I can get back to those days of innocence. But at least I can remember all these things....and at least I have memories. 

singing, "Merry Christmas, here's to many more"

There's something about this time of year that makes me feel different. Christmastime. It's my favorite time of the year. And, contrary to popular belief, it's not because of the gifts, my family or even the music. Those details just add to the whole Christmas experience.

No...it's not any of that. Christmas is special to me because it's the only time when people all over America are singing the same music. Because people are more cheerful. Because decorating my Christmas tree is the highlight of the year for me. Because my Savior was born.
Super cliche, right? What would a Christian blog be without the author saying, "Oh, my favorite part about Christmas is Jesus' birth."

But this is one of those rare times when I enjoy being cliche. 'Cause it's true! Celebrating the birth of Christ is the reason I feel so happy right now. Christmas has always made me feel safe, cozy, and loved. It's the only month out of the whole year I am truly myself. And it's all because Jesus became a baby, born in a lowly cattle shed, who's mother was Mary. God in the flesh. His Son, come to save us all. Is that amazing, or what?

So look at me now
It's finally Christmas and I'm home
Head indoors, to get out of this weather
And I don't know how
But the closest friends I've ever known are all inside
Singing together
Singing, "merry Christmas, here's to many more."

Be merry. Be joyful. Open presents, sing carols, drink loads of hot chocolate.....and thank God for the most precious gift of all.

merry Christmas,
~Lily

the will to dream

Some of my dreams are realistic. But then there are the others, the ones that might never come true. This post is about those unlikely dreams. Some are silly, some serious.....but they're all deep from within my heart.

1.Work at Disney World.

2. Have Adam Young sing Vanilla Twilight at my wedding.

 3. Have Brandon Heath sing London at my Sweet Sixteen party.

 4. Open a bookstore that looks like this with Bleah.

 5. Get these bookshelves installed in my bedroom.

 6. Ride a dragon {preferably a Nightfury}.

 7. Meet Edmund Pevensie/Skandar Keynes.

 8. Have my dream guy propose to me right here.

 9. Take a roadtrip around America in one of these.

 10. Find the wardrobe and go to Narnia.

 11. Host a huge party to meet all my blogging buddies.

12. Have this as my wedding set

13. Travel in Mom-mom's footsteps.

14. Write a book that eventually becomes a classic

15. Have a double wedding with Anna {her and Peter, me and Edmund}. 

16. Raise a family in this cottage.

17. Act in a movie

18.  Go to a concert with all of these acts, each playing my favorite songs.

and

19. Be the First Lady

20. Know that I made a difference in someone's life

And there you have it. The dreams that make me who I am. Perhaps none of these dreams will come true, but I am thankful that God gave me the gift of dreams.

Also, visit Jocee's post on dreams  and Bleah's posts on dreams. Both girls' posts helped me think of this post.

No title really captures what I'm trying to say.....

My Sister in Heaven

Many years ago, I had a sister.

For a few moments she was here on earth.

But God wanted her with Him,

So she was whisked off to Heaven, 

In the safe arms of angels.

My parents were heartbroken over losing their firstborn,

Their precious baby girl.

Almost two years later I came along,

And lifted some sadness from my parents' hearts

When I was older, Mom told me about her,

My sister in Heaven.

I was shocked, confused, but mostly sad,

For I could never spend time with her here on earth.

And so I began to miss her too,

My sister in Heaven.

But I know someday when I die,

And angels carry me off to Heaven,

She'll be the first to great me,

The first to say, "Welcome."

Then, hand in hand, we'll stroll through Zion,

Singing praises to God our King

My sister and me in Heaven.

*takes breath*

I wrote this poem on July 17, 2009. It was a few days after my mom told me that I truly do have a sister.....except she's in Heaven.

It was such a shock for me, for I had never thought that I had an older sister. I had always dreamed of having one, of course, and sometimes I would even feel like someone was missing from our little family. 

But actually learning that I have a sister-----that was a complete mind blower. Even now, two years later, I still have trouble grasping the fact that my sister lives in Heaven.

I can't even remember the number of nights I cried into my pillow, asking God why He had given me a sister....then taken her away. He knew how much I wanted an older sister---how much I needed one. So why did it feel like He was teasing me?!?

After a few months of these questions, I decided to start a journal. And in this journal, I write letters to my sister in Heaven. She can't respond to them, and I don't think she'll ever read them----but it helps me soooo much to write down all the questions I have for God. Plus, I "tell" her all the things that normal sisters would tell each other......clothes I want, boys I like, and just girl stuff in general.

I don't know if this post makes much sense to those of you with sisters, 'cause you always have that sister there with you. You can talk to her, ask her questions, and laugh about silly stuff with her.

But those of you who don't have a sister---you know what I'm talking about, right? That longing to talk with someone of your own flesh and blood.............that slight twist of your heart when you see sisters together.......that feeling of loneliness you get sometimes.

Maybe someday, if I ever get the courage, I'll post some entries from my journal. Until then, though:

I love you, my sister!!! 

Looking back on the most stressful three days EVER......

I think that a little random {albeit mostly about school} is very much needed.

1. Wow. We only have one class left in the school year.......*cue sobs mixed with joyful shouts*
Since I live 'bout 45 minutes away from all my co-op friends, I won't see them hardly at all this summer! And yet.....I'm very glad to have all the work over with.

isn't this cute? I need something cameo in my jewelry box. :p

2. Pretty much all I have left for my co-op is my science honors presentation. I'm doing it on wildfires. Pretty cool, huh? *laughs* A few other people are doing stuff like rockets and combustion. 'Twill be a fire filled class next week!!!

3. I'm really getting into The Scarlet Pimpernel, the movie we're watching in French class. The guy who plays Percy is absolutely hilarious.....and not in the best way. ;) Oh, Gandalf is in it too!! 'Cept, he kind of plays a bad guy.....which is a little discomforting.

how very Middle Earth-ish.

4. I hate getting up in front of people and giving a speech. And yet, I'm in Advanced Public Speaking. Yeah, I don't really know why either. Could have something to do with my mom being the teacher........(:
We gave our 30-minute speeches on Heaven yesterday. Some parents and siblings came, including three former students who graduated last year! It was good to see them before the year ends.


5. For the past few mornings, I've been waking up with a song playing in my head. Mostly Relient K and Tenth Avenue North, but this morning I woke up with Taylor Swift. *shrugs* I wish I could control what goes on in my head during the night.

"and I've been locked inside that house.....all the while you hold the key."

6. Speaking of music.....I'm currently obsessed with Daydreams by Breanne Duren and Shaken by Hawk Nelson. Thank you, my dear friends who have awesome playlists on their blogs. ;) Without you, I would have a teeny-tiny window of music.


7. This summer, I'm going to try and focus on the little things.....long sunny days, trips to the beach, time spent with family. As I'm getting older, I'm realizing that the little moments do become big ones, later on.

8.  It seems like everywhere I turn, love is in the air!!!! I know at least three couples who are seriously involved.......and who really need to get married!!!!! *sighs* Sadly, money is always an issue.....it seems so silly, having to start off married life with a good job. I mean, who needs money?!? *snickers*

so doing this with my husband. (:

Well, I'm off to the library for some much deserved therapy. Fingers crossed I find some good books!!!

love always,
~Lily

Where's a star when I need one?

 

Sometimes I wish I could trade places with my friends.

Then I look back at old family photos....and realize I belong with my family.

Sometimes I wish I had lived in the 1800's.

Then I consider my iPod and my computer.....and realize belong in this time.

Sometimes I wish I lived in Ireland.

Then I remember how proud I am to be an American....and realize I belong here.

Sometimes I wish I went to public school.

Then I think about all the things I've learned here.....and realize I belong at home.

Sometimes I wish I lived on a really pretty farm with no neighbors.

Then I gaze out my window at all my laughing neighbors.....and realize I belong in my neighborhood.

Sometimes I wish I was an only child.

Then I remember all the good times with my brothers......and realize they belong with me.

Sometimes I wish I didn't have freckles.

Then I get compliments on them......and realize they belong on my face.

Sometimes I wish I were a famous actress.

Then I consider all the problems they go through.....and realize I belong here at my desk.

Sometimes I wish I had a boyfriend.
Then I remember that God already has a guy picked out for me......and realize my heart belongs to him.

Sometimes I wish my family had more money.
Then I think about all the people who don't have money.....and realize how fortunate we are.

I get these thoughts all the time. But I think I am starting to {finally} realize that God has a plan and a purpose and a will for me......and I belong right here. (:

Life is fleeting

At 12:30 am Wednesday, a car packed full of five teenagers was driving down a road. Locals have nicknamed this road 'The Roller-coaster' because of all the hills and loops it takes. There are signs, warning drivers of the high hills, and rumble strips, reminding them to keep alert. But none of these things helped.

At 12:30 am Wednesday, a car full of five teenagers struck a deer. The 18-year old driver lost control, veered off the road, and slammed headlong into a tree. 

A little later, police and emergency vehicles were at the scene. The driver had remained in the car, but his passengers had all been thrown from the car. Another boy, 17, was walking around with a bleeding head wound. Three girls, ages 14, 15, and 15, were lying in the road.

The kids were all out after curfew, and none of them were wearing seat belts.


One of these girls, Kendra, never made it home.

This accident happened just up the road from where I live. When my mom told me about it, I instantly thought of my friends who live around here. I prayed desperately that none of them had been involved.

At soccer practice last night, I was thankful to see that all of my friends were safe. But then we started talking about the crash.

One said that Kendra had been her best friend in elementary school. They had grown apart since then, but my friend was still really shaken up. Later, I found out that another injured girl{still in critical condition} had been in my former Girl Scout troop before I joined.

Life is fleeting.

Nothing we have in this life is sure. At any time, it could be our time to go. My dad remarked to me that the teens involved in the crash probably felt like they were invincible.....like they could live forever. And I think I get that feeling. I mean, as young people, we don't really have dying in our "plans" for another 50 years or so. We plan on going to college, getting married, having kids, retiring.....and then we'll be ready to join Jesus in Heaven.

But God doesn't work that way. He has a time all set for us to leave this earthly home. And since we never know when that time is.....we gotta live like we're dying.




The point of this post is: always hug those you love, 'cause you never know when your last hug will be.

No, I'm not going to tell you his age.....that would be rude

Any man can be a father.  It takes someone special to be a dad.  

~Unknown

Today is my dad's birthday. Which means that this post might get a little mushy. Beware. ;)

And no, this is not the post I prepared you all for....that's coming later. *giggles*

Dear Dad,

 Today is your birthday, and even though we can't all be together, I just want you to know how much I love you. You've always been the strong, loving dad who takes time out of busy days to talk with his kids, watch their soccer games, or just sit around and do nothing. Thank you for making me laugh when I was about to cry, and for holding me when the tears just wouldn't stop. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do, and for inspiring me to live my dreams.

 

Love you, Daddy. 

 

 Your daughter

St. Patty's Day + Random = one happy girl

1. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!! While this is a fun holiday, don't forget about the actual Saint Patrick, who helped convert the 'wild' Irish. *wink wink*

And please, if you do see someone who isn't wearing green.....don't pinch them too hard. ;)

So cute....but not my image

2. March Madness is here! I love college basketball, and the two weeks or so leading up the NCAA championship game is such an exciting time for my family. This year, I'm rooting for Pittsburgh. Go Panthers!

3. The high for today is in the 60's......which makes me happy! Here's to hoping the weather stays this way for a while.

4. My lil' bro Owen has his States gymnastics meet this weekend! He's worked really hard this year, so I'm praying he does well. And, of course, wins some medals. =D

5. I made zucchini and carrot bread last night. It was delish! And, because I could see little pieces of carrot in the bread, I felt super healthy eating it. *loud guffaw*

6. I have a post coming that I'm super excited about....and I think y'all will like it too. It will probably be coming tomorrow night....so keep your eyes peeled!

7. One last thing----as my followers, what do you think of my music? Do you like the stuff I have on my sidebar, or should I put some quieter stuff on? Or should I nix it all together? Any feedback would be great!!!

Love always,

Warning: You are about to enter a fan girl zone, right about.....

now. There. You have been warned.

Normally, I would not describe myself as the 'fangirl' type. But then I heard Brandon Heath live. And, like I said before, I am forever changed.

Just for the record, this is going to be filled with some fan girl moments. Just saying. *raises eyebrow*

Give Me Your Eyes was my very first lifesong, so I was psyched to hear him perform it live!!! Along with a few other thousand voices too, of course. (:

I love Brandon's voice! And not just his singing one either. His accent is sweet {he's from Nashville} and sounds genuine to me. Aiden disagrees....but who cares what he thinks? *shoves Aiden*

Oh yeah....and Brandon was wearing a plaid shirt. Can you say, totally and utterly fantastic?!?!?

During Give Me Your Eyes, Brandon went out on the catwalk. As he was singing,
"See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what's underneath"
he reached down and high fived somegirl. Oooh, I was so jealous of her at that point!!!

*takes breath* I didn't realize how much I liked his song I'm Not Who I Was until he performed it that night. 'Twas an eye {or ear?} opening experience.

See how awesome his shirt is?!? A checkered flannel shirt.......*dreamy sigh*

Owen, Dad, and I waited in line for a little while. Thankfully, it wasn't a long wait!!!

*covers face* Ugh, can you see me blushing? And he hadn't even turned my way yet! I am such a mess. *shakes head*

He finally looks at us....and my face get even pinker. I'm praying he didn't notice...after all, the girls in front of us had practically been screaming at him!!!!

Mom, I have never loved you more than this moment.......she actually got a picture of me shaking Brandon Heath's hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*takes breath* Okay, I'm better now. But, seriously....his handshake was spectacular. Nice and firm, but not crushing either....just perfect. 

Me: I'm a huge fan, but I don't have your new cd yet. *insert shameful face*

Brandon: Well, you'll just have to go over and buy it! My merch stand is right over there. *points to his left*

Dad: Oh yeah, we'll totally do that!

Brandon: And after you buy it, come on over and I'll sign it for you

I almost faint at this point

Brandon {to the security guard}: Once she gets back *points to me* with the cd, just let her in the front....she doesn't need to wait in line again.

Dad: Oh, thank you so much!!!

I'm still in a stunned stupor

Ha, that's actually pretty much what happened. So we all race off to the merch stand.
The line is so long, but we still get in. As we slowly move forward, I send two prayers up to God: "Please Lord, don't let them run out of cds!" and, "Please Lord, don't let Brandon leave!"

Obviously, we got the cd. *rolls eyes* I was just being a worry-wart, as usual. In this picture above, Brandon is actually asking my name!!!!!!! *insert a cliche fangirl scream here*

.....and here, he's signing right on the cd!! I had been expecting him to just sign the case....but no, Brandon was a sweetheart and actually opened the case and wrote on my cd! *swoons*

And here is {part of} the family, after a very successful concert. Don't we all just look so happy?!?

So wow, I hope I didn't totally annoy you guys with all these pics of Brandon. *giggles* Can ya tell who I've been crushing on lately?!?

Of Toby Mac....and fun......and craziness.

Two Saturdays ago, my family and I went to the Winter Wonderslam, featuring Toby Mac, Brandon Heath, and House of Heroes.

And let me tell you: it was amazing.

It all started a few months ago, when we found out that our friends live two doors down from Mr. Ken McKeehan. Yeah, that's right-----Toby Mac's dad.
So, my brother Aiden took it upon himself to introduce himself to Mr. McKeehan. And thank goodness he did!!!!!

Fast forward to two Thursdays ago. Mom had just finished reading our history when the phone rings. Caller ID says 'Ken McKeehan.' I start to hyperventilate as Mom answers the phone. She and Mr. McKeehan talk for what seems like forever, until they finally hang up.

The boys and I practically pounce on her. She's like, "Well, Mr. McKeehan said that, if we were going to the concert, he could get us VIP passes to meet Toby."

*insert girly scream mixed with boy screams*

Originally, we weren't going to the concert {not in the budget} but once Dad found out that we would get to meet Toby Mac, he was totally on board.

I'm going to let these pictures now tell the rest of the story...with a little input from me here and there. ;)
And yes, I am breaking my rule about not showing my face....you all can just pretend not to know who I am. *giggle*

So yeah, that's us.....with Toby Mac.  To say we were excited would be the understatement of the year. Do you see Toby's hand on Aiden's shoulder?!?!? How totally cool is that? And then his scarf matches his eyes....no joke. If you care to zoom in on his eyes, you'll totally see it. (:

Well, like the picture says....this is Mr. Gabe, Toby's 'assistant.' I'm thinking he's a little more than that....considering he sang all the songs with Toby. *laugh*

{btw, I made these pictures extra large, just so you guys could have a better look}. Here's one of the opening songs.....probably Tonight or Showstopper.

Ha, my brother and I made a bet on which song Toby would play first: Tonight, or Showstopper? Aiden went for the former; I for the latter. *grumble mixed with a sigh* Of course, Toby played Tonight first. Which means I owe Aiden a soda.....how annoying is that?!?

After a few 'hard' songs {mom's quote, not mine!} Toby, Gabe, and his guitarist came out on the catwalk and played a few 'softer' songs....Hold On, Gone, and a few others I didn't recognize. But what made it totally awesome was that, instead of drums, Gabe himself became a human-beatbox. He literally, with his voice, made up the beat. *amazed face*

We really weren't as close as these photos suggest.....my mom's camera just has a pretty good zoom. =D

All the songs performed were breathtaking. Especially Funky Jesus Music. As that was played, up on the bigscreen came a cool video of other Christian artists dancing and singing along!!!! The list included Mercy Me {which was hilarious}, Barlow Girl {totally cool}, David Crowder{oh, so funny}, and Third Day {which made Mom happy}. If you care to watch, here's a pretty good version. Mind you, this is NOT MY VIDEO!!!

Okay, so this photo actually has a funny story. The one in the hat is Toby; his buddy {lol} is Brandon Heath.
A little earlier, Toby made a crack about how sick and tired he was of hearing Brandon's song, Give Me Your Eyes. He was like, "Everywhere I turn, I hear that song: in the grocery store, on my son's Ipod, on my car radio, and even on the way here, the lady who was driving us....her phone rang, and what was the ringtone? Give me your eyes, for just one second......." Toby sang the lyrics in a really obnoxious way, just to show us how annoyed he was.
And then, to top it all off, he said: "Seriously, if I hear that song one more time, I'm gonna KILL Brandon Heath!" *insert crowd laughter here*

He laughed too, then replied, "Nah, I'm just teasing. Brandon's a great guy, and I've been blessed to have him on this tour with me. "
Then, of course, out comes Brandon wearing a Toby Mac t-shirt!! The crowd starts cheering as Toby and Brandon start to sing Lose My Soul. *contented sigh* Now THAT was wonderful.

And then, way before I was ready for it to be over, Toby said goodnight and was gone. Well, being the great crowd that we were, we all stood and clapped. And clapped. And clapped. 
Finally, Toby got the hint and came back on. He and his band {Diverse City} really ended with City On Our Knees. Oh my word, that was one of the most perfect moments of my life. The whole arena was singing along with Toby.....and I really think God was pleased by our melodies that night.

So yeah, that was one of the best concerts I've ever been too. Don't worry---I have part two coming up very soon. And it's a personal favorite of mine. *wink wink*

Love you all,