Journal

I never would have thought a year ago in January when I filled in for a WinterJam date in Orlando that in 2009 I'd be an actual part of the tour! God is so cool when He surprises us like that. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be part of such an incredible tour with artists of this caliber. TobyMac? Hawk Nelson? Brandon Heath? Seriously!! And of course who could forget my old buddies from NewSong, newcomer Stephanie Smith, and my pals pureNRG! This tour is going to be a

It's funny sometimes, the things that speak to our hearts. Al Andrews calls them "windows to the soul." You might laugh when you hear what

Have you listened to Sara Groves? I can’t get enough of her music lately. I know she’s been around for years, but somehow I missed the boat. I only knew her singles and hadn’t paid much attention beyond that until a few weeks ago when I went to see her live in Nashville at the Art*Music*Justice tour (also featuring Nashville favorites Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Charlie Peacock, and Brandon Heath--talk about a great show). I was blown away by her unpretentious voice, her honest lyrics, and her poignant melodies. But I was even more moved by her heart for the oppressed.

I think it’s probably bad form to quote your own song in a blog. I’m sure it is. But nonetheless, I’m reminded today how unpredictable God can be. When I think I know everything that’s coming, when I think I can put my life into a perfect little box, scheduling every moment to a “t,” that’s when God steps in to remind me that His plan is above my plan. His thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and His ways are higher than my ways. My plan is not infallible, not indestructible. God can change anything at any moment. Lord, let me never get too proud to forget that. I love You.

This time of year makes me excited--I start pulling out scarves and hats and sweaters and boots, and everything seems like more of an adventure because of the colder weather. I grew up in Florida, where fall means 79 degrees instead of 99. Ha! So temperatures in the 50s really mean something to me. I mean, I like the cold...most of the time. Eek!

God’s been teaching me a lot lately, showing me His handprint in small places. Songs are gateways to the soul, so I thought I’d share some records
and artists I’ve been listening to lately. Here are a few:

Yesterday, on a plane, I decided it was time. Time to learn how to sew. Actually, I’ve always wanted to learn, but what’s always stopped me from pursuing it has been the fact that I’m not any good at it...yet. What a foolish, self-imposed obstacle! Why let inexperience keep me from learning a new skill?

I don’t know how to keep track of what day it is lately. Starting my work
week when everyone else is clocking out puts me in a strange place. I always
feel like Friday is Monday, and Saturday is Tuesday, and Sunday is Friday.
Then Mondays through Thursdays all feel like Saturdays. Weird, I know. Such
is the life of a traveling artist! Ah, but it’s wonderful. Honestly, I’m not
sure I could do the whole 9-5 thing. So, thank you, God for creating a job
for me.

This was a particularly good weekend. I can look back on every day of the

Last night I went to see my friends, Group 1 Crew perform at a
showcase in Nashville, and can I just say that I am so proud of my
friends?! They are incredible. Of course, I knew this. I've seen them
play a hundred times, but I never get tired of watching them do their
thing. It's amazing to see people fully alive, giving their all,
walking in the fullness of their calling. Praise God for reminding me
why I do what I do! Be sure to check out their new record here.

And I've been having a blast on the "Least of These" tour with

Well, I found out that I love San Francisco. Yup. I was there for less than
24 hours, but the weather absolutely stole my heart. So did the architecture
and the hustle bustle of the very east-coast-vibe that is downtown. I didn’t
even get to see the Golden Gate or Chinatown, and I STILL love this city. I
promise it has nothing to do with the fact that it has “Fran” in it’s name.
Okay, maybe just a little.

It’s been a great couple of weeks lately. I was home in Nashville for an
entire week in a row (which is a feat, I tell you!), and I had a wonderful

I've been on 12 planes in 7 days. Yup, 12. One in particular has a pretty incredible story attached to it. Let me tell you what happened...