Little Brother

It seems pretty much impossible that my little brother left for college on Saturday. Jonny left for Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska to study Music Education (Yes!)and I am so excited for him!

I remember July 31, 1988 so clearly. Driving to Boulder Community Hospital going about 85mph in our crappy Dodge Ram Van to get mom there in time. My cousin Renee and I were goofing around in the bathroom, trying to avoid the nurse who was trying to kick us out and then we headed back towards the hospital room only to meet dad on the ramp and hear him say, "You have a baby brother". I'll never forget that!

I remember that night talking about how when Jonathan was 18 and graduating from High School, that mom and dad would be almost 60 and how that seemed an eternity away! Well, it's here right now. Mom is gone, we've been through so many changes since then, Jonny especially. But the thing I can say without a doubt is that I know that God is with my brother.

So, Jonny, go for all you can, serve God with a willing heart, love people deeply and learn all you can. This is your time to grow and change and find out who you are and who God has purposed you to be. I am so proud of you and love you so much!

Lastly, I'm so glad you weren't a girl, because now I know, from 18 years of experience, that little brothers ROCK!

Always a wedding singer, never a bride...

This is my personal twist on that old saying, considering I've lost count of how many weddings I've sung at in the past few years! Actually, though, I don't say that flippantly, because I feel most honored when asked to sing for a wedding, which I consider one of the most important days in a couple's life together. To be a part of that, to share music, to witness the joining of two lives is an amazing thing!

This past weekend, I had the priviledge to sing for a friend from college and her fiance who live here in Alliance. I sang 3 songs and as I stood to sing "I could not ask for more" during the lighting of the unity candle, the last bridesmaid stepped down off the platform and teetered towards me in mummy-like fashion. My first split second thought was that she was going to help with the unity candle, as in "where are you going, bridesmaid?", then I got a good look right into her eyes and there was nothing there, but space. She was a gonner. Knees locked, hot church, let's pass out! I tried to grab her from around my guitar and the microphone, but she just rocked all over and thank goodness at the last second, another bridesmaid came and then she just fell into the pew beside me.

Funny thing about weddings is how formal and stiffling and stressful they can be and all to experience the most joyous event. Doesn't this defeat the purpose?

Well, anyway, I am doing the countdown now. A concert in Alliance and North Platte this weekend, and then the big Lifelight Festival in Sioux Falls, SD, which I am so thankful for this opportunity and then I will be off to Denver.

Lord, I'm worn down and refreshed, I'm scared and ready, I'm treading lightly and busting through the doors, I'm so sinful and yet fully loved. How you work in me, I don't really know and probably never will understand your patience to do so, but thank you for never rejecting my desire to be close to you...

I end with the verse from lyrics of a song I wrote

I don't have enough fingers to count all the times
that I know your love saved me,
You were right on time.
But I'm learning my lessons again and again
how I need to turn to you even in my sin...

And I want only to live
for the one who gave me life
you give me life...

Some scattered ramblings...