So this fall I began teaching at Visible School Music and Worship Arts College. I am an instructor of voice and keyboard and I teach nineteen private lessons. It is incredibly tiring and I was beginning to wonder when would it become rewarding. That has finally arrived. 

I had a rough weekend, as you may have already read, and Monday wasn't off to the best start either. But all that changed when finally two of my students came in that afternoon and there were very noticeable changes in their voices. I was blown away. Something I had told them to do worked. I knew it could, but it was still very cool to see it happening. I imparted wisdom to my students that is beginning to make a difference. How weird is that? 

This weekend I made a quick trip down to New Orleans and Mandeville to fill in for a friend at St. Timothy UMC while he lead a youth retreat. The music and church portion of my trip went wonderfully. I enjoyed my time with the band and people. We sold several CDs and sponsored a few children for World Vision. All-in-all, it was a great time. The traveling head-aches on the other hand…

Let's start with my trip down. I wake up Saturday morning to find out that during my travel day I have the joyous task of trying to nail down a new substitute worship leader for Vineyard UMC. A good friend of mine was lined up to lead in my absence, but due to a crazy gas shortage in Nashville, he literally couldn't get enough gas to leave the city. let alone make it all the way to Memphis. So, in between flights, I spent the whole day on the phone trying to track someone available down on such short notice. Fortunately, Jamie Baker came to the rescue and the service went off without a hitch. 

Sunday, on the return flights, to my chagrin, my luggage was only checked to Atlanta (where my layover was) and never got on the flight to Memphis. It was told after arriving in Memphis that it would be on a later flight that evening and I would have it in my hands before I went to bed. Around 11:30, Casey and I were awoken by the ringing of our phone to discover that our bag was still in Atlanta and wouldn't be here until today. Thanks for waking us up to make us mad. Anyway, the good news, the bag just made it back safely in hands and everything is there. (I can finally brush my teeth with a toothbrush rather than my finger) 

My one consolation for yesterdays troubles, though totally unrelated to the bag ordeal, was that I was bumped up last minute to Business Class on my return flight to Memphis. Since my stress level had been very high, I certainly appreciated the extra conveniences of Business Class had to offer.

3 years ago, this night, Casey and I got married. Tonight, we spent the evening enjoying a wonderful meal paid for by my in-laws and reminiscing about that evening. I think the my favorite memory is of the response from our friends after that night. Even just today, a friend posted a note on Casey's facebook wall saying "And your wedding was SO much fun! Congratulations!" People remember that night as a great party. A great celebration. And it was. I have so many wonderful memories, but that night is the best by far. 

Saturday, September 17th, 2005. The weather was perfect. The day before and after were 80+ degrees, but on that day, it topped out at 75. And by wedding time, it was perfect. Clear blue skies, loads of friends and family gathered around at a historic Memphis mansion that was donated for our use, flowers I had helped plant earlier that summer surrounding us, food that was out of this world, wine flowing… it was the perfect day. I wish that every person will experience one day in their life like that. If I could relive any day over and over, it would forever be that day. I love my wife more and more. So here's to the woman who keeps me going, loves me for all that I am and all that I am not, today and tomorrow. 

Check out our video blog from the September leg of our fall tour. More to come in October. 

Last night we played a fun show in State College, PA to an appreciative crowd at the Wesley Foundation. Our plan was to head out this morning from their to catch up with some friends in Camden, New Jersey and see first hand some of the things Chris Haw and Shane Claiborne have been writing about. But, even though Hannah ended up being a smaller storm than many people thought it would be, it was still big enough for us to turn our large van and trailer south rather than toward torrential rain and 50mph winds. Chris and Cassie, thanks so much for wanting to let us stay with you. We'll definatly make another trip that way. Until then, many blessings on you and The Camden House. 

Tonight we got started on a series of fall tour dates. I was joined by my good friends and band mates in Nashville, TN at Brentwood United Methodist Church to help kick off their fall youth ministry schedule. If you get the chance, you should make a point to come and see us play. I have never had so much fun. I love sharing the stage with friends and the experience of playing music together. There's really nothing else like it in the world. 

Please keep us in your prayers as we head up to Penn State in State College, PA. We have a very long drive ahead of us with a trailer in tow. I'm sure there will be many stories to share. Also, my voice is still worn out from a mission trip this summer. I'm struggling a bit with a little hoarseness and throat is a little raw. 

Hope to see you on the road soon.