April 2009 Trip to Nashville

I can't believe it has taken me 2 months to write about this trip, but, as they say, better late than never!

Back in April, I had the opportunity to go to Nashville for some co-writing sessions and to attend the Dove Awards. Every detail fell into place as Barry and I considered the trip. I'm so thankful that he sees that songwriting is a ministry, and not just a little hobby on the side. Oh, and Barry didn't argue when my friend Jeannie offered to take me to the airport at 5:30am!!!! God has surrounded me with great people.

It was an uneventful flight, then, after renting my car, I headed to my first writing session. I had good directions. I had the map. Gotta love google maps! Perfect directions, usually. Easy to follow, usually. But I blinked. Missed a turn.

I should have known I'd gone too far when I got to Henpeck Lane. Right before my eyes: Henpeck Market. I kid you not! I don't even wanna go there!!! Not even!!! (Henpecking is one of my pet peeves...I guess I'll blog about that someday!!)

I found myself looking at the bright side: Getting lost with a cell phone is better than getting lost without a cell phone. Made the call. Turned around. Easily found the studio.

Writing with Benton Stokes & Dennis Dearing was a huge blessing. We sat and visited for a few minutes, then talked about how the Lord has been at work. The song quickly unfolded, and within a few hours, the guys were recording the worktape. I love love love the song. It's for Benton's next project. I can't wait to hear the new cd....someday! Such a joy to work with them. Sweet times...the Stokes/Dearing/Wilson writing session was brilliant hahaha...seriously, God met with us...it was awesome to see Him at work. By the way, we met briefly last October at an awesome workshop called Write About Jesus.

You're in for a treat as you listen to songs from Benton's last cd
http://www.shoutlife.com/bentonstokes Great stuff! With more to come!

At http://www.menacemusic.net you can see the studio where we wrote...I was sitting near the computer :) Small world: Dennis' nephew was in the Sunday School class I taught in the late 80's!!!!

We went to lunch at Pancho's place in Franklin, then called it a day. Still needed a bridge for the song, but we'd have to write the rest on the phone or online!

I left there to go check into my room. Ended up calling my friend Andrea because I couldn't find the hotel. She's my remote GPS :) And, as always, she helped me find my way. It would help if businesses were required to post their street number, like in the good ol' days. ha. Sometimes you can go many blocks without any indication of what block number you're in! And huge neon signs would help, instead of those that comply to city specifications, no? I was driving around in circles, but it was the wrong circle. Haha

Then I headed to Green Hills Mall, to meet a JP & Irene Williams. But I got lost again. And my printout of Google maps didn't help. They'd left out one tiny detail, which sent me into downtown Nashville. I knew I needed help when I saw Music Row.

About that time, a new artist friend called me from Hope, Arkansas, asking for the lyrics to "Watch Over Me" and just thinking about Psalm 121 helped calm my nerves. I gave her my username & password so she could download anything her group needed for the studio. If my account is ever hacked, I'll know where to find her!

So, then I called JP and got directions to the mall. Drove around in circles, then found it! They were waiting patiently at Panera Bread, and we had a great visit. We aren't sure how we found each other online, but I'm thankful they are my friends. Everyone should read their story. They are both musicians, and excellent writers, but best of all, they are best of friends! I loved seeing their heart for God. So special!

www.jpwilliams.net & www.theblondeleadingtheblind.wordpress.com

BTW, Green Hills Mall is THE place to meet people. I will have to remember that for next time. Just a few doors down, I met with Dean Newkirk, just to hear what the Lord's been doing in his life. I enjoyed getting to know Dean's ministry. Seems like most of our sentences kept ending with "only God could do that!" Don't ya just love God? Check out Dean's group @ http://www.myspace.com/encountermusic

Then I tagged along as he went to check out something new at the Apple store. I picked out my MacBookPro. It will certainly be a dinosaur by the time I decide to buy it in 2020, when our last child graduates from high school. :)

On the way back to my hotel, I was very grateful for unlimited miles on the rental car. I didn't see any signs saying "Welcome to Georgia", but I think maybe I crossed a few county lines!!!

I did find my way, no thanks to my GPS friend, Andrea, ahem, cuz she didn't answer the phone. Yes, I'm bitter, but better for it! OK, so a person does have to sleep, sometime, right? I forgive her. Just this once! I pulled over on the side of the highway, prayed, and after looking at the map again, decided to turn around. Thank You, Lord!!!

Next day, bright and early, I went to Alison Stevens' house for a co-writing session.. Alison & I met at IndieHeaven's CIA Summit a few yrs ago. What a precious heart!!! Not only did we have a special day, writing, reflecting on God's goodness and awesomeness and all, but we also loved on her little baby girl, Jaden. Jaden stole my heart...she's the same age as our grandson, Jacob, and the Lord knew I needed a baby-fix!!! I love love love the song we wrote, too. We'll share when the time is right (and we fill in the blank on that one phrase!)...worth the wait!!!

http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/alisonstevens



That afternoon, I met Benton for a quick bite to eat at the OpryLand Mall. We talked about our love for God, our families, ministry, music, and, yes, Tennessee! Then we walked across the street to the Dove Awards. There was no way to prepare myself for the evening. The music was excellent, and the evening was filled with surprises. There was a tribute to Dottie Rambo, and various artists filled the stage, singing songs she had written. I was glad to see Larnelle Harris, and called Barry so he could hear Larnelle singing "Oh Happy Day" :)

And, oh, yes...Natalie Grant was awesome...here's a shot from the balcony:



But, wow, the awards ceremony was more worshipful for me than I'd expected. The music was excellent, as always. But during a commercial break, there was a prayer request made for Aaron & Amanda Crabb's 2 yr old daughter. Aaron & Amanda had received a call saying little Eva had fallen out of the 2nd floor. She was in the hospital, in critical condition. We prayed until the moment we were back on live tv. You can read Eva's story at http://www.aaronandamandacrabb.com/evaupdate.phpWhat a miracle that she survived!

Later, Stephen Curtis Chapman helped bring the evening into perspective, that everything we write & sing about is true. He and Mary Beth had tragically lost their daughter, Maria, last year ~ he was speaking from experience. Through the eyes of a parent, a child of God, and a writer. He encouraged us to continue to write, to sing, to let the Lord love the world through us. Here's info about the ministry the Chapman's have established in Maria's memory http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/2009/06/show-hope-press-release.html

As far as the awards go, it was so fun to be there to cheer for those nominated, and I even recognized a few winners :D It was great to see Sue Smith & her mom...we even got a picture.



Later, I saw Joel Lindsay carrying his 3 Doves. I offered to help carry them, and he posed for a picture.



I love their work. All the Write About Jesus workshop clinicians are awesome writers. http://www.writeaboutjesus.com

The next day, I had bfast with Brett Florence. He's an Indie Heaven artist that set a lyric of mine to music about a yr ago, so it was great to finally meet him. We mostly talked theology :) God, help me! hahaha But I was actually saying "Lord, help Brett" cuz I am NOT a theologian!!! http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/brettflorence showcases Brett's music.

Then I went by Regi Stone's studio for coffee. He & his wife, Kim, are so precious. You'd never know their talent. They are both so humble. That's one thing that I've really been encouraged by as I've gotten to know people in the Christian music industry. I hold Kim & Regi close to my heart, and look forward to what the Lord does in their ministries.



http://www.kimberleestone.com/kimberlee.php

http://registone.com

http://experienceworship.com

Lisa Gordon & Ericka Harvey met me for a quick lunch. It was nice to catch up with them...I think I met both of them thru Write About Jesus as well (another shameless plug?) ~ Lisa doesn't have her music online, but here's Ericka's www.myspace.com/erickaharvey

That evening I had dinner with a friend and his daughter. I've known Keith Melius since Jr Hi. That was a loooong time ago! He serves in a church there. Great to catch up on the last 25 yrs! ha! Keith & Bella showed me downtown Nashville & we ate at the Spaghetti Warehouse. Here's the new AT&T building. I think we should be part owners of AT&T, don't you?





Good friends...good times!

Well, I guess that's just about it. Maybe now I can start thinking about what happened in May, June & July!

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4

We are all surrounded by hurting people.

Where the pain is so great, so unbearable,
that there are times it is better to just be there.
Maybe to clean the house. Or maybe not.
Maybe to talk, or more likely, to not say a word.
Those times that a casserole or pie seems inappropriate.
All that's needed is the presence of someone who cares.
It may be from a distance,
but there is still comfort in knowing that there's a shoulder to cry on.

We are there right now.

***Several family & friends have suffered miscarriages recently. There are no words. Only prayers.

***We received word that my friend's husband passed away. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. And Lynda is walking in the Shadow of the Almighty.

***Tuesday I learned that my childhood friend, Lisa's husband, Greg, had stopped breathing, and was in the hospital. He survived, and is back home now.

All of this makes me want to make my life count. Today. Not hoping for such and such to work out so that my plans and ambitions could amount to something. It really shook me up. We really, really don't know what tomorrow holds.

God made us to love deeply.
To care deeply.
And to hurt deeply.
May we never grow calloused to the needs around us.

Easter treat!

There's a new man in my life. His name is Quinn. One of those ppl that you feel you've known your entire life! We met down by the piano, during church. Oh, ok. So, we were by the piano in the lobby. I'd already heard the message. He wasn't interested in hearing it, so we visited for awhile. He had no desire to hear the choir or praise band. He didn't even want to be in Bible study. You see, Quinn is only 7 months old! He's the most gorgeous non-Wilson baby I've ever seen. His big, bright eyes melted my heart! Quinn hadn't finished his nap, and had a little meltdown in the nursery. Thus our playdate on the lobby floor.

Well, about 10 seconds into the conversation with Quinn's dad, I realized I DID know Quinn. Well, sorta. My songwriting friend, Chad Boswell, had told me about someone he used to work with, Amanda, had moved to Houston recently. When Amanda and I became facebook friends, she told me that her family was planning to visit our church that week. I tried to meet her, but missed the chance each time. Still, we've kept in touch online for about a month.

Well, near the end of the service, along came Amanda, looking for her guys. My friend, Amanda. Oh, and her husband, Ben, is a keeper, too. We all visited for a loooong time after the service.

What a sweet surprise to finally get to meet my new friends :) Long live the meltdown!

See the Cross

I woke up to a quiet heart this morning. Strangely quiet. Thinking about the day Jesus Christ was crucified, the darkness. The horror. That's how our lives are without the Light of Christ. Only God can go there, to that place in our heart. Until then, we are empty. Dead.

Look to the cross today. See the humanity of Jesus, and His humility. His glory & His authority. His mercy. His charity. He gave it all. What will you offer to Him today? I'm asking myself the same thing. I want to go there, with everything within me.

SEE THE CROSS
(c)2008 Words: Eva Wilson Music: Eddie Cavazos

See the cross touching earth, driven in the ground, (in the ground).
Je - sus Christ, Lamb of God speaks without a sound, (without a sound).
Whoa, oh, oh...humanity, whoa, oh, oh...His humility.
He gave up His life because of you and me.

See the cross pointing up, to the Father above, (the Father above).
Showing His Holiness, His power, and His love, (and His love).
Whoa, oh, oh...His glory, whoa, oh, oh...His authority.
But the darkness fell because of you and me.

I SEE THE CROSS, I SEE THE CROSS
SON OF MAN, SON OF GOD
I STAND IN AWE, WHEN I SEE THE CROSS
I STAND IN AWE, WHEN I SEE THE CROSS

See the cross stretching out, for the nations to know, (nations to know).
Reaching for the heart, where only God can go, (where God can go).
Whoa, oh, oh...His mercy, whoa, oh, oh...His charity.
Offering new life, He thought of you and me.

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6854905

Pizza Dough Recipe

Best Dough in the World...can be used for pizzas, kolaches, or just a crescent-type roll
2 lg or 4 med pizzas

1 egg
1/2 cup mik, warm (microwave 45 sec)
4 cups flour (bread flour works best)
1/2 cup sugar (can use less)
pinch of salt
1 stick of butter/margarine, sliced
1 Tablespoon yeast

I use a bread machine, on the "first rise" setting, then use the dough as desired..pizza dough doesn't have to rise again, but rolls or kolaches need a 2nd rise, about 20-30 min.

If you don't have a bread machine, try working the dough for about 5 minutes, then let it rest about 15 minutes. Knead again for about 5 minutes, then rest for about an hour.

If using it for pizza, divide in half and use pie pans (be sure to spray with Pam). top with spaghetti sauce, mozarella, and your favorite toppings. Be sure to NOT overload it...you want it to cook thoroughly:) Oh...bake in 425F oven for 10 min.

For rolls or kolaches, divide dough in half. Pat out the dough into a circle, then slicing it like a pizza, into 12 parts. Then you can sprinkle cheddar, mozz, provolone, or american and a little turkey, ham, sausage or beef...and roll it up, starting with the big end (outer edge).

Place rolls on Pam-sprayed cookie sheet. Let rise for about 20-30 min.

Bake in preheated 350F oven for 7-8 min, until golden brown.


Enjoy!!!

When Hail Freezes Over

We had a bad storm here today...here's proof!!

 

 

 

 

an anniversary of anniversaries

Marriage of Maude Nixon and Jim Ragsdale was March 15, 1924.

Today is a special day...my grandparents' anniversary. I miss them...they've both been gone for many years.

It would be interesting to try to add up how many descendants they have. My mom has about 40 desendants. Her siblings don't have quite that many, but there were 7 of them...I guess that goes on my list of things to do in 2009.

May we never forget the sacrifice and dedication of our ancestors. Never. What a heritage...a good name is more desired than great riches! Agreed!

fam vacay, part 1

this day held adventure and excitement...there's no way to organize my thoughts, so I won't even try...enter my mind at your own risk!!!!

I'll start with the worst...skip the first line if you'd rather not know who/what/when/where/why someone got sick.

woke up at 5:40am to "Stephen threw up" ~ and we were at my mom's house ~ couldn't go back to sleep after cleaning it up, so I

wrote a song (actually re-wrote verses)..it'll be good someday...well-worth the yrs of misery I'm dragging it thru then I

resisted a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and grands biscuits, but loved how David pulled up a chair while watching the bacon. my banana was delicious. we packed up and stood talking in the driveway a while then I

got in line behind my kids and nieces so I could tell uncle Jeff "It's my birthday, too"...he must have gone by the atm before coming by this morning, the way he was passing out the $'s!!! (it's not my birthday) Next we argued about who was riding with whom and

as we were pulling out of the driveway, I saw my mom's reaction to Ruth's hand motion which indicated she was gagging (you know what I mean) My sentiments, exactly, Ruth...the screamers need to ride in their daddy's van tomorrow!!! then we

listened to countless cd's, trying to find something that would put the little ones to sleep:) Stopped because we had to, but then

feared that we'd lose a kid or two at the huge travel center we stopped at and then learned that

the men's room was closed for cleaning. poor guys. no where else in sight.

Liz did jumping jacks in the ladies' room, for exercise. She is not my child. but

Jonathan, Michael, & his friend Josh are. they did a cool dance in front of the travel center...wonder if that made the manager want to get the bathroom opened sooner? next we

drove thru McD's and Liz said "I don't like burgers, but I want a double cheeseburger." To that, Hannah said, "You're just like me, girl!!!" She's 8. It just caught us off guard...I could barely order, from laughing.

almost every day, someone says we should have a tv reality show...once again, it happened as we checked in at the hotel. maybe we could call it "Big People, Little World" as it's feeling pretty tight but then again, we felt like little ppl in a big world as

we ran across a 5 lane highway to get to the jason's deli across from our hotel...some kids on piggybacks and

someone in jason's asked if I'd ever thought about being om a reality tv show.

no. absolutely not.

as we divided into elevators, to go back up to our rooms, I had to step over to the desk...I was looking for the nearest rock to crawl under as Jonathan, in his best Australian accent, cried out to me, "We're holding the elevator for you, dear mother, dear! Mother! Mother! Why won't you acknowledge me, Mother?!" as the elevator doors

closed. Yes, I suddenly forgot why I'd stopped at the desk. And I'm now in my hotel room, almost alone...multi-tasking...watching Disney and blogging in my sleep.

my friend's book is available at Target, Amazon, & Barnes&Noble

My dear friend, Clive Berkman, is an award-winning chef who has written a wonderful story that you will find entertaining and inspirational, too!

It's not exactly a cookbook, but it is a must-read for anyone who, um, well, for anyone who has ever eaten, or will eat, or is eating right now!!!

After reading Empty Bottle Moments, take time to email Clive with your comments at clive@cookingwithclive.com Oh, and be sure to tell him I told you about his book!

If you click on one of these merchant links, it will take you straight to the book, where you can order online:

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

Target

Here's a short video clip, taken from www.cookingwithclive.com


Empty Bottle Moments Intro from Clive Berkman on Vimeo.