Let's just say it was nothing short of amazing...

Thank you so much to those who were praying for us on Saturday. It meant so much to us and we could feel your prayers because the peace of God was truly upon us. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, but I think that's alright, because the time didn't really present itself for pictures. We were either rehearsing or performing and there wasn't much time in between. Plus, I never really felt like there was an appropriate moment to say, "Hey, can we get a picture with you?" It just didn't feel right!


And now for the recap...


Upon our arrival to the Chicago Hilton and Towers, we were directed to the International Ballroom which seats approximately 3,000 people. There were that many chairs set up. It was overwhelming, to say the least. I think the first words out of my mouth were, "Oh yeah. This is no big deal." Ha! There were huge screens on both sides of the mainstage and the sound technicians were setting up our stage, which was a smaller one in the corner. We were directed to the green room by the AMA's creative director where there was a huge and beautiful spread of food (my word, who could even think about eating at a time like this????), and we were shown where we could change and get ready.

When Rod, Alfreda, their pianist and string players arrived, we talked briefly about the set of music and then we began rehearsing. We didn't have as much time as we'd like to practice, because the president of the AMA was needing to run through his speech, but it was enough to get us through all the music. Rod and Alfreda were meticulous in the sound check, making sure everyone was heard, even in the very back row. Did I mention this place was huge? I especially appreciated each and every time he pointed to us and our microphones and told the sound person to crank us up. He genuinely cared about every person up on that stage being heard.

After rehearsal, we were able to sit and talk with them and we were pleasantly surprised, even from the moment we first began rehearsing, to find out that they are the warmest, most genuine (and passionate) people. A highlight for Jerry and I (and one of our prayer requests) was getting to sit and enjoy a long conversation with them. Both of us gleaned so much from their expertise, their love of music, and their heart for the Lord.

During the actual performance, I kept having to pinch myself, thanking the Lord for the opportunity to sing such beautiful music with all the talented people up on that stage. The final song we did was commissioned for the AMA and was entitled "What's in Front of Me." You can follow the link to learn more about it and listen to it. It is also on i-tunes for any who might be interested in purchasing it. Rod blew that thing out of the water and at the end, the entire place erupted and all in attendance were on their feet.

It looks as though this might open a few doors for us in the future, such as performing with the choir at next season's performance of Too Hot to Handel, both in Chicago and Detroit.

It was an amazing, mountain top experience. We had a ball and we felt so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to sing alongside these wonderful people.

Thank you to all who were praying for us. And thank you, Lord, for such an awesome experience!

A big thank you and a big request...

First of all, I was looking back at some previous posts and wanted to say thank you to all of you who read my blog, comment consistently and keep coming back. My goal in blogging was never to have a bunch of readers, but to those of you who have kept up with it, I thank you! I love reading your blogs every day (or at least weekly) and I thank you for helping me get acquainted with each of you and the blogging world.


And now for my request. You may remember me mentioning that Jerry and I will be performing this weekend in Chicago. It is an event for the American Medical Association, and we are singing with the people that we saw perform back when I posted this. These people are really well known in the opera world, and I am so anxious. I am a preparer, a planner, a practice-way-ahead-of-time-'til-it's overkill kind of girl, and I only have once piece of sheet music out of the three pieces we're singing. Mind you, we are back-up singers, so it's not like we're front and center, but we need to know our stuff! We only have two hours of rehearsal to practice all the songs (we are only doing three out of the total six that are being performed, and there are vocalists, a pianist, and string players to coordinate as well). This is an awesome, awesome opportunity for Jerry and I, and we really want to do well. So, if you think of us tomorrow, would you please pray for us to think quickly on our feet, to have strong voices, and for me to be calm, relaxed, and confident? Thank you so much!!!

A little side-note...these people have also been a wonderful connection for Jerry as he has written his master's project on the aging voice and how it pertains to professional singers. They have answered all of his questions and lent a great deal to his paper. They are also Believers, which is equally as wonderful, and I am hoping that we are able to have even a little time to talk with them personally and learn more about them as people.

Thank you for praying and I'll be sure to take pictures and let you know how it goes!

Just Call Me the First Lady

Around lunchtime today, my husband called me from campus and shared the most wonderful news...he has been elected president of his graduating class! This means that he will be delivering a speech at Commencement as well as conducting the choir and orchestra for the college at (drumroll, please) the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall! For those of you that don't know, my husband has been working on his master's degree in music education and will complete it at the end of July.

As you can see, I am very proud of him and just had to share. You may now address me as "Madame First Lady" now. I'm only kidding. NO really. Bow down.

In My Quiet Time....

I was reading this morning from a book called "Baby Boot Camp: Surviving the First Six Weeks of Motherhood" by Rebecca Ingram Powell. I don't have a newborn baby in the house, but the devotionals in this book are relevant to motherhood, each and every day, no matter what age your children are. When Cody was born (he's now 5 1/2), I received this book from a dear friend and I journaled every day right in the book. I love going back and reading what I wrote as I fumbled my way through the first six weeks of new mommy-hood. I thought I would share my thoughts in hopes that they might be an encouragement to you today in your motherhood journey. The devotion was titled "At Ease" on Day 12 and is all about discerning each and every day what's most important. Asking oneself what needs to be done and what can wait, perhaps learning to not worry needlessly about a temporary situation. Ms. Ingram encourages us moms to "focus on the picture Isaiah's words create: Our Gentle Shepherd, Jesus, who carries us close in His arms, close to His heart, tenderly leading us mothers and our little ones. At ease, Mom. At ease." And this is what I wrote in response....

December 26, 2001 (Cody was 11 days old at this point)

"Today I am feeling driven to 'do it all.' This devotion was so good for me - it reminded me that sometimes housework can wait. The best part of my day is right now...holding you close with your head resting on my shoulder. It is a privilege to be your mommy! As I read from Isaiah 40:9-11, I was so comforted by the part of the chapter that reads, 'He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.' This verse has been such a comfort to me in the troubled times we are facing. Jesus IS the Gentle Shepherd caring for you and me. Lord, thank you for the privilege of being a mom. May I never take it for granted."

Wordless Wednesday: My Little Rockers