Twas the night before the tour 

In typical hyper-focus mode, I have only been reporting on the upcoming tour, when in fact, so many great things have been going on.
This past weekend I got to play an outdoor show in Augusta, Georgia (where I was born) benefitting a new Miracle League baseball field that will be part of the YMCA there.
We were also trying to break the Guinness World Book record for largest picnic.
I don’t know if we accomplish it, but we all had a great time trying.
Check out the Miracle League Field in Augusta.
You’ll me glad you did.
Later that evening, a couple thousand people …including that Nashville symphony and the 150 voice Nashville Choir …. Joined together to celebrate 25 years of the music of Michael W. Smith.
The eveving was like old home week…all dressed up.
Songwriters and musicians and singers who have loved Michael and worked with him over the last two plus decades sang his songs back to him.
It was truely magical.
What a treasure…friendship.

Ok
A friend who grew up on my old music asked me if I still had the 501′s and faded sleeveless dark t shirt from the Lead Me On video…
Twenty lbs ago…maybe.
The passage of time is a beautiful thing.
Takes the pressure off the exterior and makes you focus ok what’s inside.
I did find my long-ish black coat.
Took it to have the ripped lining in the sleeve mended…
Still have the black cowboy boots that Rich Frankel, my friend from the A&M record days, had made for me.
At least my feet are still the same size.
Ha!
All of this nonsense to say…
It’s all about the music.
Can’t wait.

Phew….  I'm tired already and the tour is still 3 days away!  It is a mad dash to try to wrap up a bunch of loose ends before heading out for the first show in Phoenix.  Note to self:  Never launch back to back tours (LMO & Christmas) on top of a new website, a new Christmas album and a charity single!        It's a bit crazy to say the least. 

I will definitely be blogging and posting pictures from the road.  Hope to see as many of you as possible at one of the stops.  This is going to be an incredible night of music and memories for all of us… 

More to come…

Jen

Usually I don’t even drag my suitcase out of the closet until the clock is ticking off the last 24 hours, but I’m so full of anticipation for this 20 city run that I’m starting today…three days out.
I wonder if I can still button one of the copies of that leopard print Unguarded jacket…might be fun to wear for an old song.
The fact is, I ‘be never thought too much about wardrobe.
Why start now?
It’s all about the music…always has been.
Tennessee is beautiful this time of year.
I’ll miss watching the leaves change.

Amy is flying home from Augusta, GA this afternoon and going straight to the Schermerhorn to take part in a tribute concert to MWS. It should be a great night of music as many of Smitty’s friends gather to honor his music and his heart for people. Maybe I will see some of the Nashville FOA’ers there?

Hey guys, we are on the road headed to Augusta, GA for a benefit event for the YMCA.  This is the last stop before we start the Lead Me On Tour on Wednesday.  Don't have much to say but keep us in your prayers as we all leave our families for our road family and put a lot of miles on the bus in the next 5 weeks. 

Here it is. The final day of production rehearsals.  I have to be honest and tell you that you are all in for such an amazing night.  We had a run-through last night with friend and family in attendance and it was fantastic.  Whether you saw the original show or were just getting introduced to Christian music this show will bring you back.  

Through all of our phases and stages
Growth spurts and stagnation…
God is faithful. There are no mistakes in His book.
He uses everything for His ultimate good. …sickness…divorce …failure…time.
He is good.
I’m glad we belong to Him.

Tonight we had our first audience.
Friends and family filled the folding chairs of the rehearsal hall and stoodarpund the back wall.
Several songs in to the set we thought to turn off the overhead florescent lights, which were a real mood buster.
All through the first half dozen songs I kept wondering if my instincts were right, or if I was completely in left field with this tour idea.
By the end of the show I could see the answer written on everyone’s faces.
These old songs, these old reminders of earlier passion, these honest proclamations in the form of songs were like a long cool drink of water.
Everyone was energized and impassioned and happy.
I cannot wait to share this evening with any and everyone who needs a lift.
….even danced a little bit tonight
Thanks for the encouragement to be free.