BST's Blog

I had such a BLAST in Abilene and Dallas over the weekend. It's impossible to describe it all here. I flew in Thursday night and Stephen Bailey and Craig Fisher (college roommates--Chris Doggett couldn't take off Friday) rode with me to Abilene for Film Fest. Stephen and I were judges, along with Les Hunter, Cary Roberts, David Leeson (just recently won the Pulitzer!) and others.

When you get Stephen, Craig, Chris and me back together it's just trouble. This weekend was no exception. SO MUCH FUN!! There's such a gift in the knowing looks, the ability to read each others' minds--even after 13 years--and sharing what the Lord is doing in your life in the here and now. I couldn't have asked for anything more (except for Chris to have been there).

It was so generous of ACU to bring us in and it was so cool to be able to talk in round table discussions about Christians in the arts/entertainment/media. Saturday ended with a Symposium with the students. They are so smart, so talented, and have such a bright future! It's exciting to think about what God will do with them. It was funny to sit and think about others like Nelson Coates who's a major art director for Hollywood movies and Bonnie Curtis who began as an assistant to Steven Spielberg and now produces for him. It made me wonder where some of those kids will be in 15 years. We should never underestimate the impact of dreams.

Here are some photos from the weekend...



One of the best things about traveling to Abilene is EATING. We made a list on the way down which included Harold's BBQ. It's a hole in the wall--literally. Harold has been in business for decades. He's famous for stepping out from behind the counter and standing on a bench and singing Amazing Grace (or something similar). Unfortunately, he was hoarse on Saturday. But--it was truly heaven to eat his brisket again!





Another must-eat place is Lytle Land and Cattle. We had great steaks and ate in some authentic West Texas surroundings. Yummm--I want another one of those steaks!! L-R Craig, BST and Stephen.







Here we are at the Paramount Theater preparing for the Film Fest. What a cool place!!









It was really fun to hang with some old Abilene buddies. It's amazing to me how many Abilene-raised kids have gone on to great things. To my left are Cary Roberts and Les Hunter. Cary is a screen writer. Les lives in Los Angeles and was involved in animation before moving on to other aspects of the Film Industry. Stephen is standing on my right. His work at Reel FX included producing commercials and helping run the company as it grew from TV commercials to motion picture features like Spy Kids 2. It was fun to be surrounded by such creative minds!





Here's a picture of the judges and staff of Film Fest after the Event on stage at the Paramount. It was fun seeing Grant Boone too. (to my right) What a wacko! I love him.




We left Abilene Saturday and drove back to the Metroplex where we met the rest of the Bailey and Fisher families for dinner. Here's a picture of Owen (Craig and Beth Ann's youngest son. What a cutie!)





We got to eat some excellent Mexican food at On The Border. I always have to get my fix when I'm home since Nashville doesn't understand real Tex-Mex.



One of my favorite things about going back is always getting to terrorize my roomies' kids. I love those kids. It's always so shocking to see how they've grown. Here I am with Rainey Bailey and Riley Fisher. Maddie and Ella would have loved getting to see them again.



After we ate we took time for a picture outside of On The Border. Pictured here are L-R: Stephen, Rainey, Stephanie Bailey, BST, Owen, Beth Ann, Craig and Riley Fisher, and our friend Hainey Price who also was in school with us at ACU and who I grew up with in Abilene. It was so fun to be with all of them!





Sunday morning I got to go to Lake Highlands Church which was my home church in Dallas. In many ways, my heart has never left that place. It was HEAVEN to be back. The worship was incredible, the place bursts with exuberance. It's an ethnic and cultural melting pot--even more so since I was there 10 years ago. So many of my most influential spiritual family members go there. It felt so surreal to all be together. I convinced the Nofsingers and Paula to come join me for a reunion that Sunday. They are at different churches now. This picture is of Paula Agnew D'Spain. She is one of my life-long Abilene friends who ended up in Dallas when I lived there, then lived in California for years and now recently back in Dallas. If it weren't for Paula, I'm not sure my faith would have survived the valleys of the early 1990's. She will always be a sister to me. Here she is with her adorable son, Patrick.



Dennis and Julie Coleman are also long time friends. Their daughter is so beautiful! It was great seeing them and getting to hear Julie sing. I've always loved her voice.






After worship a group of us went to lunch at Mi Cocina. L-R: Tonya Perkins, Vickie Nofsinger, Paula D'Spain, Donjalea Reynolds Chrane, Kirk Nofsinger, BST and Michael Perkins (with his daughter).

We had to split up at different tables. I got to visit with Vickie, Paula and Donjalea. There is really no way to accurately describe the impact each of those people has had on my spiritual walk. Donjalea was such a prayer warrior with me in the early days of college seeking after the Lord. I've already mentioned the huge impact Paula has had on me and Kirk and Vickie Nofsinger, while not blood related, ARE family to me. I basically lived at their house while I lived in Dallas. It was like being in Heaven having time with those people on Sunday. God is SO good to me.


Meanwhile, while I was gone, Sheryl was the MAJOR TROOPER. She had some help, but basically managed the family single-handedly. (Remember, she IS Mrs. Incredible!) Sam ended up spending 6 hours in the ER at Vanderbilt on Saturday because of a bacterial infection. Of course, I could think of nothing else--being so far away and unable to help. Thankfully, Sarah Williamson went up and stayed the entire time with Sheryl at the ER. What a gift! Talk about family. Kiki had the girls at home. We are just so blessed.

I always love that moment of coming through the door after being gone. The hugs and kisses are better than anything else. I really missed them and was so glad to be home.




Last night the girls, inspired by Rainey Bailey, decided to dress up Bear. Bear has been our very sweet dog for 7 years. She has loved our family and been such a sweet puppy. She would even let the girls hold on to her fur as they learned to walk. And, as you can see, last night she took another one for the team. The girls squealed with delight as they dressed her up. I have to admit, she was looking pretty hilarious.

I know this is already really long. I'll stop. Last night, however, we had a great night of singing for the Gaylord execs who are producing the Radio City Christmas show here. I think we're going to sing one night before the show. Hilarious, I know. More on that later.

Have a great Tuesday!