Trip to Texas

Last weekend Sheryl and I flew to Abilene to lead worship for the Community Christmas Service at the Abilene Civic Center sponsored by Southern Hills. (We were sad to miss baby Gracie's first birthday party. Check out Kevin and Kiki's blog link for pictures.) It was a crazy whirlwind weekend. For starters, we were sick...and I mean REALLY sick. God is the only one who could have gotten us through the weekend feeling that terrible. But, in spite of that, it was so awesome to be with the Southern Hills team. They were so welcoming and so fun.

The service went well...even with a live donkey (no...not me) and some sheep on stage. Phil Ware did a great job. George Pendergrass sang "O Come O Come Emanuel". Sheryl sang "Breath of Heaven". Mark Perkins and a small group of us sang "Mary Did You Know". The kids sang "Away in a Manger"...it was all so sweet!

One of the best parts was getting to see old friends. We got to visit with my buddy and former college roommate, Craig Fisher and his family. We had lunch at Harold's with Craig and Amy and Grant Boone. Sunday morning I got to see a couple of high school friends (Shannon Crowe Zachary and Matt Moore).

Even though we were in Abilene less than 48 hours, it was jam packed. Here are some pictures...

Sunday morning at the Civic Center.

Lunch at Harold's...the best BBQ in existence.

Riley and Owen Fisher...they're so big now and such great kids!

Beth Ann and Craig Fisher had us over for dinner Saturday night. It was such a great time of sweet fellowship,

We made it home without incident...although feeling terrible. Thank you to Vann and Susan Conwell for allowing us to stay at their Bed and Breakfast. Check out their website. It was a COOL place! http://journeysinn-escape.com/

And thank you to all those who helped with our kids while we were away--my mom, Kevin and Kiki, and the Batsons. (It takes a village!)