• Song: “Empty Me” by Chris Sligh

    It is easy to get swept away with everything that is going on in our own lives even during the summer months our schedules can be jammed packed with fun activities.  Being selfish comes in many different forms (many are unintentional) from not taking the time to spend with your family and friends to holding onto stuff or failing to rely on God for your source of strength and encouragement.   Sometimes we need to be “emptied” so God can refresh us with his truth.  Thanks Chris for this great song!

  • Song: “Only You can Save” by Chris Sligh

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BetSXRwAl1k

    Jake and I had the opportunity to attend Winter Jam 2011 in Greenville, SC at the Bi-Lo Center a few weeks ago where we heard Chris Sligh sing this song live.  The chorus beginning with “I wanna love because you love….” stuck in my head.  Great song about God’s love and that he alone can save us.  A couple really neat facts about Chris Sligh is that he was on American Idol and is from Greenville, South Carolina.  If you haven’t heard this song you should listen to it.

  • Family Celebrations: Valentine’s Date with My Man!

    Winter Jam 2011 at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC!

    Jake and I had the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 11, 2011.  We had friends swap  babysitting duties with us so we knew the girls would be in good hands while we were out for the evening.   While we were brainstorming fun and unique ways we could spend our Valentine’s Date we realized that it was the same night that Winter Jam 2011 was coming to Greenville.  Since neither of us had ever been to any concerts before we decided to give it a try since it only cost $10 per person to get in.

    After deciding what to do we talked with a couple friends and realized that the concert usually sells out so we had backup plans just in case.  That night Jake picked up Subway sandwiches and we ate while standing in line to get into the Bi-Lo Center.  When we arrived the lines were pretty defined but after only a few minutes it soon became a crowd with standing room only.  I am not a tall person and thankful that I don’t get claustrophobic in large crowds standing because every one was standing close together.

    We made it into the Bi-Lo Center and managed to get front row balcony seats!  When I went to the restroom Jake left a small pretty gold package on my chair……  I hadn’t realized it but he had saved up his money to buy me a necklace that I could wear with the other one he gave me for our 7th Anniversary for dressier events! He is so sweet and thoughtful!  I share will with you in a later post a little more about the necklace!

    We have never been to a concert much less a Christian Concert with so many people and artists!  It was neat hearing their songs and testimonies throughout the night.  The night starting off with Chris Sligh who is from Greenville, South Carolina.  We also heard songs from Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets, NewSong, Red, Francesca Battistelli, Kutless, David Crowder Band and the NewsBoys.  Tony Nolan gave an encouraging and challenging message and KJ-52 was an entertaining MC.  Here are some pictures from our Date Night.  It was a neat experience and moving to see so many people in attendance worshiping together.

    Chris Sligh from Greenville, SC started the Winter Jam 2011 evening.
    Chris August at Winter Jam 2011

    "Sidewalk Prophets" started with their backs to us!

    "Red" had neat fire and smoke shooting through the air at various times. The speakers were blown on our side after their performance, it was pretty loud!
    KJ-52 was a great MC at Winter Jam 2011!
    "Newsong" at Winter Jam 2011!
    Francesca Battistelli at Winter Jam, neat songs and her husband plays the drums in her band!

    Tony Nolan sharing scripture & his testimony with everyone at Winter Jam 2011
    David Crowder Band at Winter Jam 2011
    Winter Jam 2011 - "Kutless" performing!
    "Newsboys" drummer at Winter Jam 2011!
    Newsboys singing at Winter Jam 2011

    Newsboys on risers at Winter Jam!
    Winter Jam 2011 was a sold out crowd at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC!