The suitcase has finally been unpacked and put away. The capes, masks, and wigs have been placed in their shelf-in-the-closet waiting spot. One week later, my body is still exhausted, but my heart still explodes with joy when I reflect back on a crazy-busy, yet rewarding and beautiful summer on the road. For just a taste of some of the fun, here's a pictorial review:
The Kryptonites in Superhero City, Grace Presbyterian. Oh how I love these amazing young men and women. I've had the privilege of leading worship with some of them for the last five summers, and I can't wait to see how God is going to continue to use them for His kingdom.
Such a joy to travel with my family. I'm grateful that our kids are learning first-hand that ministry is so exhausting yet so rewarding. They experienced in their own way this summer the joy of being used for the Kingdom.
The Earthquakes in Shake it Up, Mountaintop Community Church. These girls brought the meaning of fun and joyful enthusiasm to their dancing and worship leadership! Sorry we missed Kelli and Kelly in the pic.
Shake it Up, Mountaintop Community Church. Kelli Johnson bringin it, like always!
Shake it Up set construction at Mtop. Clockwise from top left: Kim and Melissa feel called to painting ministry, Jamie and CJ are planning the wedding, Philip trying the new foil diet, Philip and Ben watching the painting ministry, the best pastors are also set designers and Clemson grads, every VBS set needs a disco ball.
The Goofy Gumballs in How Sweet it Is, Victory Life Church. What an extra-special and super-sweet joy to lead worship for the first time with my niece Emma, and nephew Elijah. The GGs were quick learners and joyful leaders with big hearts for Jesus!
How Sweet It Is, VLC. The goofball gene in our family runs strong, and I was so thrilled to finally lead a VBS with my dad and brother. Josh was the best Willy Wonka ever and helped me lead worship, and my Dad proved that the best Senior pastors are the ones who dance with the kids and rock the rainbow wigs on Crazy Hair Day! Janice Brunswick's creative brilliance and leadership, coupled with her husband Jim's set design are a beautiful force to be reckoned with!
The mini-Kryptonites in Superhero City, 2nd Presbyterian, Knoxville, TN. My proud Mama's heart bursts when I see this picture, representing the unplanned and unexpected honor of leading worship with my own 9YO Ryan and 6YO Rachel. We three were small but mighty in Knoxville, and we immediately fell in love with one of the sweetest group of kids and leaders that I've ever worked with.
Superhero City in Knoxville. Group hug on the last day. Glad I only live four hours away from these precious ones!
The Sidekicks in Superhero City, Church of St. John the Divine. These guys were incredible! Couldn't believe how fast they picked up the new choreography, and they constantly made me laugh. I flew home to be with my kids on their first day of school, so these fearless Sidekicks, led by the amazing Gianna Tiedemann, covered it beautifully without me. Another proud "Mama" moment.
Superhero City, SJD. Clockwise from the left: Better Place, Ivy and Gianna with the soft smiles, even Ironman flew in for the fun, Deanna Lawson is beautiful, brilliant, and an absolute joy to work with.
A trip to Houston isn't complete without a trip to hug some of my favorite people in the whole world at Grace Pres. So grateful for the 7 1/2 years God gave us there with so many wonderful friends. The 2nd floor was not quiet for at least three hours that day. #goodtimes
I wouldn't be where I am today without the partnership, friendship, and encouragement of the beautiful Angela Wade Simpson. Her creative brilliance, vision for excellence, and can-do attitude provided the fuel and passion behind every week this summer. I'm so grateful for her belief in me, and for her huge contribution to my growth as a songwriter and worship leader. Here's to many more years of crazy, AWS! I'm so grateful that geography doesn't define or hinder our partnership.
So that a wrap, folks. Until next summer. If you're interested in a Yellow Fence VBS coming to your church, I'll hook you up with my manager's digits! Check out the STORE tab for the exciting CDs and dance rehearsal videos we have for sale. Now, back to reality...