Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Most Amazing...

Concert -- Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman -- EVER!!!!

Let me just say, this beats any New Kids On the Block concert, hands down (I wasn't sure that could happen)!!!

Last night, my friend Hannah and I were given tickets to attend the Michael W. Smith/Steven Curtis Chapman "United" Concert at the Ryman Auditorium. I owe her so much! Without her, I would have missed the best concert I have ever been to! And the best part, the tickets were free and really close! I won't go into all the details about how she got the tickets, other than to say, a guy named "Lunchbox" is involved, and I am somehow going to have to help her escape his "advances." She totally rocks (not for only the tickets, but for having to deal with Lunchbox)!

So, as we were there, I just kept thinking about my high school days...when songs by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman (oh and Carmin...remember Carmin??) were about all I listened to. In fact, the first song I ever sang in Chapel was by Steven Curtis Chapman. Amazingly enough, the first song Hannah ever sang in public was by Michael W. Smith. It was meant for us to go to this concert!!! Oh and by the way, unlike me, she can actually sing...she's a singer/songwriter and has actually been signed to a label (yep, not singing around her, that's for sure).

THE CONCERT:

Amazing! Uplifting! Sweet! Funny! Emotional! It was all these adjectives and more -- hard to explain, really. The concert itself was unique. It was in the Ryman Auditorium (the old Grand Ole Opry), which is really more like a small church. We sat on wooden pews and was literally 14 rows back from the stage. It was almost like a praise and worship service, but with really amazing music...in fact, Michael even gave a little devotional.

You could tell Michael and Steven are very good friends! They first came out together, Micahel left and Steven played...he was fairly low key, but touching nonetheless. Steven spoke about his family's tragedy of losing their daughter, which was so sad, but the absolute best part was watching him interact with his two sons -- they were both in the band. You could really see the love and respect they have for each other (the kind I hope Brent and I have with our boys). In fact, you could tell they became even better when playing all together as a group. It was really sweet and touching. Then, they played together again, then Michael began his part of the concert...he was definitely more dramatic. He is an amazing pianist...I loved watching him get so into playing that his head was literally inches above the keys.

So many of the songs had tremendous meaning to me...in fact, I had forgetten how moving all the songs really are. I actually managed to get video of them singing "Friends are Friends Forever," which is the song that reminds me most of High School. They also sang songs from musicals my youth group performed. Steven also sang my favorite song of his -- I Will Be Here. But hands down, my favorite praise song was sung...Above All. This song brings me to tears everytime I hear it. In fact, the louder the better!!!!

Anyway, I've posted video and pictures for all to see. I promise, if I never go to another concert...I am fine with that. I can't imagine any concert being better! The only thing that would have made it any better would have been having Brent there to see why I had such a great time. In fact, I told Brent that I was ready to drive to Kentucky to see it again!

To sum it up, I am so thankful for my friend Hannah. We are colleagues, but more importantly, we have become friends. The more I get to know her, the more I find her amazing! I am also extraordinarily thankful for having an "AWESOME GOD" as my Father. All my blessings are from Him. How blessed am I? Beyond words and imagination!!!! And even though I never seem to live up to what I should be for Him, He continues to bless me...

What a night. Two amazing artists, one terrific friend and one husband that watched the boys while I enjoyed the best concert I have ever been to! WOW!

Truly Blessed to have experienced something so amazing on this Tuesday night,
Chasity

PS...I got busted the first time I was recording, so forgive me if it seems the video is poorly aimed...I was having to hide the camera from the "recording device" patrol -- these little old people that walked around tapping people (ok, me) on the shoulder saying "no recording devices allowed."



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