Our tickets listed the event as “black tie optional” and since we have very few opportunities to really dress to the nines, we went all out and dressed pretty formal. I had actually borrowed a few dresses from a friend, but wound up wearing one of my own. It was my bridesmaid dress from my brother Charlie and sister-in-law Liz’s wedding. As a sidenote: Macey had to be hospitalized on the day of Charlie  & L iz’s wedding, so I only wore the dress a short time then. I got to the church in time to take a few pictures and be in the ceremony, then I returned to the hospital where Mickey was with Macey. So, this was a chance to wear the dress again and it was perfect! Let me just say, I haven’t felt this much like a princess since our wedding day. From the planning of this surprise by Mickey to everything coming together, I absolutely felt like a princess and I am so grateful that my incredible husband put this all together. Anyway, we got all spiffed up at the hotel and headed out to the Doves.

Here I am in the hotel lobby prior to leaving:

We took a cab and went out to the Grand Ole Opry House where the Awards were taking place. We got there with some time to take photos before the ceremony started.  Here we are before going into the Awards:

Another of the two of us:

After snapping some photos, we checked in and got our programs before going to find our seats. We were seated in the first balcony and were “stage right” which gave us a great vantage point for the events. There was also a HUGE screen to our left that gave us even more visibility. We had some great people sitting around us too – very nice and friendly. Just a fun set up for the whole evening, really.

With about two minutes to go until show time, the producer came over the loud speaker and told us that he’d be letting us know when we were coming back from commercial, etc. I can’t remember which person said this, actually, but one of the pre-service speakers said that if we were on Facebook, Twitter, etc. to update our statuses about the Doves, etc. So, I did…throughout the show. That was fun!!

The whole show was just incredible. Truly INCREDIBLE! To be in that place, seeing so many of our favorite artists and all being there in celebration of faith was just awesome. There were so many great performances, of course. There were also moments of comedy, nostalgia, prayer and even emotion. The most emotional moments of the evening where when Steven Curtis Chapman sang “Cinderella” and when he accepted the award for Artist of the Year. That was so powerful!

I can’t do justice to the evening in words. I may try to update with more detail at some point later. For now, I am just still blessed to pieces about having been there to experience it all with my wonderful husband, Mickey. I am so grateful for this surprise and opportunity.

And, now I’m outta here. We have a full day in Nashville to enjoy…together!

Kelly

When I look at this photo, the chorus to Ten Shekel Shirt’s song “Ocean” come to mind.

Something about the ocean
Makes me rise up and praise
Something about the heavens
Makes me stand in awe again
Something about the sunrise
Reminds me of Your faithfulness
Something about the ocean
And I’m lost in love again

Isn’t that chorus just so true? To me, there is something about the ocean that makes my soul just feel the presence of God. I’m at a loss to describe exactly how I feel that connectivity, but I always do. Maybe it’s that the ocean is so vast and wondrous. Or, perhaps it’s the tranquility of the tide with the depth of the unknown just beneath the surface. Or maybe it’s just knowing that God created something so incredibly diverse, amazing and mysterious. Like I said, I can’t put words to it, but every time I am near the ocean, my soul feels a unique connection to God. And, it’s beautiful to me.

]]> http://www.kelmelblog.com/200808/ocean/feed/ 1 http://www.kelmelblog.com/200808/music-review-the-rubyz/ http://www.kelmelblog.com/200808/music-review-the-rubyz/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:23:32 +0000 kelly http://www.followfaithfully.com/?p=254 The Rubyz CD

By The Rubyz / Advocate Entertainment

Join Alexis, Cammie, and Marissa for an energetic collection of tween-pop originals. The trio’s self-titled debut addresses real-life issues that teens everywhere face with clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Includes their spunky takes on The Go-Gos’ classic “We Got The Beat” and Rihanna’s club smasher “Umbrella” plus lead single “Thirteen.”

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We discovered The Rubyz when we were looking for music for Macey, our five year old daughter. Their sound has been likened to acts such as Hannah Montana and the Cheetah Girls and in our experience those comparisons are spot-on. What we appreciate about the Rubyz is that they are wholesome and evidence of their Christianity is resounded time after time. The music is fun and upbeat. Macey loves it.  A+ music for those who enjoy pop.