God & Country (and some really good groups)

Last night, Lori and I took the kids over to the Idaho Center for the 40th annual Treasure Valley God and Country Rally. I always want to get there early to make sure I have a good spot for the concert. My spot is getting very popular, so an early arrival is imperative.

It's in my genes. My grandmother is 30 minutes early to church for every service and she handed it down to my Dad, who spends most of his time prior to going to church, going out to eat, going to the gas station (you get the picture) yelling,"C'mon! Lessgo!" He imparted this wonderful gift to me, much to Lori's chagrin. She is perfectly comfortable with arriving just in time for an event. It never bothers Lori if she runs a little late, which causes much consternation in my carefully regimented world. Our only arguments (I do not exaggerate) have come from our differing opinions of time and its importance. But, I digress.

We got there in plenty of time, spread our blankets out at my desired spot and all was well (besides the near-100 degree temperature). Marc and Talisha (and kids) met us a little bit later. While walking around perusing the food available at the booths, we ran into Markus Holloway. So, he and Johanna (and kids) joined us. After a while Bob Taylor showed up. Before it was all said and done Terry, Brooklyn, and Bridget Taylor came over (having just left the hospital where Terry's new baby girl was born earlier in the evening). It was a fun night! Friends, music, and fireworks: does life really get any better?

Lori, Trey, and Kassady smiling and grimacing while we waited in the blazing sun for the concert to begin.

Mark Harris, lead singer for 4Him (one of the greatest Christian contemporary groups of all time), did an outstanding job solo. He can tear up an acoustic guitar. He has written some of my favorite CCM songs. I sang along with most of his set.

A new guy on the CCM scene (at least to me) is Brandon Heath. He has written some outstanding praise & worship songs. Seemed like a nice guy.

And, then, one of my favorite groups of all time, in all genres: Phillips, Craig, & Dean. This was the first time that I have seen them with a live band since 1994 . They brought the house down. I don't know of any other group that has consistently produced better songs than this trio. Awesome! Shawn Craig recently married a girl from Boise, so I hope they'll be in the area more often. I shouldn't complain. They show up at least once a year as it is. While they were singing, I remarked to Talisha that I felt like a baby-boomer at a Doobie Brothers concert. I knew all the words to their old songs and sang along loudly. And, I admit, I did wave my cell phone slowly in the air as dusk settled in.

You can tell that Kassady frequents mostly Southern Gospel concerts. She's not into the loud music.

Trey spent most of his time hanging out with his buddies Johnessa and Emme.

We had our own mosh pit going on. This picture was taken shortly after Kassady did a little crowd-surfing.

Kassady stylin' it with her bud Addison. That poor guy can't get away from that persistent woman.

Addison scopes out the action.

No God and Country Rally is complete without the time-honored custom of men with really ugly legs wearing kilts showing up to deliver a wrenching, nasally rendition of God Bless America. One of my favorite moments was when the God and Country host asked the crowd to bow their heads in prayer. The chief bagpipe instrumentalist took this as a cue to jump into a rip-roaring version of America the Beautiful. The host, well, for the matter, the entire crowd stood silent with heads bowed, waiting as the bagpipe cadre marched off the field (around 150 yards in length) playing all the way. Very funny.

The fireworks are always the favorite part. They did a fantastic job this year! Not quite Cincinnati's Labor Day display, but almost. Once again, Kassady was overtaken with the dynamic performance.

Markus just lives for these performances. I mean, body language is everything!

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Vacation

We were privileged to take a short vacation to Donnelly, ID where we spent a fun-filled weekend with Marc, Talisha, and the kids at their cabin. I didn't realize how stressed out I was until I got up there. It was so peaceful, I could almost feel the tension draining away. We had a fun time swimming, riding 4-wheelers, and just taking it easy. Here are a few pics from the lake:

My first baptism involved dunking Trey and Emme. Not really, they were just practicing their swimming moves in the lake.

I'm not laughing in this picture. I am screaming from the shock of the incredibly frigid water. Freshly melted snow is what you see pictured here.

Kassady ventured into water up to her ankles and wisely meandered back to the joys of the beach (mud).
We always ask the kids to recount their favorite vacation activities. Kassady didn't hesitate in answering: "I 'ike the 4'eeler". And, yes, those legs are quite white. Blazing white, if you will. I choose to blame it on the freezing inland water.

Trey's Graduation

Trey graduated from kindergarten last month. Here are a few pictures from his graduation ceremony and party:

Our graduate

He didn't waste any time getting across that platform to grab his diploma.

Trey and his teacher, Ms. Roerig.

Kassady wanted her own picture with Trey.

Trey and his proud family.

Probably one of the worst-sounding choirs of all time. But, I loved it!

Trey, Katrina, and Johnessa (classmates and church buddies)

Trey and Emme

When Trey realized that a graduation party meant presents, he was all for it.

Ok, so I admit it: I did get a little bit sentimental. I guess there is a little bit of Sharon Waggoner buried deep within me. I was fine at the ceremony, but the day before Trey's graduation I sat in my chair thinking about how fast time goes by. I mean, just yesterday I was teaching him to count, laughing as he discovered the difference between a slice of an apple and a slice of a lemon, pulling him out of the crib so he could sleep in our bed (big mistake there; I'm still paying for it), and watching him attempt his first steps. Since then, I've witnessed the development of his personality, watched him throw a ball for the first time, and learned that burps can provide hours of entertainment for a pre-schooler (Lori was the one belching). The coolest moment came when I was in Fresno for the 2006 Fan Fest. Trey called me and told me that he had asked Jesus to come into his heart. Nothing beats it! Just a few weeks ago with no prompting, Trey reminded me of what Jesus had done for him and told me that he was trying his best to be a "good boy for Jesus". I couldn't help but get emotional as all of the above and many other memories came flooding back. It's been a great journey! I'm privileged to be a dad.

In fact, I'm crying even as I type this. My tears have nothing to do with sentimentality, however. Lori just read the part about the belching and is hitting me over the head with the iron. OWWW!

Family Fest '07

For those of you that have requested an update on Liberty's Family Fest concert (and don't get our e-mail newsletter), here you go.

Nearly 800 people turned out for an evening filled with Gospel music. The concert, held at Meridian Assembly of God in Meridian, ID, lasted from 5:30 PM until 10:30 PM. While it wa probably a little too long, there were plenty of people who stayed around for the last note. Liberty was privileged to have so many regional artists be part of this special event. Linnie Doyle, Faithful Men, Doug & Marilyn Holly, the Liberty Kids Trio, Paul Ellis, Jaime Thietten, and the Homecoming Choir did an outstanding job! I have to hand out special kudos to Gerald VanOrder and the Homecoming Choir. The nearly 80 voice choir brought the crowd to their feet with their power-packed set. No one can conduct a choir like Gerald! Also, this was Jaime Thietten's last Boise-area appearance before she moves to Nashville. What amazing talent! Her beautiful spirit coupled with her voice promise great things on down the road. For those of you who are into contemporary music check out her website. You will hear her name again, I promise.

Crossway did a fantastic job in their Boise debut. Crossway is one of the most incredible trios you will ever hear. They can do it all from straight-ahead Southern Gospel, to country, to a cappella. I've already had many requests to have them back. I've followed their ministry from the beginning. I have to say that they sound better now than they ever have. The awesome part is to witness the sincere testimonies behind the performances. Paul, Matt, and Scott are truly men of God. They had quite an experience in getting to the concert. Marc Taylor and I picked up Paul and Matt at the airport on Friday night. They hadn't had slept since Wednesday and were just wasted. Scott was supposed to be on the same flight, but on the trip from home (Birmingham, AL) to Nashville (where the group is based) his car broke down. He missed his flight and didn't get in until 11:45 PM. We had taken Matt and Paul out to Red Robin (no Idaho visit is complete without a meal at this fine restaurant) and then dropped them off at the motel. On the way to the motel Paul called Scott's voicemail and told him that a cab would pick him up at the airport and that they were going to get some sleep. Unfortunately, Scott didn't get the message. He arrived late, sick (he had a fairly high fever), and exhausted. He sat around until 2:30 in the morning waiting on the guys. He finally carried his luggage a half mile to a motel and got to bed about 4:00 AM. He handled it a lot better than I would, that's for sure. He did a great job at the concert. Here's a little trivia for you SG maniacs: Scott used to sing tenor for the now-defunct quartet N'Harmony. If you like country music go out and buy Crossway's new CD A Beautiful Thing.

Another treat was to have Inheritance with us at Family Fest. We have been friends with Ben and Dustin for quite a while, but never have had the opportunity to work with them. Wow! They are incredible! I will say that they have a bluegrass number that rivals Liberty's version of "The Gospel Plow". You have to see it.

Special thank you's go out to each artist who sang and promoted the concert, each choir member who gave up one night a week for rehearsal, Gerald VanOrder and Boyd Hoops for their work with the choir, Connie Hill for organizing the choir contact info, John Cotner for his input and emcee work, Paula and the incredible staff at Meridian Assembly, the Meridian Assembly youth group, the Grace Bible Church youth group, and our sponsors: Cotner Building Company, Grace Bible Church, Insurance Associates, Inc., LMG, Nampa Flooring & Interiors, Remax Agents Terry Taylor and Jeff Gardner, Rod's Custom Paint, and Taylor Drywall.

I also want to give credit where credit is due: Doran Ritchey was the event coordinator and much of the night's success can be directly attributed to his hard work. Just don't compliment him too much. It quickly goes to his head.

You guys really need to show up next year.

Field trip

This is really late, I know. I'm not quite up to the posting level of the interns over at www.jonplank.com/. I was privileged to accompany Trey on a field trip last month as a sponsor. I snapped a few pictures in between yelling, "Hey, kids! Come back here!" and carrying loads of backpacks and lunchboxes. The kindergarten class from Centennial Baptist went to Boise and visited the The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center (and playground).

Trey and his friend Kane pose in front of a genuine stuffed bear. These stuffed bears are indigenous to Idaho and Build-A-Bear workshops across the country.

My son preferred the playground over the Natural Wildlife Exhibit. Go figure.

Trey has expressed interest in rock climbing. He reaches the summit. Approximate elevation: 5.7' above ground level.

I did enjoy the day. It brought back memories of my exciting field trips during my years at Frankfort Covenant Academy. Who could ever forget the thrill of touring the Quaker Oats storage facility in Tipton, IN? "Now here is where we keep the boxes of oatmeal". Very fascinating to be sure. Unfortunately, the only room of interest was the maintenance room, which featured pictures of swimsuit pinups (heretofore unseen by many of the young male students). I think each of us got a granola bar. Then, there was the field trip to the Bible bindery in Indianpolis. The bus broke down on the way, and we never made it for what I'm sure would have been another fascinating tour. We did eventually make our way to McDonalds, which, quite honestly, was the highlight of every field trip I was part of. Oh, the memories!

So Low

I have been working on a design for Royce's new solo album. What do you think?

Life

I feel like I need to begin each post by assuring my loyal reader(s) that I am alive and well. Since I have last posted, much has taken place. We have officially moved to our new residence in Caldwell. It's awesome! I know I need to take some pictures, but I've just been too lazy. We moved the last week of May. Also, Trey graduated from kindergarten the same week. I have some great video clips that I hope to post soon. In addition to everything else, Liberty has been in the studio for the last few weeks working on 3 new projects. Yes, three new projects. We are insane. Trust me, I'm sure of this.


The last few weeks have been a time of introspection, evaluation of priorities, and further development and expansion of my life philosophy and worldview. Simply put, it has forced me out of my comfort zone. I'm still not sure where everything will end up when the dust settles, but there are a few items that have been crystallized (nothing earthshattering to you, perhaps, but) :

• God is good (His essence is not dependent upon my understanding).
• The Bible is true and as practical today as it ever was.
• My family is my #1 priority.
• I'm very much in love with my wife.
• I'm a nice guy (sometimes too nice).
• My friendships are important to me and must be cultivated.
• Clothes and externals aren't reliable proofs of godliness or holiness.
• God is moving in different places all over this country. Many times He's working in places that I least expect to find him.
• Keeping silent in the face of sin, injustice, hypocrisy, or disagreement is wrong, even if it means being diametrically opposed to people you love and look up to.
• Prayer is powerful.
• I hate Purdue (OK, not really, but I just decided to throw it in there for all my Boilermaker friends).
  

I know that there are many other lessons that God has in store for me, but that's what I'm learning right now. I am more convinced now than I ever was that living for Christ is the only option for me. I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.

Arndts

It was a privilege to see one of my best friends this evening at our concert in Longmont, CO. Chris Arndt, his wife DeAndrea, daughter Chloe, and 8-week-old son Zach came to see Liberty. As you can see Chris's kids are quite enamored with me. Chloe was very impressed with our bus. I gave her the official tour.

Chris is one of the greatest guys in the world. I've known him for years. We went to FCA together for about 8 years when we were kids and had a blast. Oh, the stories I could tell about Chris's days at FCA! Maybe someday, I'll release a memoir and recount all of the trouble he got into. We had more fun back then. Chris and I were also roommates together at GBS for 2 years. He transferred to Purdue University where he graduated #1 in his engineering program. The guy is an electronics whiz kid. He and DeAndrea live in the Denver area. DeAndrea is pure gold! I just wish they lived closer to us. I love those guys!

Hair

Somewhere along the way, I lost my sense of dignity and ability to be embarrassed. Doran and Royce thoroughly enjoy my new look, as does the occasional weird fan at a concert.

Royce and Neva

Royce and his aunt Neva (a loyal keithinside reader). She came to a couple of our concerts this weekend. She insisted that Royce wear his new, bright, gaudy suit. For those of you who know Royce Mitchell, you know the last thing that comes to mind when describing him is flashy. However, Doran and I have made several snide comments about his, shall we say, 1980's sense of fashion. To prove that he was with it, Royce, with the help of his son Jeremiah, and a friendly African-American salesman in Nashville, TN, picked out what we have affectionately dubbed the "Jessy Dixon suit". The above picture had too much flash and I had to put a slight filter on it, so unfortunately you fail to be blinded by the flourescent green stripes, shirt, and tie that Royce is wearing. He is definitely "wid it".

Big Ending

Everyone knows that Southern Gospel quartets are known for their cheesy, work-'em-up'-into-a-frenzy endings. I mean, c'mon, what's a SG concert without the tenor skying high, the bass sliding low, and various pointing and contortions by the quartet members. So, since we want to be considered big-time, here you have it: Liberty Quartet, live from Longmont, CO!

Royce enjoys sleeping about as much as anything.

Eerie

I'm trying a new "Lord of the Rings" look. Gandalf, that's me.

Colorado Connections

We have been having a great time in beautiful Colorado! This morning I showed up for our concert at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Colorado Springs, CO and was shocked to find out that my cousin Greg Waggoner and his family attends there. At first, I didn't recognize Greg and was in the middle of introducing myself when it clicked. He just grinned the Waggoner grin. We all have it. Anyway, I was able to spend some time visiting with Greg and Luke (his son). I saw Josiah (another son) from a distance, but unfortunately wasn't able to talk to him or Kathleen (Greg's wife).

Then, Aaron and Cherylyn up this morning, too. Last night, they brought some of their friends with them to the concert: Jeff and Tonya Duddek and their children. Come to find out, Lori went to school with Jeff's sister, Faye, and knows their family extremely well. I also found out that Jeff used to attend Appalachian Youth Camp and knows my family pretty well. It's a small world. They are a phenomenal couple! God is using them and Aaron and Cherylyn to do great things for God.

We had a fantastic service this morning. Here are a few more pictures:

Getting ready for some food...Dan is mulling over his options

Doran, Aaron, Cherylyn, Alyssa, and Kinlee Horn, yours truly, Jeff, Tonya, Jeffrey, and Emilee Duddek

Aaron and Cherylyn Horn, former youth staff members at Grace Bible Church

Royce and Jeffrey hit it off immediately

Royce ate at the end of the table with the kids. For some reason, they get along just fine.

Here's a couple a' little shavers (Dan and Doran)

Directionally Challenged

Well, it happened again. Yesterday, as Royce was driving the bus, our GPS (affectionately known as the Garminator) went on the fritz. It kept on telling him to turn in 500 feet. He went in a circle twice. Now, remember, Royce hates the GPS. It has a woman's voice that tells him where to go, and he just can't take it. So, he's up in the driver's seat, blood rushing to his face, yelling for Dan and talking back to the GPS. Now, Dan, on the other hand is convinced that the Garminator is infallible. I mean, there's the Bible and just slightly below is the Garminator. I am convinced he would drive into a lake if the GPS told him to. Anyway, Dan runs up to the front of the bus and Royce says, "Dan, you drive. I can't figure out where she's trying to tell me to go." Dan looks up, then back at Royce and calmly says, "Uh, Royce, we have reached our destination. We're in the hotel parking lot." Sure enough, Royce had been driving around the hotel for 5 minutes. Just another day on the Liberty bus.

Royce prefers conventional methods of figuring out where we are going...

...while Dan goes wherever the Garminator tells him to go. We have literally ended up in the middle of a pig farm before.

The Fast and the Furious (life of me)

It's been a while, it really has. But while I have a couple minutes I'll fill you in on the latest. I'm on the bus traveling to Canon City, CO for a concert. We were in Thornton, CO last night. A great night with a fantastic crowd. It's hard to sing tenor at this high altitude, though. I was able to meet one of my favorite singers from the 1980s & early '90s: Billy Sprague. He is the worship leader at the church He had several #1 hits on the CCM charts back in the day. He also co-wrote Via Dolorosa (made popular by Sandy Patti). What a nice guy! He was gracious enough to give us a few CDs and a couple of books he has written. It was nice to see long-time blog-reader Neva (Royce's aunt) at the concert last night. We'll probably see her Sunday night, too. Doran and I will be seeing of our great friends and former co-workers (on the Grace Teens staff) Aaron and Cherylyn Horn tonight. And, then, I'm going to be able to meet up with my college roommate and fellow FCA-er, Chris Arndt, his wife DeAndrea, and their 2 children on Sunday evening. It's like it's the reunion tour or something.

I just finished up my first class in my MBA program. Oh yeah! No time to celebrate, though. I start my next class on Tuesday. The fun never ends.

Well, we have finally sold our house. And, I just found out yesterday that our offer on the soon-to-be-christened Waggoner mansion has been accepted. It's about 3 minutes from Trey's school, for which he is very thankful. I'll post pictures soon.

Speaking of Trey, I just talked to him on the phone and he informed me that he scored 10 goals in his soccer game this morning. Lori said that she tried her best to get him to pass the ball, but he kept on getting wide-open shots at the goal. What a guy! He can't play defense, though.

Up above, you'll see some pictures taken from the road in the last couple of weeks. I'll touch base later.