Tonight was really meaningful to me. It wasn't orchestrated... It unfolded naturally as the Holy Spirit guided us and did His work among us.
Luanne and I had been struggling with the concept of a CD release party... Invite all of our friends and loved ones to celebrate... me? I know I'm the artist here, but I still feel funny being the center of all that attention, especially when God is supposed to be the inspiration behind it all and the One who receives all the glory.
We knew we wanted to seek God, to ask for wisdom and guidance and blessing as we move forward into this season of life. The truth is, we don't know where this is going. Do I hope that people hear the music and like it? Of course... Do I hope Mac Powell hears "God of All Light" somehow and decided to record it on their "Offerings III" album? Bring it on... Am I called to go on the road and try to make a life of this thing? I highly doubt it.
But I gotta say this, too... A year ago, I wouldn't have imagined I'd be sitting in a room, surrounded by friends, listening to my voice blaring out of the speakers, celebrating what God had done. I wouldn't have ever imagined I'd have Mike Roe's phone number on speed dial on my phone. (#7, of course.) God does His thing in His time. Who knows what's next?
So we prayed. My dear friends Tony and Kathy led us in prayer, and people called out words of blessing. I heard Tony repeating again and again that we were releasing this to God, and it struck me that we were truly at a CD release party!
May it be, Lord; may I release this project to You. May it be for Your glory, Your fame.
Sweet Luanne ran the show. She welcomed everyone and emceed the proceedings. Dessert was delicious. People were packed into the Sandquist's home. Brian Rhen ran the merch table to great success. After doing all the inventory tonight, I think I'm missing only two CDs. Not too bad.
Doctor Love did not show up... Didn't really expect him to, but guess who did? Rebecca Miller, my awesome intern from this last summer. She flew in from Chicago for the party! What a cool surprise.
It's late. Tomorrow's another busy day. For tonight, I'm just grateful. I'll sleep well, confident that God has me in His hands and that my future belongs to Him.
But if anybody has connections to Third Day, get my CD to Mac, OK?
PS - It's my dad's birthday. Happy 56th, Chuck Nightingale! 