I can’t believe this turned into “news”! I’m laughing pretty hard about this one – check out this article.

For the background story, see the post “O Canada” a couple days ago. Too funny!

With Moira Brown at 100 Huntley Street

Mom getting a little touch-up before her interview

Mom and I with Jesse Pohl and Steve Napoli at WDCX

This morning we got up very early and headed over to Crossroads Studio to appear live on 100 Huntley Street, Canada’s longest running talk show. I was hear once before and it was really fun to go back. I have been interviewed both times by Moira Brown, and she is really excellent and a lovely person. My mom also filmed an interview about her book while we were there which will air sometime in May.

We left as quickly as we could, trying to stay ahead of a blizzard that was heading toward Toronto. Got through customs with no problem this time, and just on the other side of the border in Buffalo, we stopped for a station visit at WDCX. So fun to meet them – they’ve played my music for a couple of years, but I’ve never gotten to stop in and get to know them. Great station with a heart for God. For years it was illegal in Canada to have a full-time Christian station, so WDCX has essentially been that station to Toronto, with over 60% of their listeners on the Canada side. Very fun.

Then we drove home through some very wet, snowy weather, but the roads were still good. God has definitely kept us safe with all this winter travel up north!

Well, sometimes weird things happen.

This morning I guest-led the worship at Faith Covenant Church in Farmington Hills, MI – same church I had the concert at last night for Covenant Community Care. Great church, with an awesome name!! Okay, I confess, that’s the name of my church too. 🙂

Anyway, we left after services and headed for Toronto. I’m on the air tomorrow morning live on 100 Huntley Street, Canada’s longest running talk show.

We we got to the border, we had this enormous Canadian border guard, and he asked me where I was from and what I was going into Canada for. I told him I was doing a TV show and he asked if I was an actor.

Me: “No, I’m singing”

Him: “Hmmm. Well, you know we’re playing you guys tonight in the Olympics. Hockey.”

Me: “Yep, should be a good game. Hope we get to watch it when we get there.”

Him: “Well, I’m not letting you in until you sing O Canada.”

Me: “Ha ha! That’s funny.”

Him: “No, I’m serious.”

Uncomfortable pause. Big guy. Ohio girl who, let’s face it, only hears that song when the Olympics are on.

Me: “Um, Ohhhh, Canada!!! La, la, la, la, la, laaaahhh!!!!”

Him: “Good enough.”

O, Canada!!

With Paul Propson and Jim Cole of Covenant Community Care

Benefit concert

How’s this for a really neat example of the body of Christ? A bunch of churches in the Detroit area got together to try and address the issue of uninsured people without medical care in their area. They created Covenant Community Care, and last year they provided medical services to 4000 uninsured people in Detroit. I was so impressed by their heart for the people they serve!

They are starting a new effort to serve 10,000, and I did a benefit concert to kick off the campaign. Wonderful people, and the concert was at a church I’ve been to several times before, so it was fun to reconnect with them. Loved the evening, and so happy to help such a great cause!

The beautiful party room for the private concert Sunday

Some of our audience for Sanibel’s concert

Saturday night I did a concert at Sanibel Community Church for their “Love of Christ Banquet” which they have on Valentine’s weekend. Wonderful people with a wonderful message – that Christ loves us. We had dinner and then the concert. Then straight back to our friend’s place in Bonita Springs because I had to be at church early.

Sunday morning I sang at Naples Community Church. They are so excited about moving into their new building, so it was fun to see the plans for that coming together.

After the service, mom and I headed out across the state to Vero Beach, Florida, and I gave a concert tonight for a private event some of our friends were having. I tell you – they know how to throw a party! It was absolutely stunning, and I really respect their desire for everyone to know Christ. It’s pretty brave to invite everyone you know to a concert like that!

Today I am like a puddle of jello – just laying here in a lump. That was a lot all in one weekend. Headed home tomorrow, and can’t wait to see my kiddos. 🙂

The show I taped for CTN called “The Good Life” aired tonight. I flew down to Tampa today because I have several events in Florida this weekend, so we watched the show at my Grandma’s house. It aired at the same time as the opening of the Olympics. Whew – hard choice for me!! I am a complete Olympics freak. But my husband taped them both, so we’re all good. 🙂

Heading out tomorrow for Sanibel Island – looking forward to it.

Well, it’s been a pretty exciting couple of weeks for my song, “God Loved the World”! Last week it was featured at the national pastor’s convention for the Covenant Denomination as one of two new worship songs sent to all the Covenant churches. So fun! Today, I got the rough mix of the choral version from Lifeway – they are using the song as part of their new Christmas musical going to over 9,000 churches!

I am just amazed at how God is opening doors for this song, but I certainly couldn’t pick a song I’d rather have this happen to. It’s the gospel in 4 minutes, and I’m thrilled that it’s getting out there!!

I was on the radio show “Bible Breakfast Club” which airs in Kentucky this morning with Brother Ron Miller. What a fun show, and we found that we had a common interest in ministry to Africa. They’ve established several churches in South Africa, and we talked about possibly getting together for ministry in the future – would be fun. 🙂

Me with retreat organizers and dear friends, Amy Pedrotty, Debi Durbin, and Kathy McIntyre

Last night I went up to Camp Mowana to do a concert for the St. Luke’s women’s retreat. I got to be with them last year as well, and it was so great to catch them up on everything that’s happened, and on what we saw in Kenya – a lot of those women supported our trip!

Camp Mowana, as I said last year, is very gorgeous, and does not look like the set of a movie with Chevy Chase or goofy kids covering their camp counselors with honey and twine. I forgot to take a picture last year to prove it, but not this time – the picture is the window I got to give a concert in front of. Pretty great view, even in winter.

This morning, I got to do worship at my home church again, and it was so good to be back with my church family and play with my band! I really miss them when I’m traveling. Yea, Faith Covenant!

With Mike Shelley at WRAF, Toccoa, GA

With Dave Purin at WHCB, Bristol, TN

Wednesday night after the tapings we drove up to Toccoa, GA, and spent the night in a very cool 100 year old bed and breakfast. I had to be on the air at WRAF at 7, which for anyone who knows me, means I am being absolutely heroic!! I am not a morning person. 🙂

The only hotels we could find were either a little scary, or really far away, and we stumbled on this, and it was perfect. One mile from the station, and turned out to be run by a wonderful Christian family. If you’re ever in Toccoa, that’s the place to be!

Had a great time that morning with Mike Shelley, loved meeting him, and being on the air for the morning show. Then mom and I headed up to Bristol, TN.

Absolutely amazing scenery and drive going there – we were in the Appalachian mountains, and I was sure glad it wasn’t icy, but it was so gorgeous. God is so creative and majestic! I love how we can see His work all around us!

After a little adventure finding WCRB, I had a great time hanging out with Dave Purin and doing the afternoon show. It’s always so fun to meet the people you’ve talked to or heard about in person, and I loved seeing the ministry that both of those guys have.

And then (drumroll please!!) we drove… HOME!! Yep. Drove all the way home last night, and it was so good to see my kiddos and my husband. Even though it’s only been a few days since they left in Florida, they’ve been so packed it felt a lot longer. Good to be home. 🙂