Sunday, Busy, Sunday!

What a weekend! Things were a little crazy Friday night! I had to be in the studio and Scott had to be at work. My parents came back from Philadelphia-- where they had been helping my sister and her family move in all week-- only to be dragged into our crazy situation. They offered to watch Luke for us which was a real life saver for Scott who was going to have to take Luke to the office with him.

I didn't get home until 11:15 to relieve my parents! And they still had a two hour ride back to Paris! They were so thoughtful for staying. I know they were worn out and ready to go home, but they stayed anyway-- That's what parents/grandparents are for, I guess. Luke was sound asleep when I got home and didn't wake until 7:15 the next morning.

Saturday in the studio went great-- So hard to believe that we are through with CD number 8-- (9 if you count the LIVE CD). We have really stepped up as far as production goes on this CD-- Ever since we signed with Creative Trust we have had the best of everything. We have gone from rigging up a make-shift studio at church to a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility where the biggest names record! Our engineer has won grammy awards for his work and is considered one of the best in the business. We have all been amazed watching him work especially how good he is at fixing things on the board for us-- he is a true miracle worker!

Anyway-- I can't wait to hear the final mix on this one. I think it will sound different from the others. Today at church I was reminded of just how far reaching our ministry is.... I had Luke out in the hallway. He was "talking" and a little fussy because he was trying to fight off going to sleep. A woman approached me and asked, "You are in the ZOE Group, aren't you?" I told her I was. She said she was SO glad that she could finally thank me (us) for all that ZOE has meant to her over the last 4 years. She and her husband are living in the United Arab Emirates-- Abu Dhabi; they are home on a 45-day leave. He is teaching English there, and she has had two children while they have been there. She said that they are our biggest fans and that our music has really helped them to be able to worship and to keep their spirits up. She has given our CDs to people all over the world and has encouraged everyone to visit the website. A worship leader there was looking for acappella music for his church, and she gave him our CD, so now the people in his choir are doing our songs/arrangements! She was just so moved by the music, and said she just loved hearing how the music has matured from CD to CD. She said she just couldn't put into words how much ZOE has meant to her and to so many that she knows.

It is so humbling to know that God is using us-- our CDs-- all over the world to do His work. When people thank us for our work it just makes me think-- " I wish they really knew what an amazing group of individuals the people in ZOE are." We are just your every day average folks-- but each person in the group just brings something so special to the table-- to the ministry. I wish they could see how much fun we have together making the CDs. I wish they knew that we realized it wasn't really about us at all, but about what God wants to do with each project.

Brandon is the "heart" of the group-- passionate and demanding-- more of himself than of anyone else-- in the best kind of way. He has a vision of what ZOE should be and sacrifices so much to make it happen, always remaining aware that it is about God and not him. Sheryl is the soul of the group-- her angelic voice guides every song and touches so many. She has such sincere motives behind every note she sings-- to bring God's message to people. Melissa is the loving "mom" of the group, keeping us on track and being the voice of reason and guidance when needed. Karin is the "friend", ready to do anything for anyone, always making each one of us feel special and needed and providing a good laugh for all of us at just the right times. David is the "Dad" of the group-- not because of his age, but because of the unique perspective he brings as a father of two grown children and a man who has lived and participated in the various worlds of the worship paradigm over the past several decades. Jason is the "life/spirit" of the group, constantly making us all laugh with his sound effects and Spanglish humor. He also brings a creative, edgy look to each arrangement and often has to fight to get us to listen to him-- but he is usually right-- although he really wants to be an alto! JV is the "brain" of the group-- he is just so musically gifted in every way-- it is unbelievable. He helps to sort out notes and chords, but his sweet spirit is the best gift to us, along with his own brand of humor that cracks us all up. Peter is the "newbie" and the youngest, but already he has become part of the family-- and what a voice! As for me, I'm not sure what I offer the group-- I'm just glad to be along for the ride with such and amazing group of people! We truly are family in the best since of the word-- blood related through Christ our Lord!

God is good!

This afternoon Scott's mom had a shower for Luke-- and us! All her friends and family came and brought us diapers and books. It was very nice. Luke has been so blessed already to have such a loving family.