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around the corner so that he could surprise Mary Beth. Steven tried to be inconspicuous in meeting J.T. so to not alert Mary Beth to the surprise. Something was obviously amiss when he entered the limo. There was a TV, but it was duct taped down. Oh, well, Steven thinks, we weren’t going watch TV anyway. Upon further inspection, he found tapes that he didn’t want to acknowledge because they would make him blush. Oh, no, he is thinking. I can’t let Mary Beth get in here. About this time, J.T. arrived in front of his house and there was Mary Beth. She gushes and told him how sweet it was. Steven didn’t want Mary Beth to get into the limo. When she did, she was using her “make the most of it” tactic. They made the trip to the restaurant, sitting very tightly in the back seat of the car, trying not to touch anything. When they got to the restaurant, Steven was thinking that he would just pay J.T. and they would walk to the show from the restaurant. Steven paid J.T. and they moved into the restaurant to enjoy their anniversary meal. It’s a nice quiet restaurant, until, J.T., boots clanging, makes his way to the Chapman’s table and very loudly notifies everyone, “Mr. Chapman, you have over paid me.” Trying to control embarrassment, Steven assured him that it was okay, that he meant to pay him that much, and have a nice night, J.T. During the length of the show, Steven was thinking about how they are going to get home; it’s too far for them to walk. During intermission, he was still thinking about how they are going to get home. After the show, he was still trying to figure the dilemma out.  Finally, he decides it’s Nashville, I see people I know here all the time, and I will find us a ride home. They stood out in front of the venue, and did not see a soul that they knew. So he stood there trying to look as much like, well, Steven Curtis Chapman as he could. Finally, a young man walks up to them and says, “Aren’t you……..” and Steven finished the sentence for him, “Steven Curtis Chapman.” At this point, you might be able to imagine him standing on street with the cutest grin possible on his face, looking very hopeful. He did manage to get them a ride home from the man, who turned out to be a youth pastor from one of the churches in or around Nashville. “This is a Moment Made for Worshipping.” Emily was rushing around the house trying to get Caleb and Will Franklin out of the door to get them to school. She was very distraught, and Steven reminded her of this. When it seems like you don’t have a thing in the world to thank God for that was the time that you needed to thank Him. I spent a lot of time watching his hands, and tried to figure out what I was doing wrong when I strummed my guitar. It didn’t help; I still can’t get it right. A man and his guitar, a simple arrangement, but nevertheless a wondrous one. If I ever felt that it wouldn’t be a good performance, and I didn’t, man I would have been wrong. I saw the LOL tour twice, a spring festival, and they were all quite impressive shows. This, this was, indescribable. How could a man and a guitar sound as good as a whole crew and band? Well, I would like to say that it has to do with the fact that he is busy doing His father’s work. Had he done the same thing and belted out some country tunes, well, I don’t think it would have worked. He pulled this off with grace, style and a rocking guitar. First in, last out. We were almost the last ones in line for the autographs after the concert. We patiently waited our turn in line with everyone else. We were told several times that without an orange ticket, we would not be allowed to enter. Whew, thank goodness, we had those tickets. We thought that we were getting close when we get to the door. There was still another corner to round. Then, there he was again. Before I know it, we were all are squishing up next to him to have a group picture taken. “Wait,” someone says. “That’s why we don’t do special favors,” Jim Houser replies comically. I stepped out of line by accident, and someone else was at the table. A man was standing there; he was making sure that everyone was following directions. I asked him if I could still get my son’s picture signed since I got out of line. “Yes,” he said and I rudely asked him who he was. I didn’t intend to be rude, but we had seen him earlier in Alpharetta, then again at the registration for the concert, and know back here with SCC. “I’m Hudson,” he said. “Oooh, you’re the Golden Ticket man.” Yes, he told me, and that poor man probably thinks that I’m a dork. My turn now, I slid Cody’s picture across the table. Jim Houser thanked for me coming, someone needs to tell him that is not necessary. Appreciated, but definitely not necessary. Again, I didn’t look at the camera for the picture, but that was okay. I asked him to please write to Cody on the picture, “It’s for my son, he couldn’t come,” I told him. Being the nice guy that he is, he did, and added a bible verse to it as well. Such a genuine, although tired, smile. “The man at the table” had once again shown the gracious spirit that he possesses. Famished, we made our way to Ruby Tuesday’s to have a late dinner. We enjoyed dinner and fellowship with one another. What was it about sharing a prayer with friends that was so beautiful? Where two or more are gathered, I will be there, He promised. We gathered, we worshipped, we sang, we dance, and we conquered. A day that I am not too likely to forget anytime soon. I got to sing on stage with Steven Curtis Chapman, I got two autographs from him and most of all, I made or re-aquatinted myself with friendships that will last an eternity.

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