Christian Book Awards

Alright y'all, I just have to tell you...Travis Cottrell sang less than 30 feet from me last night.....and it was probably the only duet we'll ever do....Milli Vanilli has nothing on me...I can lip sync with the best of them with Travis....uh hmm....my goodness what an awesome voice! The Christian Book Award's dinner was amazing. Lori and I went to the convention center at 6....turns out Miss Christian Book Reviewer turns into a runway model when the evening gown competition begins. Lori looked stunning in her beautiful black dress! When we walked up I was thrilled and excited to meet in person Cindy, who has so excellently brought this expo together. Its a gift to learn to pull off a production as large as this Christian Book Expo yet Cindy and Mark have made it seem effortless. I was delighted she found me and hugged my neck...I have so enjoyed visiting via email enroute here! Mike, Mr. Tweet of CBE, met us as well and we were both glad to spend time visiting with them!



The award's dinner was an elegant beauty. Sparkling low lights, beautifully set tables, seated in rounds for an intimate 150 people, we were told the books on the table were our host favors from the publishing houses and authors.....Lori and I are sure that they may have to take up donations to pay for our luggage weights at the airports. The Award's presentations themselves were well done, great books in five categories were competing for recogntion. The Book of the year in Christian Books was the ESV Reference Bible, an amazing new product!


We sat with a table of publishers and authors, I was privileged to sit with a seminary student and had a delightful time sharing conversation with him...
Many of my heroes in writing were present and I felt like Cinderella at the ball listening to them...Janette Oaks....Jerry Jenkins....John Trent....the head of Christian World Publishing....and 100 other authors I will be getting to know shortly! Dinner was steak, chicken kiev, and steamed asparagus, salads and Cheesecake...it.was.wonderful!
Lori and I staggered down to the taxi cab area with our stack of books. It was probably not the most elegant stage walk we've ever done, but we're the kinda girls that get important things done....like coming home with the books! A taxi cab ride to our hotel was absolutely hilarious and yet comical as the armenian driver made uturns without warning in front of the hotel. Slide on over baby was the theme of the night.
Back in the room we were like school girls at Christmas....books books books....and all free as a gift! Wahoo!
Today begins the workshops for 3 days for both of us. A busy time to be sure. I have connections to make regarding A Joyful Place Called Home, God has a plan this week and has already connected me to those who can assist us in going forward with the program for church leadership and its happening! Who could believe how God is connecting me to people who are excited with me as we are committing to helping churches rebuild families

Its 6:09 and time to get ready, I'll catch you up tonight!

God is good and I am blessed!

Sweetie