OKAY, THE COOLEST THING JUST HAPPENED!

My publisher sent Cecil and me to the Denver International Christian Retail Show. (You run into all kinds of people here - from all over the world, so it's an excellent opportunity!) I'm signing copies of Maggie Rose on Monday afternoon and am scheduled for a couple of media spots as well. But never mind about that. Anyway...

A little while ago, we were sitting down in the Hyatt Hotel lobby sipping on Cokes and people watching, well, Cecil was reading. I'm the people watcher. Next to us was this familiar looking dude. I leaned over to Cecil and said, "I think that guy was an American Idol finalist." He couldn't recall. I quickly turned on my computer and started scanning the past AI seasons, and there he was. Phil Stacey from Season 7, the bald guy who always wore a cap. Cute, too. I brought his picture up, then said, "Hey, Phil!" He turned, and I pointed my computer screen his direction. He laughed and came over to talk to us. "That's me," he said.

From there, we had the nicest chat. What a great Christian guy. He and his wife are heading out on a mission trip to the Phillippines this Monday where he'll be doing lots of concerts. He just did a concert with Melinda Doolittle last week. (She was my personal favorite that year, but do you think I told him that??? ha!) He said Melinda just released an amazing album.

We talked a lot about his life and experiences and he asked about us. He said, "Hey, how can I get your books?" I'm thinking to myself, "Now, this is cool."

He was an ordinary guy, so warm and friendly and very in love with the Lord, passionate about spreading the gospel.

He has an album releasing mid-August. He told me to tell all my friends. SO, I'M TELLING YOU!!!!

I love you all!

Hugs and God's Rich Blessings...