A-mazing

Have you seen this guy?

One of the things Alisha & I love to do together is watch American Idol. And we're no fair weather fans. We even watch these early, painful episodes where so many horrific singers are paraded in front of the judges. We just believe you have to be in all the way or not at all. So you can imagine our surprise when this smiley 18 year old cowboy stood in front of Simon, Randy & Paula & blew us away with his amazing voice.

Garet Johnson got his gold ticket & was ready to make his way to Hollywood. Singing in front of the judges was the first time he had ever sung in front of a human audience. Before, he had only sing in front of the turkey's he fed every morning. It would be the first time he would ever fly on an airplane. In fact, there were a lot of firsts for Garet.

He's nickname now is the "Crying Cowboy." Whenever they interview Garet, he's so overcome with emotion just to have this opportunity. You can see how pure his soul is. He's genuine through & through. And it's so nice to see the good guys get a chance like this.

After arriving in Hollywood, the contestants would get a tour. It's a chance to see the sites & take it all in. I was particularly touched when they took Garet's group to the beach. You see, this was his first time to see the ocean. He stood forever just looking at it. And then, fully dressed in his cowboy boots, wranglers, button down western wear hat & all...Garet began to walk into the ocean. He slapped at the waves. Laughed with joy in the splendor of it all. And he kept walking till the ocean waves washed completely over him. And he loved it.

May you too be so overwhelmed & completely amazed by the awesome love of YAHWEH.

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your justice like the ocean depths.
Psalm 36.5-6