April 06, 2009

Avalon

There are only two celebrity-types I've ever wanted to meet.  Not because they were celebrities, but because I wanted to express to them how much their work has ministered to me.  One was Beth Moore. She revolutionized the way I pictured the Bible.

Pre-Beth Moore, I thought the Bible was the most boring book on earth and simply could not motivate myself to read the whole entire thing. (I adored Jesus, I'd just explained to Him that the Bible was a really BIG book with really LITTLE letters and NO pictures!!) 

When I started doing Beth Moore studies, she showed me how exciting the Bible was. Since then, I've read it twice and have been blessed in my spiritual walk so many, many times through that and through her studies.

I had the priviledge of meeting her a few years back. Because of the time and place, a photo-op would have been totally inappropriate. But that's okay. The main thing was I wanted to get my hands on her, thank her and bless her.

The other celebrities I wanted to meet were the members of the music group Avalon. I listen to their music pretty much every single day and it never fails to move me.  Their songs have ministered to me when I was in the valley, when I was on the mountain-top and everywhere in between.

This weekend, three of their members popped into our church for a surprise visit. (Our pastor and Greg Long go way back.) Anyhoo, Avalon sang before the message and after. I was front and center and cried through every song. I'm tellin' you, the Spirit is all over that group and when He moves, I can't help but be moved.

Afterwards they signed copies of their new Greatest Hits CD or any other CD you wanted.  I had them sign their Faith CD. I love all their CDs, but this one and their Christmas CD are among my favorites.

It was such and honor and a privilege to meet them, tell them thank you and hug their necks.  I should have had a stranger take pictures for me because my man never uses the camera and, bless his heart, every picture was blurred.

But again, that's okay. The most important thing was that I got to tell them on this side of eternity how very, very much they mean to me and to give them each a hug.

If I'd had more than two hands, I'd have laid them on their heads and said a blessing over them. Instead, I just did it in the silence of my heart. But God heard and I know He will give me the desire of my heart. And the desire of my heart is for Him to grant this group in general, and these artists in particular His grace, His mercy, His favor and His blessings.  Amen.

***

The winner of our ARC for the week of March 30th was Mocha with Linda from Austin, Texas. Congrats, Linda! Last week's winner is currently being notified. So now we start all over again.

If you want a chance to win an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of my May release, A Bride in the Bargain, then leave a comment here on my blog between now (April 6) and Sunday (April 12).  We'll pick a new winner on Monday (April 13) and then go for another round.  So, be sure to check in again and good luck!

posted by Deeanne on 04/06/2009

Comments: 46

Lindsey said...

Wow! That must have been amazing! Would you please enter me agian to win an ARC! I can't wait to read it! Is there anything we could do to have a better chance of winning:)

4/6/2009

Ashlee Davidson said...

I love Beth Moore as well. She's great to hear in person. Congrats to the last winner of the ARC; may I be added to the contest please?

4/6/2009

AP said...

PLease enter me again to win an ARC. Thank you.

4/6/2009

Katey said...

I have never heard of Beth Moore before you talked about it. She sounds wonderful. I will have to see if I can find anything by her. I love your blog. Please enter me into the contest. I just finished reading Deep in the Heart of Trouble and I loved it!! Thanks for writing. Katey

4/6/2009

Dorothy said...

Congrats and enjoy, Mocha with Linda! I love Avalon too...and Beth Moore is wonderful! Your entry made my day, Dee!

4/6/2009

Sylvia M. said...

It's wonderful when the Bible comes to life for us. I have never done a Beth Moore Bible study, but I've heard of them. I think my sister had one. I may try it out sometime. Please enter my name in the ARC book contest.

4/6/2009

deeanne said...

Oh, Katey & Sylvia, Not doing a Beth Moore study is like never watching The Sound of Music! It is NOT to be missed. You must sign up for one asap.

Lindsey, All I do is enter the dates of the contest and the computer randomly picks a name from all of those who have left comments between those dates. So, the more times you enter (or leave a comment), the greater your chances of winning. :)

4/6/2009

Em said...

Wow! This is like the third time in the past couple weeks I've heard how wonderful a Beth Moore study is! Does anyone have any recommendations?

4/6/2009

Julie said...

I just read Courting Trouble and enjoyed it so much. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!

4/6/2009

Amee said...

Please enter me again. I didn't realize commenting more would improve my chances. I'll have to be sure to come back. I'm reading The Measure of a Lady and loving it! I can't get enough of your books. :)

4/6/2009

Andrea said...

I really enjoy reading your books. I'm going to look into the Beth Moore Bible study books. I've thought about reading her book Get Out of that Pit before, and now I will after your suggestion.

4/6/2009

Gwen said...

I absolutely adore Avalon. I've been a fan...forEVER! Hopefully, I'll have a chance to meet them one day.

4/6/2009

Barb said...

"Testify to Love" is a total classic. Every time I hear that song, my faith is re-energized. I luv the musical layering in it too!

4/6/2009

Bekie said...

Beth Moore is so awesome (both in Bible study form and hearing her speak in person). I totally know what you mean because she really helped make the Bible come alive for me too. She is one of those people who is so transparent (in a good way); she will have you crying one minute and laughing the next. You can't help but be moved when you see the Spirit working through her! Believing God was my favorite study (although all of them are good).

4/6/2009

Abby said...

Aww! That's awesome, Dee! Something you will never forget. :) Huuummm.....only 2 weeks into the contest and I'm already feeling discouraged. I think it's time for some CHOCOLATE!! Oh, I feel happier already!

4/7/2009

Lindsey said...

Thanks Deeanne! I'm gonna have to try and look for Beth Moore!

4/7/2009

Rebecca said...

Please enter me again in the ARC contest. Thanks!

4/7/2009

Erin said...

happy tuesday!

4/7/2009

HannahMcB said...

Congrats, Linda! I'd love to be entered to win!

4/7/2009

HannahMcB said...

Whoops! Hit the "post comment" button too quick. I wanted to add that I've seen Avalon in concert (years ago, and Mark Schultz was their opening act - talk about an AMAZING combo). Their music is strikingly moving, and their faith resonates with every note. God truly blessed each of their members. I didn't get a chance to meet them in person. How absolutely awesome for you, Deeanne!

4/7/2009

Leah Mast said...

Oh, I *love* Avalon. One of my favorite songs is one of their earlier ones -- The Dreams I Dream For You. That is a beautiful song!

4/8/2009

Alissa said...

Please enter me for the ARC again!

4/8/2009

Emy said...

I hope to win the ARC again this year. That totally made my YEAR! Anyway, Please enter me.

4/8/2009

Amee said...

I'm downloading some Avalon music right now. I'd never heard of them before this. I'll come back later and let you know what I think. :)

4/8/2009

Mary said...

I want an ARC! :) Love you Dee! Can't wait for your next book!

4/8/2009

Evelyn said...

I believe by far Beth Moore's Daniel study is not to be missed. This was one study that was truley awesome. As a girl who grew up in church I had heard all of the "sunday school stories" but when Moore presented this one it came alive. Like a movie in my head. I also liked Avalon when I was in high school, but don't really listen to them anymore. I still think they are a good group.

4/8/2009

Boots_Rockafella said...

CONGRATS to Linda...ABBY needs to take a lesson from ya Linda...poor ABBY has been trying to win an ARC forever...hey ABBY...maybe if your nice you can have Mocha with Linda and she can read the ARC to you.

4/8/2009

Sahshas Mummy said...

Hey Dee! I love Beth Moore!! She's totally amazing! She's on Wednesday mornings teaching the James Robinson show on Daystar. I always DVR it and refer back to it. I was there when Avalon performed also. It was such a suprise and so awesome. What amazing singers! So glad you got your CDs signed. Oh! You know Beth Moore has a blog don't you? She recants all kinds of tales and stories and shows family pictures and her daughters blog on it too.. It's a hoot!!!

4/8/2009

Abby said...

Haha Boots, ceative. Actually.....that sounds like a good idea!! When are ya free Linda? I'll buy! :)

4/8/2009

RadiantShari said...

Dee, that was really interesting learning about some of the people who have inspired you! I am so blessed by your novels, and thus such a huge fan that its enlightening to know that you also have inspirational "celebrities" in your life too!

4/8/2009

Abby said...

Wow..that was supposed to say "creative" not "ceative" :p I'm needing the edit button more and more! haha And I'm always nice, Boots! I'm offended that you would suggest otherwise!! (Okay, not REALLY...kinda used to it)

4/8/2009

Lindsey said...

Congrats! Linda

4/9/2009

Lindsey said...

I didn't know Beth Moore had a blog. I'm gonna have to go look at it.

4/9/2009

Patricia said...

I would love to win the ARC this time. I'm anxiously awaiting the next winner to be chosen....I would love for it to be me!! My kitty, Rupert, was the one you had featured on your blog a while back during the pet contest.

4/9/2009

Beth said...

I would love to win the ARC! What a surprise to find it is time for that again. My fingers are crossed...

4/9/2009

Joy said...

Please enter me for the drawing.

4/9/2009

Evelyn said...

You should just podcast the ARC and that way we could pay to hear it and download it on our Ipods.

4/9/2009

Carolyn said...

Please enter my name for the ARC contest. I LOVE your books. Thank you!!!

4/9/2009

Shelley said...

posting a test comment

4/10/2009

Lindsey said...

Happy Good Friday!

4/10/2009

CollegeMoose said...

I admit I have never even heard of Beth Moore. I have listened alot to Avalon though, their music is very moving.

4/10/2009

Sharlene MacLaren said...

Oooh, oooh, oooh, it's been so long since I've commented here -- even though I've lurked a few times. Beth Moore is AWESOME and WONDERFUL! I just did her Esther study. Amazing. I also love the music of Avalon. They are incredible. Dee, are you familiar with Selah? They are also an anointed group. I love their music. Please enter me for a chance to win your ARC. If I don't win it, I'll still be buying your newest release. I love your books, Dee darlin'! Hugs and Blessings - and have a lovely Easter Morn! Shar

4/11/2009

deeanne said...

Shar! Ohmygosh! So good to hear from you. I see your books EVERYWHERE and our girls in the Chat Room LOVE them, too!!

I haven't heard of Selah. I will be sure to check them out. Thanks for stopping by!! We've missed you!

4/12/2009

Amee said...

I've been listening to Avalon and...I love them! I don't usually listen to Christian music so I'm glad you talked about them here. I think I'll try listening to more Christian artists and groups. :)

4/12/2009

deeanne said...

Amee - A great way to get an introduction to the various artists is to log on to www.ksbj.org and listen there. It is a listener supported radio station, so there are no commercials! And they have a really good mix of Christian music. That's where I found out about Avalon.

4/13/2009

Naomi said...

To get a FREE amazing New Testament study Bible, go here: www.biblesforamerica.com No strings attached. Just a copy a wonderful study Bible complete with footnotes, outlines, cross references, etc. The footnotes really help expound and open up the Bible. It has truly changed my life. :-D

7/24/2009

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