God was AWESOME in TN!! 1-00

Hey, all!!!! Or, should I say ya'll! LOL I had a GREAT time in Tennessee.  Definitely felt if/when I move there, I would feel right at home. Well, now you can hear all about my incredible weekend. Bear with me...A LOT happened...You'll hear about Anita's demo I recorded on, and how Anita and I met my friend Jeanie Hutton's cousin Kathy Ward, who lives next to Michael W. Smith, and how we saw his house, kids and dog :). We got to see Alan Jacksons, Amy Grants, Wynonna, Ashley and Naomi Judd's houses. I got to go to a concert at the famous Christ Church to see the Martins, where I also got to meet comedian Jeff Allen, and singer Tanya Goodman-Sykes and her husband. How Judy Martin needs a nanny and how I got a letter from Bill Gaither the day I left for TN!!! It was just an awesome weekend and God opened up the most incredible doors.

Let me start off by sharing two experiences. I met two WONDERFUL Christians, one on the way to TN, and the other on the way back. It's so awesome how God places you in the right place at the right time and starts up conversations between people. One, I offered a piece of gum too, and the other sneezed and I said bless you. BOTH opened up conversation and I've added them to this list, so welcome Laurie and Renee!! Thanks for being so sweet and letting me share so much with you. I hope we keep in touch!!

Let's see, Anita and I were in the studio all day Saturday. I had SO much fun. First, let me say, Anita and I sound SOOOO much alike, it's incredible. Even Anita couldn't tell the difference sometimes. Of course, Anita's MUCH more experienced and has a much more powerful voice. She really is talented and a wonderful friend. She made me feel real welcome and we had a nice time together. Ok, back to the studio...the poor guy, Jeff Morgan (GREAT producer), had to stop me at least a hundred times to correct something I did wrong, but at the same time he was VERY encouraging. He put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. I honestly didn't feel nervous at all and I had so much fun...I can't wait to one day do it again! I was also very impressed by his professionalism. He really knew what he was doing and did a fantastic job on Anita's demo. Her songs are wonderful, her voice sounds great, she's AMAZING on the guitar, and she did a great job writing the music for my song "Knowing You". If any of you would like a copy, which I highly recommend you get one, please e-mail me ASAP so I can let Anita know how many she needs to get made.

Sunday I went to Anita's church, which I was very impressed by,  then afterwards we went looking at everyone's houses. First we met Kathy Ward who was gracious enough to let us stop over to drop off a copy of Anita's demo.

She was entertaining Michael's kids that day and they were all watching the Titan's game along with a few other friends of hers. Michael's house was SO nice, and we saw his dog outside too. LOL He was away that weekend, so we didn't get to meet him. After that, she gave us directions to see Alan and Amy's houses. Ok, Alan's house??? Can we say small hotel??? HELLO!! HUGE house!!! BEAUTIFUL too. Amy's was set back and you had to really look in order to see it, but it was beautiful. We think we saw Amy too. There was a car behind us that turned into her driveway. The driver looked like Amy.

Anyhoo, then Anita showed me everyone else's houses. I was surprised they were small...all on HUGE pieces of properties, but the houses themselves were small. Cute though. Well, after that, we headed on over to Christ Church for the concert. We arrived early and were able to get front row seats. We were able to meet Joyce Martin's husband, Harrie, before the concert. What a sweet, sweet person. He talked to us about his niece, who was burned on 60% of her body, and gave us an update, which is also on the Martin's website (please pray for her), then promised Anita he would make the Martins listen to her demo. The concert started and it was AWESOME!!! They sang a lot of new songs off their new album. Anita and I were clapping and singing along to the ones we knew. Jonathan and Joyce smiled at us numerous times and Jonathan told us after the concert, "You two were awesome in the front row." :) Well, they were awesome on stage, like we could be any less. :) God has blessed that family in such a wonderful way, and He's using them to reach so many. Well, after the concert, I was able to meet them all. Jonathan remembered me, the one who gave them my music last October. He said, "Yeah, you're the one with the picture." See, I put my picture on my resume and he remembered! :) He said he's looked it over and if he read it again, he'd remember it. They were all SOOO nice. I just love them all...they make you feel like you're their best friend. Well, Anita asked them if they need any help with anything and Joyce said, "Well, Judy is looking for a nanny." I jumped on that one. I was able to talk to Judy and she took my name, address and number. I told her I have PLENTY of experience and references...children have been my life. She said she just interviewed someone she might like, but she wasn't sure yet. I made sure she knew I was willing to move, if this worked out, so PLEASE PRAY!!! I also received a reply from Bill Gaither. I asked him, since he might be at Mark's solo concert, if I can meet him and talk with him. He said he doesn't have a set schedule YET for February, but to keep in touch with him, so PLEASE PRAY!!! :) God seems to be starting to open doors, so pray His will be done with either Bill or Judy. I really believe something's going to happen soon, so I'm just praying about it now and waiting and trusting. Let's see...I think that's all. SO, keep Anita and me in your prayers. Anita has a wonderful talent I know God is going to use soon. I'll keep you posted on anything that may happen. Thanks for letting me share all this and for all your prayers. God is AWESOME!!! God bless and keep you all!!!

Love, Elisa

PS I feel like I'm leaving some things out. If anything comes back to me, I'll let ya'll know! :)