Home

Day three starts with an early morning worship set with Jeff Deyo. A perfect start for the day! This morning worship was just what I needed to get back on track and remember why I was here. Not to get great pictures, awesome interviews, and free CD's, but to worship God. I was surprised at how I had detoured away from the presence of God in order to cram in a busy schedule of shows and interviews. In the midst of one of the best Christian festivals in the mid-west I totally lost sight of what was important.

I'm convinced that the wake up call and subsequent prayer and repentance was what brought about the best day of Lifest for myself. The weather was great and the day was one blessing after another.

During the first stop in the press room I was able to charge up the electronic equipment (computer, camera, and phone) and check my e-mail. I also had the opportunity to talk with solo artist and speaker Shawn Smith. After that interview I sat in on an interview with Reese from Five Iron Frenzy. Reese discussed the break-up (or parting of ways) of FIF. Stating that it was a friendly and mutual agreement made after much prayer. The band members were all wanting to do other things and it just wasn't possible to keep the band together at the same time. Reese mentioned starting his own label called "Ministry of Defense Records." He also mentioned that there would be one more Brave Saint Saturn CD before that side project was shelved.

Around 2:30pm I sat in on Matthew Turner's presentation on the influence of media on the Christian. Matthew had a panel of guests from the audience on stage like a make-shift talk show. Audience participation was also encouraged as Matthew discussed the influence of music, tv, and movies. It was also interesting to find out that while growing up Matt had very little exposure to any kind of music, but yet he made it up the ranks to editor of the largest Christian music publications CCM Magazine.

While walking through the merchandise building I found out that Megan Roberson was going to be singing the National Anthem prior to RSJ taking the stage. I booggied on down to the Grandstand to get a good spot but I ran into another detour, the security volunteer. With out the happy-faced all access pass I wasn't getting anywhere near the stage for a picture. Realizing that it wouldn't be right to argue and plead with her I went for help. Which actually turned out to be kind of a cool thing. I went back to the press room to see if someone could get me a little closer, and Jessica (a PR assistant) was nice enough to give me a golf cart ride back to the Grandstand, Matthew Turner joined us for the ride (and provided the back-up alarm).

After a short wait Megan came out and shined as she sang one of the most difficult anthems (but the coolest) of all nations. Oh yeah. I almost forgot... before Megan came on there was a sky diver with the American flag who eventually touched down very near the audience. Very cool.

Closing the night was the greatest display of Fireworks I've ever experienced. Maybe it was just the fact that it was somewhat synchronized with great praise and worship songs like MWS singing "Awesome God," and an intro taken right from Carman.