I'll get to the regular "filling up" in a few minutes, but I need to finish off my ICRS visit first. Part one is here.

Just to let you know what a fun day it turned out to be, I also had the privilege of meeting and talking with this lovely, new artist, who was genuine and as down-to-earth as the girl next door. She and I chatted for a moment while I told her how much her testimony and perspective on true beauty meant to me as I try to teach my own girls the value of what is inside being more important:We will continue to pray for Mandisa as she begins her journey as a frontline music artist in such a public arena. She was the one who caused quite the "stir" in our house. My girls have played her "mini" CD over and over again, continually gazing at the autograph that certifies her "famous" hand actually touched the case!

Rather than bore you with all the details of the others I either saw or met, I'll just hit the highlights and link to those who have sites. You can check them out for yourselves:

• Beverly Lewis -- Great woman. Love her books. Definitely in my top 10 authors list
• Francine Rivers -- Did not talk with her, but she is also one of my favorites. Especially this book. A must-read.
• Terri Blackstock -- Not an avid reader of her work yet, but after the book she gave me -- I could be persuaded.
  
• Dennis Rainey -- Again, did not have a chance to talk, but his ministry and his books are dear to my heart. God has used him mightily in my life and my marriage.
• Casting Crowns -- The ministry this group shares with so many has personally touched my life in a myriad of ways. I was especially moved by one member of the band recently as his life impacted my Libbyline's in a significant fashion. I am reminded by the actions of these fellow believers that we are all ministers . . . some are just more visible than others.
• Crawford Loritts -- I was able to minister alongside this godly man years ago in a land far away. He was as genuine, sincere, and winsome when I saw him Monday as he'd been almost 15 years ago when we briefly worked together. Another blessing.
• Jump 5 -- Cute kids that "WOW" my girls, but I just felt old and frumpy next to their fresh faces and sleek figures. Bringing home a signed photograph for each daughter tho' earned me a lusty scream and choruses of thank you's! The Hawk Nelson foam finger and the autograph from Anthony Evans . . . not so much.
  
• Last but certainly not least by any means!!
  
• Sandy -- I interrupted her and her dashing husband for a moment as they were headed to another meeting, and for that I am quite sorry. I wish we'd had time for tea and a muffin. She is sweet and quite southern-looking, which is especially interesting considering she's coming from the Northwest. I read her blog regularly and would encourage y'all to do the same. She is a wise and practical kindred spirit that I hope will have lots more to tell us all in the near future.

I've belabored my foray into the publishing and bookselling arena long enough. Time for filling up that tank. I am thankful for:

1. Friends: Especially ones who don't tire too easily of gushing. My dearest friend probably had to hold the phone at arm's length Monday as I cackled and cawed about all the people I met and saw.

2. Awards: A bloggy friend bestowed this award on me, and though I've not tagged anybody -- I am grateful to have received it.

3. Stampin' Up! Catalog: My dearest friend in the whole world is a demonstrator of this great product, and I am always thrilled to receive mine. Maybe you'd like one, too? I can getcha' one, if the price is right!

4. Books: How I love new books! I love old ones, too, but the feel and smell of a new one . . . that can't be duplicated. I received a stack of new ones at the show Monday. Maybe I'll have to take a picture of all the reading I'll be doing in the coming weeks and months.

5. Books in the Mail: I have a friend on the other side of the country who cares enough about my health and well-being to send me a book that will help me take better care of myself. What a sweetheart!

6. Magnifying Mirrors: I like mine for a variety of reasons, but I just thought about this the other day while applying my make-up. When I am up against 5x magnification, how common is that in my real life? Looking in that mirror reminds me that no one sees me like that with the exception of Jesus. He's the only One who can see me up close and personal, flaws and all. He alone can turn the mirror back and let me see what He sees.

7. Cast off: Sweetcheeks was thrilled beyond belief at getting her cast removed today. She still has to wear a splint, but she can take it off for showering and washing her hands. Tonight as we were sending everyone to bed she erupted into gales of giggles and squeals. She kept saying over and over, "This has been the most wonderful day of my entire life!"

8. Soccer Camp: Yes, my JD is gone all week from 9am-3pm. Need I say more?

9. Rest: The early part of my week was strenuous for little, old me. So, I've been thankful for extra rest gleaned here and there.

10. My Precious DP: He missed out on several great book signings in order to make sure I got to meet my favorites. I adore this man. Sure wish he could have gotten Tony Dungy's new book though. Oh well, maybe that'll be a gift idea.

As always, please join me by sharing how God has filled up your tank this week. I'd love to hear about your blessings in the comments or at your own site. Take the header and start filling up that tank yourself. You'll be amazed at how much you overlook unless you're intentional. Have a blessed day!

Labels: books, celebrities, joy, thanks tank

I'm a little late on the upstart with opening up a new blog this week, but I am certainly not going to forget about the Spring Reading Thing over at Katrina's. Check out the button in my sidebar if you want to go directly there and join in on the fun!

Here's my list of "I hope to Reads" this spring:

The Excellent Wife, by Martha Peace
Grace in Thine Eyes, by Liz Curtis Higgs
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini (I refuse to see the movie that is about to be available on DVD before I've read the book.)
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, by John Piper (started this last fall and got hidden under some other books on my nightstand)
Get Out of That Pit, by Beth Moore (got for Christmas and got shoved aside in favor of Karen Kingsbury novels -- not bad, but it is time to read this book!)
The Witness, by Dee Henderson (lost in a box in my garage when we moved, hope to find it before summer)
Before I Wake, by Dee Henderson (love everything by this author and know I'll want to read it once I finish the one above)
Fear Not: Thoughts On Courage, by Benjamin Darling
Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller
Made to Stick, by Chip and Dan Heath (at my DP's request)

I've got many more that I'd like to read, but I'll delve into these first and add more as I can. I'm excited to embark on this venture with so many other bibliophiles out there.

Labels: books, reading