This week I was at the Outreach Conference in San Diego. I really did not know who would be speaking except Craig Groeschel and I was extremely excited to hear him. Too me, what he said not only slapped me in the face, I wish every pastor would “get it”. Craig was awesome. At one point he repented in front of a room full of pastors for focusing on bringing people in instead of sending people out. Wow!

Running into a few of my favorite bloggers was the high point of the trip although it made me feel a little bit like a “groupie”! I read their posts everyday (ok most everyday) and I am really grateful for the insight and encouragement they have shared. I especially appreciate their courage for being transparent!

Having made a living playing music professionally for many years it was a little alarming to me that I was feeling like a groupie. And these were people who worked in fulltime ministry not rock stars. What was wrong with me?

I was reminded of the first time the tables were turned and I became a fan having my idol right in front of me. Growing up Frank Zappa had a huge influence on me. Every year on Halloween; Frank would hold a live event in Manhattan. I would go every single year and it was probably some of the best and craziest experiences of my life. Usually Zappa played a live concert but this particular year, 1982, he debut his movie “The Dub Room Special” at the famous Ritz Theater, which I believe is on 14th. (Dang that was a long time ago so I could be wrong!) Frank was known for being anti drugs and it just so happened that the very first time I ran into him I was wasted. We arrived at the club early and because we partied all the way there, about three hours, I was stupidly stupid!! I was standing across the street when to my shock Frank walked right in front of me. I could not say a word. I was embarrassed to meet such an intellectual while my brain was fried. As I type this the thought came that maybe that was God’s first attempt to get me sober!

Later after the movie I found myself in a line of autograph seekers slowly moving towards him. As a performer, I hated autographs and there was no way I was going to ask him for one. I was just in awe of being so close to him. I was like a zombie slowly moving forward not really paying attention to what was going on. The next thing you know, BAM! I am next in line. So I grab my ticket stub out of my pocket and I handed it to him. Up to this point Frank was going through the motions hardly looking up at people. I won’t post what I asked here but I am a real Frank Zappa fan. What I asked him to sign got him to stop and look up at me. He then looked me in the eyes and gave me this huge grin because he knew I was not just a normal fan but I somewhat understood him, like if anyone could ever understand the genius of Zappa! Wow, that was sure a long squirrel chase. Anyway, where was I?

Oh, at one point when I first got to the hotel I thought I saw Bobby Gruenewald, but I was not sure. I walked by him yet he did not look like the photo on his blog, heck, no one really did except Tim Stevens! Haven’t you run into people that looked like someone you know only to find out they are not causing an embarrassing moment? Well, I chickened out and I regret that now. I personally wanted to thank Bobby for answering my tech questions when I was starting this blog. He not only responded with help his response was prompt. Craig introduced Bobby before he spoke and I realized it was him. I was planning on saying thanks after Craig’s teaching but Bobby was nowhere to be found. Next time I will face my fear even at the risk of making a fool of myself. Why be scared of something that comes so naturally! LOL

Then I happened to run into Kem Meyer and Tim Stevens walking in the parking lot. I did recognize them but again chickened out. I usually have no fear so this was all a little strange. I kind of felt dumb that I didn’t go and say hello.

Then, as luck would have it, I ran into them in the expo hall. This time I simply walked up and introduced myself. It was an honor to meet them. Both of their blogs have changed me for the better!

The conference closed with a panel that both Kem and Tony Morgan were on. Tony was one of the first blogs I started to read on a regular basis. Being a squirrel chaser blogs fit my style of input. I really think it was Tony’s blog that first showed me how I can download a bunch of great ideas by reading blogs. I have read all of the Strategic books that Tony and Tim coauthored – great stuff!

After the panel was over I went up and introduced myself. Tony seems like a fun guy with a great sense of humor. Like Tim and Kem he was very nice and genuine! It really was an honor to meet people who have helped me in so many ways. It made the internet actually come to life for me! Even though I am still a little skeptical of online social networks and such, I believe I maybe changing.

I did have my camera on me and thought about asking them for a group photo to post here, but I chickened out. I have always wanted to visit Granger and now New Spring so I am just going to have to make that happen.

OK, well, I know Phil Cooke so I now only have to run into Seth and I will have met all of my favorite bloggers!

 Added next day:

I woke up this morning and was a little convicted about telling a Zappa story since it did not relate. Basically last night I was typing off the top of my head; like usual! I try not to tell personal stories from my past unless they may help someone today!  I would have edited this post but today is Sunday and it is Super Bowl time. I figured I would do it after church.

Pastor Blunt started a series on extreme makeovers this morning and I changed my mind. What a great example of how God changed a heart if several years ago I was doing drugs and going to shows waiting to meet my favorite music personality, yet today I am going to conferences, Christian conferences, trying to get ideas and attempting to network and make new friends.

For those of you that are new to hn.com and are reading this for the first time here is a link to my story. It is a great before and after testimony although God has placed my growth in overdrive these last two years. I may just have to produce an updated version.