cute percussionist, huh?

I forgot to post this video of the great Ross King playing a concert at our Church on June 18th, along with his very cute percussionist -- that guy has some wicked skillz:

Greatestneverever from John Simmons on Vimeo.

P.S. -- Let me assure you once again that I DO plan to blog as soon as possible. Stay with me, OK? I'm healing/writing/working my tail off, but blogs are on the brain . . .

sandra mccracken video - houston, tx

We were blessed to have Sandra McCracken perform at Church of the Holy Trinity (our Church) May 2010. She brought along Derek Webb, Cliff and Danielle Young, and Todd Bragg.

Here's a brilliant performance of "Justice Will Roll Down" from In Feast or Fallow, Sandra's new record of hymns, which I most highly recommend (again). Truth be told, this album has almost literally carried me through my first major surgery. It's been my go-to music on my iPod during nights when I needed lullabies to fall asleep.

If Sandra comes to your town, I'd advise you buy tickets.

Sandra McCracken-Justice Will Roll Down from John Simmons on Vimeo.

[Thanks to Ben Huggins for filming this video!]

P.S. -- If you look carefully, you'll see mine and Johnny's noggins . . .

short surgery recap

Well, hey. I had surgery on May 20th: a laparotomy, removal of severe stage 4 endometriosis, small and large bowel resections, uteralsacral suspension, and an appendectomy. It took 7-8 hours, can you believe it? I stayed in the hospital for 5 days, which seemed like 5 years. I probably have an überdramatic outlook since this was my first major surgery, but I really didn't think I was gonna make it. Thankfully, my husband, parents, and brother took very good care of me, as did the nurses. I had really amazing nurses; two were named Peace and Charity, no joke. Well, there was one wacko nurse. She walked into my room one afternoon when I was in a BAD mood. She ended up being helpful, but man, she was weird.

Anyway, my surgeons got all of the endometriosis, praise be to God! But I'm still recovering. I've thought about writing a poetic retelling of the whole experience several times, but I just don't have the energy for that right now. Once again, I have to choose where to direct my energy, which this month must be resting, healing, the Art House America Blog, and my manuscript for the Glen Workshop (due July 1st). However, since all of that gunk is out of my body, I'm very much looking forward to feeling healthy in a few more weeks once my body recovers from surgical trauma.

As of today, I feel mostly OK, though I'm still alternating between 1 Darvocet and 1 ibuprofen as needed. I'm walking and doing little things around the house, per my doctors' instructions. AND, I've been drinking strong decaf espresso! I decided to start with decaf so as not to jolt my healing body too much. But my French press is waiting patiently for me in the kitchen.

I get tired, and I'm still a bit sore, but I do believe God is blessing this healing process. Thanks for all of your prayers; the Lord is our healer and He heard our cries. There are no words for my gratitude. Hopefully the words will come because the Lord deserves such praise to spill forth from my lips.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna read a little before we watch Friday Night Lights, one of the best shows on television.

Here's a few surgery snapshots for you . . .

[Me, pre-op, 5:00 am IN THE MORNING. I could've looked worse.]

[Gorgeous flowers from family and friends. Truly, such beauty cheered me up.]

[My "Happy Surgery" present from Johnny. I've wanted TOMS for quite awhile. They make my feet happy, especially since a cute little kid somewhere got a free pair of shoes, too. I'm even wearing them to Church tomorrow with a plaid skirt. Yep, I am.]

[Me now: fatigue, crazy hair, and hope. I'm gonna make it, people.]