Two Nights in Music City: Faith, Princess Rebecca, and the Dove Awards

Two nights. Two incredible nights in the epicenter of Contemporary Christian Music: The Dove Awards at the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. I flew out of Houston to Music City two consecutive years as a Methodist Hospital warrior of truth, on a mission to seek out my potential wife and celebrate the Master with the industry's most talented and accomplished.

Here is "Lion," a favorite from that time period and the song that garnered Princess Rebecca St. James a Dove Award—the highest earthly honor in Christian music—for her work with *The Chronicles of Narnia* movie project. She was always my favorite, and my future wife, in those early days. I am so proud to have spent time with the CCM community there in Nashville. What a fantastic walk of faith, and a great time every year.

Reflecting on the Charm of BarlowGirl and "Never Alone"

The beautiful sisters of BarlowGirl opened for Princess Rebecca that evening in League City, Texas. I later saw them again at a big KSBJ show in Eleanor Tinsley Park downtown. BarlowGirl was a massive fixture in the mid-2000s Christian rock and alternative scene, with hits like "Never Alone" dominating Christian radio from 2004–2006.

I posted a press release on my "John Is Waiting For His Princess" blog offering to fly to meet the girls in their hometown of Chicago for coffee. For a while, Ms. Alyssa was the apple of my eye. Who knows, maybe a cup of coffee somewhere is still in our future, ladies. Wishing all three of you the very best.

Here's an acoustic version of "Never Alone" that aired back then on Air1 Radio, which broadcasts on hundreds of faith-based stations nationwide.

The Soundtrack of The Search: Finding Inspiration in Britt Nicole's Early Music

Those early days of serving the Master and looking for my wife were so much fun. I launched my blog, entitled "John is Waiting for His Princess," in 2005 after attending a presentation on blogging by a Houston Chronicle technology reporter in the Texas Medical Center.

I used the site to document occasional recreational and work experiences, share my thoughts on various topics and spiritual matters, and highlight my love for my future wife. So who was John waiting for? I was encouraged to discover the work of CCM artist Britt Nicole back then, who seemed to suggest she might know.

Where Are We Going, Angel? Reflecting on the Ethereal Heights of Andy Hunter's Most Memorable Track

As we kick off the Lord Week here, let's feature one of my favorite tracks from British DJ Andy Hunter. I think vocalist Christine Glass perfectly illustrates the excitement of the Princess as we soar above the clouds to anywhere she desires. Where are we going, angel?

The Origin of These Amazing Videos: How One Record From Princess Rebecca St. James Changed Everything

Are you ready for the Lord Week, where we examine the origins of all these incredible videos I post on the blog? I believe this all started with one album, Rebecca St. James 2005 masterpiece "If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something." Listen carefully to that record, with headphones! Ms. Rebecca is a lovely, thankful person recording the first real Princess record, starting a tradition enjoyed and emulated by artists around the globe. I was proudly serving with the great Rev. Charles Millikan at Houston's Methodist Hospital when this life-changing album dropped.

When you get to the track "Thank You" on the record listen very carefully. You need headphones. I was stunned. And thrilled.

Shorlty thereafter, I saw Princess Rebecca perform live in support of this album in League City, Texas. Intrigued? Stay tuned for more...

Maybe Australia's Acclaimed Julia Stone Can Explain It Emphatically. You're The One That I Want, Sweetheart

I think sometimes folks get confused. Who is he talking about here? Who is this person he constantly refers to on this blog?

Answer: The most incedible woman in the world. My future wife.

Julia Stone's haunting, stripped-down cover of the classic Grease track "You're the One That I Want" transforms the traditionally upbeat duet into a whisper-soft, melancholic acoustic ballad.

You name the time and place, angel. I'll meet you there.

It's Hurricane Season, Houston. The Princess Rolled Through Downtown This Year. Are You Ready For What Comes Next?

She's a real sweetie. She captured my heart the very first time I looked at her in that Houston night spot. You can imagine my excitement when she rolled through downtown earlier this year with Cannons. When she comes around, things change. Rearrange.

And my incredible Princess is coming back like a hurricane, friends and neighbors. As the old song says, "I've got joy, joy, joy in my heart, heart, heart." Or something like that.

She's probably intrigued by my previous adventures to Berlin, Rome, London, and Perth. But she has additional plans. Where? Away. Away. Away.

I love you, angel. Can't wait to see you again.