I sold my car, so it's been a Motorcycle Summer.
We had an adventurous little week.
It started on the way to Ignite festival in Chicago. 15 minutes from the venue, right past the downtown skyline, the freeway flooded. The interstate was a river. We could see trash floating where cars should be driving. It took us 90 minutes to snake our way through neighborhoods and shopping centers to get to the baseball field where the festival was held. No sooner did we arrive than we were on stage playing our 30 minutes of music. Then we were done. Time to turn around and head back home.
A couple days later, we were in Little Rock, AK for FamilyLife Ministries’ staff conference. It was an uplifting time. We led worship in the morning and played a concert in the afternoon. Oddly enough, as long as I’ve been in the band, we’ve never actually led worship as a band. While I believe playing Sanctus Real songs is a form of praise and worship for me, it’s an entirely different world than playing “praise & worship” music. It was a refreshing change of pace.
During the morning session, radio host, Bob Lepine, talked with Matt about the story of “Lead Me” (you can hear the story at sanctusreal.com). In contrast, he then asked about my story of being divorced. This was my first time speaking publicly about it, and I felt self-conscious…especially in a room of 200+ people who work for a thriving marriage and family ministry. It was difficult, and I’m not much of a speaker, but it was good for me. It was good to vocalize it. Everyone seemed very understanding, and afterward people had many gracious things to say. It was encouraging. You can read more about my divorce on the first blog post.
Then on our way out of town, we stopped at Chickfila, which believe it or not, you can also hear about courtesy of Lisa & Eric at the K-LOVE morning show. I have to say, I’m impressed with accuracy. Listen here & then for a different vantage point, here.
20 hours and 2 new bus tires later, we were in the great city of Pittsburgh, PA. This was a really fun show…my first in the area. I hope to make it back there soon.
Then came the marathon. Two shows in two different states in one afternoon. Can it be done? Somehow. The first was Heavenfest outside of Denver, CO. We played at noon. Honestly, we were shocked at how great the response was. It was early. It was hot. People showed up though, and they sang along. We really had a good experience, albeit too short. Hopefully we’ll be back again to spend the proper amount of time.
As soon as we finished playing, we grabbed some more Chickfila from catering and headed to the airport. The second show was at Six Flags amusement park in Dallas. Our flight landed, and we had just over an hour to get our gear (hopefully all of it) from baggage claim, drive to the park, and soundcheck before we were up to bat. This plan could have gone wrong in a 1000 different ways, but it didn’t. The flights were on time. The airline didn’t lose any luggage. The traffic moved right along. It was one of those things where you absolutely know angels were on the lookout.
After us, Skillet played. They had fireworks and elevators and giant balls of fire. It was rad. I felt like a chump because we didn’t have any of that.
Great Balls of Fire
Oh well, maybe one day. Until then, I’ll keep getting my fireball kicks out by playing Super Mario Brothers.
The next morning we flew to Detroit, and I rode the motorbike home. It was cramped on the bike, but everything fit. I took shower and went to bed. A very exciting finale, I know ;)
The End.
I was really disappointed to find out you guys came to Pittsburgh, the day after it happened! I hope you come back soon.
Just came across your blog. Saw you guys play in Pittsburgh. Great show. You guys are an inspiration to me as a twenty something guy trying to do the right things
We at FamilyLife were VERY blessed by your being here to lead us in worship and share your music with us! And you sharing your story was an amazing moment and a blessing to many. Thank you for being open, vulnerable and sharing your heart! You have many people praying for you…and the rest of the members of Sanctus Real! We hope to see you again, until then we’ll keep sharing your message with those who are part of the FamilyLife community!
Dan, we really enjoyed having you guys at the Bible Chapel in Pittsburgh last week. All of you were such a delight to be with, and the concert was incredible! We look forward to having you back soon. BTW, your picture is being framed and since it is the BIGGEST one we have now, we’ll make sure it gets a place of honor on the “wall of fame”.
Please come back to Heaven Fest! We missed your set while waiting in line to park and we were so bummed! Everyone we know that saw you were encouraged, inspired, and filled with the Holy Spirit!
Just saw ur blog for the 1st time, thanks to KCMS in Seattle.(@Spirit1053fm on Twitter.) I’m familiar with Family Radio cuz the parents of one of my college classmates worked there. But one “Little” correction: Little Rock is in AR not AK (which is Alaska).
Otherwise, I wanna say I like your music and have a couple of your cd’s. I rarely buy music, instead relying on my public library to provide me with what I want. (And yes, Seattle & King County libraries have a good collection of Christian music!)
oops. I sorta got you mixed up with another band. *blushes* I don’t *yet* have any of your cd’s but I’ll fix that soon so that I can give you a *proper* review.
Really am SO glad , that you all came to Pittsburgh to uplift and encourage us through Jesus ( As our Rock of Gibraltar , through life’s unforeseen Journeys . ) > You Sang to us > Faith-filled
and Down To Earth , REAL LIFE Songs that spoke : so gently to our HEARTS , SOULS, & INNER SPIRITS !
You told us testimonies of overcoming your own struggles . Dan – Thanks for Sharing from your heart , and telling us more about the people in the BAND > Sanctus Real here on this Blog . I feel like you are Linked to US …
a part of the HEARTS of the Family Of Believers that extends
far BEYOND Boundaries of Countries or Cyber-Space ! Really, we are One In THE SPIRIT of God !
Now , we should pray for each others needs .
Pray for those who need Physical / Emotional / Spiritual
Healing and for many with Broken Hearts and Lives .Pray for God to meet the Financial Needs of People , everywhere ! Let’s look to God and trust Him , as Our Provider . Your Sisters and Brothers
IN JESUS , do love You – Very Much .
Really am SO glad , that you all came to Pittsburgh to uplift and encourage us through Jesus ( As our Rock of Gibraltar , through life’s unforeseen Journeys . ) > You Sang to us > Faith-filled
and Down To Earth , REAL LIFE Songs that spoke : so gently to our HEARTS , SOULS, & INNER SPIRITS !
You told us testimonies of overcoming your own struggles . Dan – Thanks for Sharing from your heart , and telling us more about the people in the BAND > Sanctus Real here on this Blog . I feel like you are Linked to US …
a part of the HEARTS of the Family Of Believers that extends
far BEYOND Boundaries of Countries or Cyber-Space ! Really, we are One In THE SPIRIT of God !
Now , we should pray for each others needs .
Pray for those who need Physical / Emotional / Spiritual
Healing and for many with Broken Hearts and Lives .Pray for God to meet the Financial Needs of People , everywhere ! Let’s look to God and trust Him , as Our Provider . Your Sisters and Brothers
IN JESUS , do love You – Very Much .
Sounds like you all really enjoyed yourselves going on the TOUR Of Those 5 Cities, Hope You Return to Visit Us , Again ! Hope you find the Third Tour Bus , that’s a REPLICA of Your ” Full Moon Fever ” Bus ,Thanks For Being the Greatest Sweetest Guys , EVER ! We’re missing you , already – !!!
I learned something new… and it was through my experice… God so love the world that he gave his only son to die on the cross right? well i met a lots of christians people and yeah they love god soo much and they really christians… they said all that but they never really show the example of love, compassion and forgiveness.. i asked myself how can god produce people that they said is christians but never really share the example of christ… and it has hurt me a lot.. and i was rejected a lot and it not good feeling at all. i always has been rejected ever since but the worst of all is being rejected by the people who said they love god.. and i think we all need to really share the example of love, compassion and forgiveness toward others.. we are the body of christ and we really need to show that example to the world. if we don’t do that then we are not the body of christ.. so we need to keep doing that. we need to remind people that are hurting out there that Jesus love them so much constanly as a reminder… expecially to teenagers that are hurting out there. that need of love, compassion and A friend. so let do that everyday!
Very exciting! Sounds like a lot of fun… Good job getting out of your comfort zone! God calls us to do that!