Face the Music by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page A

amazing. It’s like he knew everything about this girl and her need for God and just everything. He even got her to pray with him, actually inviting God into her heart. Incredible! By the time he said amen, both Haley and I were crying. I gave her a big hug. “Welcome to God’s family.” Then I sneaked her a free CD, which I will replace from my own personal stash, and one of the tracts that Omega provides for us to give to new believers that even has a website with more helpful information.
    “Your life will never be the same again,” Jeremy reassured her. Then a couple of other kids came up and joined her. It turned out they were her cousins, kids who’d been witnessing to her for years. Haley and I hugged again, and I told herthat I’d be praying for her, and then they left.
    “Thanks, Jeremy,” I said, feeling a little self-conscious. “I was kind of floundering there.”
    “Hey, you were willing. That’s what counts.”
    “But how did you know I needed help?”
    “I guess it was a God-thing.” He smiled.
    I nodded, at the same time telling myself to watch my heart —no major meltdowns for me tonight. “Well, I appreciate it.” I waved over to Allie.
    Now the most miraculous part of this evening was the simple way God pulled Haley right into His arms. I know it was the result of His perfect timing and everything, but it was amazing to participate in, amazing to witness.
    But in a smaller way, I was amazed at how I kept my heart under control. Despite the impressive way Jeremy prayed and ministered to Haley—which would’ve normally attracted me like a magnet—I managed to maintain that safe distance. I managed to keep myself from plunging into the depths of infatuation and experiencing another full-blown crush. I’ve decided that a crush is exactly what it sounds like—it can crush your heart. In other words, not good. At least not for me. For me, a crush is to be avoided at all costs. What a relief it is to know this.
    AGAIN AND AGAIN
You’ve done it again
amazing God
drawing our hearts to You
again and again
You pull us toward You
like flowers to the sun
like the waves to the shore
like rain to the earth
again and again
You pull us toward You
our hearts merge with Yours
and we become one
with You
again and again
amen

Eight
Saturday, May 14
    Today has been nothing but pure fun from the very get-go, and it’s not even time for the prom yet. First Allie and Laura and I met Beanie at the Paradiso (the local coffeehouse). And it’s always pretty cool to be back in the very first place I ever performed. But to our pleased surprise, Caitlin was there too. (Not even Josh knew that she was coming home this weekend.)
    Anyway, it was so amazing to just sit there with Beanie and Caitlin and to consider what a profound influence these two college girls have had on our lives. I took a moment to just study them, and I thought to myself, man, these girls are as different as night and day. Okay, that might be too extreme since they both totally love God. But where Caitlin is this very thoughtful and sometimes reserved blue-eyed blonde, Beanie is a dark-eyed brunette who has this huge snorting laugh that makes everyone turn and look. But they’re both beautiful women, and I am truly glad they’re our friends.
    So there we all sat just laughing and talking and enjoying this incredible reunion whileconsuming way too much caffeine until it was nearly noon. After that, we headed over to my house to try out our prom outfits with Beanie’s supervision and final tweaking. Well, that girl really outdid herself this time.
    I must confess I was concerned about this whole fifties thing, imagining us wearing puffy pastel dresses that looked like they’d survived a bad wedding party, but I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong.
    “It’s because of Chloe that I chose the fifties,” announced Beanie as she laid out the garment bags containing our outfits.
    “What do you mean?” I asked, instantly on the