Closer

Did I tell you Kevin started playing with the worship team at our church last Fall?

Yep. He usually plays at church every other Sunday, and I can’t tell you how full I feel for him as he grows his relationship with God through music every day.

We were invited to a casual dinner for worship team members at our church’s office in Prattville a couple of weeks ago, and it was so fun to hang out with all the folks he’s been rehearsing/playing with at church!

We sat six to a table, and dined on chicken kebabs and banana pudding. Okay fine- there were other side dishes, but the banana pudding was INCREDIBLE! I don’t even really care for bananas, but I can’t believe I didn’t know about the amazingness that is banana pudding until I moved to the South. If you haven’t ever tried it, and aren’t allergic to bananas- you must experience a spoonful soon!

(Photo)

Our (folding) table was covered in a simple, paper tablecloth that night, and a single yellow flower leaned against the rim of a blue mason jar in the middle of the table in front of me. Kevin sat to my left, and fellow worship team member, Ashley Wade, sat to my right.

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Ashley sing.

It was in May of last year, and it was the first time we had ever attended Centerpoint. I left the building with my sunglasses on that day (ifyaknowwhatImean)- largely in part because of the way her gift/spirit made me feel. Girl’s got a way with worship!

I shot some video footage of her and my hubby while they recorded some just-for-fun vocals and guitar at our house earlier this week. Click the play button on the video player below if you’d like to watch and listen:

I hope it leaves your shoulders feeling a little bit lighter, and your heart feeling a whole bunch’a happy!

PS- I look forward to sharing more music from Ashley and all the other talented folks on Centerpoint‘s worship team in the future!

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87 Responses to Closer

1. Lisa T says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 8:54 pm

   I just stopped in to check things out this evening and what a blessing I received! sniff, sniff. Absolutely beautiful! So moving, you all are so talented. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

   

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   • Carol says:

     Mar 20, 2013 at 6:12 am

     Beautiful.

     

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2. Sandy says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 9:12 pm

   Absolutely amazing!!!

   

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3. Kellie says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 9:30 pm

   How lovely — thank you to you all for blessing us with your God-given gifts (even the videography is stunning).

   

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4. TERRI HAMNER says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 9:31 pm

   beautiful!

   

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5. betsy derr says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 9:39 pm

   beautiful. praise the LORD!

   

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6. Heather says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 9:52 pm

   Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

   

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7. Donna Lohr says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 9:52 pm

   This has been my prayer lately….thank you.

   

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8. pam says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 10:03 pm

   Wow! I would need those sunglasses too! Thank you for sharing!!

   

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9. Jeanna says:

   Mar 8, 2013 at 10:33 pm

   Pure awesomeness!!!

   

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10. Rhonda Irizarry says:

    Mar 8, 2013 at 11:50 pm

    So wonderful!

    

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11. Sharon Chisholm says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 1:02 am

    Sigh! No other words needed!

    

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12. Marianne Olafsen Heymans says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 1:08 am

    It was beautiful! I enjoy starting my day with a cup of coffee, and reading your blog. It is very inspiring.. Thank you for sharing, and I am looking forward to hear more music:) With Love, all the way from Norway, Marianne.

    

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13. Kathy K. says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 3:24 am

    That is the first time I’ve heard someone sing like my grandmother, who by the way sang for the Boston Pops and in church. Warmed my heart, thank you. Ashley if you’re reading this, please never stop singing, your voice puts people at ease. Kevin looks so happy and right where he belongs, playing and recording music. He’s incredibly talented. Thank you for sharing.

    

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    • Ashley says:

      Mar 9, 2013 at 11:03 am

      Thank you Kathy! I don’t think I could stop singing even if I tried! There is so much to sing about when you’re singing to The Lord!

      

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14. Ter'e says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 5:39 am

    Simply beautiful. My heart was on the verge of bawling the whole time I listened to them. Ashley is just lovely. What a sweet voice.
    P.S. Kudos to our Kev and his darling talent and personality peeking thru some more. I got to see more of those tats. Nice, Kev. Nice.
    Nice way to start the day kids.

    

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15. Julie B. [Holland] says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Stuck with a bad cold , and this sure did life the spirits, Thank you both! Happy Weekend!

    

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16. Beth@Unskinny Boppy says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 8:09 am

    Whoa, amazing talent in that room! She is awesome!! A bit like Kelly Clarkson, but unique, too. Kevin is amazing. Thanks for sharing, Layla!

    

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17. Robbie Zeller says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 9:44 am

    Layla,

    Thank you for reminding me this morning how deeply loved i am by Christ!

    

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18. Laura Forman says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Love Ashley! She has been out at the Pike Road campus with us the past few weeks and I have loved hearing here sing…such a heart of worship!

    

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19. Cindy Barganier says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 10:09 am

    What a beautiful way to start a gorgeous sunny Saturday. Thanks for sharing Ashley ( and of course Kev) with us.

    

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20. Moe says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 10:54 am

    WOW!!! What a talent!!! That is some instrument she’s working with. Kev is talented as always!!! Thanks for taking the time to shoot and arrange this amazing video. I am just sad that there is no cd to buy, I can’t get enough of this!!! Thanks for the inspiration!

    

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21. angela says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 11:09 am

    loved it. want to hear more from them. I need sunglasses.

    

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22. Debbie V. says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    

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23. Nancy says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Thank you (Ashley, Kevin and Layla) for sharing your God given talents!!. Your love for the Lord is shining through.

    

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24. Leah says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    This was just what I needed…
    My dad passed away unexpectedly last week…
    Thank you..

    

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25. Katie Morene says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Wow! How lucky is your sweet pea going to be?!?

    

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26. Wendy M says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Ashley has a gorgeous voice, Kevin played and ‘mixed’ the song wonderfully, and you did an awesom job on the video. A total trifecta! Inspiring.

    

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27. The Schiffs says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    We love it!!!!!!!

    

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28. Sheree Fojut says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    Just so beautiful ! Put a smile on my heart thank you …

    

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29. Tami Bator says:

    Mar 9, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    Goosebumps, chills, and tears. Thank you for sharing and blessing all of us with such great talent.

    

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30. Kelly - Talk of the House says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 8:26 am

    beautiful music for this sunday morning!

    

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31. Cheri says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Thanks for a beautiful start to my Sunday morning!

    

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32. kelly says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Beautiful!! Very powerful…Thank’s for sharing that with us.

    

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33. Jan says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
    “….how great your love is for me…” has me in tears; HIs love has carried us through some hard stuff recently; I don’t ever want to forget WHO we can lean on…

    

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34. Theresa says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    PLEASE keep the music coming!!! Absolutely wonderful.

    

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35. Julie B. [Holland] says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 5:08 pm

    Loved it !

    

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36. shaunna says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    LOVE. So thankful for the experiences you guys are having. You’re in our prayers always…and AMAZING talent, Ashley!!!
    
    shaunna

    

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37. Katie says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    absolutely chill-bumps beautiful! Ashley has an incredible voice!

    

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38. Cheryl says:

    Mar 10, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Wow, Ashley has an amazing voice. What a blessing she is praising the Lord with it.
    Thank you for sharing with us.

    

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39. Shellie says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 5:55 am

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! So beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!

    

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40. Jessica says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Wow! She is amazing!!!!!
    Thank you for sharing!

    

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41. Terry says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 7:44 am

    “Bless the LORD, O my soul!”
    Beautiful voice, beautiful music and lyrics. And great job on the video, Layla! New career on the horizon?!
    Thank you for taking time to share!

    

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42. Michell says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 7:56 am

    I absolutely LOVE it!!!! I was filled with the feeling of peace. This is truly a gift from GOD. I thank you. P.S. I love to hear Kevin play his guitar.

    

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43. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 8:13 am

    COVERED in goose bumps!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her little rasp.

    El, I’m so glad I saved this for Monday morning. xoxo

    

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44. Jody says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 8:27 am

    Made me smile thinking of my hubby of 13 years and 4 kiddos later…I love this. Her voice! wow!

    

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45. Angela says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Beautiful and so uplifting this Monday morning. Thank you for sharing.

    

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46. Stephanie says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Incredible! I really hope we all hear more from her in the future

    

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47. Melissa says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 10:45 am

    So beautiful….so so beautiful. I will be singing it all day long. Thanks so much for sharing.

    

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48. Suzanne says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 11:13 am

    Wow. Just wow.

    

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49. Kay says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 11:59 am

    That was so beautiful. It made my gloomy Monday a whole lot better! Thanks for sharing.

    

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50. Heather says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Thank You for sharing! I love a song that takes you straight to the throne room.

    

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51. Heidi says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    How beautiful! And a beautifully made video as well. Thank you Layla I needed that today

    

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    • Layla says:

      Mar 11, 2013 at 4:36 pm

      Thank you, Heidi!

      

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52. Kim says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    You have such impeccable timing! I was just thinking last week that I must’ve missed the post where you gave us an update about Kevin’s audition, but just KNEW he would be asked to join the worship team! God is so at work in both of your lives and it’s wonderful to see you using the amazing talents he’s given you for Him. (Makes me think of Eph 3:20).

    The song was incredible – thank you, thank you SO much for sharing it with all of us!

    

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53. Rox says:

    Mar 11, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    Please tell me they have plans to collaborate on a project! Her voice is fantastically amazing. I’ve never posted to your or any blog but this really is something special.

    P.S. I have family in Prattville (pronounced Prattvull) and I’ve been too long gone from the South. I get homesick when I read your blog sometimes. Thanks!!!!!

    P.P.S. I love how you’re still sloppy over your hubby. I love mine the same way and even though we’re going on 9 years next month I still get excited when he comes through the door!

    

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54. Angie says:

    Mar 12, 2013 at 7:14 am

    thank you for sharing. Beautiful, beautiful!

    

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55. Pingback: Web Roundup 2 | Gospel Girls

56. Danae Morgan says:

    Mar 12, 2013 at 10:17 am

    My family has had the joy of knowing Ashley for many years now. She’s the real deal! A truly beautiful woman inside and out with a God filled heart and the voice of an angel. Thank you so much for sharing this.

    

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57. Meggie says:

    Mar 12, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Absoultely amazing! Kevin and Ashley are both truly talented! It’s amazing seeing God use someone with their talent and put them excatly where they belong, I can truly see in this video that God is using him right where he intends. What a blessing! Praying for you both on your adoption journey!!

    

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58. Karen says:

    Mar 12, 2013 at 10:41 am

    What a wonderful song! Great vocals, clean strumming and balanced mixing of music. This made my morning Thanks for sharing.

    

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59. JLloyd says:

    Mar 12, 2013 at 11:25 am

    One of my favorite worship-basking-in-His-presence songs…I have to say that, not only did it leave me in tears with my heart in my throat, but it left me feeling like I had spent some time wrapped in my Savior’s arms this morning. Much-needed, and I am so thankful that I visited your site today. I always leave filled up~Thanks for sharing Layla : )

    

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60. Megan says:

    Mar 13, 2013 at 10:04 am

    I LOVE this song. One of my favorites. What a beautiful rendition.

    

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61. Alecia says:

    Mar 13, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    You had me at Prattville!! I can’t believe that’s where you are from!!! I’m from there and so is my husband and all of our family is still there, we are in Texas now. I have many friends that attend Centerpoint and LOVE it!
    Small world, I clicked over from The Gospel Girls, they recommended this post on their page…so glad I did. Nice to “meet” you!

    

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62. Gina says:

    Mar 13, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    You guys remind of Brian and Katie Torwalt for some reason. Love y’all!

    

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63. Stephanie says:

    Mar 14, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Wow! That was just amazing! Thank you for sharing.

    

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64. Gail E says:

    Mar 14, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Thank you! That is exactly what I needed today!

    

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65. Suzi says:

    Mar 15, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Wow, I just listened to Closer. I was so blessed. Can’t wait until they record a CD I can download! Be blessed and keep moving in your gifting. You minister to so many just with your effortless creativity.
    

    

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66. Jody says:

    Mar 15, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    WOW!!!! I cant put into words how amazing that was! Thank you.

    

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67. Lauren says:

    Mar 16, 2013 at 9:41 am

    Sweet song. Brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing. Bless you guys

    

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68. melaniek says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 9:47 am

    so so much talent, thanks for sharing!

    

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69. Danielle says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 10:08 am

    That was so beautiful! Great job shooting the video also!

    

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70. Kelly says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 11:08 am

    What an amazing video. I think I’ll watch it again Definitely needed the encouragement today!

    

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71. chris says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 11:18 am

    YAY! That was great!

    

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72. Amy says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Hi, I so enjoyed this song this morning. Is there a place to buy this song or album?

    

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    • Layla says:

      Mar 18, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Thank you, Amy! Kevin and Ashley just “covered” the song, but you can purchase it from the original folks that recorded it at Bethel Music!

      

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73. Sally says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 11:23 am

    This is AWESOME Layla! Thanks for sharing!

    

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74. Jennifer says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Ever since you posted about the audition, I have been wondering how it turned out. I assumed he was on the team now since he was so awesome on the video you shot of him auditioning, but I’m glad to have an update!

    

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75. Kerry says:

    Mar 18, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    Oh I have a big ol’ puffy heart now! So beautiful, I don’t think I’ve ever pinned a page for the music inspiration until now!

    

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76. Donna Waugh says:

    Mar 19, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    Amazing and uplifting! Thanks for sharing!

    

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77. Mindy says:

    Mar 19, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    This – is all kinds of beautiful.

    

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78. Angela says:

    Mar 20, 2013 at 4:44 pm

    It did. Again.

    

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79. Amanda Raymond says:

    Mar 20, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    LOVE this song! Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing

    

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80. Michelle says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    I’m not from the south but you just reminded me of my mothers banana pudding. She use to serve it in individual brown diamond cut glasses. When i saw them sitting on the counter i knew what we were having for dessert. I can’t believe I forgot all about her making that for my brother and I. Thank you for reminding me of a happy memory of my childhood. I needed that today.

    Also thank you for sharing your husband and Ashley’s talents. I have goose bumps and my heart is full. What a beautiful voice you have Ashley Wade.

    

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    • rachel says:

      Mar 23, 2013 at 12:54 pm

      Just moved to Prattville in October and have been attending Centerpoint…. she is amazing as is the Centerpoint worship team. Thank you for sharing the video.

      

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81. angie says:

    Mar 26, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Beautiful all around, thank you so much for sharing with us!
    I love the Christ tattoo… is it solo or is there more?

    

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82. Melissa M. says:

    Mar 30, 2013 at 7:37 am

    Beautiful reminder of how great His love is for me. Thank you for sharing.

    

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