Leeland, also a newcomer and a "Local" from Baytown (just outside of Houston), carried the praise and worship with their unique style of music. Their songs are melodic in nature and the audience seemed to be carried along, almost floating. Their hits include "Tears of the Saints" and "Song of Melodies." They also introduced "Carried to the Table," a song which tells the story of Mebhibosheph, a cripple who was taken in and cared for by King David. "Carried to the Table" seemed to hit home with the audience. There are times when we all feel unworthy to be in the presence of the Lord but He takes us in anyway, even crippled by our sin.

Finally, Casting Crowns made their appearance. Their music is of the highest quality, but what drives the music is the message. Casting Crowns brings a message of hope while still hitting on the everyday, real-life situations that everyone faces. As they sang their most popular songs, "If We Are The Body" and "The Voice of Truth," the audience sang along with all their hearts. (Thanks to the sub-scripts on the screen behind the band.) Their songs ("Who Am I," "Does Anybody Hear Her," and others) are not just crowd-pleasers but also crowd motivators: inspirational and introspective. The Holy Spirit was definitely moving through the entire evening, driving some to tears, such as myself, but also allowing some of us to release our burdens to the Lord.

The title of the latest album, The Altar and The Door, was the focus of the evening’s message, which was given by lead singer and youth Pastor, Mark Hall. He spoke of the sometimes-frustrating journey of living the Christian life. When we are at the altar, in the presence of the Lord, life seems to be in place, but when walking towards the door – going out into the world – everything that was nice and neat seems to have fallen by the wayside and we find ourselves battling life’s difficulties. The song "East to West," is the hit single and describes how we all need to know that Jesus took our sins far away - "from one scarred hand to the other."

When attending a Casting Crowns concert, be prepared to experience a move of God -- and bring a box of tissues! I attended as a prayer volunteer, ready to minister to those in need, but by the end of the concert – I was the one being ministered to. Their songs hit home for me since life has thrown many curve balls my way. While singing and worshipping, I was encouraged to release my burdens to the Lord, evaluate my Christian walk, and ask Him to help sustain me "from the altar to the door."

To learn more about Casting Crowns, visit their official website at  www.castingcrowns.com .