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Update from Kayla Steele Makemson

Dad had a stroke like incident yesterday about 7:00 he was standing at the front door on his porch and collapsed fell into concrete wall and down brick stairs... They airflighted him to Huntsville. Running lots of test. Dont know anything yet. He is more verbal today! Thank you for praying!

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From Jeff Steele's FaceBook Page: Jeff's Daughter - Dad took a serious fall into a concrete wall and down brick steps due to a possible stroke. Don't know for sure,but he has been admitted to the hospital for testing and observance. The hospital isn't allowing visitors, but we appreciate your prayers.

Daily Devotion

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I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.
Psalms 3:4 (KJV)

There is no distance in prayer. It is tempting to think that God is a million miles away and unaware of the things going on around us. If that thought rules our mind, it discourages us to pray and believe that God is listening.

But David makes a simple statement regarding prayer that should dispel any doubt that God hears us when we pray. He said, "I cried unto the Lord." The sound of prayer may have many tones. Some prayers are whispers while others gush from a broken heart. Every prayer is different and unique. But David states emphatically, that the Lord hears! "He heard me out of His holy hill."

The holy hill of God would seem to be quite a distance from a world filled with sin. What a contrast. A world without pain, sickness, disease, infirmity, poverty, fear, doubt, remorse, evil or sin. We know little to nothing about such a world. But the fact remains, that the Lord is listening from that world. He is waiting to hear your cry, your petition, your sincere prayer. So, speak up! Tell Him everything that troubles you. He is listening and He WILL respond.

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David Bryan’s Holy Hills Passes 200,000
Nashville, TN May 23, 2012- Singer, songwriter, and recent 2012 NACMAI Male-Vocalist of The Year, David Bryan is making quiet a splash with his debut project, Modern Pioneers. The music video for his second single, Holy Hills (A remake of the Dottie Rambo classic) has already been viewed by over 200,000 people on YouTube in its first month.

“What makes gospel music unique from all others is that it is music with ultimate purpose and destination”, said David. “I just couldn’t get away from this great Dottie Rambo classic. In times like these people appreciate being reminded that greater things await us. I would like to thank Scott Lucas of Catacomb Music for helping us to promote this video and to all of our friends, fans and ministry partners for the many words of encouragement and prayers”

Catacomb Music has been promoting this video since it released, just last month. “David put a great spin on this classic song”, says Lucas. “I believe this version of Holy Hills is bringing this classic song to another generation and they love it!”

David has also just been nominated for Sunrise Artist, Christian Country Male Vocalist and Christian Country Album of The Year in the 2012 Diamond Awards.

You can view David Bryan’s Holy Hills using the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFGAyd0jEBs

For more information on David Bryan visit http://www.songofdavidonline.com

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Our Granddad, BC Faulknor, passed away last night. At our concerts you would hear him introducing himself like this, "Hi, I'm BC Faulknor, those are my grandsons." We will miss you Papa.

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. – (May 23, 2012) – Popular Southern Gospel trio Eighth Day has just earned another winner at radio with the release of their latest single. The new song – titled “Because of the Blood” – was recently named the second most added song of the month according to the upcoming July 2012 issue of the Singing News Top 80 chart.

Joni Robinson of Eighth Day said, “This song has been such a huge part of our ministry of the last couple of years. The message is timeless, and we know that people have gotten behind the song because of its simple message of hope and healing.”

“Because of the Blood” was written by Christie Capps and is the seventh single released from the group’s Absolutely Gospel Music Award nominated project Everything Holy. The group has scored an unprecedented five Top 20 singles off of the album including the #1 hit from last summer - “May I Never Get Over the Cross.”

“We are still in awe at just how much radio has gotten behind our ministry,” mentioned Scott Robinson of Eighth Day. “DJs and programmers have been so kind to us – and we are extremely grateful for them getting behind the music that we have released over the last few years.”

“Because of the Blood” is being promoted to radio by Tony & Kim Hudgins and Spin-N-Motion Promotions. The song can be found on the company’s May 2012 Compilation – cut #1.

Earlier this year, Eighth Day was honored to receive two nominations in the 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. The group received nominations for Song of the Year and Progressive Song of the Year for their first ever #1 hit from last year – “May I Never Get Over the Cross.”

Eighth Day’s #1 hit from last fall, “May I Never Get Over the Cross,” was named the 2nd most played song of the year according to AbsolutelyGospel.com. The song spent an impressive 4 weeks at #1 and was only surpassed in spins this year by one other song – Karen Peck & New River’s “On the Banks of the Promised Land.”

More information on Eighth Day can be found at http://www.eighthdaymusic.com.

About Eighth Day
Eighth Day is a popular trio based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The group has quickly established itself as one of the top new talents in Gospel music today. Their fresh and progressive sound has been described as a little bit country, a touch of bluegrass, and a whole lot of Gospel!

Daily Devotion

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Richard Dodd, a producer and major player in the music industry is quoted as saying:



“I have always hated bad singers. Those with a poor sense of pitch and time being the most awful. Our youngest daughter Danielle who was born with down syndrome loves to sing along with her music…no pitch, no time, wrong words and sometimes very loud-…..it is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard!”



I hear much negative criticism of musicians and artists that it is the norm for live performance to expect to hear negative from someone. We will always hear that sort of opinionated expression about any artistic endeavor. It is what happens inside of myself when negative critiques are expressed that is a concern to me. I tend to focus on the negative and dwell on my lack of ability to please some instead of the good I do for the whole.



I always compare myself to others. This is not all bad. When I compare myself to those less blessed than me I feel favored and grateful for the immense blessing of God. Dwelling in a place of gratefulness is always good. If I see someone who has less experience than I have, I feel blessed to be the tortoise who has stayed in the race for so many years in spite of being passed by many a speedy hare who tuckered out before the finish line.



So, comparing is not all bad. My trouble is that I compare my weaknesses to another person’s strength. That is not fair in any arena. I throw myself to the lion and bash all my creativity on the rocks of invalidity and am stunned to a frozen mess by my lack.



I seem to ignore my own strength but I know God does not! He sees my feeble attempt as a father. I think God has great emotions like a father or we would not have such a vast number of scripture giving Him this designation. Christ referred to God as Father, and we are in Christ therefore God is our Father. A father feels, compassion, delight and a wide array of emotion where his child is concerned. God feels all that and more toward us with the depth of eternity and wideness of omnipresence to the power of infinity multiplied by infinity.



I really believe the Father in heaven feels a sanctified version of pride when I do great art and do good things and follow His ways. Certainly, He must have looked on the lives of Job and Abraham, Gideon and David, Daniel, Paul, Peter and John with something akin to parental thrill.



I do art to please my Father. As long as I strive to do what is thrilling to Him, I can live with my weaknesses.



May you explore your gifts as a child and know it is beautiful in the sight of the Father.



Allison Speer

Daily Devotion

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Matthew 14:27
"It is I. Be not afraid."

Being lost is bad enough, but being lost in a storm is much worse. The disciples must have been bound by hopelessness in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. They knew that Jesus had said, "Go to the other side and I'll meet you there," but that now seemed so long ago and far away. If that wasn't bad enough, now it would appear that there's a ghost walking across the water. Suddenly a familiar voice pierces the darkness. "It is I, be not afraid."

Peter said, "Lord, if that's you, then call me out to walk with you." The next thing you know, Jesus calls and Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water.

It's amazing what fear can do to a nice walk on the water. Peter loses his focus and then his footing. Now he fights frantically to keep from drowning. Thankfully, he fell in the presence of Jesus who picked him up and returned him to the boat.

Once there, Jesus informed all of the disciples that there had been no need to be afraid for what they had fought all night, he had already conquered. He was the master of what they had feared and all that had been over their head was under His feet.

What a comfort. What a proclamation of faith.

How can we stand in that promise today?

Allow me to return to my "day job" and sermonize a minute. (Complete with alliteration)

1. Trust in His Word.

Jesus said "come" and Peter stepped out on the word of God. You might say that Peter stepped out on the:
Conquering word
Overcoming word
Mastering word
Exceeding word

2. Trust in His Walk

Jesus walked thru their darkness. At the same time He walked through their despair. And if that wasn't enough, He walked through their doubt as well.

3. Trust in His Work

Scripture states, There was a great cry- "Peace"

Then there was a great command- "Be still"

Finally, There was a great calm-The sea became as glass again.

I love the following phrase from Matthew 14: 34 .It sums it all up, "...and after they crossed the lake."

Never forget that God knows the end from the beginning and He meant it when He said, "I'll meet you on the other side."

They did cross the lake and so will you because all that is over your head is indeed under his feet.

Never forget that according to Ephesians 1:22,  our Heavenly Father put all things "under the Savior’s feet."

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Beloved songwriter/recording artist, Jack Freeman, has been under-going treatment for pancreatic cancer at a treatment facility in Texas. Although his treatments have made him extremely weak, he has continued to stay focused on his music ministry and his new project. The new project is full of fresh, original material; and Jack continues to give all glory to his maker, Jesus Christ. Family continues to ask friends and fans to lift Jack up in prayer. For his latest project or to contact Jack: 417-442-3686

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KC Johns kicks off release of new video “Silly Questions” to YouTube today. The video was filmed and produced in Nashville by Scott Godsey of Godsey and Associates. Fans finally get the chance to watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbdYXPK6Au0.



The 22 year old singing sensation from Hernando, Mississippi wrote the song “Silly Questions” and credits the video being closely related to her own life stories. Before she hit the road singing, KC performed in front of crowds in the rodeo circuit as a barrel racer.



“The making of the video was brought to life from my heart and experiences and without those that put their expertise and hard work together, it would not have been possible!” said Johns. The video was filmed using a RED camera and shot on location in various parts of Nashville.



“KC is an amazing talent. Making the video was a smooth process because she was very professional and great to work with,” said producer Scott Godsey. KC’s new album Key to My Heart features “Silly Questions.”



To find out more about KC, visit her fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/KC-Johns/149314428559.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The top songs of Steve Green, one of Christian music’s best-loved male vocalists for more than three decades, are brought together on People Need The Lord: Number Ones, releasing tomorrow from Sparrow Records. Featuring 15 of the Dove Award-winning artist’s #1 songs, the collection includes such timeless classics as “Find Us Faithful,” “God And God Alone” and “People Need The Lord,” among many others.

People Need The Lord: Number Ones spotlights the powerful anthems that made Green one of Christian music’s signature vocalists, including “The Mission” and “We Believe,” along with his popular worship songs “He Who Began A Good Work In You” and “We Trust In The Name Of The Lord Our God,” the latter written by Steven Curtis Chapman. In addition, the collection includes the Christian wedding standard, "Household of Faith," featuring Green’s wife Marijean, and “Teach Me To Love,” a duet with Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Larnelle Harris.

Since beginning his solo ministry 28 years ago, Steve Green has garnered seven Dove Awards; four GRAMMY® Award nominations; 18 #1 Christian radio singles; a Gold-certified recording (For God And God Alone); and sales of more than 4 million units. Green’s 33 recordings have included best-selling children’s projects, along with Spanish-language albums. Raised by missionary parents in Argentina, Green frequently returns to South America and will be performing a series of concerts in Colombia later this year. He will be appearing throughout the US this summer and fall. For a complete tour schedule, visit http://www.stevegreenministries.org.

People Need The Lord: Number Ones will retail for $9.99 and is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution. For further information, visit http://www.emicmgdistribution.com.

People Need The Lord: Number Ones Track Listing:
01. People Need The Lord
02. We Trust In The Name Of The Lord Our God
03. That’s Where His Mercy Begins
04. Household of Faith
05. Teach Me To Love
06. Love One Another
07. Glory To You
08. Sing Children Sing
09. We Believe
10. Find Us Faithful
11. Unto Me
12. Great Is The Lord God
13. He Who Began A Good Work In You
14. The Mission
15. God And God Alone

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Nashville, TN May 21, 2012- Fresh off his nominations as Sunrise Artist & Christian Country Male Vocalist of The Year in the 2012 Diamond Awards, Danny Norman’s music video “Reasons” has now surpassed 100,000 views since appearing on YouTube in February. This song is being used to touch lives all across the country in Danny’s live concerts as well.

“I would like to take the time to thank God for inspiring me to write the song Reasons. I want to thank all my fans and friends that have taken the time to watch and share my video”, said Danny. “This song has touched and ministered to so many people who have lost their precious loved ones. I wrote and recorded this song for a dear friend and family, who lost their daughter and son-in-law in an automobile accident. My prayers and love goes out to anyone who has experienced a tragedy or loss of someone you love dearly. I pray God would comfort you each and everyday and bring reassurance that someday, we will see our loved ones again and we will know the Reasons why.”

Director, Scott Lucas of Catacomb Music is not surprised by the response this video is getting. “From the first time I heard this song, I knew we had something great”, says Lucas. “Danny wrote an amazing song & I was just honored to be a small part of what God is doing with this video.”

If you have not seen this powerful video yet, you can view it using the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhW4qlt7UJc

For more information on Danny Norman visit http://www.dannynorman.net
For more information on Catacomb Music visit http://www.catacombmusic.com

Daily Devotion

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Last week, I wrote a blog entitled 'Knock, Knock Who's There?'. This blog told about a picture of Christ that was hanging on the wall in my home church. If you haven't read it, take a few minutes and read it.

The blog told about the 'knobless' door that Christ was knocking on. This door represented our heart. Christ stands at our heart's door and wants us to invite Him in.

However, He is not the only one who is at our door.

We have an enemy and our enemy is fierce. The bible calls him the adversary, the accuser of the saints. His track record of destruction is nearly endless. His sole purpose is to see our lives, churches and families destroyed. He is Satan. He is waiting outside our door.

1 Peter 5:8-
'Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.'

We must be on guard at all times. Who is this 'devil?'

God created him. He was the worship leader in heaven. The most beautiful angel.

Revelation 12:7-9
'And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.'

John 8:44-
'He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. '

There is NO truth in him. He lies and decieves. How does he decieve us? By trying to convince us; God's children that God does not love us and cares nothing about us. He also tells us that 'if it feels good, do it.'or 'There is NO right or wrong.' Sadly, many choose to believe his lies.

Luke 8:12-
'Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.'

God's word tells us that Christ died for us, extends to us salvation and how to live a victorious life! We must read, recieve and believe God's truth in our hearts.

The devil also tempts us with our weaknesses. He knows our struggles and will try to use them against us.

Even Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1-[ The Temptation of Jesus ] 'Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.'

Why did God ALLOW Jesus to be tempted by Satan? To Show US that we ALSO can have victory over the enemy's attacks! However, how did Jesus 'fight' the devil? By quoting scripture BACK to the enemy. How do we battle this foe? By Christ's example.

We must DAILY be equipped to fight him.
Ephesians The Armor of God
10'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. '


Print out those verses and put them somewhere that you can read them daily. Ask God to equip you daily with strength to resist the enemy's lies. Avoid places and things that will give the devil more arrows to throw at you.

Ephesians 4:27-
'....and do not give the devil a foothold.'

Surrender EVERY area of your life to God. Allow Him an all access pass to every room in your heart. Let the King Of King's and Lord Of Lord's, to be King and Lord of YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE!

James 4:7-
'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.'

1 John 3:8-
....'The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.'

The devil was defeated when Christ died and rose again from the hand of death. Our Heavenly Father wants us to have TOTAL victory over this defeated foe.

When the 'ol devil' comes knocking at your heart's door, tell him, NO VACANCIES!


Prayer: "Father, I ask you today for YOUR strength. The enemy has NO HOLD on me. I ask that you, My Father equip me with the things I need to defeat my accuser. I ask this in Christ name."


Bryan

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Daily Devotion

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A Word Fitly Spoken


I’ve always loved the poetry of the verse, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver”. For me, it seems to paint a picture of smooth, kind, peaceable words wrapping around the hearts of the people I love, encouraging, inspiring and protecting. It’s so important to speak blessings into the lives with whom you come in contact. Building character, inspiring dreams, offering confidence and lifting burdens are just a few of the ways that your words can positively affect a life.

I’ve said so many times if you tell a child he’s bad, you can count on it being true. I cringe every time I hear a mother tell a child how bad he is. Instead, she should differentiate between the child and the action by saying, “Telling a lie is very bad and you shouldn’t do such things, because you are a very good boy!” My children have been told how valuable they are, how much I love and treasure them and that they have good and kind hearts. They have also been told that their behavior has been terrible at times. There is a difference and they know that.

The Bible says that we will be held accountable for every idle word that proceeds out of our mouths. That’s a lot of accountability! Many times over the past 18 years, I have recited to myself a simple line from a prayer that Gloria Gaither spoke as she prayed for my unborn baby girl, Morgan. Gloria said, “Let us not break this tender reed with harsh criticisms and ugly attitudes”. Harsh criticism can break our children. God has created them to be unique individuals with a variety of gifts and our words can encourage their growth, or not. We have a choice to sow blessings and not curses into the lives of those around us, not only our children, but also our spouses and our friends.

Sow good seeds today. Speak blessings instead of curses. Make your idle words count by making them uplifting. Edify those around you. Tell your spouse what a good father he is to his children. Tell your daughter how proud you are of her grades. Tell your son how impressed you are that he offered help as the elderly lady walked through the gate. These are all things I’ve witnessed my family do—and they are all things that I complimented my family for doing. I choose to speak blessings. I choose a word fitly spoken.



Proverbs 25:11
King James Version (KJV)
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Matthew 12:36
King James Version (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Romans 14:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Daily Devotion

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Next month we will embark upon SUMMER of 2012. The official starting date is June 20th, but Jesus said "learn the lesson of the FIG TREE. When the TWIGS get tender and the LEAVES come out, you know SUMMER IS NEAR." It’s Pastor Phil of Harvest Chapel calling to remind you of what Jesus was referring to and what we can expect in the physical world and in the spiritual realm as well. He was talking about the LAST DAYS on earth and His PROMISED return. All we have to do is WATCH for the SIGNS and they’re all around us. I hope you've noticed, we are living in the Season of His return! Hey, this is great news for all of the Christians, but terrible news for people who have not included God in their life.



Jesus said, "No one know the DAY nor the HOUR, but we can know the SEASON. Well it’s almost SUMMER and we can sure feel the heat of the Summer SEASON, just as we can feel the SEASON of the Lord’s return. In Matthew the 24th chapter Jesus as said, "The whole earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather HIS PEOPLE from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.



So, in preparation for His return, as Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." And 2 Tim. 4:2 says, to get prepared in SEASON and out of SEASON. It's Pastor Phil with "A GOOD WORD FROM GOD'S WORD TODAY". God Bless.




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Tammy Jones-Robinette Slated for Concert & Duet with Georgette Jones CMA Week
{EHA–Nashville, TN} Sensational Southern Gospel songwriter and recording artist, Tammy Jones-Robinette, continues to prove her phenomenal gift for songwriting and singing that touches hearts of the masses. She is slated to perform with Georgette Jones in concert on Friday, June 8 for a St. Jude benefit in Nashville during CMA week. Her latest national single release, "There’s a Bloodline," climbed to the Singing News Top 10 New Releases and continues to become more popular as it makes its way further up the SN Top 80 charts each month. This anointed lady has garnered 25 Top 80′s on the same Southern Gospel chart and has written the Bishops a #1 and the Perry’s a #7. She recently was added to syndicated TV shows on Great American Gospel produced by Danny and Dee Kramer. Tammy’s appearance with Georgette Jones, daughter of George Jones and the late Queen of Country Music, Tammy Wynette, will help St. Jude to fund medical treatment for children with life-threatening illnesses. The concert is spearheaded by Nashville promoter and agent, Bill G. Anderson of BGA Entertainment. Bill manages such artists, as the legendary HeeHaw star, Lulu Roman; Beverly Hillbillies star, Donna Douglas; Country Music sensation, Georgette Jones; and more. For info on Tammy Jones-Robinette; Jim Robinette: 419-602-7471.
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Daily Devotion

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Commissioned

Scripture: After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:1-9 NKJV).

I have been commissioned. John 15:16 says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you (NKJV).” My commission came when I was just a young teen. Unfortunately, I did not follow God’s perfect plan for ministry as a young person; however, His Word says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29). God’s call—God’s commission—has always been present upon my life. It has just taken me many years to get to this moment whereby His Commission is my main focus.




As a young person my testimonial song from the time I was probably about eight years old was, “It’s My Desire.” You who know the song remember the words: “It’s my desire to live for Jesus. It’s my desire to be like Him. Though often I have failed Him and brought Him much shame. Still it’s my desire, to live for Him. The second verse: “It’s my desire to help someone today; someone who might have failed along the way. For I too was lost, so lost, but I found my way back to God. Now it is my desire to live for Him.” Paraphrasing the chorus: If indeed you could see where Jesus has brought me from to where I am today, then you could truly know and understand the excitement I feel within. For it has not been the wealth of this world or fame that has brought me to the place I am today. It is truly my desire to live for Jesus and to be like Him. (This photo is my high-school graduation, 1972.)

On May 25, I will be commissioned by the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennessee, as a part of our graduation exercises to fulfill the commission of the Word in Joshua. Often I have inserted my name in this passage and in faith I knew that God was going to be with me just as He was with Moses and with Joshua. I learned quickly that God is faithful and that His grace is truly everlasting. He was with me during my seven-year journey at the seminary, and I am confident that He will order my steps for the next juncture of my life.
Confident that I have first been commissioned by God, I look forward to bearing much fruit with the knowledge and wisdom I have gained through my seminary experience. I pray today that other’s will know that it is never too late to accept the commissioning God has placed on your life and start anew. He has promised: He will never leave us nor forsake us and every place the sole of our feet shall tread upon that has He given to us. Do not be afraid, or dismayed for the Lord Your God will be with you.
Be encouraged. Be ready. Be commissioned in Jesus Name, Amen!

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Brecks surgery went well. He had broken every bone in is face plus his eye orbits. They were able to repair everything. The surgeons said everything fit back perfectly and they even took pictures of what they are calling thier masterpiece! They said they were shocked at how easy the surgery was! He does have his jaws wired shut. He isn't happy but he said he is trying to keep a good attitude! I know it is God hearing all the prayers on his behalf! We can't say thank you enough!!

Beyond The Ashes

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Ever wonder what is enough?

I often find myself asking that question in so many avenues of life.

Is my best enough?
When will I have enough?
Do I have enough money?
Do I have enough friends?
Is my job enough?
Is my relationship with Christ enough?

Our human nature longs for satisfaction. In every area of our lives, we long to be fulfilled by someone or something. It may be a relationship, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend. It may be an addiction, shopping, alcohol, drugs. We are born with an innate desire to love and to be loved, to satisfy and to be satisfied, to give and receive acceptance. Some folks search their whole lives for acceptance from people and yet nothing quite satisfies that void inside of us to have enough.

The answer to my first question is a resounding NO! Nothing will ever be enough! We can do whatever, whenever and however in this world to find that acceptance, love and satisfaction, but we will come up empty every time...

...but God.

That's a beautiful phrase, isn't it? For as much as you search, nothing will fill the void that Christ does! Did it ever occur to you that the reason we have such a longing for something greater than ourselves is because we were made in the image of Christ Himself? He created us with that desire because He knew He would have to come to earth, as a human and reconcile all of humanity with Jesus! What a beautiful picture of His love for us that He would lay down His life just so we could have Him in our hearts to fill that desire for enough!

It's ok if you never feel like you are enough, like you never have enough, like you'll never been enough. In all honesty...you won't! That's where Jesus comes in and fills that void to make you enough...in HIM!

Be encouraged...He is ENOUGH for everything we could ever need!

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Because I so believe in ministry that reflects Jesus 24 hours a day, I am often asked about stage presence, countenance, and delivery. In while this is of utmost importance, there is nothing that can be translated on stage until it's first incubated with passion. I’m talking about the type of passion that comes from deep within, where grace abounds - behind the curtain or in your private world. As frank as I can be here, quit trying to fill your calendar with gigs and start filling your heart and soul with Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Ask God too to give you creativity in ministering to churches and events. As the opportunities for singing venues decrease, let me assure you that the need for valid ministry and connection is on the increase.

John C. Maxwell (internationally respected leadership expert, speaker, pastor and author, selling over 18 million books) states in his new book, “Everyone Communicates Few Connect” “Motivated people are 87% less likely to leave an organization compared to the unmotivated. It’s pretty obvious, you know how much more you will give if someone inspires you."

John says there’s a kind of formula that could be called: the Inspiration Equation,
“What they know + What they See + What they feel = Inspiration.
When these three factors come into play and a communicator is able to bring them into alignment, it creates a synergy that inspires people. And from that place of inspiration, you can often lead people to take action."

There are a few key elements that have worked for me, that to this day, I have to say - has been an amazing discovery.
1. People need to see your conviction
2. They need to see your credibility
3. They need to see evidence of your character
4. They need to feel your passion for the subject AND for them.
5. They need to feel your confidence in yourself and for them
6. They need to feel your gratitude for them.

And the best part of what connectors do: They live what they communicate.
You are your message. That’s a connector. The reinvention process - starts today.

Page 59 of "Everyone Communicates Few Connect"... I will never forget my dad’s hands. He was a hardworking, blue-collar worker who abused his hands daily - yet somehow maintaining them to be immaculately manicured, tan and perfect. One day while I lay bruised and injured on a stretcher in an emergency room following a front end collision, this 17 year old was a complete wreck until I felt my dad’s hand touch my shoulder. I knew immediately who it was without turning around. I felt his power, his sense of touch; a familiar calming and an instant connection that assured me, “It’s OK.” (my entry in Maxwell's book)

My challenge to you as a Christian singer is: Quit worrying about buses, banners, booths and the business - and get into God's word daily. Portray a Christ-like spirit in everything you do, making it about others and not yourself. In while there is nothing wrong with entertainment, (and I believe in good Christian entertainment!), don't ever misconstrue it to mean ministry. Don't have the term "ministry" attached to your name, simply so you can get bookings in churches and religious events, when you and I both know - it's entertainment. And it's quite alright, if that's your choice. Just don't prostitute yourselves into thinking that it's more.

2 Corinthians 2:15 (The Message)
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.

You are the perfume of God's love, walking and talking, loving and leading. God's presence in the life of a believer brings a fragrance from heaven, a holy fragrance interlaced within a holy life. It is not achieved without God's divine work. It cannot be imitated or construed, pretended or hypothetical. A holy life, lived out by God's direction and guidance, brings a fragrance to those around you. Inviting them closer. Bringing them step by step into your inner circle, causing them to stop and breathe in deeply. Pray to God today for the spiritual stamina to remain a beautiful testimony of His love to the dark world today.

Share your story, your love story with Jesus; let the perfume of your testimony emanate with every step. You may not even leave the house today and still be a giver of God's fragrant perfume. Breathe in deeply of God's sweet fragrance.



Be imitator's of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us a gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2.


(I then ended with a classic oldie, that definitively describes the missional challenge to every singing ministry.)
“Oh to be His hand extended, reaching out to the oppressed, Let me touch Him, Let me touch Jesus....So that others may know and be blessed.”
Sue Duffield

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REPORT ON BRECK: He is in recovery and surgery went well. Please continue your prayers during this time. Has been a long road & still a ways to go, but Gods in total control. Thankful for all He is doing! Keep praying for Tim Duncan and Melissa Duncan too. We love you all.

Daily Devotion

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Psalm 107:1-32
Every now and then we need to be reminded of where we come from, and of the unconditional love God showed us in that place. It keeps us humble, or it should, and it prevents us from looking down our noses at those who have not yet discovered the wonderful salvation that we now enjoy.
Psalm 107 demonstrates the power of Gods love as seen in a changed life. As we look at the four groups of people mentioned in this Psalm you will fall into one of two groups:
1. Those that see themselves in one of these groups now. If that is you, realize what is available to you.
2. Those who realize they were once in those places; but now, through God’s love, have seen their lives changed. If that is you, rejoice!

I. THOSE WHO CANNOT FIND THEIR PLACE IN LIFE
Psalm 107:4-5 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.
This is speaking of those people who are lonely, the needy, the people who have a place to live but no home. They are hungry, thirsty, and dieing. You may be a member of this group if:
• You have done wrong in order to fit in.
• You have sat alone in a corner at a bar or some other social function feeling sorry for yourself and hoping someone will notice and take pity on you.
• You long for love but can’t seem to find someone or you keep finding the wrong someone.
• You often feel empty and wonder why you can’t seem to find the joy others have.
• You think your life is a waste and it would have been better if you had not been born.
Know this:You may have been looking for love in all the wrong places.

Psalm 107:4-5Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 27:10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

If this is you, start looking for love in the right place – from God!-
· Find your place in God.
· Stop trying to get people to quench your thirst.
· Forgive anyone who has contributed to your misery.
· Be amazed at God’s capacity to satisfy you’re longing.

II. THOSE ENTANGLED IN BONDAGE & TRAPPED IN DARKNESS
Psalm 107:10-11 Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.

Notice how they wound up in bondage:
· They rebelled against God’s word.
· They despised the council of the Most High.In other words they heard the truth but they knew better. These folks see God’s ways as a hindrance.
Examples:Ephesians 5:18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.Ignore it and find yourself in bondage!
Romans 13:8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Proverbs 22:7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.Ignore them and find yourself in bondage!
Hebrews 13:4Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.Ignore it, cheat on your spouse, and find yourself in bondage.
I Timothy 3:8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.Go ahead and despise God’s counsel and find yourself in bondage!
If you recognize yourself as a member of this group:
Psalm 107: 13-16Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. There is no bondage that He cannot cut through, no darkness that can overpower the presence of light. Light always expels the darkness; the darkness only exists when the light is absent.

III. THOSE WHOSE LOVE OF SIN REDUCES THEM TO FOOLS.
Psalm 107:17Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
Psalm 106:43Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.Are you bent on rebellion? Is your life wasting away while you dabble in sin?
Proverbs 10:23A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Question:Where do you find pleasure? Honestly now, do you take more of your pleasure from evil conduct or from the wisdom of God?How do seek wisdom from God?
· Lay it all out before Him. Write it down if you can.(Not for His information, for you! Do you know how many times someone has come to me with a problem, I say okay, explain the whole issue first, and about three sentences into it they say, never mind, and walk away with the answer?)
· Listen for the Holy Spirit to advise you. Notice especially any scripture that comes to mind.
· Act on the wisdom God gives you.
If you have been a fool:
Psalm 107:19-22Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Step one – cry, Step two – sing!
IV. THOSE WHO HAVE VEERED OF COURSE.
Psalm 107:23-24Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.
They saw the goodness of God through their business ventures; but they started to focus on the rewards more than the rewarder. It is so easy to be caught up into the rat race and lose sight of what really matters in life. There is nothing wrong with being a successful businessman and enjoying your work. In fact the bible says that that is a gift from God. We just need to guard against forgetting that God is our source.

Illustration:A minister was speaking to a Sunday school class about the things money can’t buy. “It can’t buy laughter and it can’t buy love” he told them. Driving his point home he said, “What would you do if I offered you $1000 not to love your mother and father?” Stunned silence ensued. Finally a small voice queried, “How much would you give me not to love my big sister?”

Psalm 107: 27-32They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
In conclusion let’s look at verses 42 and 43
Psalm 107: 42-43The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.
Wherever you have been, wherever you are now, you can turn to God and find healing, strength, peace, love, acceptance and forgiveness. He loves you!

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Daniel Childs, descendent of the original Blackwood Brothers Quartet and lead singer for Southern Gospel group Blackwood Legacy, announced today the addition of Paul Secord as tenor singer for the quartet.

“Our last tenor left very suddenly,” Daniel said, “so we were pressed to find a fill-in as quickly as we could. After praying about it and searching through dozens of resumes, we knew that Paul was a special candidate and was someone we wanted to meet. And, as it turns out, he’s not only a very talented guy, but an incredibly nice guy as well.”

Secord flew to Portland, Oregon to join the group on tour last week, and after much prayer and thought, both Secord and Rick Price (group leader / emcee) felt that making Paul a permanent addition to the group was the right step.

“So excited to have Paul here,” says Price. ”He will be recognized as one of the great vocalists in Gospel music today. He’s a great friend, musician, and has an ability to communicate with an audience - which is truly a gift from God. We feel blessed to have the sudden opportunity to add him to our team. God certainly can take something that was meant for harm, and turn it into something good!”

Paul Secord has a long history in ministry and in entertainment, having been a featured performer at Walt Disney World, as well as having been a Worship pastor at a church in Virginia Beach. Paul currently resides near Nashville with his wife, Dawn, and their two wonderful children.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Blackwood Legacy,” says Secord. ”I believe my gifts are a great match for their ministry and can’t wait to see what God does when we put it all together.”

Paul will be featured on all the upcoming tour dates with the group, and will also be featured on their next album, which is currently in the works.

For more information, visit the group online at http://www.theblackwoodlegacy.com.

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The New Destiny Quartet is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Fuson as their new baritone vocalist.

Brian, 28, has been singing in various ministries and groups since his teenage years. Most recently he was the baritone vocalist for Broken Pieces, joining that group in 2010.

"I am so thankful that God has allowed me to do what I have always loved to do," says Brian. "I could not be more excited about joining a group of Christian men and anointed singers like The New Destiny Quartet. I have been a fan of NDQ and now I look forward to seeing what the future holds with this great quartet, especially this line-up of individuals as they are top-notch vocalists.“

Brian will begin touring with the group immediately. In fact he has been filling in for them in recent weeks. Brian lives in Wyandotte, Michigan.

Daily Devotion

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“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.” (1 Samuel 17:38-39)



Then David took off Saul’s armor! It simply did not fit.

This verse causes me to wonder if many of us are walking around in bulky, ill-fitting armor that was made for someone else.

It has taken me many years to understand that God gave me a specific combination of gifts. I am gregarious, artistic, poetic, musical, and outgoing. I am not technical, managerial, athletic, mathematical, or sophisticated. I must honestly say that I have, at one time in my life, tried to be all of the things I am not. I failed miserably.

God made a small, musical, boy named David who was good with a sling. He was not a warrior in the traditional sense but his talent set was suited exactly for what God wanted him to accomplish. A big Philistine warrior never saw the merit or power in a boy fully functioning in his God-given strength. David had spent many years fighting wild animals and honed his gifts, but he did that in relative obscurity, out in the sheep pasture.

You may be sharpening your skills, your strengths, your talents in obscurity but friend, keep it up.

Study God’s Word, practice what you do with diligence and as unto the Lord. Don’t try to wear another person’s armor, or function in another’s gift. You are specifically designed to accomplish God’s will in your life. Be upright in all things and pray expecting God to use you, then enjoy your trip out to meet the giants and take them one at a time with your excellence and skill.

Watch and wait for the coming of the Lord, and learn to use your gifts with power. Make it your occupation to do what God made you to do.

Allison Speer

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{EHA-Nashville, TN} Tim Parton and all of "The Partons" are a popular and sought-after music ministry for Canada concert-goers. In September, the group will be touring again in Canada. Tim, his wife, Gale, and daughter, Kayla continue to pen new songs and travel all over the country to carry their message. The family’s talent runs deep, with relatives like Dolly and Stella Parton. With, "Jonah," the response is still climbing after Tim took the song to national radio on Patterson Promotions P.P. Vol. 8." Promoter, Pauline Patterson, notes, "Canada is lucky to get such a gifted group singing to them! I don’t want to miss the group at NQC this year, but know they have a mission in Canada. I’m so proud of them!"

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Tony Dean Family Latest Project Ready this Month
{EHA-Nashville, TN} The Tony Dean Family announces this month the shipment of their latest project. It includes their first song to be released to national radio. The single, "Consume Me," written by Victoria Johnson, is on Patterson Promotions Vol. 8 radio compilation disc. Pauline Patterson notes, "Churches and concert venues will enjoy this energetic young group. Tony has at least 25 years in Southern Gospel music and is a professional piano player for 20. They use live instruments and are a joy to be with!" The Harlan County, KY natives will be meeting and greeting their fans and friends at the 2012 National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY in September. They currently have some open booking dates for 2012 and 2013. For more info on the group:

Tony Dean Family: 606-505-6505

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Award-winning, Texas native and soloist, Ava Kasich, is experiencing positive response with her latest single, "Stones," and scheduled to perform in a Patterson Promotions Radio/DJ Appreciation Showcase at the National Quartet Convention in Lousiville, KY, September 2012. The song was released on Patterson Promotions Vol. 7 radio comp disc and landed in the hands of hundreds of DJ’s and program managers across the nation. "Stones" has made its way up to the #1 position on two industry charts. Ava has received the Branson Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year title among other national awards. For a free press kit on Ava, contact Ray Cooper or Evie Hawkins:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Info on Patterson Promotions DJ/Radio Showcase: http://www.PattersonPromotions.com, Info on the National Quartet Convention: http://natqc.com
Contact Ava Kasich directly:
918 Bois D’ Arc Whitesboro, Texas 76273

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Gaither Music Group/Servant Records artist Guy Penrod joined an all-star roster from the worlds of sports, music and film for Kevin Carter’s 11th Annual Waiting for Wishes Celebrity Waiters Dinner, held recently at Nashville’s The Palm Restaurant. Penrod and the celebrity wait staff served tables, signed autographs, received donations and interacted with guests at the sold-out event, which benefited The Kevin Carter Foundation and The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee.

Hosted by former Tennessee Titans' player and 14-year NFL veteran Kevin Carter and Jay DeMarcus of multi-platinum-selling country group Rascal Flatts, Waiting for Wishes featured celebrity waiters including Tennessee Titans' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck; NFL greats Eddie George, Craig Hentrich, Derrick Mason, Brad Hopkins and Eric Winston; Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts; Kix Brooks of legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn; Olympic figure skating champion Scott Hamilton; John Rich of multi-platinum-selling country duo Big & Rich; Jamie Johnson of the award-winning bluegrass ensemble The Grascals; and Hollywood actor, writer, producer and director Johnathon Schaech, among others.

Kevin and Shima Carter created The Kevin Carter Foundation to enrich the lives of children, focusing on youth and character development. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. More than 1,000 wishes have been granted in Middle Tennessee since the chapter was founded in 2000.

Penrod’s latest recording, Hymns, debuted at #1 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Southern Gospel retail chart and #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart following its release in March. His 2010 Dove Award-nominated release, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and southern gospel radio singles. A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year. Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

Hymns is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.

For further information, visit http://www.guypenrod.com or http://www.turningpointpr.com.

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SGNScoops announces plans are now underway for a new event called "Creekside Gospel Music Convention!" The three day event will take place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on October 29,30 31! The festivities will include Gospel Music, the 2012 Diamond Awards and a special night of celebrating Ms. Lou Hildreth's SEVENTY FIVE YEARS in Gospel Music! "Please accept this invitation to join me in celebrating my SEVENTY FIVE YEARS IN GOSPEL MUSIC on Monday October 29, 7PM, at the Smokey Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge,Tennessee," says Mrs.Hildreth. "Come share the music, laughter, and fellowship. Everyone is welcome!! The fabulous DIAMOND AWARDS are scheduled for Tuesday night at the same venue. Free Admission to all events."

Rob Patz, publisher of SGNScoops Magazine, owner of the Diamond Awards says, "I believe God opened the door for our new three day event. I also believe these three days will prove to be an uplifting time of fun and fellowship. It will also be a great time of celebration. I am honored that Ms. Lou Hildreth chose to celebrate her special night with us. She is truly a legend in gospel music." Rob continues, "I'm very excited about the Diamond Awards. We have a team of creative individuals and industry professionals working together to present a memorable night."

The Smokie Mountain Convention Center is located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, near to Gatlinburg and surrounded by the Great Smokie Mountains."I'm beyond excited," Rhonda Frye, Editor of Scoops Magazine adds, "for one, the scenery that time of year is breath-taking! Add outlet shopping, great food, good friends, celebrations AND Gospel Music, it's an event you don't want to miss!"

The Diamond Awards are fan based and fan driven. The first round of voting has been counted and the second round begins on Monday, May 21. We urge you to participate in the next round and we also encourage you to post the link to voting on your website and social media outlets.

We are working with the Smokie Mountain Convention Center to provide affordable hotel packages for these three days, so stay tuned! We also will provide space for a limited amount of booths for artists and groups. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join SGNScoops in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the Creekside Gospel Music Convention! For more information, contact Rob Patz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Makinsey Kelley entered an audition for the renown vocal group Gold Harbor from Nashville Tn late last fall. They had 17 ladies try out for the top harmony part. After seeing 40,000 hits on their website, goldharbormusic.com, in just three days, it was obvious that many of the ladies who sought this position could sing with any number of groups. An unusual feat that took place. Makinsey Kelley received every vote online. It was so overwhelming at the time that JR Richards the manager of Gold Harbor did not secure her to the group. The reason was that the applications just kept coming in days after the voting was over. It was so obvious this world class soprano Makinsey Kelley would be singing with Gold Harbor. . When Makinsey sings everyone listens... Welcome Makinsey to a long carrer with Gold Harbor.

Daily Devotion

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Text: Ephesians 1:1-7

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is simply a declaration of victory for the child of God. He sets out from the beginning to inform the reader of his position and favor as a redeemed child of God.

In the opening seven verses, He gives to us, three amazing and liberating instructions that if followed, will bring us into a thrilling and enjoyable Christian experience.

I. Recognize Your Righteousness

In verse one, Paul writes to the "Saints" that are at Ephesus. By addressing them as saints, Paul established their identity in Christ. Not because Paul said so, but because the blood of Jesus made it so.

While we typically don't walk around referring to ourselves "saints", by all God-given grace and biblical authority, we very well could.

Sainthood really is not something conferred by vote of or by denominational accreditation. Sainthood is achieved the moment one is born again. One person said, "you are either a 'saint' or an "ain't". That pretty well sums it up.

The saved are "saints" in light. (Colossians 1:12)
Paul wrote to the "Saints" Cesar's household. (Philippians 4:22)

While we certainly may not have the word "saint" embossed on our business cards, we certainly need to grasp the privileges of sainthood in our heart. We are not "wretched worms" nor are we the unworthy and condemned.

Undeserving? Absolutely.

Unworthy? Absolutely not.

The blood of Jesus changed our status and made us worthy.

2. Rest in Your Relationship

Paul said we are "accepted in the beloved." The Holy Spirit introduced me to the wonderful family of God and Jesus signed and secured my adoption. We are given the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father. (Romans 8:15)

There is no need to compete for a place in the family nor vie for the attention of the Father. My place is secure and I am welcomed at the throne of grace any time.
3. Rely on Your Resources

Paul wrote, "He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly places."

What a promise. Look at it carefully.

The Scope of the Blessings.
- All
The Significance of the Blessings
- Spiritual
The Sphere of the Blessings
- Heavenly Places

God the Father already has all that I need. He doesn't have to create any more love, grace or mercy. He doesn't have to mine or dig for any more gold or silver. It all belongs to him.

The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. (Psalms 24:1)
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalms 50:10)

Being in Christ provides the "daily bread" of God's provision.

An old song said, "Already mine, already mine
My father is rich and it's already mine.

You are "somebody" in the kingdom of Heaven. Actually, we all are because of God's wonderful grace.

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CD Reviews

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The Talley name is synonymous with class, and what the Talleys have done with this latest release, is taken class to a whole new level! As the final notes faded on the last song, I was left spellbound at the sheer beauty of this recording and the great feeling I felt realizing what a masterpiece I had just been privileged to listen to. Yes, it’s THAT good!

From the peaceful, quiet tones of the worshipful “We Want to Thank you”, I knew I was listening to the beginning of something special. Penned by Brian Alvey (newest member of the family) and filled with some beautiful modern harmonies, the song sets the tone for the recording. The mood then takes a dramatic turn for the title song, “Love Won”, which features a bit of Mozart. This could be an excellent choice for a potential single, and Lauren does a phenomenal job on the song.

Brian Alvey steps up to sing the triumph of the recording, “Make Way for the Master”. Penned by Alvey, this power ballad is a major hit song waiting to happen. I hope it makes it to radio, as this song is an easy #1 song. This is one of those songs that will make your heart leap with joy!

Lauren is featured on the comforting “Broken World” and reminds us that “we’re living in a broken world...but not for long” before Roger sings the thought provoking, “Every Scar”, which was a recent hit song for bluegrass duo, Darin & Brooke Aldridge. I love the storyline in the song and the song fits Roger like a glove.

After 5 slow/medium tempo songs, the tempo finally picks up for the funk feel of “Talk to the Lord About It”, which features Debra before the tempo slows back down for the emotional, “Up Above”. Penned by one of my favorite writers, Rebecca Peck, the song features exceptional performances by Lauren and Brian and offers hope that...”up above we’ll see it clearly, up above we’ll understand, and then we’ll smile knowing every mile, was led by the nail-scarred hands.”

The pace picks back up for the Daryl Williams penned, “Surely”, which is a song Gold City recorded back in the mid-90s and the Talleys brought it back and Lauren does a great job singing it.

“Great Love He Gave” was written by Paula Stefanovich and Debra very ably sings the first half of the song before Lauren takes it up another notch proclaiming, “Jesus-great love He gave to me...what love it took to set me free...great love He gave to me!” Here is another hit song possibility.

Brian shows off his soulful side with the highly stimulating, “The Church will Overcome” before musically shifting gears for the hauntingly majestic, “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”, which is immaculately performed and is a true highlight of the recording. I’ve always loved the lyrics to this classic hymn and I love the Talleys rendition of it.

The recording closes out with Brian singing a song many may remember from his days with the Tribute Quartet, “That’s Why I Love Him So” before Lauren tackles the stunning closer, “Love Conquers All”.

I have long used their 2002 recording, “Hope for Tomorrow”, as my measuring stick for the Talleys and have measured all their recordings to that one and none have quite measured up until now, as this latest recording is their new standard. Musically, lyrically, vocally...this is a true masterpiece. Some may gripe that there are only 3 uptempo songs. But the varying tempos and styles of all the songs on the recording keep it from sounding mundane, so the lack of uptempo songs isn’t really a big issue for me.

With Brian coming on board as an additional vocalist and the extreme talent he brings to this already talented family, the future possibilities are absolutely limitless. From beginning to end, this is a powerhouse recording filled with incredible songs (many about the love of God for us, and about our love for Him) that are flawlessly delivered. This is definitely a top pick for 2012.

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The River City Quartet has been making solid gospel music for the last sixteen years. The group travels mostly regionally in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Their new project, "The Journey" is full of great quartet music as well as a little church-camp-meeting style music.

The project kicks off with a powerful ballad, "The One Who Wears the Crown." It's a strong song, possibly a great cut for radio. The group delivers it strongly. Other highlights are "I Am Still Standing", Don't let Satan Steal Heaven", "I'm Going Home" and "Lord I Trust You." The project closes with "Only One" a great song reminding us that "Only One can bring Salvation and set man free!"

The River City Quartet make great southern gospel music and have some strong, powerful songs. Grab a copy of their newest project. You won't be disappointed you did!

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Get to know newcomer Paul Parr through this interesting Q&A with site administrator Deon Unthank.

DU: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you new to the Gospel Music scene?

PP: I have listened to Gospel music with my mom since I was a small child and my grandma used to go to singings all the time. I took up a career in country music for almost twenty years. I am new to the Gospel music scene, but not new to Gospel music. I have been performing for Christ almost three years now.

DU: How would you describe your sound? Have you patterned your musical style after anyone? Do you have a mentor?

PP: My sound is inspired by different things. I really don't care to follow a particular recipe, if you will, as far as style is concerned. I am much more concerned with the content of the lyrics and making sure they are Christ Centered. I have recently started going to industry trade shows and have met many people in this business but if I were to name a mentor, I would have to name Jesus Christ. I really try to be an empty vessel for the Holy Spirit to lead and fill.

DU: How did you come to know that your calling was in the Music Ministry?

PP: I took a discipleship training class called Experiencing God or as I like to call it "Relationship with Christ for Dummies" and in that I only refer to myself. This course was instrumental in my walk, my understanding how to not just do something but stand there. Wait on the Lord ! While I was waiting, I heard his call. Through prayer, circumstances, the bible and the church all things started to point in the same direction for me. A Music Ministry ? Boy was I unqualified, but so was everyone else God used in the bible. I believe that the Holy Spirit qualifies us for the task that God has given and by the grace of Christ, He will me as well. Sometimes it seems like a mountain but if it be His will, I will climb it one step at a time. God communicates with His children and He will communicate to them regarding this ministry. When I travel, I go for a love offering and trust in God that He will take care of my needs and He hasn't let me down.

DU: How many instruments do you play? What part do the instruments have in your Ministry?

PP: I am primarily a guitarist but I also play Bass, Piano and Drums. I have recently been toying with mandolin. I am looking forward to going into the studio to do a new project soon and hopefully the producer will allow me to play on some of the tracks. I would love to remove the guitar from the mix as well as the vocal for live performances with the guitar or if it be God's will, work with a band. I have worked with and in band's for most of my music career and it is what i am used to but that remains to be seen.

DU: Tell us a little about your songwriting. What would you say is your major inspiration when writing Gospel songs.

PP: I wrote my first song, a piano piece, when I was 12, and it was called "Dare to Dream." I have always been fairly creative both musically and lyrically. I think a song should clearly communicate the author's state of emotion when he/she penned the song. The Bible is alive....that is enough inspiration for me. What I mean is, every time I read a passage that I have seen before, I am led to a deeper understanding of that scripture and try to look at them from the perspective of a relationship. I believe the Truth is a person....Jesus Christ and as we grow in him our level of understanding increases. Love was settled at the cross and it doesn't get any more inspiring than that.

DU: If a Pastor books you to sing at his church, what can he expect to see and hear when you are there?

PP: I hope he sees the Cross and hears the Holy Spirit. I know that seems to be a very quick answer but it is all I know for if it were anything else then it would be from myself and self-centered not Christ-Centered.

DU: As a fairly new face to the Southern Gospel Music scene, what would you say is your biggest hurdle to jump? What is your biggest advantage?

PP: Trust is a delicate thing, you have to earn it and Southern Gospel Music Fans are not easily won over. They want to know who you are, where you're from, what you're about and what you believe. Communicating Christ to them effectively is the only way I know of to gain their trust, in other words, don't trust me....trust Jesus and that is also my biggest advantage.

DU: If a Pastor or Promoter wanting to get in touch with you how would they do that?

PP: My email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and my phone number is 843 - 821 - 4457. Either way works for me and I am happy to hear from all of them.

For more information on Paul, visit http://www.paulparr.com.

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Brecks surgery went great! They were able to repair all the broken bones and toes with screws and pins. They are hoping he won't suffer permanent damage to that foot. Today they found another fracture in his other foot so now.... He has a cast on both legs. I am sorry it took so long to post but we have been busy all day waiting for all the different doctors and tests being done. We appreciate everyone keeping us in your prayers. This is the beginning of a long recovery for him!!

Daily Devotion

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I was born and raised in southern Indiana, and attended Negangard Corner Freewill Baptist. The church was located 3 miles south of Sunman, Indiana. My mom and dad were married there, and the entire family; uncles and aunts, cousins, all went to "The Corner."

A framed picture hung on the wall in the church. The picture was of Christ standing at a door; knocking. See, my history is of DRUGS. I was drug to church on Sunday, drug to church on Wednesday, so I saw that picture twice and week for 20+years.

It was only until recently that I saw that picture, REALLY for the first time.

In the painting, Christ is knocking on this door, and I noticed that there is no doorknob on the door. No doorknob? How can He come in with no doorknob?

But, there is a doorknob, but we can't see it. It is on the OTHER side of the door.

The door represents our heart.

Revelation 3:20
"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

So, the reason the artist failed to paint the doorknob where we couldn't see it, was to show us, in order for Christ to come in, we must open the door and let Him in. He won't force His way in.

When I was a child I wondered why God just didn't force us to serve Him? However, as I grow older, I KNOW why. I don't want a friend out of obligation and neither does God. He wants us to serve, love and worship Him out of our love for Him.

He longs to meet our every need. His desire is to lavish His love on us; His children.

He also wants to be WELCOME in every room of our home. (life) We must allow Him access to our everyday life, money, raising our children, decisions, everything..

Christ still stands at the door and wants to come in.

Are you answering the door?


Prayer: “Father, I realize that you are waiting for me to allow you FULL access to every area of my life. Help me to open those doors so that YOU can make me more like your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.”


Bryan

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Please keep our girls Amber and Autumn in your prayers. Their papaw Thompson went home to be with the Lord. Also Jerry in the loss of his father. Life is tough at times!

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New Ground, of Scottsboro, Alabama, recently performed at the Scotland Gospel Music Convention held at the Leisure Center in Fraserburgh, Scotland. This was the Grand Finale performance of the ongoing event for the past 14 years.



The Scotland Gospel Music Convention has become one of the highlights of the Christian Music Calendar. Every year the event has brought it's unique style and atmosphere to the convention and this year was no different.

Eight groups were chosen from across the world to be performers at this event that included groups from Norway, Northern Ireland, the Shetland Islands, Canada and Paul's Journey and the Mike Speck Trio, along with New Ground, from the USA.



Pictured at the Saturday night performance are New Ground members Dale and Robbie Maxwell and David Owens.



http://www.newgroundministries.com

http://www.gmcscotland.com

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Singer- Bryan Langley is releasing a new song to radio with TS Promotions. “FREEDOM" is featured on his latest project, FREEDOM.


In a day where our FREEDOM is being challenged and sifting away we need to realized God is our refuge and strength and he is in control of every situation. Bryan Langley's song titled,"FREEDOM",says that Freedom can be taken for granted, sometimes forgotten,and possibly taken away. But true Freedom comes from God, a sacrifice that was made when Jesus died on the cross, to set souls free.

Bryan Langley, nominated in the top five Male Vocalist catagory for the 2012 SG Fan Fair Awards and also in the 2012 Artists Music Guild, gives all the credit and praise to God for accomplishments in his ministry. His song,FREEDOM,has also been nominated in the Song category for the 2012 Artist Music Guild Awards.

Bryan Langley states, “I am honored to be among the artists nominated in these categories. God has truly blessed this ministry, and he is continuing to bless." "I love the Lord and love what I do." " While awards are always nice, we've have seen hundreds of souls saved across this country and that means everything to us. Our prayer is that this honor will open up larger scopes of ministry and give us even greater opportunities to reach souls for the Kingdom!”


For more information about Bryan Langley, to hear song clips and/or view his schedule click on his website, http://www.bryanlangley.com

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The members of The Dysart Family are the guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today. The Feature Group is The Gardners, and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. Ken and Jean visit The Assembly, in Broken Arrow, OK, to hear The Blackwood Brothers sing. Jean reviews a new CD by Lanita Wright, and the show features singing by Three Bridges and a vintage video by The Hoppers, and David Bruce Murray looks at the history of The Dove Brothers Quartet. The latest edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, http://www.gospelmusictoday.com.
________________________

Daily Devotion

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Most of us wouldn’t necessarily choose the things in life that bring out the greatest character. If asked, none of us would volunteer for cancer, financial disparity, or divorce, yet when those things occur in our lives, we begin to recognize character traits within us that we never knew were there.

We discover strength, patience, tolerance, devotion or compassion. If we look closely enough, we can find admirable qualities that grow out of our adversity. We find a fire, a new resurgence of life, from our ashes. We become whole from our brokenness.

We must trust that even though life isn’t always as we plan, that God is at work in every detail. Take comfort in knowing that the struggles are for a purpose and God hasn’t left you to battle alone.


Romans 8:28
King James Version (KJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 40:4-5
King James Version (KJV)
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

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This comes from Tim Duncan's FaceBook Page:

We are asking for everyone to please pray for our oldest son Breck. He had a head on collision this evening and was life flighted to Vanderbilt Trauma Center. He is currently in ICU with multiple facial fractures, fractured foot and fractured L5 vertebrae. We are now waiting to see what time he will be going to surgery. We are praying but we are also THANKING God for having his hands on him today!

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Newburgh, IN (May 11, 2012) - Sure Calling Media Group Inc announced today that Patterson Promotions will take over the popular online magazine, the "Southern Gospel Times" as well as the site's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Originally called the "Gospel Music Times", the "Southern Gospel Times" currently offers Southern Gospel news, information and features, including the ever popular "Gator Jr" feature, and the "Top 40 Southern Gospel" weekly chart which has become a fan-favorite.

"A lot of prayerful consideration went into this decision", said David East, Sure Calling Media Group Inc president. "Ken and Pauline Patterson have a lot of great ideas for the site, and I think they're going to do a great job with it."

Pauline Patterson of Patterson Promotions said, "Ken and I look forward to see what God has in store for us and this new adventure with "The Southern Gospel Times Media Magazine". We know Jesus is coming soon and He will put more into the hands of His people that He finds willing. As I have always said since the development of Patterson Promotions radio promotions company,we will strive to use this new avenue of ministry for souls!".

Daily Devotion

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Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. The wages of sin - Everyone knows what wages are. Wages are something that you have to work very hard for. If the truth be known, after toiling very hard for these wages, you usually think that they are less than you deserve. Wages are given to you for your work.

Let's look at work. Work is hard. It takes a toal on your body. Work can give you blisters on your hands and your feet. Work can cause you
to shed your blood for the money you are trying to earn. Work is usually in an environment that is not clean and often not even healthy.
Work often leaves you dirty, and in a lot of cases nasty and sweaty.

Work is not easy. There is a certain amount of skill needed for even the most menial jobs. Digging ditches is not easy. Staring at computer screen all day and typing on keyboards is not easy. While it may appear to me that your job is easy, I don't know of anyone who thinks that the job they work hard at all day long is easy.

Work is not fun. Everyone is looking for the end of the day, or the end of the week, so they can go out and have some fun. Work is not where you go over to the basketball hoop and start shooting basketballs. Work is not the place where you get on the computer and start playing games. Your employer is planning on paying you the wages you agreed upon for you doing work, not fun things.

Work is not fair. Many times the workers who have been there the longest get the easier jobs. Many times the workers who have been there the longest time, end up having to clean the things that nobody else wants to touch. It's not fair. Sometimes the bosses son comes on the job and gets more money than you do for doing the same job. It's not fair.

Work is not the place to find good company to hang out with. Often times the person working next to you is cursing all day long. Sometimes that person working next to you is stealing little things from the company. You don't go to work looking to find cool people to bum around with.

Work takes a great deal of time out of your life. Most people don't go to work for two hours a day and make enough to support their family.
Spending this much time away from your home can cause stress in your home. It can cause strife in your home.

2. How are these wages paid?

We tend to think that wages are paid with something that we are wanting to get. It's usually money that we can use to buy the necessities of life.
If we are bartering, our wages would be that thing that we had agreed upon before the job began.

I had always wanted a large aquarium. I was in this Pet Store one day and saw this fantastic 85 Gallon tank with a complete set up for getting it going. It was perfect. The problem was the the price wasn't perfect for me. I noticed that the Pet Store needed some painting to spruce the place up. I approached the owner and he was willing to trade or barter the paint work for the whole aquarium and set up. I could work nights and weekends until I got the job done and then I could get my aquarium. It worked out well for both of us.

The wages that I got for that painting job was that aquarium. I didn't get paid in money. Well, God doesn't pay the wages of sin in money either.
The wages of sin is DEATH. That's not a good exchange. Just imagine, you've worked hard all week and the pay you get is pain and agony.
The wages of sin is death, separation from God. When this life is over you will face physical death. Your body will die. That, however is just part of death. When your physical body dies, it's just the start of eternity. Forever, you will still exist, but you will exist separated from God. Can you imagine a place where there is no order or morality, but forever living in a place where sin abounds.

3. BUT, the Gift of God is Eternal life.

Well, there you have it. We work all our lives, toil by the sweat of our brow, and for what? A few little wages that get us some food for our table and a place to lay our head at night.
The real deal is that the best reward is actually a Gift. What's so great about a gift? Well, helllloooo, it's free!!!! A gift doesn't cost you a single red cent. It cost someone else a pretty price, but it costs you nothing. The Gift of eternal Life was given to us by Jesus, the Christ. He paid a great price for our gift. He gave His life on a cruel cross as the price of our gift. Wow, someone loved me so much that He gave His life to purchase a gift for me. His Name is Jesus, and He's my Lord, and He'd like to give you that same gift today.

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Top 40 Weekly Chart

Daily Devotion

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My mother, Ms. Jean, has lived most of her life as a single parent. She was married to my father, Reverend Ancil Overbey, December 25, 1951. Mother loved her husband and after three years of marriage she gave birth to their first born child, Pamela Kay. My brother, Ancil was born in 1956 and my sister, Sandra, 1957. We are very close in age. My father became a minister after their marriage and began pastoring the Wilderness Creek Church of God, Bland, Virginia, in 1957. He loved the Lord, his family and his church. However, my father was suddenly killed in a car accident on January 5, 1960 at the young age of 29. My mother was only 27. Her children were five, three and two.
Mother was blessed to have her family, church family and dear friends to help her in those early years when we three were so young. Faye Burton and Sharon Wills were both willing to spend nights with mother, go window shopping for something to do, and be there for her crisis moments. Mother remained single for ten years and then remarried a coal miner, Venice King. After only three years of marriage, he died of black lung cancer. Mother has spent the majority of her years as a widow.

Her favorite passage in the Bible is Psalm 91. I am confident that mother has known through the years that she needed to be under the shadow of the Almighty as He is the One who has brought her through and protected her all these years. Her faith remains strong and we, her three children, know that we can depend on her for prayers that will be answered.


She is now 79 years young. (This photo was taken on her 70th birthday celebration.) She loves her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
and has always instructed us in the ways of the Lord. She is indeed a Proverbs 31 woman and deserving of honor.

A friend of mine remarked to me that she felt a mother’s love is the closest expression of God’s love that we can experience. God cares for us no matter what may be going on in our lives just like mother’s do. When we are unlovable, moody, grumpy, or going through difficult times, God loves us just the same and so will our mother’s. He protects, instructs and disciplines just like mother’s must do. God loves His children and so do mother’s!
I honor my mother, Ms. Jean, and pray that all mother’s will have a “Happy Mother’s Day!

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Nashville, TN: Song Garden Music Group has announced that they will release a brand new solo project featuring Ball Brothers pianist, Cody McVey. Cody, who is well known for his time spent playing for the Kingsmen, recently joined The Ball Brothers. Symphony is a perfect union of the foundational hymns of our faith and the incomparable production of legendary producer, Lari Goss. According to Song Garden Music Group VP, David Staton, “We are excited to have Cody on board and release this project on the Song Garden label. Typically, instrumental projects in our field are low budget and are pieces that artists will throw into a package deal in concert, but this project is in a league of its own. It is great to hear these songs we all know, sound like they belong on a motion picture sound track!”

The official release date is Tuesday, May 29, 2012. The retail price of Cody McVey’s Symphony will be $15.98. However, fans can pre-order the project at http://www.songgardenmusicgroup.com between and May 28 at midnight for a special pre-release price of just $11.98.

Daily Devotion

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Psalms 23:6 ... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The conclusion of David's thoughts toward the Lord, the good Shepherd, shows the confidence that he has in the Shepherd that manages his life. David understood the importance of a shepherd's ability to manage the flock. The sheep that was managed properly enjoyed good health, protection and peace. For the sheep, every aspect of life was under the management of the shepherd.

Now David, comparing the Lord's ability to manage his life to that of a good shepherd, guides us through most every scenario that we face in life; from the daily care we receive to the eternal life we gain through faith in Christ.

David is confident, not only in the provision of "today" but the provision that we are assured of throughout eternity. Paul echos the same assurance in Romans 8:
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Rest in the confidence that the good Shepherd will provide for you, now and forever!

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Aretha Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard Announced as GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 10, 2012 – The GMA Foundation (GMAF) has announced that it will induct Aretha Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

"The diverse talents represented in this years class of inductees have impacted millions of people around the world. It is an honor to induct these individuals" said Charles Dorris, Chairman, GMA Foundation.

The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct the honorees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Trinity Music City Auditorium in Hendersonville, TN at 6:00 PM. Admission is free to the public.

The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, established in 1971, has inducted more than 150 members since its inception. Previous inductees include Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, Amy Grant, the Statler Brothers, the Winans, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Andrae Crouch, Sandi Patty, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Andrae Crouch & the Disciples, Vestal Goodman, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shirley Caesar, The Oak Ridge Boys, the Blackwood Brothers, Petra, Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Happy Goodman Family, Larry Norman, George Beverly Shea, Albertina Walker, Pat Boone, Dottie Rambo, Evie, Larry Norman, Richard Smallwood, Jake Hess, The Lewis Family, Cliff Barrows, Thomas A. Dorsey, the Cathedral Quartet, the Fairfield Four, Billy Graham and the Jordanaires. The GMAF is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of gospel music and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to gospel music. A full list of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees is available at gmahalloffame.org web site here.

ABOUT THE INDUCTEES:

ARETHA FRANKLIN
Although born in soul's capitol city, Memphis. The Franklin family soon moved to Detroit, MI, where her father, Baptist minister Reverend C. L. Franklin, soon became one of the most revered public figures in black America. During her late preteens, Franklin was regularly singing solo numbers in her father’s New Bethel Baptist Church. She grew up with local and national celebrities visiting in her family home, including gospel greats Albertina Walker and her group The Caravans, Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward, three women who played a pivotal role in her vocal development.

In 1972, she released the gospel album Amazing Grace. The album eventually became her biggest-selling release ever, selling over two million copies and becoming the best-selling gospel album of all time. In 1987 she again returned to her gospel roots with the album, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, which though it did not repeat the success of Amazing Grace despite a powerful rendition of "Oh Happy Day", featuring Mavis Staples, but did reach the Top 10 of Billboard's gospel chart.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time as well as the ninth greatest artist of all time. She has won 18 competitive Grammys and two honorary Grammys. She has 20 #1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Respect" (1967) and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" (1987), Since 1961, she has scored a total of 45 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. She also has the most million-selling singles of any female artist. Between 1967 and 1982 she had 10 #1 R&B albums—more than any other female artist. In 1987, Aretha became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was the only featured singer at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

DALLAS HOLM
Dallas has earned his influence in today’s Christian music throughout more than 40 years of writing, singing and ministry in some 4,000 concerts in every state in the USA as well as many countries abroad. His 38 recordings have garnered gold records, multiple Dove awards, Grammy nominations, number one songs, and countless accolades.

Artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and Greg Long of Avalon all make reference to Holm’s significant impact on their lives and ministries. Holm can be seen on several of the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. On one video Gaither introduces Dallas by saying, “This is one of the nicest guys in our entire industry.” This broad appeal and respect by peers has undoubtedly been one of the reasons for Holm’s amazing longevity and relevance. They became the first Contemporary Christian band to receive an RIAA certified Gold Album for Dallas Holm and Praise LIVE.

THE HOPPERS
Multi-award winning family group The Hoppers have been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. They have performed throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have created a legacy of musical excellence embraced by leading pastors and event organizers. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, and their recordings frequently land at the top of the BILLBOARD sales charts and The Singing News radio charts.

Comprised today of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper, The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, NC, and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award, in addition to numerous industry and fan honors; and she has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean's wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes. She is noted for the excitement she brings to any live performance, and her unmistakable, rafter-ringing soprano vocals have taken The Hoppers to new heights for many years.

REX HUMBARD
In 1932, Rex Humbard did his first radio program on KTHS Radio, Hot Springs, Arkansas; at the age of 13. His father, Alpha Rex Emanuel Humbard, ran an orphanage and church in downtown Hot Springs. In the midst of the Great Depression, church attendance was poor and offerings for the orphanage suffered greatly. Rex did his radio program every week, singing, playing his guitar and telling the listeners about his father’s church. One year later the seats were full to capacity and the orphans had a new lease on life. From that time forward, Rex Humbard realized the power of the media and the importance of the “life changing” message contained in gospel music.

From 1945 through 1952 (during the war years), Rex and his wife, Maude Aimee, traveled to every section of the USA and Canada conducting tent crusade meetings. In each of these cities they purchased radio time and appeared daily singing gospel music and promoting the tent crusades. In 1949, Rex did his first TV show in Indianapolis, Indiana on the local CBS station. Once again, gospel music was the center piece of the program.

The Rex Humbard Ministry program ran from 1952 to 1985. In the early 1970’s, Time Magazine did a feature story on Rex Humbard and coined the phrase “tele-evangelist” to describe Rex. In 1999, Rex was named as “one of the 25 shapers of the 20th century” by US News and World Report because of his visionary use of the media to promote his message of hope, love and salvation. One of the most vital parts of his ministry was gospel music.

LOVE SONG
In the early 70's, during the beginnings of what became known as the "Jesus Movement," a group of young, longhaired, "hippie" musicians called LOVE SONG began to use their music to express their newfound faith in Jesus Christ. A mixture of rock and pop, LOVE SONG's music was entirely new and unique for the Christian music world.

The music was fresh, sometimes radical, and yet truly inspirational for a generation of young people searching for truth. It helped blaze the path for what we know today as Contemporary Christian Music. They flourished amidst the swirl of national media attention from top record labels and interviews with magazines including ROLLING STONE. God used them in a powerful way to bring many people to Himself. “In a world of imitators, Love Song has been an originator, the first domino that started the others going”

RICKY SKAGGS
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Dove Awards winner, Ricky Skaggs, is affectionately known as one of bluegrass music’s most recognized ambassadors. Singing comes naturally to Skaggs, and singing Gospel songs even more so. At the tender age of 3, he began by harmonizing with his mother as she sang Gospel songs. He began to perform in his church, singing with his parents there. His illustrious path to stardom has always included Gospel songs, as he loves to sing about Jesus and His love for all of us.

From there, Skaggs went on to put his own stamp on the mainstream country and bluegrass formats, resulting in twelve #1 hits, eight Country Music Association Awards and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. 1997 marked Ricky Skaggs’ triumphant return to bluegrass and the establishment of his own Skaggs Family Records label, which has gone on to break new sales records in the genre. Now in his 40th year as a professional musician, he continues to record and tour with his band Kentucky Thunder as one of music’s most sought after live performers.

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Used from Homecoming Magazine:

On Saturday, May 5, Gloria Gaither was honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Music from Nyack College in New York. Alongside Gloria, other Honorary Doctorate recipients included Steve Forbes, Dr. Stanley Kwong, and Dr. Michael Louis.

Nyack College, a model in Christian higher education of cultural and racial diversity, has campuses in Nyack, N. Y., Washington, D.C., and Manhattan. Nyack College is a Christian Liberal Arts college that offers academic programs for religious vocations as well as majors in various professions and the liberal arts, including music.

The college’s music department was formally established in 1938 and Nyack was the first institution in New York State authorized to grand a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree. The mission of the college’s music program reflects the integration of faith and learning and that mission is carried out in an atmosphere of creativity, vision and dedication that prepares students for whatever lies ahead for them.

“At our Nyack College commencement, we intentionally honor leaders in various sectors of society who exemplify the kind of lifestyle our graduates can aim for as they move into the next phase of God’s plan for their lives,” says Nyack College President, Michael Scales. “Mrs. Gaither is one stellar example of the integration of faith and learning at the deepest levels.”

This Honorary Doctorate in Music is Gloria’s seventh Honorary Doctorate degree.

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High Point, NC: Laurel University, an interdenominational Christian University in High Point, North Carolina recently honored Rick and Phyllis Webb, of the Rick Webb Family honorary Doctorate Degrees of Fine Arts, Saturday May 5, 2012 during the Spring commencement. The Webbs were honored and recognized for their 30 years of Music Ministry in the US and throughout different parts of the world.Rick Webb states "This was a complete surprise to Phyllis and me, we are humbled and honored with this special recognition presented by a school that is so dearly loved by our family". A beautiful reception in honor of the Webbs included their family and friends immediately following the Ceremony.
To celebrate their 30th anniversary The Webbs release a new DVD project "Live Across America" and their "30th Anniversary Edition-collection of favorites" through Song Garden Music Group. http://www.SongGardenMusicGroup.com
To find out more about the Rick Webb Family http://www.RickWebbFamily.com and Laurel Univeresity http://www.laureluniversity.edu

Daily Devotion

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Billy Sunday was a handsome man with deep dimples and focused eyes. During the 1880’s he was a National league baseball player who heard the hymns his mother loved being sung on a street corner. He stopped to listen and heard a sidewalk preacher from the Pacific Garden Mission. Billy was saved from his toes to his top, and when God saved him he gave him an ability to preach like few before him.

Before amplification, he preached to the largest crowds ever in the mid-west. He also traveled what he referred to as the “Kerosene Circuit” of over seventy communities that had yet to experience the convenience of electricity.

He was a fundamental, Bible believer and he loved God’s Word.

He preached with his imagination fully engaged in the Gospel.

This writing was found between the pages of his Bible:



“With the Holy Spirit as my Guide

I visited the Temple of Christianity.

I entered at the portico of Genesis, walked down through the Old Testament art galleries, where pictures of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Isaac, Jacob and Daniel were hung on the wall.

I passed into the music room of Psalms, where the Spirit swept the keyboard of nature until it seemed that every reed and pipe in God’s great instrument responded to the harp of David, the sweet singer of Israel.

I entered the chamber of Ecclesiastes, where the voice of the preacher was heard and into the conservatory of Sharon, where the Lily of the Valley’s sweet-scented spices filled and perfumed my life.

I entered the business office of the Proverbs, then into the observatory room of the prophets, where I saw telescopes of various sizes pointed to far-off events, but all concentrated on the Bright and Morning Star.

I entered the audience room of the King of Kings and caught a vision of His glory from the standpoint of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; passed into the Acts of the Apostles where the Holy Spirit was doing His work in the formation of the infant church; then into the correspondence room where Paul, Peter, James and John sat penning their Epistles.

I stepped into the throne room of Revelation, where towered the glittering peaks, and got a vision of the King in all His glory, and I cried,

All hail the power of Jesus’ name

Let angels prostrate fall.

Bring forth the royal Diadem and crown Him Lord of All.”



May you inhabit the pages of the Word like Billy Sunday.



Allison Speer

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I was raised in church, and as far back as I can remember I have been taught that God is everything you need him to be. I couldn’t sit here and name every role that He plays in our life because He is so many things. Recently I was reminded that one of the names is Teacher.
In the last several months my husband and I have faced some things that we know are out of our hands. We have both given them to God and have done everything the Word has taught us to do. We have prayed, fasted, waited, believed, hoped…we have had faith that God will move on our behalf and that we will see the results. We aren’t strangers to trials and testing. Most Christians aren’t. We know that through the trials of life our faith is made stronger.
But sometimes, even though you have complete faith in God, even though you are grounded in His word, sometimes the trial seems particularly long.
A few weeks ago, Jimmy and I were driving through South Carolina. We were talking about some of the things we had been praying for and how we were wondering if we were missing God somehow. I try to be an encourager because that is one of the things that God has changed in me. My attitude is now a positive one. I try to find the good and uplift others. But now, I was finding that not only could I not uplift my husband, I couldn’t even convince myself to smile. I knew I had faith. I knew I believed that God heard my prayers. I wasn’t praying for vain or selfish things. I knew I was living a life pleasing to God. My husband was the same. Yet here we were…trying to figure out what we were missing. Where were we going wrong? Why wouldn’t God move? Why couldn’t we hear Him?
We had the radio on a Christian radio station. We both had reached a point in the conversation where we had nothing left to say. Then the DJ began to speak. He was talking about the sermon his pastor had just preached and he wanted to share something with the people listening. He said something like this. “Some of you out there have been facing trials in your life like you have never faced before. You have done everything you know to do. You have prayed and fasted and sought God and prayed some more, but you still haven’t heard from God. Well, I want you to think back to when you were a kid in school. DURING THE TIMES OF TESTING, THE TEACHER RARELY SPOKE”
I looked at Jimmy and he looked at me and we both just said, ”wow”. I told him that was one of the most obvious yet profound things I have ever heard. I told him that the teacher rarely spoke, but NEVER left the room. They were completely aware of everything that was going on.
From that moment I felt renewed. I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks. I was reminded that just because God hasn’t answered doesn’t mean that he won’t. Just because I haven’t seen him move doesn’t mean he doesn’t hear. I am so thankful that God had us listening to that station at that moment and I am so thankful that that DJ was obedient to what he felt he needed to share. I am so thankful that God takes the time to be the Teacher.

Back Home
http://www.backhomesings.com

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The Kingsmen are pleased to announce the addition of Chris Jenkins as our new tenor vocalist.

Chris, 25, has been singing in various ministries and groups since his teenage years, most recently tenor vocalist for the Vintage Quartet since 2010. Prior to joining The Kingsmen, Chris worked as a loan officer and banking manager for the last six years.

"I am so thankful that God has allowed me to do what I have always loved to do," says Chris. "I could not be more excited about joining a group with such a legacy and rich history as The Kingsmen. I have been a fan of The Kingsmen since I was very young. I look forward to seeing what the future holds with this great quartet, especially this line-up of individuals as they are top-notch vocalists. It is a real honor to follow in the footsteps of some of my heroes.”

Chris will begin touring with the group immediately. In fact he has been filling in with us in recent weeks. Chris, along with his wife Kimberly, and two children make their home right outside of Greensboro, in the piedmont area of North Carolina.

Chris is looking forward to meeting many friends and fans of The Kingsmen as he begins this new chapter in his life. To find out when the Kingsmen Quartet will be in a city near you please visit us at http://www.kingsmenquartet.com also vist our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kingsmenquartet

Daily Devotion

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What a mockery it was to weave together a crown made of thorns, thistles and briars and place on the head of Jesus as he was tortured and crucified. As wicked men placed this "hurtful halo" on his brow, they cried "Hail to the King" in relentless ridicule and scorn.

Having already suffered the lashes of a lethal whip and the bruises of calloused fists, Jesus was almost beyond recognition with his swollen eyes and lacerated cheekbones. An uncaring Soldier had thrown the masters own scarlet robe around His blood soaked back while another placed a reed between his tender hands bound by filthy ropes. Just then some uncaring man with a warped sense of humor and a propensity for sadistic amusement said, "Let's top it off with this!" as he thrust the thorn made crown onto the brow of the Christ.

What a horrific sight it must have been. It's beyond description. Isaiah tried when through prophetic vision he saw a "wounded lamb led to the slaughter," He also spoke of Jesus being as a "root plucked out of dry ground." He said he had no form, nor beauty about Him and we hid our faces from Him. Isaiah 53:5

Before Jesus experienced the wounds of the nails driven in to his flesh, he felt the excruciating pain of the thorns. Traditional history indicates that they were very hard and lengthy "nail-like" thorns. They had no flexibility at all that allowed them to be weakened when meeting the surface of another object. The crown must surely have had a deep penetrating presence. How our master must have grimaced in agony.

It must have been an ugly thing. Almost a reject of nature, these thorns. An ugly, embarrassing reminder of the curse that God put on the ground when Adam and Eve sinned against Him in the garden. It reminds me of a picture of sin itself. Unrelenting, harsh and ugly. Sinister, having no pleasant purpose and bringing pain to everything that it touched.

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Back Home Releases New CD - Produced by Nashville Notables Jeff King and Chris Latham

Back Home has released their 7th project entitled "God Doesn't Listen To The Odds" (cover song written by Mark Narmore). This CD is full of songs penned by great Nashville writers such as Mark Narmore, Terri Jo Box, Sue C Smith, Don Poythress, Jeff King, Jennifer Layne, Leslie Satcher, Bruce Caroll, Brent Baxter, Jerry Salley and others. To quote Back Home's pastor Bishop David Smith, "This is the BEST CD I have heard in long time and the best CD Back Home has ever done".

As a few people have said of Back Home's music: From Bishop Tim Hill, 1st Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God, "Met Jimmy and Jennifer Layne also known as "Back Home" today. Great singing and writing ministry. Pastors, this couple will bless your church." From Jeff King, Back Home Producer and lead guitarist for Reba McIntire, ".Jimmy and Jennifer Layne are both wonderfully talented musicians and singers and wonderful people as well. Their ministry gives hope and light to people of all faiths. I am proud to be involved with them on their recordings and the productions of the records." Marty Raybon, “Jimmy and Jennifer Layne are two of the most dedicated musical ministers the Gospel has ever known. Their work in the Faith is proven by the tireless miles they travel and in the heart of the lyric they sing. They truly love to see the lost come to Christ.”

This CD touches every part of a person's life from memories from years ago through the lyrics to another great song written that portrays God's touching hand and healing of alcoholism. The players on this CD, Jeff King, Chris Latham, Tammy King, Les Butler, Matt Butler, Pat McGrath, Steve Brewster, Jason Webb and Mike Johnson, really poured their heart into what Back Home is about. First radio single release off this recording will be "Heavy End of the Cross" written by Don Poythress and Sue Smith.

Back Home's ministry is centered on God giving us all chances. If you are interested in booking Back Home, please contact them at 423-260-3976 or email them at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Visit them on the web at http://www.backhomesings.com.

Back Home
http://www.backhomesings.com
423-260-3976

Daily Devotion

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I love my mother. She is the godliest woman I have ever known. She and dad took my brother Jim and I to church every Sunday. I am a blessed man to have her still in my life. I have NEVER heard her say certain words (vulgarity or curses) and she WILL NOT lie. She says a lot of things that I think are funny. I remember as a child hearing her talk about certain products that she didn't like. She would say "That stuff ain't worth packing home!" or "That stuff ain't worth two cents!"
There is a store in Batesville (where she lives) and according to her it is "A store full of nothing!". When she hears of someone doing something really crazy, she will say "Now, why would someone do something so silly/crazy"? "Don't they have any common sense?"

In fact, she and I have had this very conversation. We are amazed sometimes about how many absent minded people there are in the world.

Because we think there are certain things that everyone should know, or what we ALL call; "Common Sense."

The sad thing is that these days, you have to tell people what "Common Sense" is.

That's why on many of today's household products, the manufacturers place warning labels on them. It's even funnier when the warning's are pretty obvious.

I read this on the back of a shampoo bottle; "Wet hair, lather, rinse." It's because somebody applied shampoo on their dry hair, didn't rinse it out and walked out the door with clumped up shampoo on their hair!

How about on a blow dryer tag; "Do not use in water." It's because some one said to themselves, "I'll blow dry my hair while I shower!"

On "Preparation H"- "Use only as directed". I bet somebody put it on a cracker and maybe their mouth shrunk.

We have all heard that "crime doesn't pay." Well, did you hear about the bank robber who donned a mask and went into a bank and handed the "This Is A Stick-Up" note written on the back of HIS deposit slip with HIS name, address and phone number on it? He was caught, by the way.

Common Sense?! It is the lack of!

See, you have to tell people what "Common Sense" is!

Often times we believe that in our Christian walk there are things that are "common sense."

My granny; Audrey was talking about her wearing pants to a concert where my brother was singing. See, I was raised that women NOT wear pants to church under NO circumstances. I remember when a lady would come to our church wearing pants, some church members would get upset. Did she "rebel" against our "Rules", or did she just not KNOW what our church's stance on it was? Maybe she didn't know. We thought it was "common sense"!
Now, personally I have NO PROBLEM with a woman wearing pants to church. I seriously don't think God does either.

How about when an un-saved person comes to our church. They are hearing words like "saved", "communion", "baptized", "redemption" or seeing us raise our hands or pray at the altar. To them it may be foreign.
I am not saying that we should "water down" the gospel. NOT AT ALL! TOO many churches are not preaching Hell, or that the blood of Christ is the only thing that can cleanse us of our sins. We should NOT keep our services on a elementary level, but I do feel we all need to be more “seeker sensitive" and not treat everyone like these words should be"common sense".

Our job is to gently lead them to a true knowledge of God's love and His word.

2 Timothy 2
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Be gentle with those who are un-churched or those who recently have come to know Christ.

My dad used to work in a saw mill and when he trained new people, he didn't turn them loose on the band-saw the day after they were hired. But sometimes when a person comes to Christ, we send them out to "fend for themselves". I applaud churches who have an ongoing program for new coverts. Showing, advising and mentoring them in their infant stage of walking with Christ.

If your church doesn't have a mentoring program or small groups, YOU can allow yourself to become a same sex mentor to a young Christian. Chose a bible translation that is accurate but will allow them to understand what they are reading. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know", to a question that is asked. Together you can find the answer and you both can grow in your walk.

I know what "Common Sense" is, Now, if I can just figure out why my orange juice jug says "concentrate" on it. (I stared at it for an 2 hours last night and nothing happened.)

Be blessed.

Bryan

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Daily Devotion

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I wake up each morning, with pretty much the same routine. We go through the same steps to get Maura to school on time, and then Jeff and I have breakfast together where we talk about how best to spend our day.

We take this time, on purpose, so that we are in unity with our thoughts as to what the day should hold. Without this conscious effort, there is confusion. I would be upset that he doesn’t realize we should clean out the carport, or he would feel disrupted because he can’t clean the filters on the bus as he planned. Both jobs are necessary, but an alignment of thinking is required before either can be done.

It reminds me that every morning, there is also a necessary re-alignment of our thoughts with the mind of Christ. How else can we go about our duties, as a Christian without knowing what Christ expects of us? We must re-align our thoughts to match His.

Desiring to think like someone else only happens when we have complete trust in that person. It’s giving up control, surrendering your thoughts and accepting another’s. We must trust God with our minds, allowing Him to alter our way of thinking, knowing that He knows what is best for us.

When you wake-up, whisper a prayer and ask God to re-align your thoughts to His, so that you will have the mind of Christ. Ask Him to grant you the peace that will keep your mind and heart. Tell Him you surrender your thoughts and trust Him with control. Then, see the faithfulness of God at work in your life.

Don’t beat yourself up if you slip back into your own way of thinking at times, you’re human and fighting flesh. It’s not always easy! And always remember, in the morning, you’ll have to get up and start all over again!



1 Corinthians 2:16
King James Version (KJV)
 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Proverbs 23:7
King James Version (KJV)
 7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Philippians 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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From Stewart Varnado's FaceBook Page

I’d like to thank the Dixie Echoes for allowing me the opportunity to live out my dream for the past 14 years. I joined the group when I was 17 years old. Randy and Scoot Shelnut have became like family to me, and it’s been a blast traveling with some great guys through the years. I realize that when people put out statements saying they want to spend more time at home, it seems to be a cover for unhappiness within the group. That is not the case here. I simply have the desire to come off the road for a while. I wish nothing but the best for the Dixie Echoes, and pray that one day, if it’s God’s will, I can return to Gospel music. I have no future plans at the moment and will be filling in for the group until a replacement has been found. Thanks also to the many friends that I have made while traveling! It has been an honor to get to meet so many fine people. I will still be active behind the scenes promoting the music that I love. Anyone interested in auditioning should contact Randy Jr. at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Daily Devotion

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Have you ever been sued, or had a legal challenge? Have you ever noticed how a crafty lawyer can make even an innocent fact sound incriminating? Well, that’s exactly what happen to Jesus as the Pharisees and the Sadducees plotted to entangle Him in His words. But, Jesus perceived their wickedness and turned the tables on them. It’s your "Legal Eagle" Pastor Phil of Harvest Chapel with "A GOOD WORD FROM GOD'S WORD TODAY" and reminding you that whatever challenge you encounter this week, you have Heaven’s Greatest Counselor on your side.



In Matthew 22, a cunning lawyer posed a question to Jesus, hoping to test Him and publicly show His ignorance of the LAW, by asking Him, "Which is the GREATEST COMMANDMENT in the Word". Well, we know Jesus is the WORD and He quickly quoted Deuteronomy 6:5, Love the Lord your God with all your HEART, with all your SOUL and with all your MIND. And, though they didn’t ask for it, He went on, "The Second is like the first, Love your neighbor, then he threw in a third, AS YOURSELF. And they asked Him NO MORE QUESTIONS.



For you today, Jesus said, "When they deliver you up before lawyers and a judge, don’t worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you." (Matthew 10:19-20)



So, in this law suet crazy world we’re living in today, you can relax. The Lord has all of your LEGAL MATTERS in His complete control. And, He’s already reached a VERDICT in your behalf, NOT GUILTY. But I, SUMMON YOU to tell the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT the TRUTH, so help you God. Remember, He is the GREAT COUNSELOR and He alone is also the FINAL JUDGE. On your behalf He will say, "CASE DISMISSED!" You see, it's not WHAT YOU KNOW, but WHO YOU KNOW that makes all the difference. God bless.

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SOUL PURPOSE QUARTET of Grove City, Ohio was honored on April 28, 2012 at the North Community Springtime Celebration of Life Event to be individually Commissioned by Governor Steven L. Beshear and Secretary of State Alison Langelder Grimes of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as “Kentucky Colonels” for their superior leadership and dedication to the ministry of music in the community, state and nation. In addition, the group was also recognized by Ohio Speaker of the House William Batchelder, Ohio House Representative Cheryl Grossman (23rd District) and Ohio Congressman Steve Stivers for their exemplary commitment and service to the communities in and amongst the State of Ohio and the world around them.


Speaker Batchelder and Representative Grossman stated that Soul Purpose is “certainly to be applauded for their endeavors to impart the beauty of gospel music to the community, for they have enhanced the lives of those they have touched with this universal language.”


Congressman Stivers stated about this group, “Through their contributions to the cultural and artistic character of our nation they have helped to promote love of God and country. … By sharing their gifts, they have helped spread Christian charity and some of the core values that we treasure as Americans.”


More information and concert schedule is available online via the group’s website: http://www.SoulPurposeQuartet.com.


Group members are Don, Judy and Misty Clapsaddle of Grove City, OH and Jim Barrett of Greenfield, Ohio.


**For Information Only: Group members are available for interview by calling (614) 875-4013 or email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). A photo of the group is attached. Caption: (Back Row) Judy Clapsaddle, Misty Clapsaddle, (Front Row) Don Clapsaddle, Jim Barrett.

Daily Devotion

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Scripture: While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well (Luke 17:11-19 NASB).”

Which one are you? The One? Or the Other Nine? How often does God do small, insignificant things for us and we fail to stop and say, “Thank you.” Many months ago, I went through a season when God dealt strongly with me about this particular issue. I was reminded of this passage of scripture and how I should make an effort to say “thank you” on a regular basis. Thank you to those who clean our offices, thank you to those who keep restrooms clean when I’m traveling, thank you to my friends and family members who have done things to help me on my journey.
Webster defines thank you as, “A polite expression of one’s gratitude.” In the Spanish language the word for thank you is “gracias.” Whatever the language, let’s make a special effort this week to be the One, rather than the Nine! Webster also defines the word thanks as “kindly or grateful thoughts – gratitude.” Let’s have an attitude of gratitude every day by first of all giving thanks to the One who gave us the greatest gift of all – Salvation. Let’s express grateful thoughts to the Holy Spirit for His comfort and wisdom He gives liberally (James 1:5). Let’s express to God from a grateful heart how thankful we are for His protective Hand over our life and the lives of family and friends.

I am going to give Him special thanks this coming week as I will be finishing my final work for this semester and will then be graduating May 26! There is no way I can ever say thanks enough for all God has done to bring me to this juncture of my life. A special thanks to all my friends and family members who have prayed, encouraged and supported me along this seven-year Pentecostal Theological Seminary journey!
Father, help me – help us – to practice being thankful. It makes a difference in our life and in the lives of those we say those two precious words to—“thank you.” May our day be filled with opportunity to give thanks. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Nashville TN - (May 4, 2012) Landon Beene of IMC Management and Concerts has officially announced that theGospel Music Celebration™ Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean is SOLD OUT! Organizers have opened a waiting list for the cruise which is set for January 19-26, 2013.

"We are thrilled and can't wait to head out on the ship with all our friends who have signed up to join us," Landon Beene said. "We've built a different cruise model with a limited slot of artists so that music lovers get to hear more of their favorites and get more interaction with those artists. Our cruise is designed to be a "celebration" on sea, a chance to enjoy each other. I feel like this is the primary reason our first time Caribbean destination has sold out so quickly. This fact, added with a 5-Star first class cruise line, makes for a GREAT combination. Our passengers LOVE the fact we are on a conservative cruiseline such as Holland America and when they leave our cruise they're already on the phone inviting friends to come back with them on a future trip! That is exciting!"

Artist Scott Fowler of Legacy Five commented: "I have been singing gospel music for 23 years and have probably been on around 35 cruises in that time. IMC and Inspiration Cruises consistently give exceptional service at a great value and put us on the best luxury vessels in the fleet. They present THE BEST that gospel music has to offer and put together unique programming on board. When you add it all up, the choice is clear - if you want the best Gospel Music Cruise experience anywhere, IMC Gospel Music Celebration™ Cruises are IT!"

On each cruise, guests enjoy intimate times of relationship building with the artists, chapel and testimony services, The "Not-So-Newlywed" Game featuring artists and their spouses, Hymn Sings, Sunday Morning Church services and of course, nightly concerts.

Although this Caribbean Cruise itinerary is SOLD OUT, a waiting list has been opened and cruise bookings are now being accepted for the ALASKAN Gospel Music Celebration™ Cruise from July 14-21, 2013 embarking from Seattle, WA. The Alaskan cruise will feature The Booth Brothers, The Collingsworth Family, Legacy Five, Ken Davis, Liberty Quartet, TaRanda Greene, Freedom Singers and more.

For more information, visit http://www.GospelMusicCelebration.com or http://www.IMCconcerts.com.

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Nashville, TN (May 3, 2012) – The Dove Award winning group, Rambo McGuire, which includes Reba Rambo McGuire (original member of The Rambos), along with husband Dony, daughter Destiny, son Israel, and father Buck Rambo (also founding member of The Rambos), will be the featured artists on this weekend's (May 5th & 6th, 2012) addition of the Gospel Greats.

The group, whose album, Grassroots Rambos, won Bluegrass Album of The Year at the prestigious Dove Awards, held on April 19th, 2012 in Atlanta, will talk about the music of Reba's mother, Dottie Rambo, the Dove winning album, life, family and more.

Paul Heil's THE GOSPEL GREATS radio program is the best-known and most widely-respected syndicated Southern Gospel music radio program, presently airing on nearly 200 great radio stations across America, in Canada, on Sirius/XM'S Enlighten, in Europe, the Far East and on the internet worldwide each week (through affiliates and on-demand).

To learn more about program times in your area and details about the Gospel Greats syndicated radio program, go to thegospelgreats.com. To learn more about the upcoming feature with Rambo McGuire, visit the Next Program page on the Gospel Greats website.

To learn more about the music and ministry of Rambo McGuire, visit RamboMcGuire.com. You can follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/RamboMcGuire and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/RamboMcGuire.

Thank you for sharing in the celebration of GREAT NEWS with Vertical Sky!!!

News & Scoops

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Crystal Music & Promotions-Nashville News!!
Crystal Collins, from Betsy Layne, KY launched a brand new gospel music business on the eve of NQC week, 2011, with the help of her mentor, Mr. Eddie Crook. She has signed multiple artists to the label and has already established a name for her company in ‘radio promotions.’ While she doesn’t own a recording studio, she signs artists to the label and Mr. Crook takes care of project production, mostly at TBN Studios just outside of Nashville, TN.
With much success, and many artists to accommodate she has launched two sister labels. The first is called, ‘Majestic’, and the second is ‘Renaissance’.
“If you are in the market for a new, top quality project at an unbeatable price or radio promotions for your next single, contact Crystal Music today! She’s honest and has a bright future in the industry, and I’m glad to work with her”!
~Eddie Crook
Find Crystal Music on Face book or call 606-478-7302!!

Daily Devotion

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Eph 5:1 (KJV)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

The word "follower" is translated from the Greek word "mimetes" which means an imitator. In other words, Be imitators of God, as dear children.

If you'll remember, one of the favorite games children play is to imitate their parents. Some children put on their parents clothes so they can "play the role" and pretend they they are going to the store, or to work, or to some social event. Many living room couches have been transformed to the front seat of an automobile and the throw pillows become steering wheels. Using their imaginations, children have been imitating their parents since the beginning of time.

Paul encourages the believer, as children of God, to imitate their Heavenly Father. In other words, love like God loves, care like God cares, reach out to others like our Heavenly Father reached to us. Imitate God's wisdom in the decisions you make. Exercise God's patience when dealing with the cares of life. Not long ago, a phase circulated within the culture that became very popular. Someone asked the question, "What would Jesus do?" It wasn't long before WWJD bracelets adorned the wrists of most every teenager in the country. There's wisdom in asking that question. Then the next step is to imitate His actions.

Freedom

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Greetings Friends of Freedom and welcome to the first edition of Freedom Feature. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share our random thoughts on anything about everything! Sometimes the stories will be heartfelt, others light-hearted, but always worthwhile.

Most of you know that we are starting our third year of full-time ministry as Freedom. God has truly blessed John and I with some incredible experiences in such a short time, and we are thrilled to have Tyler Vestal aboard for the journey. We have had the pleasure to sing for many of you, but there are still a few areas of the country we have, yet, to reach. So, for this first post, I thought I would share a road story that I have recently “retired” from the program, but felt it was too good not to share with everyone.

We get questions all the time about our “bus.” I put bus in quotes, because what we have is not what the ordinary Gospel music fan envisions when they hear that word. John and I literally started with nothing, but God made provisions for us to have a complete sound system, ten fantastic new songs for an album, a record company to believe in us and sign us, and a handful of promoters to take a chance on us. The only thing we didn’t have was a means of transportation. Once again, God stepped in and put a man in our path who, also, believed in us and just so happened to own a bus company. He had recently acquired a 25 passenger shuttle bus from the Indianapolis airport and was having no luck selling it. When he heard of our situation, he made a way for us to inspect the shuttle and see if we could utilize it. Now many of today’s groups are downsizing to a Sprinter van, but this was still well beyond our means. However, we were able to apply the concept of the Sprinter to the shuttle and came up with a comfortable, functional way to travel. I must stop here and say a huge thank you to my father-in-law, Gary Kimery, and John’s father, Duane Rulapaugh, for their brilliance and handiwork to make this a reality.

So, after about three months of planning, worrying, praying, working, and sweating, we were finally ready to take our “bus” on the road for the first time. I picked the boys up in Sevierville at midnight and told them to try out their new beds, because I just had to drive that thing. I was like a kid at Christmas! I was so thankful that all of our hard work had paid off and we were actually traveling in comfort for the first time. I must interject once more and remind you folks that I am a pretty big boy. I stand about 6’ 3” and weigh 2(none of your business). Since we were designing and building the inside of the bus ourselves, we made special plans for me to have a 7’ long, extra wide bunk that I could lay all over in. And boy, do I! Well, we were headed to south Alabama and I had driven eight hours, almost to Montgomery, when my adrenaline finally wore off and I was ready to experience my oversized bunk. I laid down and was able to stretch out in a bus bunk for the first time in my life. As I was drifting off, I was thanking God for all He had done for us, providing us a way to travel and allowing us to save so much money by doing the work ourselves, when all of a sudden I felt a drip...drip...drip, right on the side of my cheek. You see, beloved, the air conditioning unit of that bus is just above my bunk. Well, it was the middle of June and temperatures were rising, so I concluded that it was simply condensation. After a while, it stopped and I was able to go to sleep. Roughly an hour later, I woke up in what I truly believe to be Gospel music’s first traveling waterbed! That thing went from dripping to pouring all over me. I was soaked from head to toe. I was so tired and became angry, because here we had worked so hard to get the bus ready for the road and now I could not even enjoy the fruit of our labor. Fixing the air conditioner was one more thing on a long list of things I had to do the following week. I was forced to sleep upright in one of our captain’s chairs for the remainder of that long trip. I was not a happy camper, to say the least. Now there is a silver lining to this cloud, but that will have to wait for next time. Be sure to check out the next edition of Freedom Feature to see what happens next. You won’t believe it!

Josh Garner
Freedom
http://www.FreedomTrio.com

Janice Crow

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The month of May always brings to mind the Memorial Day road trip to Southern Illinois. Back then nobody called it Memorial Day. Some called it Decoration Day, but Dad always just said “the 30th of May”. As a kid, all I cared about was getting to dad’s family reunion held on that holiday every year at a park in his little hometown, Eldorado.

Mom would get up extra early to fry chicken a deep golden brown for our lunch under the pavilion. She would fill a gallon size aluminum thermos with ice cold sweet tea and then pack up all the side dishes in a big green cooler. Then we would wait……wait for dad to finish all of his “cain’t leave town till I do it” list. I think I understand now why he “blew out the freezer”. He didn’t want to leave dust around the motor that might catch fire while we were gone. I’m sure on some level it made perfect sense to him, why he needed to clean out King’s dog pen before we left, but I’ve never been able to figure that one out.

Dad had shined up that emerald green ’54 Olds just right and scrubbed the old whitewalls within an inch of their life. The “bug catcher” was mounted where it belonged on the grill of the car, and as useful a piece of equipment as it was, seems a bit comical to think of today. (There’s something a little disturbing about pulling up to the park to eat dinner carting the remains of every flying insect that was unfortunate enough to be heading north on the same highway where we were heading south. )

With all preparations finally complete, we were off down that old two lane road. It was a long trip for fidgety children. It probably seemed even longer to my parents. How many times can you listen to, “Are we there yet?” or “Make him stop looking at me!” Mother would try to divert our attention to the many varieties of cows on the hillsides. She knew them by sight, guernseys, herefords, jerseys. To us they were just cows, and the only purpose they served was passing the time. We would see how many cows we could “collect” before we drove past a cemetery and “killed” them all.

She would lead us in several choruses of “Chickery Chick Cha-la Cha-La”, “Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats” or some other silly song. Then she would keep a wary eye out for the Burma Shave signs. Folks today would have no clue about Burma Shave or its successful roadside advertising gimmick.

Back in 1958, there was no such thing as grabbing a burger at a drive-through. But to us, it couldn’t have compared, anyway, to one tiny little mom and pop grocery in Nashville, IL. Dad would make a brief stop at the market and leave us all in the car while he went on a mission. He soon emerged from the store with food for the road, baloney, cheese, and a loaf of the softest, freshest, most awesome white bread ever, Bunny Bread. It seemed especially good to us because mom and dad always bought day-old. (Here my hubby chides me, saying his family was so poor they bought “used” bread.) Dad loved his baloney and cheese…..or his vitamins B and C as we teased him later on, and he ate it till the day he died….at 98. We would wash it all down with a swig of RC Cola. Dad would buy a six-bottle carton, but only open one. We had to pass it around…..the whole family drinking out of the same bottle of soda. I couldn’t do that today if my life depended on it! Backwash city!

I remember a few times when the trip wasn’t much fun….if we had a flat on a 90 degree day, or some other roadside mishap. But, all in all, I looked forward to the day we hopped in the car and headed on down the road toward the reunion. After all, I had cousins to meet up with and serious playing to do.

Several years ago, there was a song that said “Lately I’ve Got Leavin’ on My Mind”. That couldn’t be more accurate for me right now. I was talking to a songwriter friend the other day and she expressed exactly what I had been feeling for so long when she said, “ I don’t even recognize this world any more. “

I knew exactly what she meant. This is not the country I grew up in. We don’t fit here. And it’s not just the fact that we are probably the last untattooed and horrendously body-pierced generation to walk the earth. It’s that the attitudes that prevail are so anti-God, so blatantly disrespectful of His Word and His way. Wrong is now called right, and what we call right is called ridiculous. We are residents of another world. Suddenly I understand why Christians are referred to as “pilgrims” and “strangers”.

In the couple of years it’s been since my folks were promoted to glory, I have become increasingly dissatisfied here. Heaven is so real to me. I can’t help but think, “I wonder what they’re doing now”.

I know they are more alive than they have ever been. It’s hard not to “envy” them. I’ve spent years in preparation. I’m packed up. I want to go! Oh, I’ll keep singing my songs and watching the signs along the way, and sometimes I’ll complain to God about the devil aggravating me as I go along, but I will not give up because there will be a grand reunion and I don’t plan to miss it. Ah, I do love a road trip.

Are we there yet?

Janice

News & Scoops

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April 14, 2012 Declared “Ann Downing Ministries Day” in the State of Tennessee

Governor Bill Haslam signs proclamation


Hendersonville, TN, May 3, 2012 April 13-15 marked the 21st Annual Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat, but the weekend also marked a life-long career highlight for the retreat’s hostess, lauded Gospel music soloist, Ann Downing.


Citing the memory of the late Paul Downing and the dream he shared with his bride, Ann, Governor Haslam noted the Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat goal of providing an emotionally safe environment for women, the retreat’s yearly contribution to Tennessee tourism, and Ann’s 49 years of honorable representation of the state of Tennessee across the globe as reasons for the proclamation. The proclamation also lists Ann’s example of “sheer determination, faith, and hope” as further qualities making Ann and Ann Downing Ministries worthy recipients of the honor.


“My heart can’t take much more” were Downing’s initial words of response after the surprise presentation of the proclamation by long time friend, Mr. Jack Faris. As former CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business and former Executive Director of the Republican National Finance Committee, Faris’ presence for the presentation was as surprising as the proclamation itself. “As Paul and Ann’s banker of many years, it’s just fitting; and I’m honored to be a part of this celebratory occasion,” Faris said. “I’m trying to process it all,” Downing added. “April 14, 2012 is a day I’ll remember every year, and having my good friend Jack here to help celebrate, along with a wonderful group of ladies, makes it about as perfect as anything in this world could ever be.”

Daily Devotion

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In life, business, ministry and music our good habits can help us succeed. Every year at our Elijah School of Performance we teach musicians how to get into the habit of using communication skills to advance from bi-vocational singing to a full time schedule. We do this by giving them good habits to use onstage and off. By de-mystifying some of the elements of professional musicians and sharing “secrets” of developing good performing habits, we give talented people the skill and courage to use what they learn to advance in music.

Really bad habitual problems can hold a person back from advancing in any area of life and the opposite is true, great habits can increase your productivity and opportunity to continually grow, and fulfill your dreams.

Great music artistry doesn’t begin with buying soundtracks from a bookstore. It begins with recognizing that anything worth doing is worth doing better the next time. This is where the habit of rehearsal comes in.

Great skill at delivering a solid vocal performance takes the habit of using the instrument on a regular basis. You don’t learn the guitar by just playing it once a week in front of an audience. You learn by hours of private time doing chords and runs over and over again. The habit of being a great musician then starts to be chunked out in your memory. That is when you open up your chances of giving a great performance before an audience.

Habits may be developed in every area of life. Exercise, study, eating, and certainly spiritual things, too, are areas that we already have habits. Developing great habits is an individuals right. Analyze your habits and see if they are productive, and helpful or if they are keeping you from advancing in an area where you struggle.

Come to Elijah Conference learn to reprogram your mind and heart to excel with the gifts God has given you.

You will be charged spiritually and practically.

Allison Speer

Allison Durham Speer

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"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
(Ps. 37:1-4)



Some Christians have the primary spiritual gift of worry. Especially when it comes to money and politics. We don’t worry nearly as much about dying as about whether a decision of Congress will change Social Security.

The Psalmist David had a rough life. He lived in strange times with extraordinary people who did some brilliant and stupid things.[1] David reacted to circumstances in his life, sometimes with grace and beauty and sometimes with stupidity, but I can certainly relate. In spite of His struggles David penned one of the most important scriptures we have, Psalm 37.

I have noticed that the first words of Psalm 37 are “Fret not thyself,” which gives great indication that we have a choice. I must humbly admit that I am one of the best worriers in the universe. What is worse is that I believe every person on television is kind, good and honest. Really, worrying is exhausting.

In the next few months we will see a television full of people who passionately convey what horrific shape the earth will take if their candidate is not elected. We will be told of doom and destruction, trial and tragedy, poverty and apocalypse. God says through David, don’t let yourself worry. He goes on to tell us to expect God to hold the reins of sovereign lordship over each leader that does not do what is pleasing to God. We can trust that God will exact judgment on evil and his justice will always be a function of his person.

God then goes on to tell us what to do instead of fretting; do good! Scientists are finally declaring what scripture told us to be true millennia ago; keeping busy with good things reduces stress.

We must remember that our God will build fences around those who delight themselves in him. He will keep us in the hollow of his hand through desperate times and plentiful times. He will remember all evil done to His people and He will deal with it for eternity. He will transform our weeping into joy. He will usher us into an eternal retirement village. He will prevent illness and need from ever troubling us. He will cause us to enjoy all the gold of heaven without fear of corruption, thief or stresses that can come with wealth. He will give us the desires of our heart. What better assistance or promise could a person need.

My desire is simple. I pray for God to complete His good work in me and in you.

May you be too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.

Allison Speer