Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine - When Lyrics Speak

You know those times in when God is trying to teach you something and He keeps over and over putting a verse in front of you. Maybe you read it in a daily devotional, you see someone post it on Facebook, the pastor preaches on it at church, whatever the case may be, you know that God is using that verse to speak to you.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9

This is the verse God keeps reminding me of lately. I don't mind telling you life has been a little crazy lately. It's been unpredictable in a few ways. It's been super busy, and I'm constantly trying to figure out how to get everything done and always worrying about the next step. It's not been what I would have chosen. It makes me question the path I'm on. It makes me wonder what the future holds. Sometimes situations can just shake your foundation and cause you to question so much about life, that's where I am.

I've had the song "Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine" on repeat a lot lately. I saw Rachel McCutcheon at a concert recently and told her how much I loved this song. We talked about how it just fit so many life situations, it's a song we all can relate to. His ways are higher than ours. When we don't understand life circumstances and know that God could fix it, we have to trust Him. His ways are higher. He sees the end and the beginning of all life situations, and He is using this situation to grow us and draw us closer to Him. Sometimes the easy thing is to pray for the situation to just be magically fixed but then we'd miss the growth process. We'd miss the journey that ultimately brings us closer to Him.

I have to trust that His ways are higher. I trust what He is doing because above all He is trustworthy. God, when I start to doubt help me believe and reassure me that You are working in my situation. God, I trust Your work, Your will and Your time as the song says. As high as the heavens are above the earth, Your ways are higher than mine.

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 7

It was a rainy day, but that did not stop the crowds at Silver Dollar City or the almost 4,000 people who came down to Echo Hollow to see the return of the Collingsworth Family to the park. I didn't make it out as early as I intended, but I did manage to see three different groups.

Here are highlights -


11th Hour

This was my first chance to see Logan Smith with the group. He's sounding great with Amber and Jaquita.

• "Silence the Stones"
• "Power in Prayer"  
• "Bound" 
• "What Heaven Means to Me" - They let Logan sing a Vestal Goodman song since that's what he was known for when he was younger. 
• "He Welcomes the Beggar" - Love, love, love this song! It's always a highlight to hear this one live. 
• "Mountain Moving Faith"

Tribute Quartet

• "Standing on the Solid Rock"
• "Mary Did You Know" - It's not even close to Christmas, but I'm glad someone asked Riley to sing this one. No one does it better!
• "Homesick Angel"
• "Never Forsaken"
• "His Tomb Is Empty" - I hadn't heard them stage this one before, but it was definitely a highlight of the afternoon. 
• "God of the Storms"

You never know what's going to happen with Tribute Quartet, but the biggest surprise of the afternoon came from Duane Garren, emcee of the festival. During "Over the Moon," Duane made a surprise appearance on stage with a new Silver Dollar City ride - a scooter wearing a mask and earmuffs. Josh decided to sit on his knee and enjoy the ride for a little bit! It was hilarious! I'm sure there will be a video floating around on social media soon!

Collingsworth Family

This is a group that I don't see live very often. I saw them at NQC, but it had been years before that. And a 20 minute set at NQC isn't the same as a full concert. This family was absolutely incredible last night. There were so many goosebump moments.

• "Fear Not Tomorrow"
• "Mercy and Love" - Loved this song from their new project!
• "His Ways Are Higher Than Mine" - I saw the video they posted of this song a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. I am SO GLAD that Courtney sang this one last night. It's an incredible song!
• "This Is My Father's World" - They did an a capella arrangement of this song!
• "The Lamb" - They said it was the first time they had sung it live, and it was amazing!
• Anytime Kim stepped up to the piano, it was a highlight. She ended the night with the "Hallelujah Chorus," probably my favorite piece that she played.
• "Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary" - They gathered around the piano with no track just piano for this one. 
• "Casting Our Crowns at His Feet/ Worthy the Lamb"

National Quartet Convention - Friday Night

Tonight was my favorite night overall. Every group pressed through it being Friday night of NQC and put together amazing sets. There are a lot of highlights and standout peroformances, so here we go -

• The past two nights have been more quartet centric. Tonight it was more about family groups with the majority of the groups being mixed groups. But even with the quartets you had some family connections.
• The Erwins had one of the strongest sets of the night close to the beginning of the night. They brought Joseph Habedank up to join them for a sing since they are doing some tour dates together now. They also paid a sweet tribute to Vestal Goodman with "What a Lovely Name."
• We got to hear several new songs again tonight with Gold City singing "If Church Pews Could Shout" and Jeff and Sheri Easter singing several from their new project including Sheri featured on "Wayfaring Stranger" and Morgan on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," loved both of these old/new songs. I'd also never heard Ricky Braddy of Karen Peck & New River sing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cry Holy," but he did an outstanding job on that song!
• The Browders told the story of a woman who had been given a grim diagnosis listening to the song "Put It Into God's Hands." The song became an anthem for her and she called the Matthew Browder after a followup appointment. The Browders played the voicemail they received saying that all the tests were now completely clear. It was a powerful moment! They then had some help on the chorus of the song from Riley Harrison Clark, Lauren Talley and John Darin Rowsey.
• The Whisnants singing "New Day Dawning" on main stage never fails to disappoint. They were joined by Suzanne Taylor Hise (one of the hosts for the evening) and several members of Second Half Quartet with Rodney Griffin showing off his dance moves around the stage.
• It's too hard to crown a best set of the night. 

Key Performances

• "Heaven in the House" - The Littles
• "We'll Understand It Better By and By" - Dixie Echoes
• "I Can Through Christ" - Erwins with Joseph Habedank
• "I Will Stand" - Gold City
• "I've Won" - The McKameys
• "Cost of the Cross" - Kingsmen
• "I'm Trusting the Blood" - The Whisnants
• "Put It Into God's Hands" - The Browders
• "Going Home" - Second-Half Quartet
• "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "Jesus Only Jesus" - The Rick Webb Family
• "Jesus Changed Everything" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "Four Days Late" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet
• "This Is My Father's World" (a cappella) - Collingsworth Family

Fun Clip Friday - Collingsworth Family

The Collingsworth Family is set to record a live DVD this weekend. They shared a clip of rehearsal last night on Facebook courtesy of Courtney. The event is sold out, but you can still watch a webcast online. Find out more at the Collingsworth Family's website.

Enjoy this short preview for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 21

Here are some news and tidbits from this week in gospel music -

• The Old Paths are returning to the road with Steve Ladd singing tenor. The quartet will be doing select dates starting this year. They are scheduled to be at the Memphis Quartet Show in June.
• Michael Combs underwent kidney transplant surgery on January 9. Everything went very well, and he is at home recovering. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
• StowTown Records announced that the Collingsworth Family released its first violin duet album, Brooklyn & Courtney.

Anything I missed?

2016 National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of National Quartet Convention is now in the books. I got home in time to turn on the webcast as the Inspirations were on stage. Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night -

• If the Booth Brothers and Collingsworth Family went on tour together, that would be a concert I wouldn't miss. That was one incredible hour of gospel music. From the opening song together to the last note of "Jesus Saves," it was amazing. I loved Michael's sweet tribute to Jim and his time with the group. He even joined them on the last song. The two instrumentals from the Collingsworth Family, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "My Tribute," were also highlights. I also enjoyed Michael putting together the live band on "Life's Railway to Heaven."
• Jim Brady told the story of his sister's battle with cancer to set up "Every Cry Is Heard." Last year at NQC is when he found out his sister didn't have much longer to live, and this song written by Jim was a song that she heard on the radio after her diagnosis. It was one of the more emotional moments of the night.
• It was good to hear the Perrys sing "Calvary Answers for Me," probably my favorite performance by an individual group tonight. 
• Triumphant Quartet had one of the strongest sets of the night with "Love Came Calling" and "This Blood," both being highlights.
• "Jesus Loves You" is such a powerful song from Jeff and Sheri Easter. I'm glad they sang it tonight, definitely the highlight of their set. 
• Both Loren Harris and Trent Adams have just started with their respective groups, Kingdom Heirs and LeFevre Quartet. They are getting thrown in the deep end with this being the biggest event in gospel music, but both have been very impressive!

Favorite Songs/ Performances -

• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Can Pray" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - The Perrys
• "This Blood" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Blood of Jesus" - Collingsworth Family
• "Jesus Saves" - Collingsworth Family/ Booth Brothers
• "Jesus Loves You" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "He Left No Stone Unturned" - LeFevre Quartet

Fun Clip Friday - Collingsworth Family

Happy Friday! Here's a clip from a recent Collingsworth Family concert for today's Fun Clip Friday. It's always fun to see the younger generations take the stage with their parents and/or siblings.

In this case, little Emma Blair takes the stage with her mom and has some fun on "Show a Little Bit of Love and Kindness." She was happy to be with her mom on this song! Enjoy!

Starting the young'uns off on-stage kinda young. This is priceless
Posted by Tim Duffie on Saturday, February 13, 2016

That Day Is Coming - The Collingsworth Family - CD Review

The Collingsworth Family has become of the top mixed groups in the industry. This family is well-known for its incredible harmonies. The group released That Day Is Coming late last year. This project has to be the best the family has released to date.

The project features the now adult siblings along with their parents. As the kids have matured, their voices and the blends they all have together are amazing. Fans of the family will find the orchestrated songs that they have come to love from this group!

The writing on this project is amazing. And I have to say that fellow Arkansan Rachel McCutcheon has eight cuts on the project.

The title track features the ensemble really nicely. It's exactly the type of song and style you've come to love from the Collingsworth Family. "Saints Love to Sing About Heaven" is one of the highlights of the project that also features the family blend nicely on the chorus.

"He Will Abide" is definitely a personal favorite. Courtney is featured on this song. Unlike most of the other songs, the track is simple without a lot of orchestration, which is a nice change of pace. Courtney's voice just shines through on the track. The message of this song is timeless and one that we always need to be reminded of. Courtney also does an incredible job on "Gotta Get to Jesus." I love the blend of the all female voices on the chorus. Absolutely beautiful!

Brooklyn is featured on my next favorite from this project. I remember hearing them sing "You're About to Climb" on the NQC webcast. I feel like this is going to be a big song for Brooklyn. The song has a really nice build. Brooklyn does an incredible job on this song! She's also featured on the verses of "Saints Love to Sing About Heaven."

I was so impressed with Olivia on this album. She has really come into her own. She's featured on "I Love Living in Love With Jesus." This mid-tempo song really showcases her voice and is probably her best work to date. She also takes the lead on a recut of the Martins' "Wherever You Are."

"That's What the Bible Says" features Phillip Jr. He does a really nice job on the uptempo songs. I can see this being a great one to see live! He and his wife Sharlenae have a duet with "Redeemer of the Rain," the final cut of the project. This is a beautiful song, and I love the way they sound together!

I can't leave out the matriarch and patriarch of the family. Phil is featured on a recut of the Talley's song "There's Still Power in the Blood." This is a fun uptempo song. Kim has the lead on the ballad "When He Carries Me Away." It's a beautiful reminder of the promise that we have in Heaven.

This is probably the best Collingsworth Family project to date. Each family member alone is great, but magic happens when their voices all come together. You can't beat great family harmonies, and this album is full of them!

Song List -
1. "Awesome, Magnificent"
2. "I Love Living in Love With Jesus"
3. "That Day Is Coming"
4. "He Will Abide"
5. "Ever Faithful"
6. "There's Still Power in the Blood"
7. "Wherever You Are"
8. "You're About to Climb"
9. "What the Bible Says"
10. "Gotta Get to Jesus"
11. "Saints Love to Sing About Heaven"
12. "When He Carries Me Away"
13. "Redeemer of the Rain"

National Quartet Convention 2015 - Friday Night Recap

I just want to say how thankful I am for the webcast. For those of us who aren't able to make the trip to Pigeon Forge, it's great to be able to watch so much of the concerts online! I watched tonight but was also doing other things, and now I'm having to check out a little early. But here's what stood out to me tonight.

The Booth Brothers once again proved why they are at the top of this industry. I know a lot of people don't like when they take time talking away from singing, but you can't argue with what he said. They started with "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" and then sang the new song "I Am the Word." They ended with "Jesus Saves" with the Collingsworth Family. Such a great moment of worship!!

I really like the "This Is My Story" segments they are showing paying tribute to different artists. It was a sweet tribute to Claude and Connie Hopper and all they've overcome this year. The Hoppers had a solid set as usual. Legacy Five also had a great set tonight with Trey Ivey getting a featured vocal solo!

Many groups staged songs for the first time this week which isn't that unusual. I was driving home listening to Wilburn and Wilburn's newest song written by Gerald Crabb and couldn't catch the name, but loved the song. Extremely timely, because it started off talking about a school shooting. Also loved hearing a couple of new ones by the Collingsworth Family. Their That Day Is Coming project is full of amazing songs!

It was good that several lesser-known groups got time on main stage tonight - the Littles, the Rick Webb Family and the Childress Family. Claude Hopper also brought up the Hall Sisters who sang "I Will Arise" a cappella, beautiful!

I liked how Tribute Quartet and the Talleys had sets back to back. We got a glimpse of their "Good News He's Alive" tour. Lauren Talley and Riley Harrison Clark's singing "The Prayer" was an early highlight of the evening! Also loved hearing Lauren sing "Hidden Heroes."

Apparently several groups got the Christmas memo tonight. It was interesting to me how many groups broke out Christmas songs. I love all things Christmas, but it is a little early even for me. That being said, I loved Riley Harrison Clark's (Tribute Quartet) version of "Mary, Did You Know."

Highlights -

• "The Prayer" - Riley Harrison Clark and Lauren Talley
• "There Is Jesus" - The McKameys
• "Jesus Saves" - Booth Brothers with Collingsworth Family
• "Little Is Much" - Dixie Melody Boys
• "Shoutin' Time" - The Hoppers

National Quartet Convention 2015 - Tuesday night recap

I tuned in tonight just in time to catch the end of the Lesters' set. I'm sure I missed some highlights and I know I missed several good groups early in the night! But here is what stood out to me from what I saw:

The Collingsworth Family absolutely nailed it tonight! Definitely one of the strongest sets I saw. I loved getting to hear so many of their new songs, "That Day is Coming," "Gotta Get to Jesus" and "You're About to Climb."

The night ended with the Cathedral Family Reunion set with Gerald Wolfe, Scott Howard, Mark Trammell, Ernie Haase, Danny Funderburk and Pat Barker. They used photos and clips of George and Glen in tribute to them. They gathered around the piano for "Jesus We Just Want to Thank You." It was a beautiful moment, but I loved them ending the night on "We Shall See Jesus."

I tuned in just in time to catch Jonathan Lester recognizing his dad for his years of service to the group. The Lesters have carried on the tradition of singing gospel music longer than any other group on the road today and a great deal of that credit goes to Brian Lester. He was featured on "He Didn't Throw the Clay Away," great moment!

The Taylors and the Talleys both had solid sets! I loved hearing Suzanne Taylor Hise on "I Tremble," always been a big fan of that song! The Talleys sang a new song "People in the Line." Lauren does an outstanding job on it and such convicting lyrics! We never know what the people around us are going through. 

It was neat seeing Mark Bishop share the stage with his daughters tonight. They are a great young talent. He also had a full band on stage with him. 

Greater Vision also had a solid set. It was good hearing Chris featured on "Hallelujah Square!" I also love the song "As We Speak" from their new project that Gerald sings. 

Of the quartets I saw, I really enjoyed the Inspirations' set. I haven't heard this group in a while (I missed them in Branson a few weeks ago.), and they pulled out several old familiar favorites. They sang a version of "Beulah Land" that was incredible!!

Highlights

• "He Didn't Throw the Clay Away" - The Lesters
• "I Tremble" - The Taylors
• "Hallelujah Square" - Greater Vision
• "As We Speak" - Greater Vision
• "People in the Line" - The Talleys
• "Beulah Land" - The Inspirations
• "Gotta Get to Jesus" - Collingsworth Familiy
• "We Shall See Jesus" - Cathedral Family Reunion

Fun Clip Friday - On the Couch with Fouch with Phillip Collingsworth, Jr.

Happy Friday to you all! Today's clip comes courtesy of Matthew Fouch with his On the Couch With Fouch series. He interviewed Phillip Collingsworth, Jr. this month. Enjoy!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 22

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in Southern Gospel-

• Congratulations to Brooklyn and William Blair (Collingsworth Family) on the birth of their first child Emma Olivia. She was born on Monday.
• Les Butler has announced changes that he will begin focusing more on his personal ministry and preaching. He is also reviving Butler Music Group and Family Music Group. Read more.
• The Music City Show started its third season this week with a Crabby Family Reunion show.
• Beginning December 31, McCray Dove will be stepping out as a solo artist. He will be traveling as McCray Dove and the Dove Brothers Band.

Anything I'm missing?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits- October 18

Here are news items from this week in gospel music -

• The Southmen Quartet was involved in a tragic bus accident. Baritone Roy Bray was killed in the accident.
• Bryan Walker has resigned from the Perrys. His late date with the group is unknown at this point. He has surrendered to preach and hopes to start a family. Read more.
• Norman Wilson of the Primitive Quartet had a heart attack earlier this week and suddenly passed away. Arrangements for his service have now been announced.
• Bob Johnson passed away on Monday after health complications after a recent stroke. He and his wife were featured on several Gaither Homecoming videos. Read his obituary.
• Prayers requested for Sonya and Jimmy Yeary (the Isaacs) who lost their baby girl Ayva this week. The baby was due early next year.
• The Collingsworth Family's live concert DVD We Will Serve The Lord has taken the top spot on the current Christian Music Video chart and has now reached #6 on the Billboard chart.

Anything I've missed? Preferably, someone find some more good news to pass along this week! :)

NQC Day 4 Highlights - National Quartet Convention Recap

I actually got to watch most of the webcast in its entirety tonight. Now, I'm not going to promise that I was glued to the screen the entire night to catch every detail, but I caught almost everything! :)

Probably the moment of the night happened early on during the Booth Brothers set. They sang several and then called Paul Lancaster (who will replace Jim Brady) and the Collingsworth Family up to join them. They sang "Jesus Saves" which featured Paul. It was absolutely incredible!! I love how the Booth Brothers and Jim Brady have handled this transition. It was great to see them all so supportive of each other. Paul did an amazing job on the song, and it was great to hear them backed up by the Collingsworth Family!

A lot happened toward the beginning tonight with Karen Peck and New River and the Bowling Family being two of the first groups. KPNR had a solid set as always. I'm disappointed to see the Bowling Family with only one set this week. They had a great set and featured the Bowling girls on one song. These girls have great harmonies now, so I can't wait to hear them in a few years! Hope continues to amaze me. I love that they have brought "Jesus Pilots My Ship" back!

The Collingsworth Family also brought up additional family members tonight. They had all their children's spouses join them on stage for "We Will Serve the Lord." Another great moment!

It was a night for the younger generation of singers to stand out! Karlye Hopper was featured on a verse of "I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus." The Taylors had a great night that featured not only songs from their latest project but also their brother-in-law Aaron Perkins on a few songs. It was cute to see Leslie and Aaron bring up Isaiah to the stage.

Brian Free and Assurance also brought up Lauren Talley Alvey to sing "Where There's a Will" with them live. She was a guest vocalist on their album, so it was neat to see them sing it live together!

Lauren and Gerald Wolfe co-hosted the evening and did a fantastic job!

Here are the highlights from the night (in no particular order) -

• "Jesus Saves" - Booth Brothers (with Paul Lancaster) and Collingsworth Family
• "Jesus Pilots My Ship" - Bowling Family
• "We Will Serve the Lord" - Collingsworth Family
• "Where There's a Will" - Brian Free and Assurance with Lauren Alvey
• "Until You Know the Love of God" - Greater Vision
• "Broken Ones" - The Talleys
• "I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus" - The Hoppers
• "Up Above My Head" - The Taylors 
• "The Living Years" - Isaacs
• "Little Is Much" - Dixie Melody Boys

NQC Night 2 Highlights - National Quartet Convention Recap

Tonight I didn't get to see as much as I had hoped, but I was able to catch about the last hour and a half at least. I'm not sure if the entire night was like this or not but the entire stretch I saw was incredible. Not a weak set or moment!

I tuned in just in time to catch the Crist Family's last appearance at National Quartet Convention. The group announced its retirement earlier this year. Their set ended with a tearful goodbye and a heartfelt "Will You Love Jesus More." Incredible song to end on!

It seems like this is the year several young faces are making their NQC main stage debut. I forgot to mention that Kari Gooch (Karen Peck Gooch's daughter) was with Karen Peck and New River last night singing. Tonight, Autumn Nelon Clark, Valerie Crist and Sharlenae Collingsworth also made their main stage debuts with their families.

It was a night for hymns. We heard "Blessed Assurance" twice. Both times were incredible! The first was during Greater Vision's set when Gerald Wolfe led the 12,000 member congregation in singing. I'm sure the webcast didn't do it justice! Then, Autumn was featured on the hymn during the Nelons set and showed what a great talent she has! The Nelons also sang "How Great Thou Art," which featured Amber. Gold City did a new hymn and an old hymn with "Redeemed" and "Power of the Cross." Then, the Collingsworth family started and ended with hymns "Holy, Holy, Holy" and a piano medley of classic songs and hymns.

It's hard to crown a clear-cut moment of the night. Last night was much easier. The sweet farewell of the Crist Family, the hymn sings and the incredible pianorama ending with Kim Collingsworth, Tim Parton. It looked like from the schedule that the Nelons were set to go on last. I'm not sure if I missed an announcement or something, but I'm guessing they switched the two families because of the grand piano ending.

Here are highlighted songs/moments for me in no particular order -

• "Will You Love Jesus More" - Crist Family
• "Blessed Assurance" - congregation
• "Looking for the Grace" - Greater Vision
• "Power of the Cross" - Gold City
• "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" - Booth Brothers
• The entire Nelons set - Really from start to finish it was incredible!
• "Holy, Holy, Holy" - Collingsworth Family
• Pianorama Medley with Kim Collingsworth, Tim Parton and Stan Whitmire

Thoughts? What stood out to you tonight? What did I miss?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 14

Here are some of the news and tidbits from Southern Gospel this week -

• Phillip Collingsworth married Sharlenae Dotson on June 10. The Collingsworth Family has posted a number of pictures on their Facebook page. There are also a few videos including one of Phillip and Sharlenae singing to each other. Congratulations to the happy couple! 
• Joseph Habedank is having a pre-release concert for Welcome Home on July 1. Several song writers will be in attendance along with a surprise special guest. 
• Lauren Talley Alvey received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Laurel University in High Point, N.C. on May 11. Lauren plans to work with the Worship Arts department periodically with special master classes and guest seminars.
• Kingdom Heirs drummer Dennis Murphy's 15-year-old daughter was missing earlier this week. However. thankfully, after less than 48 hours, she was found safe. Please continue to pray for the Murphy family.
• Rhonda Frye has organized a theft recovery fundraiser for Old Paths since the group's trailer with equipment, product and clothes was stolen recently. You can learn more or donate online here.

Releases this week

• Taylors - Measure of Grace

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday with the Collingsworth and Duggar Families

Arkansas is not known for a lot, but the Duggar Family is probably near the top of the list. This family is the subject of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting. Apparently the family members are also fans of gospel music. The Collingsworth Family were recently in Northwest, Ark. for a concert, unfortunately it was too far for me to go. But the Duggar family was there. After the concert, the Collingsworth family was invited to the Duggar house where they had a private mini concert. Here's a clip -

The Collingsworth Family - The Lord Is Good CD Review

The Collingsworth Family recently released two separate projects, Hymns From Home and The Lord Is Good. I think both will be eventually reviewed, but for now I'm going to look at the latter one that has more original songs.

This family continues to impress me. And it's clear from the Fan Awards, fans feel the same way. This family has continued to grow and mature. I cannot say enough about how incredible Olivia sounds on this project! There are points were I have trouble telling the difference between her and Courtney.

"I've Come Here to Tell You That the Lord Is Good" gets the album off to a great start. This is definitely one of my favorites from the project. I love Brooklyn's voice, and she does an incredible job on the verses. Also love hearing her on "My Debt Was Paid."

"Show a Little Bit of Love and Kindness" is a definite favorite on this project for me. I love how it starts out with the scratchy, classic record player sound. Olivia does great taking the lead on the verses of this song. This is such a great uptempo song, and I'm sure one that will be great in a live concert setting. Another uptempo song that I liked was "Living in Love with the Lord."

I love Courtney's vocals on "If He Hung the Moon." To me it's reminiscent of "I Can Trust Jesus," which is probably my favorite Collingsworth song. I also like that they just used the female trio on this song. That's one thing that has always stood out about this family is the different combinations of subgroups they can use within the family. The sames goes for the combo of Phillip and Brooklyn on "There Is Healing in His Hands." Beautiful vocals, but I also love the orchestration on this song.

"How Great His Love for Me" is another standout song that features Phillip. This is an incredible power ballad that will definitely wow listeners!

Can't leave out Mom and Dad Collingsworth. I really liked their duet at the beginning of "I Could Never Outlove the Lord." It definitely is a great close to the project.

Album Rating - 4.25 stars - This album shows that the Collingsworth Family continues to be at the top of mixed groups in the industry for a reason. I don't think this is my favorite project of theirs, but it's definitely at the top of the list! The song selection of this project is top notch!

Song List -
1. "I've Come Here to Tell You That the Lord Is Good"
2. "It's Not Too Late to Pray"
3. "Show a Little Bit of Love and Kindness"
4. "If He Hung the Moon"
5. "We Will Serve the Lord"
6. "There Is Healing in His Hands"
7. "My Debt Was Paid"
8. "God Is Moving"
9. "Living in Love With the Lord"
10. "It Matters to the Master"
11. "How Great His Love for Me"
12. "I Could Never Outlove the Lord"

NQC 2013 - Day 4 Standout Moments

I was able to catch most of the webcast tonight thankfully! And tonight was definitely the best night in terms of webcast quality. Kudos to the folks at NQC for getting the kinks worked out and for acknowledging it and extending the webcast On Demand. I'm just hoping that with tomorrow night being the free broadcast it will go well!

Last night was great, and tonight was equally as good in my opinion. Let's discuss the high points -

• The Perrys - By far, the best set of the night. From the start of "Blue Skies" to the final notes of "I Rest My Case at the Cross," there was not a low point. Libbi gave an incredible emotional performance of "Through the Night, " and then broke away from the plan and testified about trusting God and how she had really learned what that meant through the past eight months. She talked about how what really mattered in life was your relationship with God and your family, not material things. She made the comment that she wasn't called to preach, but the audience definitely heard a sermon and the Word from her tonight! She said that Tracy was FaceTiming during the concert and requested "I Rest My Case at the Cross." Absolutely amazing!!!!!!
• The Isaacs - They followed the Perrys and had a standout set! They started with an a cappella version of "The Lord's Prayer," and then turned around and sang "Waiting in the Water," which was incredible!!
• Triumphant Quartet - It wouldn't be NQC without "The Old White Flag." It really is fun to see Clayton get into this song every time. Chris Allman came up to the stage and gave Jeff Stice a hankie. He proceeded to use it to blow his nose! Haha! Scotty talked about where they were a year ago with his daughter, Embry, being in the ICU as a newborn and then sang "The Great I Am Still Is," which was the highlight of their set! They ended with "Saved by Grace" with several turn arounds and the Booth Brothers joined them at the end.
• Booth Brothers - I have never heard them stage "We Believe" before, but oh wow! Another highlight! I loved the way Michael used the Bible and as each member stepped up to sing solo, they took it as they sang.
• Collingsworth Family - "Come Thou Fount" a cappella was the definite highlight of their set!! The blend of all four females had together at one part was just beautiful! Olivia has really come into her own. She really impressed me tonight.
• Along the lines of young singers impressing, the Dixie Echoes' Utech twins did an outstanding job tonight. I saw them in Branson very recently, but thought they were much better tonight even than then!
• I only caught bits and pieces of the Hoppers' set, but did love that they had Melissa Brady come up at the end to join them on "Shoutin' Time."
• It was also good to see Jessica Trammell join her family the Browns for one of their songs tonight!
• Greater Vision had a solid set tonight. However, Gerald Wolfe walking up to the stage during the  Booth Brothers set to get his picture with them was hilarious!

What did you think of tonight? Favorite moments?

NQC 2013 - Night 1 Highlights

The first night of the 2013 National Quartet Convention is in the books! I was able to catch most of the webcast tonight. I rushed home from work to pull up the webcast only to find that I couldn't. And apparently no one else could either. Twitter was completely buzzing with people having issues. Thankfully they did get it resolved, but mine was pretty intermittent throughout the night. I didn't lose it for very long each time, but every couple of minutes there would be a hiccup. Hopefully, it was just a night one issue and the rest of the week will be better. The webcast finally came up for me right before the Browns took the stage.

Ok, so standout things for me during night one -

• I liked the Sneed Family's set, especially "Hallelujah Square." That was the definite highlight for me!
• Triumphant Quartet had the first solid set of the night for me. I thought it was interesting that they chose to open with Jeff Stice playing the piano. I loved hearing them sing "He Is," but also thought it was an interesting choice given the length of the song. But from beginning to end, their set was strong!!
• The webcast seemed to give me more issues during the Collingsworth Family's set, which I did not like. It did stay on though through all of their last song, "The Blood of Jesus," which was amazing!
• The Hoppers started their set without Claude. Dean announced that he didn't know where his dad was. During the second song, "Yahweh" he came up on stage. The funny part to me was that he seemed to appear (at least on the webcast) as soon as they started singing "He arose" in the song! Claude blamed his tardiness on Les Beasley, saying that he wouldn't quit talking to him. They also had a strong set, but it was kinda overshadowed by the fact that Claude was missing for part of it!
• Greater Vision also had a strong set, but the highlight was Chris Allman singing "I Know a Man Who Can." He absolutely nails this every time! Love to hear him sing this song!
• The Booth Brothers had the last set before the finale. The highlight of their set for me was "In Christ Alone." Love the arrangement they do of this song! Chris Allman joined them at the end for "Still Feelin' Fine," and Rodney Griffin did as well, providing comic relief as he did last year! :)
• I like the Penny Loafers with the a cappella moments. They do a great job, but personally I miss Sisters and preferred them.

Night one had some great moments and strong sets, but nothing that really stood head and shoulders above the rest. What did you think?