When Lyrics Speak - More and More of You

Sunday night my church had an incredible time of worship with our choir and orchestra. We had been preparing to just have a sweet time of worship as a body. We spent hours rehearsing special music and preparing our hearts, and the night was just amazing, one of those nights that will stick out in your mind.

There was one song that struck me every time we sang it. Those lyrics that just reach out and grab you. It doesn't matter how many times you might have heard the song, they speak and convict each time.

One of the songs we sang that night was "More and More of You" made popular by Selah. The song has the line, "Forgive us of seeking Your hand and not Your face." Every time this lyric gripped me. How many times do my prayers sound like a wish list? How much time do I talk to God and just lay out all my requests before Him? How many times do I get frustrated when I don't get what I want from God or He doesn't answer in a time I want Him to? Am I really seeking God or just what He can give me?

These thoughts and questions have been following me all this week. I can't get this lyric off my heart. What can I do to just seek Him and not His blessings? How do my prayers need to change? God, forgive me for wanting what You have to give me more than wanting You.

Christian Singers vs. Christian Singers

Several weeks ago I got the chance to see a singer who has been working hard to make it for many years in the music business. This singer has an incredible story of how God has worked in his life, the kind of story you can't help but cheer on. He's a known Christian and has chosen to sing secular music. There's nothing wrong with this choice, but that night and the concert was nothing like I expected it to be.

From the concert that night despite things I had heard, there was nothing to point to his faith from the songs chosen to the atmosphere. It was interesting to hear a Christian sing some of the lyrics he did. I was a little taken aback by his conduct on stage and the message of some of the songs.

The night made me realize how grateful I am for musicians and singers who choose to use their talents to glorify God, singing Christian music. I don't think there is anything wrong with Christians choosing to sing secular music. However, I think singers like any profession should choose to use their talents for God and strive to be a light. That can mean not singing songs with certain lyrics or that promote worldly lifestyles or living differently on stage where fans know you have a higher standard.

I'm sure several gospel artists could just as easily choose to have a career singing secular music, but I'm thankful that's not the path they chose. Thank you for choosing to go down the path less traveled for the glory of God. Thank you for choosing night after night to leave your families to sing music, sharing the gospel and drawing people closer to Jesus.

As I walked away from the concert disappointed in the night, it made me really think about the standard for all Christians. We're called to be in the world but not of the world. While I don't work in a Christian job or for a Christian company, I need to make sure I hold myself to a higher standard in how I conduct myself, the conversations I have at work and how I perform my job. As someone who works in advertising, there are clients that I wouldn't feel comfortable working with because of what they represent. The standard doesn't just apply to singers. As Christians, we need to make sure we're being salt and light. At the end of the day, all Christians should work for the Lord and not man.

Celebrating Four Years

This month officially marks four years of this blog. Thank you all who have gone on this journey with me. I honestly had no idea what would happen, how long or what to expect when I started this four years ago. It's definitely surpassed anything I thought. Thank you for allowing me this outlet to share with you the music I love but also share a few personal experiences. I'm so thankful for everyone who I've gotten to know through the blog. Thank you all for reading.

So just a few things looking back on the last year and top posts since the blog was started -

2015 Top Posts

• Brian Alvey Joins the Kingdom Heirs
• Stronger by Kathy Crabb Hannah - Book Review
• "He Sees What We Don't" - Young Songwriter Series - Amber Eppinette
• Luke White Passes Away
• Greater Vision Concert Recap

All Time Top Posts

• When Lyrics Speak - "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master"
• When Lyrics Speak - "When God Has Another Plan"
• Amber Nelon Thompson on American Idol
• Stephen Hill Passes Away
• When Lyrics Speak - "I'll Pray for You"

Thank you all for reading seriously. I had no idea if anyone would read or care when I first started this. I appreciate all the sweet comments and messages. Thanks for reading and looking forward to another great year of blogging!

Feeling Very Thankful

I was hesitant to share this on here, but when God really shows His power in your life and when He can be glorified through your circumstances, then it needs to be shared. So here goes....

Last Tuesday night, I was driving back home after teaching a night class in Arkadelphia, Ark. It had been rainy and stormy all day long, and I was nervous about the weather. In fact, I postponed class by 30 minutes to allow myself extra time to get there. I didn't have issues getting there thankfully.

But on the way back, I was about two minutes from home when I saw a car coming toward me being chased by a police officer. It drifted over into the turning lane and then into my lane. I slowed down and laid on the horn thinking he would weave back over. He didn't. He hit me head on; I don't think that he ever slowed down. I found out later at the scene that he was DWI.

The scariest moment of my life was just before impact. There was a split second where I knew he was about to hit me. I honestly thought this could be it. I never lost consciousness, didn't even hit my head. My car went in reverse across lanes of traffic and ended up in the grass in front of a local restaurant between two poles. I didn't hit anything else. As soon as my car stopped, I got out. Praise God! I got out. I walked away on my own two feet.

My car the next morning

When many people start stories of getting hit head on by a drunk driver, the story often doesn't end well. I thank God that my story is different. There's no doubt that God had His hand on my life that day. The police officer who was quickly on the scene said slowing down in those brief seconds is what saved me.

It's so easy for me to think if I hadn't postponed class, if I had thought to see what was in the other lane, if I hadn't stopped to get gas on the way back, all these different scenarios, things could have been different; it could have all been avoided. But that's not the case. While what happened wasn't what I would have chosen, God already knew what would happened, and He intervened that day. He protected me from what could have been a very serious situation.

Although I'm bruised and very sore, I'm feeling extra thankful this year. Nothing is broken or cracked just a little black and blue, and hopefully that will be temporary. When I think back of how different things could have been, I'm overwhelmed with how God worked that night.

Be encouraged today that God has His hand on your life too. No matter what You're going through He's there with you. I pray that sharing my story can be an encouragement and bring glory to God for the great things He has done!

Pray Now - Commentary

I've been obsessed with Paris since I was a little girl. I've loved all things Eiffel Tower for as long as I can remember. In 2013, my dream of going to Paris became a reality. I loved the city, the French cafes, the historic sites, the landmarks, museums, everything -- well except maybe the metro, but that's a whole other story.

The news out of Paris Friday night was tragic and heartbreaking. It's a time when we're shaken. It's a time when people turn to God, some to find comfort and others to question. But you have to pray that something good will come from this, you have to hold on to the hope that someone will seek God in the face of tragedy.

I can't think of a more appropriate song than this to share today. Let's all take time to "pray now" - for Paris, for families affected, for our own nation and most of all that somehow God will be lifted up through this by us seeking Him like never before.

Start of Christmas Music

This week I've been traveling for work, so blogging has not happened like I would like. Sorry! Hopefully the end of the week will be better!

So normally I'll start listening to Christmas music at the first of November. However, with above normal temperatures it just hasn't felt right to pull out Christmas music. I decided to go ahead and pull it out though last week. I couldn't resist anymore. And I'm sure within a week, I'll have a tree up at my house.

Some of my favorite Christmas projects to listen to are from Southern Gospel artists. This year I'm pretty sure TaRanda Greene is the only artist releasing a new Christmas CD. (I have a review coming soon on this one! And I can already tell you, it's fabulous!!) Please somebody correct me if I'm wrong!

So have you started listening to Christmas music yet? How early do you start? Take the poll below!

What Is Southern Gospel?

I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker a couple of weeks ago to inspire this post. We were sitting together eating lunch. She knew I had recently taken off work to go to Branson and asked what I did while I was there. Most people I work with have no clue that I love Southern Gospel as much as I do and have a blog. So I explained that I was there going to Silver Dollar City for a gospel music festival. She asked if it was like rock gospel music. I might have giggled a bit, said "no" and paused. How should I explain Southern Gospel?

We weren't really in a place for me to actually pull up a clip to show her. And then what group would you pull up? I was at a loss. I asked if she was familiar with the Gaithers. That was a no, and I was back to the drawing board. I made it clear that it was not rock, closer to country and traditional hymns.

I know what Southern Gospel is, but how exactly do you explain that to someone else who has no frame of reference? And there's a wide range of styles within the genre. There's a big difference between Jason Crabb, the Dixie Echoes and the Perrys. I think the National Quartet Convention was proof that it's not a quartet dominated industry, so you can't just describe it as male quartets but neither is everything exactly classified as "country gospel."

So here's my question - how do you explain Southern Gospel? I'd love to know what you would have said in my shoes!

Praise Songs in Southern Gospel - Commentary

Ask any average Southern Gospel fan, and they will tell you that they do not prefer praise songs. At most gospel concerts, if any artist asks a question about liking older songs the audience is going to respond favorably with applause. Audiences in general love the old hymns and traditional worship.

That being said, one thing that really stood out to me when I got back from Silver Dollar City is how many artists are putting a Southern Gospel spin on praise and worship or contemporary songs. And the audiences love it. Of course, I'm sure many of them might not know that it's a "praise" song.

"Jesus Saves" has become a big hit in Southern Gospel for a few groups. It was definitely a highlight of NQC last year when the Booth Brothers took on the song with both Paul Lancaster and Jim Brady and the Collingsworth Family backing them up. When the Booth Brothers sang it at Silver Dollar City, it was a highlight of the night. The LeFevre Quartet has also recorded the song. At one of their shows at Silver Dollar City when it was time for requests, the audience wanted to hear both "Jesus Saves" and "Days of Elijah." Triumphant Quartet recorded an album last year of both traditional and contemporary songs.

It is funny to me that fans who will say they are opposed to modern, praise songs, don't really act that way when their favorite gospel groups are singing the song. It just goes to show that it's not really about style or age as much as quality of song. Longevity doesn't make a song good. A good song will have longevity; it will last for decades and generations to come.

What do you think? Are you a fan of Southern Gospel groups taking on praise and worship?

And just for fun, here's a clip of the Booth Brothers and Collingsworth Family singing "Jesus Saves" at National Quartet Convention last year (courtesy of Diana Brantley's YouTube).

Find Me on Facebook

This weekend I decided to launch a Facebook page for the blog. Check it out here!

I decided it would be another good outlet to use in addition to the blog and the Twitter account. It's another way to get information out and the demographics really fit more of the Southern Gospel audience than Twitter does. So I decided it was the time. I'll also be able to share more photos from concerts and events. I added an album with lots of Silver Dollar City highlights!

Be sure and check it out and like it!

Southern Gospel and Patriotism

Today is a day set aside to honor those who lost their lives serving in the military. The freedom that we enjoy today would not be possible if not for men and women who were willing to put their lives on the line. I've seen firsthand sacrifices that have been made by military members and their families. It's a humbling thought of how many men and women have dedicated their lives to serving our country so we can live in the land of the free and home of the brave. I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that have been made for the freedom we all enjoy.

However, I'm even more grateful for the sacrifice made so I could have eternal freedom. I think sometimes we can place more emphasis on the freedom we have in America and our patriotism than the freedom we have through Christ. To me, it's even more noticeable at Southern Gospel concerts. How often does standing during a patriotic song occur? Almost always. But all night the artist has been singing about the love, death and resurrection of Christ and the promise of Heaven. How often does standing occur for those songs? Logically, which type of song deserves more of our reverence? It just seems a little backwards to me.

We say so many times that this world is not our home. And as much I love America, I'm so thankful that's the case. But is that reflected in the way we show reverence to our country? I've heard artists countless times speak about the importance of choosing songs that align with scripture and how everything they sing is Bible based. But what about "God Bless America" or the "Star Spangled Banner?"

I'm not saying that anything is wrong with the honor we show America or singing songs praising God for our country and freedom. I actually enjoy patriotic songs, and they have a time and place. And there's definitely nothing wrong with setting aside time to honor our veterans, their families and especially the men and women who died in service. However, I'm just curious does our patriotism sometimes go too far that we show that more respect than things of Christ?

We have a Savior who willingly died so that we might have freedom from sin and live with Him in paradise for all eternity. That deserves our upmost gratitude and extreme reverence. Nothing should take away from that. I'm not saying that I'm going to stop standing for the national anthem or stand during the full gospel concert while they sing about Jesus, but just think about it next time. Think about the difference in the two songs and the reverence we give them.

Today is about remembering those who died while in military service. Let's honor them and their families as we are extremely grateful. But today and every day let us never forget the One who willingly laid down His life for us.

Periscope - Southern Gospel

Periscope is the newest app for video sharing. And it’s starting to pick up in the Southern Gospel industry.

Anyone remember how popular SocialCam became in the gospel community a few years ago. Unlike its predecessor, Periscope is live streaming and temporary, and it’s owned by Twitter. SocialCam had the ability for people to video and then choose not to share or edit with different filters. Periscope is live and unedited. The videos also last no more than a day. Some videos immediately are not accessible after they are streamed, depending on the user’s settings.

Also, Periscope seems to have taken off more quickly and widespread than SocialCam. I think SocialCam lasted longer in the gospel community than it did in other industries.

Mark Lowry so far seems to be leading the Periscope initiative in Southern Gospel. I’ve also seen a lot posted from the Ball Brothers and Allegiance. So what exactly are the implications for Southern Gospel?

It can help artists connect with fans in a different way. They have the ability to do live Q&As with fans as they submit questions and comments. They can give fans a behind-the-scenes view of life on the road. There’s also the potential for fans to stream sections of concerts live. As a blogger, I'm thinking it would be great to do live interviews with artists! With it being live and unedited, there’s no take two in what is posted, but the good news is that it won’t last long.

I know a major concern is increasing gospel’s fan base. Social media is definitely the way to reach out to a younger audience. Social media can help more people find artists and discover this music! Periscope videos whether that’s a concert clip or an artist Q&A just might create a new fan!

So what do you think? Have you used Periscope? Do you see how it can be profitable for Southern Gospel?

Singing News Fan Award Nominations

The Singing News Fan Awards top 10 nominations were announced yesterday. For the full list, you can go to their website, but here are a few of my thoughts on the nominations -

• I liked that Karen Peck Gooch was recognized for her songwriting abilities as well as vocal this year. She had several great cuts on Revival.
• I was pleased to see Amber Thompson nominated in overall female vocalist.
• So good to see Hope Bowling pick up two nominations including one for alto!
• I was a little surprised to see Tim Riley nominated for favorite bass, just because he hasn't traveled for much of the year. I think it speaks to how much fan support he has, his ability and the legacy he has in the industry. (I think the same was true for Tracy Stuffle a few years ago.)
• I was a little surprised not to see Melissa Brady's name. With her singing full-time now and her having several songwriting cuts lately, I think her name deserved to be somewhere in there.
• I would have liked to have seen 11th Hour's album Picture This nominated. To me, it was one of the top projects of the year.
• I was a little surprised to see the Kingdom Heirs' "The Joys of Heaven" with the song nomination when "I'll Know I'm Home" was the song that had the most chart success for them.

It's interesting that the reigning lead and baritone are now in the same category (Ronnie Booth and Jim Brady), so baritone is one category that will definitely change.

At what point does a group stop being eligible for a new category? This is not a criticism of nominations, just a question as to whether this is outlined somewhere. I do feel like many of the nominations for trio and group have been around a while.

For male and female vocalist, there were only three changes total in the nominations from last year. And for favorite artist there were only two changes. As much as I like surprises, it does speak to the stability of artists and the industry for the nominations to be as consistent as they are. And to be honest, there are several soloists and quartets that I had not heard of before.

So what do you think? Any surprises, snubs or thoughts on nomination differences from years past?

Life lately ...

I feel like I've been a bad blogger lately. I don't plan to stop blogging any time soon, but sometimes life gets in the way of doing the fun things you want to do. It's been one of those seasons.

I started a new job in November and things are continually picking up there. I've learned so much over the past few months and have been gradually entrusted with more and more. It was a great move for me personally and professionally. In addition, I'm teaching a night class at a university in communications this year. Those college students have kept me on my toes. I never would have thought I would catch myself saying/thinking things like "Why do they all look like babies?" and "Why don't college students just read their assignments?"

Free time has been a cherished thing and so blogging time has been cut down. That's my excuse, and I'm sorry. I promise to do better. Life will slow down and mellow out, just wanted to give you all a quick update.

It's been a good reminder lately that in the midst of craziness and busy schedules that sometimes it's good to be still. Stillness is something that we often take for granted. We don't appreciate those quiet moments until we don't have them anymore. So I leave you with this song from Tribute Quartet as a reminder to just be still and know that God is in control. When things are crazy, you feel run ragged and there's always one more thing to do before going to bed, just be still. It's been a great reminder to me lately.

New Year Resolutions

I always become fairly reminiscent on New Year's Day. I try to look back on God's blessings of the past year and look forward to goals for the next year.

2014 was a different year. It held new opportunities, first time experiences, some disappointments and some mistakes. I learned that sometimes it pays off to take chances and take a leap of faith. I found out that people can let you down and not always be as trustworthy as they appear. And I learned that life is short and never take for granted time with the ones you love.

I'm thankful for more time and memories with family and friends.  I'm blessed that God has stuck with me when I was not always close to Him. God is always loving and ever faithful. I'm thankful that in situations when I didn't follow His leading, He protected me. It's amazing how when I look back at situations I didn't understand, He saw the bigger picture. I could always rest in the fact that He knows best and He is working everything together for my good. The realization of God's omniscience has been overwhelming this year.

2015 is sure to be another adventure, another leg on this journey of life. I pray that this year I will grow closer to Him, seek Him more and spend more time with Him. My hope is that when I look back on 2015 I will see this as a year when my faith was strengthened and my walk with God was closer than ever before.

I pray that I will not dwell on the things of the past year, the disappointments and the mistakes. I hope that I won't let the hurt and deception from people affect my future. My prayer is that I can move forward with lessons learned knowing that God is doing something new. 2015 is a year for new opportunities and experiences. I pray that for all of us 2015 is the best year yet!

"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it?" 
Isaiah 43:18, 19

Just a Friendly Reminder

It's been a good time for concerts in Arkansas recently. My weekends have been full of concerts, not that I'm complaining. It's been good to see different groups and artists who I don't get a chance to see very often.

Standing by the product table, you can't help but hear others' conversations with group members. I see the same on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. As the song says, everybody is going through something. We flood artists with stories of hurting, sickness and prayer requests. It's important that we pray for each other. The Bible is full of verses on prayer, praying for each other and how prayer can change situation. It always makes us feel better when more people are praying for our circumstances. And I'm sure the artists are glad to pray for you.

But are we praying for the artists in the same way? When they take the stage, we often have no idea what they are going through. We don't know if the bus had trouble the night before, a family member was diagnosed with cancer or if they are fighting illness themselves. It might be day 14 of a 15-day tour, and they are missing family or their kid at home is sick and there's nothing they can do about it five states away. They take the stage day after day, minister and do what they have been called to do, but they are people just like we are. They have the same struggles that we have. They all have a special calling on their lives, but God doesn't spare them from hurt or pain any more than He does us.

I know that I'm guilty of not praying for them like I should. It seems that we are all quick to jump in during major crises, bus accidents and serious illnesses, but do we approach Heaven on their behalf regularly? We should pray not only for their safety, but their health, God's provision in their ministry and that God will use them for His glory and to further His kingdom.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't give your favorite singers your prayer requests anymore. I was just reminded this weekend of how we have no idea what they could be going through and how much they need us to pray for them. Just a friendly reminder to you as well, because I know I was convicted about it.