In Case You Missed It - Jan. 31 - News and Tidbits

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

• TBN will air Quartet Night Across America Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. Central. The program will feature Brian Free and Assurance, Tribute Quartet, Legacy Five and the Blackwood Brothers.
• Canton Junction announced the addition of Casey Rivers and Ryan Seaton this week at lead and baritone respectively.
• Dennis King resigned from Paul's Journey. Joe Kitson will return to the group as baritone. He was previously with the group from 2012-2013.
• The Sneed Family's Glory Bound Jubilee will be rebranded as Sneed Family Music. The show will continue to showcase the family's music as well as other groups and vintage footage. It is seen in more than 1 million homes each week now and is launching into new networks.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - The Talleys Hidden Heroes

Happy Friday to you all! The Talleys are the latest group in Southern Gospel to develop a concept video for one of their songs. "Hidden Heroes" is a stand out track from their Test of Time project and only one of two new songs on the project. It's a very fitting song for a concept video telling the stories of those everyday heroes.

Check it out below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Changes for Canton Junction - Ryan Seaton and Casey Rivers

Canton Junction has announced the addition of Ryan Seaton and Casey Rivers. Ryan will join the group as lead singer after the departure of Aaron Crabb. Casey will join the group at baritone filling in the hole that Shane McConnell left. They join founding members Matthew Hagee and Tim Duncan.

Ryan Seaton previously sang with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and Union Street. He was with Signature Sound from 2003 to 2009. Seaton also received two Dove nominations on a solo project in 2010.

Casey Rivers was previously with Beyond the Ashes as lead vocalist. He also has experience in country coming in as runner-up on the show Nashville.

The group will release a new album in August.

“It is a very exciting time for Canton Junction as we welcome Casey and Ryan to the family,” said Matthew Hagee. “We believe the incredible musical gifts of these two men, along with their heart for people, are a perfect match for what Canton Junction is all about—and where we are headed in the future. We continue to be thankful for the contributions Aaron and Shane made to the group, as we prepare to embark on this new leg of our journey.”

For more on Canton Junction, go to the website.

God's Been Faithful - Scotty Inman - Songwriter Series

The young songwriter series continues today with Scotty Inman of Triumphant Quartet. Scotty Inman started with Poet Voices in 2001. He joined Triumphant in 2002 as a charter member where he still is today with the same three other quartet members. He received Singing News Fan Awards in 2007 for Favorite Young Artist and Horizon Individual.

Scotty has written a number of songs for Triumphant Quartet and other groups. For this post, he shares the story behind the song, "God's Been  Faithful."

Triumphant Quartet had begun looking for songs for a new album. "That always gets my mind rolling on ideas and thoughts,” Scotty said. “This idea is simple, yet a strong truth. Though I’m relatively young God has been very faithful in my life. The song became even more of a testimony a year or two after it was written with the birth of my daughter Embry.” 

For Scotty, the lyric and melody came at the same time, but the hook of the song came first. “I had the chorus and the melody but was looking for direction on the verses. Sometimes I tend to overthink the verses, rookie mistake. Haha!” he said. “So I contacted my friend Dianne Wilkinson and she lead the way on the verses. Together we tweaked and finished the song.”

The line that stands out to Scotty is “In the darkest hour, there’s healing power.” He said that’s a link that rings in his ear when he hears the song.

“We had a rough first week with my daughter. They weren’t sure if she’d make it,” he said. Shortly after Embry was born she stopped breathing and had multiple seizures. She spent time in the ICU. Thankfully God touched her life and God healed her body.

While Triumphant decided to pass on the song because it didn’t seem to fit the project. “I personally felt someone with more life-lived should sing the verses,” he said. “Multiple groups have recorded the song like Mark Trammell Quartet, Liberty Quartet and the Thurstons.”

The song definitely means a lot to Scotty. “The song has truly been a blessing to me after the fact due to complications with Embry as well as more of life’s hurdles,” he said. “God has and continues to show His faithfulness daily.”

Crabb Family Reunion - Concert Recap

Before we jump into the concert recap, let’s take a short trip back if you will to 2006. I was at Silver Dollar City for its Southern Gospel Picnic. The headliner that Sunday night was the Crabb Family who I had never seen live before. The problem was I was in college four hours away and had class the next day. My friends and I took the responsible route much to my dismay and missed that night’s concert so we could be fresh for classes the next morning. I missed seeing the Crabb Family together before they went their separate ways, because it was their last year of touring.

So needless to say, when I saw that one of their reunion dates this year was in Memphis, Tenn., I knew I had to be there. And the night was worth the wait. By far, it was one of the best gospel concerts I have ever attended. I know I can overuse superlatives and probably say the words “amazing” and “incredible” too many times, but this night will definitely stick out in my memory for years to come.

I had seen all but one of the Crabb siblings in their separate entities, but never all five of them together. Wow, there was something so special and God-ordained about the five of them singing together! I can’t explain the feeling that night, but there was such power and anointing that was evident throughout the night.

I was torn between really taking notes like I would for any other concert recap and just enjoying the concert. I didn’t quite take as many notes as normal, but you’re still going to get a recap because it definitely deserves that!

Mike Bowling kicked off the night with “On the Battlefield” and “Your Cries Have Awoken the Master.” He brought up his and Kelly’s three girls to sing “Stand By the River.” I had recently seen the Bowling Family in smaller setting than this. I was really impressed that the large crowd that night didn’t intimidate these three young singers one bit. They showed no signs of nervousness as they took the stage and sang!

Mike closed his portion with “Somebody’s Believing” telling the testimony of his healing before he sang. The song was written for the Bowling Family after hearing his testimony of how God healed him of polyps on his vocal chords. Great way to open the night!

Crabb Family - Aaron, Terah, Jason, Kelly and Adam

Then, the Crabb Family took the stage. From the first note, I knew the wait to see the siblings together had been worth it. They started with a tribute to Andrae Crouch by singing a medley of his songs including "Jesus Is the Answer," "Through It All" and "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power." It was incredible!

They sang several of their most well-known songs during the first half including, "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus," "Shepherd's Call," "Please Come Down to Me," “Trail of Tears,” and "The Walk." Getting to hear all those songs finally live was so awesome! Aaron singing “Please Come Down to Me” was definitely a highlight of the night! I also loved hearing Kelly on “Trail of Tears,” one of my favorite Crabb songs!

Terah is the only member of the family now not singing full time. She came off the road early last year to be a full-time Mom to her son Logan. They brought him on stage right before intermission talking about what a great football player he was and would be in the future. Even though Terah hasn’t been singing full-time for a while like the others, you certainly couldn’t tell it. She was featured on several songs including, “I Go to the Rock,” “He’ll Make a Way” and a personal favorite “I’ve Come to Take You Home” in the second half.

Adam was the only member of the family I had never seen live before. He was featured on the harmonica playing “Amazing Grace,” and I was blown away!

It was good to hear not only the familiar favorite Crabb family songs, but also one from Together Again. They sang “If There Ever Was a Time,” one of my favorites from that project! “I’d Rather Have Jesus” was another highlight of the first half. They put so much emotion into it that you could tell every word was felt. Jason and Adam sang the verses with the family joining in on the chorus.

Toward the end of the first half, they sang “Something About the Name of Jesus.” There was such an amazing spirit of worship that filled the church as the crowd joined in just lifting up the name of Jesus. They closed with “Through the Fire” featuring Jason. All five siblings went to the front of the stage to sing. Such a powerful song and moment!!

Mike came out to start the second half with a request of “Call Me Gone.” He had another request to sing “The Lighthouse,” but he asked who would sing the female part since he was out there solo. Kelly, Hope and Jason came out to join him on the song! He sang a little bit of “Beulah Land” and then had Kelly sing “I Know Enough” that recently went #1 for the Bowling Family.

The Crabb Family came back out. They all sign a guitar at each concert and then give it away at intermission. So when they came back out, Jason asked who won the guitar and tuned it for the girl and then played it on the next song.

They sang a few more favorites like “Still Holding On,” “Travelin’ On” and “Redeemer.” I wish I could capture with words the spirit of the night. I don’t know if there were many still sitting down on “Redeemer.” They picked the tempo up then with “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.” The crowd was still on its feet clapping. I don’t think anyone wanted the night to end even after hours of singing when the five siblings walked off the stage.

Thankfully, with the applause still going they came back for a few more songs including “I’m Going Home With Jesus” and “Please Forgive Me.” Then they gave the invitation, and people moved and responded. I think there were around 30 people saved that night. I love how it truly was a life-changing night of worship. Yes, we were there to see the Crabb Family, but ultimately it was all about Jesus.

I’ve been to a lot of gospel concerts, but this one will definitely stand out in my mind. When I do the top moments of the year, expect to see this concert on the list. They have a handful of dates left this year. If they are anywhere near you, go! If there had been another date close, I would have gone again. Seriously.

I might have had to wait several years to see the full family together, but I can confidently say this night was worth the wait.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 24

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Madison and Shannon Easter are venturing out on their own. Jeff and Sheri Easter made the announcement this week that their son and daughter-in-law, Madison and Shannon, will be leaving their group to start their own solo venture. Read more here. 
• Absolutely Gospel announced the nominations for its music awards. The Isaacs, 11th Hour and the Bowling Family are the most nominated artists. Joseph Habedank and Kenna Turner West have the most individual nominations. It was also announced that Joseph and Amber Nelon Thompson will host the awards this year that will be held on April 14. Fans can begin voting on Feb. 1. For a full list of nominations, go to AbsolutelyGospel.com. 
• Zane and Donna King announced the addition of Stephen Adcock to their group as a guitarist and vocalist.
• Congratulations to Jordan and Elena Cragun who welcomed a baby girl on Tuesday. Scarlett Skye weighed 6 lbs. and 4 oz. This is their first child. Mother and baby are doing well!
• Billie Richardson, grandmother to Jason, Adam, Aaron and Terah Crabb, passed away this week in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Her funeral service was held on Thursday. 
• Caroll McGruder has been diagnosed with lymphoma. He also has two broken vertebrae and a broken hip. Chemotherapy and radiation will begin immediately. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Kingsmen - Beautiful City

I was going through files on my computer this week and discovered a lot of videos from Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic that I hadn't shared yet. So keep watching my YouTube channel for more clips I'll be sharing!

For today's Fun Clip Friday, enjoy a song for the Kingsmen. The quartet sang songs from its then new project Battle Cry. They joked about maybe not remembering all the lyrics since the songs were so new, so Ray Dean Reese midway through sang a few lines of "watermelon, watermelon." Haha! 

Enjoy!

Adam's Fall - Amber Eppinette - Young Gospel Songwriter

I am so excited to start a new series on the blog this week! This series will feature some of the younger songwriters in the industry and the stories behind songs they have written. While we hear the finished product at a concert or on a CD, we often don't think about the process and how the idea for the song came about. We have so many great talented songwriters in the industry, but for this series, I'll be talking to the younger ones and inspiration behind the songs they have written.

Amber Eppinette

I'm kicking off the series with Amber Eppinette of 11th Hour. The first song she's sharing about is "Adam's Fall."

At age 16 I was going through a time that most writers would consider a time of fog or had "writer's
block," Amber said. "It lasted for a few months and I started praying for God to give me a song like never before." She didn't pray for just any song, but a song that would speak of salvation and the experience she had and has. She sat down in her home studio and started playing the melody. Just two hours later, "Adam's Fall" was penned.

The song has gripping lyrics. “There are many lines that really grab my heart strings but one in particular comes to mind the most, ‘Now I have eternal life for His blood has been applied. He placed it on the Mercy Seat and now I stand in HIM complete,’” Amber said.

11th Hour recorded this song on its Gather Round project in 2010. Amber was very touched the first time she heard the song after they recorded it. “I bawled like a baby,” she said. “Gordon Mote produced this song and the orchestration that was added really brought what I wrote from my heart to life. Almost to the point where I felt like I could touch the music that was surrounding me.”

The song is now eight years old, but it’s still just as moving. “I am now 24 years old, and this song will never become old to me simply because salvation is more real every day to me and gets sweeter in the journey too,” Amber said.

Look for more songs from Amber in the coming weeks. And check back next week to hear from another young songwriter in the industry!

Celebrating God's Faithfulness with the Talleys - Concert Recap

For my second concert of 2015, I went to West Memphis to see the Talleys. It had been a while since I had seen them in a full concert by themselves. It was such a sweet night of worship.

The night was an incredible reminder of the faithfulness of God. Everything that was said and sung pointed to how much we could trust God in the coming year because of how faithful He had been to us.

Here's a lineup of what they sang -

• "Bless the Lord/ My Tribute" - I love their arrangement to this song. It set up the night

  

  The Talleys - Roger, Debra and Lauren

  wonderfully!
• "The Promise"
• "Isn't the Love of Jesus Something Wonderful"
• "Searchin'"
• "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" - Debra sat up this song by talking about her mom. They all got to spend time with her parents over Christmas. Her mom faithfully served her church as the piano player for 66 years. She was raised with her parents having a faithful dedication to church and to the Lord. She talked about the faithfulness of God for her family and how she could see the hand of God working in their lives and how He had provided for them. 
• "When He Calls Me I'll Fly Away"
• "Hidden Heroes" - I love this song from their latest project! Lauren talked about how this song really described the relationship between her grandparents when her grandmother was suffering from Alzheimer's. She said it was such a picture of love to watch him serve her and how it was reminiscent of the love that God has for us. 
• "He's Alive" - This is always a highlight of a Talleys concert for me! Seeing and hearing this song live is always such a powerful moment!
• "God Is Great, Good Merciful" 
• "Mountain Mover" - This was a request from the audience! Glad to hear them stage this one! 
• "What You Leave Behind" - This is another favorite from their project Test of Time. Roger talked about how when his dad passed away they had to go through all his belongings. They realized in that process that it wasn't the expensive things that meant the most to them but the things that weren't worth any money but special reminders of their family or of certain times in their lives. 
• "Leave It There" - Debra spoke before this song about how we are to fear not because God is with us. We can lay our burdens down because we can trust that He will be there and take care of it. Loved hearing Debra sing this song!
• "Broken Ones" - Always incredible to hear live!!

After the invitation, they closed the night with "I'll Fly Away." Again, it was a sweet night of worship and a reminder of how faithful God is in our lives. No matter what happens this year, God is faithful.

Changes for Jeff and Sheri Easter - Madison and Shannon Easter to Pursue Solo Venture

Madison and Shannon Easter are stepping out to do their own music. Madison has been playing guitar for his parents since he was 13 years old. He and Shannon married four years ago, and she frequently joins them on stage for a song and fills in for Sheri or Morgan when needed.

Madison and Shannon have released two EPs together. They have collaborated on writing a number of songs and will now step out to write and perform more of their own music together.


Here's the full release from their Facebook page -

After 13 years of traveling and performing with his parents, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Madison Easter and his wife of four years, Shannon have decided to pursue their dreams of writing and performing their own music.

“I’ve said for many years that I feel so blessed to have my children travel with me, it’s almost like a mother hen who keeps her baby chicks close. But I’m a wise enough woman to know that God has blessed them with so much talent, that he may choose to use them in other ways just like He did for Jeff and me.” Sheri says.

“Shannon and I are so excited to see where God will lead us." Madison explains. "The two of us have been writing and singing together for almost three years now. There's always been an open line of communication with Mom and Dad that a day would probably come where we wanted to pursue our own careers. We plan to be doing a lot of writing in Nashville and also performing our own music.”

“Mom and Dad know our situation firsthand, because they were in avery similar spot when they came off of the road with The Lewis Family,” Madison said. "I can't express enough how incredibly supportive and uplifting they've been in this transition. They are the targets for which I aim in my growing as an adult. I've heard it all my life, ‘They are the real deal.’ I couldn't be more proud of them.”

Jeff and Sheri both come from bluegrass gospel music roots rich infamily heritage. Madison and his siblings are fourth generation musicians and continue to write and perform music just like the generations before them.

“These past 13 years have been an incredible learning experience.I've been blessed enough to do things most people only dream to do, and it's all because my parents chose to give a 13 year old the opportunity to prove himself as a musician," Madison says. “I owe everything to them. They're the best.”

Jeff and Sheri are celebrating their 30th year in musicand marriage this year and with a full calendar, have no plans to slowdown. “God always orchestrates our livesfor each new chapter and Madison’s heart is leading him to do more of his ownmusic. In September, God blessed us with another incredible musician, Brad Hudson, who was hired to play drums but, also plays dobro, guitar, mandolin and banjo.” Jeff explains. “God has blessed us for 30 years and we’re excited to see now what His plans are for our children.”

As in all the changes life brings, Jeff and Sheri have found their faith in God and humor to get them through. Sheri shares, “When Madison told us, we all cried, but we also have a complete peace about his decision. He went the extra mile to explain to his youngest sister, Maura, that although he wouldn’t be traveling every weekend, he would still live next door and be a huge part of everything we do. Maura then dried her tears and asked, ‘Mama, can I have Bubba’s bunk?’ Real life, real siblings, and real heart…I couldn’t ask for more!”

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 17

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Lari Goss passed away last weekend. The celebration of his life was held at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville on Thursday.
• Celebrations of Andrae Crouch's life will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both services will be streamed on BET.
• Ricky Perkins was announced as the Southmen's new tenor. Will Yates, 19, will also join the group on keyboard. Learn more on the group's Facebook page.
• Jim Hefner of the Southmen had surgery on Thursday for injuries sustained during the group's wreck in October. He is expected to have three more surgeries before restoration is complete.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Lari Goss and Connie Hopper

This week many have paid tribute to Lari Goss. His funeral was held yesterday in Nashville with many artists singing and in attendance. For today's Fun Clip Friday post, I'm sharing a video that the Hoppers posted earlier this week of Lari and Connie.

Enjoy!

Bowling in the New Year - Concert Recap

The first weekend of 2015 was full of gospel concerts, and I'm not complaining one bit! The first one of January was with the Bowling Family. This was my first time seeing the group since Troy Peach left, and they added a live band. They added a native Arkansan on drums, I love how every time you see them, you know you are going to have church and Friday night was no exception.

Here's a lineup of what they sang –

Bowling Family - Kelly, Hope and Mike

• “I’m on the Battlefield” 
• “I Know Enough” – This was #1 for the group for the month of December. Definitely a favorite from their most recent album! 
• “I’ll Be Alright as Soon as I Touch Calvary” 
• “Unclouded Day” 
• “How Blessed” – I’m glad they are staging this song again, always been a fan of it. Sorry, Mike, but I have to mention this and I know it's already been mentioned on Facebook. The church had a nativity scene at the front on a table right in front of the stage. Of course, during one of the most serious songs, Mike knocked over the manger scene. Kelly joked later that they had the same manger scene at home, so they could replace it if Mike broke it. 
• “Everything’s Gonna Turn Out Right” – Hope is featured on this song. She has really become more comfortable in her role on stage. She’s got an incredible gift in her voice that’s only going to continue to get better! 
• “Stand By the River” – All the Bowling girls, Hope, Katelanne and Gracie, were featured on

  

  Bowling daughters - Hope, Katelanne and Gracie

  this one. Katelanne sang lead. I am so impressed with the harmonies and what these girls can do at their ages. They also sang a verse and chorus of “It Is Well” Sisters style that they had just learned. It was great!!! 
• “The Lighthouse” – Mike Bowling is probably my favorite person to hear sing this song.
• “He Can” – The entire church was at its feet for this song clapping along! 
• “I Still Glory in the Cross” – Another one from their Shine project that I was glad to hear live! Such a powerful song and a highlight of the night! 
• “Call Me Gone” – After intermission, they asked for a few requests. One of the first ones called out was this song. The crowd loved hearing Mike sing the old Hinson songs. 
• Kelly gave their testimony of the bus wreck. She talked about the incredible power of God with how He’s more than able to take care of whatever we are facing. She said, “Whatever you are fighting or facing tonight, hold your head up high and know that if you are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, every promise in the Word of God is written for you. God can make a way.” She prayed that this would be the year for those unanswered prayers we have all been waiting on to be answered. 
• “Your Cries Have Awoken the Master” – It wouldn’t be a Bowling Family concert without hearing this song. Kelly’s testimony and words were the perfect set up for the song. 
• “I Surrender All”/ “He Is Lord”/ “Because He Lives” – It was a true altar call, people kneeling, hands raised in worship and the power of God moving over people. Absolutely INCREDIBLE end to the service!!!

The night was a great way to usher in 2015!

Lari Goss Passes Away

Nationally-known producer and arranger Lari Goss passed away on Saturday. Goss' contribution to gospel music was recognized with a tribute program on TBN that was recorded for DVD in 2012. Artists like the Booth Brothers, Hoppers, Martins, Mark Trammell Quartet, Legacy Five, the Nelons and others recognized his talents arrangements and orchestrations and sang songs that he arranged. He was recognized also with the National Quartet Convention's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Goss produced critically acclaimed projects for such artists as The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Cathedrals, Signature Sound and many more. He is also recognized for his work with secular artists such as Glen Campbell, Ray Price and B.J. Thomas. His arrangements have been heard in countless venues around the world, from the stage of Radio City Music Hall to the Tonight Show. Additionally, he arranged and conducted music for such prestigious entities as the Grammy Awards, the Peoples Choice Awards, and world famous London Philharmonic Symphony, with whom he has recorded several award-winning albums.

Goss was a native of Cartersville, Georgia, but lived in Nashville with his wife Carolyn and their family. They had four sons.

Many gospel artists paid tribute to Goss on Facebook, here's what a few of them said -

Gerald Wolfe (Greater Vision) - Lari Goss, writer, arranger, musical genius, my musical hero, my friend, has stepped into the literal presence of The Lord. At this moment, he is taking in all the sights he tried to interpret through his musical arrangements, and he is finding out it's much more than he ever imagined. My heart is broken for his wife, Carolyn Fuqua Goss, his sons, his brother Roni Goss, and all of us who feel the heaviness of this painful, but temporary loss. At the same time, I'm more anxious than ever to sit down with Lari again, very soon, and hear his description of his first moments in Heaven. Rest well, Hero. We'll see you soon.

Mark Trammell (Mark Trammell Quartet) - My musical hero and friend for 31 years, Lari Goss, graduated to Heaven yesterday. He could hear and write things in music that very few could fully appreciate. He had the ability to take a blank sheet of paper and write notes and numbers on it and make the story in a song literally come to life right before your ears. I would have given ANYTHING to have seen the look on his face when he heard the music in Heaven for the first time. He LOVED great music and was a one man institution in gospel music. No one has ever gotten as much out of a recording as Lari could. It might do us well to begin seriously looking for and preparing for the return of Jesus because the best candidate for conductor and arranger for the orchestration portion of the second coming reported for rehearsal yesterday. The Golden City Tour has never been more real!

Booth Brothers - Our hearts are heavy tonight from the news of the homegoing of our dear friend and producer Lari Goss. What a giant and true friend. Lari arranged our songs "In Christ Alone," "We Believe," and Mosie Listers classic "Then I Met The Master." Please join us in prayer for his wife Carolyn, their children, and brother Ronnie Goss. This precious man meant so much to us.

Nelons -

Post by The Nelons.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbit - January 10

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Gospel music legend Andrae Crouch passed away on January 8 at age 72. He had a heart attack on Jan. 3 and had complications that followed. He wrote many gospel favorites including "My Tribute" and "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power."
• AbsolutelyGospel.com announced that it will host its annual awards on Tuesday, April 14. Here's a full release on the awards. Nominations are now open for fan favorite artist. A full list of nominees will be released on Monday, January 20.
• Libbi Perry Stuffle had another light heart attack this week. The stent doctors put in in July was clogged, but they were able to replace it. They also found a smaller place that was narrowing, so they went ahead and put a stent in it as well. The heart attack did no damage to her heart. Continue to remember them in your prayers. 
• The Nelons have had a lot of bus trouble recently including a small fire this week. They have a GoFundMe account set up to help with expenses in rebuilding their engine. Any help you can give would be appreciated! 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Crabb Family Reunion

Sorry for the lack of posting this week. If I could have bought stock in Sudafed and Kleenex, I would have! I had great plans for posts of concert recaps from last weekend, but that didn't happen. If I wasn't at work, I was asleep or wishing I was asleep. It's been a sickly week, but the good news is I'm finally feeling better and just in time for Saturday night. It's the Crabb Family Reunion in Memphis.

I never got the chance to see the family together live in concert, so I'm definitely looking forward to this! So for today's Fun Clip Friday, here's a promo for their reunion concerts! Enjoy!

Concerts in 2015

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I've had a weekend full of gospel music. I had the chance to see two different groups who were in Arkansas. (Check back later this week for the recaps!) In other words, 2015 has gotten off to a good start!

If my schedule allows and a group is relatively close, normally I'm at the concert. Looking at upcoming schedules, it looks like I'll have the chance to see several groups in the first few months of the year. If the pattern continues, I'll be able to attend a lot more concerts in 2015 than 2014. But what about you? What are your plans for attending concerts this year? Would love to hear from you!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 3

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

• Congratulations to Austin Whisnant and Jordan Carter who got engaged!
• Anna Grace Shideler of Highroad III had Nashville's first baby of the new year. Emily Joy was born at 3:09 a.m. in Nashville weighing 6 lbs. and 11 oz. Congratulations to Anna Grace and her husband Nathan!
• The Jim Brady Trio had its television debut on the Music City Television Show. You can also view their first official song from the New Year's Eve concert with Legacy Five here courtesy of Matthew Fouch.  
• Tracy Stuffle of the Perrys is back on the road after his recent health issues. You can see that he is also back to doing the chainsaw routine (from the Perrys Facebook page).

Post by The Perrys.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Aaron Wilburn and dieting

Happy first Friday of 2015! With a new year comes new resolutions and new goals. I know a lot of people will start with their resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier and work out. So going with those thoughts, for today's Fun Clip Friday, here's a dieting song from Aaron Wilburn!

Enjoy!

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