Well' here's what I sit and look at Mon-Fri. It changes some but pretty much stays the same. I can spin around and actually see outside. That's a big plus. I don't take that for granted after spending years with a big company stuffed into the middle of a huge building where the sun never shines.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Chosen Witness Reunion
It's taken me over a week now but I wanted to share some thoughts about the Chosen Witness reunion that we had on Saturday night March 17, 2007. The preparation for such a event can be overwhelming at times. So many little details that you think of that need to be handled. Then there are all of those little details that you didn't think of that need to be handled that come up at the last minute.
With all of those little nagging things behind now I want to say how much I enjoyed the evening.
Chosen Witness came together over 10 years ago with the purpose of ministering through Southern Gospel Music. We've stayed with that purpose over the years and as a ministry I believe we've been blessed. There have been rocky roads along the way but we've continued the journey. If your ministry has purpose and is making a difference then there will be rocky roads to travel at times. How you travel those roads will speak volumes about who you are and what your ministry is. I know there have been times that I haven't handled those rocky times as I should have but I am so thankful that I serve a loving Father that is there to pick me up and carry me on.
Whew, now that the preaching is over let me get back to the reunion...preaching?...did I say preaching?...
It was so wonderful to again sing with the guys that have been a a part of the group. Johnny Lesley, Scott Bouldin and Rodney Brazil were all there an took part. We had so much fun just remembering things that have happened over the years. Different ones remembering different things about songs, practices or concerts. Steve Ingram was also there with us that night. Steve helped run the sounds for the group for several years. Of course Daniel Key was there who has been running our sound for the last several years and he and Steve did a great job that night.
The current group Mark, Greg, Johnny D., Loretta and myself were all there as well and shared a few songs. As we traveled through the years with the different singers we sang samples of 10 years of Mark Jones' writing. We also shared a song written by Johnny D. and even one that I wrote. It's been such a joy to share this fresh new original music with folks over the years.
Mark Bishop was our guest and shared the evening with us. Mark's writing talent is just unmatched in my opinion. His ability to tell a story in a song is such a gift. I have labeled Mark Bishop as the 'Tom T. Hall' of Southern Gospel Music. For those who don't know Tom T. Hall is known in the world of country music as 'The Old Storyteller'. Mark brought joy to the evening with his wit and humor and his wonderful music.
Although the evening was about coming back together as a group, the message in the songs that were shared is unmistakable:
With all of those little nagging things behind now I want to say how much I enjoyed the evening.
Chosen Witness came together over 10 years ago with the purpose of ministering through Southern Gospel Music. We've stayed with that purpose over the years and as a ministry I believe we've been blessed. There have been rocky roads along the way but we've continued the journey. If your ministry has purpose and is making a difference then there will be rocky roads to travel at times. How you travel those roads will speak volumes about who you are and what your ministry is. I know there have been times that I haven't handled those rocky times as I should have but I am so thankful that I serve a loving Father that is there to pick me up and carry me on.
Whew, now that the preaching is over let me get back to the reunion...preaching?...did I say preaching?...
It was so wonderful to again sing with the guys that have been a a part of the group. Johnny Lesley, Scott Bouldin and Rodney Brazil were all there an took part. We had so much fun just remembering things that have happened over the years. Different ones remembering different things about songs, practices or concerts. Steve Ingram was also there with us that night. Steve helped run the sounds for the group for several years. Of course Daniel Key was there who has been running our sound for the last several years and he and Steve did a great job that night.
The current group Mark, Greg, Johnny D., Loretta and myself were all there as well and shared a few songs. As we traveled through the years with the different singers we sang samples of 10 years of Mark Jones' writing. We also shared a song written by Johnny D. and even one that I wrote. It's been such a joy to share this fresh new original music with folks over the years.
Mark Bishop was our guest and shared the evening with us. Mark's writing talent is just unmatched in my opinion. His ability to tell a story in a song is such a gift. I have labeled Mark Bishop as the 'Tom T. Hall' of Southern Gospel Music. For those who don't know Tom T. Hall is known in the world of country music as 'The Old Storyteller'. Mark brought joy to the evening with his wit and humor and his wonderful music.
Although the evening was about coming back together as a group, the message in the songs that were shared is unmistakable:
- Jesus Christ is Lord.
- He was born of a virgin.
- He did live as a man.
- He was crucified.
- He did rise on the third day.
- He does live today in the hearts of those that believe and accept Him.
- He is coming back.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Kingsmen Reunion
Wow, what a night. My wife and I attended the Kingsmen 50 year reunion concert in Chattanooga, TN on Monday night (3/5/2007). I praised the Lord of Lords, I laughed, I cried. It was truly a wonderful evening for me.
From a critiques point of view it wasn't the best concert I've ever heard. There were rough spots, unrehearsed moments and scratchy vocals at times. But for someone who was constantly reflecting back over the last 30 years that I've been listening to the Kingsmen it was wonderful.
To hear tenor singers like Johnny Parrack, Gary Sheppard, Ernie Phillips, Chris Collins, Jerry Martin, and Jeremy Peace on the same stage on the same night was such a blessing. Then there were the leads and baritones like Squire Parsons, Ed Crawford, Wayne Maynard, Mark Trammell, Brian Hutson, Phillip Hughes, Tim Surrett, and Tony Peace. Jim Hamil wasn't able to be there and he was missed but the guys carried the music on.
It was the 30 year anniversary of the recording of the "Chattanooga LIVE" project. I distinctly remember my dad buying an eight track tape of that recording and how I fell in love with it as a 16 year old boy. "Is That The Old Ship Of Zion I See?" is one of the greatest live recording songs I've ever heard. Yes, they did it and even had the late Eldridge Fox sing the second verse from the recording as all the guys on stage provided the background vocals.
It's my understanding that there will be a few more of these events this year. If you get the chance to go do so. You will not be sorry.
From a critiques point of view it wasn't the best concert I've ever heard. There were rough spots, unrehearsed moments and scratchy vocals at times. But for someone who was constantly reflecting back over the last 30 years that I've been listening to the Kingsmen it was wonderful.
To hear tenor singers like Johnny Parrack, Gary Sheppard, Ernie Phillips, Chris Collins, Jerry Martin, and Jeremy Peace on the same stage on the same night was such a blessing. Then there were the leads and baritones like Squire Parsons, Ed Crawford, Wayne Maynard, Mark Trammell, Brian Hutson, Phillip Hughes, Tim Surrett, and Tony Peace. Jim Hamil wasn't able to be there and he was missed but the guys carried the music on.
It was the 30 year anniversary of the recording of the "Chattanooga LIVE" project. I distinctly remember my dad buying an eight track tape of that recording and how I fell in love with it as a 16 year old boy. "Is That The Old Ship Of Zion I See?" is one of the greatest live recording songs I've ever heard. Yes, they did it and even had the late Eldridge Fox sing the second verse from the recording as all the guys on stage provided the background vocals.
It's my understanding that there will be a few more of these events this year. If you get the chance to go do so. You will not be sorry.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
My Idol Favorites
Well after two weeks of performances from the 24 finalists my favorites (in no particular order) are:
- Melinda Doolittle
- Chris Sligh
- Lakisha Jones
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