Between You and Me

Update 2012

2012-01-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile since I've been on here. I was reading through some of my posts since 2007 and I thought "wow". This is really cool that I can look back over 5 years of my life. SO I think I am going to bring the blog back and start writing again. Hope all is well in everybodys life.

WD Home Missions Promo

2010-07-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

District Conference Promo for 2009

WD Home Missions Promo

2010-07-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a video that I did for the WD Home Missions Division last year.

Funny

2010-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Blog Post

2010-05-26T04:58:00.000-07:00

New Flier Design

2010-05-06T10:07:00.001-07:00

Passing of an Apostolic Icon

2010-04-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today the world lost an incredible, annointed singer. Someone who has touched the hearts of thousands of people time and time again and someone to whom words cannot do justice.

I remember growing up listening to Priscilla McGruder. My Grandma used to have the album 'McGruders Rated PG" in her CD filing cabinet and every time I would go over to her house I would pull it out and listen to it. Eventually, I "borrowed" it and forgot to give it back. Come Fly with the McGruders, Unmistakably McGruder, Livin the Good Life, are what I went to sleep listening to.

I remember the first time I saw them live. It was at General Conference in Nashville TN. in 1997 and as they took the stage, they sang "I'm Just Warmin Up". The place erupted. Hearing her sing "From Heavens Point of View" was an incredible experience, because you knew she meant what she was singing.

Someone said "Heavens choir just became more anointed, powerful, intense, vibrant, melodious, and exciting. Earth will never be the same, but then again, neither will heaven for where Priscilla steps, hallowed worship, expectancy and joy lights her surroundings. You can be sure all of heaven is aware of her presence at this moment.

Although I never got to know her in-depth personally, she influenced my life in so many ways. Musically, spiritually, she had sung with the best of the best. She knew fame and yet did not touch some of the things that come with it. Popular in the southern gospel arena, she showed that you could really still live for God, be an example, and still "stand".

Thank you so much Sis. McGruder for such an example. You will forever be in my mind and heart. And today I'm sure you are rejoicing because you really are "Home with Jesus"

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:25:00.001-08:00

Section 8 Prayer & Bible Conference Design

2009-12-24T13:38:00.001-08:00

Andy McKee

2009-12-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

I have always appreciated people who have a "knack" or talent for playing instruments. Thought I would share this. Andy McKee - "Drifting"

Home Missions Design

2009-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the Season 09'

2009-11-04T16:33:00.000-08:00

Missions Conference 09'

2009-10-30T16:34:00.001-07:00

Everyone is Invited!

Malta!!

2009-09-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the country of Malta, waiting for the Missionary to get here to pick us up. While I had some time I thought I would blog a quick post. I don't have any pictures quite yet but will try to post some later.

We got in last night about 2:00 am (3:00 pm Cali time) and went straight over to the Parkers home. The Parkers are the UPC missionaries here and awesome people. We ate a sandwich and they took us over to our room. Needless to say, over 30 hours of wondering airports and London, left me with a "not so clean" feeling. A shower was welcomed. Just driving around last night, left me in awe. BEUAITUFL.

Today we are expecting to see a lot more. Where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, places he walked, and the Island itself. If you remember right, this is the place where he spent 3 months of his life when he was shipwrecked, while being held prisoner, on his way to meet Augustus. Had his hand bitten by a viper, and threw it back into the fire. Very incredible things.

Church tonight and I will post more later.

Harvest Party Design

2009-09-21T01:04:00.001-07:00

Yikes...

2009-08-18T13:05:00.001-07:00

I think I am going to pass on the smart car

CONNECT Youth Rally

2009-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a break is needed

2009-08-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here in a local coffee shop in Greshem, OR trying to remember how to blog. It has been awhile since I have entered this world and I am trying to think of something worthwhile to write. I truly am not a committed blogger. But in this day you actually have to like doing it and want to do it. Facebook makes life a lot easier.... :)

My mind thinks back to Campmeeting in Santa Maria last week. What an incredible time. Probably one of the best campmeetings I have been in and a success. Bro. James Hughes talked in such a way that it hit right down home. His sermon talking about what the true job of the Holy Ghost is was truly mind shaking. Bro Kinsey delivered the word like no other in the evening. You've got to get the "wag". Awesome, awesome time.

Over these last two months I have traveled extensively. Truly it has been an experience and I am loving it. I would do it full time if I could. Starting out preaching in Arizona for 2 weeks was an incredible experience. I love the youth of the Arizona district. Great district and great people. Going to Oklahoma for a few days was equally rewarding. Indiana was great as always and I was able to see all my family again. My Grandma is 93 and still pretty sharp. I will post a story about her next post. Going back to Oklahoma for a few days once again proved to be incredible. God moved. Then back to Arizona for about 4 days. Awesome, awesome time. Here is a shout out to Jason Akers, David Staten, Kris Keyes, Jeremiah Lopez, Delmon Sansom and anybody else I forgot. Campmeeting was next and that passed and now I am in Greshem (Portland) with Bro and Sis Graves. Great people. Holly Sue and Jeremy Mullings are a blast and we have been having a great time. It seems like when you get together with good friends you can talk forever.

Whats next? I don't know :) We'll just have to wait and see!

But anyway, that's whats on my mind right now and I might post something else tomorrow. If the coffee kicks in..... :) TS

WAY Choir 09' in Citrus Heights Info

2009-06-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Remembering....

2009-05-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is a video I made that we showed over Memorial Day for the Church in honor of our veterans. I love the footage on this and it is priceless. I can't give much more than a true "thank you" to our veterans and I can never repay the price you paid for our country. We will forever be indebted to you and will always be grateful. You will never be forgotten.

Thank You

2009-04-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

This picture caught my attention and kind of tugged at me. What an awesome country we live in!

New CD Design

2009-04-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a cd design I did for my friend Luis Lenzi. Yes it is finally here for all of you die-hard fans. You can visit his website at http://www.luislenzi.com/. It's an awesome cd and it is totally worth buying so when he gets it up on his website.

The Truth About Hip Hop Part 11

2009-04-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

The Truth About Hip Hop Part 10

2009-04-08T23:18:00.001-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 9

2009-04-08T23:16:00.001-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 8

2009-04-08T23:14:00.001-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 7

2009-04-08T23:12:00.002-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 6

2009-04-08T23:12:00.001-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 5

2009-04-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

2009-04-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

taking a break....

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 4

2009-04-01T08:18:00.001-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 3

2009-03-30T15:20:00.001-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip Hop Part 2

2009-03-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Truth Behind Hip-Hop

2009-03-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am going to try something new here and see how it turns out. I rarely will tell somebody to listen to something or check something out on YouTube unless it's funny or humorous, but this is something that I think everybody who is involved with some kind of music, or even if you are not, should check out.

As I was watching this on YouTube the other night, I was struck to my core about some things I didn't know or realize about the music world. This 11 part "YouTube" series by G. Craig Lewis was astounding. As you will see in the videos, there are some things that we would never even think of that effect us in the music world.

If you are a musician or have anything to do with music or leading in your church this is absolutely a must see.

It's an 11 part YouTube series and I am going to post a new clip each day for 11 days. Please feel free to give your opinions or tell what you think about what he said. You can also go on YouTube and finish watching it if you can't stop, but just so you know I will be posting the next clip here everyday for the next almost 2 weeks.

Enjoy!

2009-03-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

This hilarious video was taken after "David" got out of the dentist office.....CLASSIC!

Gossip, Backstabbing and....Leading Worship?

2009-03-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

*This was a conversation that Alvin Slaughter sent out in his newsletter recently that I thought was great. I think we all deal with this at one time or another.

My inbox gets flooded with questions concerning dealing with life challenges. Sometimes it's concerning music. Sometimes it's just dealing with other people's attitudes and everything in between. Hey, I'm no Dr.Phil, but here's a question that came to me recently... as well as my answer. See if you've been in a similar situation.

The name of the person who asked the question has been omitted for their privacy.

Question...

I just wanted to know, from your experience as leader of worship, what advice you'd give to a young woman, who's been blessed to lead worship for a large congregation.

She's been singing all of her life, and is fully aware of the "gossip", the "backstabbing" nonsense that always comes along with receiving favor. She pays no mind because she puts her focus on the Lord, but I can see it's hurting her.

Sometimes I see her ready to quit - she's been singing professionally since she was a little girl, and knows the ropes, but there are some in the body of Christ, who may not realize, or maybe they do, that they hurt.

Coming from your point of view...how do you handle the stress, and the hurt....yeah, I know "let it roll of your back", "rise above the occasion", but you know it hurts....so what to say? Any advice sir?

Here's my answer...

Hi Friend,

Great question!

I've come to realize that if I'm going to be successful and move to higher levels in whatever I do, I will ALWAYS have critics. It comes with the territory. Does it hurt? Absolutely!

So I've learned 3 ways to deal with negativity.

First, I have relationships with people that love me and that I love and respect also. So for every bad comment from people that I don't feel are respectful, there is enough strength in my quality relationships to pull me through. They will also let me know when I need a reality check.

Secondly, Even from the days when I held a mainstream job, I've always been more focused on my assignment than everybody's opinion. Backstabbing and gossip is sure not exclusive to the church. It's in the workplace and families too.

You see, I did well when I was in school so I was considered a nerd.

I was a Christian as a kid when most of my classmates were not so I was called a goody, goody and church boy.

I was an overweight kid and now lets' just say a "big boned...haha" adult so I was the subject of fat jokes.

There were many who thought I would never make it in music. Well, for 19 years I've been traveling the world singing Gospel music.

Lastly, I used to be a people pleaser. Sure I want everybody to like me. But if they don't, I'm strong enough to focus on what's important. If she thinks she's going do anything in life of any great measure, she had better have a tender heart and tough skin. When I walk in the door, I know some will like me and some won't.

She needs to work on her self esteem and stop worrying about other peoples opinions. She needs to read biographies of great women who have succeeded against all odds. Her biggest problem is herself, not other people. You can't change other people. But you can surely change yourself.

Strong, firm and steadfast!

You matter,

Alvin

The Odd Couple

2009-02-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

I thought this was great.

Monday Musings.....

2009-02-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm sick! It started on Saturday and now I am sitting here in misery trying to work on some graphic stuff for an upcoming project. I just keep on coughing up all this nasty junk and it keeps on coming and coming.....it's kind of like God he just never stops giving and giving......anyway...ummm.....

It's been a really busy last few weeks and I am glad to be home today. I am so thankful for all my friends and how God continues to bless and bless even when we don't deserve it. What an incredible price he paid so I could be sitting here right now writing this. IT JUST BLOWS MY MIND!!

A thought has been coming to my mind lately about who God really is. I think a lot of times we praise him because of what we want or because we need something and we forget who he really is. He is worthy! God is just worthy. No how much money you have or how little money you have, he is still worthy. No matter what your going through or may have just come through....he's still worthy.

Down here on earth whenever somebody does something great or accomplishes something of status, we say they have obtained worth-ship. Or they are now worthy to be noticed of what they have accomplished. But God.....he's just worthy. He doesnt have to do anything great for you or me to obtain "worth-ship". If he never did another thing for us the fact would still remain that he is worthy.

So I think we make the mistake sometimes of praising God for what we want or need when in fact we should be praising him simply because he's WORTHY. Because of who he is. THEN when we start praising him for who he really is (worthy), that's when he looks down and says "ok, now that they are praising me because of who I really am and I am Jehovah Jireh their provider I will start providing for them." NOW that they realize I am the supplier of all their needs and they start praising me for WHO I am, I'm gonna let who I am be shown to them in real life!"

It's just amazing to me.

I was at the Allard's house in Modesto last Saturday and snapped a quick pic. We barbecued and laughed our heads off and it was just a great time.

Anyway that's whats on my mind for today...

Random Post in THE SAME DAY!

2009-01-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

It's rare I make two posts in one day, but I was driving along the street the other day and these turkeys just started walking in front of me. It looked like a showdown. Pretty funny I thought. The others pics are of a discussion I went to on Saturday in which we talked about "The Church Adapting in the 21'st Century". It was hosted by Pastor Ron Krantz of Oroville and we had a great time.

Pastor Ron Krantz (Host)

Pastor Tim Bledsoe

Roy Fisher

The Intelligence of our New Administration

2009-01-26T12:36:00.001-08:00

I was reading on Drudge today, that Nancy Pelosi's plan to solve the economic crisis is simply "Birth Control". I have recently stayed out of all politics lately, just until things simmer down, but I couldn't let this one pass me by without saying something about it.

Reading and perusing this article, the thought cant help but come to my mind, "how much more shallow can you get"? Pelosi's plan seems to lack the one thing that this country needs so much in this time of crisis we are facing. Accountability. Well I take it back, there are two things. You also have to have brains. Reading this, you can see there is no real plan in the Democratic party right now that deals with nor addresses the economic crisis we are facing right now except to spend more to help out the American people.

On the flip side of this, the Republicans don't seem to want to come to reality either. We are in debt. The country is in debt. The people are in debt. And we are spending more money. There does not need to be a plan right now to spend more, but to spend LESS. The real issue here seems to be, we have lost the concept of accountability. Just keep spending, just keep giving bailouts, just keep living above your means. GM is already announcing that the bailout/loan they obtained will be dissolved by March.

We need to get back to the root problem and stop avoiding the real issue here. The economic crisis occurred because people lost the concept of accountability. Go ahead, live above your income, And I'm sorry, but President Obama does not differ from President Bush when it comes down to grasping this situation. Granted we need to give him a little bit more time to see what he can do, but even during his almost first week of office, he has shown that he still doesn't understand the concept that we as Americans ALL need to obtain.

I heard someone say recently, "I am glad this economic crisis happened. We were way to comfortable". I have to agree with this. Am I saying that I am glad thousands are losing their jobs? No. Am I saying that I am glad business are closing? No. But what I am saying is that we needed a huge wake up call to tell us that we need to get back down to where we are supposed to be. We as Americans are so blessed to live in this great country, but have we forgotten how we got to this point? What is it going to take? What has to happen, for us to realize that we have to live within our means?

Birth control? Is that the best you can come up with to solve our economic crisis? Comeone Pelosi. Why don't you wake up and smell the coffee and stop borrowing money from China so you can keep America going. We are the wealthiest country on earth and we can't pay our bills?

Like Rush Limbaugh said today, if her plan were to pass, or if they enacted her ludicrous way of thinking, all you would have to do is put this picture of Pelosi (above) in every cheap hotel room in the country the population would stay down.

Kurtis the stockboy and Brenda the checkout girl

2009-01-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again,outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well,let's take the kids with us."

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children.Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well,Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. He is a devout Christian and stands by that fact.

Interesting story!

Ready to Go?

2009-01-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

The whale-shaped airship, developed with French national aerospace research body ONERA, will be able to accommodate 40 guests and have a range of 5,000 km. Manned Cloud will have a cruising speed of 130 km/h and a top speed of 170 km/h. Two two-deck cabin will contain amenities including a restaurant, a library, a fitness suite and a spa. There will also be a sun deck on top of the double helium-filled envelopes.

MANNED CLOUD Cruise Airship, Paris, France

Living in the sky, watching the Earth from above. Rediscovering the marvel of traveling, experiencing contemplation. Exploring the world without trace Manned Cloud is an alternative project around leisure and travelling in all its form, economic and experimental, still with the idea of lightness, human experience and life scenarios as the guiding principles. The spiral of Archimedes is the driving force of this airship in the form of a whale that glides through the air. Manned Cloud is a hotel with a capacity of 40 passengers and staffed with 15 persons, that on a 3-day cruise in 170 km/h permits man to explore the world without a trace: to re-experience travelling, timelessness and enhance the consciousness of the beauty of the world - and to experience spectacular and exotic places without being intrusive or exploitative.

Pretty cool I thought. All they need is an In n Out up there and they woudl be set!

Major Changes...Favorite Group

2009-01-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

1/13/09 (Alexandria, Indiana) - With mixed emotions and tremendous optimism about the future, Gaither Music Group announces major personnel changes for the Gaither Vocal Band, including the return of some of the group's best-loved alumni.
After more than 14 years as the Gaither Vocal Band's lead singer, Guy Penrod will now begin a new journey. Bill Gaither is delighted to announce today that Guy is pursuing a new direction as a solo artist. It is a bittersweet transition as Penrod will miss sharing the stage with his comrades and he will be greatly missed.
Bill Gaither states, "I am losing a lead singer, but I am not losing a friend. I am extremely grateful for the incredible contribution he has made to the Gaither Vocal Band's legacy." Guy Penrod has said in response, "My years with the Gaither Vocal Band have been among the most glorious of my life. Now, though, with the Band continuing in strength and me tackling the new challenge of a solo career, we can all serve our God even more powerfully in the days to come."
As Gaither has stated at various times of transition, "You never replace a group member... you simply find a fresh, new direction." And with that philosophy at heart, Bill Gaither has gone far beyond simply replacing his long-time lead singer. He has completely recreated the Gaither Vocal Band, now expanding the size of the group from four members to five and bringing back an all-star cast of voices from the Vocal Band's rich legacy of talent.
Effective immediately, the new roster for the five-member Gaither Vocal Band will be: Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Michael English and Mark Lowry. Mark Lowry will complete all his previously scheduled solo engagements through April 2009 and will appear with the Gaither Vocal Band at every available opportunity during this transition, beginning with the Gaither Caribbean Cruise on February 22.
Marshall Hall, who has sung with the group since 2004, will no longer serve as the group's baritone and will be missed dearly by his friends both on and off the stage. He is a talented singer and producer, as well as an experienced worship leader, who will undoubtedly enjoy a solid future building on the experience gained during his five remarkable years with the Gaither Vocal Band.
The public's overwhelming early response to the January 20th release of The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion DVD, as well as the group's 2009 Grammy nomination, has already begun what could be the group's most unforgettable season yet.
The first live concert of 2009 will take place January 29 in Huntsville, Alabama, and tickets are still available. For more 2009 concert dates visit http://www.gaither.com/ and click on the 'Tickets' banner.

TV or Cell Phone....Not Your Choice

2009-01-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

I was reading on Drudge a few minutes ago, about this latest idea cell phone/TV/Internet companys are coming out with. Basically what they are saying is that if you own a cell phone you will be carrying a TV on your hip pocket very soon. This makes the argument almost irrelevant on which is worse: Internet or TV? What is the difference? As time wains on, the answer is there isnt one. The technology is becoming one. They are both becoming the same thing.

I was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about the latest "buzz thing" that is being presented right now at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The biggest tech guru's are saying "within 3 years, no longer will people have a television in their front room they can just turn on, buy they will actually have to log onto the Internet in order to watch a "live" program". Now they are saying that you will be able to access it (you already can to a limited extent) and watch what you want on your cell phone very soon. So how can we say we don't own a TV when we will be carrying one in our jacket, pocket, holster or briefcase? The argument goes on.........

I don't own a TV, but I thought this was an interesting article nonetheless.

Coming soon to cellphones: Free, over-the-air TV buzz.yahoo.com/article/usatoday/ By David Lieberman, USA TODAY

Millions of consumers by year's end should be able to watch free, over-the-air television on cellphones, PDAs and other portable digital devices as the result of initiatives that will be unveiled today by some of the nation's largest TV station owners and electronics manufacturers.

The changes promoting on-the-go viewing are "quite significant," says John Eck, president of the NBC TV Network and Media Works. "If we play it right, it can be a compelling service," for example, by offering local news, which normally isn't available from cellphone video services

At least 63 stations in 22 cities — including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston and Washington — will transmit news, entertainment and sports to portable devices this year, according to the broadcast industry's Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC).

The initial group will include affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CW, ION and PBS. Each city will have a different mix. Most will simulcast regularly scheduled shows.

In conjunction with the announcement, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, manufacturers including LG, Samsung, Zenith and Kenwood will display mobile receivers due in stores later this year.

Portable digital broadcasting became practical over the last few months. The OMVC zeroed in on an inexpensive transmission process that addresses a serious problem in the national switch from analog to digital television in February.

"The digital TV standard that was adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in 1996 was optimized for high-definition pictures on fixed sets," says LG Electronics USA's John Taylor. "But when you move around, the signal breaks up."

That affects the few current battery-powered portable digital TVs popular in disaster-prone areas.

Executives say that consumers with the specially equipped new receivers can watch shows in moving cars and trains.

Stations had to be able to receive a signal from the receivers, so they can tell advertisers how many people tune in, says ION Media Networks CEO Brandon Burgess, who's also president of the OMVC. That could later be used for interactive and subscription services.

Executives say that the new portable TVs can receive signals as far as 60 miles from the transmitter and can run up to about four hours before batteries need to be recharged.

New Years Ball Drop in Sacramento

2009-01-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

A new tradition started last night in Sacramento. At 12:00 PST a new years ball dropped in downtown similar to the Times Square event. Thousands gathered downtown and excitement was in the air, waiting for the magic number to come. Mayor Kevin Johnson was master of ceremonies for the night and got the crowd pumped up. I thought what a cool tradition to start on the west coast! Don't let all those New Yorkers have the fun! What better place to start it too! 5 minutes away from my house...

Did You Know?

2008-12-20T11:33:00.001-08:00

Did You Know? from Amybeth on Vimeo.

You Just Cant Fix Stupid

2008-12-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

A Season Ends

2008-12-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Lately it seems like everything has been going by at a great rate of speed. I guess the saying is "the older you get, the more time flies". EVEN AT A YOUNG AGE! Time becomes more precious to you as you begin to experience life and it sometimes slips away when you don’t notice. You have to begin to value it and cherish it and use it wisely because God has only given us so much time down here to make a difference. Someone once said that the one thing you can never get back is time and I believe it more than ever each day.

Almost 2 years ago an opportunity and time came into my life that would no doubt change it. It was one of those times that I hold dear and AM thankful for and do value. Little did I know I would end up in Nashville later recording an album with the freeWAY Quartet. So many friends made, so many memories filed, so many things learned. I’ve learned better pitch, I’ve learned more of how to use full voice and soft voice, I’ve learned better stage presence and TONS of other things! I have improved. Yet the season has changed once again and with that said, I make my exit.

I am resigning as lead of the freeWAY Quartet.

I have had some of the funnest times of my life and it has been a great ride. Lawrence is such a great guy and has one of the smoothest voices I have ever heard. When we were all sitting around writing verses to one of our songs, I had just written a verse and it came my time to sing it and I forgot the words. He just gave me that look he gives and loudly exclaimed "YOU WROTE THE VERSE"!! Keith is just hilarious. One of the most sensitive people I know when it comes to living for God. Always up for a joke and an unmistakable laugh. Bryce is a giver. He will go out of his way to make anybody feel good no matter what it takes or who they are. A lot of great memories. Bro. and Sis. Allard have a passion for singing like nobody else. They have poured so much into this group and have a burden for it. I hope they go far. Bro. Ken Fitzpatrick has such a burden for young people. If you want vocal training, this is the person to go to. His pursuit of excellence has left me in awe. What an incredible ear and person he is.

I hope the group continues to do well and I wish them the best. I will miss singing with you guys but am looking forward to the next adventure. I have no idea what it is or what it will bring, but I am excited and looking forward to what God has in store.

Thanks to all of you for your support over the last couple of years.

God Bless,

TS

Godly Heritage

2008-12-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

I am 5th generation Pentecost. Back in 1911, my Grandpa Mike received the Holy Ghost in Oklahoma. Shortly after, he started evangelizing. Starting churches in several states, (including California), and later on pastoring, he died in 1962 when he suffered a heart attack while preaching in Riverbank. What a heritage I'm thankful for.

An old invitation card to a revival

In the early years

Getting baptized

On the left middle holding the - I think it's a mandolinChurch Gathering

Introducing....

2008-12-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

New tri-fold design.

Christmas Music - Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr.?

2008-12-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-13T00:25:00.001-08:00

Ways to Annoy People

2008-12-09T21:46:00.000-08:00

Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies.
Specify that your drive through order is "to go."
If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.
Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.
Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."
Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think."
Practice making fax and modem noises.
Highlight irrelevant information on scientific papers and 'cc' them to your boss.
Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.
Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophecy."
Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.
Disassemble your pen and 'accidently' flip the ink cartridge across the room.
Holler random numbers while someone is counting.
Adjust the tint on your TV so all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."
Staple papers in the middle of the page.
Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a 'croaking' noise.
Honk and wave to strangers.
Decline to be seated at a restaurant and simply eat their complimentary mints by the cash register.
Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and re-route whole streets.
Repeat the following conversation a dozen times: "Do you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now."
Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin.
When nearly done, announce, "No wait, I messed it up" and repeat.
As much as possible, skip rather than walk.
Ask people what gender they are.
While making a presentation, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet.
Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars and see if they slow down.
Sing along at the opera.
Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.
Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook.
Mutter something about 'psychological profiles'.

LIFT Youth Conference

2008-12-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was LIFT Youth Conference 08'. The speaker this year was Bro. Greg Godwin and it was an incredible time. Young people pouring their hearts out and getting excited to go take on their world. Will try to post more later!

Celebrate the Season Concert

2008-12-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday night was an incredible time. With a full house of visitors and guests, it was a fun and exciting evening.

It started out with praise and worship and immediately after, the choir began to sing. After the choir, "Thrice Confirmed" sang and I followed. Up next was "Hands of Anointing" who did an incredible job at "Jesus Born on this Day" and "Carol of the Bells". I have to say they did incredible. I would look strange if I tried to do that hand stuff. I can barely focus on keeping the hands on the wheel while I'm driving. (It's really hard when you have a cheesburger and a starbucks in your hands)

Up next was the hilarious "Crunch and Munch". They had everybody in the building laughing like crazy that night. If anybody has ever seen "Bunch and Breeze" you will know what I am talking about.

After them was Luis Lenzi on saxophone. If you know Luis, you would know he is extremely talented on just about every instrument and not just sax. To the point of playing at Ray Charles funeral several years back when he passed on. That same night doing sound for Stevie Wonder.

It was time for Karen Harding. All the way from Nashville, what can I say? So much talent, so much anointing. After she was done, almost everybody was in the alters seeking God. After awhile she took it back over and it turned into a shoutn' service. Incredible, anointed job.

What an awesome night and I know I havent put into words what it was really like but I will post some pics so you can see kind of what happened.

Special thanks to everybody who made this night a complete success!

Church before concert not decorated yet

"Thrice Confirmed" singing a jazzy rendition of "Jingle Bells"

"Hands of Annointing"

The hilarious "Crunch and Munch"

Saxophone master Luis Lenzi on "Oh Holy Night"

Karen on "It's the Most Wonderful Time"

Alter Call

Luis chilling at the house afterwords

Karen and Mom

Christy and Kris, Karens sister and nephew

Tomorrow!

2008-11-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Dont forget, tomorrow is the big day and you are all invited. Couple of surprise guests will be there and it's gonna be a great time.

Remembering

2008-11-13T00:56:00.001-08:00

I was parousing around on you-tube last night and found these videos of Anthony Burger. It still seems hard to believe he is gone. When I read the blogs that he had passed away while playing "We Shall Behold Him" on a cruise ship over 2 years ago I couldnt believe it. I grew up listening to him on the ever so-popular Gaither Homecoming videos and I like to go back every now and then and just remember how incredible he really was. I remember when meeting him and talking to him he was just as humble as ever. Watching him in concert always eneded up with a standing ovation. There was nobody really like him and I'm not sure there will ever be.

2008-11-13T00:55:00.001-08:00

You're Invited

2008-11-09T15:43:00.001-08:00

History is Made

2008-11-04T22:27:00.001-08:00

History was made tonight as America elected the first African-American man as President of the United States. I thank God for America and what she stands for. Whoever is in office, it is still America. The land of the free and the home of the brave.

I will say that both campaigns were gracious in their acceptance and conceding speeches. No throwing names but both parties saying that it is time for American to move forward together. Even though I didn't get who I wanted in office, it still is awesome that America has this freedom to vote and choose who you want. Thank God for this freedom.

Congratulations Mr. Obama on making history.

Exercise Your American Right

2008-11-03T20:52:00.001-08:00

Today our country has an option. To make history or to do whats right. Sometimes people get so mixed up in their choices that they forget what is more important. To do the right thing....or to simply go upon what their emotions or feelings are telling them. Emotions are momentary and can change at the drop of a hat.

Listening to Barack Obama, I will have to admit, he is a good orator. He can get people excited with his talk of change and his big words, to the point so where all you hear and remember how exciting he was.

"Do you remember that speech"?

"Look at how much energy he has"

But when you begin to examine his words and content, the void and emptiness of the words he portrays, actually begin to sink in.

But still, your emotions are stirring because of the way he spoke about change or the way he chose his words concerning our future. When you talk about change, your imagination begins to take off. You think about

"what would it be like if things were different"

I guess it depends on your definition of different. What would it be like with a leader who didn't believe in God. What would it be like with a leader who didn't have any moral character? Would it be different with a leader who doesn't think the American flag is honourable?

The answer is yes. It would be change. It would be different.

Granted we all need to change sometimes; but the kind of change that some people would like to offer is not the kind of change that align with God, morals, human dignity or the basic fundamental, individual rights this country was founded on.

That is why I ask you this day, don't vote on something today that you wish wouldn't have voted on tomorrow. Don't vote on something in which your emotions are telling you to do because it sounds nice. Or it has the words "change".

Don't vote on something that when you look back in 6 months you wish you wouldn't have voted that way. The American dream is something that the whole world dreams of. Don't destroy that dream. Tomorrow, get out and vote for what is right.

Exercise your right as an American citizen. The right that many countries long for. The right that many people dream about and long to have. The right that is just an idea or a tale to some people. Get out and do what makes this country the greatest country on earth.......

vote

Return

2008-11-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad returned from Washington yesterday. They took some pretty cool pics while they were back there and I thought I would post some . The weather is exquisite back there right now I guess and they said they had a really good time....but still how can you not on a cruise.

Tomb of the "Unkown Solider"

Ground Zero

To Early for Thanksgiving Dinner?

2008-10-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ok so I was busy drilling my class for finals, which are this week, when I happened to look out the window of my classroom and saw a surprise. A flock of huge wild turkeys. Of course then the class saw them and I might as well have just sent everybody home. Their attention span was ................ very short.

These turkeys are wild and often roam around parts of Citrus Heights. It's kinda neat to see them show up every now and I was reminded once again today, that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Then Christmas. Then MY BIRTHDAY!!! lol I am getting old. Only 31 more years till I can start to draw social security. Of course there probably wont be any money left by then, but hey can I can dream cant I?

The church is coming along. There is still alot of work left to do, but it looks a ton better than what it did a few months ago. The drapes still have to be hung, steps poured, carpet added, wires ran, lights put in, screens put up, and yet so much has been done already. The soundmen will be here on the 22 of next month to do the install. Every ones really jazzed right now and the finished product is going to look incredible.

I looked back at a picture of the church before the remodel began and I will have to admit....part of me wanted to go back. Part of me missed the old look and building. And although the change was necessary for growth purposes, I guess everyone kind of resists change to some point. Things were going great. The church was growing (and is still), things were hoppin, and everyone seemed to be settling in. I guess God likes to shake us up once in awhile and keep us from settling in! Sometimes it takes a earthquake to make us wake up and pay attention. Why is that? Why cant the human nature do what needs to be done and pay attention. I dont have all the answers but I can say that I dont want a big negative event in my life to make me wake up. Something I dont want to deal with. Something I wish I didnt have to deal with because it could have been dealt with before this event happened. I just want to wake up so I can avoid calamity and just do what God wants me to do!

Happy Halloween from the Obama Household!

2008-10-29T23:57:00.001-07:00

Found this tonight and it was hilarious. Welcome to Halloween night at the Barack Obama household! It's just audio.

To Early for Christmas Carols?....Or Not?

2008-10-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

So.....when is too early to start playing Christmas Carols? Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I love listening to them, although after awhile it does get old. But what is too early to start playing and listening to carols on the radio or in your home. I was reading that there are some stations that started playing songs back in September and will go all the way through January. Is this to early? When do you start playing carols?

I know it's such a pointless subject to talk about, but I know that it is a question that comes to your mind every year. Should I play one now? Should I even start looking for the Cd's that I don't even know where I put last year? Should I turn on Harry Connick Jr. and just kick back while he sings "Sleigh Ride?" Or is it to early? Am I going to get tired of them sooner rather than later?

I was listening to XM the other day and all of a sudden Bing Crosby came on singing his acclaimed favorite, "White Christmas". As a Bing "fan", I have always loved listening to him no matter what season. Where I grew up, it always was a white Christmas. Typically 2 ft of snow on the ground and just sitting back on the couch drinking coffee waiting for all the relatives to leave.

I think after I get out of the Christmas season, I am sick and tired of hearing the same songs over, and over and over and it takes me awhile to rejuvenate and get ready for the next year. I feel the urge coming on right now just to break them all out and just start listening to them. But if I do that, I will be sick of them by Christmas so as for right now, I remain strong. I will not, I will not I will not. Well maybe just one....

I remember growing up listening to Elvis singing "Blue Christmas" and the Chipmunks singing to "Dave". David Phelps singing "Oh Holy Night" or Mark Lowry belting out his song "Mary Did you Know?" Probably one of the many favorites would be Jingle Bell Rock. What awesome memories! While mom and dad are over in New York right now on a cruise with the Mullings and Nelsons, I am enjoying this time just sitting at home thinking about these things. All the good times we would have. If theres ever a time that I am sentimental, its Christmas.

When do you all start playing carols? Do you have any favorites you can listen to for 3 months straight? I for one think I am going to wait awhile.....at least 1 more day. Oh what a great time of year!!

John McCain Brings Down The House

2008-10-16T22:46:00.001-07:00

John McCain brought the house down tonight at the Al Smith charity dinner in New York attended by Barack Obama and a houseful of politicians. No matter what anybody says about him, he does have a great sense of humor. Maybe he needs to just start telling jokes at his campaign rallys and he might win.

Communication Basics 101

2008-10-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

OK so I am in Food Max about 7:00 at night trying to find some milk for my Grandma who stayed with us for about 3 days. Her and my mom got hungry for their favorite cereal and just had to have some milk. I don't know if I was in the right place at the right time, but I am walking down the cold isle and I start to double over with laughter because all of a sudden over the intercom I hear the following dialogue:

"Ray, the truck is here. Can you come to the back and unlock the back door?"

-pause

"Hello, testing"

-pause

"Ray, we need the keys to the back door"

-pause

"Ray, never mind Bob got it, I forgot your on lunch"

-pause

"Ray we cant find Bob, can you come back to the backdoor and unlock it for us?"

-pause

"Has anybody seen Ray"?

-pause

"Well we need somebody back here to open this door?"

-pause

"Will Ray and Bob come to the back door, we need to unload the truck"

-pause

"Never mind I had the key"

Gotta love those moments. Being an ex-assistant manager of a grocery store made it even more humorous.

Anything like that ever happened to you?

Look Out Below

2008-10-10T16:46:00.001-07:00

New Design

2008-10-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some ideas I designed for "The Pentecostal Church" pastored by Bro. Nathan J Hurst in Hollister, CA. I thought they turned out nice. The 'Soul Winners Boot Camp" is going to be there in a couple of weeks and they are going to pass out over 10,000 of them! Awesome!

Once Again, A Homerun!

2008-10-02T21:00:00.001-07:00

The most anticipated debate of the year is now over and I have to say that Sarah Palin did herself good. With all the media of her latley and junk in the news, people had low expectations for her tonight. Palin exceeded all expectations as she debated Sentator Joe Biden in Washington. Her speech and non-nervous answers went above and beyond what people thought as they debated. Listening to talk radio tonight after the speech, democrats were just calling in saying even though they were supporting Obama, they had to say that Palin really did good tonight. Just another reason to vote for her! I'm voting for Palin....and that guy thats running with her!

Taking Your Music Ministry One Step Higher

2008-09-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is an article I took from southerngospelnews.com that was written by vocal coach "Bill Baize" He has got some incredible things to say. I know it's long read, but it is worth it!

This month I feel that I am writing about one of the most important elements of quality performance of songs before an audience. That is the element of INTERPRETATION such as how we express ourselves in front of the audience. We all know that we need to sing our songs so that the audience enjoys them. In turn, if the audience is enjoying what they are hearing, they are more likely to receive the message that is being conveyed by the words of the song. HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES IN FRONT OF THE AUDIENCE IS A COMBINATION OF SEVERAL THINGS SUCH AS: STYLE - The pronunciation of words, the way we stand and move on the stage. the way we react to the audience applause, the way we enter and exit the stage. the way we dress for the concert, the obvious respect that we show for our audience in our talking between songs and IN the GOSPEL MUSIC ministry, THE ABSOLUTE RESPECT WE DISPLAY FOR OUR LORD.

A. We should always work on pronouncing our words clearly enough that everyone in the audience is able to understand what we are saying.

B. We should stand erect when we are singing , most of the time, except for the times that we might alter our stance in an expressive action to emphasize a certain word or phrase in interpretation during a solo performance or, in the case of a group performance, moving around some and perhaps altering your physical stance to a degree is very acceptable for the featured singer on a song.

One of my pet peeves, is when a quartet is singing and there is one person featured , some joker behind him or her is moving around, fidgeting, buttoning and unbuttoning a coat, grabbing a drink of water or doing one of many other inane activities which distract from the featured message being delivered about Jesus. If you have to be the center of attention that much, then you don’t belong singing in a gospel group. You need to start your own solo show! Because that is what you are doing trying to draw the attention to yourself and away from the group , which in turn draws attention away from the message being delivered in song. After all, isn’t Gospel Music all about the message? I hate to break it to you, but it is not all about you! (Or me) When one singer is featured on a song, then the rest of the group should stand in an orderly respectful manner with their eyes on that singer, not because that singer is all that good looking, but because he or she is delivering the message at that particular time, and if you are distracting from that then you are doing just what the old devil wanted. You are taking people’s attention off of the message being delivered. Then when that feature is finished the group needs to move into some orderly, respectable , stance as a group to sing whatever parts the group is going to sing. One of the best ways this situation can be worked out, in a pleasing manner to the group and the Lord, is to practice this (what I call staging) in front of some of the groups family members who can give an unbiased opinion about what the group looks like on the stage. You might also ask a mature singer, who has been working in a group for many years, to watch your group and help you to eliminate the distractions from your message. You can have one of the best songs, and a great voice, but if you don’t understand how to deliver your message, then you will miss a real good opportunity to really minister to people in a way that will draw attention to JESUS and help them find their way to HIM. Singing Gospel Music is not just a GIG, as singing is called in most other kinds of music. Singing Gospel music is a ministry to be done to the very best of one’s ability, because he or she is doing it for the Lord, and to be done in a manner that represents the absolute AWE that we should have for our Jehovah God.

C. Thirdly, in the effort to bring honorable interpretation and expression to our singing in front of a crowd, we should understand how to react to audience applause. I know that I am older and really from a different era, but when I grew up the only place that there was applause was in an auditorium. Today we clap for the Lord in almost every church that I go into, and much of the applause really seems to be for the worship band and not the Lord. (That is another subject). If you are singing a concert in an auditorium, then you should react to the applause that your singing receives in a mutually respectful way to your audience. They are respecting your ability to perform music and showing their appreciation for your performance by applauding. In this setting it is very appropriate to take a bow. Don’t overdo it or under do it . The bow needs to be done in a classy and humble way, that makes people understand that you are grateful for their kindness and appreciation of your singing. If you are using a church auditorium for a concert venue, then the same rules apply.

However, if you are in a worship service and sing a song that elicits applause, I believe it is very acceptable to slightly bow your head only and wait until the applause subsides, then tell the people thanks for their kindness to you. Find a place to sit down and do it immediately so the rest of the service can continue. The only exemption to this should be if the minister of the church where you are singing feels led of the Lord to have you sing that song again or another song.

You must remember when you are a guest singer in a church , during a regularly scheduled service, that you are to always respect what the leader of the service feels is right to do, and we should always be cooperative with that. I have heard some singers complain because they thought their singing was so important that they should have been able to sing more songs or give more testimony etc. in a church service where they were invited to sing as a part of the regular service. Get over yourself, you nor I neither one are that important. God has many workers, and we as singers are just some of them. We must respect other people’s callings, if we are ever to be successful in ministering in music for our precious Lord.

D. Fourthly, entering and exiting the stage or platform is a very important part of our expression and interpretation of music. In the first few seconds of your appearance on the stage or platform, people will make a decision about whether you are worthy of listening to or not. How you do this, is extremely important. I should do an entire column on this, and I may later, but for now I will hit a couple of high points. 1. Enter the stage or come to the platform, when it is time for you to sing , in a respectfully enthusiastic manner. This will vary from an auditorium, where things are a little more relaxed, to a church service, where things are generally a little more formal. Both venues need the respectful enthusiasm, however the church needs to see it more in your body language in how you approach the area where you are going to sing, which needs to necessarily be more respectfully done. In the auditorium the approach, when entering the stage, can still be respectful, but can have a bit more of enthusiastic body language especially when the auditorium is very large and there is a large crowd.

Most of your entrance, and performance in a large auditorium, can make use of larger motions physically than what you can use in a church, even a large church, and especially a smaller one.

Most of what I am trying to say is that to minister to everybody, we must understand that different venues should be handled in a somewhat different manner. They all have the basic need to be approached with respectful enthusiasm, but each one needs different levels of respectfulness, and enthusiasm. It is your job to pray about, and to use good logic about, what you need to act like on each occasion.

E. Fifthly and lastly, I want to approach the topic of RESPECT YOUR AUDIENCE.

1. Don’t prate on about a lot of inane things. When you talk, say something intelligent or don’t talk at all. Just sing your songs and let them minister to the people. This is especially important in a large concert, whether it is in a large church or a large auditorium. Not everybody wants to hear all the problems you had in the past week. They have come to be lifted up in spirit. God sent you with a message in song to do that. If you defeat that by lingering on negatives, and talking on an on about things that matter only to you, then you will ruin your opportunity to actually minister to the people who are in the audience. BEFORE YOU GO OUT TO SING, PRAY THAT GOD WILL HELP YOU TO DISCERN WHAT IS REALLY NEEDED IN THE PARTICULAR SITUATION THAT YOU ARE IN AT THAT MOMENT IN TIME. I believe that more singers, especially groups, are hindered in their ministry by trying to talk when they need to just sing. IF YOU ARE EVER IN DOUBT at all about whether what you are going to say is relevant to the situation you are in, then DON’T SAY IT. There is much more that needs to be said about this topic, but I will have to leave it for a later time.

Remember: Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is on your side” Until next time God bless you and keep you in the “Shelter of His Arms”

In His Service,

Bill Baize

I GOT POST-IT NOTED!!!!

2008-09-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and found my truck has about a thousand post it notes stuck all over it. It was one of the girls in the church's birthday party last night and they went crazy I guess. O well it puts me that much closer to actually having to wash it! :).........revenge is sweet.

Incredibly Busy

2008-09-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful night here in Citrus Heights. About 55 degrees and very clear. I am about to go jogging. The diet goes well. I have lost a total of .0000001 lbs. Incredible. All the rumors I heard about peanut butter speeding up your metabolism are true. I have been very busy lately and have hardly had a chance to do anything else but work and get stuff at the church done. The carpet people called today and said the carpet wouldn't be laid until next Tuesday so everyone was kind of bummed. You know how it is when you are waiting for something to be done and you want it done NOW!! Its just incredible how the church looks and everything is going great. I got back home this weekend from San Diego at about 5:30 am Monday morning. Needless to say, I was kind of wiped out from driving all night. I went to bed and got up at 7:30 and went and taught school till 3. It was a rough day, but I got through it. Went back home about 2 and crashed until 7 that night and then crashed again about an hour later. I am intrigued by the Presidential race. What is going to happen? This weekend down South, Bro Art Hodges, the Southern Districts Superintendent, talked about the latest on all of the bills being passed in CA. Some are pretty scary. He made the comparison about having a leader with a rumored Muslim background and a leader with a Pentecostal background. It was kind of reassuring to once again hear that God is in control. I used to get all into forums and debates, but if I can just remember that God is in control no matter what we go through or the country goes through, everything will be alright. I stopped worrying. I get to stay home for a couple of weekends (I think). I have been home for a total 2 weekends in the last 4 months so its going to be nice. I walked into the church a couple of weekends ago and there were people there that I didn't even recognize. I am looking forward to it. This last weekend, freeWAY had the opportunity to sing down at the Anchor Church pastored by Bro and Sis James Larson. While there I had the pleasure of meeting Hugh Mclellen. Hugh is a bass singer and an incredible guy. So humble and yet so great with vocals. Anyway, just thought I would drop a line. Have a good one!!

Random Thoughts

2008-09-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting here on my couch right now eating a Dryers Strawberry ice cream fruit juice bar. These things are good. Real fruit and everything. I am kind of tired and getting ready to hit the sack. Last night me and Lawrence Trump got in about 2:30 AM from Delano so needless to say, as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out. 7:30 came too early but the bills still seem to come on time so I got up and went to work. Our church remodel is going great. We just got the chairs in and the pews out. The whole place looks incredible. So much bigger. Painting and carpet comes in the next 2 weeks so it is nearing the end of the project. I haven't been as involved in it as I want to be but then again I have only been home for 2 weekends these last 4 months. Things are keepin busy and I am thankful. I just got back from jogging (yes I know some of you are laughing) and I am trying to lose the weight. I figure if I want to live past the age of 30 I better drop some. It's not the question of "can I lose it", but its the question of "why do I want to?" It's a matter of discipline. I live within walking distance of Hometown Buffet. If that's not a temptation I don't know what is. They are building a Coolhand Lukes right next to it and that's not going to help any. Hometown in its idea is pretty neat....its the only place where you can get chocolate milk on tap!! I remember my fellow co-worker used to say that "if a place has chocolate milk on tap, something is wrong with it." Don't get me wrong, its ok every now and then but not all the time. I have been thinking lately, about trying to organize myself more. I walked into my office the other day and there was a coffee cup that had mold in it. Gross!! I guess it was just over to the side where I couldn't see it. But I really am getting more organized. I organized about 400 random papers the other night that were in my desk and I feel alot better about it. I had lost some things and my problem is I am just always in such a hurry to get things done so I just throw it somewhere. Things are going great! Have a good one! TS

Examining Palins Pentecostal Background

2008-09-10T00:31:00.000-07:00

"This was an interesting article which I thought was very intriguing. Thought I would share it."

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin dropped in on the Wasilla Assembly of God, the church she and her family attended until 2002. During the service, she addressed a group of young missionaries and said she had a "word" from the Lord for them. She prayed that Jesus would give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation.

"That spirit of revelation also including the spirit of prophecy that God's going to tell you what is going on, and what is going to go on, and you guys are going to have that within you, and it's just going to bubble up and bubble over and it's going to pour out throughout the state of Alaska," Palin said at the time.

Margaret Poloma, at the University of Akron, has written several books on Pentecostalism and is herself a Pentacostal Christian.

Poloma has listened to the tape of the governor's Assembly of God address and says of Palin's faith: "It seems to me that she's the real McCoy."

Poloma says faith in divine revelation, prophecy and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit are hallmarks of the Pentecostal faith.

Palin now goes to a nondenominational Bible church when she's in Wasilla, but her years attending Pentecostal churches, including the one she currently attends in Juneau, have no doubt shaped her faith and, possibly, her view of world events.

For example, at the same service, Palin talks about the war in Iraq.

"Pray our military men and women who are striving to do what is right also for this country — that our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God," Palin said. "That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that plan is God's plan."

Poloma says some people might hear that and say Palin believes this is a holy war, or that Pentecostals think this is a holy war.

"I would think it's fair to say. Yes," Poloma says.

One reason, Poloma says, is that most Pentecostals believe Islam is a false religion. "Many times you hear it referred to as a kind of diabolical religion, and that comes from the idea of Christianity being the true religion, but also their support for Israel, because they contend that Israel [represents] God's chosen people and you dare not touch them."

She says this points to a central belief that there is a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. It was language Palin used when accepting the nomination on Wednesday night when she spoke of the war on terrorism and it was language used by Palin's current pastor, Mike Rose, at Juneau Christian Center.

"Have you ever felt that way about devil, the ultimate terrorist?" he asked.

Pentecostals believe God routinely intervenes in human affairs and Palin sounded like a Pentecostal when she asked people at Wasilla Assembly of God to pray about building a gas pipeline through Alaska.

"I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that," she said.

Darrell Bock, a New Testament scholar at Dallas Theological Seminary, says some Pentecostals hold to their convictions in the face of opposition because they believe they are in tune with the will of God.

"What faith does in this case is fuel a sense of mission and direction," Bock says. "It can also produce a little bit of element of certainty about that direction."

Bock, however, warns against drawing conclusions about anyone's policies from his or her faith. "Trying to figure out what the link is between a person's faith and their politics is very, very difficult business because there is so much pragmatically and ideologically that's also driving what's going on," he says. "There's not just the faith element."

Bock says President Bush and Democratic nominee Barack Obama have already been through this sort of spiritual vetting. Now it's Palin's turn.

Fun Weekend

2008-09-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

When I was up in Oregon two weekends ago I got to spend some time with my friends Holly Sue and Jeremy Mullings and Pastor Ted and Georgia Graves. Bro and Sis Graves have pastored in Greshem OR for over two years and are doing incredible. When we were in Paradise, they would come preach and sing for us quite a bit. Great people.

It was good to see them again and just hang out for a couple of days. They took me to one of the best barbecue places I have ever been in my life. Cant remember what its called though. Then we went to a ball game and unfortunately the home team was about as energetic as me when I'm on a diet driving past Hometown.

Oregon is beautiful this time of year and the weather is about 75 degrees.

Sarah Palin tears it up at convention

2008-09-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

Sarah Palin made an outastanding speech tonight at the Republican Convention. She had nerve, confidence and did a tremendous job at delivering. This is just an excerpt from tonight, but it got better as it went on. They have my vote.

Gustav

2008-09-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

An estimated 95 percent of Louisiana's 2 million coastal residents had fled ahead of Hurricane Gustav by Sunday evening in the largest evacuation in state history, Louisiana's governor said. The streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans clear out as residents evacuate in anticipation of Hurricane Gustav. More than 200,000 people have left New Orleans, leaving an estimated 10,000 people in the city Sunday night, Gov. Bobby Jindal said, citing New Orleans' police chief.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin had demanded an evacuation of the city, which still is recovering from 2005's Hurricane Katrina. Forecasters warned Gustav -- a Category 3 storm Sunday night -- could hit Louisiana with devastating effect late Monday morning or early Monday afternoon. Jindal said New Orleans' levees should "barely hold or barely be overtopped" if the storm, as predicted Sunday evening, hit southwest of the city.

But even a slight shift to the east could bring "very significant flooding in these areas," he said.

Final Cruise Pics

2008-08-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

Sig Sound/Gaither Vocal Band

Chefs

Reggie and Lady-Love Smith

Icebergs

Glacier

Ummm a big clock

Janet Paschal

Jesse Dixon

Lounge Area

Hallway to my room

Back on Land!

2008-08-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am back and am in Gresham, OR for the weekend with Bro and Sis Graves. I must say, I am glad to be back on land and have a chance to write a few goings on that happened during the Homecoming cruise to Alaska. I wish I could have written more while I was on there, but I just couldn't bring myself really to pay almost $1.00 per minute to use their service....outrageous! I started out 1 week ago and drove to Seattle, WA and left sailing about 4:00 that afternoon. The room I was in was pretty nice and they come about 2 times per day to tidy it up for you and to vacuum it. I was like....cool! That night was the first concert and everybody was packed into the stage area and auditorium. It lasted for about 2 hours each and every night of the week. There is just something about Gaither music that is really great. I know I know if somebody visits my blog and reads this, they will be like .....Gaithers? Aren't they old? The truth is, the comedy and choice of songs sang are very new but still have a southern gospel feel to them. To truly appreciate them and what they do, you have to go to one of their concerts. The concert lineup was (I think these are all of them) Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haas and Signature Sound, The Hoppers, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Janet Paschal, Ben Speer, Gene McDonald, Lynda Randle, Booth Brothers, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Buddy Greene, Gordan Mote, Joy Gardner, Reggie and Lady-Love Smith, and Jesse Dixon. Awesome stuff! Tuesday was kind of a rough night because it was terrible weather and the ship was tossing and turning all night long. I felt like I would never eat again. Of course that changed the next morning. Favorite parts of the cruise.....hmmm... There are many. Favorite was going into town, eating lunch and hanging out with Lynda Randle and her daughter Patience. What a blast. Lynda is such a real person and so is her family. Her Husband Michael is a youth pastor back home in Missouri and really cool to talk to. Great people and great friends! Second...I was sitting by Wayne Haun during one of the concerts and we both ordered drinks. Wayne is a Dove Award winning songwriter and producer for the Gospel music field. We got too talking about some stuff, and when the soft drinks got there Wayne went backstage got two glasses and right in front of 600 people brought me a glass of ice for my soda. I was like......cool, this guy is pretty nice. He now plays piano for Signature Sound and is their producer and arranger for their songs. Really neat to talk to. Third....talking to Bill Gaither. Bill is quiet. Not what you would expect. He doesn't say much but is a professional in everything he does. Him and Gloria are such sweet people and what an example to younger writers and artists who are coming up in the field. Nobody has done for gospel music what Bill Gaither has in my opinion. Fourth...Talking to Wes and Andrea Hampton. Wes is the tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band and such an incredible singer. Him and his wife have two boys and the third one is on the way! Such sweet people and really cool to talk to. You know how your really nervous talking to people sometimes and don't know what to say, so you nod your head and make up things like "uh uh" and "ooohhhh ya" and "sweeeett" but you didn't have to do that with them. Michael Randle (Lynda's Husband) introduced me to them and they just sat right down and started talking. I remember thinking ......wow this is so cool. There are so many other things that went on that I wish I could tell you about but for the sake of this post I think I will stop for awhile. The food was incredible on the ship. All night long there was a buffet going on. You basically got up, ate, went back to bed, got up, ate lunch, went back to bed, got up ate a snack, then ate dinner then ate your second dinner. If you have ever been on a cruise you know what I am talking about. The last dinner we had lobster tail and filet mignon. Here are some more pics.

Cruisin in Alaska

2008-08-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Dont have long to write, but thought I would post some pics really quick. There are alot of things going on right now that I will tell when I get a land line service but havn a great time and will be home late on Sunday.

The man himself

Ernie Haas from Sig Sound

Eating Lunch with Lynda Randle

Cooks

Ice Sculpture

Signature Sound

Singers

Captain

More Cruise Pics

2008-08-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Alaska

Wes Hampton GVB tenor, his wife, and me

Mike Hopper

Gaither Homecoming Cruise

2008-08-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

I dont have long to post since every minute is costing me $.75, but I am in Alaska right now on the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in the middle of the ocean. It is beautiful here. The cruise itself has been a blast getting to see alot of the singers and talking to them. Tomorow we should see the glaciers that supposedly are melting because of Global warming. There are alot of things goin on but I will try to get to a coffee shop tomorow where I will have more time to post

My ship the Amsterdam

Comedian John Branyan

Bass singer extrodinare Gene McDonald

Me and Ben Speer

Me and Dove Award winning producer Wayne Haun in the buffet line

Me and Joy Gardner

Infamous Gaither Vocal Band

Hoppers

Gaither Vocal Band/ Sig. Sound

Homecoming Friends

Signature Sound Quartet

Campmeeting 08'

2008-08-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

If you want to see some great pics of Campmeeting 08' visit Steve and Debbie Saiz' blog by clicking here.

Back Home...really

2008-08-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

I am back home and am glad. Its been a long journey and I am happy to be back here....for 5 days anyway...then I am gone again. Good services today and the church is looking incredible. I will take some pictures tomorrow and post them.

So lets see. I drove home on Saturday morning from campmeeting and got in right in time to take a 5 minute shower, get back into my suit and go sing at Janell's wedding in Elk Grove. So needless to say, I was kind of wiped out when I got home that night about 10.

Campmeeting was great this year. The night speaker was Jerry Jones and the day speaker among others, was Bill Davis. If you have never heard Bill Davis, he is an incredible speaker who can bring things out you never would have even thought of.

The quartet sang on Thurs. Eve. and Thurs. morning. This week is Senior Camp down in Santa Maria. My sister and some youth from the church are down there right now and I guess having a blast.

Any other news?..........I don't think so.

Will post some pics tomorrow when I get a chance. Here are some pics courtesy of Shirley

Buxtons blog.

BACK HOME!....almost

2008-08-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

I made it back to the home State. This last weekend I was in Tucson, AZ with Bro. Paul Connors at their beautiful church. I stayed with Delmon Sansom Thursday through Monday. Delmon is the Arizona District Youth President, and him and his wife are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Friday night was youth service and was awesome! A packed out house of about 150 young people. Saturday I went over to the Connors and we all went swimming and hung out all day and did the whole eating thing. Sunday morning rolled around and I got to see their church in full view. The whole back of their church behind the platform is all glass. When you look out the glass , it overlooks the mountain ranges in Tucson....beautiful. After church we went to a place called "Famous Dave's". It was really good. The ribs were great. Sunday night rolled around and afterwords a lady got baptized!!! Awesome. After service that night was over, we went to a Claim Jumpers and then a Monsoon decided to hit. I was drenched. The next morning I said the goodbyes and headed out to Western District/SO CAL Camp meeting. I arrived at around 7 pm. I had been working on a presentation for Home Missions and hadn't finished it yet. So needless to say I didn't get to go to church that night but headed straight for the hotel to work on it. I got there and stayed up straight until 8:30 the next morning and went over to meet Bro Hill and Bro Flowers to make adjustments. We did it and I went up to sing that morning, went back down left, came back, sang again and worked all day on finishing the project up. Needless to say, I was wiped out. No sleep in over 38 hours and I was barely able to make it back to the hotel. I got in and crashed. Just got up so I am now back home and I will Post some pics of camp meeting later.

Bro Connors

Tucson, AZ

2008-08-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

I got into Tucson last night about 1:00. After driving 1200 miles in 18 hours, I am kind of wiped out. Will post more later.

Lion - Friend or Foe

2008-07-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

I found this on James Wilder's blog and thought it was so neat that I would post it on here. This is really cool. Watch the beginning story and the rest is really really great.

Musings....

2008-07-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here at the table in the hotel room, relaxing after just making a Starbucks run to satisfy my caffeine cravings. Nothing like a white-hot peppermint mocha (fat free because it taste better) still with whipped cream, to put me to sleep. I am sitting here in Broken Arrow, OK pondering ideas for a presentation I am working on for the Home Missions dept. It has to be done by camp meeting so I am trying to come up with catchy pictures and ideas so it will present itself as a professional type of media presentation. By the way, camp meeting is just around the corner. It seems like it was just here not to long ago. Hard to believe a year has past. Its the last camp meeting with the Northern and the Southern districts together so everyone is thinking its gonna be big. I will say there is NOTHING like California Camp Meeting. I am almost ready to come home. While being out a lot this summer, it's been a great experience. A lot of great people met. This weekend I was with the Marshalls here in Supulpa, OK. Had a great time over the weekend. There are some pics of their kids and them below. The humidity is great here still. You walk outside and you melt.... Blog spot came out with something great in the last little while that is really neat. It's a new blogger-friend list side-bar for the blog. Now you can see what the latest topic that certain blogger has posted without even going to their blog. And when they updated their blog AND who has updated the last. Not that I'm saying it's a pain just to click on their link and go there, but now you can see if there's anything new to read without going to their site and coming back. I am headed out Thursday morning early and hopefully will make it all the way through Arizona by Friday. Thanks for all your prayers everyone and I look forward to seeing you all back home and at campmeeting.

More pics of the Church

Bro. and Sis. Marshall

Their oldest son Jarrod

Their youngest son Jameson

Church Building Pics

2008-07-26T20:17:00.001-07:00

I am far, far from home, but friends from home are sending me pictures of what FAC looks like right now. We are currently in the process of remodeling the church and everything pretty much looks like it is tore up. They are enlarging the sanctuary to provide a larger platform and additional seating space.

Pretty exciting and wish I was there.

Pics

2008-07-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Church

Jeremy Hart, a young singer and awesome songwriter

Me and Stan Cook. Stan sang with the McGruders for years and is still is awesome.

Me with the Huntleys. Back about 20 years ago when we were in North Carolina, they dedicated my brother. Incredible and such humble people.

My room.

Oklahoma Campground

2008-07-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of the Oklahoma Campground. These are from last nights service. Some of the pics are from on the platform behind the district officials heads. I know they aren't that great but I really didn't think it was the best time to ask them to turn around and smile.

District Board

Audience

Bro Huntley Preaching

2008-07-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

I ran across this sitting in "Charlies Bean" Coffeeshop today between services. If you have a sense of humor, and you have been around the UPC, you will think this is funny.....if you dont........its pretty good!

There and Back Again

2008-07-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

I am back in Oklahoma now and am recovering from the 13 hour drive by sipping coffee in "Charlies Bean", a really cool coffee shop here in the town of Mustang. I am at the Oklahoma Camp meeting this week and am just kind of hanging around selling Cd's. I love California.

The daytime Bible teacher is Bro. Harold Hoffman. The night time preacher tonight is Bro Wayne Huntley. For the past 3 nights it has been Bro James Booker. The crowd is about 3000-3500 and is a really beautiful campground. They have owned it here for about 50 years they said and it is really well maintained which makes me want one back in California for our district.

I sat next to the Godwins last night and their choir sang and tore it up. There is a lot of different things going on here and I will post some pics when I get them tonight.

It was like a cousins reunion last weekend back in Indiana and I am glad I am on the way back home. Well about another week and a half. I preached Sunday morning in Linton, IN and Sunday eve. in Terre Houte a town about 40 miles north of Linton. The church back home is going through a major remodel right now and I am missing all the fun. You know, people getting hit with hammers, cuts, bruises, tiredness, the whole bit.

I don't know, I feel a little irritable today. Maybe its been all the time changes an such, but I just feel like I need to go take a long nap. Here are some pics of the road.

Cousins with Grandpa an Grandma

My brother Trent and our cousin Josh goofn off

Kadee Me, Trent and Josh

Concert in the Park. The church here made over 100 new contacts because of the concert. It turned out great!Me and Julie McGar. If you have never heard this girl sing, you are missing out. She is one of the smoothest singers I have ever heard. She was at IBC for 4 years and part of PRAISE for 3 of those years. It was a blast. After the concertAfter church the next morning. Me, my brother and sister, and Grandpa an GrandmaPreaching that night in Terre Houte

Beautiful St. Louis, MO

Time

2008-07-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

It is about 1:00 here in Indiana. Being the night owl that I am, I cant really fall asleep right now, plus I am kinda still on California time. My brother is flying in tonight and my cousin Josh is picking him up in the morning in Indianapolis. It's kind of cool, because all of the cousins will be here tomorrow and we haven't all been together in about 10 years. Kind of a family reunion if you will. God has been putting some ideas about time in my head lately. Life is so short. We are all subject to time. No matter how big and powerful you are, or how small and unpopular you are, the one thing we all have in common is we are all subject to the continual thing of time. I think all of us if we could, would go back and change some things we have done in our life. We are people, we all make mistakes, but thank God his blood covered it. And yet there remains the time lost in our lives when there could have been some crossroads that could have changed our life. Statistics say (I don't know how they found this out but I thought it was cool) that life will present to you with 7 life changing opportunities. SEVEN! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) What if you lived every day like it was your last? What if you lived every minute like it was your last hour? What could you accomplish? Please don't misunderstand me, because I know that we all need a break sometimes, but what am I missing out on in life and what could I gain if I would just get passionate about some things? What is just passing me by every day that could be an opportunity? "Lift up your eyes for the field is white unto harvest". I don't look enough. Its so easy to get caught up into our own things and life that we forget sometimes that God has so many things planned for our life. I don't have time to get bitter. I don't have time to hold a grudge. I don't have time to toil on things that don't even matter. What could I have done with that time that I just spent steaming over an argument, or what could I have done with those moments that I simply didn't realize God might have been thumping on the head saying "Here's an opportunity, lets see what you do with it", and I walked away. I cant do everything everyday, but what I can do is live life with abandon. Live life like its my last day on earth. Talk to someone I've never talked to. Go somewhere where I've never gone before. Reach someone I've never reached. Because I don't want to look back one day and say "there was where God wanted to do something GREAT in my life, but I wasn't paying attention." Sing like its your last time to sing, preach like its your last time to preach, and take advantage of every moment that God has given you. And do it with PASSION! God let me take advantage of every moment in your presence. Every time I feel you let it change me. Every time I hear you let it penetrate me. Every time I touch you let it be a brand new experience. Don't walk...run. Don't crawl...fly. Don't put down...lift up. Because in this short time I have on this earth....I don't have time to waste...... Just some ramblings.

Hot, Humid, and Havn' A Blast

2008-07-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

Well I am in the Evangelist quarters of Bibleway Church in Linton, Indiana pastored by Donald Evans. It has been an incredible time back East but I am slowly hearing the sounds of home calling my name.

This week I have been able to see my family that lives back here and see where my grandparents used to live and where my great grandparents used to live. I remember coming here when I was about 12 years old and staying over the summers with my Grandparents and the fun we would have in the town of Merom, IN. All 600 people in the town seemed to be so close knit. I had breakfast this morning at my Uncles Restaurant in Merom. You have to understand where I was at. It's like something out of the old West. You get your own coffee cups, pour your own coffee and choose from about 10 things on the menu.......it is so relaxing. Saturday they are having a singing in the park for the Church here and its going to be great. About 4 different sections are going to be there and a majority of the town. There has been some outreach going on and things are going great. After this Sunday I am headed out toward the Oklahoma Camp meeting and will be there for the week. I will post a little more after this weekend.

Bro. Guy Godwins Church in Broken Arrow, OK

Jared Marks and friends

Preaching

The Godwins youngest, Winston (right) and a friend

Their middle son "Austin"

Bro and Sis Godwin

Sis Godwin and their daughter Brittaney

Bro Godwin havin a good time

Me and my cousin Connor

Kadee and Jonathan

Me and my cousin Josh

Eli my 2 year old cousin

My cousin Jonathan

All the guys

All the Girls at my Uncles Restaurant

USS New York

2008-07-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

USS New York- It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. It is the fifth in a new class of warships - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there.

'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.' Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us dow n. We're going to be back.'

The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

I thought this was incredible when I read about it. America lives on.

Getting Old

2008-07-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Alot of you are going to laugh and possibly scoff at this post, but I turned 23 today. I am getting old. I am only 17 years away from 40!!!!!!! Only 27 years away from getting my AARP card!!! What a day this has been. I am in Broken Arrow, OK right now celebrating my birthday with the Godwin's who pastor here. We just got back from Texas Roadhouse and I am wiped out. Its the first time since I've had Internet access in awhile so I got to check my mail an check up on things.

It is pouring down rain here. I ran from the awning to my car and I was drenched from a mere 30 seconds in the rain. Everything is going good and Oklahoma is beautiful. I left Stilwell OK this afternoon where I was with Bro Achterberg, who pastors there. An incredible man and an awesome family and great church. Extremely funny. But we had a great time there. Wednesday night I preached in a town called Henryetta, OK where Bro Grissom pastors. Great church and his daughter can sing incredible. It's been quite an adventure so far. I don't have time to tell everything that has been going on, so I will post more later. Right now all I have time to do is post some pics.

Have a great day!

Relatives

Bro Grissoms church in Henryetta

My First time in "Bass Pro Shop"

Tired after Applebees in "Bass Pro"

"The Great Achterberg"

"Nailing a Rabbit"

Cool Wall

Bro. Achterberg

Sis. Achterberg and Adam

It's A Small World After All

2008-07-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I got to see/talk to cousins that I have never met before. Gene and Tom Sullivan. Well third cousins anyway, obviously on my dads side. They live out here close to where I am at (Steelwell, OK) and they are both close to 70. Some of the stories that I heard tonight were pretty funny. It was really neat to talk to them and hear things that went on in my great great Grandpa's life. He was a UPC preacher who died from a stroke while preaching in Riverbank when he was older. My dad has some things in his office about him, but I never really did know much. Tonight I kind of learned some stuff while they talked. And they loved to talk.

The restaurant (Charlies BBQ) closed pretty quick after got in there but we did get to chat for a long while and it was cool to meet them. I didnt even know I had cousins out here!! It's a small world after all. The one in the green shirt is Gene, the other is Tom. I know they dont look like the happiest people in the world, but they were fun to talk to and get to know.

Let Freedom Ring

2008-07-04T22:43:00.001-07:00

Hsppy 4th Everybody!!! Here is the story behind the song "Let Freedom Ring" when Gloria Gaither wrote it... an excerpt from Gloria's book "Something Beautiful" One morning on the national news, there was a story about a young African-American police officer whose associates at the department met him one morning on duty dressed in the hooded garb of the Ku Klux Klan. Even women on the office staff and other department employees joined to taunt and frighten him. The prank went on a long time before they told him it was a joke and had him pose for pictures with them all in their costumes of discrimination.On the news, this handsome young father was being interviewed by a reporter about the incident. "How did you react?" the reported asked."I was terrified on the inside, but all I could think to do was smile," he answered. "When I got home, I sobbed like a child." Later the offenders, fearing reprisals and wanting to take back the photos they gave him, threatened the officer.As I watched this young man trying to process such a deep and ugly violation by those he thought he knew, by those who served with him day by day under an oath to uphold justice, I felt powerful emotions rise up within me. I felt anger at the indignity and at the violation of so many of the codes that hold any decent society together. I felt deep sadness at the breaking of the human spirit and the robbery of the self-respect of a fellow human being. I felt brokenness in my soul as I saw his pain and realized that all of us are capable of hurting each other deeply.I left my house to go to the village for breakfast. As I sipped hot coffee, I watched a toddler across the room struggle to escape his mother's arms. He wanted to explore the cafe' and then, perhaps, get close enough to slip through the screen door into the morning sunshine.Every person innately longs to be free. This toddler knew it even in the womb. The time clock kicked in one day and the same little body that had been content to grow in the security of that liquid environment began to make its way - force its way - through the narrow confines of the birth canal to a place where it could be free. The passion to be free is built into the very fiber of creation: the seedling pushing against and bursting from the protective casing that carried it to its resting place; the gazelle racing from a predator; the squirrel, high above the ground, leaping to a distant limb to escape the competition. Since the fall of mankind, people have used others to achieve their objectives. From the building of the kingdoms of Egypt and Rome to the conflict between the Serbs and the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, the strong have taken advantage of the weak. But the dream of freedom cannot be snuffed out by force or manipulation. Sooner or later, people will have their freedom - sometimes at any cost."What happens to a dream deferred?" asked Langston Hughes in his powerful poem.Does is dry upLike a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore-And then run?Does it stink like rotten meat?Or crust and sugar over-Like a syrupy sweet?Maybe it just sags Like a heavy load Or does it explode? In our times, perhaps the greatest example of the irrepressible passion for freedom is the people's reaction after the post-World War II communist takeover of what became known as East Germany.Because so much land was taken out of private hands and forced into collective control and because of the repression of private trade in the German Democratic Republic (as East Germany was called in 1958), thousands of refugees fled to the West. In 1959, 144,000 fled. The number of refugees rose to 199,000 in 1960 as conditions worsened. In the first seven months of 1961, 207,000 left, including a huge number of the nation's brightest minds - doctors, dentists, engineers, and teachers. It is estimated that by 1961, 2.7 million people had left since the German Democratic Republic was established in 1949.On August 13, 1961 - a Sunday morning - under the communist leadership of Erich Honecker, the GDR began to block off East Berlin with paving stones, barricades, and barbed wire. Railway and subway services to West Berlin were halted, cutting off the sixty thousand or so commuters who worked in West Berlin. A few days later, the GDR began building a wall. One year after the first barricades went up, an eighteen-year-old man named Peter Fechter was the first of more than a hundred to be shot and killed while trying to escape. But as the wall grew higher, as more and more guards kept watch, as the death area behind the wall widened, and as the trench to stop vehicles deepened, the number of escape attempts only increased.In Berlin, the wall stretched sixty-six miles, but people escaped by tunneling under it or by leaping over it from the windows of houses nearby into nets or onto the pavement. Soon the government ordered that the houses be evacuated and the windows bricked shut. Eventually, the buildings were demolished. Patrol trucks, watchdogs, watchtowers, bunkers, and trenches were added to the border area. Then, behind the wall, a second wall was constructed.Yet people continued to escape.In one of the more dramatic escapes, two families secretly bought small amounts of nylon cloth - eventually enough to sew a hot air balloon. They waited until midnight and then drove to a deserted field and launched their craft. Twenty-three minutes it remained aloft before the burner died, long enough to carry four adults and four children to their freedom. Back in East Germany, the sale of nylon was restricted and there was a ban on the sale of rope and twine.No one knows exactly how many people escaped in the twenty-eight years the Berlin Wall stood. The wall became a symbol of all obstructions to freedom. Instead of stopping the free flow of people and ideas, it provided a tangible object that epitomized the barriers which the human spirit felt challenged to conquer.It was a sentence from President Kennedy's speech during his visit to Berlin in June of 1965 that lent words to the struggle for freedom. Throwing out the speech given him by speechwriters, Kennedy wrote a new one while riding through the streets of West Berlin, where between one and two million Germans roared and cheered for four hours. At Checkpoint Charlie, he climbed alone up to the viewing stand. Suddenly, in a far-off window of an East Berlin apartment, three women appeared waving handkerchiefs - a dangerous and risky gesture. Kennedy, realizing their risk, stood in silence facing the women in a tribute to them. Then he squared his shoulders and began the speech that let the world know how universal the spirit of freedom is. He concluded the speech with the historic words, "Ich bin ein Berliner! [I am a Berliner!]"We all are Berliners at heart because we all long to be free. The world knew in its gut that the wall would never work. It stood from 1961 until 1989, yet Kennedy's empathetic sentence and that simple gesture from those women in the gray East Berlin window predicted that it would crumble.Down through history, dictators and philosophies have attempted to enslave the human spirit. Blood has flowed like rivers in the fight to regain human dignity. The Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Emancipation Proclamation have taken their places with other great instruments of liberation to testify to the human passion for freedom. The official seals of governments were burned onto these documents that have deeply affected our own way of life.But never has a document of freedom had the power to alter the course of history and change human lives like the declaration bearing the bloodstained brand of the Cross. And this seal is burned not on a piece of paper but on the very souls of all who were enslaved by sin. The document is a simple invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Prison bars, heavy chains, dungeons, concentration camps, and shackles: none of these can hold a candle to the bondage of the human soul devised by the father of lies. But no release, no emancipation, no pardon can bring freedom like that bought at Calvary. That is freedom indeed! Let freedom ring!