It's ironic how - from the passing of one - we save the life of another...
Sharon and I traveled to South Carolina for the homegoing of my Aunt Mary. As with most funerals/homegoings, it was a family reunion prompted by the occasion of death. Isn't it interesting how families that do not have consistent family reunions always realize the need for them at funerals? It was such a joy seeing and embracing my aunts, uncles, neices, nephews and cousins that I hadn't seen in quite some time. It was comforting to be able to celebrate the life of such a strong Christian woman and to be assured of her eternity because of her life's profession.
My auntie would always say - "I want to live what I testify and testify what I live." Well her testimony was well lived. She left no room for doubt. She loved Jesus!
I was so impressed by the love and care that her pastors, Lorenzo and Janice Mouzon, pastors of Atlanta Miracle Revival Center, extended to the bereaved family. My auntie's only daughter and grandchildren are all members, as was my auntie. The Mouzons displayed the love and care that every pastor should give their members during such difficult times. I've known the Mouzons since my childhood. We grew up together under my mother's ministry. However, this was my first time seeing them in action as pastors. I was so blessed by what I witnessed. Keep up the great work!
Pastor Lorenzo eulogized my aunt. He did a wonderful job. One of the things that struck me during his eulogy was when he elaborated on the need for people to not let insignificant issues destroy relationships. He stated (paraphrasing as best I can), "You've got to put things in the right perspective - in God's perspective. Then you'll realize, 'this thing isn't big enough for me to miss God over it.'" I thought the statement was worth repeating. It made me think. I hope that it does the same for you.
Ironically (or maybe it was providence - who knows?) I had recently read a chapter in The Purpose Driven Life that dealt with the same thing. Rick Warren talked about the difference between reconciliation and resolution. My experience has been that in churches we look for resolution before reconciliation. But, if love and fellowship are to persist, we must be able to accept the fact that we may never see eye-to-eye. But that doesn't change the facts that we are still siblings in the body of Christ and that we both are of equal significance to the body of Christ, regardless of our differences and diversity.
So while we were at the gravesite we noticed that someone had abandoned three little puppies on the side of the road. My cousin, my neice and I took the three puppies and give each of them homes. Now, one is in NY, one in NC and Sharon and I have our little one here in Virginia. We named him "Cain" since he was found in "Cainhoy" and since he was huddled up next to his sibling - trying to stay warm - reminding me of "Cain and Abel", although "Abel" turned out to be a girl who was later named "Fancie" by my neice in NC. Anyway, it was very moving to see them. The puppies hadn't been left there long - they weren't starving, dehydrated nor flea-infested. But all of those things would have happened soon if someone hadn't taken them into their homes.
It is hillarious watching Rocky adapt to having a little puppy in the house. You remember Rocky? My 80+ pound Pitbull? Well, he thinks Cain is a toy. But he's slowly adjusting. He really likes him. I think they are going to develop a great relationship. Nobody will be able to mess with Cain without his big brother coming to the rescue.
So Cain will be a constant reminder of the love of my Auntie. As she was laid to rest right beside her sister, my mother, another life was rescued. Little Cain from Cainhoy lives.
Okay - enough for today. I'll give you some info about the CD later this week.
Shalom!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
I'd bet they're in Heaven having a great reunion right now...
I was informed a few hours ago that my mother's oldest sister passed away. Wow! I'm really going to miss my Aunt Mary. Now, she was a classy lady. I have so many wonderful memories. She and my mother were best friends. They shared everything! I remember them having matching fur coats and hats - only the colors were opposite. One had black and the other had white.
They grew up in Yemassee, SC - a little small town. They both fell in love with Jesus and were great examples of Christianity. I remember the excitement in our home while I was a little tot when we knew that Aunt Mary was riding the train from White Plains, NY to Charleston, SC to visit our family. My sister, Sharon (yes, my wife has the same name as my sister. Nothing Freudian - I just fell in love with a woman with a familiar name is all) and I would be buzzing in the back seat of my father's green station wagon, just bursting with anticipation about what Auntie had brought us. She never came empty-handed.
Auntie had only one child. My cousin did an incredible job of taking care of my Auntie. When it was no longer good for auntie to live alone, my cousin and her husband moved Auntie in with them and kept her in their care. My cousin is amazing! She really demonstrated the love of a daughter for her mother. My cousin has two daughters who are both married with children of their own. They all created an amazing, loving unit - ensuring that my Auntie was always loved and cared for. Looking back at the heritage of African-American families, the love of our culture was clearly demonstrated by my cousin and her children.
So, now I have another loved one that has passed from this life into the next. My brother, father and mother have passed on; now my Auntie. Her passing makes me even more encouraged to live my life in a Godly manner.
I've learned so much from Aunt Mary. I sat at her feet and took notes about my family. I listened to her stories of slavery, the underground railroad, abolition, the old Pullman train, the field labor, the brutality of her younger years. I also heard the stories of her rising above adversity, defeating the odds, becoming a well educated legal secretary, demonstrating class and elegance, the glory of her later years.
My auntie was a prayer warrior - connected with prayer warriors across the country. She had a direct line to God.
Aunt Mary, I'm going to miss you. I'm glad that you got to hear my music before you left. The next time I perform, it will be dedicated to you. Sleep, now. You've fought a good fight. It's time to rest.
I was informed a few hours ago that my mother's oldest sister passed away. Wow! I'm really going to miss my Aunt Mary. Now, she was a classy lady. I have so many wonderful memories. She and my mother were best friends. They shared everything! I remember them having matching fur coats and hats - only the colors were opposite. One had black and the other had white.
They grew up in Yemassee, SC - a little small town. They both fell in love with Jesus and were great examples of Christianity. I remember the excitement in our home while I was a little tot when we knew that Aunt Mary was riding the train from White Plains, NY to Charleston, SC to visit our family. My sister, Sharon (yes, my wife has the same name as my sister. Nothing Freudian - I just fell in love with a woman with a familiar name is all) and I would be buzzing in the back seat of my father's green station wagon, just bursting with anticipation about what Auntie had brought us. She never came empty-handed.
Auntie had only one child. My cousin did an incredible job of taking care of my Auntie. When it was no longer good for auntie to live alone, my cousin and her husband moved Auntie in with them and kept her in their care. My cousin is amazing! She really demonstrated the love of a daughter for her mother. My cousin has two daughters who are both married with children of their own. They all created an amazing, loving unit - ensuring that my Auntie was always loved and cared for. Looking back at the heritage of African-American families, the love of our culture was clearly demonstrated by my cousin and her children.
So, now I have another loved one that has passed from this life into the next. My brother, father and mother have passed on; now my Auntie. Her passing makes me even more encouraged to live my life in a Godly manner.
I've learned so much from Aunt Mary. I sat at her feet and took notes about my family. I listened to her stories of slavery, the underground railroad, abolition, the old Pullman train, the field labor, the brutality of her younger years. I also heard the stories of her rising above adversity, defeating the odds, becoming a well educated legal secretary, demonstrating class and elegance, the glory of her later years.
My auntie was a prayer warrior - connected with prayer warriors across the country. She had a direct line to God.
Aunt Mary, I'm going to miss you. I'm glad that you got to hear my music before you left. The next time I perform, it will be dedicated to you. Sleep, now. You've fought a good fight. It's time to rest.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Awesome things happen when worshippers get together!
Monday night was the audition session for background singers. We had 13 candidates that came through. After the screening we had eight candidates that we listened to. All of them were awesome. By the way, I had some wonderful guys helping me judge the process (thanks Ike, Bille and Curtis). We concluded that we wanted to keep all of those voices. Toward the end we sang "Holy Is The Lord." WOW! They sounded so good!! But, more than that, it was obvious that we had worshippers singing. The presence of the Lord filled the temple and it was fantastic! We had to stand there in awe for a while before we could move any further. It was amazing!! I tell you - awesome things happen when worshippers get together.
I started making calls and sending emails today letting the candidates know that they were accepted. They seem to be pretty happy to get the news.
Next week we start rehearsals. It's going to be a lot of fun polishing the sound. I can hardly wait!
I look forward to coming to a city near you!
So, I told you at the beginning of the year that Sharon and I were refraining from eating meat for the first 40 days of the year, right? Well, it was tough the first week and a half. But now I don't crave it anymore. I was missing the "I'm full!" feeling that you get from eating meat so I was eating lots and lots of veggies. Now, I'm not eating as much - except last night. I cooked and it was wonderful so I pigged out on collard greens, my signature "sweet peas & corn", fresh black-eyed peas and a baked potato. Lot's of calories, right? But it was good. Lot's of carbs, right? But it really was good.
I'm not limping anymore. Praise GOD!! I'm walking straight. My foot's not hurting. I start therapy on Monday. Hopefully I'll be done with therapy in one month and back to jumping and running across the stage. Keep praying.
Shout out to my Mount Sinai Church family!! I love you all so very much!
Monday night was the audition session for background singers. We had 13 candidates that came through. After the screening we had eight candidates that we listened to. All of them were awesome. By the way, I had some wonderful guys helping me judge the process (thanks Ike, Bille and Curtis). We concluded that we wanted to keep all of those voices. Toward the end we sang "Holy Is The Lord." WOW! They sounded so good!! But, more than that, it was obvious that we had worshippers singing. The presence of the Lord filled the temple and it was fantastic! We had to stand there in awe for a while before we could move any further. It was amazing!! I tell you - awesome things happen when worshippers get together.
I started making calls and sending emails today letting the candidates know that they were accepted. They seem to be pretty happy to get the news.
Next week we start rehearsals. It's going to be a lot of fun polishing the sound. I can hardly wait!
I look forward to coming to a city near you!
So, I told you at the beginning of the year that Sharon and I were refraining from eating meat for the first 40 days of the year, right? Well, it was tough the first week and a half. But now I don't crave it anymore. I was missing the "I'm full!" feeling that you get from eating meat so I was eating lots and lots of veggies. Now, I'm not eating as much - except last night. I cooked and it was wonderful so I pigged out on collard greens, my signature "sweet peas & corn", fresh black-eyed peas and a baked potato. Lot's of calories, right? But it was good. Lot's of carbs, right? But it really was good.
I'm not limping anymore. Praise GOD!! I'm walking straight. My foot's not hurting. I start therapy on Monday. Hopefully I'll be done with therapy in one month and back to jumping and running across the stage. Keep praying.
Shout out to my Mount Sinai Church family!! I love you all so very much!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
In the immortal words of Jar-Jar Binks, "Wesa Free!"
Okay - enough with the dramatics!
But I am really happy to be walking on two feet again. No more brace! Hallelujah!! You know - of all the difficulties associated with this injury, one of the most irritating was the backache that I'd always get from walking or standing in my foot brace. The brace caused one of my legs to extend longer than the other. Now I understand why people with one leg longer than the other have such a huge issue. It really effects your back.
And now to the music...
Monday night will be a huge night. We are holding auditions for background vocalists. We are advertising it on the radio, through email and word of mouth. I've received lots of phone calls. People seem to be really interested. So, we expect a lot of people to come out to audition for background vocals to sing with me. My prayer is that the right people will hear about it and come to audition. Additionally, I'm praying for keen discernment so that I will select the right people - people that not only sound great but people that share my passion for worship and that share my love for God and godliness.
Also, radio play is picking up. The fact that WXEZ is spinning "I'm Saved" 20 times a week is causing other stations to take more notice. WJNI in Charleston, SC has committed to add it to their rotation. Another station in Tampa, FL is looking into adding it to their rotation. Locally, KISS FM and WTJZ are playing a couple of songs in their rotation (thanks Doc and Felecia). A few other stations are taking a second look because of WXEZ pushing the music (thanks a million Dale). It's always interesting how people follow people. Even in the music industry, people follow people.
The Redskins and Patriots lost in the playoffs today. Of course that doesn't matter much to me. I'm a Falcons fan. Don't count us out. One day... one day... the Falcons will rise!!
I am loving Purpose Driven Life. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It will really motivate you to a deeper relationship with God. Thank you Rick Warren for letting God use you.
In my last post I was very excited about the Dual Core MacBook Pro. Well I went by CompUSA today to see it and ask some questions. I was heartbroken to learn that this wonderful peice of machinery will not be compatible with the software that I would want to use on it. LogicPro nor ProTools will run on it. The software development is still in the future. So, I guess I have to stick with dreaming about the Powerbook G4.
I leave you with my favorite scripture in the bible - quoting from the King James Version:
"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."
-Micah 7:8
Shalom.
Okay - enough with the dramatics!
But I am really happy to be walking on two feet again. No more brace! Hallelujah!! You know - of all the difficulties associated with this injury, one of the most irritating was the backache that I'd always get from walking or standing in my foot brace. The brace caused one of my legs to extend longer than the other. Now I understand why people with one leg longer than the other have such a huge issue. It really effects your back.
And now to the music...
Monday night will be a huge night. We are holding auditions for background vocalists. We are advertising it on the radio, through email and word of mouth. I've received lots of phone calls. People seem to be really interested. So, we expect a lot of people to come out to audition for background vocals to sing with me. My prayer is that the right people will hear about it and come to audition. Additionally, I'm praying for keen discernment so that I will select the right people - people that not only sound great but people that share my passion for worship and that share my love for God and godliness.
Also, radio play is picking up. The fact that WXEZ is spinning "I'm Saved" 20 times a week is causing other stations to take more notice. WJNI in Charleston, SC has committed to add it to their rotation. Another station in Tampa, FL is looking into adding it to their rotation. Locally, KISS FM and WTJZ are playing a couple of songs in their rotation (thanks Doc and Felecia). A few other stations are taking a second look because of WXEZ pushing the music (thanks a million Dale). It's always interesting how people follow people. Even in the music industry, people follow people.
The Redskins and Patriots lost in the playoffs today. Of course that doesn't matter much to me. I'm a Falcons fan. Don't count us out. One day... one day... the Falcons will rise!!
I am loving Purpose Driven Life. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It will really motivate you to a deeper relationship with God. Thank you Rick Warren for letting God use you.
In my last post I was very excited about the Dual Core MacBook Pro. Well I went by CompUSA today to see it and ask some questions. I was heartbroken to learn that this wonderful peice of machinery will not be compatible with the software that I would want to use on it. LogicPro nor ProTools will run on it. The software development is still in the future. So, I guess I have to stick with dreaming about the Powerbook G4.
I leave you with my favorite scripture in the bible - quoting from the King James Version:
"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."
-Micah 7:8
Shalom.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Well, I used to be in shape. I used to be able to bench press 180 lbs. I used to be able to run three miles. I used to be able to ride 10 miles on my bike with no problem. I used to be able to do 50 sit-ups and 50 push-ups on my fingertips. But that was all 20-30 years ago.
So, I started my workout routine this week. I started with sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts, and lightweight dumb bells (like 2.5 lbs - really light). I can't overdo it on the weights. I've been diagnosed with bursitis in the shoulders so I have to gradually build my shoulder strength without agitating my bursa. Wow - don't I sound old.
I rode my bike today for the first time since my injury. After the first mile or so I started singing on the bike. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I didn't do half bad. You should have heard me singing very windedly while riding full speed. Hillarious!!
I stopped by Heaven & Earth Bookstore today to see how my CD sales were going. Guess what - they were SOLD OUT! As a matter of fact the attendent that assisted me looked in their system and only found two left in their system at two different stores. I then introduced myself as the artist. He then took particular interest in me - as did the other customers in the store. It was a moment. I had to stand there and thank God for the success. It is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in my eyes!
If anyone wants to just bless me, I have my eyes on this awesome new beast of a machine - the new MacBook Pro (see http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/whatsinside.html for details). I am drooling for the 15.4" 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo. Oh the music I could create with that one peice of equipment!!
Speaking of music - on Monday I will be holding auditions for anyone interested in singing with me. I need background vocalists who are true worshippers and can really sing. If you know of anyone - send them my way. We have a few engagements coming up and many more to follow so there will be traveling involved. And there will be financial compensation as well. Hmmm - maybe I should have advertised that on the radio.
Okay - I've got to get some work done so I'll have to log off for today.
I love comments so feel free to let me know what you're thinking - especially you mac lovers or mac haters that think I've lost my mind by wanting to switch from pc to mac.
So, I started my workout routine this week. I started with sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts, and lightweight dumb bells (like 2.5 lbs - really light). I can't overdo it on the weights. I've been diagnosed with bursitis in the shoulders so I have to gradually build my shoulder strength without agitating my bursa. Wow - don't I sound old.
I rode my bike today for the first time since my injury. After the first mile or so I started singing on the bike. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I didn't do half bad. You should have heard me singing very windedly while riding full speed. Hillarious!!
I stopped by Heaven & Earth Bookstore today to see how my CD sales were going. Guess what - they were SOLD OUT! As a matter of fact the attendent that assisted me looked in their system and only found two left in their system at two different stores. I then introduced myself as the artist. He then took particular interest in me - as did the other customers in the store. It was a moment. I had to stand there and thank God for the success. It is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in my eyes!
If anyone wants to just bless me, I have my eyes on this awesome new beast of a machine - the new MacBook Pro (see http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/whatsinside.html for details). I am drooling for the 15.4" 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo. Oh the music I could create with that one peice of equipment!!
Speaking of music - on Monday I will be holding auditions for anyone interested in singing with me. I need background vocalists who are true worshippers and can really sing. If you know of anyone - send them my way. We have a few engagements coming up and many more to follow so there will be traveling involved. And there will be financial compensation as well. Hmmm - maybe I should have advertised that on the radio.
Okay - I've got to get some work done so I'll have to log off for today.
I love comments so feel free to let me know what you're thinking - especially you mac lovers or mac haters that think I've lost my mind by wanting to switch from pc to mac.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Why is the world so full of rhetoric and rhymes? Particularly the church world? I wonder if God sobs at the rarety of pure, deliberate, intentional worship. What is it about man that causes us to need miracles in order to worship?
Okay - let me stop being so deep.
But seriously - I don't want to be an aimless wanderer. I want my Christian walk to mean something to more than just me. I want to make a difference in my world - and I want to actually please the God that created me. I believe that my life was created for a purpose. I believe that every gift God has given me was given because He wants to use them. I believe that the course of my life was so that I could learn and develop the things that would make me effective in accomplishing God's purposes for my existence. Since I believe that my life has meaning then I want to make sure that I accomplish my purpose.
As I was doing my research before marketing my CD I ran across some information for independent artists. It suggested that every band or artist should have a mission statement. You should be able to clearly articulate your purpose for doing what you do. I had never considered having a mission statement before reading this information. I then began to pray and seek the Lord for the purpose of music ministry. I'd like to share my resulting mission statement with you.
Okay - let me stop being so deep.
But seriously - I don't want to be an aimless wanderer. I want my Christian walk to mean something to more than just me. I want to make a difference in my world - and I want to actually please the God that created me. I believe that my life was created for a purpose. I believe that every gift God has given me was given because He wants to use them. I believe that the course of my life was so that I could learn and develop the things that would make me effective in accomplishing God's purposes for my existence. Since I believe that my life has meaning then I want to make sure that I accomplish my purpose.
As I was doing my research before marketing my CD I ran across some information for independent artists. It suggested that every band or artist should have a mission statement. You should be able to clearly articulate your purpose for doing what you do. I had never considered having a mission statement before reading this information. I then began to pray and seek the Lord for the purpose of music ministry. I'd like to share my resulting mission statement with you.
My mission is to:
- usher mankind into a worship experience that influences their way of life
- daily demonstrate the truth of Christ to the world and influence other Christians and Christian Artists to do the same; and
- create music that will cause Christians to make their worship a lifestyle.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Happy New Year!!!
I hope that each of you enjoyed bringing in the new year. I pray that your year is filled with God's best. Sharon and I enjoyed a wonderful service at Mount Sinai Church - where I serve as minister of music. It was a real "Praise Party." However, I am always amused at how many people find their way in the door between 11:30 and 11:55 PM on New Years Eve - people that you probably won't see in another service until the next New Years Eve.
Learning the guitar is fun. I've gotten my chromatic scales down. I'm learning a few chords. I'm just having trouble keeping my fingers off the strings that I'm not trying to touch. I'm used to playing the keyboard. I didn't know guitar was so tricky. But it sounds so good when I get a chord right!
Thursday is the big day! I go to the surgeon for what I hope will be my final visit. If all goes well I should be able to take off the brace and put a shoe on my right foot for the first time in two months! Hallelujah!!
Okay - so I stumbled across a long list of email addresses for people in the Gospel music industry. My thinking - use the email addresses! So, I sent an email to all of these people asking for their recommendations on my next course of action. The responses have been wonderful and informative. It also appears that it created a fresh buzz about the project. As I was looking at the email addresses and referencing the corresponding websites, I found a plethora of independent record labels. Wow - there are a lot of people out there that are doing what I am doing. It made it even clearer to me that effort alone won't get my CD heard by the masses. It's going to take God's favor and His wisdom accompanying my solid effort.
Intimidating? A little.
Me back down? No Way!
My THING for the new year (I know a lot of people don't like resolutions). Well, Sharon and I started a 40-day vegetarian diet. That's right - a 40-day fast from meat. That includes pork, beef, veal, chicken, fish, even deer! Accompamying this 40-day journey, I will again read Purpose Driven Life. I started reading it before but got really busy and stopped before my 40th chapter. I am also going to start a pretty interesting cardio/vascular/vocal workout. While my foot is still healing, I will be using my exercise bike and singing while going full speed ahead. That's going to be interesting! I think I'll start tomorrow. If you know any other great workouts for singers, I'd love to know. I want to try something I saw on Making The Band 3 - singing while running on the treadmill. But, I can't run yet.
Thanks for stopping by!
I welcome your comments to my blog. Feel free to leave me a line - either with your name or anonymously.
I hope that each of you enjoyed bringing in the new year. I pray that your year is filled with God's best. Sharon and I enjoyed a wonderful service at Mount Sinai Church - where I serve as minister of music. It was a real "Praise Party." However, I am always amused at how many people find their way in the door between 11:30 and 11:55 PM on New Years Eve - people that you probably won't see in another service until the next New Years Eve.
Learning the guitar is fun. I've gotten my chromatic scales down. I'm learning a few chords. I'm just having trouble keeping my fingers off the strings that I'm not trying to touch. I'm used to playing the keyboard. I didn't know guitar was so tricky. But it sounds so good when I get a chord right!
Thursday is the big day! I go to the surgeon for what I hope will be my final visit. If all goes well I should be able to take off the brace and put a shoe on my right foot for the first time in two months! Hallelujah!!
Okay - so I stumbled across a long list of email addresses for people in the Gospel music industry. My thinking - use the email addresses! So, I sent an email to all of these people asking for their recommendations on my next course of action. The responses have been wonderful and informative. It also appears that it created a fresh buzz about the project. As I was looking at the email addresses and referencing the corresponding websites, I found a plethora of independent record labels. Wow - there are a lot of people out there that are doing what I am doing. It made it even clearer to me that effort alone won't get my CD heard by the masses. It's going to take God's favor and His wisdom accompanying my solid effort.
Intimidating? A little.
Me back down? No Way!
My THING for the new year (I know a lot of people don't like resolutions). Well, Sharon and I started a 40-day vegetarian diet. That's right - a 40-day fast from meat. That includes pork, beef, veal, chicken, fish, even deer! Accompamying this 40-day journey, I will again read Purpose Driven Life. I started reading it before but got really busy and stopped before my 40th chapter. I am also going to start a pretty interesting cardio/vascular/vocal workout. While my foot is still healing, I will be using my exercise bike and singing while going full speed ahead. That's going to be interesting! I think I'll start tomorrow. If you know any other great workouts for singers, I'd love to know. I want to try something I saw on Making The Band 3 - singing while running on the treadmill. But, I can't run yet.
Thanks for stopping by!
I welcome your comments to my blog. Feel free to leave me a line - either with your name or anonymously.
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