Reader Participation
SGW’s One-Year Anniversary!
I can’t believe it was one year ago today that I put up my first blog post on my very own blog. I remember at the time asking God to give me the words to write and to use this blog for His glory. I trust He’s done that in some way. I call it my blog but, in reality, I want it to be His blog. He is the reason it exists anyway.
When I started the blog, the purpose as I saw it was: 1) to keep y’all informed of various Southern Gospel projects by both well known and lesser known groups and 2) to encourage the Body of Christ to keep drawing nearer to the Savior who loves us more than we can imagine. I wondered, in combining the two purposes into one blog, if that would hinder people from reading but God knows what each person needs and I trust that He is directing you to the right posts at the right time.
Since it’s been a year, I would really appreciate your feedback. What have you appreciated about the blog this past year? Is there anything you would like to see more of? Less of? I’d also love to know how long you’ve been reading the blog. I’d love to hear from every reader but I know that most of you read blogs to read, not to post. I do want to say that I appreciate each one of you. If I can pray for you in any way, please let me know. We serve a faithful God whose hand is not too short and whose love for you is vast!
Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings on me and on all those who are reading this. May You be glorified in all we say and do. You are worthy of our praise and I pray we never cease to give You the praise that You deserve.
Favorite Cathedral Quartet Recording
This afternoon, I was listening to what is probably my favorite CD the Cathedral Quartet ever recorded: Faithful. I probably got it a year or two after it was released and, no matter how often I listen to it, I never get tired of it. It seems to have the perfect combination of fast songs and slow songs. I remember when “Healing” hit the radio, I could have cried when George Younce and Roger Bennett each sang their respective verses. It still touches me when I hear it.
So, what is your favorite recording of the Cathedrals?
Favorite Jeff & Sheri Easter CD
I’ve been listening to Jeff & Sheri Easter lately which got me curious to know which of their recordings is your favorite. I only have six CDs but, out of the ones I have, my favorite is Places in Time. It has the perfect blend of barn burners and ballads, not to mention great lyrics. I’d love to know which of their recordings you like and why.
Praise the Lord
“ O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).
“In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).
“I will praise you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing praise to Your name, O most high” (Psalm 9:1).
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases (Psalm 107:1-3).
What are you praising God for today?
Your Greatest Inspiration
Last week I wrote about a friend of mine who has cancer and has been an inspiration to me. Is there anyone in your life (past or present) who has been a great blessing and inspiration to you and who may even be responsible for you becoming who you currently are in Christ? It may be a parent or a pastor or a spiritual mentor or just a good friend. Maybe it’s someone whom you only met once or someone you’ve only heard about. So many people touch our lives and so often, they never realize it. I probably go overboard when people bless me in telling them over and over how much I appreciate them but I guess I’d rather make sure they know how much I love and appreciate them instead of them never knowing what they mean to me.
It may take a few minutes but I’d love to hear about a special person in your life and how their life has touched you.
Favorite Hymns
Do you have a favorite hymn? Mine changes from time to time but one that always lifts my spirits is “Higher Ground.” I especially love the verse which says:
I long to live above the world
Though satan’s darts at me are hurled
For faith has caught the joyful sound
The song of saints on higher ground!
What hymn is especially meaningful to you? I’d love to hear about it.
Your Favorite 2009 Recording
I hope you don’t mind if I invite your participation from time to time. I realize blogs are often something you read when you have a few minutes before beginning your busy day or maybe at the end of a long day before heading for bed but the Body of Christ is to be encouraging to each other and I would love to get to know you a bit as well.
Today, I would love to know what your favorite recording is from last year and why it’s such a blessing to you.
For myself, I think I would list “Worth It” from Brian Free and Assurance right at the top. Just about every song has a strong lyrical content and encouragement that I’ve needed, and it’s encouraged me to pray for their group and others who are continuing to travel and spread the Hope that the world needs to hear.
