July 2011 Archives
CD Review: By His Grace Still Standing (Conquerors Quartet)
As soon as this CD by The Conquerors Quartet begins, there is anticipation. I hear the fancy traditional southern gospel style piano doing a perfect intro to “Oh Come Along.” Then they slow it down to sing “Welcome Home” which group member David Goldman wrote. After that comes Teddy Huffam’s song, “I’m Rich.”
“Walk With Me” is sung with feeling. They also included Bill & Gloria Gaither’s song “Heaven” which I haven’t heard a group record for a while.
Another traditional southern gospel song and arrangement is “I Have a New Song to Sing.” “Sunshine of Today” is a mid-tempo song which was recorded years ago by Legacy Five. Great piano is heard again on “When We Make it to the Other Side.”
Other songs included are: “Oh What a Savior,” “I’m On My Way” and “It’s Just Another Red Sea.”
Look to God Continually
In Jeremiah 45, God spoke through Jeremiah a word of encouragement for Baruch: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You have said, ‘I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.’ Baruch, this is what the Lord says: ‘I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted. Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’” (verses 2-5).
What did Baruch do to earn God’s favor? If you read the beginning of the chapter, it sounds to me like he was obedient and at the end of himself. God saw him, had compassion on him, and God wanted Baruch to know that He wasn’t ignoring him. He’d heard his cries and now, even though God would punish the nation, Baruch would be spared. What relief that must have been.
I don’t think Scripture states how Baruch lived out the rest of his days but I hope he ended well. So often, it seems like, when we are in need, we cry out to God but when God answers, we go back to our own way of living. This is not how it should be. We need to look to God continually–in the good times and the bad times. When things are going well, we have so much to thank Him for and when things aren’t going well, we need His strength to get through.
For myself, I want Christ to find genuine faith on the earth and I want it to begin with me. God doesn’t want fair weather friends any more than we do. Let’s make sure we are living lives that He can bless on a continual basis.
God is Everywhere
Do you ever think about the fact that Jesus really is walking beside you every moment? I know most are aware of that fact on Sunday morning as we enter what we think of as God’s house but really God’s home can and should be wherever we are. The psalmist said:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’
Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” (Psalm 139:7-12)
That should make anyone conscientious. There is nowhere we can go, nothing we can do that God does not see, and we should be concerned any time we choose to go somewhere that He is not welcome. Remember the song you learned as a child, “Oh be careful little hands what you do …”? That’s a lesson we need never forget. “For the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little hands what you do.”
CD Review: Old Friends Get Together (Crowe-Lawson-Williams)
J. D. Crowe, Paul Williams and Doyle Lawson have teamed up to put together a top-notch bluegrass recording.
“Stormy Waters” is an example of my favorite kind of bluegrass–a song with various parts. The music’s choppy but sounds kinda cool. It’s a moderate tempo song but a great song which talks about how Jesus is near even in the midst of stormy waters.
“Pray the Clouds Away” is another song I like. They also do a bluegrass version of “This World is Not My Home.”
This CD was done as a tribute to Jimmy Martin who co-wrote “Voice of My Savior” and “Give Me Your Hand” (written with Paul Williams), a song which talks about how, no matter what church you attend, if you’re a Christian, you’re a Brother or Sister so “give me your hand.”
Other songs include “Prayer Bells of Heaven,” “Goodbye,” “The Little White Church,” “When the Savior Reached Down for Me,” “Lord, I’m Coming Home,” “Shake Hands With Mother Again,” and “Who’ll Sing for Me.”
Ben Isaacs sings bass on this CD. Background vocals are performed by Cia Cherryholmes and Sonya Isaacs.
Longing for Home
This past week, I’ve been thinking of loved ones who have gone to Heaven ahead of me. Oh how I miss them but I know in reality they wouldn’t trade me places for the world. More than wishing them back, I look forward to the day that I will join them in that glorious land of no more pain, sorrow, or separation. I bet this is what Dottie Rambo was feeling when she wrote, “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.” Or what about the writer who wrote, “Lord, I’m Ready Now to Go”? Do you ever feel that way?
If you don’t feel ready, I implore you to get there because one day you will go to your eternal home–ready or not. You want to know that your Home will be one of peace and joy instead of eternal torment.
The flip side of missing those who have gone on is appreciating those who are still here. So many times we wait until a person’s gone to tell others what a blessing the person was to us. Tell those who are living today how much you love them and appreciate them. Don’t let them go through life wondering if you cared.
I can’t wait to see Jesus. I feel like a little girl who’s trying on different dresses, longing to look my best because I want to please my Daddy. My Daddy, however, looks on the heart so I ask Him to show me what I need to change to look my best when I enter His presence. I’m sure that my heart will be pounding as I wait in anticipation of hearing His words, “Well done, my good and faithful Daughter. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” I may find myself too awestruck to move but I’d love to throw my arms around Him and thank Him for everything He has done for me. He is my reason for living. He is the song that I sing. Without Him, I am nothing but, with Him, I’m the daughter of a King.
Lord, I’m ready to go any time You’re ready to receive me.
Concert Review: Gospel Singing Caravan
Last weekend, I had the blessing of attending a concert of the Gospel Singing Caravan which consists of The Blackwood Brothers, The LeFevre Quartet and the Chuck Wagon Gang. The concert was held in the beautiful Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana. This was my first time to attend a concert at this venue but it’s a fabulous place. Since I found out about the concert only a couple days before, I worried that I would have really bad seats. Upon arriving, I found there are no bad seats in the place. I was a few rows back, left to center of the stage and I could still see very well.
The concert started with the Blackwood Brothers singing a lot of songs the group has been known for since the 1950s and ’60s: “How About Your Heart,” “The Old Country Church,” “I’m Feeling Fine,” “Jesus is Coming Soon,” “God Made a Way” (one of my favorites),” and “The Lighthouse.”
They then brought up pianist Mike Hammontree to do a Johnny Cash impersonation. If I were blind, I would have thought it was a video of Mr. Cash. Mike sang lead on “Daddy Sang Bass” with the quartet joining in on the chorus. Jimmy then sang “His Hand in Mine” which he said was one of his favorite songs that his dad sang. They closed with “Everyday Will Be Sunday Bye and Bye.”
There was some trouble with the mics during this first set but it proved to me what professionals the Blackwood Brothers are. They just kept singing and it all worked out.
The Chuck Wagon Gang was next with “Heaven’s Jubilee,” “Church in the Wildwood,” “Heaven’s Gonna Shine,” “Bare Hands,” and “Turn Your Radio On.” Stan Hill then sang “There’s a Light at the River” with Jeremy Stephens playing banjo. Then Jeremy played a banjo solo of “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.”
My favorite song during this set was “Someone to Talk to.” If you’ve had those nights of wishing you could talk to someone but knowing it was either too late or everyone you knew was busy, it really makes you grateful that God is available EVERY time you need someone to talk to. He will never make you feel bad for contacting Him.
They also sang “When He Calls, I’ll Fly Away,” “When I Wake Up to Sleep No More,” “Gloryland,” and “Hard Trials Will Soon Be Over.”
The LeFevre Quartet opened their set with “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.” Then they sang “Let Me Tell You About Jesus.” Mike Allen sang “Way Down Deep” and then the group sang “When I Get Carried Away.” Every time Mike LeFevre sings that, I want to cry. I remember the first time I heard that song in the mid-1980s and I still love to hear it. He invited people to sing along so of course I did. What a blessing!
Tenor Jeremy Easley sang “You’re Never Too Far Away,” after which they encored the chorus acapella. As Mike was introducing the old LeFevre’s song, “I Love Him So,” David Staton announced that they wanted Mike’s son, Jordan, to sing the second verse. Mike protested but that’s what they did. Jordan is a great baritone in his own right so it was wonderful seeing him sing that and the closing song, “Jesus Saves.” If you have not yet heard this song, you need to request it from your local southern gospel radio station. What a powerful song!
During intermission, the groups stood behind their product tables, talking to people. I know they had to be tired but they were pouring themselves out.
After intermission, all three groups shared the stage. As a group, the Caravan sang “This Great Caravan Keeps on Rolling Along,” “Too Near Home,” “Crown Him King,” “I Always Have a Song to Sing,” “A Sinner’s Plea,” “Daniel Prayed,” “Oh the Glory Did Roll,” “Wait Upon the Lord” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Intermittently, they played vintage videos of the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, and the LeFevres.
The groups are only doing select dates together but watch their schedules and, if you have the opportunity to see them, make plans to do so. You will not be disappointed.
On a side note, Daywind has released a CD titled “The New Gospel Singing Caravan Keeps on Rolling Along” which features all the songs the Caravan sang at the concert. The CD is available from each of the groups. Just click on their websites above.
Shine Your Light
In my last post, I mentioned that I don’t put people on pedestals. There are people I look up to and respect, however, and I’ve been thinking how we should live worthy of the pedestals others may place us on. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14) It seems that, so often, we’re trying to hide our light. We don’t want to be different. We don’t want people to look up to us but, in reality, if we are following Jesus, we are called to make disciples who will follow us as we follow Christ. Our purpose in shining is not to draw people to ourselves but to point them to Jesus. As we follow Him and draw near to Him, others will learn to do the same thing. Many revivals have begun by just one or two people being faithful.
I often hear others use the phrase, “Nobody’s perfect” or “I sin all the time.” The fact is, as humans, we will sin but Christ is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Nothing in Scripture says we have to sin. In fact, Christ tells us to “Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) If we are following Christ’s example, we have nothing to worry about. Encourage that one in your life who looks up to you. Take him or her by the hand and lead them to the Promised Land. It’s a rough road at times but, by God’s grace, I’ll meet you there.
Encouragement for Godly Examples
Last night I had the blessing of attending a Gospel Singing Caravan concert, featuring the Blackwood Brothers, the LeFevre Quartet and the Chuck Wagon Gang. I will be writing a review soon but, as I watched Jimmy and Billy Blackwood, Mike LeFevre, Shaye Smith and some of the others who are continuing on the heritage they were raised in, I was thinking what a blessing it was to see men and women who have been faithful to God for so many years. These are people I can follow because they are following Christ. I don’t put people on pedestals since I know that those are hard for humans to stay on but I want to watch and learn from those who have walked with Christ longer than I have. I want to connect with those that I will be spending eternity with.
As I get older, I understand more of the need for young people to have people they can look up to, and I want to be one of those examples. I pray that I will always reflect Jesus so that I don’t cause anyone to stumble but that I will lead them into the Promised Land. Thank you to those who live the Christian life before us which encourages us that we can make it. I know you get tired and weary at times but your efforts are not in vain. Your life is noticed more than you know. May God richly bless you as you continue to shine for Him.
Primitive Quartet’s Hominy Valley Sing 2011
I was blessed to be able to attend two evenings of the Hominy Valley Sing in Candler, NC this year. This was on top of hearing a few songs Wednesday night which I mentioned in my previous post. I didn’t take extensive notes or pictures but I still wanted to mention some of the highlights.
Sunday featured the Partain Family, Set Apart, the Spencers and the Primitive Quartet.
The Partain Family is a mom, dad and their eight children. They broke it up so that only three or four of them were singing at any given time but each of the members did a great job. Probably the most touching part was when they brought their little boy to the stage who is probably around 3 years old. Mr. Partain told the story of how his son had had a hole in his heart and these parents had to go through the process of placing their child in God’s hands and trusting that, no matter what happened, God had a plan. God healed their son, and he joined them in singing “Give Them All to Jesus.” Mr. Partain mentioned that they didn’t have their son up there to be cute but to testify of what can happen when you truly give everything to Jesus.
I’d never heard Set Apart before but they were very good. I was glad to see J.B. and Barbara Spencer again, and the Primitive Quartet were top notch as always, singing a lot of requests, including several songs which featured parts by Larry Riddle and Norman Wilson which are always my favorites.
Monday was the Field Day which was held on the grounds of the Sing. There were games for the children, a softball games for adults and big kids, and there was a small jam session which my sister and I enjoyed listening to. After most everyone left, my sister and I stayed under the tent, watching the rain fall and I read and prayed intermittently. It was nice to have some time to rest in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains. As the rain fell against the roof of the tent, it allowed me time to sing without being heard by the few people who were also waiting out the storm.
That evening, the concert featured Mike Upright, the Marksmen, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, and the Primitive Quartet. I wasn’t familiar with any of these guest artists but I’m glad I got to hear them.
With Monday being July 4, there was also a tribute to the veterans, thanking them for their part in fighting for our freedom.
If you enjoy bluegrass music and have never attended one of these Sings, I would encourage you to do so. They have another one coming up in October which will feature the Singing Cookes, the Cooke Brothers, Set Apart, the Spencers, the Reggie Saddler Family, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, the Good Shepherd Quartet and, of course, the Primitive Quartet who will be appearing every evening. For more information, visit their website at www.primitivequartet.com.
