September 2015 Archives
NQC 2015 Highlights: Day 3
I am sorry for the delay of yesterday’s highlights. I was really tired after the concerts last night. Then this morning, I woke in time to see some of the chapel and the programs today (which I will be posting about later), so this is the first I’ve had a chance to get Day 3 posted.
Last night was Family Night on the stage of the National Quartet Convention. The evening consisted of mostly family groups but, as Phil Collingsworth pointed out, even the quartets who performed included a father and son in the group. Mark Bishop performed, which would have seemed out of place but even he had his daughters singing with him on stage. What an evening!
The McKameys surprised me by singing mostly new songs but Peg did sing probably her most requested song: “God on the Mountain.” I feel old when I hear it because I remember when that song was on the radio charts. Yet its message is timeless.
My favorite set was The Perrys. I cried as I watched Tracy Stuffle sing from his wheelchair, giving the devil a black eye. Among the songs they sang were “I Got a Hold of God This Morning” and “I Rest My Case at the Cross.” Troy Peach summed it up when he said that the reason they tell their story is not so people will feel sorry for them. “No, the reason we tell you our story is so you will have hope.” It’s the testimonies of others that remind a person who is feeling low that God still saves, heals, and delivers. It’s why many of these groups sing night after night: to deliver that hope and point people to the Reason we can have that hope.
It was good to see Jeff Stice back on stage playing piano for The Nelons. The highlight of their set was Amber singing “Then Came the Morning.” “Death had lost and life had won for morning had come.”
I love Triumphant Quartet’s new song. “This my song shall ever be: Amazing God, you’re still amazing me.”
The Lesters started 90 years ago, and Brian Lester is continuing the group with Matt Felts and Brian’s son Jonathan. Matt did a great job singing the old song, “My Savior First of All.” They ended their set with Brian singing his signature song, “He Didn’t Throw the Clay Away.” I’ve heard that song for years and, honestly, it has not been one of my favorites. Last night, I listened to it in a new way, however. What a message delivered in a heartfelt manner.
Dean Hopper announced that Buck Rambo has stage 4 bone cancer. I was not aware of that. Let’s keep Buck and his family in our prayers.
I have not kept up with The Inspirations since Mike Holcomb left the group but Martin Cook has put together a great lineup this year. The group currently consists of Melton Campbell, Matt Dibler, Harold Reed, and Joe Brown.
The evening ended with some songs from former members of The Cathedral Quartet: Ernie Haase, Scott Fowler, Mark Trammell, and Gerald Wolfe. Pat Barker sang bass. They sang “Wedding Music” and “He Made a Change.” Then Danny Funderburk joined them for “Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You” and “We Shall See Jesus.” They played a video of Glen Payne singing the last verse, which totally made the evening.
NQC 2015 Highlights: Day 2
Jonathan and Jordan Wilburn hosted last night’s concert segment of the National Quartet Convention. The evening began with the pledge to the flag and a couple patriotic songs. Then The Mylon Hayes Family took the stage to sing a few songs.
During Jeff & Sheri Easter’s segment, Sheri shared something she had written in her journal a year ago. “In today’s world, friends walk away; sons and daughters leave; but God never leaves.” This jumped out at me, as that is exactly what I wrote about on here just the other day. I think that is the message God wants to remind so many people.
The Jim Brady Trio started their set with “On My Way Home.” That is probably my favorite song that they sing.
I thought it neat that Richard Simmons played piano for Freedom last night. I had not heard about him since he left The Dove Brothers so that was a treat.
The Whisnants sang a new song, “I’m Gonna Go Out Singing,” which was very reminiscent of my favorite Whisnants song, “New Day Dawning.” I’m guessing this will be a song they start singing at every NQC.
Kim Hopper noted that it’s been five years since her brother Tony passed away.
This was my first opportunity to hear Ricky Braddy with Karen Peck and New River. They highlighted him on “Were You There.” He did an excellent job!
I have not followed Gold City since the Jonathan Wilburn/Jay Parrack days but I have seen them at NQC and have not always been impressed with their lineups. The lineup they have this year is doing a great job. Granted, they would sing more southern songs at the NQC, bu it may be time to give them another listen.
Matthew Holt put together a mixed quartet out of Bethel University by the name of Renaissance. They sang “I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus,” “The Fourth Man,” “Champion of Love,” and “Standing on the Solid Rock.” I was impressed by the fact that they seemed so comfortable on that stage. There was no sign of nervousness at all, and they did an outstanding job.
Clayton Inman sang “Welcome to Heaven, My Child,” a song he sang with The Singing Americans many years ago. I’m so glad he brought that song back. I still love it.
The Hoppers ended the program with Claude singing, “If I Can Help Somebody.” Then the group sang “Shouting Time.”
I am now counting down the hours to tonight’s concerts.
National Quartet Convention 2015 Highlights: Day 1
This afternoon, I watched the NQC highlights video from last year and got excited about this week. This evening, I was not let down. Performing were The Jim Brady Trio, The Mark Trammell Quartet, The Hoppers, Greater Vision, and Tim Lovelace.
As I mentioned last year, the highlights I mentioned are just that–what I consider to be the highlights. I’m sure those who are actually at the Convention will have more to share. I am watching online but I was still very blessed this evening and expect to be the rest of the week.
The Jim Brady Trio made their debut as a group on the main stage, and what a blessing they were! They are one of the groups I am most excited about this year. They led off with “If It Had Not Been.”
Greater Vision is celebrating 25 years of ministry as a group this year. Gerald gave the background story of their current radio song before they sang, “Put Out the Fire.” It grabs you in concert.
Connie Hopper is one of my favorite people in the industry so seeing her sing is always a highlight. Of special mention is her singing the second verse of “Thank You, Lord, For Your Blessings on Me.” She sang it wish typical feeling and class.
Kim Hopper and Melissa Brady sang a duet on “There is a Fountain Filled With Blood.” Very good.
Mark Trammell sang, “It’s Almost Over” by request. The whole group got into this song which must have been powerful in person.
Dean Hopper introduced a young lady by the name of Abby Paskvan. She sang, “All Rise,” and she can definitely sing. Dean said he and Mike have just released a CD of hers. I expect we’ll hear more from her in coming years.
CD Review: Words (Canaan’s Crossing)
David Staton produced yet another great CD from Canaan’s Crossing. This group has a way of choosing fabulous songs with great bluegrass arrangements.
Group member Josh Palmer wrote the lead-off song, Closer Than a Brother. The Savior is waiting to enter your heart so that He can be closer than a brother. That is so comforting to me lately, as it seems that, so many times, friends are hard to find. The Heavenly Father is always there, however, waiting to comfort as no one else can.
The tempo picks up for He Holds Me in His Hand.
River of Living Water tells about the living water that Christ offers, as opposed to the water that leaves you thirsty.
Tina Miller sings Somebody’s Blessing, a beautiful song about blessing others. I don’t know about you but it means the world to me when someone tells me I am a blessing. There are way too many negative things in the world but, when you bless another, you are getting past yourself to be God’s hands and feet and voice. “In ways they weren’t expecting, I wanna be somebody’s blessing.”
The Words I Would Say: “Be strong in the Lord. Never give up hope. You’re gonna do great things. I already know God’s got His hand on you, so don’t live life in fear. Forgive and forget. Don’t forget why you’re here. Take your time and pray and thank God for each day.” Words of encouragement for those who are hurting.
Aren’t you thankful for His Unchanging Hand? In a world that ever changes, I’m grateful that God never does. I don’t have to worry that He will love me one day and not love me the next.
Hold Back the Sea starts out talking about how God delivered Israel from the Red Sea. Then it brings it around to personal application, how life can seem like a sea that’s about to drown us but God is still able to hold back that proverbial sea.
Count It All Joy is a song of encouragement for those who are going through trials.
Come Drink This Water is an invitation to accept Jesus into your life.
I Will Go is a song of surrender. “No matter what the cost, no matter what the loss … I will go.”
A Godly Man: Who Can Find?
I watched Chuck Brady’s funeral yesterday and, once again, I feel like all the Godly men are going Home. Gone seem to be the days where men kept their priorities right, where God was first, family second, others third, and everything else last. I know Godly women are limited too, but I think women are sometimes quicker to realize their need for depending on God.
I have been so challenged this past week. Through the funeral, my Bible study, books I read … life is too short to live for self. God MUST be first in my life. It is not enough to make it to Heaven on “a wing and a prayer.” I must occupy until He comes and trust that, as I do so, others will follow.
Life can be very stressful. The cares of this world can so easily choke out the Spirit who wants to strengthen us for our daily tasks. We must not let that happen. His yoke is easy, and His Spirit is light. He wants to lift your burden and give you a victorious life. He wants to use you to impact your family, workplace, and community. You are here for a purpose. Don’t lose sight of that.
Tribute to Carroll McGruder
I am saddened to hear of Carroll McGruder’s Homegoing this past week. I never had the opportunity of seeing The McGruders in concert but their songs have blessed me for the past 30 years. I remember in the mid-1980s listening to “Special,” “I’m Going Home With Jesus,” “Saved By Grace,” and many other hits penned by Mr. McGruder.
In the 1980s or ’90s, The Singing News published an article telling how Carroll and Priscilla met and married. It was such an inspiring story, made even more special by the fact that they remained married for 34 years when God took Priscilla Home.
On January 26, 2013, Carroll married again. I am sure this must be a difficult time for his relatively new bride, as well as His children, but God’s timing is always perfect, and I know Mr. McGruder would not like to return to this world. He is finally Home with Jesus and is now one of the “special” that calls Heaven his Home.
Joshua Ball Hospitalized
I just found out that Joshua Ball, one of the original Ball Brothers, ended up in the ER on September 4 due to pancreatitis. He is in need of gall bladder surgery but they are not able to operate right now due to infection. It sounds like he is still having a hard time of it. Please keep Josh and his family in your prayers. You may keep up with his condition via The Ball Brothers’ Facebook page and, if you would like to donate to help with his medical expenses, a Go Fund Me account has been set up for that purpose.
Chuck Brady Passes Away
When I was a child, my mom had a record from a group which called themselves God’s Brady Bunch. The group consisted of Chuck and Darlene Brady and their eight children. I still have this record and get it out periodically to hear them sing, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
I learned today that Mr. Brady is now Home with Jesus. Most of you are more familiar with his son, Jim Brady (of The Jim Brady Trio), but I know him as the man whose family I grew up listening to.
I never met the Bradys personally (except for Jim when he was with Greater Vision), but their family has ministered to me through this record and will continue to do so. Tonight, I am asking God’s comfort for Mrs. Brady and the rest of the family. I’m sure this will be a sad time for them but there can also be tears of joy in knowing that we will see Him again when God calls His children Home.
Sweet Hour of Prayer
In seasons of distress and grief
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer
Have you ever prayed for an hour or more? I hate to admit that it has been a while since I have done so. It seems there are often distractions or things that come up, which hinder me, but I desire to get back to a time of not being rushed. And honestly I can do so.
If you study the lives of preachers of old who changed the world (or at least their sphere of it), you will find they had one thing in common: a life devoted to prayer and the Word. They were not perfect men but they were willing, and God chose to use them. Some of them not only prayed one hour but three or four or more. Today, prayer is often no more than a ritual–something we do before meals and maybe before bed. This, however, is not real relationship with Christ.
If you are married, your spouse no doubt expects you to talk to him or her. If you travel a lot, she may expect you to call home every day so she can hear your voice and know how you are doing. If you’re together all the time (or at least every evening), he would probably not handle it well if you were too busy to talk to him for at least a period of time.
So it is with God. He desires us to talk and to listen to Him as we rise up, as we walk by the way. He wants us to tell Him our joys and our sorrows. Yes, He knows everything but He desires communication just the same. He loves it when we let Him know how grateful we are for Him. I have learned this increasingly the last few years. Just as I would not like to be ignored by my spouse (if I had one), God does not like to be ignored by us. Yet way too often, He is.
You do not need to be a great person to do great things for God, but you do need to develop a close relationship with Him. It’s very possible. You need only draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.
Gus Gaches Leaves Legacy Five
For those who haven’t heard, Gus Gaches recently announced his departure from Legacy Five. Gus has been my favorite tenor with them so far but I know that they will find the perfect replacement and will continue to be a stellar group. One thing I have found in my life: When God has called you to do something, He will make a way for you to continue regardless of the changes that come. I wish both Gus and Legacy Five the best. Please pray for them as they go through this transition.
