HisSong Puts Finishing Touches on New Recording

Dove Award nominee HisSong has been in the recording studio adding the finishing touches to its sophomore album for Vine Records.

HisSong owner/manager Dennis Humphries says, “We have never been as excited about a project as we are with this one. Before recording, we listened to many demos, and it was very hard choosing material for the new project. We feel we have 10 of the strongest songs we have ever recorded in the past seven years. God has truly blessed us.
The currently untitled project once again features production work from Dove Award winning producer Wayne Haun (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance).

The first radio single from the project, "I Believe In Prayer," will hit radio programmers’ desks in a couple weeks with Crossroads Music. “This is an amazing song,” says Dennis. “We are living in a time that we need to be praying for each other and this country. “This song really encourages and reminds us that we can go boldly before the throne of God with every burden and need we have.”

HisSong’s debut record for Vine Records, On the Way Up, earned the popular trio its first GMA Dove Award nomination for Southern Gospel Album of the Year. The album also spawned off four Top 20 hits according to the Singing News Top 80 chart – “The Grave Can’t Hold Me” (#13), “I Still Have It All” (#2), “That’s When God Steps In” (#7), and “Joy In My Heart” (currently #17).

HisSong will be making their first main stage appearance at this year’s National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky – Southern Gospel premier multi-day event. HisSong will be performing during the Thursday night lineup on September 17, 2009.

The Glovers Join Forces with Ambassador Speakers Bureau

The Glovers recently joined forces with the Ambassador Speakers Bureau of Nashville. Ambassador Speakers Union will be booking speaking engagements for the popular group at Pregnancy Crisis Centers and Pro-Life events all across the country.
Ambassador Speakers Bureau is the oldest and most established Christian-based talent agency in the United States.
Ambassador Speakers Bureau, established in 1984, provides speakers for special program events around the world. It is the leading provider of speakers for the Christian and faith-based community and conducts a thriving business providing speakers to university, education, religious, non-profit, political and business meetings.

National media and literary clients under contract with Ambassador have included the McCaughey Septuplets, Darrell Scott (Columbine), Afghanistan aid-workers Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, Rick Warren (best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life),the Van Ryn and Cerak families (whose story is told in their # 1 New York Times Bestseller Mistaken Identity) and William Paul Young (author of The Shack, the current New York Times Fiction Bestseller).
Adam Glover of The Glovers said, “We are really blown away by this responsibility that God has given us, but we are ready for this new adventure. Ambassador represents artists and writers such as Rick Warren, Frank Peretti, Kirk Cameron, and lots of others. We are so honored to be working with the same company as these fine speakers.”
For more information on booking The Glovers at your event – go to the Ambassador Speakers Bureau website at http://www.ambassadorspeakers.com .

The Glovers are currently in the beginning stages of recording a brand new project. More information on that will be released a later date.
Fans are encouraged to call their local radio station and request The Glovers’ latest single – “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” – which is impacting Southern Gospel and Christian Country radio now.

The Glovers were recently nominated for their first SGN Music Award this year. The group’s current project, One Good Reason, was nominated for Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year.
For more information regarding The Glovers’ ministry surrounding abortion and God’s hope to those affected by it – visit their site at http://www.thegloversonline.com.

Faithful Crossings Reaches Exclusive Management and Booking Agreement with AWS Management, Inc

Florida-based family group Faithful Crossings is pleased to announce that the group has reached an exclusive management and booking agreement with Arnie Shipp of AWS Management, Inc.
Arnie Shipp has been promoting and managing artists since 1992. He gained his experience while working in the mainstream music world – including working with such artists as KISS and Willie Nelson. After God allowed Arnie to walk again (after a complicated reconstructive back surgery), he committed his life to promoting and working with artists in the Gospel and Christian music field.

AWS Management takes pride in booking some of the best groups in Southern Gospel music for their Gospel Fest events, utilizing the talents of such beloved artists as Gold City, Brian Free & Assurance, Michael English, the Crabb Family, Mark Lowry, Squire Parsons, and others.
Faithful Crossings will be featured in the 2009/2010 AWS Gospel Fest concert lineups.

Tammy Sumner of Faithful Crossings said, “We are excited about what God is doing in our ministry and through the guidance of Arnie Shipp and AWS Management, Inc.
AWS Gospel Fest also hosts an annual "Gospel Cruise Fest," and Faithful Crossings is also pleased to announce that they will be part of the 2010 cruise lineup along with over 15 additional artists including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Crabb Revival, Ed Crawford & the Mystery Men, the Jay Stone Singers, and more. For more information on AWS Gospel Fest, you can visit http://www.awsgospelfest.com or their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/awsgospelfest .

“We are so excited to be added to their concert lineup!” said Tammy Sumner of Faithful Crossing.

Faithful Crossings began as a family group formed by husband and wife team Curtis & Tammy Sumner along with their two children, Taylor & Lauren. Over the years, the ministry has grown to include bass singer Al Mercer and alto Lisa Nielsen. Since the group’s inception in 2006, they have been privileged to be booked with some of today’s best loved artists such as Gold City, Michael English, Mark Lowry, Three Bridges, Squire Parsons, Ann Downing, and many more. This dynamic vocal group has a unique sound that is a blend of progressive Southern Gospel with a country/bluegrass edge. Their music is new and fresh and reaches both young and old alike.

More information on Faithful Crossings can be found at their webpage – http://www.faithfulcrossings.com. You can also visit their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/faithfulcrossings

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TRACY LAWRENCE SOLID AS A ROCK WITH NEW INSPIRATIONAL CD RELEASE

Multi-platinum, chart-topping, country recording artist Tracy Lawrence has solidified his stature once again as a pillar in the music industry. Tracy's new inspirational CD has made a powerful first impression with music fans and radio stations across the country—one that will continue to stand for years to come. THE ROCK, the third album from Lawrence's own independent label, Rocky Comfort Records, made its debut in the Top 5 on the Christian album charts (6/14/09 Nielsen US SoundScan Chart).

The news comes on the heels of a jam-packed CMA Fest schedule, which coincided with Lawrence’s album launch promotional tour. Tracy is concluding an aggressive cross-country tour (that has included a number of in-store appearances and radio station visits) to personally introduce the CD in his top sales markets.

“I waited to record this album and I’m so pleased that my fans (and radio) seem to embrace the new music. It was worth the ‘time’ and that in itself is what it’s all about for me,” Lawrence said

part of the media blitz and promotional campaign, Tracy made a personal appearance at Cedar Springs Christian store in Knoxville, TN (one of the largest independent Christian bookstores in the country) to meet with fans and sign autographs; he visited with more than 300 folks in the short two-hour session. As part of a New York media schedule, Tracy appeared on “The Huckabee Show” (Fox-TV), where he performed his new single “Up To Him” accompanied by Gov. Huckabee who played bass. Tracy is featured in the June cover story of PowerSource magazine and he appears on this week’s cover of CashBoxMagazine.com. The “Up To Him” music video has entered the rotation on the Gospel Music Channel and can also be seen on CMT and GAC.

Tracy released “Up To Him” (the first single from THE ROCK) to Christian radio in March and it is currently No. 1 on the Power Source Top 40.

Released in June 2009, THE ROCK (co-produced by Lawrence and Julian King) is an honest, emotional and realistic collection of embracing musical stories that carry the listener on a spiritual journey through the ups and downs of a meaningful life. Motivating listeners of all ages, in all stages of life, the 10-song CD, which is currently No. 10 on Soundscan Contemporary Christian Chart, features songs crafted by Dave Berg, Craig Morgan, Brett James, Sam Tate and Annie Tate, to name a few.

Continuing to demonstrate Lawrence’s dedication to the tradition and heritage of American music, THE ROCK is no exception. “This project is really not a departure from the music I’ve always recorded. The music is still in the same vein but the messages are a little more moving, and in consideration of where our country is emotionally right now, the timing just seems right. It’s a powerful combination that I think will touch a piece of everyone’s heart.”

Terah Crabb Penhollow: Putting Family First

Terah Crabb Penhollow has made the difficult decision to come off the road with Crabb Revival to be able to stay at home to be a mom and wife. After almost 15 years on the road and with her son, Logan, starting school this fall, Terah feels that this is the best decision for her family.

Amanda Smith, a current member of the group, will take on Terah’s solos and vocal leads. “I have been traveling on the road full time since I was 12 years old, I am now a 26 year old mother of a five year old sweet little boy, who will be starting Kindergarten this year! With lots of prayers that were prayed, I have decided it's time to come off the road for a while and focus on my family. Not only that, but I am very excited to get more involved in the church. I'm sad to leave, but I know that God has His hand on my brother and Crabb Revival. I am excited to see what is in store for them,” states Terah.

Adam Crabb adds, “All though I’m sad that Terah is leaving, I know that God has something great for her. She will be missed very much by all of Crabb Revival. In my heart, I know that she has prayed about this and is making the right decision for this season. I’m looking forward to see what God has in store for Crabb Revival. We have seen over 2000 souls saved in almost two years, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

“Fire in the Choir: A Gospel Music Spectacular” Confirmed for National Quartet Convention

LifeWay Worship and Daywind Music Group will present “Fire in the Choir: A Gospel Choral Spectacular” at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY.

Gerald Wolfe will host this free event, along with Daywind artist Greater Vision. Additional artists confirmed to appear include Legacy Five, Perrys, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Talley Trio and Austins Bridge. Other artists will be added to this lineup, pending confirmation. A mass choir representing various churches in the area will round out the 90-minute worship event. Music packets containing a choral sampler will be available for $5.00 each.

"Often, just the right song sparks a flame of praise that spreads from one heart to another," shares Rick Shelton, Director of Daywind Music Publishing. "As we join with LifeWay in our mission to supply just the right song to the choir, it is our sincere desire that the light and warmth of God’s love ignites within the hearts of His church. When there is fire in the choir, there is power in the pew.""The choir’s role in worship is so important that it required a partnership like this," says Mike Harland, director of LifeWay Worship. "We are fired up to join Daywind and bring fire back to the choir."

New Day Is Excited To Showcase New Products At ICRS

New Day Christian Distributors is preparing for the International Christian Retail Show to take place in Denver, CO, the week of July 12-15. A variety of new products will be on display, as well as classics such as Lego and Fisher Price, in the New Day booth (#1013).Among the products included are Lego® Builders of Tomorrow™ play sets and Fisher Price® Little People® nativity and Noah’s ark sets, which are sure to be favorites. New Day is eager to present the exclusive Jibbitz™ VeggieTale Crocs™, with Bob & Larry who will be in the booth Tuesday at 10:30 am. The new, creative Find It® games will be available along with great new products from Learning Journey. Dennis Swanberg’s book, The Mancode, and comedy DVDs, Keith and Christine Getty’s new project, Awaken The Dawn, Tracy Lawrence’s The Rock and Eddie James’ Life will also be available. New Day’s sister company, Daywind, also has some exciting projects.

The Live at Oak Tree series, available on DVD/CD, will begin airing on the Gospel Music Channel and Family Net on July 11. The first artists featured on these live videos include Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Austins Bridge and Crabb Revival, with more artists to be added. Daywind also provides a large library of soundtracks that includes over 3600 titles. In addition to Bob & Larry’s appearance, there’s a great schedule of events set up at the New Day booth (#1013). SONICFLOOd will be signing a pre-release copy of their new Christmas CD on Monday at 10:30 am. Harpist Merry Miller, who co-hosted “The View” in Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s absence, will be playing and signing CDs on Monday at 1:00 pm. Ray Stevens will be signing his new CBA exclusive project on Tuesday at noon. SONICFLOOd will be performing songs from their latest release, A Heart Like Yours, at Pacesetter on Sunday at 6:00 pm and also at the opening of the exhibit hall at 8:00 am Monday morning.

Accused of Love

We had a special song night at our church on Sunday. Three of the church choirs – children’s choir, senior’s choir and our regular Sunday morning choir – joined together for an evening of music. It was lovely and uplifting. It was also cool to see so many people of all different ages and races join together to lift up the name of Jesus in song. When they were all on stage together at the end of the evening it was easy to see how this group was representative of the body of Christ. We are all so different, yet when we work together for a main goal, the result can be sweet harmony. Harmony in the Body can only be achieved through the love we show for each other.
The Bible says that others will know we are Christians by our love. Someone reminded me the other day that the members of the early church did not come up with the name of ‘Christian’ but were actually ACCUSED of ‘being a Christian’ because they followed Christ. Their actions gave them away and they were persecuted because of the One they followed. They were accused of loving others like Jesus and therefore bore His name.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if our love for each other were so obvious that we too would be ‘accused’ of being Christians? That the label of ‘Christian’ wasn’t something that people picked up and put down as society or surroundings dictated? That it wasn’t something that was ‘in name only’ but a real description of who we are as a Church?
My prayer is that I too will be ‘accused’ of being a Christian. Do I have that kind of love?

Orange Julius:Free Light Smoothie Day--Coupon needed (June 19, 2009)

Today is the day to get your free 20 oz. Light Smoothie at Orange Julius. Just print this coupon and bring it to the nearest participating Orange Julius and enjoy! Go here to print your coupon. Flavors offered are Strawberry Delight, Tropical Sunlight, and Berry-Pom Twilight.

Like Breathing Through a Straw

I love spring and this year our spring was really short. The standing joke is that in Ontario we have three seasons: winter, almost winter, and roadwork. This year we didn’t see the warmer spring weather until May and we are just now feeling a touch of summer heat.
What I don’t like about spring is the pollen, mold and other allergens that have only started to plague me in the last few years. They touch off an asthmatic response and make it difficult to breathe. Some days I feel like I am breathing through a straw and there is no way to get more air.
Our walk with God can feel like that sometimes. We let other ‘stuff’ enter our lives and it clogs our communication with the Almighty. Things we’ve heard, seen or read fill up our minds and make that clean artery of relationship congested and dirty. It’s hard to share our deepest thoughts and emotions with our Lord. It’s equally hard to hear and understand what He is trying to share with us. Feeling the cleansing breath of the Spirit is like breathing through a straw.
I know the Lord is urging me to start getting rid of the ‘allergens’ in my life that are clogging my communication with Him. There isn’t any Claritin for this. Relief will only come in the laying down of my life for Him daily and renewing myself in His love. Thank God He has the power to refresh, renew and rejuvenate our relationship. Now I can breathe…just breathe.

Flag Day

That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white,with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field,representing the new constellation.

This was the resolution adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The resolution was made following the report of a special committee which had been assigned to suggest the flag’s design.

A flag of this design was first carried into battle on September 11, 1777, in the Battle of the Brandywine. The American flag was first saluted by foreign naval vessels on February 14, 1778, when the Ranger, bearing the Stars and Stripes and under the command of Captain Paul Jones, arrived in a French port. The flag first flew over a foreign territory in early 1778 at Nassau, Bahama Islands, where Americans captured a British fort.
Observance of the adoption of the flag was not soon in coming, however. Although there are many claims to the first official observance of Flag Day, all but one took place more than an entire century after the flag’s adoption in 1777.

The first claim was from a Hartford, Conn., celebration during the first summer of 1861. In the late 1800s, schools all over the United States held Flag Day programs to contribute to the Americanization of immigrant children, and the observance caught on with individual communities.

The most recognized claim, however, comes from New York. On June 14, 1889, Professor George Bolch, principal of a free kindergarten for the poor of New York City, had his school hold patriotic ceremonies to observe the anniversary of the Flag Day resolution. This initiative attracted attention from the State Department of Education, which arranged to have the day observed in all public schools thereafter.

Soon the state legislature passed a law making it the responsibility of the state superintendent of public schools to ensure that schools hold observances for Lincoln ’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day and Flag Day. In 1897, the governor of New York ordered the displaying of the flag over all public buildings in the state, an observance considered by some to be the first official recognition of the anniversary of the adoption of the flag outside of schools.
Another claim comes from Philadelphia. In 1893, the Society of Colonial Dames succeeded in getting a resolution passed to have the flag displayed on all of the city’s public buildings.

Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin and the president of the Colonial Dames of Pennsylvania, that same year tried to get the city to call June 14 Flag Day. Resolutions by women were not granted much notice, however, and it was not until May 7, 1937, that Pennsylvania became the first state to establish the June 14 Flag Day as a legal holiday. Flag Day is a nationwide observance today, but Pennsylvania is the only state that recognizes it as a legal holiday.

Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, reportedly spent years trying to get Congress to declare June 14 as a national holiday. Although his attempts failed, the day was widely observed. “Father of Flag Day” honors have been given to William T. Kerr, who was credited with founding the American Flag Day Association in 1888 while still a schoolboy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as the National Flag Day. But it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.

Friday Freebie: Freebies at Walmart

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Wendy Word's Grandmother Passes Away

STERRETT, Alab. - Wendy Word (of Wendy Word + forgiven) lost her grandmother (Agnes Reynolds) yesterday evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. from a staph infection. She was 83 years old. She will be at Kilgore Funeral Home in Pell City, Alabama with specific arrangements forthcoming.
Wendy was in Nashville working on a new recording when she got the news that her grandmother (Granny) was in ICU and not expected to live. She arrived at the hospital in Alabama just in time to see her Granny for the last minutes of her life here on earth.
Wendy said, "I was very blessed to have such a wonderful woman of God in my life that helped me grow in the Lord and become the minister I am today."
The current radio release by Wendy Word + forgiven is titled "You and Jesus" and was written by Wendy Word about her Granny. The song can be heard all across the nation on Southern Gospel radio .
Card or letters of encouragement can be sent to Wendy Word + forgiven, P.O. Box 6, Sterrett, AL 35147.

Back Home Anniversary Singing July 11th with Marty Raybon

FREE CONCERT

Back Home, nominated for New Excelling Artist of the Year by Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair from South Pittsburg TN will be having their anniversary singing, Saturday, July 11th at 6:00 p.m. CST at the South Pittsburg Church of God in South Pittsburg, TN. Special guest will be Marty Raybon, former lead singer for the group Shenandoah.

No admission charge, a love offering will be taken. South Pittsburg Church of God is located at 921 S Cedar Avenue, South Pittsburg, TN.

For more information, call 423-837-6452
www.backhomesings.com

National Doughnut Day: Krispy Kreme & Dunkin' Donuts

Whippeeee for Free goodies! Krispy Kreme is giving away a free doughnut to all customers today. There is no purchase necessary.

Dunkin' Donuts locations is giving away a free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage. More details here.

Call your local location to verify they are participating in this promotion.

For more freebie fun, click here

Stumbling Blocks and Bumped Bumpers

The other day I was heading out of a parking lot, turning left onto a busy five-lane road in the city. There was an SUV in front and a car behind. I need to tell you that I drive a red four-door car, so I’m not invisible on the road. The SUV was pulling into traffic, as there were no cars on our side of the road. Suddenly she whipped her vehicle into reverse and backed right into me. It wasn’t a hard bump, but shocking. A youngish driver jumped out and came to see the damage. “I didn’t see the other car coming toward me, I had no where to go.” Uh huh, yeah. Then, “I didn’t know you were behind me”. What??!!
Literally one day later, I was turning onto our side street from the middle turning lane of another five-lane street. I was behind a van. He took a chance and scooted to the side street in front of a fairly fast moving car. I waited till it was safer, and made my turn. I pulled into the side street where suddenly the van was slowing down. I wasn’t even totally onto the street, with cars coming extremely close to the back-end of my car, when the van whips into reverse and starts backing up! I leaned on my horn rather hard and the driver then decided to look to see if someone was behind him. He quickly put the vehicle back into drive and headed forward where he eventually made a U-Turn and went back to the main road.
Getting front-ended is not a common thing for me and I have to say that I do not follow too closely. Not that you could prove it by these two experiences unless you were there. Which gave me two object lessons for the week.
One, I need to be careful what I do, regardless of how pure my motives may seem to be. None of us live in a vacuum and everything we do affects someone else. We are taught not to cause our brother to stumble. We have to be careful not to back into him too.
The other object lesson was that things aren’t always as they appear. We are always so quick to lay blame on anyone and anything when things don’t go right. Police almost always ticket the car following behind when two cars bump their bumpers. In both cases, I was not in the wrong. Except maybe that I wasn’t using my superpowers to read the minds of the people that bumped into me.
I think everything is fine with my car. I have been more cautious while driving, which is a good thing. I am also trying to think about how my actions look to others because there is always someone watching, someone ready to accuse the Christian of being a hypocrite. I also need to be careful of the ‘blame game’, as I learned again just recently. Things definitely are not always as they appear.