Roger and Kirk Talley's Mother Passes Away at 81

We are saddened but we are thankful to announce that Cornie Talley, mother of Roger and Kirk Talley, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, December 27, 2010. She was 81 years old.
Mrs. Talley was beloved by all who knew her sweet spirit and servant’s heart. After a ten year bout with Alzheimer’s disease, she received a royal welcome into the presence of Jesus. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, R.C. “Red” Talley, sons Roger and Kirk, daughter-in-law Debra, granddaughter Lauren, daughter Diane Lunsford, son-in-law Marty Lunsford, grandson Matthew and brothers Sam and Henry Kirkpatrick.
The family will receive friends at Broome Funeral Home in Rogersville, Tennessee Thursday evening, December 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Friday evening, December 31, 2010 at Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Whitesburg, Tennessee with visitation at 6:00 PM and funeral to follow at 7:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at Hamblen Memory Gardens in Morristown, Tennessee Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM.
We thank you for your understanding in the cancellation of all concert appearances over the holiday weekend. Flowers may be sent to Broome Funeral Home, Rogersville, Tennessee. Cards may be sent to the Talley family at PO Box 1918 Morristown, Tennessee, 37816.

O Come Let Us Adore Him

Reality Check Repost: O Come Let Us Adore Him

A blanket of darkness covered them in the little cave, the cool air warmed by the heat of the animals that slept nearby. The rough wood caught her sleeve as she lay him down in the horse’s trough. He felt the separation from his mother and his little arms waved about as he opened his mouth to cry…

Clouds covered the light of the sun as they stood on the hill, cool air sweeping over the soldiers standing guard. The rough wood of the cross chaffed her hand as she looked up at him and sobbed. He felt the separation from his Father, and with his arms stretched open wide, he opened his mouth to cry…

Glorious light burst forth from the sky and appeared to be emanating from the figure astride the horse. Riding behind as a member of His army, she lifted her eyes to the glorious sight of her son, the Victorious One, and the Conquering Saviour. Her hand gripped the rough leather of the bridle and her voice joined the rest of the host as she praised her Returning King. He who would forever be One with His Father and Holy Spirit, had come back to earth to wage the last great battle. His arms raised in victory as they opened their mouths to cry…

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!”

The Source of All Light was then seated on the Throne and everything was made new. They fell on their faces before Him and felt neither heat nor cold, rough nor smooth, as their beings were filled with worship for the One who is Forever Faithful. There would never again be separation from Him and His arms opened wide toward them as He opened His mouth to cry…

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”

This Christmas may we pause to worship the One who always was, is, and always shall be. The first Christmas He came as a helpless child. The next time He returns to this earth, He will come as the King of Kings. May we, like Mary, ponder this in our hearts as we celebrate His birth.

By Lorraine Walker
First Published by www.sgmradio.com December 2008

Christmas Gift

Reality Check Repost: Christmas Gift

She stands beside the sidewalk; hair disheveled, clothes dirty, hands shaking. She hasn’t had a drag all day, let alone a high. Her hands move seemingly of their own volition; she’s scratching her head and then her arm, as she looks up and down the road and into each car that passes. She walks to the corner, hands tugging up the threadbare shirt, settling into her stance as she looks for a paying customer. A mere twenty bucks will get her a short high. All she needs is one customer.

He walks into work, the first one there as usual. He thinks of what he might do if he didn’t have the bills to pay. Get a different job, for one thing. Tell his boss and everyone else where they can go. Then he could afford the fancy motorcycle and the extra car. And his wife was always asking for money. But that wouldn’t be happening now anyway because he was moving out. The kids don’t need him any more. And he certainly doesn’t need to hear her nagging. A new job and an extra twenty thousand a year would be perfect. All he needs is a little more money.

She walks into church alone again. She smiles and the greeters return her smile, doing their job to the best of their ability. The pastor walks by but he’s too busy to greet anyone, he’s got too many important things to do. She slowly walks through the foyer into the sanctuary, watching people gather with their families, talking to friends, greeting each other with hugs. It’s like she’s invisible, but by this time in her life, she’s used to that. She sits down in her pew and waits for the service to begin. If just one person came to sit near her, perhaps she could have a real conversation. All she needs is a one kind word.

They struggle down the road, which leads through desert land and harsh, unforgiving terrain. He walks the hundred miles, sandals torn and feet bleeding, while he leads the donkey. She’s expecting, and the donkey’s spine is a hard and uncomfortable seat as the wind whips the dirt and sand into her eyes. They have little money but it needs to be enough to pay Caesar and for some lodging in the town once they arrive. The baby’s birth is immanent. Darkness falls and they finally arrive in Bethlehem. If they could only find a room, something clean with sheets for the new baby. All they need is a room.

In the midst of the darkness, suddenly a star breaks through and the light finds it’s way into the small stable. The cave that was dark and dirty now brightens as a baby’s cry echoes among the animals. The shepherds, drawn here by a vision they almost can’t believe, fall to their knees on the hard ground. This Child is special and the air fills with His holy presence. And suddenly, it’s there. What they all needed. They didn’t know it, they had forgotten or pushed it aside in trying to survive the day. But it’s there, and it’s undeniable.

Hope.

It came into that stable and into the world, to touch every life and every need.

A Christmas gift to share.

Why don’t we?

By Lorraine Walker
Originally published by www.sgmradio.com in Reality Check, December 2007

HisSong Announces Addition of David Price As New Baritone

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (December 21, 2010) – Vine Records/Crossroads recording artist and Dove Award nominated artist HisSong has named David Price as the group’s new baritone vocalist. HisSong temporarily hired David for 90 days until they knew for sure that he was a right fit. After the 90-day trial period – David was hired as the full-time baritone vocalist.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, David is 22 years old, and he began singing at a young age. David sang with Michigan-based quartet The Calvarymen for two years prior to joining HisSong.

HisSong owner/manager Dennis Humphries states, “I am proud to have David as a part of HisSong. David is an awesome singer and brings a lot of energy to the group. We’re excited to have David as a part of this team. David is doing an outstanding job, and everywhere we go, people are loving him.”

The group’s previous baritone vocalist, Adam Cannon, sang with HisSong for the last four years. Cannon left the group to pursue a ministry with his wife, Samantha, that will include both singing and preaching.

Dennis added, “I was sad to see Adam go but knew that God had amazing things in store for HisSong. We all became like brothers, and although we miss Cannon and still have a close friendship with him, our prayers are with Adam, Samantha & Noah.”

HisSong will be entering the studio soon to begin recording their brand new project for Vine/Crossroads Records. Dove Award-winning producer and songwriter Wayne Haun will once again produce this project. Haun has produced HisSong’s last three recordings as well – Watching & Waiting, Dove-nominated On the Way Up, and their current release Journey Through the Sky, which was nominated for Album of the Year in the 2010 SGN Music Awards.

Friends, family, and friends are encouraged to call and request HisSong’s latest single – “When We Talk to the Father.” This is HisSong’s third Top 40 single from their latest release – Journey Through the Sky.

HisSong is booked through the Adoration Agency. For more information on how to book the popular trio, log on to http://www.adorationagency.com or call (910) 426-1931.

HisSong also has a weekly online newsletter which gives fans of the group information on the ministry and much more.

More information on HisSong can be found at http://www.hissongmusic.com. Fans are encouraged to visit the group’s Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hissongmusic .

About HisSong
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, HisSong has already achieved national notoriety within the group’s short lifetime. HisSong received their first GMA Dove Award nomination last year for the critically acclaimed breakthrough recording On the Way Up. The group has been awarded two Diamond Awards. HisSong’s current single is “When We Talk to the Father.”

Believing is Seeing

Reality Check Repost: Believing is Seeing

We all have our favourite seasonal movies that we watch at this time of year, from White Christmas to A Charlie Brown Christmas. I love the fun cartoons, the nostalgic old flicks, the sentimental family stories, and the ones that focus on Christ. One children’s show, The Santa Clause, always amuses me. There is a scene with an elf showing a child a “magic snow globe” that comes to life. The dialogue is priceless: “Seeing ISN’T believing…believing is SEEING”.

It’s much easier for us to agree with that sentiment at Christmas because everything about the season centers on faith. Children who wait up to hear the sound of reindeer hooves on the roof, believing Santa is on his way. The Salvation Army people standing patiently beside the donation containers with faith that passers-by will drop in their coins. Carolers who go door to door, hoping that no matter how they sound, someone’s life will be made a little happier by their music.

At Christmas it seems easier to believe that people are basically good, that wrongs will be made right, that there will be peace on earth and that we’ll wake up to ‘Christmas Card Snow’ in the morning. Mostly though, when it comes to real-life issues, we often don’t believe anything can change for the better unless we first see proof. And our requests to God to “Bless George and Martha and our little dog, Puddles” don’t touch on the challenges that wake us in the middle of the night with fear or tears.

Being raised in the church, I have often heard this verse from James quoted from the pulpit: “…The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” In other words, “believing is seeing”. God works through our faith.

As a child, believing in the truth of that verse and the power of God, I laid my hands on a sick cow and prayed for God to heal her. And He did. As an adult, somehow I keep looking for proof that He can fix my problem before I’ll talk to Him about it. Sometimes, my belief that He cares about my situation is dependent on seeing Him already at work to correct it.

However, “Believing is seeing”. How those words should strike a chord in every Christian’s heart! We have it proved to us time and again that the real things in life are not tangible and that God can do more than we could ever think or ask. Yet I so often decide not to ask for something because of lack of faith that He cares about my personal problems. And then the Lord gently reminds me of Who I claim to put my trust in and I find myself in His classroom yet again, learning the lesson of trust.

After a tough few months of having serious challenges in many areas of my life, I was getting to the end of a rather frayed rope when I was able to take some time off to enjoy the company of a bunch of Christian people. I began to talk to a few folks who had worked through some tough situations. Some were able to plant their feet so deep in the joy of Christ that whether they were on the victory side of their problems or still in the midst of them, they were fully convinced that God was exceedingly, abundantly able to do whatever was needed.

I began to search my heart and I realized that although I’d been praying about my different situations, in reality my prayers weren’t all that fervent or full of faith. I was waiting to see results before I would fully believe that God was interested in my problems. Doubting Thomas and I could have been cousins; we were both so fixed on what we thought was the reality of the situation that believing it was anything other than what we saw was impossible.

After confessing my lack of faith to my Lord, we had a chat about a few things that were keeping me on the sidelines of trust. One relationship situation in particular He asked me to just give to Him and for some reason I was finally able to let go. And the peace that immediately followed was incredible. I was in awe not only that He was interested in my little things, but that I actually could leave it with Him and not hold onto any part of it.

Following that, it was a little easier to trust Him with the next hurdle. I work for a social service agency that is dependent on government funds for its budget, and frankly, the funds don’t always flow like we think they should. I was desperately in need of a raise, and as performance appraisal time was approaching, I knew this was the time to ask for one. However, I also knew that our funding increase wasn’t that significant and no matter how well I did my job, the budget could only be stretched so far.

I talked to the Lord about what I thought I needed to survive another year and He extended His peace so I knew that whatever happened, it would be okay. My sister started praying that I would not only get the raise I needed but a nice healthy bonus cheque as well. When I got my pay packet, my eyes literally filled with tears as I saw a raise of exactly what I asked the Lord for, plus the large bonus as well. God was once again reaffirming to me that He cares intimately for His children and He so loves to give us good gifts.

Sometimes it’s a little discouraging when I realize that I have to re-learn the same truths again and again. But I know that the Lord understands my humanness and that I’m not always as strong in my faith as I should be. When His answer to my prayers is “Wait”; I admit to having a bit of a problem with that concept. When things happen that I don’t understand, it’s not always easy to trust that He will work it through.

This Christmas my prayer for each of us that places our faith in Christ, is that we will totally embrace our belief in the omnipotence and omniscience of an Almighty God. This God who wanted communion with His children so much that He became one of us. He allowed Himself to be a Child Who was totally at the mercy of His human parents. He spent His life living, playing, eating, sleeping, working and relating with us. He taught us, healed us, fed us, and loved us. And then He let us kill Him so that He could give us life everlasting.

What more proof do we need of the love of Christ? What more do we need to be shown to believe that He cares about all parts of our lives? It’s time we looked with our hearts at everything He has done and is doing, everything He was…and is…and will be. The awesomeness of this loving Saviour will drive us to our knees. Believing is seeing.



By Lorraine Walker
Originally posted on www.sgmradio.com December 2006

Searchin’ for Christmas

Reality Check Repost: Searchin' For Christmas

We have a lovely choir in our church with about 75 voices, and a live orchestra that provides some awesome accompaniment. Every year we do a Christmas musical, complete with drama, special effects, and computerized lights in a giant Christmas tree that holds the singers. You have to be careful how much hairspray you use when you are standing in the tree; one wrong move and you could be bald. However, there’s a lot of work and effort and prayer invested in these performances, and with an average attendance of over 1,000 people per night for six nights, we are blessed to see many lives touched by the Gospel. Long after the last night, we hear reports of people that were saved, or that were encouraged to return to church after attending one of these presentations.

This year, one of the songs we are doing is the Southern Gospel favorite, “Searchin’”. It is the background for the part in the presentation where the wise men are looking for the Baby Jesus. It struck me the other day how persistent these men were. They were so utterly convinced that there was a king who was born, and that they would find him, that they searched a long time and over many miles to find this baby. They faced a strange King who tried to deceive them. They faced harsh weather conditions, different languages and strange customs. But they held onto their goal and their purpose, until what they were sure existed became reality. And it wasn’t even “their” king. They weren’t Roman. They weren’t Jewish. They had no political connections to these people. They didn’t worship the same God as the Jews or the Greeks. But they knew this baby was different and they had to find Him.

What amazes me about this is how strong these men were in their belief. They had ancient writings to go by, and stars, but that was all. Here we are in this day when God is at work all around us. People are saved and healed, lives are changed, and the Holy Spirit is working constantly to draw people to Jesus. We have the Word of God available freely in bookstores, on the Net, on the radio, on TV. We have concordances and study guides, knowledgeable Pastors and Bible-believing Churches, and again, the Holy Spirit to lead and teach us when we can’t understand. So many ways in which God has blessed us with His Presence, yet still we waver and doubt and have trouble even looking up, let alone seeing any of the tangible ways He is using to guide us.

We search for His Will in our lives, we search for His love when we feel unlovable, and we search for meaning when life becomes endless, fruitless, or just depressing. We want answers immediately, and we want them to be the answers we expect. We ask for blessings and help, when it has already been given and we just can’t see it. Sometimes what we are searching for is right with us, and we don’t stop our frantic busyness long enough to see it. Unlike the Magi, we don’t bother to read the signs; we just figure we already know what they say and forge ahead, mistaking a “dead end” for a “one way”. We crash and burn and we don’t know why, and then we blame God for misleading us.

I hope this Christmas we will all take time to stop and look for God’s direction in the every day events, the little things that He sends us to show He cares. A kind word and a smile from a stranger, a beautiful carol of God’s love that comes on the store speakers in between Santa and Rudolph, a card from someone telling you they said a prayer for you today. And perhaps He wants to use you as His arms and feet, and as you extend His love to someone else, He can show you that you do matter, you are lovable, you are important in His scheme of things. Let His Word be a lamp to show you where to put your next step.

This world seems to get faster and busier on a daily basis, and sometimes it seems hard to keep up. If you are like me, there are times when the stress takes you to the edge and you are slipping over, while looking around frantically for a handhold, a branch, a rock, anything to keep you from falling. Maybe what it takes is a strengthening of faith in what is not seen, a more deliberate searching for what we really know is there. Because that first Christmas provided a Rock that we can stand on forever. It’s just a matter of knowing. And believing. Searching with total faith that God is in every situation.

Have a blessed Christmas. And keep on “Searchin’” till you’ve found the King of Kings!

By Lorraine Walker
First published December 2005 www.sgmradio.com

Vanessa Feltner Reaches Publicity Agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (December 8, 2010) – Rising soloist and international recording artist Vanessa Feltner has signed an exclusive publicity agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment. Through this agreement, Vanessa will have unlimited access to all media outlets serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as potential marketing and media campaigns through the organization.

Vanessa Feltner was raised singing Gospel music by her father – respected songwriter Charles Feltner (“I’ll See You In the Rapture”). She sang with her father for years until she was contracted to sing in four-star hotels throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in 1994. She was privileged to sing for the President and Vice President of Indonesia twice and was hired by their country to compose songs for social campaigns and performed those songs at a concert for the political and government workers there. Vanessa is currently contracted in South Korea and will be returning to the States early next year.

Vanessa just released her fourth single to Southern Gospel radio, “You Are Holy,” through the Rick Hendrix Company. Her previous single, “God Will Provide,” became her first charting song on the Singing News Top 80 chart.

“Vanessa is an artist that came highly recommended to us by other artists. She’s got a great talent and is a respected recording artist all around the world,” mentioned Chris D. Unthank, President of SSE Group, Inc. “We can’t wait to really introduce her to the Gospel music fans here in the States. We know that people are going to fall in love with Vanessa just like we did!”

Southern Spin Entertainment is one of three divisions of the 501c non-profit organization SSE Group, Inc. The company is operated by siblings Amy Marie Unthank and Chris D. Unthank. The company currently represents artists, companies, and organizations in all genres of Gospel music – including the Dove Brothers, The Freemans, AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), HisSong, Freedom, Misty Freeman, Driven Quartet, the Diamond Awards, Branson Gospel Music Convention, Eighth Day, David Hill Trio, Sharron Kay King, Heavens Highway, 2nd Generation, Brothers Forever, Shine On Trio, Men of Music, The Quicks, Rod Burton, and many more.

Until Vanessa’s new site is up and running, you can find out more information on her and her ministry by visiting her MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/vanessafeltnermusic or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vanessafeltner .

David Hill Trio's "Good Good News" Hits Radio!

RIDGEVILLE, S.C. – (December 8, 2010) – Gospel music group the David Hill Trio just released their first single to radio in over year. The new single and debut from the David Hill Trio’s latest recording hit radio programmers’ desks last month.

The brand new single, titled “Good, Good News,” was sent to Southern Gospel radio last month through Resting Place Music. It can be found on Resting Place Music, Volume 10 compilation, cut #9.

“We are so excited to finally have some new music for radio to get behind,” mentioned David Hill. “This is such a fun song to sing, and we really do believe in the message of the song. We hope that radio loves this song as much as we do!”

“Good, Good News” was written by Jason Clark (The Nelons) and is the debut single from the David Hill Trio’s much anticipated new release – Things We Believe.

The new single has already started charting on the popular SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart – showing strong and early fan support.

The David Hill Trio just released their latest recording – Things We Believe – on Gospel Heritage Records. More information on the new album release will be announced soon.

For more information on the David Hill Trio, visit their website at http://www.thedavidhilltrio.com .

About the David Hill Trio
David Hill is no stranger to Gospel music. This former pastor has been a part of such notable groups as Gold City, The Nelons, and The Perrys before branching out and forming the David Hill Trio. He is joined by his wife Amanda Hill and family friend Stephanie Lindsey in the trio. Strong vocals, tight harmonies, and songs with substance are things that the David Hill Trio possess. Take those qualities and combine them with compassion, conviction, a love to worship, and a passion to minister, and you will understand why it has been said that the David Hill Trio is “from the local church, for the local church”.

2nd Generation Renews Publicity Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment

OAK GROVE, Ark. – (December 8, 2010) – Diamond Award winning trio 2nd Generation has just renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The popular group has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. 2nd Generation will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

Brenda Denney of 2nd Generation said, “We’ve been with SSE for a few years now, and there are few people in this industry that work as hard for us as they do! They truly are partners with us in our ministry. They want to see us succeed, and we are so thankful for their support, guidance, and friendship.”

“2nd Generation is a group that has it going on,” mentioned Chris D. Unthank, President of SSE Group, Inc. “Elaine, Brendy, and Rocky are great ministers, and we are so excited to see the growth in their ministry over the last few years. This next year is going to be a great year for them!”

2nd Generation’s latest single debuted on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart a couple months ago and has already made it to the Top 20 on the chart – peaking at #12. The song, “I’ll Not Fear the Crossing,” has also been a fan favorite, consistently charting on the SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart – coming in at #5 this week.

Fans are encouraged to be listening for 2nd Generation’s new single, “I’ll Not Fear the Crossing,” at Southern Gospel radio.

For more information on 2nd Generation – visit http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com.

You can also find out more information about the group on their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/2generation. The group’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/2ndgeneration.

About 2nd Generation
2nd Generation is based out of the Oak Grove, Arkansas. 2nd Generation has appeared at churches, state fairs, Singing in the Sun, Trinity Broadcasting Network, the Jim Bakker Show, Branson Gospel Music Convention, and many other events. The group’s current project, their sophomore album I See a City, has spawned off three hit singles including the #1 Fan Favorite songs “Feel the Joy” and “The Blood Covered It All.”

THE GRASCALS & FRIENDS COMING TO CRACKER BARREL

Exclusive CD will feature guest artists joining in for some bluegrass fun
LEBANON, Tenn. (December 6, 2010) Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is pleased to let you know that the next CD in its exclusive music program will feature some of the biggest names in country music joining up with one of the most beloved bands on today's bluegrass scene, The Grascals. The album, The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin, has 13 country music songs on it that you have probably heard before, but most likely not like this. The Grascals bring their own bluegrass style to the tunes and bring the different tracks to life with eight of their friends, including Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels and Dolly Parton. The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin will be available on January 10th, 2011, exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.
The bonus track, "I Am Strong," was written by Grascals band member Jamie Johnson and his wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson along with Jenee Fleenor after The Grascals visited the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® and were inspired by the stories and power of the children being treated there. "I Am Strong" is powerful in its message and artistic vision and brings together vocals from all of the artists who also appear separately with the Grascals on other tracks on this CD. In honor of the children and this song, Cracker Barrel is donating a percentage of the proceeds from this CD to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"The Grascals are steeped in bluegrass tradition and at the same time are in touch with their contemporary audiences, bringing authenticity as well as freshness to the music," said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. "We are pleased to be able to offer our guests this unique CD as the latest album in our exclusive music program."
The Grascals are frequent guests at Cracker Barrel as it provides a welcome stop along the way when they are out touring, which is most of the year. Ask any of the six band members what they like to eat when they stop in and there is no hesitation in the responses: chicken n' dumplins, the Sunrise Sampler, turnip greens or pinto beans....the answers go on and on.
The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin will be the latest in Cracker Barrel's exclusive music program, which features numerous projects. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson's Now & Then which features six of his current songs and live versions of six of his classics that were recorded last year. It debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine's R&B chart. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also released Mandy Barnett's Winter Wonderland, which offers up all the authentic sounds of the holiday traditions so many of us cherish. In July, the company released Craig Morgan's That's Why-Collector's Edition,and in May the release of Wynonna's Love Heals debuted at #7 on the Billboard Magazine Top Country Albums chart. February's release of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart, where it spent nine weeks in the top position and 18 weeks overall in one of the three top positions since its release on February 1st. Releases in 2009 included November's Songs of Love and Heartache by Alan Jackson, September's release of an exclusive new version of The Foundation by the Zac Brown Band, August's George Jones' release of A Collection Of My Best Recollection, May's release of Montgomery Gentry's For Our Heroes, which debuted at #5 on Billboard Magazine's Top Country Albums chart, and March's release of Dolly Parton's Collector's Edition of Backwoods Barbie, which debuted at #9 on that chart. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Bill Gaither, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.

Tracks on The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin:

1. Tiger By The Tail (with Brad Paisley)
2. Folsom Prison Blues (with Dierks Bentley)
3. Pain of Lovin' You (with Dolly Parton)
4. I Am Strong (with Dolly Parton)
5. Louisiana Saturday Night
6. The Year That Clayton Delaney Died (with Tom T. Hall)
7. White Lightning (with Darryl Worley)
8. The Devil Went Down To Georgia (with Charlie Daniels)
9. Leavin' Louisiana In Broad Daylight (with The Oak Ridge Boys)
10. Mr. Bojangles (with Joe Nichols)
11. Hank Williams Jr. Medley-Born To Boogie / All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight
12. Cracker Barrel Swing (Instrumental)
13. I Am Strong (Bonus Track) Featuring guest appearances by Dolly Parton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Darryl Worley, Charlie Daniels, Terri Clark, Randy Owen, Steven Seagal, Tom T. Hall, Joe Nichols and Ansley McLaurin
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About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that's surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America's country heritage...all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n' dumplins as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 597 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

December 2010 SGN Scoops: Christmas & the Gift of Love, featuring Jason Crabb!

The December 2010 issue of SGN Scoops is now available for download. Click on http://www.sgnscoops.com/?p=3271 to read your issue in user-friendly .PDF format.

Jason Crabb, once of the most celebrated talents in gospel music today, discusses gifts, family, and hunting with us! Meanwhile, artitsts share stories of how love has touched their lives in unique ways: read testimonies from The Quicks, Amy Unthank, Dale and Cheryl Golden, Madison Easter and Shannon Norman, Jerry and Jan Goff, Christy Sutherland, and many more! Also, our new writer Sandi Duncan-Clark reviews new Christmas CDs by The Isaacs and David Phelps!

Last December, we celebrated The Gift of a Second Chance ~ return to the heart of Christmas with The Gift of LOVE!


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Christmas Wrappings

Merry Christmas everyone! And yes, to some people’s astonishment I am sure, Canadians do celebrate Christmas on December 25th, just like Americans. However, we have adopted a British custom by having a statutory holiday as well on the 26th, which is called Boxing Day. I’m sure if you are interested you can do a search on your computer and find the correct origin of that day, however, around here it’s usually the day when all the things you got on the 25th that you didn’t like get put back in their boxes and returned to Walmart.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if everything you received in those beautiful wrappings was exactly what you were hoping for, or even better? Not just “close”, or “I thought you’d like this purple and pink frog lamp much better than the Tiffany glass one you showed me”…but so much more than you ever dreamed of that it blew you away. Once in awhile you may have a Christmas like that, but it doesn’t happen often.
It’s occasionally like that when we meet people. Once in awhile you meet that special person who is so much more wonderful than you expected at first. And then there are others. You know the kind: the outside looks wonderful, but inside is a whole different story. And then there are those that we meet and we find that their whole personality is wrapped in yet another layer. Some people are wrapped up in their jobs, some in their good deeds, and some in striving to reach some sort of unrealistic expectation that can never be achieved. And then there are those that are all wrapped up in themselves, which is probably the hardest to handle. I think we can all relate to one of those, maybe a bit too personally, because most of us have been there at some point in our lives.
Contrast this with the Heavenly Father lending us His Son for a short time here on earth. Mary and Joseph wrapped this precious gift in swaddling clothes. Ripped up pieces of old garments, thoroughly washed, enveloped the Almighty God of the Universe. The Word that spoke the world into existence, cried and wiggled inside a cocoon of rags.
I wonder how many times Mary had to wind and unwind those cloths, as she changed this Baby that would change the world. Not even Pampers for the King of Kings. Just rags.
God gave to us His greatest gift, born and wrapped in the humblest of ways. And Jesus grew up and lived His life clothed in humility as He demonstrated love to us.
Someday we will be clothed in our glorified bodies, with perfect minds and hearts and bodies. Till then, we are living in a fallen world, in mortal bodies, and fall so short of the glory of God. How can we then wrap ourselves up in anything else but humility, knowing how much He has done for us, and what a debt He paid for us?
Our Glorious Loving Saviour has given us the precious gift of Himself this Christmas. My hope and prayer is that you have accepted this gift and have allowed him to be your Saviour and Lord. That we would all realize how much we need to humble ourselves as His children, and walk in humility as He did. And that you would experience peace and joy in your life this Christmas. Have a blessed holiday season!

By Lorraine Walker
First published December 2005 on www.johnlanier.com

The 7th Annual USAGEM Convention and Awards Show Is a Success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (December 1, 2010) – Convention participants are still raving about the spirit experienced at the United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians (USAGEM) 7th Annual Convention and Awards Show. The event was held November 12 and 13, 2010 at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I believe the Lord walked among us at our convention,” said Lynn Fox, the organization’s Vice President. “It was the best convention and awards show the United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians has ever had. It was the culmination of seven years of work. We have come a long way in our understanding of how to plan and implement our plans of putting a convention and awards show together.”

The convention began at noon on Friday, November 12, when artists and organization members gathered on the stage of the Texas Troubadour Theatre to film two closing songs for the television series that was filmed later that day.

With the help and guidance of the Fresh Well Media, each of the 30-minute shows was hosted by USAGEM board member and television veteran Tommie Lewis and his son, Dwayne, and featured performances by three USAGEM members/artists.

On Saturday November 13, the award-winning Christian Country group The Fox Brothers hosted the 7th Annual USAGEM Awards Show. The Fox Brothers guided the show along, mixing home-spun humor with enthusiastic introductions of the outstanding musical acts which performed on the show. During the show, they also garnered the Group of the Year award for the fourth time and group member, Roy Fox, received the Comedian of the Year Award for the second time. The brothers closed the show with a performance of their number one hit song “Red, White & Blue”.

The evening featured performances from outstanding artists such as Joanne Cash Yates, Glenn Tubb, The Pearly Gates, the Dynamic Dixie Travelers, Sandi Katy & New Hickory, For Heaven’s Sake, The Gardners, Rene Jones, The Servants, Emily Carey, Caroline Keller, Tommy Brandt, and the Fairfield Four.

Additional artists and individuals who participated in the event were Peggy Inks, Bev McCann, Shelton Bissell, Dr. Harry Yates, The Leipers Fork B luegrass Band, The Higher Trails Band, Sheila Berry, and many more.

After the afternoon awards show, approximately125 USAGEM members and their family members gathered at the Radisson Hotel on Music Valley Drive to celebrate the goodness of God at the organization’s annual convention banquet.

At the banquet, three awards were presented. The Excellence in Media Award was presented to the Family Friendly Entertainment Network. The “Bruce Cutler Radio Servant’s Award” was given to Tyler, Texas DJ and Christian Country artist Tommy Smith. The 2010 USAGEM President’s Award was presented to Mrs. Bobbie Wright for her outstanding service and support to the organization in arranging and preparing food at various USAGEM events.

For more information on the event and organization, visit http://www.usagem.org .

The 2010 USAGEM Award Winners:

Diamond Award: Larrice Byrd

Emerald Award: The Servants Quartet

Ruby Award: Edie Jones

Sapphire Award: Amanda Fessant

Group of the Year: The Fox Brothers

Duo of the Year: Lewis & Lewis

Soloist of the Year: Joanne Cash Yates

Female Vocalist of the Year: Amanda Fessant

Male Vocalist of the Year: Mitchel Jon

Song of the Year: "I've Had Enough" - Performed by The Gardners, written by Vhonda Asher

Songwriter of the Year: Joel Hemphill

Musician of the Year: Shelton Bissell

Comedian of the Year: Roy Fox

Southern Gospel Crown Jewel: The Hemphills

Black Gospel Crown Jewel: The Dynamic Dixie Travelers

Christian Country Crown Jewel: Rene Jones

Bluegrass/Acoustic Crown Jewel: Glenn Tubb

Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel: Mitchel Jon

Lee & Loyall Renews Publicity Agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment

MECHANICSVILLS, Va. – (December 1, 2010) – National recording artist Lee & Loyall has just renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The up and coming group has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. Lee & Loyall will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

“Lee & Loyall have been a great artist to work for,” mentioned SSE Group, Inc.’s Chris D. Unthank. “They’ve got a great work ethic and believe in the power of the Gospel. That’s exactly the kind of group that we love working with!”

Joseph Lee of Lee & Loyall said, “SSE is a company that we believe in, and they have done a great work for us. We always know that they are going to do what they say they’re going to do – and that means the world to us!”

Lee & Loyall have been preparing to release their debut recording. More information on that will be released soon.

The group doesn’t have a website yet – until then you can find out more information on the ministries of Joseph Lee by visiting http://www.josephleeministries.com .

About Lee & Loyall
Lee & Loyall is an upcoming trio based in Mechanicsville, Virginia. The group consists of accomplished actor and musician Joseph Lee as well as Bill Loyall and Lee’s daughter. The group sings with a passion for reaching the lost and showing the hope and love found in Christ.

THE ISAACS TO APPEAR ON "AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH EDDIE STUBBS"

LIVE BROADCAST ON WSM FROM
THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM'S FORD THEATER

NASHVILLE, TN (December 1, 2010) - THE ISAACS will be the special guests on Monday, December 6, 2010 during "AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH EDDIE STUBBS" at the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM'S FORD THEATER in Nashville, TN. The national radio show, hosted by CMA Award Winner EDDIE STUBBS, airs live on 650 AM WSM and WSMOnline.com.
"We've been a big fan of Eddie Stubbs and his incredible contribution to the world of music through the years," said Lily Isaacs. "It is an honor for our family to be on his show and share stories of our personal lives."
Tickets to the live broadcast are available only by winning them from WSM on-air or the web site. Click here to register for tickets.
The Isaacs will discuss their career and new project THE ISAACS - CHRISTMAS which has been in the Billboard Bluegrass Charts Top 5 since its September 28, 2010 release.
ABOUT THE ISAACS:
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of LaFollette, TN (30 min north of Knoxville). Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally.
Lily Isaacs, matriarch of the group, was born in Germany after World War II to two Jewish Holocaust survivors and moved to the United States when she was 2 years old. She grew up in the Bronx, NY studying theatre and performing on Off Broadway and in 1968 recorded a folk album on Columbia Records with her friend as "Lily and Maria." She became a Christian in 1971 when a death in the family brought her and patriarch Joe Isaacs to church for the first time. That night, they began singing Christian music and laid the foundation upon which the Isaacs ministry has been built.
Siblings Ben, Sonya and Rebecca all sing and play different instruments. Ben, the oldest, sings and plays upright bass on stage. He spends much of his off time in the studio producing and playing bass on numerous other artists' albums including Merle Haggard, George Jones, a Jimmy Martin Tribute Project and Cherryholmes, and has received 5 Grammy nominations for the latter two artists. He arranges many of the Isaacs songs and is their sound technician on tour. Ben and his wife Melinda and their three children, Jacob, Cameron, & Kyra, make their home in Hendersonville, TN. Sonya, also living near Nashville, TN is married to Jimmy Yeary, and is the middle daughter and mandolin player/vocalist for the Isaacs. Sonya's husband Jimmy recently co-wrote the Rascal Flatts' hit "Why Wait." Rebecca, the youngest sister, sings and plays guitar and resides in LaFollette, TN with husband John Bowman and their 2 children, Levi and Jakobi. Sonya and Rebecca collaborate on many of the Isaacs songs and have penned most of their hits. They have also penned songs for many other artists including Gold City Qt, Trisha Yearwood, Mark Lowry, Vince Gill, Cherryholmes, Jeff and Sheri Easter, and many others. Sonya is a songwriter for Disney Music Publishing and appears in the 2009 Hannah Montana Movie as a background singer for Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The Isaacs have made frequent guest appearances on many other artists records including Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Paul Simon, Vince Gill, Randy Owen, Trisha Yearwood, Ralph Stanley, Mark Lowry, and many more. They enjoy singing and traveling most though, and provide a professional, style sensitive performance wherever they go.
For more information, visit www.TheIsaacs.com, www.facebook.com/theisaacs, and www.twitter.com/isaacsmusic.
ABOUT WSM:
650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925. The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the airwaves since its inception. WSM can be picked up in 38 states on 650 AM and worldwide on www.wsmonline.com. 650 AM WSM is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit www.wsmonline.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.
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