Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - Asking the Hardest Question

Reality Check for April 2008
By Lorraine Walker

A short time ago a lady spoke in our church about how the Lord had blessed her and her family. She spoke of some challenges they had faced with her son who had a birth defect. She related how the trials had been difficult but seemed like small hills which gradually led them to one huge mountain. This situation was so hard that she found herself asking all the “why” questions. Then it struck her that when something good happened, she rarely asked why. So if she took the good things as a part of life, why was she questioning the difficult circumstances?

I don’t believe that God is afraid of any of our hard questions. He created us to be inquisitive and to reason. We can ask Him anything and like a good Father, He will answer. However, sometimes our penchant for asking why keeps us from actually seeing or hearing His answers.

There is one particular situation in my life that seems to be a continual source of challenge. Many nights I have lain awake, asking the Lord, “Why?” I didn’t realize that this was my way of dwelling on the negative areas of the situation instead of seeing anything good.

We were reading the story of Ruth and Naomi during devotions one morning at work when God revealed this truth to my heart. Naomi and Ruth had come to a crossroad and Naomi suggested that Ruth return to her homeland. Ruth’s husband had died and she had nothing. They had grieved for their loss and it was now time to move on. However, Ruth made a decision that would change her life.

Instead of falling to the ground, wailing about the situation and asking God why, she realized what a treasure she had been given in her mother-in-law Naomi. She and Naomi traveled together to Bethlehem, where Ruth eventually met and married Boaz, and was blessed to have Jesus Christ within her line of descendents. Ruth had chosen to leave the ‘whys’ with the past and look instead at what God had given to her in the present. This enabled her to move on and trust God with her future.

The next time I find myself asking God “why”, I hope I remember to ask myself why I’m asking “Why?”. Is it easier to dwell on the negative and want the answers to all our questions because we say we want closure? God isn’t afraid of our questions, but neither does He want us to dwell in the past. We are to leave that behind and face the future, knowing that His blessings in our lives right now are proof that He will continue to be with us whatever we face. “Where Thou goest, I will go!”

For current "Reality Check" blogs by Lorraine Walker, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro SGM Radio: Firm Foundation: Putting Jesus “Out There”

SGM Radio Feature for July 2010
By Lorraine Walker

Youthful energy, tight harmony, engaging lyrics, progressive vocals and multiple award nominations; Firm Foundation is as cool as they come in new Southern Gospel. This young group has been on the road for eight years but many are hearing them for the first time with the release of “Already On My Knees” and wondering why Firm Foundation isn’t already a mainstay on the music charts. The Kentucky-based quartet is burning up the roads and radio playlists as their hot sound is sparking interest across the country.

Steve Bridgmon, lead singer and manager of Firm Foundation, talks about the humble beginnings of this fast-rising quartet. “Firm Foundation sang in front of a crowd for the first time in 2002 at my home church, Red Hill Baptist in Utica, Kentucky, which is a small, backwoods country church that we still sing at to this day. Although some of our venues have grown and so has our audience sizes, we will never forget about the ones who let us come and minister in the beginning. Those churches are the heart of who we are. It's been a long road from my 3rd grade solo of "Away In A Manger",which is the first time I ever sang in front of a crowd!”

Bridgmon is joined by the two Josh’s, Josh Brown on tenor and Josh Teasley singing baritone, along with Anthony Davis singing bass. “Our ages are from 20 to 30-something years old,” says Steve. “Three of the guys are all under the age of 27. We came together through the power of the internet. Of course God had a plan for Firm Foundation and brought us together. We're all different and I think it would be boring if we were all just alike.”Each of the men also have jobs that work in sync with their touring schedule and are involved in their local churches when possible.

One listen to the current single and it’s easy to hear the talent embodied by these four unique gentlemen. What is difficult to understand, perhaps, is why they’ve stayed in an industry that may not offer as many advantages as other fields of Christian music. “We chose to go into the southern gospel genre because anything else is just noise!” Bridgmon laughs. “But seriously, if we can't sing about our Lord Jesus Christ, we may as well shut the bus off and go home. Southern Gospel lyrics are biblical and not watered down like many other styles of music. SG isn't scared to put Jesus out there and tell everyone how we feel about Him.”

Firm Foundation puts their faith ‘out there’ with every song and worked hard to ensure that their latest recording did the same. "’Footsteps of Life’ is our newest recording,” says Bridgmon. “Donna Beauvais did an absolutely amazing job as producer. She brought so much out of us. Two of the guys in the group had no studio experience at all. We prayed over every song for weeks before we sang them in the studio.”

“Everyone at Sunset Boulevard Studios was amazing,” Bridgmon continues. “We got to work with some of the very best in Nashville. The piano player on the album is on tour with Rascal Flatts right now. All the players on the album have worked with some huge names in country and contemporary Christian, as well as Southern Gospel. Donna Beauvais has an amazing ear and she definitely knows chords!”

The songs on “Footsteps Of Life” were carefully chosen, says Bridgmon. “It took me about a year to pick out all the songs. The songwriters are the heart of this album. I'm not sure I have a favorite song. I love the track ‘Already On My Knees’ because it describes my journey over the past few years. No matter how the devil comes at you, he can't knock you down if you're already on your knees.”

Firm Foundation has received commendations from others in the industry that they have posted on their website at http://www.firmfoundationqt.com/. Dusty Wells of Word Music Group is quoted as saying, “Firm Foundation's new recording … is pure quartet at its best and they have chosen songs that reflect the hope and peace that Jesus offers to all of us on this journey.”

Ed Crawford of the Mystery Men is also a fan of the quartet. When SGM Radio asked him who he thought had great potential for going far in Southern Gospel, his response was Firm Foundation, a group they had worked with recently. Ed says the quartet has “…a great sound and is a good bunch of young guys.”

Firm Foundation is now receiving accolades from across the industry, including three Diamond Award Nominations for Sunrise Group of the Year, Artist Website and Album of the year. It has taken awhile for Southern Gospel to recognize their existence, says Bridgmon. “Only recently, probably during the past year or so, has the Southern Gospel audience taken notice. Our audience until then, and even now, has been the unchurched. What a great responsibility that is, to be able to sing to a group of people who don't hear about Christ every week!”

Spreading the Good News with those who don’t know Jesus, and their new music with an audience who hasn’t heard the group is a challenge. Bridgmon talks about the internet effect in marketing Firm Foundation. “Facebook has really helped with people keeping up with our dates and happenings. The latest album sales have been from a much younger audience, especially with our more progressive sound. iTunes sales have helped with getting our music in the hands of young people.” The group’s younger audience is enjoying their brand of Southern Gospel and this is a positive reflection on the industry as a whole.

“One of the greatest attributes of Southern Gospel Music is that it's the only genre of music where artists get to interact personally with the fans,” says Bridgmon. “Nowhere else will you ever see an artist going to the product table or praying with someone in the audience. It's very unique and we're proud to be part of it.” Fans of all ages appreciate this aspect of Southern Gospel.

Firm Foundation’s songs have the ability to reach across age barriers and audience preferences. Interestingly, Bridgmon says that an old hymn performed by the group is one of the most well received. “The song that gets the most reaction from our audience has to be our acapella version of ‘How Great Thou Art’. I think it touches them because everyone has a story when it comes to this song. From your grandmother singing it while she's cooking on Sunday morning to walking down the aisle when you accepted Christ. The song is a staple in church music history.”

Aside from the onstage performance, there is a lot of hard work involved in presenting the music of Firm Foundation. Steve Bridgmon talks about the responsibility of managing the ministry of the quartet. “I'm thankful for the knowledge God has given me to make good decisions. I believe this is the core of accepting the responsibility of what God has called us to do in ministry. I'm also thankful to have 3 guys on the platform with me every week that I care about as deeply as brothers.”

New artists on the road today have many legends to look up to, artists who have made their mark in the industry. “Personally, my favorite singer in southern gospel music, hands down, is Gerald Wolfe,” says Bridgmon. “He sings so correctly and I really respect that. That's the way I learned how to sing. I never tire of listening to him. The sincerity in his voice is infectious. Every time I hear him sing, I am ready to hit the road again!” However, Bridgmon doesn’t see the group following in another artist’s footsteps. “We've pretty much blazed our own path in gospel music. I think that it is very important not to emulate someone else's career. God's way is the only way.”

Bridgmon says that although they have been blazing their own unique trail, the group has a support system to guide them. “My family has played a huge role in the ministry of Firm Foundation. At our CD release party this past February, for the first time in the history of the group, all four of us had our dads in attendance. None of us are married, which frees us up to travel as we please, but our immediate family is in prayer for us at all times.”

Recognizing the need for prayer and accountability, Bridgmon also has someone to go to for spiritual guidance. “Someone who has been a spiritual mentor to me is my pastor when I was in college, Scott Ford. He's a great Man of God who has been very true to his church and is respected by so many. I long to have the longevity that he's had in ministry. I've always been able to go to him at anytime, for anything and I appreciate that.”

“My greatest desire for the ministry of Firm Foundation is for people to see us as sincere and real,” continues Bridgmon. “We strive for God's guidance and reverence. If we stop being a warrior for God, we should stop doing this.”

Firm Foundation certainly has roots in the foundation of Jesus Christ and men like Steve Bridgmen and his quartet are destined to do great things for their Lord. It is heartening and encouraging to hear the heart’s cry of new artists who strive to do the will of God. Bridgmon expresses the conviction of the group with these words: “Every day, and I mean every day, I think about the blessings that He's brought down on us just this past year. Every time I hear our song on the radio I seriously get tears in my eyes. Don't take me wrong there, it’s not because we're getting played, but the huge responsibility He's given us and chosen us to do. That's so awesome to me. We will never take advantage of the doors He's opened for us or the responsibility of spreading His Word.”

For more information please log on to http://firmfoundationgospel.ipage.com/
Originally posted July 2010 on SGM Radio Website
For current features log on to http://www.sgmradio.com/
Written by Lorraine Walker

Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - The Day Of Little Things

The Day of Little Things

Do you ever have one of those days? You feel like you are spinning your wheels. Nothing you do is amounting to anything and no matter how much effort you put into what you are doing, you see no results at all. I was thinking about this the other day while relaxing on vacation. Yes, I was thinking while on vacation and that can be dangerous as there is nothing to stop my mind from going on all kinds of tangents.

I was taking stock of my activities and the way I spend my time and I began to wonder if some of the things I pour myself into are really worth the effort. It began to feel as though my spare time was filled with little things which were not bringing visible results. If the Lord was in these activities that I felt I was doing for Him, why weren’t they bearing any fruit?

During this time of reflection I happened to be reading through the Minor Prophets in the Bible, those little books to the right of the Psalms that I usually overlook. It seemed as though the remnant of Israel were going through the same frustrating thoughts. They had been working away at rebuilding their temple that had been destroyed and saw little results for their effort. The prophet Zechariah speaks up to remind them that the Lord has not forgotten them and they will eventually see the fruits of their labour.

The Lord speaks through this prophet to show the Israelites that what they see in their own eyes is not the future that He sees for them. Though the day seems full of “small things”, they are encouraged not to despise their tasks or become discouraged but instead begin to see it with His eyes.

When the Lord has given us work for our hands to do, He can see the results of those tasks long before we do. Sometimes He allows us a vision of what can happen when we fully trust Him to make something worthwhile of our efforts. Even when He doesn’t, we need to be reminded that He does remember us and has a purpose for everything we do.

As I put the work of my hands back into the Lord’s care daily, I am comforted with the knowledge that He will bring something good out of the work I do for Him. What appears to be a day of small things may actually result in big things for His Kingdom. This knowledge makes each task and each day worthwhile.

Reality Check for August 2008 By Lorraine Walker
Published in SGM Radio http://www.sgmradio.com/

For Current Reality Checks, check SGM Radio every month! http://www.sgmradio.com/category/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro SGM Radio: Jim Mahalick in 2007

Jim Mahalick: Sharing Hope

Following the National Quartet Convention in 2005, Jim Mahalick, five-year baritone for the popular Hoskins Family, made a decision that would change his life completely. He stepped away from the family group to walk a new path and to start a solo ministry. With the release of “New Hope Road”, Jim’s blend of Southern Gospel and Christian country is bringing a wide range of audience and an exciting new direction for this young artist. SGM Radio was able to catch up with him for a chat about this life-altering decision.

Pictured: Jim Mahalick performs with The Hoskins Family

Based in Chicago Illinois, Jim Mahalick was traveling full-time with the Hoskins as well as working in a studio at home. Jim explains, “ I was getting so busy in the studio that I had to do something. I decided this would be a good time [for a change]. I was getting married, so I would be able to go and do solo work and still have time to run my studio. So after a lot of prayer, I made the decision and stayed with the Hoskins until the end of December [2005]. Then in January I began work on a new solo project.”

The first release from the project, “New Hope Road” is “First Day in Heaven”, written by Jim. Scheduled for release in January 2007, this tune describes a little boy who passes from this life and goes to his reward. “You hear so many sad stories about children dying, this one is from Heaven’s point of view. He tells his Mom and Dad, ‘Don’t worry about me’, and talks about the exciting things he sees’.

Also starting in 2007, Mahalick plans to tour with a live band to bring the songs from “New Hope Road” to a growing number of appreciative listeners. It’s been a change for him to travel as a soloist. “When I was singing with the Hoskins Family, there were four people on stage and only a certain amount of time for each individual to minister. The Lord has been [developing] that area in my heart, the desire and ability to minister.”

Jim’s desire to reach the hearts of his audience with the love of Jesus is evident in his approach to his music and his graciousness with fans that stop by his booth. An air of authenticity pervades his music and his actions; his gentle manner and speech are a testament to his faith. As we discuss his career and music, Jim shares a dream he believes was from God, one that still fills him with awe.

“I was driving my truck along this rural road and I saw a row of trophies along the side. You know you usually see wreaths and flowers of where people died, only instead, these were large trophies. And on top of each trophy was a cross. And as I kept driving, I would see more and more and more. And as I came over a hill, I saw just a pile of trophies.”

”I believe the Lord was trying to show me that all these people we touch along the way… when we come to the end of the ‘road’ we will be able to look back and see the treasure that we have, we’ll know that what we did was worth it all. And that’s what I look forward to.” It’s not an easy life that Jim has chosen, but he says, “When you get on the stage, and you are ministering, and they are ministering to you, that’s what makes it worthwhile.”

Jim currently travels with his wife Danielle, a Virginia native, who he met at Crabbfest 2005. A sweet and gracious lady, Danielle has a full-time job in Chicago but is still able to go with Jim to his engagements. “That is so awesome. The Lord worked out a way that I would be able to do these things”, Jim says, “ And it is so awesome to be able to travel with my wife. I never knew what that meant until I experienced it, but that is such an incredible blessing.”

Jim’s dad pastors the Mahalick’s home church in Chicago and whenever the Mahalicks aren’t on the road, they are in a service and often Jim is singing. He stresses the importance of needing a home base where you can be spiritually fed. “That’s one of the mistakes people make [not attending church]. When you give and give, you need somewhere to receive. That’s one of the top priorities in my ministry, to be in church as often as I can.”

Prayer is also a top priority in Jim’s life in order to keep his relationship with the Lord strong and growing. “God knows our weaknesses, and it’s our job as individuals to know our weaknesses, and to know how much we need Him.” Jim feels the Lord has been talking to him a lot lately about recognizing his need for Him and being accountable to Him, both in life and ministry.

“I see that there are so many people, unfortunately a lot of young people, who don’t feel accountable to anything. They don’t believe in God, they don’t believe they need help with anything. And when you are in that state, that’s about the worst condition to be in, because when you aren’t accountable to anyone, you don’t have any fear. And I think it’s important to fear God, to have something to fear and something to be accountable to. It just makes me afraid for our country.”

”I wish there was something we could do…somehow we could make people realize there is a God and there is Someone we are accountable to. I pray for our younger generation. I went to a public school growing up and I saw a lot of things. I know there are people growing up in the next generation who are seeing things that even I never saw. I really pray for our young people. I want to see them have a deep experience with God to be able to withstand what Satan is throwing at them.”

Jim is finding that his music has a wide appeal and sees many young people attending his concerts. “A lot of young people that wouldn’t normally listen to Southern Gospel music come up to me after a concert and say, ‘I don’t really listen Southern Gospel, but I really like your singing’, which makes me feel good because I realize I made a good impression for Southern Gospel, because this is great music! There is not another music [style] in the world that talks directly to your heart more than Southern Gospel. It’s encouraging to see more young people enjoying this kind of music. As time goes on the music will change, but I hope we never lose sight of the vision. ”

As Jim Mahalick travels from church to church, sharing his style of Southern Gospel and message of hope, he is continuing this vision. His music is speaking to hearts of all ages and he is leading people to that experience with Christ that will bring lasting treasure.

For more information on Jim’s schedule and new project, “New Hope Road”, click on: www.jimmahalick.com .

SGM Radio Feature for January 2007 by Lorraine Walker

Jim Mahalick is back touring and has just released a new single, Expecting A Mountain. Check his website for current information! http://www.jimmahalick.com/

For Current Artist Features Click http://www.sgmradio.com/

Watch for SGN Scoops October Edition for Exciting News on Jim Mahalick! http://www.sgnscoops.com/

Retro Reality Check: Friends in the Garden

“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," He said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."

Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him…Then He returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," He said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Once more He went away and prayed the same thing. When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to Him.
Returning the third time, He said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Mark 14:32-42

This evening that seems so momentous in our eyes began as any other. The disciples had spent a quiet evening with Jesus, their friend and teacher, doing what they normally do. Yes, there were some strange moments, such as the incident with Judas who suddenly left the room. They watched as Jesus began to wash their feet like a common servant. The meal itself was a little odd, with His words about the wine and the bread. But otherwise, it was an evening of eating and fellowship and discussion with this One who had taught them so many things.

The disciples followed Jesus out to the Garden of Gethsemane. This was nothing out of the ordinary either. Luke tells us this was what Jesus was “accustomed” to doing. But then, the Master asks for the company of His closest friends, Peter, James, and John. In the moment of His deepest grief, He needs to know that those on earth with whom He shares the closest bond, are awake and praying for Him and sharing in His distress.

The disciples, who are by this time tired and full, are lulled by the peace in the Garden and their eyes fall shut. Jesus comes back to them three times. Each time, they are asleep. The third time, they are awakened by a scene that would change their lives forever.

Whenever I’ve read this part of the Easter story I’ve wondered: what was wrong with those guys? Didn’t they know Jesus was upset? He asked them to stay awake, why didn’t they? When the guards with their swords and the mob and the violence happen, why didn’t they stay? They’d been with Jesus for three years and professed love and allegiance to Him. Where was that loyalty?

I honestly believe that they didn’t understand the importance of this evening, and were unable to discern the seriousness of the Master’s request. When Jesus implores them to stay awake, they try, but are unable to. Then when the moment of truth arrives they are unprepared, half asleep, and scared to death. Their Friend knew this would happen; yet He implores them to watch, to pray and to resist temptation. In His hour of need, His friends are unable to stand with Him.

Have you been in a place of turmoil and upset in your life when everything is crashing around you? The near future is dark and your distress causes you to cry out. You look to your closest friends for help, for support, for consolation. And in that moment, in that time of intense crisis, for whatever reason, you cannot reach them. The feeling of isolation is crushing.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus was as fully man as He was fully God, and I believe He felt that isolation from His closest friends. Even as He began to realize that moment of the “Cup” had come, He understood the frailty and humanness of His disciples. Through the pain and distress of knowing what would immediately follow, He sees into their hearts and understands their weaknesses.

How God-like to be in that position and still reach out with words of faith to His friends. So often we need the comfort and care of our friends when we are in crisis and find it impossible to reach out to others. Our vision is inward and we see only our own situation and pain. When others don’t respond to us as we feel they should, we often react with anger or bitterness and push them away.

How incredible it is to know that when the Son of God was facing torture and death, His thoughts were toward His human friends. Even now, He calls each of us “friend” that follows Him. How comforting it is to know that He is faithful and true regardless of circumstances, and more loyal than we could ever be. Regardless of our actions, He continues to reach out to us, showing us true friendship. What an example for us to follow, both in relationship to others, and our relationship to the ultimate Friend.

By Lorraine Walker
First published April 2007 by http://www.sgmradio.com

For current Reality Check posts, please visit http://www.sgmradio.com

Retro SGM Radio: Savana Foust - Still Writing Love Songs

Still Writing Love Songs: Savana and Lou Foust

Savana Foust has written hundreds of Southern Gospel favorites, including Somebody Touched Me, Blood Washed Band, Somebody Touched Heaven For Me and many more. At 84, Ms. Foust is still writing the love song of her life with her husband, Lou Foust. Their daughter, Cindi Foust Wolfe, shared her mother’s love story with SGM Radio. We share this valentine with you as written by Cindi:

It was an extremely cold winter in February of 1945 when our love story began. Some may have thought of these days as gloomy, with our country coming out of the great depression into World War II. But with all that seemed wrong in the world, our world seemed so right.

A few days before Valentines, I met the man who would eventually become my husband. We were introduced by a mutual friend, but we were teenagers, so no one took us too seriously. I knew from the moment he reached for my hand, that I'd found the man I'd be with for the rest of my life.
Months later, with $5 between us, our journey began....

We had no money. I guess we would have been called 'poor' by today's standards, but we were rich in one way: our Love. We found out early what it really meant to find true love. It didn't mean we drove the finest car, lived in the biggest house, or even had lots of money in our bank account. In actuality, we had none of these, but we had God first and each other. So during the hard times, we learned to trust God, and through our faith in God, our love story has lasted!

Ten years after we married, our daughter, Cindi, whom the doctors said never would happen, was born. Almost ten years after that, we were blessed with the son, Johnny, that God had planned.
In the giving of these gifts, He sent us three grandchildren, Stania, Christian and Drew. And from there we have three great-grandchildren: Alexis, Zoe and Cameron.

So, I guess you could say that we are blessed beyond measure with love from above and each other.
We just celebrated 65 years of marriage in December. Our steps are smaller now and our eyes aren't quite as bright as they were long ago, but when he looks at me, I still see that tall young man that stole my heart many years ago.

So I reach for his hand again today, knowing he'll hold on tight and not let me fall. I pray that when we go Home, we go together, because I don't know what my life would be like without him. And I thank God daily for sending him to me to create the Love Story that's lasted through time.

By Cynthia Foust Wolfe: Written about my parents, Lou and Savana Foust
Reprinted by permission.
Pictures courtesy Cynthia Foust Wolfe

First Published 2011 February for SGM Radio
For current features please click http://www.sgmradio.com/

Retro SGM Radio: Artist Love Stories - Adam Crabb

Adam Crabb: Making a House a Home

From the Crabb Family to Crabb Revival, Adam Crabb’s life on the road has been busy and exciting. This singer, musician and evangelist has a fervency to touch hearts and see lives changed with the power of Jesus. A huge part of Crabb’s wild life has been a lady by the name of Kristi who became his wife ten years ago.
Adam Crabb freely admits that an artist’s life is not easy on a marriage and the couple have had some rough times. In an interview on New Year’s Eve 2010, Crabb talked about keeping a marriage solid when everything around is in turbulence. Be sure to read the March edition of SGN Scoops for the full Crabb Revival interview.
“Kristi traveled with me for nine years,” Crabb begins. “2010 was our tenth year anniversary. I have learned that being married is an every day process. You have to understand them and they have to understand you. But more than that, without the Word of God and the Love of God in your house, it won’t work. It is the glue that holds it together.”
Adam Crabb has made the Lord the center of their home. “My Dad wrote a song called, A House Ain’t A Home ‘Til Jesus Moves In. That is so true. The moment you allow other things to take the place of Jesus, that’s when it all starts caving in.”
“You have to keep Jesus as the focal point and pray with your spouse,” continues Crabb. “Have I always been faithful in this? Not always, but I’ve tried to do the best that I could. I believe that this year is going to be our best year as a couple, in our marriage and as a family. I’ve got two beautiful kids, my boy is four and my girl is eight. They are the greatest kids in the world. I’m a blessed man.”
Many marriage counselors will urge couples to continue doing the romantic things that they did while they were courting. Crabb says he does try to do little things to keep the romance in their relationship.
“I do try, but I’m a man, you know how that is,” Crabb laughs. “This past year I probably did [those things] a lot more. I think that’s important to do those romantic things because women need that and women want that. But the main thing I think a woman wants to see is a guy that is secure in himself and is stable. She wants to see a man that knows where he wants to go in life. And men: with Jesus, you can’t fail.”
Every marriage takes work, even those relationships founded in Christ. Crabb says, “Marriage is a fragile thing and the least little thing can break it. The reason I’m saying that is that this last year we went a lot. I learned so much. Sometimes you say, ‘God, why in the world did I have to go through that?’ But it’s for a reason. I can’t tell you the number of husbands and wives that have come up to me and said, ‘You were speaking right to me. You knew everything I was going through and it’s because of you that we are going to stay together.’”
As a Christian artist and an exhorter of the Word of God, Adam Crabb recognizes his responsibility to walk his talk. “Somebody told me one time, ‘You are a shepherd, guiding the sheep. I didn’t really understand that until this year,” says Crabb. “There are a lot of people watching. If I fail in my marriage, what kind of a sign is that to those people? So it’s important to me to keep my marriage and my house strong.”
“I’ve been blessed to have ten incredible years in which my wife has been behind me and supported me,” continues Crabb. “My kids love their Daddy and they go with me as much as they can.”
Crabb does have a warning for those who are careless about their marriage vows or their family commitment: “The enemy loves to destroy a family. If he can get your family, he’s got you. I don’t care what anyone says, once you’ve been through a struggle with your family, whether its divorce or whatever, there is always something there. God can heal it, but it’s always there. I encourage everyone to work on your marriage and work to make your house a better home.”
Adam and Kristi Crabb have a beautiful family and they are working to keep Jesus at the center of their home. As Adam continues to travel across the country, he continues to encourage his audience to strengthen themselves, their relationships and their marriage in God. That’s the way to keep real love strong, no matter what day it is. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Pictures above courtesy of Adam Crabb
For more information: http://adamcrabb.com/

By Lorraine Walker
First Published on SGM Radio, February 2011
For more artist features and current interviews click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/

Allen Smith: The Man Behind the Diamond Awards - Retro SGM Radio 2007

(Editor's note: The following feature was first published in March 2007 on http://www.sgmradio.com/)

Every year during the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, a special event occurs. In the midst of showcases, media interviews and listening parties, attendees and fans alike pause for a moment to give honour to the main influence behind Southern Gospel Music. At the Diamond Award ceremonies the Lord is honoured first, and in the middle of this afternoon of praise, those who are involved in His music are thanked for their dedication to His purpose. For the last few years, the man behind these awards has been Allen Smith.

A Pastor with over 40 years in the ministry, Rev. Allen Smith became involved in Southern Gospel music through concert promotion in the churches where he was ministering. In the mid-90’s he began to DJ in a radio station in DeSoto, Missouri. He and his church started a southern gospel magazine, which grew quickly and became the Southern Gospel News Magazine. A weekly email newsletter followed, SGN Scoops Ezine. Today the publication is known as SGN Scoops Magazine, and the daily email newsletter is SGN Scoops Today. Allen is seen as an industry innovator, a man who is finding ways to continuously promote Southern Gospel music.

Allen Smith recently talked with SGM Radio about his involvement with the prestigious Diamond Awards. “They were started about 16 years ago by the Gospel Voice Magazine”, Allen explains. “As you know, they went out of business a few years ago, and the Diamond Awards lay dormant for about two years. One day about four years ago I realized that I knew the owners of the Gospel Voice… I had been praying for some time about the possibility of our magazine having an awards program. But, I did not want to just start a new awards show that very few people knew about, and that no one would attend. Feeling the direction of the Lord in the matter, I spoke with the owner of Voice Magazine that I knew, and asked if it would be possible for us to take over the Diamond Awards. He told me he would have to talk it over with his partner, and get back to me the next month. He did get back to me, and the rest is history. They just handed the Diamond Awards over to us.”

In an industry that currently has many award ceremonies occurring throughout the year, Allen explains why the Diamonds are special. “The Diamond Awards are unique in many ways. First of all, they were resurrected from the grave, so to speak. Secondly, they are truly fan-based. The fans even select the nominees. Third, we knew that once again that we would be innovative when it came to balloting. You see we do not have a really large subscription base. So, in order to make the balloting realistic and legitimate, we made the decision to let every Southern Gospel fan vote if they wanted to. So, in addition to a printed ballot, we also made an electronic ballot available on the internet. We were the first to do this, and it has worked quite well for us.”

Allen explains that safeguards are put in place to prevent people from voting more than once, to retain the integrity of the awards. The Diamond Award ballots can be accessed online and submitted in two different ways. Artists can print off the hardcopy ballots found at www.sgnscoops.com and have them available for fans at their product tables. Fans can also vote online at www.diamondawardsonline.com.

Electronic access to voting is not the latest innovation to the Diamond Awards. Allen explains, “We introduced a category a few years ago called the Favorite Artist/Industry Website Award. This past year, we split it into two different awards. We now have the Favorite Artist Website Award and the Favorite Industry Website Award. It is interesting to note that this past year, the Singing News Fan Awards has also introduced a website award. That is not all, for we introduced a duet award four years ago. The 2007 Singing News Fan Awards will has a duet award for the first time in their history.”

There is always a lot of discussion and rumour among fans and artists about alterations in the long-running Singing News Fan Awards. Allen comments, “Many people in the industry are now talking about the changes that are being made in the Singing News Fan Awards this year. It is being said that they are dropping several of their categories. I want to make this clear, that as far as I know, they have not yet officially announced these changes. But if this information is correct, then The SGN SCOOPS DIAMOND AWARDS will still have the categories, and will still be recognizing those artists that the Fan Awards will no longer be recognizing.”

Through their commitment to recognizing the work accomplished by Southern Gospel artists and industry personnel, the Diamond Awards encompass regional groups as well as those that are nationally known. Regional groups do appear on the nominating ballets, and occasionally receive enough votes to win the award.

“We also have regional groups performing during the Diamond Awards”, says Allen. “This gives them a platform to be seen and heard by not only fans, but also top industry personnel. We receive reports from these regional groups that we spotlight each year. Some have had promoters see them who then have provided many new dates for them. Some have been seen by major record companies and received contracts. Some have been nominated for Singing News Fan Awards, and they have told us that it is because of the exposure they received at The Diamond Awards.”

The Diamond Awards are seen as a true reflection of the fan’s favourites in Southern Gospel. Allen commented on the ratio of fan vs. industry respondents. “ It is very hard to determine. Of course, there are many more fans that vote than those in the industry. However, you would probably be surprised by the industry names that appear on our ballot registrations. There are a lot of industry people who do vote. The Diamond Awards have become very prestigious, and almost everyone wants to be involved in some way or another.”

“As far as how this compares with other awards in Southern Gospel, I am not sure”, Allen continues. “What is being said is that The Diamond Awards are at the very least the second largest and second best award program in the industry. I am very humbled by this, and I want to state for the record that I want to make sure that God gets all the glory for this, if it is correct.”

The ultimate mission of the Diamonds is to lift up the Lord, the Source of the Gospel the music promotes. Allen comments, “We never want to have just an awards program. We want God to feel welcome.In other words, in addition to handing out awards, we also have church. This is our mission, to allow the Holy Ghost to change lives during The Diamond Awards.”

“The vision of The Diamond Awards, is to continue to grow”, states Allen. “This year the room we will be in will be twice the size of former years. That is just part of the vision. We desire to continue to recognize people for the work they do. We desire to provide a platform for regional groups. But most of all, we desire to reach hearts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is first and foremost. I am a pastor, and I have a pastor’s heart. We want to do all we can to help the industry, but the greatest way we can help the industry is to allow God to be real in all that we do.”

This Pastor with a heart for the lost recognizes the need reach out to others both in the pew and outside of church. Beginning to preach at age 15, with experience on the mission field and in prisons, he has been pastoring his current church for 25 years. Southern Gospel has always been a major part of his life.

“I can remember the first Southern Gospel group I ever heard. It was a regional group, not a national group. I do not remember the name of the group, but I was blessed by the tenor they had. His name was Junior South. I was probably about 13 or 14 years old”, Allen recalls.

“Down through the years, I have been blessed by many groups. Groups like The McKameys, The Bishops, The Kingsmen, Tony Gore & Majesty, The Perrys, and the list actually goes on and on”, Allen explains. “Just a few years ago, I was especially blessed by a song The McKameys sang. It was written by a friend of mine, Barbara Huffman. Barbara is a writer for the Singing News, as well as a songwriter. At this point in time, I cannot even remember the name of the song, but it really blessed me and I knew I had to learn it.”

Allen continues, “I learned it and sang it at our church about three times. The burden I had for that song then lifted. A few days later, I found out that one of the young ladies in our church was going through something in her life that was really hard. When she heard me sing that song, the Spirit of God lifted her up and set her free from what she was going through. I believe that is what Southern Gospel music is all about.”

“Southern Gospel has changed a lot in the last few years,” says Allen. “I believe it has become more industry, and less ministry. I believe this is very sad. Do not get me wrong; I am not opposed to business. In fact, a ministry that is not run as a business will die. But, on the other hand a ministry whose focus becomes business and not ministry, is dead to begin with.”

Allen believes that the industry does not have to keep going in that direction. “As far as a positive change, I believe we need to get back to the roots of Southern Gospel. What are those roots? True Southern Gospel music and words, and allowing the Spirit of God to have His way in the hearts and lives of everyone, fans and industry personnel.”

This gentleman who loves Southern Gospel music and whose innovative direction has lead the Diamond Awards to their current prestigious status, is still a Pastor whose main goal is to reach the lost. This is emphasized when he shares what the Lord has been speaking to him about lately: “Being all I can be for Him. Doing all I can to reach souls for Him.”

“If you look in Southern Gospel News Magazine on page 4 every month, you will find the Plan of Salvation. We call it The Priceless Corner. If you go to our website (www.sgnscoops.com), you will also find The Priceless Corner.” And that gift of salvation, truly priceless, is worth more than any award.

By Lorraine Walker
First Published March 2007 in http://www.sgmradio.com

The Diamond Awards are now hosted by SGN Scoops. For more information: http://www.sgnscoops.com/2012/02/06/diamond-awards-voting/

For current Christian music/artist features be sure to visit http://www.sgmradio.com/

Retro Reality Check: The "L" Word

What’s Love Got To Do With It: A Conversation with God

God, I just don’t get it. Since the beginning of January, all I have seen are pink hearts and naked angels with arrows. Everyone uses the “L” word as if it’s a common commodity and as lasting as red sugar candies. I’ve never been able to say that word easily, yet others don’t seem to have a problem with it. People sing about it, quote poems about it and tell me that it’s all we need.

Since You ARE love, Lord, I thought I’d just ask You about Your thoughts on the subject. I guess what I’m saying is, “I want to know what love is. I want You to show me…”

“My Child, it’s all there, in black and white. Love is…” What, Lord? Please tell me, I really do want to know. Don’t keep me in suspense.

“Love is patient.” Oh. Really? You know I’ve always had a problem with the whole waiting thing. I guess that means that when You have made me a promise that I haven’t received, it’s because in Your love, You want me to learn to wait. That’s really not one of my strengths! And I suppose You are saying I need to apply this in my relationships. You know it’s not easy for me. But please, go on…tell me more.

“Love is kind.” I guess often patience and kindness go together, don’t they? If I picture someone taking care of a hurting child, you definitely need both of these qualities to minister to that child. It does seem that there are many people who find it easier than I do to demonstrate their love, their kindness, and their patience in everyday life. When I compare myself to them, I find myself getting jealous of others and their abilities.

“Love does not envy.” Ok, so I guess if I’m not to be envious of others, I need to stop comparing myself with them, is that what You’re saying? If love does not envy, then love keeps me from judging others and myself, and finding myself lacking in something. You have given me every good and perfect gift. I guess if I’d look through the eyes of love, I’d see that this was true.

“Love does not boast and it is not proud.” Well, that makes sense. If You have given me everything, and I am not to compare what I don’t have with others who seem to have it all, then the opposite must also hold true. I shouldn’t take pride in what I have and boast about it. Because whatever it is, whether it’s material or talents, it all comes from You. And I guess that does away with the whole pride issue too. Ok, tell me more…

“Love is not rude and it is not self-seeking.” This seems like a no-brainer to me, of course love is not rude! Of course, there are always those who are rude without seeming to notice… The other half of that comment is not quite so simple. I have to admit that sometimes in my relationships I have certain expectations. It’s almost an unconscious comparison of what I put into the relationship compared to what I get out of it. I guess what this means to me is that I need to stop putting that kind of a price tag on my love for others. Wow, now that’s starting to hit a nerve.

“Love is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs”. There are times when certain relationships have put me on edge and it’s largely a result of what You and I just talked about. When I feel I’ve put more into something than I’m getting out of it, my feelings become raw and my ego is on the line. I guess I am easily angered at that point. I don’t think I keep a record of wrongs and then my buttons are pushed and I explode. Suddenly I find myself spewing out how I felt I was wronged for the last twenty years! Lord, this discussion is becoming painfully honest, but I know You have more for me to learn. Please go on…

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Even when the truth hurts? I guess that it is still preferable to evil. I find it hard to believe that someone would delight in evil but I know there are those around us that do. We can even see evil in people who proclaim to love You. Help me to be one of those who seek truth and rejoice in it.

“Love always protects and always trusts.” I admit I have learned to be protective of what is placed in my care by those I have a relationship with. I have learned the hard way to protect the love, trust and confidences that are shared with me because it hurts so much when that protection is not offered in return. However, there are many times I have found it hard to trust others. I guess that’s one reason I have difficulty with the “L” word. When trust is broken, it’s hard to get it back.

“Love always hopes.” Lord, I want to be hopeful and share Your hope with others. I see that You want Your love to renew my trust and hope in those around me. I know this will strengthen my relationship with others. I guess I’m just saying that I really need Your hope because things don’t always look that promising in my world. But what happens when my trust and hope in relationships gets blown out of the water again?

“Love always perseveres.” Always? ‘Always perseveres’, Lord? That’s a tall order. I need to love and keep on loving regardless of what happens, regardless of broken faith and promises? I know I can’t do that on my own. This has to be supernatural love. It certainly isn’t the fluffy stuff mirrored in the pop culture of our world. Thank You that Your love persevered, Lord. I know it was love that took You to the Cross. Help me remember that when I feel like throwing in the towel.
“Love never fails.” There is that “never” word again. It has to be a spiritual power to be able to use a word that is so absolute. Thank You that Your love never fails. Help me to draw on that power when I feel like giving up. Help me remember that every time I fail at living out this type of Godly love.

“Does this answer your questions about love?” Well, yes, but it seems like such a tall order. Your love enables me to love You back, in my own fallible way. Is it even possible for me as a human being to demonstrate this love to others?

“It is possible. Others will know that you follow Me by the love you show them. Do you love Me? Feed my sheep”. It does seem that Your love is more of an action than a feeling, Lord. Help me to be Your hands and feet to a world that needs You.

“Has this answered your question? Do you know now what love has to do with it?” I think I’ve figured it out, God. If I can paraphrase the words of your beloved disciple John, You ask us to love another, for love comes from You. Everyone who loves has been born of You, knows You, and is obedient to You. Whoever does not love does not know You, because You are love.”

“And how do you know this? What makes you convinced in your heart that I am love?” Because, my Father, You loved me so much that You gave to me the greatest gift possible. You gave me Your heart and Your life, in Your darling Son, Jesus. You gave Him to live and die for me, so that when I believed in Him, I could have communion with You as my Father. Now I will not suffer eternal separation from You, but live in Your love and experience the glory of it for the rest of my eternal life.”

“Did you notice what you just did?” No, Father, what did I do?
“You said the “L” word”.

Photo courtesy of http://appetitesforlife.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/february-calls-attention-to-the-heart/

Reality Check By Lorraine Walker
First Published February 2007 on http://www.sgmradio.com
For current Reality Check blogs, please click on http://www.sgmradio.com

Retro SGM Radio: Kenny Bishop - Grace Works For Everyone

Front Porch singing, concerts in every major venue and city, award-winning recordings, family camaraderie, and a very special combination of talent, voice, personality, and music style. The Bishops were well known and much loved when they retired in 2001. Kenny Bishop went on to delve into politics and began to see the Lord work and change him as he found himself on a new path. This path has led him to start 2006 with a schedule filling with engagements, a solo recording about to be released, and a desire in his heart to reach those who stand on the fringe of the church, looking for acceptance and grace.


Kenny recently took a few moments to share with Sgmradio his thoughts and plans for this new season in his life, in his first extensive interview since returning to the music scene. We present this interview almost in its entirety, to share with you the heart of this unusual artist and man of God.



Sgmradio: Kenny, your mission for your life…more than just your music…is outlined on your website. Can you explain to us your vision for your music as you head into this New Year? What do you want to say to your audience?


Kenny: For over fifteen years I enjoyed standing in front of audiences, blending voices with my dad and my brother, encouraging Christians and trying to convince non-believers to trust Christ as their redeemer and Lord. I was thrilled, especially, when I felt we had connected the audience with the One we were singing about. And honestly, that didn’t happen every night. But the sense of completeness I felt when it did was my assurance that we were doing the thing God wanted us to do at the time.


My approach today is a bit different. More than I’d like to be viewed as a singer, I want more to be understood as a communicator who tries to build bridges and understanding among those who profess Faith, and those who feel they’ve been alienated by those same people. The music is a vehicle that allows me an audience that is made up mostly of people who are pretty sure of what they believe. My years with the Bishops are making that possible.


But I’m convinced that we, as “religious” people need to be challenged. So, when I have the opportunity now to stand and sing to a group of solid Believers who are settled into their Christian routine, I challenge them to do something dangerous. I ask them to do the thing that Jesus did when he stepped outside of the accepted religious norm, objected to the exclusivity of the church of the day and reached into the world of the hurting, wounded and unwanted. I ask them to stop living up to the stereotype of being satisfied with their own spiritual condition while shunning and locking out anyone who would not fit comfortably into their group. I challenge them to truly study the life and deeds of Christ and make him their example for ministry. Most basically, my message is, if grace works for anyone it works for everyone. It’s for everyone or for no one.


Sgmradio: You have a new project hitting the streets soon. Can you tell us about this recording and its producer?


Kenny: I’m honestly a little nervous about this recording. It’s been over four years since I’ve been in a studio as an artist. It’s been ten years since I’ve recorded a solo piece. But as apprehensive as I am, I’m equally as thrilled with the opportunity to do it again…Right now the projected street date is sometime around mid-spring.


When I sat down with the record company to discuss my goals and hopes for the project we batted around several names to consider as the producer. When Norman Holland suggested Woody Wright I jumped on it...I’ve known Woody for a long time; he and I had an instant connection with the message of grace, which is what this recording is all about.



Sgmradio: Tell us about some of the writers for this new release. Are any of the songs “Kenny originals”?


Kenny: Even before I was aware that I would ever do this project, I decided, if I ever made another record, that I wanted the message to be singularly focused. I wanted to bare my heart in every song. And right now the thing that is on my heart more than anything else is grace.


So Daywind assembled several of their great writers in a room, and dialed in several more on a conference call and allowed me to address them personally. I shared my heart and my passion for reaching once-upon-a-time Believers who’ve felt abandoned by the Christian community. I also told them of my desire to try and awaken the church community to the enormous mission field that is within close reach of their own doors, and my desire to try and challenge them to take the risk of going after them. Several great songs came from that session. Woody Wright is not only a great producer; he is also an unbelievable writer. He contributed to this project, as did Gerald Crabb, Sonya Isaacs and Becky Isaacs Bowman, Jeff Steele, and Dawn Doss. I co-wrote a couple of songs with Caleb Collins and Adam Kohout and wrote another piece as well.


Sgmradio: What is the most special song to you on this new project?


Kenny: …The song that probably says what I hope to convey more than any of the others is “Don’t Let Who You Are Keep You Away.” In Scripture, Christ was the perfect example of acceptance and reception. The same God who desires a relationship with an outcast, unreligious Samaritan woman also receives an honest hyper-religious rule-keeper like Nicodemus. He tells both of them, in a sense, “Don’t let who you are keep you away.” If those two polar opposites are welcomed into God’s realm, all of us can be.


Sgmradio: Can you describe your ‘solo’ sound for us?


Kenny: One of the things I hope to accomplish on this record is to identify a sound that I can enjoy singing, an audience can relate to and enjoy, and one that will avoid sounding like my brother. Mark is such a phenomenal talent. His writing is clever and unmatched, and his sound is unmistakable and so enjoyable. But we are brothers, and it would be easy to drift into his sound if I’m not careful. I’m not sure how to tag it, but the base for my sound will definitely be Southern Gospel.


Sgmradio: Do you have a close-future goal of what you would like to see happen with your music/ministry, in perhaps the next 6 months to a year?


Kenny: I don’t think I’m capable of looking that far ahead. I’m really surprised at this point that we’re even discussing records, appearances and music. I wasn’t sure that I would ever have another opportunity to share in a public way again. Not too long ago I was convinced that I had squandered all of my chances to make any kind of declarations about God’s love, whether through songs or sharing the Scriptures. God continues to surprise me with opportunities, so I find it difficult to make any plans on my own. My goal though is simply to go in the direction that God makes available and tell about grace when I get there.


Sgmradio: Your calendar is filling with engagements. Tell us about the kinds of venues and places you will be visiting in the coming months. (Editor’s note: Kenny Bishop is being represented by the Tana Lonon Agency, based in Florida).


Kenny: I have a wonderful support team that understands my approach to ministry. Daywind Records and the folks there are simply marvelous. Tana Lonon is a crucial part of the team as well. She and I have spent lots of time talking about our shared vision of doing what it takes and going wherever we can to share the message of unconditional love. In so many ways, I couldn’t begin to compare myself to Jesus, but I’ve asked her to imagine if He had a booking agent, how would a request for Him to come and minister be handled. We can’t think of a place He wouldn’t go, or a group of people who couldn’t benefit from His message and ministry. As it is right now, I’m pretty much singing and sharing exclusively in churches. I wouldn’t be disappointed if that never changed.


Sgmradio: Your website indicates more of an emphasis on reaching people where they really are. How has this affected the way you interact with your audience?


Kenny: The departure of the Bishops was abrupt and final. A lot of people were confused, angry and worried. The situation was not good; however, the rumors that made their way back to me were even more sordid. I did not want to just reappear as quickly and without explanation as I disappeared. I could not pretend that my departure four years ago was noble or righteous. At the same time, I did not want to embarrass anyone or say more than was necessary.


But I was determined to be honest and let people know that Prodigals do come home. In my rebellion I learned a lot – probably more than I ever did in all of my years in the pews. I learned mostly that there is a huge world full of used-to-be Believers who desperately want to know God again, but they’ve been turned off by the pride and self-preservation of a church system that places more importance on its image than it does its true mission to be lovers of the unloved. I talk about this in my appearances.


I do look for and reach out to those who are there with needs, but I have other opportunities to minister to them. I focus much of my time in front of church congregations on exposing Christ as the real lover and forgiver that he is, and challenging them to follow his example wherever it may lead them.



Sgmradio: Does your involvement in (state) politics help or hinder your music ministry? What affect does it have?


Kenny: I work for the Governor in Kentucky. I’ve been a part of his staff since he was a U.S. Congressman. I simply love my work and the people I am able to be around everyday. Governor Fletcher and the First Lady are very supportive of my ministry work. He was pastor of a church in Lexington, Kentucky for a number of years, so he has a heart for helping others. I’m often called on to sing at official events. We host a performance series at the Governor’s Mansion as well, and the most well received and acclaimed event we’ve hosted was a Sunday night Gospel singing that featured Jeff and Sheri Easter, Triumphant Quartet, my brother Mark and the Bishops. We’re planning to do another soon.


Sgmradio: What other types of activities are you currently involved in, apart from your political interests and involvement?


Kenny: I love my church. I am not involved in leadership there, but I do offer input, worship and simply take in the Word. I also do as much volunteer work as I can. There are a lot of hungry people who need to be fed and children who simply need a heart to love them. The most abundant joys of my life are my children Casie and Christian.



Sgmradio: What do you see as your involvement in Southern Gospel Music? Are you interested in again being one of the ‘movers and shakers’ in SGM?


Kenny: To be a part of some of the major decisions and planning that took place during my involvement in the industry was a treat for me. However, now I simply want to share the things I’ve come to know and feel so deeply. My name doesn’t do much in the industry today. My record company and the others who’ve invested in me deserve a good return on their commitment. I want them to be profitable and feel the risk they took in me was worth it. They are a great tool that the Lord has brought into my life to give me opportunities to share Grace. That’s my motivation to be a part of Gospel Music.



Sgmradio: What is the one thing that excites you the most about being back in front of a crowd, singing about Jesus?


Kenny: Singing about Jesus.



Written by Lorraine Walker. First published February 2006 on http://www.sgmradio.com
Read current artist features on http://www.sgmradio.com
For up to date information on artist Kenny Bishop click on http://www.kennybishop.com/index.htm

Retro Reality Check: Say What?

Currently in our Canadian news, there have been comments about the lack of communication within the ruling political party. A recent poll detailing the party’s drop in popularity apparently proves that their message is not reaching the people, which indicates a lack of external communication too, according to the press. It seems to be the major buzzword in every organization, people give countless workshops on it and relationships are forever changed because of it. Our world appears to revolve around ‘communication’.

This is an area that interests me as much as it confounds me. Just when I think I’ve gotten the hang of the whole ‘communication thing’, something occurs that assures me I haven’t quite gotten there yet. It could be at work, when my boss gets to the end of an explanation only to have me say, “Pardon?” Or, for example, with personal relationships when I realize days after a conversation, that what was actually said, wasn’t what was really meant.

Communication has a way of bonding people, though apparently this is more accurate in women than in men. Girls like to share things with each other in order to feel close, whether it’s about spiritual things, or every day life, or even just about shoes. There are times when I long for a few words from someone to feel connected with them, even just a line in an email.

It makes me wonder how God feels when we go for days without communicating with Him. The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing”, which seems to me to be demonstrated by an attitude of thankfulness.

You can usually sense those people who practice this all the time; they are a little less stressed, a little more centered, a little more patient, and perhaps even a little more loving. When I hang out with these people, I’m reminded once again that I need to keep that line of communication with the Lord open and strong.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that “He that believeth in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these...” This truth is abruptly followed by the statement: “…whatever ye shall ask in My Name I will do.” Oswald Chambers says that the ‘greater works’ that we will do are the prayers we will pray, when we will ask in the Name of Jesus, and He will do ‘whatever’. It appears that communication is pretty important to God as well. If our lives of prayer, our open communication, is the ‘greater work’, then developing a disciplined prayer life should be high on our list of priorities. It’s a main part of nurturing our relationship with our Lord. We need to spend time with Him, bonding and getting to know Him better through communication.

I find it easy to talk to a close friend; often during a stressful time I’ll seek their guidance or even just their companionship. I admit I don’t do that with my Lord as often as I should and I admire those I know who automatically go to Him first. Again, it’s the discipline of remaining in a prayerful attitude, making it unthinkable not to go to God first.

I have yet to meet the person who has learned all they need to know about communication, so I imagine the books, seminars and teaching will continue in the secular marketplace. And when I talk with the people I know that are closest to the Lord, they will still say they have a lot to learn about communicating with the Almighty.

Regardless of how much we know or need to find out, one thing that will keep our relationships with others strong is continuing to develop our communication skills. What will keep our most important relationship healthy is the desire to keep communicating with Him, our closest Friend and Saviour. Not only talking to the Lord, but listening as well, so we don’t have to continuously say, “Pardon?”



Written by Lorraine Walker. Originally published November 2006 on http://www.sgmradio.com For a current Reality Check, Read "Thanks But No Thanks" at http://www.sgmradio.com/2011/11/04/thanks-but-no-thanks/

Classic SGM Radio Feature: The Mark Trammell Trio,

Straight from the Heart - Mark Trammell (first published May 2006)

Mark Trammell’s name is synonymous with traditional quartet music and his face is recognizable by even the greenest of Southern Gospel fan. He has sung with many of the quartet legends like George Younce, Glen Payne, Tim Riley, and Jim Hammill. Being respected as a man of God has also allowed Mark to take his personal ministry to another level with his group, the Mark Trammell Trio.

Mark began this group almost four years ago, with Eric Phillips and Joseph Smith. When Joseph came off the road at the end of last year, Steve Hurst filled in on vocals and keyboards. In March, Dustin Sweatman joined the group as their new lead singer, and Steve has remained as keyboardist and vocal coach. Sgmradio spoke with Mark about MTT, their ministry and their message for the Church.

“Can you believe that? Four years in July!” Mark comments on the growth of the Mark Trammell Trio. “I’m amazed that we’ve grown this fast, even though there’s still days of frustration, and wonder…When I sit down long enough to think about it, I’m absolutely amazed at what God has done and the way He has blessed, and the places He has allowed us to go already…it’s wild. It’s wild to watch it actually.”

Singing with Tim Riley and the Gold City Quartet, Mark had no real plans of leaving this well-established group and forging a new path. God’s leading was not quite that clear. “I knew that I needed to be more actively involved in ministry for quite some time. To be real honest with you I knew that I was supposed to do that for probably a year and a half before it took place. I just got to the place where, once again, I was totally miserable where I was…. I knew that that was not me; it was not my nature to be that way. I knew it was God telling me it was time for a change. I knew it was time to do this.”

Then came the point where Mark had to approach his boss with the news. “So I went and told Tim what was going on…and he said, “I’ll help you”. When he said, “I’ll help you”, I knew that God had started preparing his heart, and it was obviously of God…”. Mark says that while this was a confirmation to him, it was also rather unnerving. “I had not prepared because…technically I didn’t think it was right for me to be preparing for a move of God…[because] If it is God, when the door opens, you go through it…”

Mark comments that there are a lot of people who talk about God leading them in a certain direction, when they’ve actually been preparing for it themselves for long time. When God really tells you to move, you go right then. “And, it may be ignorance, it may be total yielding to God’s control. I firmly believe it’s the latter.”

Part of being more actively involved in personal ministry for Mark meant obeying the call to preach. In addition to their regular schedule, the Trio does four, four-day weekends a year, which include a Sunday service of preaching, either morning or night. A Sunday evening service in which Mark takes the pulpit, usually has an evangelistic focus. The group is witnessing a response to their dedication. “We’ve seen over a hundred people saved in three and a half years, and that just thrills me to death…thrills me to death!”

Just as Mark has seen many changes in his life and in MTT, he sees changes happening in the Southern Gospel world and in the Church as well. “I think our industry’s going through a time of pruning, cleansing. I think God’s taking us through that. And I’m convinced in my heart this is [because] it’s a new day, this is the 21st century…and the world [is prompting] us in the area of changing what we are and who we’ve been.”

Mark Trammell Trio is not about to change their message to fit with the world. “We are dedicating ourselves to continuing to carry the message that we have. Because there is a whole lot of people in the world, and sadly enough, a whole lot of people in the church world, that want to sing songs that have three words in them, and no depth. Nothing prepares the soul like music does. Nothing prepares the heart for the message like music does. We, the music community, the Christian Community…I think we’ve dropped the ball. I’m sorry but that’s what I think. By allowing the anonymity of the world’s music to be sown into Christian music.”

“A lot of these new songs that we’re hearing today say nothing…there’s nothing in these songs to help you through anything. There’s nothing that will portray hope in the life of the believer…I think our music still does that.” The Trio’s message is unmistakable and can be heard in the solid lyrics of their songs.

“Since our beginning, we’ve had one central focus, to rekindle the fires of the believers… All of our ministry leans in that direction. To believe God in reality…to believe that He can still work miracles, to believe that Jesus Christ did do more than just die for our sins. He did die, and shed His blood that we might have abundant life while we are here [not just in the future]. That doesn’t mean we are all going to be filthy rich, own Rolls Royces, live in big houses …Abundant life means…being able to have peace with ourselves and our world…being able to have what we need for today…being grateful for everything in life…to me, that’s abundant life.”

“The biggest thing for us to focus on, the biggest challenge we have as a ministry, has been to speak to not only the hearts who believe that God is who He says He is, and He will provide for needs…But [also] that He is still actively involved in our life, He does care where we are and about what is going on in our lives. Not only all of that, but He does want us to continue to dream in our lives.”

Mark is passionate about the message the Lord has given him for the Church. “Our focus, to be real honest with you, has been on that, but equally divided between that and preaching to the husbands and fathers. Our message is for everyone, [but] what we’ve been focusing on…is that if we can get dads and husbands praying…get our focus turned around, headed back in the right direction…we can be better husbands and fathers. Challenging men to be that person that God has called them to be, undertaking that, not shirking responsibility. And I don’t mean just by becoming more involved in the church.”

Referring to the Scripture that exhorts husbands to “love your wives, even as Christ loves the Church” (Ephesians 5:25), Mark explains this responsibility. “It has given them the spiritual responsibility, and I mean spiritual…it has not made them boss. It’s just made them responsible. It takes them from being the boss to being guided by the Word…and the family allowing him to operate in his office as being the person responsible. There’s a world of difference.”

Mark comments that the hardest person to preach to is a man, 40years of age or older. They need to hear the message of taking responsibility, because the family needs that leadership. “We live in a “More Me” world…We live in a world and a society [where] professors and colleges all across our land are teaching young people how to ‘take care of yourself’ [and] “This world we live in now, you need to take care of yourself first, because everybody is out to get you”.

“We are inundated by it. Buy a television for every bedroom in the home all because everybody wants to watch what they want…I’m afraid in our advancement, in technology, in our home lives, in society, all those things…those who have three cars at home, five televisions…all those things are great in their place…But they can separate and divide the family …we have less time [for each other].”

“One statistic that I heard recently was…one out of twenty families sit down every evening to eat together…and that number is going down. Family values and the traditional family are going to be a thing of the past. And that leaves children right in the middle of people who aren’t involved in the family life.”

As a man who has been diligent about being true to his family even with the grueling schedule of a Southern Gospel singer, Mark is sad to see this trend creeping into the SGM industry. “It’s because we don’t have the level of commitment. And I say this with a heart of love. The two young men that travel with me, though, they are exceptions and not rules…Overall, and the world is again blind to it…The world says, ‘You can have anything you want, and you can have it now…if you are willing to pay the price for it’.”

“Our young people, this day and time…well, first of all, most of our young people, thirty years of age and under, have no idea who V.O. Stamps is, nor do they care. I had the privilege, as you know, of traveling with a man that sang with Frank Stamps. I know that those men who are now in Glory themselves, I know how they revered and had respect for the fact that they had been part of the lives of some of the pioneers of our music.
But my point is, those men spent lots of years wearing Timex watches. Most of them died not having more than 100 dollars in the bank.”

“It didn’t bother them to do that. They didn’t have to have all the things that the world had. And if you’ll look, you’ll find out that those people, who are still willing to live that kind of life, are the ones who are writing the songs that touch people today. The old songs that we are still singing were written about someone’s life, [people] who were suffering persecution for taking a stand.”

Mark learned early on about living a committed life, through the examples of some of the men he traveled with. People like George Younce and Glen Payne, who lived their faith in front of the men who shared their bus. Mark talks about their influence. “I grew up in well rounded home, that’s the key. [My parents] taught me the basics of a Christian life. But it’s like George and Glen stepped up where they left off. They underwrote those things…I was at a time in my life where I was realizing, “ Oh, Dad wasn’t so stupid after all…”.

Watching the commitment these men had to their families had its affect on Mark. “There is something to that, there is. There is something to heading home to your wife every week…to have honour for the family. God honours a righteous man…They taught us…all the young guys… by their daily conversation, by the way they lived their life, …they taught us that it is worthwhile.”

Many of those that Mark has sung with have referred to this humble baritone as the “Ultimate Quartet Man.” Although he jokes about it, Mark understands the reasoning behind the label. “They were not talking about me being an awesome singer, because I wasn’t. Still not, to be quite frank. I’m comfortable with that, I know that…I can’t be Ivan Parker; I’m not going to try. Can’t be Michael English, not going to try. God made these people to be who they are. He made me who I am.”

“George turned to me one day and said, “Mark, we have a George Amon Webster. He is no longer here.” Mark got the point. “He saw what was going on, I was trying to be all things to all men. Because…that was the only way that I knew how to be.” George was telling him to be who he was, and to be the best he could be, not to aspire to be like someone else.

Mark says that as long as God provides the places to sing and the means to get there, he will continue to do what he’s doing. His pride in his fellow singers is obvious onstage, and he speaks of Eric almost as a son, since he’s known him from birth. Dustin is fitting in well, and the addition of Steve Hurst has helped MTT to branch out into another area of ministry to the local church, by setting up regional Schools of Music.

Steve Hurst has long been known for his School of Music held in Tennessee each summer. Now, together with MTT, he is presenting weekends of training for vocalists who take an active part in their church’s music ministry. Training is given in everything from vocal techniques, to the physical and spiritual value of music in a service, with emphasis on the importance of strong lyrics. Worship music, Mark says, should be preparing hearts for the sermon. With ten schools planned, he is hoping many participants will be able to take this training back to their home churches and make a difference in their worship services.

Mark is excited about the future, and is even now learning the lesson in trust again, as God is pointing him towards the need of more reliable transportation for the group. He comments again that the outlook for the SGM industry is a positive one, at the same time reminding us that, “a house divided against itself cannot stand”.

Unity within the Church, the Southern Gospel world, and the family unit, is a huge part of the message burning within Mark Trammell today. And life, in the Trammell household, is abundant. This quiet man with a heart for God and a dry sense of humour, sums up his journey this far…with a smile: “I’ve laughed…and I’ve cried. A lot.”

Note: The Mark Trammell Trio is now the Mark Trammell Quartet.
Be sure to visit the home of the Mark Trammell Quartet at http://www.marktrammellministries.com

This SGM Radio Feature was written by Lorraine Walker and published on www.sgmradio.com in May 2006. For current features, log on to http://www.sgmradio.com/ every month.

Classic Reality Check: The Incredible Completeness of Just Being (July 2006)

The Incredible Completeness of Just Being

I once heard the phrase “the incredible lightness of being” and it has forever been embedded my mind. Sometimes in our everyday lives just “being” is not only not incredible or light, it is difficult and painful. And sometimes, as we go about our normal schedules and do what we need to do, things are so mundane and predictable in their stressfulness that we feel as if another day of same-old, same-old is just more than we can handle.

I was thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when I was preparing to sleep on a Sunday night, knowing Monday morning brought another week of work and schedules and all the “have-tos” that make up normal life. Things had been pretty quiet, and except for a nagging bout of tonsillitis, life was fine. I’d been dealing with some difficult things for a while, so even the tough stuff was becoming more normal. Or maybe I’d finally got past the point of being upset about the hard stuff and had moved closer to acceptance. But all of these normal activities, usual stresses, and accepted problems were making the daily grind more and more of an effort. So much for “incredible lightness”. I’d settle for a load of “average weight”.

You likely know what happened next before I relate it; we’ve all been there. Just when we start to dread the daily drudgery, something happens that makes us long for it. The next day our town once again broke into civil unrest due to an ongoing dispute between two factions. Though not directly affecting my actions, the anxiety level connected with this violence rose from where it had settled during a temporary peace. That was only the start and soon other things happened that totally disrupted my usual schedule. And of course, I was soon yearning for the normal routine I’d been dreading a couple of days before.

It made me wonder why I have such a hard time appreciating normal life. It seems that when I’m going through a deep valley, I’m on my knees, asking God to help me through it. When I’m on a mountain, I’m thanking Him for His goodness. But the road in between seems fruitless as well as endless at times. Maybe it’s just that I haven’t had very many days with a usual routine lately, that when it happens, I just don’t know how to handle it. Instead of seeing it as a blessing and a time of peace, I start looking for something new or different to spice things up.

I have a hunch that ‘spicing things up’ was what King David was planning when he was hanging out on his rooftop even though everyone else was at war. Instead of using this quiet time to reconnect with God, he started looking around for other diversions. He found them, and we often do too when we think that life is boring and routine. However, that all too often explodes in our faces, and bringing us to an even worse place than we’d been before. And instead of using our down time to gird up our spiritual defenses, we fritter it away and when the hard times hit we have nothing to draw on.

There are lots of people I know who are experiencing tough times right now. Some are facing major decisions, diagnoses that they did not want to hear, and lives that are so upside-down that they just wish for an “everyday” kind of day. I know what that’s like as I’ve been there often in the last few months. But even in those kinds of crises, I know that God is reaching towards all of us with His love and peace. After all, He promised us that He is with us in everything.

When Jesus told us He would never leave us or forsake us, I’m sure He meant not only the really good times and the really awful times, but also even the mediocre times in between. It’s good to know that even when there seems to be no change in my situation, He is still in control and still has a future and a plan for me, not for evil but for good, to give hope whether the sameness of life is overwhelming or the trials of life have brought me to my knees.

It’s often a lesson we need to keep relearning. Regardless of circumstances I need to realize His leading, however hard that might seem. And as I give each day over to His control, He can bring completeness into my life, allowing me to not long for something more, something new, and something different to bring change to my current situation. Maybe the true test of our commitment is in the consistency of our walk with Christ whether we are going up, down, or trudging along on a level path. Realizing that completeness in life comes from our relationship with Him, not from what is happening around us.

The Bible tells us “He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it”. I always thought that faith only grows through adversity, but I’m seeing that it can be shaped and increased in every circumstance, good, bad or indifferent. And as we get more complete in Him, just living each day in His presence brings a joy that will continue even through the trials. If you are having a difficult time, or just facing “dog days”, remember that there is a special ‘completeness’ in just “being”. Rest in Him.

Reality Check is a monthly column by Lorraine Walker, published on SGM Radio. For this month's edition, click here.

Travelling with The Hyssongs - Retro SGM Radio

TRAVELING WITH THE HYSSONGS
By Sandi Duncan Clark
With more than two hundred concert dates each year, Dell, Susan, Richard and Kelly Hyssong are rarely home more than a week at a time. The Hyssongs (pronounced ‘his-songs’ and not to be confused with the male trio from Tennessee) are one of the busiest Southern Gospel groups in the industry. They tour extensively throughout the United States sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

While this family hails from the great state of Maine, Southern Gospel has always been their musical style. Dell Hyssong tells us, “Southern Gospel is pretty popular in the north east. I grew up singing with my father’s group, The Harborside Quartet, all around the state of Maine, and I’ve always loved the music.”

Dell is an ordained minister who pastored in the north east for more than twenty five years. He shared, “Susan grew up the daughter of a missionary family in Alaska. She majored in sacred music in college and plays organ and piano. When we met and were married, it was natural for us to minister together. Since we both had a musical background, part of that ministry has always been music.”

During Dell’s ministry his family helped provide music for his church services. “In college I formed a Gospel quartet and continued to sing. I also played trumpet,” Dell said. “I would do both in our church services and Susan would play piano.”

Richard Hyssong is Susan and Dell’s twenty-five year old son who has grown up in the family ministry. “Richard was singing in church when he was just two years old,” Dell said. “He loved music and began taking music lessons at the age of four. He learned to play keyboard and trombone and has always loved people. Performing Gospel music and touching people’s lives is a natural for Richard. He also does our booking and keeps us very busy.”

In 1996 the family was asked to provide music for a four-day service at a sister church. “After that service we kept getting calls to do music for other special events at other churches,” Dell told us. “The more we shared our music and shared the Lord, the more God dealt with us about venturing out more with the music.”

Dell resigned his church and in 2001 the family accepted God’s call into full-time music ministry. They travel all across the United States sharing their music and their testimonies.

In early 2005, Richard met his wife Kelly at a church where the Hyssongs sang. On October 1 of that year they were married and Kelly joined the family ministry. They are expecting their first child in July of this year.

While the Hyssongs’ musical style is traditional Southern Gospel, their arrangements vary, appealing to all age groups. They use arrangements that are appropriate for all events, from church services, to concert stages to fair dates.

Tight family harmony and a smooth blend is their trademark. Dell sings baritone, Susan sings alto and Richard sings lead but they often switch parts allowing each one to be featured on a song. This versatility changes the Hyssong’s sound and adds more variety to their presentation.

Dell, Susan and Richard also bring exciting instrumentals to their stage performance. Richard and Dell play trombone and trumpet, while Susan plays the keyboard on some songs. “Sometimes Richard will join me on the keyboard playing four-hand piano,” Susan stated.

The family has a several recordings and DVDs of live performances to their credit. These include an instrumental CD and two solo projects by Richard. “We have recorded five projects with Shane Roark at Chapel Valley Studio,” Dell shared.

Their new recording, “REJOICE,” was released in February on the Sanctuary label. Each of the group has a different favorite on the project. Susan’s favorite is “The King Is Coming,” while Richard’s is “Stay Close To Me.” Kelly’s favorite is “Living Water” and Dell likes my favorite song on the project, “God Is There.” This powerful song was written by Chris Binion and went out to Gospel radio in mid-March. You should be hearing this song on your local Gospel radio station.
The Hyssongs had a busy, exciting year in 2007. “It’s a thrill for us to travel to so many places and meet so many people,” Kelly said. “We performed on a cruise to Alaska and also one to the Bahamas last year. It was exciting to attend the Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair in the spring and to sing on a showcase at the National Quartet Convention last September.”

This year is proving to be just as busy and exciting. The family is again booked on the cruises and appeared in Chattanooga at Fan Fair. They will again appear on the Artist Showcase in September at NQC in Louisville, Kentucky.

While all of these special events are exciting, Dell tells us that the biggest thrill for him is when they have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ. “During the year we usually see between 100 and 150 people accept Christ,” Dell said.

“My biggest thrill is when we get letters from someone or when we return to an area we have been before and we hear the testimony of how a song from our CDs touched a life long after we are gone,” Susan said.

Richard told us, “I get excited when I hear one of our songs on the radio. It’s exciting that DJs play our music, and that God can use that to reach more places than we can travel each year.”

“We are so humbled that God is using our ministry in this way,” Dell continued. “God gives each of us a unique talent and a unique place to serve Him. Our family wants to use our talent for Him and go wherever He sends us. We always pray that He keeps us focused on His will.”

When you attend a Gospel music event with the Hyssongs you will experience exciting music, hear their testimonies and you’ll enjoy the humor they share as a family. You will experience their heart for the ministry and you’ll come away blessed.

You may have the Hyssongs at your next Gospel music gathering by phoning Richard at 207-236-6461 or visit their web site at www.thehyssongs.com


Article originally posted www.sgmradio.com in August 2008