Anticipation

I love Christmas lights. I'm not entirely sure of the reason but maybe it has to do with happy times as a child when all Christmas memories were backlit by large red and green bulbs. This year I asked my friends if everyone wanted to go see a light display by the harbour. The pictures on the web were really nice and it was closer than driving to Niagara Falls.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, I was hit with disappointment. Half of the lights were either turned off or removed and the half that remained were really lame. One minute was sufficient to see the entire display but we gamely walked the cold, dark route by the water before heading off for hot chocolate.

So many things at this time of year are about anticipation and often the result is less than expected. You plan parties, gifts, special events and inevitably something gets broken or someone is sick. Then the dog takes off with the new sweater and the cat drinks out of the punchbowl. You have visions of Clark Griswold's squirrel, or Ralphie's father's new lamp that gets 'accidentally' broken.

What's the answer? Do we lower our expectations or do we resolve to live a life of disappointment? What would happen if we just lived in the moment? This year, it occured to me that the best part of Christmas is the time before the actual day. The pageants, the get togethers, even the shopping. I tried to savour each day without trying to imagine what might happen on the 25th. It made for a really nice December.

Some of us have things in our lives that cause us worry and anxiety when we plan for a celebration or family event. You arrive at the event already negative and upset and that makes things even worse. How much better it would be not to worry since it doesn't affect the outcome.

I don't always live in the moment, but it's a good lesson to learn right at the brink of a new year and a new decade. It's right and proper to plan ahead for the future, to be happy and excited about good things that may come. But we need to live like we only have today.

GMA Announces Hosts and Performers for Dove Awards

Four-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant and Multiple Dove Award-winning Group, MercyMe's Frontman Bart Millard, to Host 41st Annual Event
First Round of Performers Include Industry Leaders Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Donald Lawrence, Jason Crabb and GMA Dove Award Hosts

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Dec.23, 2009 - The Gospel Music Association (GMA) officially announces its initial hosts, appearances and plans for its 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards. The 2010 Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry House and televised nationwide on Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network (www.gospelmusicchannel.com), Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST.The GMA Dove Awards is Christian/Gospel music's biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry's highest honor -- the Dove Award. Final nominees will be announced on February 18, 2010.The 41st annual GMA Dove Awards will be hosted by 2009's Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant, and multiple Dove Award-winning group MercyMe's frontman Bart Millard. While the awards will be a highlight of the show, music performances will take center stage at this year's GMA Dove Awards, showcasing some of gospel music's top-selling and most diverse artists. Artists scheduled to appear include Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, Jason Crabb, MercyMe, and many more to be announced soon. Those appearing include GRAMMY® and American Music Award® winning-artists, among others who top the charts in sales, touring, and radio airplay in their respective formats."The GMA Dove Awards is our opportunity to come together as a community to worship God and support each other as we celebrate the Gospel through music," said Ed Leonard, chairman of the GMA's board of directors. "Along with this summer's Immerse conference, it is a cornerstone of what we are doing in 2010 as an association. Coming together like this makes us stronger as a community, plus it's a lot of fun!"MercyMe's Millard commented, "Over the years MercyMe has been honored with and has performed on the Dove Awards, but more than that we have been privileged to be a part of this community of musicians and believers that share a common purpose. We always look forward to the GMA Dove Awards, and I'm excited to be co-hosting the show with Natalie Grant this year. It will be great to see the incredible talent our industry has to offer coming together and continuing to spread the gospel through all styles of music.""Hosting the GMA Dove Awards is a real honor," stated Natalie Grant. "I have always been a fan of Christian music so I consider it a tremendous privilege to help shine a brighter spotlight on the message of this life-changing music, and the artists who create it. I love that it's not a night of competition, but an evening of giving honor and celebrating one another. It's really more like a family gathering that I look forward to every year."GMA Dove Week 2010 will kick off Monday, April 19 with the ASCAP Christian Music Awards. The week will additionally include an Artist Summit and the BMI Christian Music Awards as its key events. Similar to GRAMMY® Week or CMA Week, GMA Dove Week will also feature media events, showcases and professional networking opportunities, most driven independently. The GMA will help to coordinate and promote such events along with other activities taking place during the week.Tickets to the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will go on sale first to GMA Members Monday, January 4th at 10 a.m. CST by calling 615-277-1376. Tickets to the public will go on sale January 19th through the Grand Ole Opry Call Center by calling 1-800-SEE-OPRY/1-800-733-6779, via the web at www.opry.com or may be purchased in-person at The Opry Box Office located at the Opry House at 2804 Opryland Drive and the Ryman Auditorium Box Office at 116 5th Ave North, in downtown Nashville. Ticket prices range from $25 - $200.In addition to GMA Dove Week and the GMA Dove Awards, GMA's highly-regarded IMMERSE conference will return to Belmont University July 28-31, 2010. IMMERSE will bring together artists, songwriters, musicians, worship leaders, music business students, industry experts and more in a celebration of music and learning. Popular events from GMA Music Week, such as the highly successful Songwriters' Showcase and Evening Worship Service, will be available to attendees as well as concerts from top Christian artists. Additional information is forthcoming.For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376. It's not too late to be eligible to vote for the 2010 Doves! The GMA has extended its membership deadline to December 30, 2009 via www.gospelmusic.org/membership/individual/join.aspx.

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Announce Changes

Dear Friends,

It is with sadness and regret that I announce the departure of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound lead singer, Ryan Seaton.
I thank him from the bottom of my heart for all his contributions. We wish Ryan the very best in his personal and professional pursuits, wherever they may lead him. While one part of my heart is very heavy, the other half is uplifted by the news that Devin McGlamery, from southern gospel’s Grammy-nominated Karen Peck & New River, is joining EHSS as new lead singer! Devin has been lead/tenor for KPNR for the last five years, following a five-year career with the Dixie Melody Boys. Devin’s debut with us will be on January 15, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio, at our “Dream On” concert featuring The Collingsworth Family – our first performance after Christmas break. We’re really thrilled to be headlining our own show throughout next year. “To say I’m excited is an understatement,” said Devin. “Ernie and I have been great friends for years. I’ve always had a lot of admiration for him as a singer and as a person, and he has always encouraged me. Words cannot express how wonderful I feel about this opportunity for my career and my family.” A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Devin is 27 and lives in Kinston, North Carolina, with his wife Karen Ham McGlamery and their children, Karlyn and Preston. “I want to thank Karen Peck so much for everything over the last five years,” said Devin. "She let southern gospel music get to know the real me, and she let me be who I am. For that and many things, I will always be grateful. I’m really looking forward to the next part of my calling and my journey with Ernie and the group.” I thank God for the opportunity to work with Devin and am grateful to Karen and Susan Peck for their graciousness. Please join me in giving a warm Signature Sound welcome to Devin, and keep Ryan and his dear family in your prayers!
As always, your support and understanding is SO valued and appreciated.
Ernie

Susan Unthank's Mother Passes Away

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Rhoda Marie Favre, mother of Susan Unthank (SoGospelNews.com) passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. CST. Rhoda peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus the day before her 72nd birthday.
Susan Unthank said, “This has been a very difficult holiday season for our household as my husband, Deon, lost his father and aunt earlier this month. While death is never an easy thing to grasp or come to grips with – we are so very thankful that my Mother is now worshipping her Savior whom she faithfully served for many years. My mother suffered from Muscular Dystrophy her entire life – so we rejoice in knowing that not only does she have her mind back – but she is able to run on those streets of gold!”
Rhoda was born on December 28, 1937 in East St. Louis, IL. Rhoda founded the vibrant children's ministry, Rhoda & Friends, in the 1970s. It was an outreach ministry for children of all ages featuring groundbreaking puppetry and skits. The ministry spanned over three decades and touched thousands of lives. She was a faithful member of Trinity Faith Tabernacle in Smithville, IL for many years.
Rhoda is survived be her husband of 52 years Kenneth Favre, two daughters, Susan (Deon) Unthank, of Nashville, TN and Jan (John) Meehan, of Belleville, IL, a son, Keith Favre of Belleville, IL. Rhoda had three grandchildren, Scott Bandy, Amy Marie Unthank, and Christopher Unthank.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Valhalla-Garerdner Holton Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the funeral home with Reverend Mike Biekert officiating.
Memorial donations can be made in Rhoda's honor to the Muscular Dystophy Association or The Alzheimer's Association.

Beyond the Ashes Takes Joy Across the Country

Nashville, TN (Dec. 23, 2009) –Powerful vocal trio, Beyond The Ashes, has been on an exciting tour this Christmas, introducing their new Christmas recording, Joy, to audiences all across the nation.
The new CD, recorded in Nashville, TN, is receiving great reviews. The group continues to see strong response to their music, and most importantly, to their message. The recording includes many Christmas standards and features tight harmonies and strong vocals from this dynamic trio.
Group owner and tenor singer, Anthony Facello, produced Joy. It looks to be a Christmas favorite for years to come. The Christmas CD includes standards like, “The Christmas Song,” “Let It Snow,” and “Silent Night.” In addition, it includes thought provoking tunes like “Strange Way To Save The World,” “Offering,” and “Born In Bethlehem.” There are 10 tracks in all.
Facello expressed that the tour has been amazing and the reaction to the new recording has been really special. He said, "The season of Christmas is about fun and getting together with family and loved ones, but may we never forget the true meaning of Christmas and that is the birth of our Lord. It has been an awesome experience to share fun and reflective moments with so many people on this tour. Our very first Christmas CD has been so accepted and friends are loving the material.”
To learn more about Beyond the Ashes, to order Joy, or to schedule them for your music event, visit beyondtheashesonline.com. You can also find them at myspace.com/beyondtheashesonline.