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Mark with Mark (Hall) of Casting Crowns @ Texas CSA Conference. They played a concert prior to the Rangers game that night and a few of our members went during a break. Some were bold enough to step out on faith and ask him to come up to the suite to inspire us after the concert. Well, to our surprise, he popped in and shared his time with us "creative types" and the gesture was much appreciated.
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One of Jordan's favorites. We're proud to know this sister because her conversion is quite an inspiration. Her name is Kimia Penton and she's an accomplished songwriter/violinist (Texas CSA member also) but more than that... she's a Christian (born in the Middle East) with quite a story. Check it out @ www.KimiaPenton.com
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This was a ministry opportunity which GOD allowed me to participate in that humbled me greatly. GOD allowed me to teach the Gospel @ The Ballpark In Arlington to close out the Texas Christian Songwriters Association Conference. I appreciate John Hershenberg for being obedient to God's prompting to insert "THE WORD" to conclude the music conference.
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Our youngest daughter (Jordan) who had a blast @ Pastor James and Betty Robinson's television taping. The Franklins gave an awesome testimony about Kirk's pornography struggle/testimony and I implore everyone (especially married couples) to watch the "Life Today" taping when it airs. Kirk made Jordan's day when he told the audience: "She will be my 8 year old son's wife." Too cute!
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Us goofing around with 'Of Scripture' before the nightly concert @ GMA In The Rockies/2008. The sibling trio (from Wichita Falls, Texas) won best new group of 2008. WOW!
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There were so many things to do or participate in (according to your gift), Ms. Twala was a part of the worship choir that set the tone for the day. I was soooo proud that she took this leap of faith and found her comfort zone to sing unto the LORD.
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I'm sure we look like tourists! :-) I never understood why Denver or the Rockies were called "the mile high city." Well, it is truly unbelievable and we definitely were gasping for more air than usual. I'm surprised we're actually on top of this lookout cove. You could virtually view the entire city of Estes Park (where the competition took place).
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Faith and omnipotence on display! Nothing more needs to be said.
P.S. - Except we're afraid of heights a lil' bit... hee-hee-hee :-)
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I'd never purchased another artist's entire catalogue until I heard this Christian group perform live @ GMA. They are 'Shane and Shane' and their music/lyrics are very thought-provoking and theologically 'on point.' Our songs should be 'preachable' and that's feasible when Christian writers align their storytelling abilities, lyrics, and penmanship with: GOD'S WORD.
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Kirk really gave us some great advice @ GMA Regionals in Dallas. Songwriting not only has its genres but also has certain structure, progressions, etc. What I appreciated most was his advising us: "write from your hearts and don't worry so much about writing a radio friendly, formulaic type song with the goal of getting a hit record." This was one of the many bits of wisdom that I've implemented over the years that started me on my road of writing 'vertically' i.e. - a composition that GOD will accept because my heart (issues, drama, etc.), I lay bare before him on paper/keyboard.
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Todd Agnew had us cracking up @ the same GMA Regional event! He told us that he submitted his music for 6 consecutive years and he'd never made the top ten as a writer or artist. So as he led us in worship one morning, he encouraged us with these (paraphrased) words: "I find it rather ironic that my music was never chosen here @ GMA but now that I've made it, I'm standing here encouraging you. Go figure!" That was inspiring and priceless!
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Great scripturally sound advice from Myron Butler (a judge @ GMA Regionals). He gave us knowledge about what it meant for him to serve Kirk's vision as a background vocalist in God's Property and 1NC. I totally grasped the concept because it's easy to forget: Aaron serving Moses, Elisha serving Elijah, Timothy serving Paul, etc. Some of the best advice my spiritual dad (and natural one: Pastor Mack E. Ingram / Agape House Of Prayer / Wichita Falls) gave me was this: "you can tell a lot about a minister (servant) by simply asking him who they've sat under for a season." So many desire to lead but have never followed (or served). I thank GOD for the 8+ years under my Pastor's direction and wouldn't trade it for anything. Now that I'm back in the metroplex, I don't know what my future holds but I do know who holds my future! :-)
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Ms. Twala again with one of her favorite groups: Trinitee 5:7. They inspired us with their story about losing evrything basically during Hurricane Katrina and then GOD blessing them not only to survive and endure, but shortly thereafter, they won their first Grammy. They definitely can entertain.
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Now this dude... B. Reith has got to be one of the most talented/soulful artists I've ever heard. He's very diverse. Sings, raps, and plays piano... well I might add! He's on Toby Mac's label. Needless to say, our youngest daughter has a huge crush on him since meeting him. When you hear him on radio, I promise that you will not be able to match the talent with the artist! Very gifted and I pray he's able to reach his generation for Christ.
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This picture speaks for itself. Sent chills down my spine. I know they're not the 'original' but this travelling Veteran's exhibit reaffirms the values that this country was founded upon and how we are a Christian nation that desperately needs to repent. To shake the hands of Veterans that survived our major wars humbles me and keeps me proud of the 5+ years of service I completed in the US Army.
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One of Twala's (if not her favorite) artist, Mandisa. She was very honest and told us about how the American Idol experience and what she went through strengthened her faith. Hearing her story compelled us to purchase her CD as well as her book. If you get a chance, listen to the track: "GOD Speaking." The book is a very inspirational read also.
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His face may not be recognizable to many but his imprint on Christian songwriting is. He's achieved what any songwriter aspires to do... write for others. His most popular song 'to date' has been recorded by Myron Butler and others. It's called 'Unrestrained." His name is Calvin Nowell. He quizzed me by asking: "How did you know that?" I told him what I've learned over the years: "Show business is 10% show and 90% business." I actually got to give him a track of mine to listen to so who knows? :-)
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Ayiesha Woods w/ Twala. Very nice and we got to meet her family also. I appreciate her ministry because she thinks outside the box. She actually has a song which repeats a phrase about "not boxing GOD in since HE'S been doing big things since the world began." I think that's extremely relevant because Christ told the disciples: "Go ye therefore and teach all nations..."
I cannot understand why Sunday mornings are still so segregated. Since we're on the way to Heaven with so many different races and personalities, it seems like we'd be excited to start practicing how to accept and appreciate the various eclectic gifts we all have to offer... while still here.
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