New Day

Before Legacy Five came on stage, a local group called New Day, opened the concert.  “We’re glad to be here with you tonight,” they said, welcoming us from on stage.  “Ya’ know, as long as I got King Jesus, I don’t need anyone else.”  As you probably guessed, BFA’s hit was their first song on the set – Long As I Got King Jesus.  (It was different to hear a trio sing that one!)  A soothing ballad, For Such A Time As This, followed.  It was a song about helping others through their trials by using your own experiences for His glory, and featured the only male vocalist for the group.  A quick “thank you” ushered us into the next song, He Saw It All, and the trio stepped off the stage.

Legacy Five

“This next group…” began the pastor, then paused to ask, “How many are seeing Legacy Five for the first time ever?” – Maybe five hands went up while someone said, “Oh no.”   Continuing, the Pastor addressed the group, “Well, you guys only have a few to work on then.   Welcome – Legacy Five.”  L5’s first song was A Wonderful Life.  Lead singer Scott Fowler was the featured vocalist on the verses.  Next, Scott, Howie and Glenn sang the first stanza of God Cares For Me as a trio, Gus joining them on the chorus, and Scott delivering the second verse with the guys backing him up.  I loved watching Glenn on this one!  He had so many motions to go with the lyrics.  Setting the mic stands back, the next track played leading into an oldie but goodie, I’m Feeling Fine.  Immediately, everyone started clapping along with the beat!  “Thanks guys!  It’s great to be back in Mountain Home, did you know that Marty Stuart was in town tonight?” Scott asked.  (I guess Marty was singing down at the big arena.)  “Alright, you guys are my buddies!” Scott exclaimed of the fan’s loyalty.  Going right into introductions, Scott mentioned that since 99% of the audience had seen them before, the crowd already knew that Glenn Dustin, bass singer for the quartet, has been a charter member of the group, been there since day one.  Glenn added, “Can’t get rid of me.”  After a little story about what Glenn would do with the last hour of his life, he was featured on a good up-beat number called, Somebody Sing.  Everyone whistled on his low note…and as you could expect, Howie and Scott lifted up his pant legs (as always)!  Only, poor Glenn had some trouble getting them back down!  Scott exclaimed, “Those are some hairy socks!”  The audience exploded with laughter, and L5 really held a long, powerful note on the end.  “I love to sing this song because it’s my testimony,” Glenn explained, “One day Jesus Christ changed my life and I’ve never been the same.”  This ballad also featured Glenn, and once again, the emotion he put into his performance was moving.  On the line that says…  “But with one drop of mercy…” – he pretended to hold that mercy within his fingers like a drop of water.  He was on fire!  After a whisper to Trey, another quartet song began.  When I first heard the music I didn’t believe my ears – I haven’t heard L5 sing this one in a long while!!!  It was Heavenly Signs!  (This was my fav off of their God’s Been Good project, so you could imagine my intense delight in seeing it in concert again!)  I especially like the second verse where each guy gets a line to sing.  Well, before the last song or so, they were doing intros, and Trey was up next to meet the crowd.  Scott had Trey turn toward the audience.  “I just want them to see that face.”  Scott spoke to the audience, “I know what you’re thinking…”  Howie answered for him, “Yeah, ‘don’t they have the nursery open tonight?”  LOL  “Seriously,” began Howie, “ya’ll have been twenty-two once in your life, and no one clapped for you…these shoes are 22.”  Scott just had to get in on the fun and added, “I don’t know about those shoes, but those socks are definitely 22!  Why do you keep wearing those things? Why don’t you get some new socks?”  Well, Howie kept teasing Trey, so Scott spoke up again and said, “You be nice…just because you can’t remember being 22 doesn’t mean you can pick on him.”

Trey plays a solo

Somehow, from there the guy’s rabbit trailed onto the subject of Howie’s apparel.  To which Howie proudly said, “Listen, I put some thought into my wardrobe…I don’t just walk in here with…well, they’re my golf socks.”  Acting a little confused, Scott said, “I guess I don’t know what golf socks are so you’re just going to have to explain it to me.”  Howie answered, “Well, there is a hole in one…hey, I got an 18 hole pair out in the bus!”  Scott, not really caring for where the conversation just turned, walked back over to Trey and tried to introduce him without laughing.  When Scott finally introduced Trey, we’re all pretty familiar with what happens: Scott tells Trey to play something SGM, Trey plays something Classical – and Scott’s expression is priceless.  After transitioning into Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and receiving a standing ovation, Howie walked over to Trey to give him a few words of encouragement.  “See, there’s what happens when you take the advice of your elders.  You have to listen!  As Scott said, they know the finer things of life, but that’s not what they came for…they came to hear us.”  (Giggles from the audience.)  “I’ll tell you another thing,” Howie continued, “and it blessed my heart – I don’t mind saying that – even through that first minute or so, where you were a fumbling and flailing all over trying to find the melody for Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.  (Here Howie faces the audience and says…)  Friend, he never gave up…God doesn’t like a quitter; God wants a feller to have some stick-to-able-ness.”  Glenn says, “That can’t even be a real word.”  Howie says, “Stick-to-able-ness is a real word, it’s out of the Old Testament, that’s why you’re unfamiliar with it.”  After some laughter, Howie said to Trey, “I’m teasing, I’m teasing…I know you meant to play that just like you played it.  I wouldn’t have a clue as to why you would, but I know you did.”  (More laughter from the audience.)  Howie finished with, “I was just glad I didn’t have to sing along with it, because I didn’t know that one!”

“Well, are you glad to see our funny man, Scott Howard?” Fowler asked and Howie’s solo, Destination Known, came next on the program. (How he could actually sing after all that goofing around is beyond me!  LOL!)  “Are you glad to see our tenor singer Gus Gushes?  Say hi to Gus!”  Scott introduced Gus before his solo For What Earthly Reason.  This ballad always sends chills down my spine and Gus’s voice fits the song perfectly!  “Isn’t that beautiful?”  Scott asked, “listen to a great story song…” then he began singing Ask Me Why.  “Thank you Lord for loving us,” whispered Scott at the end of the first chorus, and ended the ballad with, “Amen.”  Another ballad followed, There’s Something About That Name.  In the middle, Scott stopped and encouraged the audience, “If you know that old song, sing it with us…”  Howie directed the singing as Scott picked up his Bible and searched its pages.  “Luke says this… ‘Behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS.’  Now you couldn’t be ordinary and have a kingdom with no end… in case you weren’t in church on Easter Sunday, let me remind you what happened that morning.”  Scott read the resurrection account out of Matthew.  And as many times as I’ve heard him read it – I never tire of hearing the excitement in his voice as he reads each word.  When he came to the words “He is risen,” Scott had us all say those words together.  We Shall See Jesus closed the first half.  Everyone rose to their feet in ovation.  “That is the good news of the gospel that the world needs to hear…” Scott proclaimed at the close.

In times past, I’ve mentioned that sometimes the Cd pitches can be just as entertaining as points in the concert itself.  This night was no exception.  The guys were … um, can I say … in a sappy mood? – and you never knew what was going to happen next!  During the Cd pitch, Scott mentioned that Trey has his own solo Cd, and Howie jumped right in and said, “Now I’ve been picking on Trey and I don’t want anyone to think that there’s a riff between us, so I’ll be the first to say that, yes, it’s his first, but it’s his best.”  Fowler, catching the implications, played into the joke in his own way and said, “That’s very kind of you to say…”  As Scott was telling about their special and the product they had available, he also made special mention of what they had on DVD and what they had on CD, so no one would get confused.  The only problem was…he acted like he confused himself!  So Howie, always the helper, decided to “help” him out with the following little, eh, I guess you would call it a “poem” about their Oak Tree recording.  Howie recited these words of instruction to Scott, “DVD and CD, at the Oak Tree, with you and me, and it’s not for free!”  Continuing with product, Scott told about a DVD they had with a collection of road stories from various artists, “Howie is on that DVD telling stories about L5”, and Howie told a little story for us right then and there.  He also told us about his famous “Cajun Dust,” by saying, “We are in Arkansas tonight, so I’m not sure how you fix your opossum, but in lower Alabama, we season our food with…”

After a give-a-way, the next half began with New Day singing an accapella version of Holy, Holy, Holy.  They sped up the hymn a little and gave it a Praise & Worship effect, then a beautiful ballad called I Would Be Lost Without The Cross came next.

Scott came up on stage and asked if anyone knows of the show on National Geographic called, How the Universe Works?  Scott shared how his two boys love watching the show, but the only problem with it is all the theories they teach on how the earth was made.  “We can open up to Genesis 1:1 and see that, ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’  Period!”  Scott said.  They found this song that in Scott’s words was, “Very politically incorrect!”  And they love it!  The number was a new song entitled, God Had A Hand In It!  Howie, pretending to play the guitar on the out-tro was just hilarious! This was a great number! New Born Feeling was next followed by Strike Up The Band.  Both of which had a lot of energy and fun! Fast songs were going good for the moment, so they tossed in another one! – I’m Thankful For The Change.  Howie got the crowd clapping during the chorus.  On the front row there were two little girls – Scott mentioned them and how he was getting a kick out of them.  Coming off the stage he asked them their names and ages and let them answer in his mic.  Then he asked, “Do you take pretty pills?”  The older girl shook her head yes!  Howie said, “Would you share one with him?”  LOL!  Scott told a story about his two boys when they were that age.

“Our very breath is loaned to us by God,” Scott continued, “we really are a blessed people…I think it would be good to do as the old hymn says and, ‘Count your blessings one by one.’”  Their next song was centered on that theme – We Are So Blessed.  Scott took a moment and prayed after that song, he ended his prayer with these words: “We leave this place forever changed because you are the Champion of Love.”  As the intro for that song began, Scott pointed to a Down’s Syndrome boy on the third row and said, “Matt, we’re singing this one for you, buddy.”  The teen jumped up from the pew and walked up on stage and as he gave Scott a hug (How sweet!), he also grasped onto Scott’s mic!   Matt stayed up on the stage and proceeded to sing the verses with Scott!  By the second verse, Scott had Trey give his mic to Matt, who took the stage and performed the song like a true pro.  It was very touching to see a Down’s Syndrome teen sing those lyrics.  Everyone gave him a standing ovation.  After the song, Scott said, “I’m pretty sure in saying that was God’s favorite thing that happened this evening.”

Conclusion:  Legacy Five was truly a powerhouse that night!  The music engulfed you, the jokes made you laugh and the stories and Scriptures read constantly pointed you to the Lord Jesus Christ.  You can’t get better than that, can you? Glenn had a motion for every line they sang, Howie made everyone laugh, Scott found endless ways to talk about the Lord in each and every song and Gus poured out his heart into everything he did.  If you didn’t feel the presence of God that night, there was something wrong with you!  The atmosphere in the sanctuary commanded it.  L5’s ministry is about the Lord, His Word and His work.  And letting Matt sing at the end…that was just precious!  What hearts these guys have for allowing him to do that with them!  This was I night that I won’t easily forget! Thanks guys for doing everything you do through the ministry of Legacy Five!  You certainly reminded us all that it’s a wonderful life we’re living because Jesus is our best friend! …

The local group, New Day was good.  I do wish they would have introduced their singers though – it would have been nice to include their individual names in the review!

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”  – Galatians 6:7

We have all sown things we would rather not reap in the harvest! Big or small, we’ve all made mistakes, wrong choices and so on. Praise the Lord that He forgives us of our sin, and through His grace, wipes our slate clean. We may see the results/consequences of our actions in the future, but that doesn’t change God’s forgiveness. So here is the question: What is the difference between grace (God’s forgiveness of sin) and government (consequences we reap because of sin)? Below, is a little portion of an article that the cotton fields reminded me of. It answers our question and illustrates Galatians 6:7, coupled with God’s amazing grace – perfectly!

This article, held a very simple, yet profound way to look at the situation: “A man may be sent by his master to sow a field with wheat, and through ignorance, dullness, or gross inattention, he sows some noxious weed. His master hears of the mistake, and, in the exercise of his grace, he pardons it – pardons it freely and fully. What then? Will the gracious pardon change the nature of the crop? Assuredly not; and hence, in due time, when golden ears should cover the field, the servant sees it covered with noxious weeds. Does the sight of the weeds make him doubt his master’s grace? By no means. As the master’s grace did not alter the nature of the crop, neither does the nature of the crop alter the master’s grace and pardon flowing there from…Grace pardons; nay, more, it may make you higher and happier than ever; but if you sow weeds in the spring, you will not reap wheat in the harvest.”*There we have it! To me, the most important part of this quote, is where is says, Will the gracious pardon change the nature of the crop? And – Does the sight of the weeds make him doubt his master’s grace?

Grace doesn’t change the weed into wheat, however, the sight of the weed shouldn’t cause doubt of the Master’s grace. Write this statement down as a reminder of the truth we hold: If you sin – know that you can receive the Father’s forgiveness, and don’t doubt His grace if you have to do some reaping – whether in this life or before the throne!

Let the thoughts of these words penned by Jon Garrett and Sue Smith bless you:

* C. H. Mackintosh, Miscellaneous Writings Volume Five (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1951), 207

Grace says you cannot surprise me, no matter what you do
And when you least deserve me, Grace says I’ll be here for you!

* C. H. Mackintosh, Miscellaneous Writings Volume Five (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1951), 207 * C. H. Mackintosh, Miscellaneous Writings Volume Five (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1951), 207

* C. H. Mackintosh, Miscellaneous Writings Volume Five (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1951), 207

1.  All The Ways We Praise
Tempo:  Fast
Feature:  All four parts
Message:  This song is about praising the Lord in a variety of ways and being accepted in His sight as genuine worship.  Beginning with the chorus, the lyrics speak out the theme with these words, “You love all the ways…we give You praise…as we lay our hearts before You…You love how we adore you.” The refrain continues to say that every offering a child of God brings to Him is precious in His sight… “Lord, You love all the ways, we praise.” The verses give example of the different ways Believers praise the Lord.  In the first verse, we see song in the morning, a hymn in the night – some kneel down with folded hands…other raise up their hands to the heavens.  And though the methods are different, the Father see’s it as the same because it’s worship.  After repeating the chorus, we move into the second verse with more ways to praise our God: through dancing, playing instruments, shouting to the sky, or even if you don’t know where to start.
His Dream: … for us is to praise Him
Other Comments:  I love recordings that begin on an up-beat note, and this one draws you in from the very start!  With a Praise and Worship feel, the four sisters sing the choruses together, and each one is featured on different parts of the verses.

2.  Walk Away Free
Tempo:  Medium
Feature:  Kimberly and Tiffany
Message:  “Here’s the altar, there’s the door – now you’re faced with the choice once more…” These are the thought provoking words that open this song.  You can imagine the scene, can’t you?  In church, in your pew, faced with the choice to stay and received Christ, or walk away from Him.  Though the first verse explains that nothing will keep you from leaving, the chorus says that you can “walk away free.”  You can walk away forgiven, in love with your new life and no longer held captive by bonds but welcomed by arms of grace.  All this is wrapped up in your choice to leave Christ, or leave your past with Him.  The second verse lays out all the details, you can walk away the same way you came in or be changed in a few moments.  You can try to run, but my prayer will always be that you walk away unshackled…like a bird no longer in a cage or a prisoner released from his prison.  “You are free to walk away…or you can walk away free.”
His Dream: … for you to come to Him
Other Comments:  This would make a great invitation song!  On the other hand, salvation isn’t the only thing that we can take to the altar.  There are many other issues and problems surrounding our lives that we can either give to the Lord or keep every time we walk out of church.  Kimberly is featured on the first verse, and then Tiffany on the second stanza.

3.  Can’t Dream Big Enough
Tempo:  Medium
Feature:  Tiffany and Kimberly
Message:  This number explores the thoughts we experience from day to day, while anticipating the future.  The first verse brings us to that point in our day when we just shut our eyes and let our mind wander to where ever we would rather be in that moment.  Maybe we try to predict the joys of the day to come and let our creative mind run to its wildest dreams…yet, we haven’t seemed to learn by now, that with God, as the chorus says, “we can’t dream big enough.”  The plan that the Lord has for each and every one of us is more than we can imagine!  Beyond anything we can fathom or label “possible.”  With everything we’ve seen Him do, and everything that we know about Him, we come to understand that His plans are so much better than ours and though we can “dream – we can’t dream big enough.” The second verse simply says that even if we had the ability to create a world that we think would be perfect for ourselves, it would fall short of the Lord’s plan for us, because He provides more and more everyday.
His Dream: … is to give our dreams to Him
Other Comments:  This one is quickly becoming my favorite from this Cd!  Not only is it the title song for the recording, it reminds us that God is so much bigger than anything we can do on our own.  Tiffany sings the first verse, Jewel takes the lead on the chorus and the second verse is sung by Kimberly.

4.  Do You Ever Feel Like Flyin’?
Tempo:  Medium
Feature:  All four parts/Tiffany
Message:  Within these lyrics, a story is found, and one that I’m sure we can all relate to!  Verse one takes us to a line at the grocery store where we are introduced to the main character of the song – and with two upset children and a persistent cell phone, she has her hands full!  To us, this is what she says in the chorus, “Do you ever feel like flyin’  Leaving it all behind?” To get out of this world and not worry about what needs done, to escape this world that’s always in a hurry and just sail through the air…ah, “sometimes I feel like flying!” The second verse contemplates what our character said, and the truth of it is evident.  Who doesn’t need a little break in the day to let our minds wander off to that heavenly city where we’ll spend eternity?  The bridge muses on this further and calls it the “place I was meant to be” and “where Jesus waits for me.”
His Dream: … for us to long to be with Him
Other Comments:  The sisters all sing the first verse together, while the chorus and the second verse features Tiffany.

5.  Everything Is Starting To Change
Tempo:  Medium/Fast
Feature:  Jewel
Message:  This number is about something we all need to put in practice more often – looking for what the Lord is doing each day.  If you ever watched the morning news and said, “Sure looks like trouble is here to stay,” – you’ve experienced the opening lines of this verse.  We’d be better off to do what the last two lines say, “But Father when I choose to start my day with You – I see my world in a different way.” The chorus looks at the positive side of life: watching for a clear sky, listening for a reoccurring song, and keeping an eye out for the Lord’s next move.  With Him, nothing is going to stay the way it is – it’s going to change.  The second verse tells us that when we have Christ in the forefront of our day, even the most mundane things can be seen differently.  Thanks to grace, it’s all possible.  The bridge reminds us that even in the midst of the storms that are bound to come our way, we can be assured that blessings will soon follow!
His Dream: … for us to begin every day with Him
Other Comments:  What a great song!  May we be more faithful to begin our days with our Savior.

6.  Millionaire
Tempo:  Fast
Feature:  All four parts
Message:  The word “millionaire” implies one that has as compared to those who lack, but this song takes a creative twist and talks more about being content with the Lord and His mission to be the “light of the world.”  Notice how this plays out in the verse, in the first, it talks about achieving a  measure of success in the world that we may never reach, but it also speaks of pressing forward into the unknown and being satisfied with where the Lord leads.  With that in mind, the chorus triumphantly proclaims that though “I may never be a millionaire…funny, I don’t think I care.” If we don’t see the incredible view from the summit, maybe we don’t need to?  A fancy car or stardom may not be what’s up ahead, but as Christians we have something greater, we’ll be, “the light of the world.”  The second verse says that though we may not have the answers to the questions the greatest philosophers in the world may ask, and though we may not be able to cure the world of it’s fast life, well, that’s okay, we can join for the fight!  As a bridge, the girls each take a line and speak these words:  “I may never be a hero, or set my feet on Wall Street, or give the evening news…but I believe in what God want’s me to be.”
His Dream: … for us to believe in His plan for our lives
Other Comments:  Beginning with some banjo, we get a little hint of Bluegrass in the intro (which is perfect for this song and complements the style).  Personally, I like how each sister gets a on the verses between the two sets of verses.  Tamara is the first vocalist you’ll hear and shares the first verse with her older sister Jewel.  Kimberly begins the second verse and Tiffany closes.

7.  Love of God
Tempo:  Slow
Feature:  Jewel
Message:  “The love of God will never lead you, where the grace of God can’t keep you…” With those words we are introduced to this ballad that speaks of the faithfulness of God.  The first verse, recalls the time when you committed your life to Christ.  The road hasn’t been smooth and though the Christian life requires effort, you’re promised that He isn’t going to take you someplace where He can’t keep you safe during your “stay.”  As the chorus says, the mountains and valley’s are yours – with His mighty hand as a guide and Himself as a constant companion.  You can count on Him to be there every step of the way.  The second verse speaks of the journey itself – the places Christ may ask you to go and the things He may have you to do.  But these are not things to be anxious over, just have faith and trust Him, He’ll take care of you.
His Dream: … for us to trust Him with every step of the future
Other Comments:  What a beautiful song!…and something all of us should be reminded of every now and then.  This is really the first “slow” song we encounter on Dream, and I love how it mimics life in a way – when our fast pace lives need to slow down a bit, we usually need to be reminded of what this song talks about.

8.  What If Your Best
Tempo:  Medium/Slow
Feature:  Jewel and Kimberly
Message:  Written in first person, this song is a narration of what the clay must think while on the potter’s wheel…or in this case, on our Potter’s wheel.  In the first verse we hear the clay’s desire to adhere to the Potter’s wish and be still as it’s being molded into something new.  But as the clay thinks of all the things that could bring glory to God’s name, you can almost hear it’s lack of confidence when it says, “But I am only clay.”  The chorus reaches the heart of the matter and longs for what the Potter knows as best, but struggles with the thought that maybe His plan isn’t what the clay is hoping for.  Maybe the Potter’s best isn’t in the finished product, maybe it’s in the process – what the clay learns while it’s on the wheel in the Potters hands.  The clay goes on in the second verse to tell of the inward battle it has, trying not give the Potter advise on how to do His job.  I like the line that says it‘s, “Like teaching Shakespeare how to write…or Monet the way to paint.” (It’s kind of hard to give God advice, right?  It’s also hard to keep our opinions to ourselves too!)  The message resolves the struggle of the clay in the bridge and uses the old hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be,” as it’s final plea.
His Dream: … for us to give Him our best
Other Comments:  I like the unique viewpoint this song takes on the subject.  SGM needs more songs like this – ones that can take something we’ve heard a million times and make it something new and exciting!

9.  All You Need Is A Need
Tempo:  Fast
Feature:  TaMera and Jewel
Message:  Have you ever met someone who said their life was perfect?  Well, in the first verse of this song that’s who we’ve caught up with, and he thought he was okay because he didn’t have any needs.  Unfortunately, a cold heart and dry soul gave him away – he was lying to himself and too proud to acknowledge it.  In the chorus he walks away and we hear the heart crying out, “All you need is a need!”  Or a burden, you just need something!  God specializes in hurting, weary, and weak lives.  He’s always available to run to you in your need, but when that happens, it is entirely up to you.  “Ask and you’ll receive, all you need is a need.” Verse two has such great lines I can’t help but quote them, “We all have things we keep inside, we know God knows but still we hide from the only One who has the power to solve them.”  If we’d only cry out to Him, He’d come with abundant grace…but alas, He’s waiting on us.
His Dream: … for us to give Him our needs…
Other Comments:  How true this is!  Everyone has needs that God can, and will meet, if only we’d humble ourselves and ask for His help.  It’s so priceless to hear a 10 year old sing these lyrics!

10.  It Took A Living Savior
Tempo:  Ballad
Feature:  Kimberly and Tiffany
Message:  Our theme in this song, is the ultimate need of mankind ~ a Savior.  In the first verse God is looking down from heaven on this dying world – full of hate and anger.  No longer the beauty of Eden, but an un-reparable wound covered the earth.  When it looked like the world was hopeless, the Father sent His Son to die on a cross…because it “took a living Savior, to save a dying world.” The chorus tells us that in order to reach the Father it took a risen ransom, no other would do, only one who was worthy could redeem us.  Now, we look at the same world – dying and turning away from the answer to their problems.  The one who gives life, the one who conquered death, hell, and the grave.  After another two choruses, Kimberly quotes Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrated His own love, towards us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
His Dream: … for us to know Him as Savior.
Other Comments:  What a beautiful ballad!  It sounds like angels are singing!  But my favorite part has to be the very end, where MSS officially close the track with Scripture.  Not many groups quote verses in their songs on their recordings.  Some may do it in concert, but on the Cd is different.  Honestly, I can only think of one other group who’s done this and I think it’s something other artists would do well to pick up on.  Isaiah says that God’s Word does not come back void!!!

Scott Fowler “woke everyone up” with an announcement we’ve been waiting to hear all weekend – the silent auction winners!  After Scott read the names of those who won, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to those who participated and raised $1,440 for the Legacy Five Foundation.  In Scott’s words, “That will sponsor a lot of kids for many months.”  After informing everyone with registration information for Celebration 2013, Scott prayed and welcomed Doug Anderson to the stage.

As fans hurried to their seats, Doug Anderson opened the morning with a medium tempo song called The Sinner Sins, But the Savoir Saves.  “Well, thank you so much!  Good morning!” said Doug.  He went on to tell the audience that he just loves life, and everything about it…he loves his wife, kids, family…everything.  Yet, even though he’s happy and up-beat now, that doesn’t mean it was always that way.  He said that he’s not perfect, and that, “There was a time in my life when I was totally miserable because I couldn’t get over the things that I’ve done.”  He recounted one morning that he couldn’t sleep, and as he lay awake in bed, his wife suggested that he go out for a run.  (He informed us that he likes to run.)  Because he’s a runner, he usually tries to make a certain time and all that, but as he said, “That morning I saw everything differently.  I saw the sun rise and thought, ‘Only God could do that.’  Then I ran some more and noticed the dew on the grass and thought, ‘Only God could do that.’  And I stopped running, stood in the middle of the road and said, ‘God, if you are real, and I know that You are… and You could do all this, you could fix me, and make me happy’…I told Wayne (Wayne Haun was there that morning) my story and he wrote this song just for me…and we’ve been singing this song for a while and I found out that it wasn’t just for me, it was for all of us, and I hope you like it.”  As the slow ballad began, Wayne Haun played the piano for him on the song he wrote, I Will Take What’s Left.  “And I’m so glad he did,” Doug said at the song’s close and walked off stage with an applause following him.

The Crist Family

“That was awesome,” Howie remarked, as he was getting ready to introduce the next group, “There’s nothing like family harmony…do you want to hear some more?  Say good morning to the Crist Family!”  The Crist Family began their set with a Christmas hymn, What Child Is This?  “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace …” was quoted in whole before the bridge, and what power the ballad finished with!  The family then huddled together in the center of the stage for an easy listening number, Yes, He is Amazing.  After that, a song that described the morning perfectly came next – Joy’s Gonna Come in the Morning!  LOL!  The Crist Family took the next few moments to thank L5 and the fans for being so kind to their family, especially about a song they just sent out to radio called I Still Love You Son.  “There is no one who can fill an empty longing in your heart but Jesus Christ,” said Rich Crist.  The reason why that song means so much to the Crist Family is because of the story of God’s faithfulness that has surrounded their lives.  Rich told the story of how his parents were separated for a time and how that event grew into bitterness in his life that resulted in getting in a fight with his dad and leaving home at 17 years of age.  He said at one point he was out of money and called his Dad for some cash.  His Dad didn’t want to support his lifestyle, but wanted to help his son, so he asked, “Do you still have that old cowboy hat?  I really loved that hat…you wouldn’t happen to still have it, would you?”  Rich said, “Yeah, I have it.”  “You wouldn’t happen to want to sell it would you?” His Dad asked.   He said, “Yeah,” once more.  “How does $50 sound?” His Dad offered.  “That sounds great,” said Rich, and to the crowd he added, “He wasn’t interested in that black cowboy hat, he just so desperately wanted to help his boy.”  The next song was the story of his journey with his Dad, I Still Love You Son.  After that song, Rich told the end of their families story, “I’m so glad to tell you today that story has a happy ending…after a year, Mom called Dad on the phone and said that what they were doing wasn’t working out, she wanted to come home and file for divorce – after going through stuff, God used a simple box of pictures to shake them up and re-commit their lives to Christ.  And celebrating their 50^th Anniversary, make welcome, my parents…”  A loud applause and standing ovation resounded as the couple came out on stage.  What a happy ending indeed!  “Would join with us and lift up the cross of Jesus Christ?” – this introduced their final song, Lift Up The Cross.

Legacy Five

Legacy Five slid into their set with I’ve Been Changed, featuring Glenn Dustin.  (When you consider the story of the Crist Family above, Glenn’s feature was a perfect choice to begin with!)  Second on the set was I’m Still Amazed, a song from L5’s current project that featured Howie on the second verse.  “We have to do something that has become a favorite here this week,” said Scott, beckoning their families to come up on stage to be introduced.  Howie began with his family, and after introducing his wife, he announced that they would be celebrating an anniversary next month, then he paused a moment and said, “To me, it’s not January yet,” – realizing we had entered the new year, he corrected himself, saying he and Kelly would celebrate their anniversary next week!  He introduced their children and passed the mic on to Glenn.  Glenn introduced his family beginning with his wife,Kristi, and then proceeded to his daughter, Chloe.  Speaking of his little girl, he said, “Contrary to what my wife may think, she (their daughter) is not completely wrapped around my finger…but how can you look at that little face and say, ‘no?’”  Glenn’s mother-in-law was there also and Scott made Glenn tell his mother-in-law how he would spend the “last hour of his life.”  (L5 fans will remember this “concert joke” told all the time about Glenn, who claims that he would spend the last hour of his life with his in-laws…because it would be the longest hour of his life.  LOL!)  Needless to say, Glenn was a little embarrassed to actually say that with her there, but after Scott pulled it out of him, his mother-in-law said, “Me too!”  Trey introduced his wife next, (he was so nervous!)  He began to say that they were married in October, but the date fled his mind, so the poor guy turned to her and said, “When did we get married?”  All the L5 guys were eating that up and teasing him, as you can imagine – all in good fun.  Next, Scott Fowler introduced his family rattling off he and Taryn’s wedding date and number of anniversaries like it was second nature, and then turned to all the others guys and pretended to put his nose up in the air!  (Those guys just had a little too much fun with the anniversaries!)  Scott had quite a bit of family with him for the weekend, including his mother, wife, sister, brother, and extended family Hanna and Patty.  Gus’s family was last but not least!  And I don’t recall him having any trouble remembering anniversaries either!  As everyone walked off the stage, Scott had Patty stay and tell a little about her journey in life…

L5 with their families

I just have to share the amazing testimony Patty gave b/c we are the ones who get to marvel at what the mighty hand of God can do in the lives of others if we will be obedient to His Word.  Five years ago, Patty was assaulted by three men, and they went to prison for life.  After becoming a Christian, she knew the right thing to do was to forgive them.  Patty sent letters to them to let them know she had forgiven them for what they had done, but what they really needed was God’s forgiveness.   Two of the men are brothers.  The one brother was so impacted by her forgiveness, that he accepted Christ as his personal Savior immediately!  His brother was so moved by the change in his life, that he too accepted Christ as Savior.  Two weeks before Celebration NYE, this brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given six months to live.  Patty told everyone, “God used a horrible incident in my life and made something good out of it.”  I’m not sure which of the brothers, but one of them wrote home to their families and shared the gospel, and both of his daughters accepted Christ as Savior as well!!!  There’s more to this story.  The  warden has been so moved by the difference he has seen in these prisoners, that he contacted the 20/20 show and wants them to do a story about these guys and include the forgiveness Patty gave.  The guys are witnessing in their cells and to their families … they’ve been changed!  Patty’s strength and courage are an inspiration and example to all of us – she truly is a hero of the faith!

As Patty walked off the stage, L5 came and sang Hello After Goodbye, then closed their set with a very powerful, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

The Collingsworth Family

The Collingsworth Family was the last group to perform at Celebration NYE.  As the audience applauded their welcome to the stage, the family began their set with an updated version of Unspeakable Joy that was full of energy.  Olivia was featured next on a song called Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ole’ Days, then Kim played a solo on her baby grand.  That solo was a great classic I’m sure we all know, Goodbye World, Goodbye.  When she finished, Phil said that they didn’t have time to call in a tuner before the show started, so there is this one black key on the piano that has a piece of tape on it that says, “Don’t play this one.”  LOL!  With a family on the road like the Collingsworth, Kim and Phil always find songs with a message that will impact their children for Christ, and the ballad I Found It All When I Lost Everything, is just that.  After introductions Brooklyn and Courtney played a duet on their violins.  This had to be my favorite part of their program!  They played Power In the Blood and it was just beautiful!  Their next song was a fun, up-beat number called When God Says Build an Ark.  The audience clapped along to the beat and the very nature of the lyrics gave an energy to the room that inspired all to get up and do something for the Lord.  A Melody of Hymns came next, and then Kim quoted the words to A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and played it with some other hymns on the piano.  When she began playing the Hallelujah Chorus everyone stood to their feet.  After the solo, Kim stood up and informed the audience of something that I just have to repeat!  She said, “The Lord is neither a Democrat nor a Republican, but in the end…He’s gonna’ win!”  Their up-beat number I Know closed their time on stage.

And so, another Celebration NYE came to a close.  The Gaylord Resort is an amazing complex unlike any other.  I’m thankful they put together such a wonderful package for the attendees of this event – they really do give an amazing rate!  Legacy Five put together yet another amazing line up of artists for our listening pleasure … a spectacular combination of southern gospel music!  The weekend is made complete with the comedy and inspiration brought by Ken Davis.  This is one well-rounded event.  I believe the event will be moving to another ballroom for next year, affording closer seating and a higher stage.  Tickets have already gone on sale … this event always sells out, so if you are thinking about going, get your reservations made early!  Remember, concert only tickets are available by calling the Legacy Five office!  Oh, Diana – Triumphant will be there next year!!!

Provision = To see something before hand.

There was a man by the name of Gary Oliver, and he wrote a little devotional book, this story comes from within…

Gary was in the ninth grade and was out body surfing with some of his friends, they had gone one day to a State Beach which is by Ocean Side, California.  He was out there body surfing with his friends.  Most of his friends were considerably older than he was, and the waves were good that day, but Gary, for some reason, grew discontent with the level of thrill of the body surfing that he was getting from the wave he was on.  He thought he would go a little bit deeper to see if he could catch some of the bigger waves than were out there.

The waves were breaking that day in a little bit different pattern, in a way that is known to cause rip-tides.  Rip-tides are responsible for at least 100 drownings or deaths each year.  Under certain conditions, as these waves break, perhaps they’ll break a little bit early because of sand bars that are way out from the shore and if there is a path in between the two sand bars, there is a deeper path a lot of times as the water is breaking over those sand bars.  The water finding a channel back out to the ocean is going in that deeper area between the sand bars.

So, there was this rip-tide that was occurring in the area but Gary was not aware of this, he did not understand this concept, nor could he see because he was so close in this situation.  He saw this great wave coming towards him and thought, “This is the one, this is the great one that will take me all the way back to shore, I’m going to ride this one!”  He dove right in front of this wave, but rather than being pushed up towards the shore as he expected, he found himself being pulled down and back out to sea.  He didn’t know what was happening – this had never happened to him before.  He was full of fear and confusion, and he felt his feet hit the bottom of the ocean.  As hard as he could, he pushed up with both of his feet, but he couldn’t break the surface, … and so, this ninth grader prayed to the Lord asking for God’s help.  Apparently, the Lord heard his cry because before he knew what was happening, he was back up to the surface again.  But he wasn’t yet saved, because still being in that rip tide, he was still being taken out to the ocean – and he’s out of breath and exhausted.  And he’s being pulled further and further away from shore.  As additional waves are coming in he’s afraid that he will get pushed under again.  So though he was able to get above the water to take a breath, he wasn’t “out of the water” so to speak, just yet.  He was afraid that this was going to happen to him again when he heard a voice calling to him and turned to see a lifeguard.  That lifeguard threw a lifeline out to him, pulled him in and took him safely to the shore.  Of course, Gary was a little embarrassed about having to be rescued, but he also was very grateful.  The life guard told him this: he had seen the conditions that were brewing in order to cause the rip tides, earlier.  “Before you even went under water, when you were still swimming out to that area, I was already in the water swimming towards you to rescue you… because I saw what was coming.” That lifeguard would not have had enough time if he would have waited to see if Gary was going to be able to handle the situation on his own or not.  But he began swimming towards him when he saw the conditions – such is the provision and planning of Jehovah!

We can’t see the future, but the Lord Jesus can, and (as we learned last time) He is providing and planning it for our benefit.  Many are the needs of the Lord‘s people.  Whether it be spiritual or physical ~ we all need something. Whether it be a job, a home, a meal, a family, a church, a mentor, a friend, a purpose, or simply hope…rest assured, He is already in the water!

“But my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:19

On this recording, you’ll hear vocals from…

Tenor – David Sutton
Lead – Clayton Inman
Baritone – Scott Inman
Bass – Eric Bennett

And instrumentalist:

Piano – Jeff Stice

1.  Be Of Good Cheer
Written by:  Eric Bennett
Feature:  Bass
Tempo:  Medium
Message:  In his song, Eric encourages everyone to “be of good cheer” no matter what you are facing in life.  Beginning with the chorus, you’ll listen and find out why you can be cheerful – it is for no other reason than Jesus Himself – the Way, Truth and Life is with you right now.  And with Him, like the last couple lines say, “What shall we dread, whom shall we fear, be of good cheer!”  The first verse encounters a boy in the Bible who was crippled from birth and couldn’t walk.  Others thought his life was of no value because his handicap kept him from doing things, but one day Jesus passed by and said, “Your sins are forgiven – rise up and walk…be of good cheer!”  The second verse brings the message to the listener personally: especially if you’re in a tough place in life, maybe you feel like quitting because you’re exhausted from the battle, and you can’t take another step or walk another mile – if that is so, there is good news!  Jesus is with you and will dry your tears when He lifts you up!
Other Comments:  Now this is a song that we need to hear everyday!

2.  Thank You Lord
Written by:  Clayton Inman
Feature:  Lead
Tempo:  Medium
Message:  Clayton’s song is penned in first person, as if he personally is telling a story: a story of many years of carrying a heavy load around.  No matter how hard he tried, he strayed off the path and ended up falling – until one day Jesus came and took this burden.  Now he’s happily on his way to heaven, where he will live with the Father and Son for eternity.  The chorus is a like a prayer, where the speaker thanks the Lord for the His sacrifice on the cross, and more specifically, how He willingly paid for our sin.  Because of His great sacrifice, we can have peace – which the songwriter also thanks God for…and most of all, he thanks the Lord for everything He has done.  The second verse continues giving thanks for the Lord’s presence in his life, and declares that  he’ll not meander away from Him, but urgently addresses the listener to let Jesus cleanse their sin (if they haven’t already done so, of course) – then they will be able to sing the words to the chorus too!
Other Comments:  This is a perfect song for Thanksgiving! – and expresses the sentiments of what all Believers feel towards their Savior ~ gratefulness.

3.  Praying For Me
Written by:  David Sutton
Feature:  Tenor
Tempo:  Slow
Message:  The first verse describes a person walking in an old room where others are praying.  As he listens, he hears them praying for him – yet, though he was unable to see who those faithful prayer warriors were, he felt the presence of God around him as a result.  The chorus is a simple “thank you” to all of those who prayed for him.  The prayers caused the Hand of the Lord to reach down and touch him with healing power – just as strong as it always has been.  The chorus closes with yet another thank you to the faithful.  The writer uses the second verse to encourage others in their trials.  If your tomorrow looks bleak and your faith is wavering, just trust in Christ!  In Him, nothing is impossible!  Then, referencing his own experience, he says that even if you can’t see who is praying for you – their prayers are reaching God’s throne all the same!
Other Comments:  I loved the strings on this one!

4.  When It’s All Said And Done
Written by:  Scott Inman
Feature:  All four parts
Tempo:  Fast
Message:  The first verse revisits the time when a person knelt down at an altar and accepted Christ as their Savior, letting Him have full control of their life.  Since then, that same person looks for the coming of the Lord everyday – they are prepared and ready to go!  The chorus (and hook line) uses the phrase “When it’s all said and done, I’ll be leaving this world a-shoutin’.”  The rest of the refrain goes on to relate more things that will happen “when it’s all said and done.”  Such as: we’ll rise from the grave, the final leg in our race will be run and the last solo will be performed…these things we are sure of because He has promised to return!  The second verse points to the signs we see daily testifying to the Lord’s soon return, and summons us to “get our house in order” and be prepared for that homecoming day!  So let’s know for sure that we will leave with Him when He calls for His children!
Other Comments:  This song was originally cut on the Kingsmen’s project “Missing People.”  Triumphant does a fine job with it!

5.  Streets Of Gold
Written by:  Jeff Stice
Feature:  Tenor
Tempo:  Medium
Message:  This snappy tune contemplates the thrill of one day walking on those shiny streets of gold.  At one point in time, thinking about eternity was an “occasional thought,” we’re told in the first verse.  Yet, as the days pass by, this thought becomes more frequent until the next line exclaims, “Let me share with you, what I’m gonna do…now listen to what I say.”  The chorus completes the thought and talks about walking on streets of gold, hanging out with friends and chatting with prophets.  Just thinking about that kind of joy we’ll experience in heaven causes one to exclaim that, “I’m gonna walk on streets of gold hand in hand with my Lord someday!”  Thinking about that home and why Jesus gave His life so we could live is mind boggling says the second verse!  How can one explain or deny these things?  But one thing is for certain – soon and very soon, we’re home!
Other Comments:  Leave it Jeff to write a “quartet song!”  He did such a good job too!  I love the progression of the lyrics, first you just think about heaven a little bit, but then you get to a point in life that you can’t stop thinking about it frequently!

6.  When The Rapture Comes My Way
Written by:  Jeff Stice
Feature:  All four parts
Tempo:  Fast
Message:  The second song penned by Jeff Stice also centers itself on heaven, eternity and the Lord’s return.  The first verse begins by asking a question – do you remember John’s reaction to just a glimpse of heaven?  It filled his heart with unspeakable joy!  Just knowing how much joy it gave John, stirs a longing for that place in your heart as well.  And Gabriel too, blowing his trumpet to announce His return!  With anticipation – let the “rapture come my way!”  The hook leads us into the chorus says that we are ready for the chariots to make their final run, we’re ready for the milk and honey to flow, ready for the river of life, ready to see Jesus and be welcomed by Him.  We have sought after that day and are ready for the rapture to come!  The second verse talks about the rapture some more – it says that without a doubt there will be a day for all the saints who have worked so hard (and often through times of darkness) will worship at Jesus’ feet.  Though Christ
“went away” after His resurrection, He will return ~ when the rapture comes our way.
Other Comments:  Good, original, up-beat songs about heaven are rare to find now-a-days in SGM.  But here is one that is everything a quartet song should be!  I love the part where Clayton is singing about Gabriel’s trumpet and the track starts plays a trumpet performing a run – it’s perfect!

7.  God Works All Things For Good
Written by:  Eric Bennett
Feature:  Bass
Tempo:  Slow
Message:  The first verse retells the personal account of Eric’s two great-nephews who passed away in the tornado in Alabama early last year.  The song begins with two boys at a neighbors house when the storm hit.  The street divided the safe side from the side that the wind destroyed, and the mother grieves the loss of her sons.  Though her precious memories will never be taken away, one can’t help but ask God, “Why?”  The chorus consoles us with a wonderful, encouraging message taken from Romans 8:28 – “God works all things for good, to those that love the Lord.”  Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way we think it ought to, but God still works all things together for good.  The second verse explains that when one is hurting, not even the answers we can find are guaranteed to always make sense.  But even in spite of all this, we just have to trust God, and He will reveal His plan to us when He sees fit, and we will have peace.  The chorus repeats, then Eric says, “Sometimes there’s no explanation to why bad things happen to good people.  We have to remember that God is still sovereign, He is holy, He is righteous, and He still has everything under control…and we have to trust.”
Other Comments:  What can you say about lyrics like these, other than they are truly from the heart.  This song is going to touch lives!  We read in Isaiah that God says His Word will never come back void, and this song is built off of Scripture ~ it’s made to bless!

8.  Almost Home
Written by:  Scott Inman
Feature:  All four parts
Tempo:  Fast
Message:  Beginning with the chorus, we hear these words about our eternal home – “I can’t wait my brother, we’re almost home, I can’t wait my sister, we’re almost home…”  With anticipation, we can’t wait to see our Savior face to face and thank Him for His work of salvation.  With conviction we hear the lyrics, “I know, I know we’re almost home!”  Verse one speaks of the city we are heading to, the one where night will be no more, strife will cease along with sickness – the one where the Great Carpenter is the builder.  (Ya know? – We wouldn’t be surprised to found out our mansion was situated right next to the crystal sea, would we?)  Going straight into the second verse, the first thing to do when we get to heaven is find our family and Savior…after a good long chat with both of them it just might hit us – no more death!  After another round of the chorus we hear the third verse, listening to angels sing, running up and down the streets of gold in a new body…I’m thinking there is still a lot about heaven we know nothing about!
Other Comments:  There is no better sound to the ear, than a good upbeat song that gets us excited about heaven.  This song does just that!  If you’ve never heard TQ do this number in concert, well, let’s just say that you’re missing something!

9.  Going Up To Heaven
Written by:  Clayton Inman
Feature:  All four parts
Tempo:  Medium/Fast
Message:  This song is also about the subject that so many songwriters get caught up in describing in their lyrics – going up to heaven.  In the first verse we have the scene set down here on this earth, one that thinks about that morning when we’ll sail through the sky to that wonderful place were there are no more burdens to bare.  After declaring heaven as our final destination, the lyrics ask if that is true for the listener also.  Then we hear the chorus sing about heaven and all its glories – it’s full of beauty, glory and a land of no more burdens.  When Jesus Christ calls us home, there’ll be no hesitation here!  In the second verse, the scene is set in heaven.  Up there, we’ll see our loved ones and friends walking on streets of gold and gathered around the crystal sea.  We’ll see Jesus – the One who redeemed us so we could live there with Him.
Other Comments:  I love new songs that sound old!

10.  Let’s All Stand For America
Written by:  David Sutton
Feature:  All four parts
Tempo:  Ballad
Message:  This stirring ballad takes us back to when God created the world – He made everything, the ocean, trees, birds etc.  Then He made man in His image!  The verse goes on to plead with our country because we have let His image slip out of our lives.  We wouldn’t have to worry about not having prayer in schools if families would pray together.  Our testimony of Christ’s love wouldn’t lack if we would be there for our neighbors when they need a helping hand – what we need to do is “stand on how the Scriptures read.”  The channel reminds us of what the Word says, that Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – if we’d just trust Him!  Suddenly, the chorus resounds, “Let’s all stand for America!”  Lets do it the old fashion way and put our faith in the Lord Jesus.  God still loves this country…so let’s get her back to what she was before.  I like the line that says, “Let’s all stand for the King of Kings, the only hope for our country.”
Other Comments:  What a way to end a project!  If that song doesn’t get you motivated nothing will!  I loved the way that David phrased the verses when talking about God’s creation, and when we let the Lord slip out of society and lives, we’re really letting His creation slip away too – because we are created in His image!

Let’s all stand for America
In our day
Put our faith and trust in God above
Like the old fashion way
America, God still loves you
Even though He turned away
We need to raise the banner high again
Bring America back to where she’s been
Stand up for America again!

In a day when so many ask God, “Why?” – when trials and loss come into our lives, the verse above can either be one of great encouragement or great frustration. In the middle of difficulty, it’s hard to see how good can come out of it. Sometimes we may be tempted to think, “Why can’t we just enjoy the Lord‘s blessing? – Why the trials? And if trials, why this one, Lord?” Those are questions we’ve all asked ourselves at one time or another. It’s impossible to go on with life and not ask at least one of those questions once! I don’t know why bad things happen to good people, but in the paragraph below, I can give a little demonstration as to how Romans 8:28 makes sense…

It is good to remind ourselves that this verse does not say that everything that happens is good! But … it works together for good.

Have you ever been hungry before? (That’s a dumb question! Of course you’ve been hungry before!)
Let’s say that you come to my house, knock on the door and say, “I’m hungry.”
I reply, “Come on in man, I’m gonna’ give you a cup of flour.”
That doesn’t sound too good, does it?
“I have it!” I exclaim, “How about a spoon full of salt – now that will fill you up!”
You say, “Uh, that won’t help.”
“How bout a spoonful of baking soda?” – (now that will wake you up in the morning!)
“You’re probably getting dry by now, so lets pour down a half a cup of Crisco and chase it down with a cup of buttermilk.”
You say, “Brother, that would taste terrible!”
“Well,” I reply, “How about we mix them all together and make biscuits?”

Did you know that the individual ingredients for biscuits taste lousy? But they work together for biscuits.

I don’t know why bad things happen to good people, but I do know this: Jesus has a purpose for it all, though we may not always see it. Just remember that everything that happens to you may not be good, but it will work together for good…

http://youtu.be/-jgpvRiqK4U

When you sing in the New Year with the three top groups in Southern Gospel Music, then wake up on January 1^st at the Gaylord Opryland Resort – well, that’s pretty close to heaven if you ask me! So how do you follow that? Well, let me tell you, Scott Fowler and Legacy Five know how to do it right! On January 2^nd, you continue celebrating with Legacy Five, the Isaacs and the Mark Trammell Quartet and some “surprise” guests – let them loose with what they do best…singing about Jesus Christ!

The evening was set in motion with a special guest, drum roll please…Mitchel Jon! Mitchel sang two songs in opening for Legacy Five, and after another reminder about the “silent auction,” the night began first with our host group, Legacy Five, followed by the Isaac’s and the Mark Trammell Quartet.

Our host group – Legacy Five

Legacy Five kicked off their set with the snappy classic, Feeling Fine, and went right into I’ll Live on Up in Glory After While. “Last night,” Scott announced, “Gus celebrated his two year anniversary! (with L5) Gus Gaches!” In honor of those two years spent on the road with L5, Gus was featured on the solo, I Stand Redeemed. L5 sang this ballad with only the piano, which set a very worshipful atmosphere that flowed into the next song, There’s Something About That Name/Holy Is Thy Name. (That last one always sends chills up my spine!) “He is wonderful,” Scott began while gripping his Bible, “There is no other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” He quoted from the book of Acts, and then continued, “The Bible says that there is something very special about the name of Jesus.” After reading a portion in Luke about the resurrection, Scott said, “Thank God, the tomb is empty – and one day we’re all gonna’ see Him, just as He is.” A soft “Ah” came over the audience as Glenn began singing the verses to We Shall See Jesus. Glenn and Scott share the verses on this ballad, and I love the contrast between their voices on this song. Just as Glenn finishes up the verse in minor with a nice smooth low note, Scott jumps in resolving the music back to its major key with his powerful lead vocals! Seeing it live as amazing as it is powerful! “What a day!” shouted Scott afterwards, then lead the audience in singing What a Day That Will Be. “I love surprises, and heaven is going to be full of them!” said Scott. “I love surprises and speaking of surprises…” he turned to welcome another on stage… “Wes Hampton is here!”

As Scott put his arm around Wes’s shoulders, he explained that Wes performed a concert the night before in Atlanta that lasted five hours! – Then he and his family drove up to Nashville to be at Celebration, so Scott welcomed Wes to the event and had him sing a few songs for us. Wes’s first song was Where Ever I Go. “This is an old song that the Vocal Band recorded, but never actually sang, so I decided to do it.” Wes offered as explanation for the following song, The Difference Is in Me. Wes then told of how Scott asked him to come to Celebration. He had fifteen minutes in the program (enough time for three songs and a little story). That little story was about growing up in love with the Vocal Band and Cathedrals, and every time he saw the Cat’s, Scott’s sweet personality always made and impact and stood out to him. His last song had more a contemporary style and was called Jesus Saves. A standing ovation! Wes thanked the audience as he walked off the stage.

Les Butler came on stage next and told a little about the Singing News Magazine as the Isaacs set up the stage with their instruments. When they were ready, Les said, “Okay, this family right here has won Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, Front Porch Fellowship Awards…if they haven’t already won them, they’re getting ready to! They are special…please welcome, the Isaac’s!”

The Isaacs

A melody of old hymns, (Love Lifted Me, Sweet By And By, Power in the Blood, Just Over in the Gloryland, I’ll Fly Away) was the Isaac’s first arrangement to sing at Celebration. Towards the end of I’ll Fly Away, they all played a chorus on their instruments. Their talent never ceases to amaze me! They can play so fast! “Here’s a brand new song!” Sonya introduced their second number called, Four Men. (This is one of my favorites off of their new project!) Afterwards, Sonya explained how that song was from their new project, Why Can’t We, and went on to tell about the title song from that same Cd (which they sang next). “There’s something that we all need to remember,” Sonya gently reminded us, “forgiveness.” Then Ben and Beckie were both featured on Why Can’t We. “You know forgiveness is one of the most important ingredients of peace,” Sonya added, “and sometimes the hardest one to forgive is ourselves, if Jesus Christ Himself said that He’d cast your sins as far as the east is from the west, we can forgive ourselves too.” – and they sang another chorus accapella, and Sonya closed the song by saying, “We can with His help.” Introductions were next…even down to their newest member of the family, little baby, Aden James Yeary! When Sonya brought him out on stage “ooh’s” and “ah’s” filled the air. He was so cute! Their next song was a song about Noah and the Flood, It’s Gonna’ Rain. They really showed off on their instruments at the end of this one! Love hearing them “cut loose!” Lilly took a moment to share why making it through another year is so important to her, for 27 years, she has been a Breast Cancer survivor! The audience applauded this miraculous feat. The next song was Lily’s story put to lyrics by Sonya and her husband, I’m Gonna Love You Through It. What a song! Next, they “switched projects” and sang some songs from a record called Naturally. A song that required a washboard from Nate Fossit and Sonya playing on a “banjo-lynn” was up next – A Little Bit Of Heaven. “This next song we’re going to do is one that Bill Gaither called them and said that they just had to do! (I’ll give you a hint, it was the number one song in Pop and Country in 1959) – Little Jimmy Brown. This mellow song featured Ben. Beckie introduced the next song about a story in John 9 that impacted her life and her healing. The song was Waiting in the Water and she wanted to sing it for us. Another accapella hymn followed, I Will Praise Him. (Their harmony never ceases to amaze me!) This last one received a standing ovation also.

Doug Anderson

Doug Anderson, snatched a few songs on stage after the Isaac’s. (It certainly was the night for surprises! Three surprise guests in one night!) Smile It Through was his first, an up-beat song that talked about smiling through everything in life because of the Lord’s presence in our lives. “You’re smiling! You’re smiling!” Doug exclaimed at the songs close. Doug had the opportunity to sing on TBN Praise Network, and the next song was one of the ones they heard that night – Jesus Is Holding My Hand. “This is a song about my life, hometown family…it’s called Dreaming Wide Awake,” Doug shared as an introduction to his last song.

Scott Fowler came up on stage to introduce the final group of the night, he began, “Twenty two and a half years ago, I was asleep in my bed in Houston, TX when the phone rang and woke me up, and on the other end of the phone I heard this, “Scott Fowler? Glen Payne from the Cathedral Quartet.” I almost said, “Yeah right.” – and hung up. “I’m glad I didn’t,” said Scott. Glen told him that Mark Trammell decided to resign and Ernie mentioned his name… “And all I can say,” Scott concluded, “is that I’m really glad that Mark Trammell quit his job with the Cathedral Quartet!” Everyone responded to that with hearty laughter …

The Mark Trammell Quartet

The Mark Trammell Quartet began their set in worship with Gentle Shepherd. Speeding things

…and what a sparkling cuff link it was!

up a bit, Old Convention song, was the second song on the set. (Bass singer Pat Barker was featured on that number and I must point out, that even from where I was sitting in the back, I could see the light reflecting off of Pat’s cuff links shining into the crowd with an almost blinding sparkling glimmer…LOL) Mark introduced the group next: and began with a gentleman who’s been filling in for them during their transition in the tenor department, Jim Cox. After introducing lead and bass singers Dustin Sweatman and Pat Barker, the latter was featured on the old classic How Big Is God. (For those who read this site often, you will know that this song is always commented on for its power and emotion. This time, I can truly say that sitting on the last row didn’t diminish its effect at all -the experience is the same in the front row as it is in the very last.) Echoes from the Burning Bush followed. Of course, through half of the set Mark was playing his bass guitar and Dustin was seated at his keyboard. As a musician myself, I can’t help but admire the way Dustin takes those “plain old” chords and propels them into the audience, wrapping them in the warm embrace of the music…kind of like how Spiderman shoots out webs in his movie, eh??? LOL Jim was pretty bouncy and high on the chorus, which demanded some attention from Mark, who paused the music and had Jim sing it again! “See if you remember this great song,” Mark questioned as Wedding Music began, and the applause from the fans indicated they most certainly did remember. Mark set aside his bass guitar on this ballad and Dustin stepped out from around his keyboard to join the rest of the guys center stage.

Eric is back!

During the second verse, Eric Philips came out on stage and switched tenor positions with Jim. In the words of Smokey Mountain Santa, (my good friend from the forums who was also in attendance that weekend), “That was a real classy way to welcome Eric Philips back to the group.” And I agree, it sure was!!! Everyone clapped at his appearance. Add to that a standing ovation to the song, to both excellent tenors! The Calvary Medley came next. What power! Another Standing ovation! Dustin performed his feature, Testimony, and Mark welcomed Eric back to MTQ from on stage for everyone to see…Continuing on, “I promised that we would do this, it’s all I heard all evening…” Mark explained, “So, if I’m going to be transparent with you tonight, 30 years ago I got sick of this song, and I’m most sick of it now! Here it is!” Glory Road was that requested song. If you guessed a standing ovation – you were right! So how did MTQ respond? An encore! Mark had Eric do the high part twice because everyone liked it. And because everyone really liked it, they went for round two! (Accompanied by shouts and whistles!) After all the fun was out of the way, MTQ ended their set with a song most appropriate for the New Year – Statue of Liberty. What a better way to go into 2012 than to be reminded of the liberty we have both in the United States, symbolized by Lady Liberty in New York, and the freedom we have in the Lord Jesus, symbolized by the cross outside the gates of Jerusalem.

MTQ welcomes Eric back!

As a grand finale, Scott brought out Glenn Dustin, Mitchel Jon, Wes and Doug for a special song, Satisfied with Jesus, was sung by this impromptu quartet. But the night wasn’t over yet!!! We had one more surprise that resulted in Doug singing Mary Did You Know? When he finished, Scott came back on stage and said, “What a wonderful treat that was!” Then, yes then, the evening was officially over.

The grand finale with Doug, Mitchel, Wes and Glenn

Conclusion: The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the night was the kindness that Legacy Five shows to the other artists who come to their events. L5 cut time out of their own set and gave it to Wes Hampton so he could have time to sing. How sweet! I absolutely loved the Isaac’s! This was the first time (besides NQC) that I’ve seen them live and all I can say is that their harmony and arrangements are so, so,… well, it’s hard to describe! J The songs from their new Cd Why Can’t We are filled with messages that we need to hear every day. MTQ was excellent (as always!) They gave Eric the perfect welcome…as Santa said, it was classy! I also enjoyed hearing Doug Anderson and Mitchel Jon singing the songs that they did.

Me and Smokey Mountain Santa

Over the course of the weekend I had the privilege of meeting a friend and reader, Smokey Mountain Santa! Mr. and Mrs. Claus were in attendance and I had the opportunity to chat with them many times during Celebration. What really grab’s your attention with them is their sweet spirit and their love for Jesus! I love events like these for this very reason – You can go to places like these and meet readers and fellow forum members! It’s a small, small world out there.

Over all, attendees were treated to another wonderful evening of lifting up the Lord Jesus, sweet fellowship and fantastic southern gospel singin’!!!! The atmosphere of Celebration NYE is an experience unique to itself carrying forward a “legacy of faith” as we step into another new year.

]]> http://exnihilographics.com/lynnsoutherngospelchronicles/2012/01/14/kicking-off-the-new-year-with-surprises-and-special-guests/feed/ 0 http://exnihilographics.com/lynnsoutherngospelchronicles/2012/01/10/rise-up-part-two-conference-quote-book/ http://exnihilographics.com/lynnsoutherngospelchronicles/2012/01/10/rise-up-part-two-conference-quote-book/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:07:46 +0000 Lynn http://exnihilographics.com/lynnsoutherngospelchronicles/?p=2275 On Facebook I began posting random little quotes from the speakers at the Rise Up Bible Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.  I thought it would be a good idea to organize and offer them all in one place as well.  (Quotes will be listed in alphabetical order by the speaker’s last name.)  So without further ado – here is what I’m calling, the Conference Quote Book!

Dr. John Lennox:

“If you take God out of life – you will end up in darkness.”

“What costs nothing is worth nothing.”

“The Apostles went out and reasoned the Gospel.  You ask, ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’  Yes, but there is a big difference between trusting God and using your reason, and trusting reason and using God.”

“There are not two Gospels: one for men and one for women, one for Jews and one for Gentiles – there is only ONE Gospel.”

“One second after death – you’ll know ‘if’ the kingdom of God is real.”

“Wait on God until the face of God appears.”

[Upon reaching heaven] “If I knew what it was like – I would have invested far more in it.”

Dr. Joseph Mikhael:

“First impressions matter – lasting impressions matter more.”

“Don’t underestimate what the Lord can do if you are in His will.”

“A book will NOT tell you how to know the will of God – the essence of knowing God’s will is wanting it.”

“You and I get so caught up with the URGENT, we forget about the IMPORTANT.”

“He [God] knows how to use me better than I know how to use myself.”

“It’s amazing the opportunities you will have if you look for them.”

[At your workplace/job] – “You have the opportunity to reach people no one else can.”

Joe Reese:

“Prominent means ‘a very important part of my life.’  Pre-eminent means ‘first place in ALL things of my life.’”

“What was Jesus doing on the cross?  Was He there to make life better? No, He was there taking your place.”

“He became something He never was, so that you could become something you never were.”

“You can’t take a baby back to the hospital and be un-born, what makes you think you can lose your salvation?”

“God’s words are not motto’s to be hung on the wall, but checks to be cashed into the bank.”

Nancy Trogdon:

“Always for His glory and our good.”

“To do something for Christ, we have to know how He wants us to do it.”

“We can’t witness and tell [others] about the Lord Jesus if we don’t read and know what the Bible says about the Lord Jesus.”

“To understand the Bible you don’t have to be brilliant, but you do have to be diligent.”

Paul Young:

“As Christians, we should put our relationship with Christ above all other relationships.”

“We can own houses, cars and material possessions…but they cannot own us.”

“God is concerned about people – so we should be concerned about people.”

“Knowing God is more important than serving Him – service flows from knowing God.”