2005
October
“Ouch! That hurts!”
There are times like these when the area of ministry we find ourselves in doesn’t resemble anything we thought it would be . In those times the places and circumstances the Lord takes us into might make us feel a little “squeezed”--pressed beyond what we find comfortable or familiar--and we don’t like it! Human beings often respond well to the grand and heroic crisis of life while the day-to-day difficulties can be pretty hard to bear. Been squeezed lately? I have. I’m sure you have too. It’s in these times God can really use us if we’re being obedient to His call on our lives.
As God’s people, we are called to be poured-out wine for Him to a lost world. Oswald Chambers, the great Christian author, said concerning this, “If we are ever going to be made into wine, we will have to be crushed--you cannot drink grapes.” He goes on to explain that through consistent loving obedience to the Master over time we “ripen” and develop the sweetness that God desires from our lives. Am I willing to be squeezed by whatever means the Lord chooses for me? Many times I am not. In my humanity, I want to pick when, where, how, by what and/or by whom the pressure is applied. I pray the Lord will help me to yield even when I can’t see His hand actually doing the “squeezing”--like the next time the kids fight all the way to Sunday School or your ornery neighbor’s dog shreds your garbage all over the yard. Perhaps the “squeezing “ in your life is harder right now, much more painful. You can trust God to apply only the pressure that is needed to yield that sweetness from your life that will flow out and be a blessing to a world dying of thirst around you.
Our prayer should be that as we are pressed by life, that we’ll turn to the Lord Jesus who “… was crushed for our iniquities;…he poured out his life unto death,…For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:5,12-NIV) This same chapter in the book of Isaiah tells us that it pleased the Father to crush him that he might be made an offering for our sins. What a sacrifice for you and for me!
So when the pressure is on and it hurts tell the One who knows what it feels like. I often think of the desperate prayers that were surely offered up by Ruth Bell Graham as she parented rascally Franklin Graham while her husband, Billy, was away preaching As the mother of a 200% boy, my favorite account of her being “squeezed“ is the time Franklin was so tormenting his siblings on a family car ride that his mother pulled over and put him in the trunk of the car for the remainder of the ride home. Although funny now, I doubt there was much humor in the situation at the time, yet we see the heart of a mother who remained faithful. She yielded that sweet wine that would later draw her rebellious son back to the cross and to Christ. Franklin is now following in his father’s footsteps, winning a world for Jesus.
This same Jesus feels our pain and cries with us when life makes us holler, “Ouch!” Let’s turn to Him and let Him press from our life the sweetest wine we can give for the sake of the One who gave His best for us.
Love in Christ from Embrace to you.
Daryl Williams Trio
Twelve years later, we have 2 more children. I realize that traveling with 3 children either qualifies us as truly committed to our calling or certifiably insane. Okay, both !!
Sometimes following where God leads can appear so foolish to the casual observer. Then we have the other extreme. People that refer to our "life on the road" as glamorous. I realize you can't hear me right now, but I am laughing hysterically ! They see 3 dressed up, color-coordinated individuals with their hair combed real nice, smiling on a stage. They didn't see us in the hotel room earlier trying to console our 8 year old drama queen who has apparently lost the right shoe of her favorite barbie and all the while arguing with a 12 year who wants to wear torn up jeans to a Sunday morning service. Then there is our 5 year old boy jumping from bed to bed with only a towel tied around his neck pretending to be Dash from the Incredibles. Peace and quiet is only a figment of our imagination, never reality...Glamorous, they might say. They weren't there to witness the flat tires, worn out transmissions and blown engines. I don't recall seeing one of them the night our van and trailer and all our money was stolen -- leaving us stranded 2000 miles from home. We certainly didn't feel glamorous that night with only the clothes on our back and babies to protect. BUT, WE DID FEEL CALLED!!!
I think of Paul and Silas in prison, Daniel in the Lion's den and Moses approaching the Red Sea. These men did not choose to be in ministry because of the adoration and attention they received. Although it feels wonderful to be appreciated, if this were their only motivation, they would've bailed out at the first sign of opposition. But instead, they sang while shackled, remained calm and faithful staring into the face of hungry beasts and plowed forward through raging waters. We may have never faced these specific dilemmas but we all have shackles, lions and waters of our own to face.
I challenge you to follow His leading no matter how foolish it seems. You know His voice - it may not be audible but it's powerful and relentless. But only step out of the boat for the right reasons -- because water won't support your flesh.
God bless,
Karen Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net
Speak Encouraging
Southern Gospel music has been a big part of my life since I was a little boy. I grew up listening to all of the legends like Jake Hess, James Blackwood, The Happy Goodmans and the list could just go on and on. I am so thankful to be part of a music genre that has such a heritage and although many of the pioneers of Southern Gospel have gone home to be with our Lord, many great talents are still singing Southern Gospel today.
There are many groups in our genre and many singers trying to “break into the business”. Some are excellent…some maybe not so much. However, if ones heart is in the right place, it is much better to make a joyful noise for the Lord than to make beautiful music for the devil. Those of us in the genre have an opportunity (dare I even say an obligation) to speak words of encouragement to each other instead of speaking in a negative manor about individual talents or lack thereof. God looks at the condition of the heart not the condition of the vocal chords. Any gift or talent, great or small, comes from Him. I pray we all stay focused on ministry. Friendly competition is wonderful, but ministry is still the key. Imagine Glenn Payne or George Younce speaking words of encouragement to a young Roger Bennett….a young Scott Fowler. Imagine if I had an opportunity to unknowingly speak words of encouragement to the next Ivan Parker or Brian Free. Just imagine!
Dave McVay
Three Bridges
http://www.threebridges.net
The Quicks - Nov 05
I am beginning to realize that I am not making “monuments” of how God is working in my life. I’m not ungrateful, just negligent in documenting those events. I was reading in the book of Joshua where one man from each tribe of the nation of Israel was instructed to gather a stone from the Jordan river, after the people passed by on dry ground, and carry those stones to the other side, verse 6 – “That this may be a sign among you…” and also verse 7 – “…shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.”
Sometimes we have a better recollection of all the bad things that have happened in our lives...
I was at the doctor’s office this week as a young lady came in with her boyfriend. After signing in, she began to go around the room giving a history of every ache and pain to every patient waiting for their appointment. After some time, I realized this young girl was making her way over to sit beside me, since I was the last person left to hear her recount her medical history. I looked up at the girl, hoping the Lord would give me something to say, and I stopped speechless. She was not a young girl in spite of the way she dressed. Her face showed years of hard living. I waited for a ministry opportunity, but could only sit there and listen… and pray.
We can be preoccupied with our ability to recall every unpleasant and painful event in our lives, or we can keep a record of the move of Almighty God as He carries us day by day. I’m not saying that every word that comes out of our mouth has to be a false attempt at fluff, but for goodness sake, have a “Victory” at the end of your story! I have a close friend that keeps a journal – prayers of long ago are being answered right now! It is so much easier to recognize God moving in your life, and give a praise report, when you actually “look” for the hand of God in your life!
The Wilburns recorded a song some time ago that Legacy Five has found recent chart success with called “Monuments.” The lyrics ask the question, “Where are the monuments we should be building?” I challenge you to stop singing those “everybody done me wrong songs.” Start taking note of what God is saying to you – let our song be, “Here are the Monuments!”
You can call your favorite Gospel radio station and request the latest “Quick” Music! Be listening for our latest single, “Now I Know” released through the Rick Hendrix Co. Volume 35 Cut #2.
To order our latest project, “What Are You Waiting For” with songs like “He Can Move the Water” and “Now I Know,” simply call 615-459-5119 or email us at for more information.
To find out more about The Quicks, visit us on the web at http://www.thequicksonline.com
To contact The Quicks, Phone: 615-459-5119 / 615-403-0047
Write: The Quicks / P.O. Box 581 / Smyrna, TN 37167
E-mail:
The Talleys - Nov 05
Hope this finds everyone well and ready for some new music, because....
The Talley Trio's latest project, Anthology, is now available on CD. It features a lot of our most well-known songs along with three new ones about which we're very excited. Our first radio single from Anthology will be "The Debt," and this song is sure to be one of our best yet. You can obtain your copy at http://www.talleytrio.com or from the product table at a Talley concert.
A recent ten-day trip took us to Mackinac Island, Michigan for three Win-Some Women retreats. (Dad just thought he was outnumbered before that trip) We sang to over 3000 women in 4 days and grabbed a few minutes each day to check out our surroundings. If you've never been to the island, it's some of the most gorgeous scenery anywhere. We also shared the stage with Gloria Gaither and Dr. Tony Campolo. Our right hand man Greg Shockley also celebrated his birthday during this trip. Special thanks to Deanna for the birthday cake, and to Meg, Jane, and everyone who made it such a great week.
We were very excited to learn this week that we will be traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa in December to appear on a new Gaither video. Speaking of the Gaither concerts and videos, we'll be singing at the annual Praise Gathering For Believers next week, with group appearances as well as a solo performance by yours truly. This is always a special event for us, and I've talked to several of you already who are planning to attend. Be sure to come by the booth and say hi.
My dad is in the middle of producing a new project for Ivan Parker, and I recently sat in the producer's chair myself for another project he's been overseeing. We'll be keeping very busy in the next few months with other projects until time to begin another Talley project, which will be underway after the first of the year. (Anybody writing any songs?)
You know, sometimes it's very easy to look at the people you see on stage and think they have it all together and that they don't have to deal with the same things you do. If only that were true; I could name several things that we and those close to us are experiencing right now that can be very scary and discouraging. The comforts and luxuries of life can be gone in a moment, as has been displayed by the recent natural disasters around the world. Life can be very confusing, and He is the only thing that really makes any sense. I'm reminded so often that no matter how good we think we can be on our own, we could not live another moment without the grace of God. Please remember that, and remember us when you pray. Your love and support truly mean so much to us.
Until next time,
Lauren Talley
The Talley Trio
http://www.thetalleys.com
My Favorite Season
When I was a kid, autumn meant hayrides with the church youth group. I can still remember the laughter and the musty sweet smell of hay as the wagon bumped and creaked along and the welcome light of a harvest moon on an otherwise pitch-black country road. I can remember the crackle and glow of a bonfire and the hot, sticky "goo" of marshmallows roasted on a stick and someone always starting a round of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
One of my fondest autumn memories as a teenager was when we all piled into the car at 6:00 a.m. one chilly October Saturday and drove to a rural park. We cooked breakfast over an open fire - bacon, eggs and even biscuits and gravy. We were bundled up in jackets and blankets, and as cold as it was the passersby must have thought we were crazy. But breakfast never tasted so good! Just wrapping my hands around a cup of hot chocolate was a reminder of how much we take heat for granted.
As autumn deepened and the leaves fell from the trees, I remember the crunch and shuffle of leaves under my feet. I can still see them as they blow from the mountainous piles dad raked up to swirl and bob in the air like thousands of little kites. I can still see them as they tag and chase each other in the street like children at play.
Why did God go to the trouble of creating Autumn? Maybe it's His way of saying that sometimes it's okay to just let things "fall". In this wild and hurried life we are bombarded with responsibilities. The list of "must do's and should do's" grows longer
everyday. Our plates are full, and someone is always trying to dish up a side plate of things for us to do in our "spare time". The problem is there is no spare time, and very often our families are left in the emotional wake of our "bad day" boat. Why do we feel so guilty about leaving things undone to spend time with family?
Remembering my childhood at home, yes, the fence needed to be repaired and the eaves could have used a fresh coat of paint. But I've got to tell you, the picture of my dad that warms my heart is not the one where he's up on a ladder painting the house. It's the one of my little sister up in his lap playing an old board game. It's the one where he's pulling us in a wagon or on a sled when the fall gave way to winter. It's the one where he's pumping up bicycle tires and fiddling with training wheels. Paint chips and fades and fences fall into disrepair again, but time spent with family is time well-spent and has permanent implications.
Yes, mom could have kept the ironing caught up and organized the closets. She could have alphabetized the canned goods; but then she wouldn't have had time for the really important things - like teaching me embroidery stitches and how to roll cookie dough. There wouldn't have been time for singing silly songs like "Chickery Chick" and stories about the billygoat that ate Aunt Mabel's piecrust. I guarantee you, when I bounded in the door from school, I didn't care about the dishes in the sink. I was too enthralled with the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls in the oven; and although I probably never said so, I was impressed that she would stop what she was doing and take time to do that just for us. And at the end of the day bedtime Bible stories were much higher on her list than piles of laundry, and that priority has served her five children well.
My mom and my grandmother were pretty much cut from the same mold. They both knew a secret about "housekeeping" that many never learn. Cobwebs, though they appear quite fragile, are really very hardy. Left alone, they will thrive and grow and tomorrow they will still be there. Your children will not.
Maybe we should be more concerned with "homekeeping" rather than "housekeeping".
Oh, I'm not advocating that we all just let our homes and businesses go to the dogs. I'm just wondering if life would be less stressful and more joyful if like Autumn we just let things "FALL" for a season.
HAPPY AUTUMN!
Janice
Gold City - Nov 05
I hope that this finds all of you doing well. We had a great weekend in North and South Carolina. We started out at a senior adult conference in Ridgecrest, NC. These are always a lot of fun. From there we went to Greenville, NC and sang for Bro. Jack Lassiter at Belvoir Free Will Baptist Church. Wow, what a service! These folks came to have church, and we did! Next we sang at Second Baptist in Lancaster, SC. This was a great night. Glenmark Promotions know how to put together a great concert and treated us like a bunch of somebodys. Next we moved on to Gaffney, SC and had an awesome night at Kirby Memorial Baptist. There was a guy there that they call Big Country that shouted from the beginning of the service all the way to the end. He had himself a time and we joined him. Thanks to Randy Catoe for putting this concert together for us. (Thanks for the apple Joel and Kim!) Sunday morning we sang at Biltmore Baptist near Ashville, NC at 8AM. Now that is early for a bunch of gospel singers! We survived and enjoyed a great service. Now it is on to the Singing at Sea Cruise
Cruisin'
We are currently pulling out of Freeport, Bahamas from a day of island fun. We set sail Monday at 4PM on the M/S Celebration. So far we have had a blast. Before the ship can move, a mandatory lifeboat drill must take place. All passengers are required to participate. I must admit, I have always hated the drill. It is a pain in the rear-end. In years past, I have successfully dodged it by hiding somewhere. The shower in my room is a great place to hide. Yesterday, I was in my room hiding and the little guy came in looking for me. I told him I was in the shower, which was not a lie, but I guess the fact that I was fully clothed sort of did me in. Busted! So, I gathered my life jacket and proceeded to my muster station. Oh fun! Actually, it isnt all that bad. I survived. After the drill, it is all fun. For those of you who are not familiar with the Singing at Sea, it is an all Christian cruise that sails to the Bahamas. Templeton Tours charters the entire ship, shuts down the bars and casinos and turns the showrooms into Southern Gospel Music concert halls. There is a concert going on each end of the ship every night. The Florida Boys, The Hoppers, Legacy Five, Greater Vision, The Inspirations, Squire Parsons, The Kingsmen, Aaron Wilburn, Jerry Goff and Gold City fill the ship with Gods music all week. We eat like royalty (have you ever noticed that royalty is often times overweight?) and enjoy great shopping, beaches and many incredible shore excursions. If you would like to go next year, email your address and we will send you a brochure.
Josh Simpson Joins Gold City
For those of you who may not have heard, Channing Eleton decided to come off the road to pursue a more normal existence at home with his family. Replacing Channing is Josh Simpson from Boaz, Al. Josh is an incredible talent. He is 21 years old and single. He is also skinny, which is a strike against him in my book. I dont like skinny people. He eats like a horse and remains skinny. He even drinks some sort of stuff trying to GAIN weight! This is ridiculous. But, he can sure play the piano, so I will endure him. He grew up going to music schools and learned to play the old convention songs, but he can play any style. This is his first trip with us and he is doing a super job. Make sure to welcome Josh to the Gold City family next time you see us.
A Funny Story
As many of you know, we are always picking on Bill about his age. He is a good sport so we keep piling it on. After our sound check at the senior adult conference, Bill decided to walk around the resort and take in some of the beautiful scenery. I went with him to help him watch for bears (there was a bear warning in effect!) While walking, he was approached by a sweet little lady. She was giddy with excitement and proceeded to tell Bill that he reminded her so much of her fourth husband. As they talked, he was already planning a call home to let his wife know that the old mans still got it. She continued to tell him how much she liked his low voice and his wavy hair among other things, when he interrupted her and asked so how many times have you been married? Three! she replied. I promptly rescued him and we havent let him live it down yet!
Concert Dates
11/05- LEESBURG, FL- SOUTHPOINTE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP- 7:00PM
11/06- ENTERPRISE, AL- NEW HOME BAPTIST- 2:00PM
11/10- GADSDEN, AL- THE CHOICE RESTAURANT- 6:30PM
11/11- BELLEVILLE, IL- ST. MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH- 7:30PM
11/13- LEXINGTON, NC- HEATH COMMUNITY CHURCH- 6:00PM
11/14- ROCK HILL, SC- EASTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH- 7:00PM
Call our office at 256-492-0942 for more info.
God bless you all and we hope to see you soon!
Daniel Riley & Gold City
http://www.goldcityqt.com
Psalm 101 - Nov 05
We have so much to be thankful for as we were not in the direct path of hurricane Wilma, the latest storm to hit FL. We did experience high winds and severe thunderstorms. Our prayers go out to those who experienced damage and loss.
"He blesses my soul though unworthy, He knows I'll fall again
When I lose my hold, He takes control
over my life and blesses my soul."
A few years ago, when I wrote those words, I had no idea they would be set to music and recorded on a CD for others to hear. We are getting so many calls & emails from folks being blessed by this song. It is being played on radio, as well as people hearing it in our live concerts. I am humbled in knowing that at a low time in my life when I felt "so unworthy" of God's blessings; He blessed me anyway.
The second verse starts like this.....
"He knows just how to bless me. He knows my heart better than I know myself.
There's been times I didn't know what my soul needed. I just knew I needed His help."
I look at it this way....
I have a credit card at my favorite clothing store and I shop there frequently. Sometimes, I go in looking for a certain article of clothing. Other times, I suddenly feel the need to shop and I have no idea what I'm looking for. It's at those times, I usually find something I like and just have to buy it. However, I may not have been prepared to shop that day and find myself short of cash. So, I whip out my favorite store's credit card and because my credit is good with them, the outfit is mine! In other words, you may be in the valley and just can't find the strength to even pray. However, the Lord sees your heart and knows the prayers you have prayed in the past. He loves you enough to know that he can go ahead and bless you on credit. He has seen you fall and get back up again with His help. He knows just how to bless you today so you will have the strength to praise him tomorrow!
Last month, I shared some of my husband's testimony with you. So for those who are anxious to hear the rest of the story.....
click link below to read last month's article
http://sogospelnews.com/index/features/comments/4594/
I met Bill in one of those "God works in mysterious ways" stories. My dad was a preacher and I traveled with my family singing, doing revivals & campmeetings. In 1987, we ended up in Texas and little did I know that trip would mean so much. We were invited to a little church in Houston, who had just lost their pastor and they asked my dad to preach for them until they could get a new one. Well, that's the church Bill and his grand parents attended and we ended up staying there for 18 months! It was during this time that Bill accepted Jesus as his personal Savior.
We saw Bill had a love for music and my parents asked him to play guitar in our family group. We sang all over the state of Texas the entire 18 months. One concert that stands out to Bill & I was the night we were invited to sing in one of Kenny Hinson's revivals near Dallas, TX. We were so excited! Bill & I were young teens and this was the biggest thing to ever happen to us besides salvation! We made it thru our part of the service and were blessed by Kenny's singing and preaching. After the service, Kenny invited our family to go to Denny's. Kenny was such an encouragement to us. He spent the entire meal talking about music and answering our endless questions with such patience. Little did we know that we would get to use the advice Kenny shared with us that night in our own music ministry called Psalm 101!
We came back home to FL and had to leave Bill in TX. My parents had no idea that in those 18 months Bill and I had formed a wonderful friendship. The phone calls and love letters soon started and they figured it out! Five years later Bill was able to move to FL and we were married! Bill started his own contracting business, I attended nursing school and we continued to provide the music in my dad's ministry for several years. In 2002, we started Psalm 101 and know without a shadow of a doubt that God put us together for a purpose.
When I look over and see Bill standing beside me on stage as his fingers seem to flow effortlessly on the guitar, I am still amazed how God took a mixed up, troubled kid on drugs, who could barely strum a few chords on a box guitar and changed him into a testimony of God's amazing saving grace.
We will have exciting news to report in next month's article so yall come back!
Be sure to visit our web site for the latest news and updates!
http://www.psalm101ministries.org
God Bless,
Angela Fulkerson
Psalm 101
Psalm 101
Psalm 101 is just my husband & I. That's it! I sing and he plays the guitar. We like to keep things simple. Our son, Cameron is 6 years old and plays the harmonica on a few songs. I want to tell you about my husband this month!
Bill Fulkerson, was born and raised in Houston, TX. His dad left when Bill was a baby and never came back. His mom did the best she could raising him but she was not a Christian. She raised him from pillar to post from step dad to step dad. Bill was physically and emotionally abused by those men in his life. They told him he would never amount to anything and that he would end up like his real dad serving a 16 year prison sentence. Bill became a very angry, confused young man.
At 12 years old, Bill went to live with his grandparents who were Christians. They took him in, even on their limited income and provided him a stable loving environment. Bill was an angry, confused teen who was already addicted to drugs and had been sent to the juvenile detention center several times. Bill was used to a life of fighting and abuse but his grandparents loved him unconditionally and stood their ground and continued to pray for him. They also made sure he attended church with them.
Bill always had a love for music, especially the guitar. However, he was used to listening to heavy metal rock and roll and church music was a big change! His grandparents encouraged him to play instruments and sacrificed to buy him a set of drums and his first electric guitar.
At 14 years old Bill's life was changed! Tune in next month for the rest of the story!
( I will give you a hint.....I came into his life! )
I want to take this time to thank you all for your prayers. A few weeks ago Cameron contracted a viral infection and had to receive an IV fluid treatment due to dehydration. We had some long sleepness nights fighting the fever but we felt your prayers. Once again, God proved himself faithful to us and brought us thru this trial!
My grandmother also had an attack a few weeks back and fainted. She was hospitalized and tested for everything they could think of. It seems she is throwing blood clots which is causing the fainting. She is doing much better however, she has moved in with my Uncle just to be safe. She is 77 years old and quite independent and this is an adjustment for her. My grandmother is a prayer warrior for our ministry so, please keep her in your prayers!
We have had several people come forward for salvation in our concerts the past few months. That's why we do this! We get calls and emails from folks being encouraged, re-dedicated, and uplifted by the songs. See, along with all the trials, God sends the blessings! Trials cause us to pray & read our Bible more. For a Christian, trials are a testing time. God tests our faithfulness. If we pass the test we are rewarded and come out victorious and stronger than before! God sees where he wants us to be and not where we are. Sometimes, it's painful to grow and become the spiritual giant he wants us to be. The Bible says to count it all joy when you fall in to divers trials and temptations. So, Psalm 101 has been Counting the Joy lately...hey that sounds like a good song!
I want to leave you with the lyrics to a song I wrote on our CD...be blessed!
Mountain
How long is this valley
I don't see a mountain at all
I've walked for miles some days I run
but then I fall
I'm trusting you to see me thru
Lord, I know you care
I look around just beyond all these clouds
right over there......
I see a mountain
with miles and miles of evergreen
the prettiest one I've ever seen
It's full of springs and waterfalls
I don't mind this valley at all
If that's the mountain top you made for me
Lord, don't move that mountain
I can hardly wait to climb
I'm in this valley gaining strength
give me time
I know the day will come
when you can trust me too
until then I'm walking close to you
written by Angela Fulkerson BMI/ Psalm 101 Music
Our current single to radio is "He Blesses My Soul" Call and request it today! You can hear the song online at http://www.psalm101ministries.org
Until next time!
Angela
Psalm 101
http://www.psalm101ministries.org
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