Icon: Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers #review #FCBlogger #DonaldLawrence #gospel #music #CD #TriCitySingers

I received a copy of this CD, for review, from FamilyChristian.com. I am a family Christian Blogger, however, all opinions are 100% my own.

Details

One of Gospel’s most beloved choirs, The Tri-City Singers formed in the Carolina’s (Spartanburg, SC, Gastonia, NC and Charlotte, NC) in 1993. They’ve topped the Gospel charts repeatedly since then with one radio hit after another. In 2006 the group retired but not without going out with a Grand Finale.

This new addition to the Icon series features 11 of Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers most recognizable songs, including “Blessings Of Abraham,” “Encourage Yourself,” and “Giants.”

Track Listing:

Never Seen the Righteous
The Blessing of Abraham
Encourage Yourself
The Best is Yet to Come
Matthew 28
Testify
Seasons
God’s Favor
When the Saints Go to Worship
Giants
And Yet I’m Still Saved

Review

I am so grateful to have been sent the CD "Icon: Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers", for review, from Family Christian. What an amazing group, singing gospel the way it was meant to be! A powerful, uplifting, and passionate collection - this is pure worship.

In 2006, the group retired with their album "Grand Finale". Their farewell releases made six separate Billboard charts, which is unprecedented for a gospel act. "The Blessing Of Abraham", which is on both albums, shot to number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Tracks chart. Recorded live over two memorable nights at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, it comes complete with incredible special guests.

As a Music Director, I can tell you that the talent of this group is extraordinary. It's no wonder they have topped the charts and receive such high praise! Donald is a powerful leader and, with such incredible voices backing him up, you will be asking how you can join the choir! I listen to this CD almost daily on my commute to work. It is like a cup of coffee for the soul, reminding me that I am a child of the Most High God and that I have His favor in my life.

I have many favorites on this album, including "When the Saints Go to Worship" and "Matthew 28". Above and beyond the dynamic Christ-centered message, "Matthew 28" is a great example of this group's musical ability. Pitch-perfect, on cue, staccato is an outstanding achievement for any large choir. The Tri-City Singers have mastered it along with Presence and Clarity - two vital qualities in effective Gospel Music. Combine all of this with special guest singers (like Benita Washington and Kelly Price), live recording at the Tabernacle, and a passionate audience and you have a Gospel Masterpiece.

I highly recommend "Icon: Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers". From the perspective of Worshiper and Music Director/Vocal Coach if I could give this CD 6 stars, I absolutely would!

Made by Renee receives products for review purposes, and may sometimes be compensated for posts. Posts may also contain affiliate links. All opinions expressed are solely from Made by Renee and were not influenced by any form of compensation.
 

On Calvary's Hill #Review #FCBlogger #Christian #Books

About

It's early in the final week. The props and players for Friday's drama are in position. Five-inch spikes are in the bin. A cross-beam leans against a shed wall. The players are nearing the stage--Pilate, Annas and Caiaphas, Judas, the centurions. Players and props. Only this is no play; it's a divine plan. A plan begun before Adam felt heaven's breath, and now all heaven waits and watches. All eyes are on one figure--the Nazarene. 

 Join bestselling author Max Lucado in an exploration of the final days in the life of Christ. In On Calvary's Hill, you'll draw near to the Savior and prepare to celebrate the greatest miracle ever conceived through 40 devotional readings that feature Scripture verses, prayer prompts, and favorite passages from many of Lucado's best-selling books.

My Review

With short and quick chapters, this book is not meant to be read in one sitting. Each chapter starts with a bible verse, ending with a time of reflection and prayer. In the days leading up to Easter, I have found On Calvary's Hill to be the perfect devotional. Comprised of passages from some of Max Lucado's other writings (including No Wonder They Call Him the Savior, He Chose the Nails, and 3:16) this little (but powerful) book walks us through the the last days, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Max speaks on such a personal level that we all can grasp the true meaning and purpose behind the Cross.

One of my favorite chapters, "An Anchor for Your Soul" is simply incredible:

"God is on a cross. The Creator of the universe is being executed."

"It is no normal six hours...it is no normal Friday."

"Let me ask you a question: What do you do with that day in history? What do you do with its claims?"

Powerful.


I received this book free as a member of the Family Christian Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Made by Renee receives products for review purposes, and may sometimes be compensated for posts. Posts may also contain affiliate links. All opinions expressed are solely from Made by Renee and were not influenced by any form of compensation.
 

Illuminator Series #8: He calls You by Name

"To whom will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things. Who brings out their host by number; He calls them by name, by the greatness of His power; not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel; “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God?” Isaiah 40: 25 – 27

photo credit http://www.incourage.me/

Have you ever watched the night sky, just when the stars start to shine? That’s when God says to us, “I bring out their host by number, I call them by name...by the greatness of His power…and not one is missing.”

God tells us that, even with billions of stars, “Not one of them is missing.” “I call them all by name”. He has a name for every single star and sees each one.

Why does He share this with us? Because God wants us to understand that there is no one on this earth that He does not know intimately. There is no one on this earth that He does not see. There is no one on this earth that He has forgotten.

The God of the universe, the Lord of lords, the Everlasting Father - He knows each of us by name. He knows who you are, and what is going on in your life, in the most intricate detail.

Life has a way of making us doubt whether He knows what we are going through. “God, are you really there?” we ask. But Jesus said, “Your Heavenly Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Remember His promise, “…those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint”.

 

The Illuminator Series Article #4: What Does Good Character Look Like?

I want to share some thoughts with you today on Character.

What does a person of good character look like? They have integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, and moral courage.

Sometimes, people who LACK character will tell you things that are truthful because they actually want to hurt you! A person of good character may not always say the things you want to hear, either. But they will be honest and tell you the truth in LOVE because they actually care about you. Really listen to what people are saying to you and the motives behind it.

Think about the people in your life. Think about the people you surround yourself with - friends, acquaintances, leadership. Think about how, overall, they care for you - or don't.

Pray for them. Pray that they would continue (or start) down the road of good character.

Pray for yourself. Pray that your insecurities and sensitivities from the past would get out of the way and enable you to see who has true character and who does not. Listen to those with good character and stick close to them - you will be surprised at how much you learn! It will be evident to you that a person of good character wants you to succeed in life and your personal development.

Most of all, you will find out Who people of good character follow. Who do they strive to be like? Who do they try to imitate? Take a look at Who THAT person is and you will find out how to recognize (and have) good character, too.

“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40

“…Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Renée is the Interim Music Director for the First Baptist Church in Whitesburg, KY. Tune in every Sunday at 11am, on 103.9 The Bulldog, for Worship!

Made by Renee receives products for review purposes, and may sometimes be compensated for posts. Posts may also contain affiliate links. All opinions expressed are solely from Made by Renee and were not influenced by any form of compensation.