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.
 

Renee Chapman LIVE with Whitesburg First Baptist Church Choir | When I Survey the Wondrous Cross | #Easter #Singing #music #Christian

Renee Chapman LIVE with Whitesburg First Baptist Church Choir

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross | March 29, 2015 Easter Cantata

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When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

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.
 

Comfortable - but not happy. #church #ministry #music #youtube

"God wants to invite us outside our comfort zone, but we’ve decided to stay safe."

I didn't sing for 15 years before I started singing again at First Baptist Church of Whitesburg.

15 years.

I was comfortable - but not happy. I knew what I was called to do and yet I had too much anxiety to do it. It felt so much safer not doing it.

And then God said "Go". And with a gigantic push from my beloved husband, Danny, I did.

Now I sing in front of hundreds and to a radio audience every Sunday. I lead a magnificent choir, who I love dearly and am proud to call my extended family. I sing for weddings and funerals and cherish that I can share those moments with them.

I don't say these things to boast, but to show the grace of God.

Contrary to what many think, it isn't easy for me - sometimes it is next to impossible. But I'm getting there. I trust in Him to deliver me from my fears and I commit my way to Him.

I know that when I am weak, He is strong.

Thank you for believing in and praying for the First Baptist Church of Whitesburg Choir and Music Ministry. Our Cantata is December 13th & 14th at 6 pm, and we would be so honored for you to attend.

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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.
 

My faith is so tiny. #scripture #bible #christian #Jesus #faith

oh, He has been speaking to me about faith.

My faith is so tiny, you know? I think, how can anything good come of this situation? I'm going to fail and everyone will see me do it.

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20 A mustard seed is about 1 cm in diameter. The mustard plant, however, can be 9 feet tall. That's a pretty big thing to come from something so tiny!

And so, I pray.

Father, you are the Almighty God. You, Whose hands stretched out the heavens... Whose eyes have seen the dawn of time.... Whose ears have heard angels' symphonies. You are the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace - You alone are worthy of praise.

I come to You with such little faith, but I know You will honor it. For it is in my weakness that You are made strong. I know that, although it is hard for me to believe that anything good come come of this, you will take that tiny seed of faith and plant it for me. You will make a good and fruitful thing come to pass.

I trust You and believe You for it. I am so grateful for your mercy and compassion. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.

 

The Illuminator Series #7: In the Eye of the Storm

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who build his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matt. 7:24-27.

Like many of you, I’ve been through some tough times this last year. I’ve struggled with sadness and grief. I’ve been in the eye of the storm and been shaken to the core.

More than ever I know that God’s Word is constant, sure, and true. My emotions and preferences, on the other hand, change daily.

Let’s develop a deeper, more profound relationship with Christ. There will storms in life. But building our lives on the His Word, we will end up standing on the other side.

 

The Illuminator Series #6: Why Do We Sing in the Choir?

Why do we sing in the Choir?

• Because we are so grateful for God’s love…His mercy…His sacrifice.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him; talk of all His wondrous works. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” Psalm 105:1-3

• Singing in the choir allows us to participate in the ministry of leading worship. We are not just there to sing an anthem or two – we are there to worship and to LEAD in worship. It is a great privilege that brings us great joy!

“Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.” Psalm 107:31, 32

• We share the good news of Jesus Christ!

“O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised.” Psalm 96:1-4

• Singing in the choir allows us to get to know so many wonderful people who have a heart of service and love the Lord. A choir becomes a family who serves together, prays together, and loves each other.

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.
 

The Illuminator Series Article #5: Success without Failure

"If you wait until all the lights are green before you leave home, you'll never get started on your trip to the top." - Zig Ziglar

How powerful this quote is!

Too often I sit and wait for all of the lights to be green. Waiting for someone to give me the go ahead. Waiting until I think I cannot fail.

But the simple truth is this: there cannot be success without some failure. It takes backbone to live the life you want and failure is the only thing that can give you proper perspective on success. Very simply, you cannot know the beauty of success without the ugliness of failure.

Failure is all part of the road to success. You build on it. You use it as a stepping stone, as Johnny Cash once said. A good quote to live by is "Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker".  It is the people who are afraid of failure that never feel success.

Giving yourself permission to fail, also gives you permission to succeed.

Failure is such a strong word. Because, really, there is no failure when you are being faithful and pursuing the things of God.

"Commit your work to the LORD, then your plans will succeed" Proverbs 16:3

Set your heart upon the LORD, choose to commit your work to Him, and you will find that you are more likely to pursue godly things. This is exactly how the scripture "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" works. When we put that scripture into context, we can see what it actually means. Commitment to Him, learning His Word and developing a relationship with Him will change our desires into godly ones.

When we pursue the things of God, the light will always be green.

 

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.