I thought my brother, Don Lancaster would appreciate this sign, which seems to be an abbreviated version of his name.

It was exactly thirty two years ago today (at this time in the afternoon) that Sharon and I were married.  What a tremendous blessing she is to my life!  I'm a very, very blessed man.



Can you find the Snoopy in this picture?

Every year, we try to plan a family trip around the holidays.  This year, we chose to combine our trip with a singing workshop with a mission church.

We're covering a lot of ground.
Saturday we were in New York City, Sunday in New Jersey.
Monday in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Today, we take on Washington D.C.

At this pace, it's difficult to upload my photos fast enough.

The memorial for Charles Moody was indeed an inspiring and uplifting celebration.  As a man full of faith, he blessed so many people with his quiet life of service.  The singing was enthusiastic and his life provided all the testimony necessary for a fitting tribute.  On behalf of Sharon, me and all the family, we thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement.     God bless you all!

Many have asked about the arrangements -

Greenview Memorial Chapel
Florence, Alabama
Visitation - Tue  6 - 8 PM
Visitation - Wed 10 - 11 AM
Memorial Service - Wed 11 AM

Sharon's mother:
Lila Moody
1702 Duntreath Ave
Florence, AL  35630

Today is a very sad day.  Sharon's Dad, Charles Moody passed away.  He was a very devoted disciple of Jesus and a powerful example in every way.  We'll feel the loss that cannot be replaced; however, heaven has become even that much more precious. 

Also today, my aunt Nola King made the same journey.  As many of you realize from experiencing such a loss, your world changes; but God's promises mean all the more.  I recall so many fond memories as a young child, making the family trek to Sequatchie County Tennessee to visit my Mom's side of the family in that  beautiful valley.  My late uncle Raymond King worked in repairing televisions and radios.  The motto on the side of his truck read, "If your radio won't sing, give King a ring."

Our travels today took us through two airports.  Sharon and I are not the only ones of our family who are avid travelers.  Just today we heard from Allison, who is on her way to Paris, France for her first visit to that city.  Last week, Kimberly and Allen hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out in the same day.  I believe the park officials recommend against attempting to hike that far in one day.  However, Kim, Allen and his dad, Gary Brantley, made the trek in 12 hours.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Have any of you hiked the Grand Canyon?

Have you been to Paris, France?

It's great being a father as I'm blessed with four wonderful children.


       
                  Allison Lancaster

Today has been a very special day.  Kimberly and Allison drove to Knoxville this morning to join us at Farragut.  Fathers and their children were involved in leading the services with a Father's Day theme.   I was very moved by Kimberly's rendition of "How Deep The Father's Love For Us."

Since this is my blog, I suppose it's okay to tell you how proud I am of our children.  Allison is about to travel to Australia with Lipscomb students on a mission trip to Perth.  She'll be going to the city of my very first Australian mission trip - incidentally, with the son of evangelist, Marvin Phillips, whom I accompanied years ago.  Marvin's son, Mark will be on this trip and Marvin's other son, Alan, was instrumental in helping us with our recent visit to Australia and New Zealand.  After her Australian trip, she'll be preparing for a semester of study in Vienna this Fall.

Melissa called me today from her vacation in Florida.  Melissa is excelling in her work with recording and developing singing groups, including vocalists at Friendship Christian.  She also has an amazing and creative contemporary sound with her group, Lancaster Transit.

Kimberly continues to stay busy with her photography business, taking pictures of everyone from bluegrass legend, Earl Scruggs to Gospel great, Bill Gaither.  You may already know that she sings with Durant and stays busy consulting her Dad in photographic techniques.

It was great to hear from our son, Anthony after his very first appearance last night, singing with Acappella.  By the way, here's one of those "What's up with that?" stories:  When Anthony was a boy scout, we entered the fathers and sons clay pigeon shooting contest.  I currently display in my office the first place trophy from that contest.  Apparently, a couple of the scout leaders had been trading the first place trophy back and forth from year to year.  At the awards ceremony, one of the leaders who was announcing the winners (who had not been able to attend the shooting contest and had not heard the results), read my name for the first place prize.  He was obviously stunned (and shocked that a singing-worship leader had won) and immediately said, "What's up with that???"  I continue to laugh about that moment.  (I guess all those target-shooting outings with my Dad paid off.)

So. . . Anthony has only been preparing for nine days to sing with Acappella, and what was his very first gig?  He and Acappella were flown to Dallas, Texas to perform for the Christian Music Hall Of Fame, appearing with a host of well-known, famous artists.  His first concert is the "Hall Of Fame!"  What's up with that?     That made me smile.

Of course I can't think of Father's Day without a flood of memories of my Dad.  The greatest memories I have of my Dad are of his heart for serving and helping others.  He epitomized the golden rule.  He always looked for ways to help people however he could and truly left a legacy that we cherish.

It's also a tremendous blessing to have a father-in-law who lives life to the fullest.  After Charles found out this week that he has pancreatic cancer, he chose to celebrate life by going for one of Trowbridges' famous banana splits.



                              Charles Moody at Trowbridges - Florence, Alabama

Thank God for all the Fathers who give us a glimpse of and point us to the ultimate, heavenly Father.

Speaking of vacations, I've realized for a long time that children may forget a lot of things about their daily routine, but great memories of family vacations seem to last forever.  (I wonder why?  Because of the uninterrupted time with loved ones?  Because of the radical detour from normal day-to-day patterns?  Because of the fascination with the vacation itself - fishing, sightseeing, travel and the fun, unique activities?) What experiences come to your mind from vacations long ago?

With college, careers, travel and activities pulling us every which direction, it is difficult to find time for our family to all be together at one time.  Yesterday was one of those rare times.  Initiated by our youngest, who is a student a Lipscomb University, all of us were together for a wonderful time of laughing, love and fellowship.

It won't be long until we are together again on Easter at the Farragut Church.  We're planning a very special service that Sunday.

The Real Group (from Europe) recorded a song called "A cappella In Acapulco."  We finally got to visit this Mexican city.

Merry Christmas from our family.

Here's a shot I captured of Melissa and Zac Gannon (Lancaster Transit) at their latest performance.

With a special guest group that is close to my heart, DURANT, this is sure to be a fantastic concert!  TuneTown, now up to 95 members is set to compete in the international competition in Calgary, Canada shortly after this concert.  We wish them the best.

Today is Melissa's birthday.  Last week was Allison's birthday.  Here they are diving into the cake.

Travelers can't help but remember their first impression of the Caribbean people - namely, a laid-back attitude.  I can recall Gary Moyers' first trip to the Caribbean as the road manager with Acappella.  The Islanders' stark contrast in time management attitudes was literally a shock to his normal, highly-detailed and organized scheduling routine.

This photo was taken six years ago in Phoenix.



Marvin Phillips with Sharon, Allison, Kim & Anthony.
Marvin always calls Anthony "Campolo."