“He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.”

We enjoyed visiting the downtown of this city.

How is your church planning worship services to meet the needs of young people?

I can't remember how many years it has been (twenty plus?) since we've visited Manhattan.

An encouraging family of God's people in Morgantown -






Check out the Morgantown Praise & Harmony gallery here.

Also, these photos are included in my Portraits Gallery.  I'll keep updating this gallery from time to time which is also at www.AcappellaPhotos.com .

While working on the final mix of our Holy God album, I could not help but be deeply touched by the power of these songs.  Many of the vocalists who recorded on this project told me that they have a renewed appreciation for these hymns. Here's an example:

This Week’s Question:

I forgot how the subject surfaced in the recent conversation with the passenger next to me on our flight home.  Although he enjoyed both music and sports, he said, “If I had to choose between the two, I would not be able to give up listening to music.”  I would guess that many of the readers of my blog lean toward enjoying singing and music, so this would not be the place for an unbiased survey by any means.  But if you had to do without sports or music in your life, which would you choose?

Remember when video phone conferencing was just a dream of the future?  Today we "Skyped" with our youngest daughter, Allison, who is studying in Vienna, Austria.  It was so amazing to be able to hear and see her as she tilted her computer camera to share the view of Vienna from her room.  How amazing!  And to think that the service is free?!  Thanks to Jim Shoenard, who set up Skype on my Mac for such video conferencing.  I saw this technology in action earlier this year in the home of Mike & Rebecca Shepherd while visiting Brisbane, Australia.

* * * *

Speaking of technology, I added an application to my iPhone called "Shazaam."  If you point the phone's microphone toward the music you are listening to (example - toward the speakers in a restaurant), in a very short time, it can "name that tune" for you.  Isn't that amazing? And to think that the application is free?!

* * * *

Anthony told us that Acappella's concert in Berrien Springs, Michigan this past weekend was amazing.  He reported how the guys signed autographs for one hour after the concert!  Anthony passed on a testimony from one of the concert attendees who spoke of leaving the Lord during a dark period of his life; yet, he attributed his eventual, positive turn-around to the influence of Acappella's music.  I never tire of hearing these kinds of testimonies.  I wish we had documented all of them.  The ministry of Acappella continues!

* * * *

We're already booking dates in 2010 for Praise & Harmony workshops.  We still have dates available in 2009, but it feels good to be booking over two years out. 

* * * *

This period of time is unusually busy.  I haven't taken a day off in almost three weeks, but the projects are all very rewarding and ministry-focused.  In the midst of the busyness, it's comforting to think about the special trips ahead.  It was also an unbelievable treat to experience the hospitality we enjoyed in Morgantown this past weekend.  Let me back up . . . After going to mission churches overseas and moving from church to church regularly, I was pondering how our travels mimic Paul's missionary journey model in some ways.  It's a very biblical model - traveling from church to church.

However, while staying in Morgantown, I realized that the apostle Paul never had it so good.  These fine folks put us up in the finest hotel in town, as we stayed on the 11th floor (having to use our key in the elevator to access that special level.)  Instead of renting a car for us, we were provided a Jaguar for the weekend (my first time in this luxury car).  On the day we arrived, we were treated to a scrumptuous fellowship meal outdoors at sunset with the sweetest Christians.  It was a stunningly beautiful setting - a 200 acre farm, boasting miles and miles of scenic, rolling-hill views.  I jokingly said, "Life is hard."

The worship and singing was intensive and a demonstratively moving experience as all ages offered their best in the assembly.  Later this week, I'll post more photos from this special visit with the Morgantown church.

* * * *

I began this post on the topic of technology and will conclude with a mention of my brand new Facebook page.  I guess I'm late to the party?  After receiving an invitation to join alumni of Williamstown Bible College by getting set up on Facebook, I quickly found out first-hand just how many friends and acquaintances are already avid Facebook networkers.  As they say, "Better late than never."  Check out the right column and you'll see my badge to Facebook.  And to think that the service is free?!

“The Ladder of Achievement:

What a great place to grow up.
Here's a glimpse of downtown Paris.



Do any of you recognize this courthouse?



What good memories do you have of your hometown?

Our second visit to this university town was filled with moving praise and stirring singing.

Is your church auditorium designed for you to see the faces of other worshippers or mostly the backs of their heads?

Do any of you recognize this skyline?  It's been a very long time since I've been here.



Some other random thoughts -

I realized that the news networks are biased, but I'm amazed at the degree in which they currently support one or the other Presidential candidate - all in the name of journalism.  Some networks appear to be more akin to an extended infomercial for a political party rather than objective news.  It is interesting to note that one network uses the slogan "no bias, no bull," while another assures us they are "fair and balanced."  I have refrained from blogging about the campaign, but thought I'd make this observation about the media's attempt to influence voters.

* * * *

While reading the U.S.A. today, I saw an article and photo of the next President (who is a woman) for the upcoming season of the television series 24.  She happens to be the two-time Tony winner (from my hometown of Paris, Tennessee) - Cherry Jones.  And just to think that I played a key role with  Cherry in one of our high-school dramas . . . I guess I gave her a great start!  (For your information, I have about as much skill in acting as I do in break dancing.)

* * * *

I've mentioned before how humbled and thankful I am for the "repeat" visits to churches.  It is affirming to know that the churches who have been touched by the Praise & Harmony workshops seek to continue their momentum and growth in vibrant singing and worship.  Here are some cities that have already sponsored multiple workshops (or have rebooked):

This historic river town has many stories to tell.

Of course, the Houston area received the brunt of the hurricane damage.  Yet, I found it surprising that in Kentucky, there have been 300,000 cases of power outages resulting from Ike.  Sunday morning, while leading worship in Paducah, we experienced spikes in power and witnessed the results of very strong winds.  Do any of you have family and friends who were affected by the swath of this storm?

This Week’s Question:

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

Three people were at work on a construction site.  All were doing the same job,

but when asked what his job was, the answer varied. 

“Breaking rocks,” the first replied.  “Earning my living,” the second said.

“Helping to build a cathedral,” said the third.

I enjoy capturing the smiling faces found through our Praise & Harmony travels.

Check out my Portraits Gallery.

A city overflowing in history.



See the gallery from our second visit here.

This weekend, we enjoyed a time of dynamic singing and praise in Paducah, Kentucky.  The Lone Oak Congregation hosted this special time of singing and worship renewal.

How important do you think it is for song leaders to learn songs outside their few favorites that they regularly lead?

Waves are hitting the Houston area today.  We pray for the safety of all people in the path of Ike, as we seem to be in the peak of hurricane season.

On a much brighter note, there will be melodious waves hitting Houston Thanksgiving weekend, for that's the host city of the 2009 CAMA celebration.  CAMA happens every two years.  In two years from now it will be held in Atlanta, and in four years back to Miami.  Yet this year, Houston will come alive with the best in a cappella Gospel artists from across the country.

This Week’s Question:

If you had taken an entirely different career path, what other career do you think you would have enjoyed the most?