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.

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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.)

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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?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

What a vibrant, loving family.





Check out the Summerville gallery here.

What a blessing to be invited to return to places where we've conducted workshops before.  Being able to visit many of the same churches make our tours feel like missionary journeys.  This weekend found us working with a special congregation in South Carolina - and we could easily see the growth in singing and worship since our first visit.

Are teens utilized in leading the services in your home congregation?  In what ways?  How are they trained?

How many of you have tried shrimp and grits before?  It's quite popular here in the Carolinas and it's very tasty.  Last time we were in Charleston, I was introduced to she-crab soup (also a favorite). 

I remember traveling through southern Alabama, Georgia and neighboring states to always find "boiled peanuts" signs everywhere.  What lesser-known dishes do you enjoy that happen to be regional favorites?

Sharon and I flew in to Charleston earlier than planned (yesterday) so we could arrive ahead of what was then hurricane Hanna.  Fortunately, Hanna is currently below hurricane status, but businesses are closing and preparing for what will happen.  However, the Praise & Harmony workshop is still scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Summerville, South Carolina.

This week's question:



What is the most dramatic or traumatic weather situation you have witnessed and/or experienced?

“Sensible men show their sense by saying much in few words.”