What's goin' down??!!!
I just posted a new blog - Part Three of Worldly Artists Fronting As Gospel Artists, and I thought it apropriate to provide a quick update of my life.
I've been getting adjusted to my brother. He just returned back to Cincinnati from a four-year, state-funded vacation (just a cute way of saying that he was incarcerated for four years). He's staying with me until he can get back on his feet. So far, it's been cool. Me and my brother have always been close. And, he rededicated his life to Christ and got filled with the Holy Ghost , and he joined Anointed Word a week after getting home, so at least we've been on the same page spiritually. And, he's doing most of the housework now, so that's a beautiful thing. The only thing that I really could complain about is that he is VERY inquisitive and like to ask questions A LOT. Oh well - I guess that's #TheLifeOfAnAssistantPastor and #TheLifeOfABigBrother.
Church is well. We're getting closer to accomplishing some of our goals, about to see the fruits of our laboring. I could say more, but I hold faithful to this saying - Tell somebody something, but don't tell everybody everything. I'm still growing in ministry, and God is constantly taking me out of my "comfort zone" (as Marvin Sapp would say), and provoking me to raise my expectations of myself, my life, and ministry.
Well, it's 7:00am, and I haven't been to bed. I'll holla!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
[Christian] Enablers: Worldly Artists fronting as Gospel Artists, Part 3
Enabler (n) - one that enables another to achieve an end; especially :one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior.
This has been an issue that's been on my mind for a long time, but two things that happened over the past four days have compelled me to speak on it finally... .
As a Christian, I recognize that I'm engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, againstspiritual wickedness in high places). I know that I have to stand on God's word, and that I have to pray, be watchful, and so forth.
I'm also aware that I am not to give space for the devil to work; Ephesians 4:27 even says to "neither give place to the devil." But oftentimes saints, in our pursuit to do something "big" for God, end up being enablers for the devil. We enable him to achieve an end, which is to [try to] undermine God and the church (ekklesia).
For example, the other day, I learned, via EX Ministries, that Christian rapper Lecrae was on the BET Hip-Hop Awards. I don't own a TV, and if I did have one I wouldn't dare watch BET (but I'm not here to talk about BET - that's another blog). But, on the show, they had various rappers do cyphers on the show. I watched what EX Ministries said about it on their blog, and I decided to pull up a clip on Youtube and see it for myself
I had several problems with this performance, but the main thing that kept ringing through my mind is this thought - how many Christians who normally wouldn't have watched BET/The Hip-Hop Awards tuned in just to see Lecrae. They saw Lecrae, but they also saw and were exposed to artists who were mocking God, using profanity, and spewing forth lyrics that weren't godly at all.
I'm just gonna keep it 100% - these artists (Christian rappers, gospel singers, preachers, and/or any Christian who is somewhat-to-well known) who go on shows like the Hip-Hop Awards, the BET Awards, 106 & Park, Oprah Winfrey, The Mo'Nique Show, Larry King, et al., deceive themselves to believe, and [try to] deceive the body of Christ into believing that God has blessed them to get on such a platform to preach/share the gospel with unbelievers. But in reality, all they're doing is getting church folk to watch worldly entertainment. Honestly, I wouldn't have even gave the Hip-Hop Awards a second thought if I hadn't learned that Lecrae was on the show.
And truthfully, I really can't see how God was glorified in the situation. All I saw on Twitter after the fact (yes, I got on twitter to see the reacters) were tweets along the lines of "You ripped it" or "My man @Lecrae beasted the BET cypher" (not exact quotes, I've paraphrased). Most of the commentary I've seen regarding Lecrae's appearance was along the lines of how talented he was and how secular artists and unbelievers had to give Lecrae his due... where's God in all this shoulder patting?
Don't get me wrong - Lecrae is a very talented artist. I personally own three of his albums - After The Music Stops, Rebel, and Rehab (I wasn't really feeling Rehab - may have to mention why in another blog post). And, I sincerely believe that he thinks he did something big for God. But for real, all he did was get a bunch of church folk to watch worldly programming. He basically got "pimped" by BET and the Hip-Hop community to get additional viewers for their programming.
The second thing that happened that "provoked" me to write about this is learning that Mali Music is now going to be mananged by [secular] artist/producer Akon.
No, that sentence is not a typo or an April Fools joke (it's October). I was on Facebook last night, and a saint mentioned that J Moss said that he wanted to work with Chris Brown (not surprised at all) and that Mali Music signed with Akon (yeah, I was totally caught off guard). So, I went on Google to do some research, and found an article on The Gospel Guru that broke it down for me. Not only is Akon teaming up to manage Mali Music along with Releve Entertainment and Soundwalk Music Group, but Mali Music has been in the studio with Akon, and has co-wrote, produced, and performed on Akon's upcoming [secular] album. Now, maybe Akon converted from Islam to Christianity since I've last heard [anything] about Akon, but really, it isn't likely.
I just took a break from typing to look up Releve Entertainment. I couldn't access their website, but I found the following description on The Merge Summit website:
Relevé Entertainment, founded by Dr. Holly Carter, is an LA-based firm representing urban crossover talent, with a focus towards packaging and managing family and faith-based products for mainstream success. Relevé also specializes in artist management, where intersecting involvement in the genres of film, television, and music is the focal point. The company helps guide and develop the careers of Deitrick Haddon, Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Mali Music, Bishop Greg Davis, Dr. Debra Morton, Myesha Chaney, Johnny B. Williams, Kierra Sheard and Usher.
Wow, and SMH (shaking my head). I'm shaking my head because I'm wondering about the implications of "...with a focus towards packaging and managing family and faith-based products for mainstream success." My thing is this - all the gospel artists listed in the description above, especially Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Mali Music, and even Kiki, all talk about how they're ministering when they perform and how they're in it to glorify God and exalt him and all that good Christian talk. Yet, this company is outright saying that they're focused on ensuring the mainstream (read: secular) success of these artists. Yet, they're all being managed by the same people who manage Usher.
I'm feeling some kind of way because I actually enjoy these artists. I've been listening to Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin since I got saved back in 1997. I was feelin' Kierra Sheard even since she sang on "The Will Of God" on her mother Karen Clark-Sheard's debut solo album Finally Karen. And, when I discovered Mali Music two years ago, his music was like a breath of fresh air from all the worldliness that I was sensing in gospel (that I'm YET seeing in gospel music).
I guess I'll wait and see what's going on (even though I see what's going on)... I'm seeing that, as time progresses, the amount of music that I purchase decreases. I don't buy secular music (R&B, rap, pock, rock, et cetera), because I want to hear Christ-centered music when I turn on my mp3 player. But, now, it's like I have to group most of this gospel music in that same category. When secular artists, secular producers, secular samples, and secular promotion is all up in this so-called "gospel" music, then why buy the gospel when I'm being exposed to the same carnal mindset and the same demonic spirits as the secular music?
Lord, where are your set-apart musicians???
This has been an issue that's been on my mind for a long time, but two things that happened over the past four days have compelled me to speak on it finally... .
As a Christian, I recognize that I'm engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, againstspiritual wickedness in high places). I know that I have to stand on God's word, and that I have to pray, be watchful, and so forth.
I'm also aware that I am not to give space for the devil to work; Ephesians 4:27 even says to "neither give place to the devil." But oftentimes saints, in our pursuit to do something "big" for God, end up being enablers for the devil. We enable him to achieve an end, which is to [try to] undermine God and the church (ekklesia).
For example, the other day, I learned, via EX Ministries, that Christian rapper Lecrae was on the BET Hip-Hop Awards. I don't own a TV, and if I did have one I wouldn't dare watch BET (but I'm not here to talk about BET - that's another blog). But, on the show, they had various rappers do cyphers on the show. I watched what EX Ministries said about it on their blog, and I decided to pull up a clip on Youtube and see it for myself
I had several problems with this performance, but the main thing that kept ringing through my mind is this thought - how many Christians who normally wouldn't have watched BET/The Hip-Hop Awards tuned in just to see Lecrae. They saw Lecrae, but they also saw and were exposed to artists who were mocking God, using profanity, and spewing forth lyrics that weren't godly at all.
I'm just gonna keep it 100% - these artists (Christian rappers, gospel singers, preachers, and/or any Christian who is somewhat-to-well known) who go on shows like the Hip-Hop Awards, the BET Awards, 106 & Park, Oprah Winfrey, The Mo'Nique Show, Larry King, et al., deceive themselves to believe, and [try to] deceive the body of Christ into believing that God has blessed them to get on such a platform to preach/share the gospel with unbelievers. But in reality, all they're doing is getting church folk to watch worldly entertainment. Honestly, I wouldn't have even gave the Hip-Hop Awards a second thought if I hadn't learned that Lecrae was on the show.
And truthfully, I really can't see how God was glorified in the situation. All I saw on Twitter after the fact (yes, I got on twitter to see the reacters) were tweets along the lines of "You ripped it" or "My man @Lecrae beasted the BET cypher" (not exact quotes, I've paraphrased). Most of the commentary I've seen regarding Lecrae's appearance was along the lines of how talented he was and how secular artists and unbelievers had to give Lecrae his due... where's God in all this shoulder patting?
Don't get me wrong - Lecrae is a very talented artist. I personally own three of his albums - After The Music Stops, Rebel, and Rehab (I wasn't really feeling Rehab - may have to mention why in another blog post). And, I sincerely believe that he thinks he did something big for God. But for real, all he did was get a bunch of church folk to watch worldly programming. He basically got "pimped" by BET and the Hip-Hop community to get additional viewers for their programming.
The second thing that happened that "provoked" me to write about this is learning that Mali Music is now going to be mananged by [secular] artist/producer Akon.
No, that sentence is not a typo or an April Fools joke (it's October). I was on Facebook last night, and a saint mentioned that J Moss said that he wanted to work with Chris Brown (not surprised at all) and that Mali Music signed with Akon (yeah, I was totally caught off guard). So, I went on Google to do some research, and found an article on The Gospel Guru that broke it down for me. Not only is Akon teaming up to manage Mali Music along with Releve Entertainment and Soundwalk Music Group, but Mali Music has been in the studio with Akon, and has co-wrote, produced, and performed on Akon's upcoming [secular] album. Now, maybe Akon converted from Islam to Christianity since I've last heard [anything] about Akon, but really, it isn't likely.
I just took a break from typing to look up Releve Entertainment. I couldn't access their website, but I found the following description on The Merge Summit website:
RELEVÉ ENTERTAINMENT
Relevé Entertainment, founded by Dr. Holly Carter, is an LA-based firm representing urban crossover talent, with a focus towards packaging and managing family and faith-based products for mainstream success. Relevé also specializes in artist management, where intersecting involvement in the genres of film, television, and music is the focal point. The company helps guide and develop the careers of Deitrick Haddon, Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Mali Music, Bishop Greg Davis, Dr. Debra Morton, Myesha Chaney, Johnny B. Williams, Kierra Sheard and Usher.Wow, and SMH (shaking my head). I'm shaking my head because I'm wondering about the implications of "...with a focus towards packaging and managing family and faith-based products for mainstream success." My thing is this - all the gospel artists listed in the description above, especially Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Mali Music, and even Kiki, all talk about how they're ministering when they perform and how they're in it to glorify God and exalt him and all that good Christian talk. Yet, this company is outright saying that they're focused on ensuring the mainstream (read: secular) success of these artists. Yet, they're all being managed by the same people who manage Usher.
I'm feeling some kind of way because I actually enjoy these artists. I've been listening to Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin since I got saved back in 1997. I was feelin' Kierra Sheard even since she sang on "The Will Of God" on her mother Karen Clark-Sheard's debut solo album Finally Karen. And, when I discovered Mali Music two years ago, his music was like a breath of fresh air from all the worldliness that I was sensing in gospel (that I'm YET seeing in gospel music).
I guess I'll wait and see what's going on (even though I see what's going on)... I'm seeing that, as time progresses, the amount of music that I purchase decreases. I don't buy secular music (R&B, rap, pock, rock, et cetera), because I want to hear Christ-centered music when I turn on my mp3 player. But, now, it's like I have to group most of this gospel music in that same category. When secular artists, secular producers, secular samples, and secular promotion is all up in this so-called "gospel" music, then why buy the gospel when I'm being exposed to the same carnal mindset and the same demonic spirits as the secular music?
Lord, where are your set-apart musicians???
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Shei Atkins
So, I was on charismamag.com, and I came across an article where gospel artist Shei Atkins announced that she was leaving the gospel music arena and would be soon releasing an R&B debut. Atkins gave as the reason for her departure from gospel music as being that the church is too judgemental.
Personally, I enjoyed Shei's music. The article stated that while some of her songs got airplay, gospel radio wouldn't play certain songs because they felt that they were too "controversial". For example, the song below, "Temptations", many stations thought it was too controversial to play on the radio.
I like "Temptations". Would I play it during a worship service? No. Why? Because I don't feel that it's the place to play "Temptations". I would play this song in my house, or while I was riding down the street. I feel that the song is a reminder to stay pure and to please God.
With that being said, it's one thing to be discouraged by naysayers. I can't speak to whether it's a situation where some people were being Pharisaical in their approach, or if Shei couldn't receive correction/counsel. Either way, to go sing R&B music is not the solution to the situation.
The main thing that bothered me, though, was the following quote from Shei:
I just pray that Shei Atkins would find a way to withstand naysayers and/or receive sound counsel, and that she'll return to gospel.
Personally, I enjoyed Shei's music. The article stated that while some of her songs got airplay, gospel radio wouldn't play certain songs because they felt that they were too "controversial". For example, the song below, "Temptations", many stations thought it was too controversial to play on the radio.
I like "Temptations". Would I play it during a worship service? No. Why? Because I don't feel that it's the place to play "Temptations". I would play this song in my house, or while I was riding down the street. I feel that the song is a reminder to stay pure and to please God.
With that being said, it's one thing to be discouraged by naysayers. I can't speak to whether it's a situation where some people were being Pharisaical in their approach, or if Shei couldn't receive correction/counsel. Either way, to go sing R&B music is not the solution to the situation.
The main thing that bothered me, though, was the following quote from Shei:
Now, three years since her last album debuted, Atkins is releasing a secular album—her fourth—titled Emotional. Her new album allows her to freely minister the way she feels God is leading her, without limitations, she says.I can't, for the life of me, figure out how she's going to be freer to "minister" in the R&B arena. The Bible says that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; the Spirit of the Lord is not in R&B arena, so how would she be freer to "minister"??? No conprendo...
I just pray that Shei Atkins would find a way to withstand naysayers and/or receive sound counsel, and that she'll return to gospel.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Mr. Ambassador (***deep breath***)
I've posted the following on my Facebook page today:
And this group of people are wide in backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, and thought. Of course, there's plently of Christians, but even those Christians are diverse (and even divergent) in their different theologies. I also have friends that are Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Jewish, and other belief sets. I have friends that are Democrat, Republican, Socialist, and "middle of the road". I have friends that are heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual. I have friends that believe as I do, and some that stand against what I believe.
The point is that, despite the fact that there is some area of disagreement with most of these friends, I have love for each of them, and I have enough respect for each of them to see them as a unique person. However, I'm starting to wonder about this. Not so much about my approach, but I'm wondering if/how I will be able to really be me (a Christian minister/ambassador), and maintain many of my interactions on Facebook....
I wonder this, particularly surrounding the issue of homosexuality. I've studied scripture, I've read the scripture in English, Greek and Hebrew, I've read the Septuagint (in English and in Greek), I've read writings from the early church historians, as well as contemporary writers (inside and outside of Christianity), I've prayed on the issue, and try as I may, it's sin/immoral/not-of-God. I don't get on my Facebook and say it everyday, but that's where I stand. And, it seems that some people are down-right hostile to anyone that isn't pro-gay. I find it unnerving that a lot of people are fine with everything and everyone except for a Christian that truly takes God's word at face value; I don't understand that (but then again, thinking about "what is written", it all makes perfect sense).
I really don't know what else to write. All I know is that I have to stand on what I know. And, I'll be in prayer about certain people/situations/etc.
- I have 809 friends, I mean 808 friends. People from many different walks of life, people of many opinions, thoughts, lifestyles, and so forth. But, it may be about time to dwindle my circle of Facebook friends to a more... "set apart" group. Praying about this (and quietly deleting some).
- Ephesians 6:19-20 - "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bongs; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
- I'm learning (well I knew, but it's becoming more real to me), that all of us who are called to preach are ambassadors...
- An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization... The word is also often used more liberally for persons who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain professions, activities and fields of endeavor.
- One reason why I'm going on about "Ambassador" is that I can't understand why some people get upset at ambassadors of the Kingdom of God for truly representing. An ambassador represents the interests, governance, values, and culture of his/her native land...
- And me being a Christian, I'm supposed to be that ambassador, representing the interests, governance, values, and culture of the Kingdom of God. I can't make people agree with what I represent, but I can't be/stand for anything else...
- Ok, I think I'm done for now...
And this group of people are wide in backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, and thought. Of course, there's plently of Christians, but even those Christians are diverse (and even divergent) in their different theologies. I also have friends that are Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Jewish, and other belief sets. I have friends that are Democrat, Republican, Socialist, and "middle of the road". I have friends that are heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual. I have friends that believe as I do, and some that stand against what I believe.
The point is that, despite the fact that there is some area of disagreement with most of these friends, I have love for each of them, and I have enough respect for each of them to see them as a unique person. However, I'm starting to wonder about this. Not so much about my approach, but I'm wondering if/how I will be able to really be me (a Christian minister/ambassador), and maintain many of my interactions on Facebook....
I wonder this, particularly surrounding the issue of homosexuality. I've studied scripture, I've read the scripture in English, Greek and Hebrew, I've read the Septuagint (in English and in Greek), I've read writings from the early church historians, as well as contemporary writers (inside and outside of Christianity), I've prayed on the issue, and try as I may, it's sin/immoral/not-of-God. I don't get on my Facebook and say it everyday, but that's where I stand. And, it seems that some people are down-right hostile to anyone that isn't pro-gay. I find it unnerving that a lot of people are fine with everything and everyone except for a Christian that truly takes God's word at face value; I don't understand that (but then again, thinking about "what is written", it all makes perfect sense).
I really don't know what else to write. All I know is that I have to stand on what I know. And, I'll be in prayer about certain people/situations/etc.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Stand Alone
Right now, the above song (Jai "Stand Alone") is one of my favorite songs (and her "Culture Shock" album is the "Flavor of the Month", so to speak). Not just the slow groove or the catchy chorus, but the relevance of the lyrics is probably what is catching my attention.
I was also touched by what Jai said in her interview with ugospel when asked what was her favorite song on the Culture Shock album and why-
"Stand Alone", because it was that pivotal moment in my life when I realized that everyone that started with me won't necessarily finish with me. It also reminded me of my purpose and that the one that gave it to me will NEVER leave me!
Of course, this made me think of the blog I did several weeks ago called "Lost Soldiers, Fallen Soldiers".
Also, the song, as well as that part of Jail's interview, gives me some solace in knowing that sometimes, we just have to stand alone, particularly dealing in the area of ministry. Sometimes, it's hard being an assistant pastor to such a charismatic and spiritually bold leader, which is my situation. I'm laid-back, easy going, and comical, and it's hard to be bold and confrontational sometimes. But, to uphold God's standard and to stay faithful to the work in which he has put in my hand to do, I have to just do it... even if, even for a moment, I have to stand alone.
I haven't really talked a lot about being Assistant Pastor or me in ministry - it all seems new still. I've only been Assistant Pastor for 5 1/2 months (although I've been minister/elder since January 2009). It's most definitely been a learning experience. For one, I can't say the first thing that comes to mind. I can't always crack jokes. And, if anything goes wrong or if somebody cuts up when Bishop is absent, I'm the one that gets rebuked behind the scenes (and having Bishop David J. Booker "go in" on you is NOT fun). Before, I was in the background. Now, I'm up front and seen (and accountable) - no hiding.
I know that God has called me to this though. I was content to just being "Elder Daniels", and working in the church (with some occassional preaching and teaching thrown into the mix). All in all, it's amazing to see what God is doing with me and through me, despite the growing pains, despite the moments of loneliness (like now). God is being glorified by my life and by the situation - and that's what it's about anyway.
*********************************************************************************
- Got a few changes on the horizon - my youngest brother (maternally) will be here within 40 hours. That's gonna be a real-live adjustment. I've been in my apartment alone for two years, and now I have to adjust for a season. But, I praise God for his provision, and enabling me to be a blessing and a help to others.
- My Deacon (dfiggures) gave me a camera so that I wouldn't have to continue to make bootleg videos (using my phone). But, I can't figure this thing out, and I don't think it has a microphone in it. So, I may have to resort back to the bootleg setup, until I get a cam.
- There's a few things that I'm thinking about blogging about soon - the volume of poetry that I'm working on, my musical endeavors, a couple of Bible studies I'm working on (and may post here)... we'll see.
- I'm also playing with the idea of doing a blog entry once a month entitled "The Life of an Assistant Pastor", which will serve to 1) give whomever is reading a glimpse of what it's like (ministry/assistant pastor's role/position), and 2) to "vent".
Well, I'm done. Until next time... laton.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tennessee Trip (August 8-13, 2011)
Last week I was in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on a retreat/vacation with the AWF. I had a straight-up blast!!! I got to see a lot of sights that I didn't get to see when we went in 2008, and there were so many laughs.
I went down there with the expectation of relaxing, eating, and having fun, and I most definitely got to do all three. I'll give a quick rundown of what I did ...
Monday - we drove down to our cabins in Pigeon Forge. Bishop Booker led a caravan of seven vans down to Pigeon Forge in just over four hours (he was moving out)! After we got settled in (including a test run of that hot tub), we went out to eat at Ryan's Buffet. Even though we have Ryan's in Cincinnati, I hadn't been in a few years, and it was on-point (except for that so-called macaroni and cheese they had the nerve to sit out on their buffett). Then, we went to Wal-Mart and Kroger to get food to keep in the cabins (I bought chicken to throw on the grill, some Doritos, and other stuff for sandwiches). After we got back to the cabins, I got into the jacuzzi bath that was in my room, and soaked before bed.
Tuesday - we went into the Great Smokey Mountains. It was just an awesome thing to see God's creativity, artistry, greatness, and complexity in the mountains. I spent much of my time in the mountains reflecting on how the God that placed each mountain, each stream, each creek, each tree, each cloud, is the same God that created me and thinks enough of me to give Jesus Christ for the salvation of my soul; and not just that, but that same God took my life and made beauty from a hot mess.
I also visited the gift shop at Clingman's Dome. I bought a keychain, a postcard, and a jar of Blackberry Preserves. I didn't climb up to the dome (maybe next time), but my postcard has a picture of it.
After coming from the mountains, we went to Huck Finn's Catfish, where they had all-you-can-eat catfish dinner - trust and believe that I ate all that I could (and almost had to repent from gluttony).
Wednesday - we spent the afternoon strolling around Gatlinburg. Several of us ate lunch at Corky's, which is a barbeque spot based out of Memphis. I ordered 10 wings (it was Fifty-Cent Wing Wednesday) - I got Jerk Wings with fries and macaron & cheese. The chicken was on-point; they smoke all their meat, and the wings were big and meaty. I just wish they could've put more sauce on the wings.
After Corky's, we strolled up and down the Parkway. I bought some candy from an Amish store, and I got a hot caramel sundae from Ben and Jerry's (we don't have a Ben and Jerry's shop in Cincinnati. There was one here a few years ago, by the University of Cincinnati, but they didn't last - Graeter's and UDF shut 'em down). I was glad to get my sundae, and I ate it as I rode the trolley back down the Parkway to our vans.
After getting back to the cabins, I spent the evening with the Pastoral Aide committee, who cooked a feast of Turkey Breast, dressing, greens, fried chicken, and cornbread for Bishop, Co-Pastor, and myself.
Thursday - I was WORE OUT. I spent the whole day in the bed. I missed the trip to the petting zoo and to Mama's Kitchen for dinner. Maybe it's a good thing I missed Mama's Kitchen, because they said the service was horrible.
Friday - we went to the Tanger Outlet Mall. I had a ball. I didn't buy anything other than some food. I ate a personal pizza at the Mountain Edge Grill - it was just something to eat. But the real treat was the CookieCookie Sundae I got at Ben & Jerry's - it was thebomb.com! Then, I ate my sundae while riding the kiddie merry-go-round.
After the mall, I skipped the racetrack/arcade to go back to the cabin to make my macaroni & cheese (it was off-the-chain). We had a "Family Fun Night" on Friday night. The entire church met up at one of the cabins, and we ate ribs, chicken (barbequed and fried), macaroni & cheese, fruit salad, banana pudding, birthday cake (it was Sister Smith's birthday), spaghetti, and so much more other food. I ate so much I couldn't see straight!
Saturday - we came back home :-(
I went down there with the expectation of relaxing, eating, and having fun, and I most definitely got to do all three. I'll give a quick rundown of what I did ...
Monday - we drove down to our cabins in Pigeon Forge. Bishop Booker led a caravan of seven vans down to Pigeon Forge in just over four hours (he was moving out)! After we got settled in (including a test run of that hot tub), we went out to eat at Ryan's Buffet. Even though we have Ryan's in Cincinnati, I hadn't been in a few years, and it was on-point (except for that so-called macaroni and cheese they had the nerve to sit out on their buffett). Then, we went to Wal-Mart and Kroger to get food to keep in the cabins (I bought chicken to throw on the grill, some Doritos, and other stuff for sandwiches). After we got back to the cabins, I got into the jacuzzi bath that was in my room, and soaked before bed.
Tuesday - we went into the Great Smokey Mountains. It was just an awesome thing to see God's creativity, artistry, greatness, and complexity in the mountains. I spent much of my time in the mountains reflecting on how the God that placed each mountain, each stream, each creek, each tree, each cloud, is the same God that created me and thinks enough of me to give Jesus Christ for the salvation of my soul; and not just that, but that same God took my life and made beauty from a hot mess.
I also visited the gift shop at Clingman's Dome. I bought a keychain, a postcard, and a jar of Blackberry Preserves. I didn't climb up to the dome (maybe next time), but my postcard has a picture of it.
After coming from the mountains, we went to Huck Finn's Catfish, where they had all-you-can-eat catfish dinner - trust and believe that I ate all that I could (and almost had to repent from gluttony).
Wednesday - we spent the afternoon strolling around Gatlinburg. Several of us ate lunch at Corky's, which is a barbeque spot based out of Memphis. I ordered 10 wings (it was Fifty-Cent Wing Wednesday) - I got Jerk Wings with fries and macaron & cheese. The chicken was on-point; they smoke all their meat, and the wings were big and meaty. I just wish they could've put more sauce on the wings.
After Corky's, we strolled up and down the Parkway. I bought some candy from an Amish store, and I got a hot caramel sundae from Ben and Jerry's (we don't have a Ben and Jerry's shop in Cincinnati. There was one here a few years ago, by the University of Cincinnati, but they didn't last - Graeter's and UDF shut 'em down). I was glad to get my sundae, and I ate it as I rode the trolley back down the Parkway to our vans.
After getting back to the cabins, I spent the evening with the Pastoral Aide committee, who cooked a feast of Turkey Breast, dressing, greens, fried chicken, and cornbread for Bishop, Co-Pastor, and myself.
Thursday - I was WORE OUT. I spent the whole day in the bed. I missed the trip to the petting zoo and to Mama's Kitchen for dinner. Maybe it's a good thing I missed Mama's Kitchen, because they said the service was horrible.
Friday - we went to the Tanger Outlet Mall. I had a ball. I didn't buy anything other than some food. I ate a personal pizza at the Mountain Edge Grill - it was just something to eat. But the real treat was the CookieCookie Sundae I got at Ben & Jerry's - it was thebomb.com! Then, I ate my sundae while riding the kiddie merry-go-round.
After the mall, I skipped the racetrack/arcade to go back to the cabin to make my macaroni & cheese (it was off-the-chain). We had a "Family Fun Night" on Friday night. The entire church met up at one of the cabins, and we ate ribs, chicken (barbequed and fried), macaroni & cheese, fruit salad, banana pudding, birthday cake (it was Sister Smith's birthday), spaghetti, and so much more other food. I ate so much I couldn't see straight!
Saturday - we came back home :-(
It was a wonderful time! I can't wait for us to go back next year!
Four-Year-Old Preacher
Now, I initially posted this video on my Facebook page, after watching it on The Christian Post. I actually posted the following two comments about this video:
"As for me, I don't have a problem in "training up a child", as Proverbs 22:6 says; if the parents recognize the call to ministry in this child, then by all means they should nurture that and do their part to prepare him for God's work."
" The only thing that I didn't like about this clip, though, was when he said "He [God] wants the money what you give him" - what is that about? In training him, I pray that his parents & leaders train him to be a true minister of the gospel, and not a pulpit pimp."
In regards to my first comment above, I truly don't have a problem with the parents nurturing the child. Besides Proverbs 22:6 (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it), I think of Jeremiah 1:5 (Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations), Jeremiah 1:7 (But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee shou shalt speak), and I Samuel 3 (When God first spoke to Samuel as a child) specifically come to mind. Unlike men, God will prepare/establish/use a child. So, I can respect the parents recognizing and seeing ministry in that child.
However, in regards to the second comment I had made, I hope that the parents train up the child correctly when it comes to ministry. That line "He [God] wants the money what you give him" bothered me. In this age when so many "preachers" use the pulpit as a means to advance their own financial ambitions, I would hope and pray that the parents would buck that trend and train up their son to fulfill Isaiah 61:1 (The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, andt he opening of the prison to them that are bound), to fulfill Romans 10:15 (...how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!), and to be a shepherd after God's heart (as Ezekiel 34 says). We need more true gospel preachers, and my hope is that more true preachers will duplicate themselves so that we can preach the gospel of peace to unbelievers, and so that we can stand against all unfruitful works of darkness [in the church].
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