Happy New Year 2014

Yep -- I chose a "Red Christmas Ball" for this blog post.  My wife, Sheryl ... LOVES (infinitum!) ... the color RED.  So, the pic is for you, my dear!

2014 is here.  And, most of the folks in my circle of friends, associates, and community are expecting, or at least, hoping -- for a better year than 2013 proved to be.  And I concur!

2013 was yet another year of transition for our little crew.  We entered into worship and music ministry with Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church to our great delight; we tackled crucial personal and business financial decisions; we became even more familiar with the weekly tasks of care-giving for aging parents; we began the 'journey' into middle school and high school band parent/booster club activities with our 8th grade percussionist Cameron; we are preparing Christian's college graduation from University of Southern Mississippi this coming May; and, we desperately seek for every opportunity we can muster to make the I-65 ride north to visit family and friends in north Alabama and Tennessee.  (( whew!! ))

As we chime in the new year, I have several thoughts stirring in this crazy ADHD brain of mine.  Bear with me if you will.  Here we go: 


HOPE ...
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.  - Psalm 33:21-22 (NIV)

One my all-time favorite songs was a hit for Alicia Williamson and TRUTH, the super-vocal group of Christian music:  There Is A Hope

Hope does not depend on only what is seen ... Hope is found believing in His Name.  I love that line!!

It is my firm conviction that if we ever lose HOPE for better days, especially when we've endured great hardship, then we give way to the enemy of our souls, and our days here on earth are drawing to a close much faster than we had wished for.  Keep HOPE alive in your life this year!


JOY ...
However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”  At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.  All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” - Luke 10:20-22 (NIV)

I've heard that little cliche statement all my life in my little PK (preacher's kid) world, " ... the Joy of the Lord is our strength ...".  And it's true!  I cannot tell you how many times over the past few years we have found ourselves in the midst of great turmoil, grief, loss, hopelessness, and human despair.  When all of a sudden, as we reminded ourselves -- through the power of the Holy Spirit within -- that our JOY was not based on the circumstances we found ourselves in; but rather our JOY is based in the Truths of the Word of God which come alive in our spirits when we dwell on those Truths, speak those Truths to one another, and live by those Truths by the power of His Holy Spirit!

Here's a fun Gospel clip from my friends Karen Peck & New River with Joy Gardner and the Gaithers ... JOY In My Heart!


LOVE ...
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. - 1 John 4:11 (ESV)

This year I turned 50.  A friend and accountability partner recently reminded me that I've reached that point in life referred to by one author as "Halftime".  I'll take that!

The longer I live on this old earth, the more I am overwhelmed by God's love.  " ... For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son ..." - John 3:16 (ESV)

Wow.  If God can love me like I am -- certainly I can find a way to love others, if even for the mere fact that they too are God's creation.

Songs, poems, creeds, chronicles of history, and of course Holy Scriptures have been produced out of the context and human experience of God's love, brotherly love, romantic love, and compassionate love.

Yep ... another tune!  A few years ago I hosted an afternoon "drive time" radio show in Mobile AL.  I had a great opportunity to "spin" the top Christian tunes of that season as I shared devotional thoughts, interviews with guest artists and local personalities.  One of my fav's was this catchy hit from Jadon Lavik ... enjoy Wondrous Love

SO ... I hope that you experience great joy and give away lots of love this year!  Let's all do our part to make it a #Blessed2014


Robby

Southern Gospel In The South

Southern Gospel Music has vastly changed it's sound, it's brand, and it's marketing appeal over the past two decades.  It's not the same music that I learned from Mama's living room piano, and it's not the same music that stirred my soul to receive Jesus as my Savior as a young boy in small town USA.  Maybe it's because I just turned "50" and the aging thing has begun to creep up on me -- but, I think I have a point here.  Bear with me.

Southern Gospel, as a musical genre, has it's roots in middle Tennessee with the appearance of the James D. Vaughn Music Publishing Company and radio broadcasts. circa 1900

Recently, the 'Gospel Giant' radio station which had broadcast to our beautiful Gulf Coast region for more than 40 years, sold to a mega-talk radio giant from upstate, and with sound fiscal reasoning given the owners' aging and health issues.  The Coopers who founded and broadcast from WOSM 103.1FM are personal friends and will very likely receive a plethora of crowns in Heaven when they meet our Heavenly Father.

Those crowns will be quietly and humbly laid at the feet of Jesus.  I have a hunch there will be thousands upon thousands of redeemed souls in Heaven alongside the Coopers whose lives were forever changed by the Gospel they heard from the airwaves on WOSM radio's broadcasts.

It is now Fall 2013.  More than 100 years since Southern Gospel was discovered in America.  On our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast -- there exists less than a half dozen recognizable and reasonably well-marketed Christian radio formats.  Most of the 'gospel' music that permeates today's airwaves is geared towards middle-age and young adult 'soccer moms' who demand Family-Friendly programming as an alternative to the onslaught of hedonistic 'reality' TV and near pornographic Pop/Rock and Hip-Hop/Rap music.

Men and 'dads' are consumed with the ever-growing Talk Radio industry, which now fills the airwaves 24/7 with everything from 'no-spin' Conservative viewpoint blah-blah-blah to hometown rants over Big Government, to local high school sports scores, to the latest local scandal or controversy.

I must be honest with you.  I LOVE Southern Gospel Music.  And, I miss hearing that music most days.  Call me mushy sentimental.  Call me Bible-belt super-spiritual.  Call me old-fashioned.  I LOVE Southern Gospel Music.  And, I don't think I'm alone.

Recently, I asked a couple of buddies who love Southern Gospel to come alongside me and sing some of our favorite tunes for our church families and for a few community events.  We quickly realized that we are not alone!  There are still a few hundred folks like us who LOVE Southern Gospel.

I am reminded each time I sing 'the old songs' that Granny taught me as a child, just how beautiful the words and melodies were then, and how incredibly relevant they are NOW.  In an increasingly dark and gloomy world of famine, war, corruption, wicked behavior, and yes -- sin -- outright rebellion towards God -- I will declare it from the mountaintops ... I LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC!

Keep listening ... you're gonna hear more of it on your Gulf Coast!  With God's Grace, a little help from my friends, and a few hundred supporters of the cause ... Southern Gospel Music will survive on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Governor Phil Bryant comments on U.S. education decline

Today, I commented on Facebook, regarding Governor Bryant's broadcast interview during an education forum in Washington DC.

After reviewing the videos of the interview again this evening and after re-reading the media coverage of this event, I feel that I need to clarify my point.

Governor Bryant seems to be the type of leader for Mississippi, who sincerely desires the BEST for families. I've not personally met Governor Bryant, but what I read and hear from him seems to suggest that he has deeply rooted faith in God, in the core values of family and community, and in conservative morality.

That said, I stand by my belief that the culture of our 'deep South', and specifically the attitudes of Southern Conservative leaders -- no matter their role or industry -- suggests that there remains an alarming divide between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' in our fair State.  Obviously, we all would want to agree that those who work hard, live productively, and 'do good' deserve the best of what life offers.  Right?

Well, most of us even here in the good ole USA realize that life does not always 'produce' the best for those who work hard, produce, and 'do good'.  Sadly, many in Mississippi are still living in great poverty and strife.  And, this breaks the hearts of those of us who are driven to compassion and dignity by our faith.

My sweet wife works in our fine city's public school system as an assistant teacher.  The student registry at her campus represents pretty accurately the diversity of race, economics, and culture of our city and region.  Her co-workers will attest that the children who attend our public schools are among the finest, most well-educated and well-behaved you can find in Mississippi.  We work very hard to encourage, inspire, and train our children well here.

We certainly don't suffer from extreme poverty in our fine city, but it exists nearby.  Homeless people walk our streets and invade private properties in our city.  Some of our children do in fact grow up to become 'career' criminals -- but that number is quite minimal.

Many precious children in our city go to bed hungry every night.  Most of those children live in homes where there exist tremendous emotional, financial, and yes -- moral dilemmas.  Single moms and dads work longer and longer work weeks, sometimes three jobs at once, just to keep the bills paid and the hungry mouths fed.  And, yes ... it is 2013 in America.  Shame on us for allowing these dreadful conditions to exist, if there is truly help wanted and needed in these homes.

I pray that Governor Bryant and all our Mississippi legislators and leaders are able to help us to become better at the task of educating our children, creating opportunities for success, and breeding an atmosphere in Mississippi which is conducive for such success.

There are many wonderful opportunities to succeed in Mississippi, despite the stereotypes from the turbulent 60s or the mocking and jeers of the pundits.

I was born and 'reared' in South Mississippi.  Much of my childhood experiences included living, working, and playing the 'Huck Finn' life on my grandfathers' farms.  I will be 50 years old this year, and have lived through some of Mississippi's worst history; but, I've also seen great progress and advancement in our great Magnolia State.

I love Mississippi and the 'working Moms' who made this a wonderful place to grow up, learn the truths of God's Holy Word, sing the songs of the South, and develop self-discipline and the good old Southern hospitality that people from all over the world have come to love about our little corner of the globe.

God's blessings on you Governor Bryant.  And on all Mississippians who desire to see our children grow up to be the greatest leaders in the world as we know it.

Mardi Gras Monday

Bigger than the Economy | jamesrobison.net

Bigger than the Economy | jamesrobison.net

::: how He loves :::

We are loving this song at our church. The story behind the song grips me. Feedback welcome. Here's the story: http://www.worshipleader.com/index.cfm?tdc=dsp&page=features_detail&aid=183

worship

This was on my heart this morning ...

There is a very obvious resurgence of what I call "Jesus movement" style of worship within the church. The Gen-X'ers and Millennials (under age 30) are simply not going to "do church" the way their forefathers did.

Not that they don't appreciate their history and lineage, but they are a majority "fatherless" generation. Doesn't mean they don't have an earthly 'Dad'; but in many cases their 'dad' has been absent from the emotional and spiritual places in their lives.

This generation is seeking more than a Sovereign Creator or Mystical Cosmic Warlord ... they want a 'dad'.

I believe that "Abba Father" is pouring out His Spirit -- of refreshing, of peace, of love and forgiveness -- on all flesh, as Scripture promised.

In response, this generation is willing to "come near" to that Father-figure like never before. If we - the Church - won't get in the way and blur the picture ... God will do something supernatural in our nation ... again!

Study the historical spiritual awakenings in America ... 1750s - 1900 ... see if you don't think God's up to the same type of stuff in the USA ... again! And, WORSHIP ... is at the center of it all.

It's not about the "how", but rather the "why". If we know "why" we worship Almighty God ... then, "how" we offer Him our praise, our adoration, and our service to fellow man will fall into place.

Fear ... or Hope?

Economy Shrinks at Fastest Pace in 26 Years ...

Staying The Course Might Not Work For Everyone ...

Economic Numbers Continue Down ...

Do you find yourself getting "lost" in the negative rhetoric of the daily headlines? It's easy to let what "they" say cause you to fear ... rather than hope.

I like what Dave Ramsey published recently,

" ... Yes, many people have lost their jobs and houses. You may be one of them. But guess what? People have lost their jobs and houses even in a bull market. About 93% of people are still employed. That's pretty good!"

Amen, Dave! I agree.

If we're not careful, we'll let the pundits and nay-sayers 'drive' our emotions ... rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and emotions, through the renewing and refreshing of God's Word.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7)

We can choose fear ... or hope. I'm gonna choose hope!

What is Lent?

... the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays because every Sunday is like a little Easter. Basically, it's about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of time).

What does Lent have to do with me?

It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of work, school, relationships, and family. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol or other things.

We run from silence because we're afraid of being alone with God. So, like Jesus, we need to take some serious time to pray and figure out where God is in our lives, and where God is calling us to serve. We need to re-focus our lives to be more in line with God.

COOL THINGS TO DO FOR LENT:

• Skip one meal a day and give the money to the poor


• Start a prayer "rhythm." Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, see a commercial, or check your e-mail


• Read a chapter in the Bible a day. (Matthew is a good book to start with)


• Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself)


• Give up beer or sodas. Give the money you save to the Red Cross
• Spend thirty minutes a day in silence


• Write someone a thank you letter


• Say one nice thing to someone each day


• Pray for others on your way to work or school


• Volunteer one afternoon a week at a local shelter, tutoring program or Habitat for Humanity

Originally published by author Penny Ford, United Methodist campus minister at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Link: http://www.upperroom.org/methodx/thelife/articles/lent101.asp

New Things

Isaiah 43:19 reads,

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (NIV)

Our pastor, James Twiner, has been preaching and teaching this message to our congregation at First United Methodist Pascagoula for the past year or so, and the spirit of that message has become contagious!

There is a "newness" in the spirits of our congregation at First UMC and it's catching hold of the folks all around our small town. In fact, if you listen closely and read the coastal newsprint and magazines ... that "new" thing is catching hold of folks all across the Coast!

I am glad to see that the LORD brings "new" excitement and enthusiasm from "old" and "tired" situations. St. Paul instructs in Galatians 6:9 that we " ... not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Harvest time is near ... in Pascagoula ... and in YOUR hometown. The questions beckons us all:

Are we [the Church] prepared to reap the harvest?

I'm saying to me ... to us - the Church of the LORD Jesus Christ ... GET READY! The harvest is here ... the kingdom of God is near!

Thanks ... for Family and Traditions

It is that time of year ... again. Thanksgiving Day. Our family has a handful of little traditions set in place during this time:

1. Family Time ... we do our best to get together with family members we've not been able to visit with during the year. And, we do our best to show extra love and grace towards one another, if only for a few days! (( ha ))
   
2. Christmas Tree ... yep, we believe in the Christmas tree at the Myrick house. We've cut back to the "simple, easy setup" model this year, but we make it the focal point of the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
   
3. Shopping ... the retailers call it "Black Friday", and the Myrick/Dinwiddie ladies attend the events ... religiously! I'm talking 4am wakeup, at the storefronts by 5am, pajamas and all, and they trek across the Mississippi/Alabama Coast for the next six to eight hours! (( are you kiddin ... how can one possibly "shop" for 8 hours??!! ))
   
4. Football ... ah, yes. Dallas Cowboys. Detroit Lions. SEC. PAC 10. Big 8. We love it all. 'Tis the season to throw footballs ... fa-la-la-la-la ... la-la-la-la ... :-)

So ... HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!

Valley Grove

I've found another little "touch of heaven" ... in Knoxville ... specifically ... Valley Grove ... South Knox County, near Seymour, TN. What a beautiful place!

My friends, Gordon and Donna Alford, are Music Ministers at Valley Grove Baptist Church (http://www.valleygrove.org/). Pastor William Sims III (Bro. Bill), is one of the most sincere and authentically spirit-filled pastors I've ever met. I have great anticipation that God is going to do a wonderful work here!

I met Scott Newton Smith this week as well. (http://www.snsministries.org/) Scott is one of the finest young preachers I've heard in quite a while! His messages were "spot on" every single service. Most important, he is an anointed man of God. I look forward to many opportunities to minister with Scott in the near future!

Thanks, Valley Grove friends and "new" church family! I can hardly wait to come back ... this time with my sweet wife and family. They gotta see Cades Cove!! (http://www.cadescove.com/)

storms

Camille ... Frederic ... Elena ... George ... Katrina ... Rita ... Ivan ... Gustav ... Hanna ...

Why do we name storms? Where'd that come from? I've been researching it and cannot find the answer. If you do, please share it with me.

One un-named storm occured in Jesus' day, and was recorded by a couple of the disciples in their gospels. Mark's gospel, in chapter 4, reports the story like this:

" ... 35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ..." (NIV)

Wow! Amazing how that the storm, which was produced by the elements of nature that God himself (Jesus, embodied in human flesh) had created, became immediately subject to the LORD.

Point of message: Jesus IS Lord ... over all creation ... over all storms ... over all circumstances in life ... over ALL! He rules. He reigns. His Throne lasts forever. He is the King. His justice will prevail.

So, if these storms we're fretting over cause us grief, sorrow, worry, anxiety, stress, or other human woe, call on Jesus.

His Name ... is above ALL names. Even the names of these crazy storms. Call on His Name in your time of trouble, frustration, or sorrow. His Name calms all fear, doubt, and disbelief.

Thank you, Jesus ... that you truly are our Peacespeaker.

Encounter '08 ::: Nashville

This year's Encounter '08 was held at Christ Church, Nashville ... and wow ... was it ever an ENCOUNTER!

The thing I appreciate so much about Lindell Cooley and the Grace Church/MMI staff is that they truly minister to the LORD ... first; modeling for worship pastors and worship leaders/musicians the very "thing" that we should be focused on ... the heart of the Father.

Not our performance. Not our "worship gig". Not the attendance in the sanctuary. Not the coolest/most hip "worship set" list.

The Father's heart. That is our #1 priority.

I love Pastor Lindell's motto for Grace Church: God is more important than people; and people are more important than stuff.

This should be heeded by pastors and church leaders of any-size congregation in America! We are so easily being entrapped in the corporate "bottom-line result" mode; and, that can be a heartbreak to the LORD ... especially when He gets "lost" in the mix!

Thanks, Lindell and staff for an AMAZING encounter with the LORD, and with other worship leaders from across the nation who love to rest and refresh in the Presence of the Holy Spirit.
I look forward to Encounter '09!

Preacher ... President ... or, Prophet?

MIKE HUCKABEE spoke publicly through a tele-conference sponsored by Steven Strang, CEO of Strang Communications on Thursday, April 10. Click the link to read the cover story:

http://www.charismamag.com/display.php?id=16892

the little things

by Blaire ...

lately .. i've been noticing the little things.

yesterday, me and my dashing little brother (he's 7) decided to go outside and play.

the weather felt more like august then december, but despite the heat, the breeze was lovely. so, we spread out a huge blanket, and brought every board game from his closet out there. we had it all. snacks, water, the beatles playing on the cd player (which he knew every word to the beatles 1's album, and THAT made me smile).

we had a blast. laughing, singing, playing. have you ever SEEN the beauty of the Creator?

i could see Him yesterday. in my brother's beautiful blue eyes, in the fall leaves and their colors,in the cool breeze blowing through trees.

i currently work at a daycare during the day. i help out with toddlers in the mornings,and i spend my afternoons in the nursery.with newborns.no matter how tired, or how frustrated,or ready to go home i am, i can't help but smile anytime my eyes catch theirs. i can SEE Him.

the innocence, joy, purity, beginning, vulnerability, and precious tenderness.

everything around me is created. breathed. thought of. considered. i feel His love in the breeze, and see His affections in the rising sun.how could i not yearn for the Uncreated One? the One who came from nothing at all, yet is FULL of substance and all that is good .. and how could i not love His Creation, in which i am, in fact, a part of?

I see You. I see Your creation.I see Your love.

I choose to SEE the little things. To take in and absorb all that You have gracefully put in my path to reveal Your intense desire for me. and I am extremely grateful.

for more from Blaire ... click www.myspace.com/youarehuge