Ok, it's true... I have been a 'blog slacker'. But the dog didn't eat my laptop... I really have been busy! And for that I am very grateful!
I was on the road this past weekend with my longtime drummer buddy and fellow 'Spring Hillian' Jim Pollard. We were playing a D-Now student event at a camp near Paducah, KY for our mutual friend Rob Perry (www.robperryministries.org). Joining Rob in the band were another long-time buddy Larry Shaw on bass, a newer friend Billy Smith on BGVs, and their young tech guru Nathan Daniels.
It was a great weekend, but Rob was one of the folks who shamed me into getting the blog current (he said he'd read my last entry 'Tupelo Honey' more than a few times).
So, here's a month-by-month (!) sampling of what's transpired since January 21st...
January
21-23 Session for Birmingham worship leader Billy Smith at Bates Brothers Recording(www.batesbrothersrecording.com)
24 Radio interview on the Preacher & the Doc show WXJC AM, Birmingham, AL
26-28 Student retreat with Kevin Williams in Brandon, MS (www.kevinwiliams.org).
28 (pm) Concert with Glenn Garrett in Huntsville, AL (www.glenngarrett.com).
31 FBC Jackson, TN with my drummer buddy Glenn Williams and bassist extraordinare Chris Kent
February
4 Played at the Bluebird Cafe for my pal Jim Pollard (yes, it was Super Bowl Sunday, but we had a great time!)
11, 18 Helped lead worship at my church, the People's Church (11th Spring Hill campus, 18th in Franklin)
20 My son Colin's 11th birthday!! Woo hoo!
21 Writing and demo session with local songwriter Melody Morris. I also played at Lyric's that evening with Melody.
22 Played guitar with Camp Kirkland and the Nashville Praise Symphony (www.nashvillepraise.org) on the General Jackson Riverboat. This was a fundraiser event for a international mission organization called the HopeHouse International (www.hopehouseinternational.org). Lee Greenwood was just one of the luminaries who performed that evening.
23-25 Another Kevin Williams weekend! Friday at the Church at Trace Crossing, Tupelo, MS; Saturday night a student event in New Hope, MS; Sunday morning BACK at Trace Crossing, and finally a student gig at Mississippi State University in Starkville... whew!
28 Wrapped the month playing once again over at FBC Jackson
March (we're almost there!!)
2 Started the month playing a showcase for Sony writer Ben Caver. Ben is a B'ham boy who seems to be on the rise! Be watching for Ben the next months and years... he's really good!
4, 11 Played at the Spring Hill campus of TPC
9 Worked with country artist Shane Prather up in Hopkinsville, KY
And all through February and March I've been working on projects for Jen Timmerman, Melody Morris, LifeWay (more about this later), and Prism Music.
Tomorrow I'm on the road to Starkville for Kevin Williams and the following week I'm again out with KMW for a week-long revival at FBC Brandon, MS.
I will make every effort to keep you up date, because the next few months are shaping up to be very, very, VERY busy!! Thank God!
Thanks as always for your prayers and your support. There are some really exciting things on the horizon, and I'll be filling you in over the next few days and weeks.
God bless!
GV
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Tupelo Honey
Yes, that is the title of a great Van Morrison song, but it has nothing to do with this post. Well...except for us playing in Tupelo, MS today!
You've read an earlier entry about the Church at Trace Crossing, which features the tag team of Kevin & Kevin (Wood & Williams, the pastor and worship leader, respectively). Kevin Williams was out today doing a Disciple Now weekend in Brookhaven, MS, so I was asked to fill in.
And since I have such a lovely singing voice, I brought 'a ringer' with me. Michael Hill is one of my new buds from up here in Spring Hill, TN. Not only is he a great singer and guitarist, but he's helping to develop a cool video game with a Christian worldview. This 38 year old guy also looks to be about 25, making me look like the venerable & wisened veteran that I am. So today, Trace Crossing got 'Age and Beauty' (guess who is who... lol).
Michael and I got on the road about 5:15 A.M. (ugggh) and made the trip down. Michael and his family moved to TN from the San Francisco Bay area and it was his first time in Mississippi and Alabama. At one point he asked if that was a cotton field on the side of the road (which it was, of course). A day of firsts!!
But what a great day. We had a great worship time, which once again found us playing "I Will Trust in You". Kevin Wood had asked me to relay the story behind the song, which I am always glad to do. It really tied into his message, and it once again humbled me to see how God is using that tough time in our lives that inspired the song that God gave for comfort.
As we headed back, we just couldn't resist driving by Elvis's birthplace... we even sang "Heartbreak Hotel" (with the Raga harmony parts).
Tomorrow I'll be in Birmingham through Friday morning (doing some sessions at Bates Brothers Recording, and another radio interview on WXJC AM850 on Thursday). Friday through Sunday morning I'll be with Kevin Williams and his band in the Jackson, MS area, and I end this busy week with a Sunday night Huntsville concert with my pal Glenn Garrett.
Thanks for your continued prayers. It makes the time on the road and away from home almost as sweet as Tupelo Honey!
Later!!
GV
You've read an earlier entry about the Church at Trace Crossing, which features the tag team of Kevin & Kevin (Wood & Williams, the pastor and worship leader, respectively). Kevin Williams was out today doing a Disciple Now weekend in Brookhaven, MS, so I was asked to fill in.
And since I have such a lovely singing voice, I brought 'a ringer' with me. Michael Hill is one of my new buds from up here in Spring Hill, TN. Not only is he a great singer and guitarist, but he's helping to develop a cool video game with a Christian worldview. This 38 year old guy also looks to be about 25, making me look like the venerable & wisened veteran that I am. So today, Trace Crossing got 'Age and Beauty' (guess who is who... lol).
Michael and I got on the road about 5:15 A.M. (ugggh) and made the trip down. Michael and his family moved to TN from the San Francisco Bay area and it was his first time in Mississippi and Alabama. At one point he asked if that was a cotton field on the side of the road (which it was, of course). A day of firsts!!
But what a great day. We had a great worship time, which once again found us playing "I Will Trust in You". Kevin Wood had asked me to relay the story behind the song, which I am always glad to do. It really tied into his message, and it once again humbled me to see how God is using that tough time in our lives that inspired the song that God gave for comfort.
As we headed back, we just couldn't resist driving by Elvis's birthplace... we even sang "Heartbreak Hotel" (with the Raga harmony parts).
Tomorrow I'll be in Birmingham through Friday morning (doing some sessions at Bates Brothers Recording, and another radio interview on WXJC AM850 on Thursday). Friday through Sunday morning I'll be with Kevin Williams and his band in the Jackson, MS area, and I end this busy week with a Sunday night Huntsville concert with my pal Glenn Garrett.
Thanks for your continued prayers. It makes the time on the road and away from home almost as sweet as Tupelo Honey!
Later!!
GV
Saturday, January 06, 2007
GV OTR n NC
Sometimes the hardest part of doing this journal is coming up with a title for the entry. Just how many times can you say 'on the road'? So, GV OTR n NC is my ridiculous way of saying I'm on the road in North Carolina! Cute, huh?
Last Spring, I was out with the Reveal student choir from the Biltmore Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. The choir director is my best buddy David Gaines, and we are once again going to the Gulf Coast region this coming April to do more ministry down there.
One of the goals of my ministry, Project Onefifty, is to find areas where we can do recurring work. It's great to go different places every time you tour, but it's near and dear to my heart to find areas where you can come back to and follow up where you left off. This is Reveal's strategy for this Gulf Coast tour, and I'm excited to again be part of it.
THIS weekend I'm up here helping my buddies Kevin Williams and Gary Permenter lead the choir in a workshop/retreat. It's always a fun reunion, but this time is even more special as we have our long-time drummer Jamie Rogan here. Last year Jamie started playing with the wellknown country artist Billy Currington, so it's been a long time since we've played together.
The students have been working hard on learning music and choreography, etc., but Kevin has been leading us in some great worship times, and Gary has been challenging us all to look for ways to be better ministers. What a great time!
We have 2 morning services with these folks before we head back to our regular gigs. I'll be keeping you up on what's going to happen with the tour, especially while we are out in April.
You can go ahead and start praying for this trip. It's difficult to imagine what the people on the Gulf are still going through. While things have improved down there somewhat, and there is some hope, Gary pointed out that for the people who STILL don't have a home, their hope is still 0%.
Keep praying!!
GV
Last Spring, I was out with the Reveal student choir from the Biltmore Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. The choir director is my best buddy David Gaines, and we are once again going to the Gulf Coast region this coming April to do more ministry down there.
One of the goals of my ministry, Project Onefifty, is to find areas where we can do recurring work. It's great to go different places every time you tour, but it's near and dear to my heart to find areas where you can come back to and follow up where you left off. This is Reveal's strategy for this Gulf Coast tour, and I'm excited to again be part of it.
THIS weekend I'm up here helping my buddies Kevin Williams and Gary Permenter lead the choir in a workshop/retreat. It's always a fun reunion, but this time is even more special as we have our long-time drummer Jamie Rogan here. Last year Jamie started playing with the wellknown country artist Billy Currington, so it's been a long time since we've played together.
The students have been working hard on learning music and choreography, etc., but Kevin has been leading us in some great worship times, and Gary has been challenging us all to look for ways to be better ministers. What a great time!
We have 2 morning services with these folks before we head back to our regular gigs. I'll be keeping you up on what's going to happen with the tour, especially while we are out in April.
You can go ahead and start praying for this trip. It's difficult to imagine what the people on the Gulf are still going through. While things have improved down there somewhat, and there is some hope, Gary pointed out that for the people who STILL don't have a home, their hope is still 0%.
Keep praying!!
GV
Sunday, December 31, 2006
The Year of Jubilee
2006 is almost over... and welcome, 2007! With only three hours to go until midnight, already the sound of fireworks are breaking the silence of what would be a typical Thompson's Station, TN Sunday night.
This past year has been incredible in a number of ways. It's hard to believe we've been here for a full year (technically 16 months, but who's counting?). We've seen many places around the world, and seen the passing of many loved ones, as well as the beginning of many new lives, in both the physical and spiritual sense.
It seems oddly appropriate that this New Year's Eve finds me at home, with kids in bed (or at least heading that way) and Carol and I enjoying a quiet night. Even with all the great places we've been and the many exciting events Project Onefifty has helped me take part in, it has been a year of transition as well as preparation. I know with all certainty that this coming year will be special.
In the Jewish faith, 2007 is the Year of Jubilee. Every 7 years is a Sabbath year, but 7 cycles of Sabbath years end in the Year of Jubilee. In the Old Testament, this is a time that calls for forgiveness of debts, the end of strife and aggression, and freedom for those in bondage.
If you do a Google search for the Year of Jubilee 2007, you'll find a great deal of information. There are many organizations proclaiming this year as a time to end wars, to forgive debts of nations in Africa, and to help end famine, poverty, and sickness all around the world. 2007 also marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. There are plans made to honor the many brave men and women who helped end slavery and helped inspire the modern movement to end the slavery of poverty and disease.
Is it any wonder that 2007 will be the year that Project Onefifty enters a new phase of ministry?
For the Christ-follower, every day of every year celebrates Jubilee. Christ is the fulfillment of the intent of the Year of Jubilee, and we have the awesome privilege to proclaim this truth to the world. From peoples halfway around the globe, to the neighbors down the street, the world is poised and waiting to find freedom and forgiveness...
Sounds like Grace to me.
So farewell 2006... we had a great time. But it's time to celebrate new life and healing and freedom. It's time to party!
Bring on the Year of Jubilee! Anyone want to join the fun?
Grace in His name,
GV
This past year has been incredible in a number of ways. It's hard to believe we've been here for a full year (technically 16 months, but who's counting?). We've seen many places around the world, and seen the passing of many loved ones, as well as the beginning of many new lives, in both the physical and spiritual sense.
It seems oddly appropriate that this New Year's Eve finds me at home, with kids in bed (or at least heading that way) and Carol and I enjoying a quiet night. Even with all the great places we've been and the many exciting events Project Onefifty has helped me take part in, it has been a year of transition as well as preparation. I know with all certainty that this coming year will be special.
In the Jewish faith, 2007 is the Year of Jubilee. Every 7 years is a Sabbath year, but 7 cycles of Sabbath years end in the Year of Jubilee. In the Old Testament, this is a time that calls for forgiveness of debts, the end of strife and aggression, and freedom for those in bondage.
If you do a Google search for the Year of Jubilee 2007, you'll find a great deal of information. There are many organizations proclaiming this year as a time to end wars, to forgive debts of nations in Africa, and to help end famine, poverty, and sickness all around the world. 2007 also marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. There are plans made to honor the many brave men and women who helped end slavery and helped inspire the modern movement to end the slavery of poverty and disease.
Is it any wonder that 2007 will be the year that Project Onefifty enters a new phase of ministry?
For the Christ-follower, every day of every year celebrates Jubilee. Christ is the fulfillment of the intent of the Year of Jubilee, and we have the awesome privilege to proclaim this truth to the world. From peoples halfway around the globe, to the neighbors down the street, the world is poised and waiting to find freedom and forgiveness...
Sounds like Grace to me.
So farewell 2006... we had a great time. But it's time to celebrate new life and healing and freedom. It's time to party!
Bring on the Year of Jubilee! Anyone want to join the fun?
Grace in His name,
GV
Sunday, October 29, 2006
'Grace' for today
It's late on Sunday night, and I'm writing from my hotel room in Starkville, MS. I left Nashville early (5:15 am) to get to Tupelo, MS for the morning worship at the Church at Trace Crossing. This is a brand new Faith Family led by a great friend of mine named Kevin Wood (I had the joy of working with him at Brook Hills). I have always said that he would make a fantastic pastor, and it looks like my prediction is coming true.
Leading the music for Trace Crossing is another of the 'Kevins' in my world, Kevin Williams. You know that I have been working with Kevin for ages now... I've played on both of his recording projects, and we even served together at Brook Hills. He is a huge part of what I do as a sideman, and we play student events, retreats, and conferences all over the South.
These two Kevins make a great team. It was a very powerful service, with incredible worship in music and teaching. For me, today was extra special. Kevin Wood made a point to mention my song "I Will Trust In You' as he was introducing me to the audience. It's funny because Kevin Williams had already planned on singing it anyway! But Kevin Wood asked me to briefly tell the story behind the song, which I gladly recounted.
Most of you know how God gave us this song when the life of our yet-to-be-born daughter Audra Grace was hanging in the balance. Needless to say, Audra and all the rest of us came through those trying times (thank the Lord), and the gift of "I Will Trust In You" was a great encouragement to us. And while I thought the song was for us alone, He obviously had other plans as many people have relayed to me how it's helped them as well.
The lyric is based on Psalm 56:3 and simply relates how when life is tough, confusing, scary, and uncertain...you can trust in God and His word. This is a incredible truth and the reason why this very simple song resonates so powerfully.
Many times as we sing "I Will Trust", I am often overcome with emotion as I remember the trial and the grace of those dark moments. It was especially poignant today as this is Audra's second birthday!! The way God has comforted and guided is amazing, and His grace was sufficient...and remains so even now. Audra is named Grace as a reminder of His gift of love and mercy in the form of our precious little girl.
Tonight we (Kevin Williams and the rest of his band) played at a student ministry event at Mississippi State called SOS. We played a mix of popular radio tunes as well as some of the rockier worship choruses. There were a couple of hundred students there and we were having a great time. But once again Kevin felt led to sing my song. It's an amazing sound...hearing 200 young people singing words and melodies that I helped 'bring into the world', and to do so on the day that celebrates Audra Graces' arrival...wow!
So, my grace for today is running over. It's tough being away from my family, especially on days like today. But God knows that and decided to give a little extra grace to help me through!
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
II Corinthians 13:14
God bless!!
GV
Leading the music for Trace Crossing is another of the 'Kevins' in my world, Kevin Williams. You know that I have been working with Kevin for ages now... I've played on both of his recording projects, and we even served together at Brook Hills. He is a huge part of what I do as a sideman, and we play student events, retreats, and conferences all over the South.
These two Kevins make a great team. It was a very powerful service, with incredible worship in music and teaching. For me, today was extra special. Kevin Wood made a point to mention my song "I Will Trust In You' as he was introducing me to the audience. It's funny because Kevin Williams had already planned on singing it anyway! But Kevin Wood asked me to briefly tell the story behind the song, which I gladly recounted.
Most of you know how God gave us this song when the life of our yet-to-be-born daughter Audra Grace was hanging in the balance. Needless to say, Audra and all the rest of us came through those trying times (thank the Lord), and the gift of "I Will Trust In You" was a great encouragement to us. And while I thought the song was for us alone, He obviously had other plans as many people have relayed to me how it's helped them as well.
The lyric is based on Psalm 56:3 and simply relates how when life is tough, confusing, scary, and uncertain...you can trust in God and His word. This is a incredible truth and the reason why this very simple song resonates so powerfully.
Many times as we sing "I Will Trust", I am often overcome with emotion as I remember the trial and the grace of those dark moments. It was especially poignant today as this is Audra's second birthday!! The way God has comforted and guided is amazing, and His grace was sufficient...and remains so even now. Audra is named Grace as a reminder of His gift of love and mercy in the form of our precious little girl.
Tonight we (Kevin Williams and the rest of his band) played at a student ministry event at Mississippi State called SOS. We played a mix of popular radio tunes as well as some of the rockier worship choruses. There were a couple of hundred students there and we were having a great time. But once again Kevin felt led to sing my song. It's an amazing sound...hearing 200 young people singing words and melodies that I helped 'bring into the world', and to do so on the day that celebrates Audra Graces' arrival...wow!
So, my grace for today is running over. It's tough being away from my family, especially on days like today. But God knows that and decided to give a little extra grace to help me through!
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
II Corinthians 13:14
God bless!!
GV
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