Much Has Happened
Much has happened since January of this year. In short, the Lord has allowed a lot of doors to be opened for Heather and I. There are opportunities brewing and it is obvious that the Lord is working. In many ways I cannot wait for this time next year just to see where the Lord has taken us by that time. But, I will be patient!
Partnership Update
Our partnership with His Call ministries just keeps growing. Since new years, we have been with them on 4 different occasions, including a one-hour recording with INSP and INI Networks that will be broadcast in September. Praise the Lord! I am constantly amazed at where the Lord has allowed us to go and the things that He has given us the privilege to be a part of. I am so thankful to Keith and Michelle Duncan, His Call Ministries, and INSP for letting us play a part in what the Lord is doing through them. I only pray that the Lord continue to give us many more chances to partner together in the future.
Something is Brewing!
There are other things brewing in our lives as well as some AMAZING opportunities have begun to come our way recently. Some of you may have heard that David Phelps is leaving the Gaither Vocal Band. About two months ago, I was contacted by someone on behalf of Bill Gaither and asked if I would be interested in auditioning for the open tenor position. That phone call led to an initial audition recording, and then a second, and eventually an interview with the Vocal Band at a studio in Nashville.
I don't have enough space here to describe what the experience of meeting and singing with all of them was like. All I can say is that it was like a dream come true in many ways, and I can not thank the Lord enough for fulfilling one of the "desires of my heart."
A few weeks after our meeting in the studio I received a phone call from Mr. Gaither in which he told me that they had narrowed their search down to a couple of people and I was one of them. However, he also told me that they were "leaning heavily" toward another guy, Wes Hampton (who, from what I hear is a phenomenal singer and a wonderful man of God). As you can imagine, the mixture of emotions from that phone call was quite large. To make it to the final few was an enormous compliment, and yet not to be chosen left the nagging question, "What now, Lord?"
Since that call, I have had an amazing time with the Lord. In short, I've discovered that God is often more interested in the journey than the destination (the devotional reading in "My Utmost" for July 28 brings great light to this), and I've learned the hard lesson that God's plan for my life isn't so much about me. His plan for my life is about HIM. His plan is to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future, but at it's core - it's life giving root - it is simply about HIM. Oh, how I love Him and hope that He will use this simple vessel for His purpose.
So now the question that remains for us is, "What do You have for us to do for You, Lord." We know that some change is still coming, and we also know that God will reveal it at the proper time. Though I don't know what it is, I have a feeling that this is not the last time my path will cross with Mr. Gaither and the Vocal Band. At least, I know that I hope it is not the last time.
Heather and I ask for your prayers during this crucial time. Please pray that we will make the right decisions as they come. Pray that God will open doors that no man can open and shut doors that no man can shut. As a good friend and brother in the Lord once prayed for me, “Lord, make this idiot-proof.” We want to be in the center of God’s will and used of Him for Him - nothing less! And as things unfold, I promise I will share more. Stay posted here for the updates as they come.
Heather
Heather is doing great. The Lord has begun to open doors for her in ministry as well. She has been an active part of our partnership with His Call ministries and INSP and has also been more and more active at New Vision. She led the women’s choir for Mother’s Day and stepped in for me earlier in May when I had to go out to Phoenix on a quick trip. She never ceases to amaze me. The truth is that she is an amazing person with a huge amount of God given abilities that people are just now starting to notice. I am so grateful for that.
Hannah
Hannah is doing well. She is growing and changing every day. She loves to dance, sing, read, and play – as all two year olds do. She very much enjoys going to the beach and swimming. God has chosen to give her more energy than her mother, Hannah, and myself know what to do with. However, I think that is a good problem to have. I am grateful that she still loves to “poly” (the term she and I have for wrestling, tickling, chasing, etc.) and will talk our ears off when we let her. These days won’t last forever, so when I start getting a little weary, I just remind myself of that fact and dive in with renewed energy…usually.
A Recording?
When will we come out with a new recording? Well, we are working on that. Our hope has been to have one out by the end of the year. However, that is going to depend on financing and what happens with the things I mentioned above. Again, we ask for your prayers with us about this.
In Closing
That is it for the moment. I apologize for not updating this page sooner. My hope is to get this page updated about every two to three months. Please keep in contact with us. Sign our guest book and send us your e-mail address if you would like to receive our e-mail updates. Our love to you and yours and may God bless you as you seek Him.
