Southern Gospel Update - Dec. 2014

I love that artists of all genres chime in at Christmas time to celebrate Christ’s birth. I love hearing the name of Jesus over the speakers in public places too. However, I know by New Year’s Day, the artists in other genres go back to singing about whatever suits their fancy, but not in gospel music. All throughout the year, gospel music celebrates the love,love, peace, joy and hope found only in Christ, thus celebrating Christmas all year long! We have such an incredible love story to sing about. God sent His one and only Son to earth to dwell among man so that we could be redeemed and reconciled. Jesus left the glory, majesty and the comfort of heaven to embark upon the greatest rescue mission ever executed. The rescue mission that sprang into action on that first Christmas morningmorning would eventually cost Jesus His life. He came anyway. Why? Because He loved us and wanted us to experience a relationship with God. My prayer is for our readers to experience the presence of Christ in a special way this Christmas Season and to grow into a deeper knowledge of who Christ is and what He has done. Grace and Peace, Rhonda Frye

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

77 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

1010 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

1515 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

This publication© 2014 The Judy Nelon Group

IN THIS ISSUE:

» The Christmas Story - Luke 2

» Southern Social

» The Sounds of Christmas

» Kelly Nelon’s Favorite Things

» Tell Your Story

»» Guy Penrod - A Family Christmas

» Rick Webb Family - Joy to the World!

» Michael English - Fill In The Blanks

» My Most Special Gift

» Mike LeFevre - I Remember The Day

» Candy Christmas - In The Kitchen

» The Sneed Family

»» How To Beat the Holiday Blues

» Steve Ladd - Giving Back

» Sue C. Smith - Behind The Song

» CD Reviews

Southern Gospel UpdateA Division of The Judy Nelon Group

Publisher:Judy Nelon Editor In Chief:Rhonda FryeRhonda Frye Creative Director:Aaron Crisler Contributors:Judy Nelon Rhonda FryeRhonda FryeBrian FusonLaDonna BuslerSue C. Smith(WriteAboutJesus.com)Mike LeFevreKelly Nelon

the sounds ofChristmas!What’s your favorite Christmas album?

The Oak Ridge Boys - ChristmasCarpenters - Old Fashioned ChristmasBing Crosby - White Christmas

Mariah Carey - Merry ChristmasCeline Dion - These Are The Special Times

Hanson - Snowed In

Gold City - Home for the HolidaysThe Cathedrals - Christmas A CappellaDavid Phelps - One Wintry Night

The Carpenters - Christmas CollectionJim Reeves - Twelve Songs of ChristmasBing Crosby - White Christmas

MICHAEL BOOTH

MORGAN EASTER

TIM DUNCAN

JOSH SINGLETARY

KELLY NELON CLARK, beloved member of The Nelons, shares just a few of her favorite Christmas things with the readers of SGU.

Kelly’s

FAVORITE SONG“Have Yourself A

Merry Little Christmas”

FAVORITE DISHTURKEY!

FAVORITE DESSERTMy grandmother’s peanut butter fudge

FAVORITE ALBUMCarpenters Christmas Portrait

FAVORITE MOVIEMiracle On 34th Street

TELLYOUR STORY

More than any other time of the year, people all over the world are thinking about Jesus. Now is a great time to share your faith. There are a lot of ways to just be a “light” in the world. You can be the polite one in the crowded stores, the big tipper and be the one to get carried away with random acts of kindness, but when it comes to talking about our faith, just don’t clam up! Especially when it comes to witnessing to our lost loved ones whom we’ll most likely see over the holidays. Most of us fear of saying the wrong thing, or feel we aren’t knowledgeable about the Bible to answer every question. Honestly, we’re making it harder than it is. Just tell your story! When you feel the tug in your heart, you’ll know it’s the right time. Remember not to be intimidated if you don’t have a dramatic story to tell. Your testimony is as important as anyone else’s! Basically, there are 3 elements to keep in mind. Tell what you were, how you met Christ and what you are now. Keep the details simple of what you were before, but give great details of how you became a Christian. This is important because no one progresses into getting saved. It is a pivotal, defining moment. Also focus on sharing what the difference has been in your life since your conversion. As you share, avoid “Christianeese.” Instead, use language relevant for today. Remember, Satan doesn’t want you to share your faith, so show him! Shine your light to everyone you meet and when the time is right, tell your story!

JUDY NELONthe Gift of Life

Rhonda Frye, our editor in chief, asked me to write a column each month she titled “Judy Nelon Looks Back.” That is easy with the large collection of photos I have. With this Christmas issue, my thoughts have been on the wonderful gifts in life. I certainly have been blessed and have pictures to prove it. My daughter Jamie created this collage of my early years. It is fun to reminisce and share memories with my friends.

Pictured to the left: Pictured to the left: • Baby pictures with my sisters Sharon and Linda• On the church steps with banner advertising the nightly revival services at 8:30 PM• In the 50’s leaning proudly on the TV we won at the Gospel Concert when Les Beasley of the Florida Boys drew our name (Daddy had said he would never buy us a TV if we ever got one it would have to be given to us- So it was!) • Cheerleaders- friends I still cherish• An old fashion baptizing • Blackwood Homecoming in Memphis with Hovie, JD and Ken Turner father to Dove award winning songwriter Kenna Turner West • The beginning, of our professional touring days with Brush Arbor Jubilee: Weatherfords, Songfellows and Sunshine Singers• Merle Haggard- When the call came to tour with a new country singer • Merle Haggard- When the call came to tour with a new country singer at the top of the charts with a song called “Okie from Muskogee,” we had not heard of Merle Haggard at that time. We enjoyed touring with him. We also enjoyed seeing him recently in concert at the Ryman. He still sings great and is still honoring his praying mama!• In 1972 I started my first venture as a publisher of Gospel West and was elected to the GMA board. I was fortunate to have mentors in Marvin Norcross, Jim Myers, James Blackwood, John T. Benson, Brock Speer and Lou Hildreth who is still one of my dearest friends . • Another GMA board member and friend Sue Dodge along with Bill Gaither was winning a lot of Doves in those days. All these years later we are still enjoying the music we love and our friendships. • Alabama Gov. Wallace invited us to sing at the event where 100,000 people gathered for Senator Ted Kennedy to present an honor.• Lawrence Welk holding my baby Julie• Lawrence Welk holding my baby Julie• Roy Rogers-one of the kindest men I have ever known • Arthur Blessitt had HIS PLACE in Hollywood: a safe place for hippies to gather. He led thousands to Jesus. We sang, he preached. Forty years later after carrying the cross around the world we were there again to greet him as he brought the CROSS back into Hollywood. LIFELIFE IS A GIFT. I love what I do. I pray that you have the gift of loving what you do. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

Photo: Russ Harrington

It truly is the most wondeful time of the year for The Rick Webb Family! The popular family group is celebrating with a new Christmas CD and a Christmas Tour! The tour takes the family ensemble from Callaway Gardens in Georgia to stops at Thomas Road Baptist in Lynchburg, Virginia and goes as far north as the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewanna, Indiana. Joy To The World, the new Christmas project, was released in mid-November just in time for the holidays. The Webbs say they are more excited about this project than any other album they’ve recorded. “More than anything we’ve ever done, this record truly fits us,” Parker shares. “It is highly orchestrated and we aimed for a sound closet to a mix of the Carpenter’s Christmas album and Michael Buble’s.” The Rick Webb Family has found the Christmas season a great time to tour because many people are receptive to hearing the gospel. “We have seen hundreds of people come to know the Lord during our Christmas programs” Parker explains. “During the first half, we usually sing fun songs like ‘Jingle Bells,’ and ‘Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire,” but by the second half we sing traditional carols like ‘Joy To The World,’ ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and other songs to keep the focus on the real meaning of Christmas.” The family plans to celebrate Christmas with their own family traditions, and then hit the road again after the holidays. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in our ministry this past year,” Parker comments. “We are projecting 2015 to be our biggest year we’ve ever had as far as touring and hopefully will result in more people accepting Christ through our music.”

the Rick Webb family

a Family Traditionby Rhonda Frye

www.TheGuardiansMusicOnline.com

I like it whenStella, my granddaughter,tells me she loves me!

My favorite TV show isDATELINE.

I never leave the house without my phone.my phone.

My favorite Christmas dessert isRitz crackers & peanut butter

dipped in chocolate!

A guy can never have too many back scratchers - always

misplacing mine.

I always smile when I seeI always smile when I seemy grandbabies - Stella and Ruby

If I could be anyone for one day,it would be

Michael Jordan.

M ICHAEL ENGLISHFILLINTHE Blanks...

Being raised around gospel music, I had a love and passion for it. I always had said growing up, “That’s something I want to do” and God allowed me to do it. As I grew into the music, I got into positions with high-profile groups, yet I had never surrendered my life to Christ. What it boiled down to a was pride issue. I had felt conviction while I was singing, and was feeling the call of salvation onon my life, but I was worried about what everybody would think. Even though I was a fixture in gospel music, no one had ever really asked me about my salvation, but I knew I wasn’t a Christian although I had a good heart. On Wednesday, September 7, 1988, I was with Gold City at the time and we were getting ready to leave town later that night. During that day I was under such a conviction. I had been out mowing my grass, but I came in and called a pastor friend from Gadsden, AL, Quinn Evans, and started talking with him. He asked me, “Mike, if the Lord were to come back today would you go to heaven?” My answer ultimatelyultimately was “no.” I paused and he said, “Man I love you, but if you don’t then you’re going to hell.” So, I knelt there with a phone in my ear sobbing and asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life. I will never forget my blue sofa and gray carpet, I left a big wet spot from sobbing. I called Kathy, my wife, and told her what happened and she in turn got on the phone and called Quinn and she got saved the same day in her office. day in her office. Since we - Gold City - were about to leave out later, Kathy and I drove over to Gadsden that same night and we were both baptized. It was a great lesson for me to be a witness. Telling my story still to this day is a big part of my ministry. I try to encourage people that salvation doesn’t make you perfect immediately, we are a work in progress, but we can become more like Christ as we grow every day.

M IKELEFEVRE

Ingredients1 15- ounce can pumpkin pie mix1 15- ounce can evaporated milk1 cup sugar3 eggs1 package yellow cake mix½ cup chopped pecans½ cup chopped pecans1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened1 cup whipped topping, room temperature1 cup powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanillaToasted pecans for garnish (Optional)

YYou will also need...Electric Mixer, 10-inch Springform Pan, Parchment or Wax Paper, Flat Serving Platter, Baking Sheet

Directions1. Preheat the oven to 3502. Mix together pumpkin pie mix, evaporated milk, sugar and eggs until well blended.3.3. Line the pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Pour in the pumpkin mixture and carefully sprinkle dry cake mix evenly across the top. Sprinkle nuts over the cake mix. Pour melted butter over all.4. Bake for 50- to 60 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Let cool completely, then remove the springform ring and invert the torte onto a flat serving platter.5. Mix together cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread on top of the pumpkin layer.6. Refrigerate until ready to serve 7. Garnish with toasted pecans, if desired. Toast pecans in an oven preheated to 350. Spread pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are golden brown. Cool completely before adding to torte.

in the kitchenPumpkin Crunch Torteby Candy Christmas

CATCHING UP W ITH...

THE SNEED FAM ILY The Sneed Family is one of gospel music’s most talented families. The group consists of husband and wife, Jeff and Pam Sneed, their daughter and son-in-law, Caleb and Amanda Cowan, along with their sons Seth and Jacob. With talented vocals and a live band, the Sneed Family keeps a busy schedule of performing and promoting events as well as producing a television show! The Sneed Family Music Television Show is currently reaching into over a million homes and plans are in the works to expand. The show consists of gospel music, artist interviews and videos, but a segment called “Telling The Story” is really touching hearts. “Telling The Story is simply where people give their experience of salvation,” Jeff says. “When people share their testimony of coming to Christ, it makes the music come to life. Every believer has a story. Every story is the same, yet every story is different. And the journey that we all travel is different. We all deal with different things. The devil putsputs different thoughts into different people to try to detour us from seeking the Lord. When we reveal these things by sharing testimonies, it takes a lot of the weapons away that the devil uses against us.” Jeff says the response to the show has been positive. “I have people who write and call - some of those are older people that can’t get out anymore - but they say, ‘This is how it was when we were in church. This fed my soul.’ It’s stories like this that make me want to expand the show because the story is getting told.”

Musical talent is just one among many others within the Sneed Family! Caleb and Amanda Cowan own a hair salon and Jeff is a florist. They serve the community and often lend their skills to gospel music friends. Christmas decorating is a passion of Jeff’s. Recently, he decorated the homes of Connie and Kim Hopper. Jeff says Christmas decorating doesn’t necessarily require a professional. He says using a Christmas wreath is an easy way to spruce up the home. “You can lay a wreath down, put ornaments or Christmas balls on it, then place an angel, chuchurches, or candles inside to make a nice centerpiece,” Jeff shares. And I don’t care how fancy you get, at the end of the day, Christmas is still green wreaths, pine and red bows.” The Sneeds are traditional when it comes to Christmas! Jeff created a tradition and admits his house resembles a spider web on Christmas morning. The kids and in-laws enjoy a scavenger hunt by tracing a ball of yarn from the stocking to a special gift which takes them literally all over the house, outside and includes a few surprises along the the way! The Sneed Family is looking forward to 2015. A new project with original songs is in the works so keep up with the Sneed Family at www.sneedfamily.com.

The family home at Christmas.

Caleb & Amanda’s Cowan & Co. Hair Salon

ChristmasBY JEFF SNEED

The home of Claude & Connie Hopper

STEVE LADDgiving back

STEVE LADDgiving back

Growing up the son of an evangelist, Christian music artist Steve Ladd felt the call to minister in song as early as age five. Since then, Steve has teamed up with notable groups such as Gold City and the Anchormen, and has now spent the last several years as a soloist. Utilizing his time, talents and love for others, Ladd serves those in need under the bridge at Jefferson Street. Why? Because that’s where Jesus would be. “Before we moved to Nashville, Candy Christmas (founder) invited me to come down to sing a couple of songs, and I was blown away,” Ladd explains. “I told her then if I move to Nashville, I will be there as much as I possibly could. Ladd made the move and has volunteered every Tuesday evening except when he is out of town, at a conference or revival during the past four years. During this time, Ladd has seen countless lives changed. The homeless and those Ladd describes as “down on their luck” gather every single Tuesday night to receive necessities and the gospel. “The service starts at 6:00, but if you get there at 5:15, there is nothing there but an empty parking lot. Around 5:30- what takes place is almost magical,” Ladd shares. “Box trucks full of supplies, equipment, sound, lights, and chairs, along with 100 or so volunteers start showing up. In 30 minutes everything is in place.” The volunteers treat the guests as Nashville’s finest and serve them a meal, then treat them to great music, and preaching. Each service ends with an invitation to receive Christ and a time for prayer. After the service, the guests are given clothing, necessities, toiletries and non-perishable foods that have been previously collected. Often celebrities are found at the bridge and at Bridge related events. Amy Grant, Jonathan Cain of Journey, Ricky Skaggs have made appearances, but the Christmas gathering is definitely the highlight of the year. The candlelight Christmas service includes communion and toys are always given out to families with children. “The Bridge Ministry has impacted my life and my family’s life just to be able to give back,” Ladd explains. “I think every time I leave there that it is only by the grace of God- it’s not me. We are all one step away from messing our lives up or from experiencing a major change. That along with the fact those people really love me being there is what is keeping me coming back.” To learn more about the Bridge Ministry, visit www.bridgeministry.org. Connect with Steve online at www.steveladdmusic.com.

“Home For Christmas Again”words by Sue C. Smithmusic by Scott Krippayne

behind the songby Sue C. Smith

performed by TRAVIS COTTRELL

It was spring, 2003, and the company I wrote for had a problem. The Christmas musical I was working on for them was going to be called I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and naturally, they were planning to use the World War II song by the same name. I had loved it for years because it always made me think of my own parents and the separation they endured during the war while my dad served in the south Pacific. Here was the problem: My company had been unable to get permission from the publisher of the song to put it into a print project. Time was running out, and the musical needed to be finished and recorded during the spring so it could be ready for the Christmas market in late summer. What seemed to be a problem actually turned into an opportunity for me. My company asked if I might write a song about someone’s longing to get home for Christmas. If there is one thing I have learned as a songwriter, it is that the answer is always “yes.” Could I write such a song? “Yes.” Could I write it quickly? “Yes.” I set to work. I started by listing all the things that say “Christmas” to me, things like that first time in the season when someone wishes you Merry Christmas, to opening Christmas cards, to singing carols, and the Christmas Eve candlelight service. I ended every section with my title for the song, “Home For Christmas Again.” One of my favorite parts was writing the bridge of the song where I worked in the stars of my favorite Christmas movies. Who would have thought that I’d get to have a line that mentioned “Jimmy Stewart, Judy Garland, and Fred Astaire?” My finished lyric was sent to the incredible Scott Krippayne for music, and the melody that came back was beautiful and nostalgic. It was the perfect fit for our musical. Suddenly, the permission that had been delayed for so long finally came through. Who could blame my company if they wanted to use the classic song? It meant my new song was dropped. “Home For Christmas Again” sat on the shelf for four years. Then Scott sent it to Travis Cottrell, who was getting ready to record a Christmas cd. Travis loved the song, and chose it for his project. Brown Bannister gave it a lush, gorgeous arrangement, and Travis did a beautiful job of singing it. My second annual Musical Advent Calendar starts December 1st, and “Home For Christmas Again” will be the featured song on December 6. If you’d like to hear it, along with 24 other Christmas songs I’ve been part of writing across the years, you can join the event by going to www.writeaboutjesus.com and following the link to the Musical Advent Calendar on the home page.

Tribute Quartet has turned heads lately with a string of successes. Recently, they took their musical excellence, combined it with personality and thoughts of Christmas and added the expertise of producer, Roger Talley. The result: A Christmas album guaranteed to lift the spirit! Being that Tribute is blessed with four outstanding vocalists, the lead melodies are shared among the group members adding the element of surprise, along with spice and variety to the album. The accompaniment is true to the spirit of Christmas complete with sounds of full orchestration, angelic choirs and at times, jingle bells!bells! The album features familiar songs and carols such as “Silent Night,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as fun tunes like “Come On Ring Those Bells,” and “Jesus What A Wonderful Child.” Songs that tell the story and capture the tenderness of Christ’s birth is also included. Riley Harrison Clark’s performance of “Mary Did You Know” absolutely deserves a standing ovation. Know” absolutely deserves a standing ovation. Overall? Outstanding.

- Rhonda Frye

Stronger is TaRanda Greene’s first mainline solo project in quite some time and her debut project for StowTown Records. Produced by Geron Davis, it shows off TaRanda’s versatility with a mixture of different styles such as inspirational, pop, black gospel, and praise and worship. With this variety, Stronger offers something for everyone musically. The cd kicks off with “Stronger Than You Think You Are,” encouraging the listener to carry on through the challenges of life. “Where Amazing Happens” tells us that there are always second chances when we come to the Lord. TaRanda also has fun with black gospel/spiritual songs like “Shackles” (Praise You) and “A Little More Jesus.” “Deepest Praise” and “Healer” speak to God’s ability to be with us and heal us through seasons of pain. Also featured are “If I Could” and “All I Need” that tell the listener of God’s faithfulness. There is also a very unique cover of the country classic, “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.” Summing up Stronger: this an album for overcomers. The common thread is the strength that is available to us for everyday life, and it’s only found in Jesus Christ.

- Brian Fuson

JOSEPH HABEDANK

NEW CDAVAILABLENOW!

www.JosephHabedank.com

Southern Gospel Update - Dec. 2014

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