The silence that accompanies winter is gone. Crickets are chirping outside and the sounds of spring have begun to fill the air. It won't be long now until flowers begin to bud then blossom into beautiful shades of reds, yellows and pinks and the trees turn their leaves heavenward to absorb the warmth of the sun.
Spring is my favorite time of year, when the weather hovers near perfect and you can enjoy all nature has to offer. It is a time when the life cycle begins for most animals, from forest creatures to pets and fish. It's the complete opposite of winter, when everything shrivels or dies. The world God created is amazing, very unique and a true work of artistry. Each flower, riverlet, mountain peak and tree have been strategicly placed, like a painter or landscaper carefully piecing together his or her masterpiece. The position of the oceans, the perfect blend of color between land and sea. He created it so effortlessly; with just a few words the beauty surrounding us came into being.
March 7, 2010, 3:19 p.m.
This year's "Gospel Music Expo" was a great success. Everyone was in great spirits creating a festive atmosphere. Even the weather cooperated and we had near perfect temperatures for both days.
On Tuesday I was the featured guest at the Western Tennessee Baptist Ministers' Wives conference at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Jerry Rankin, the president of the International Mission Board was the speaker for the Pastors, whom we met in Grant Hall after the program was over for lunch. I had no idea he would be there until we arrived for the conference.
Jerry Rankin was the speaker at my debut performance in February 1998 at a mission banquet held in Brandon, Mississippi. I hoped he would remember me when I approached him and surprisingly enough he did!
February 22, 2010, 4:25 p.m.
On Saturday I went to see Celine Dion's new film, "Celine: Through the Eyes of the World" and it was simply amazing. It brought back memories of the concert I went to see during her world tour.
The film which, according to Celine, was originally begun as a souvenir for her family, is comprised of on and offstage footage from her 2008-2009 world tour in support of her 2007 album, "Taking Chances." Cameras followed Celine around the world as she visited ninety-three cities on five contenents with her family. It showed behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals, as well as precious family moments. The movie nearly brought me to tears several times when it showed footage of a German concentration camp and a woman visiting her home country of South Korea for the first time since she was an infant.
The movie was definitely worth the wait and I can't wait for the DVD version set for release sometime this Spring.
