|
New Day News
Well, we've been gearing up for Spring around here, y'all! One of my favorite times of the year. I also love Summer, Winter and Fall. Yeah, I pretty much just love living life every day. Don't you? That might be one of the reasons I love our group name so much; New Day. Each new day is a chance to start again. Haven't been reading your Bible as much as you should? Start tomorrow. Haven't been spending time in prayer like you should? Start tomorrow...or better yet, start today! Make today YOUR new day!
We were invited to sing in a new venue for us this year, a Cowboy Church! The Cowboy Church of Ellis County in Waxahachie, Texas to be exact. What a fun night! We were with several other singers and one other group, Friends by Grace. This service is broadcast live over the internet at KBET. We want to personally thank Lindell and Fletcher for having us out and can't wait to see them again!
March 8th found us in San Antonio again. We've been there a lot lately. This time we were attending the 10th anniversary convention of the South Texas Gospel Music Association. This association has been so wonderful to us and is full of great, hard working people. One of the great things about the STGMA is not only are there artists who are members, but there are associate members which include the churches and fans of Southern Gospel music. We have always felt so supported by everyone involved. This year we were so honored to be chosen as the 2008 Horizon Group of the Year. This award is given by the board members and officers of the association. This means so much to us and helps validate our ministry and why we continue to pack up the trailer, kiss the kids goodbye for the weekend and hit the road. We will continue to do this as long as God leads.
While at the convention this year we made new friends (hey Alicia and Kelley) and met up with old ones. That's always one of the best parts of getting together. Catching up and having fun. And yes, Kelley and Alicia, the table you set up looked beautiful! But Kelley, I don't think I'd try that sock and shoe look again any time soon. If you happened to be there and saw us in our matching t-shirts, those were a gift from our special friend, Betty. Ms. Betty made shirts for the four of us that were custom made just for New Day! Jim's said "I don't play well with others" and mine, Bob's and Pam's said...(you guessed it) "Others")! HAHA She really knows us, doesn't she? Congratulations to all th award winners this year - can't wait til next year!
After leaving the convention a little early (unfortunately due to Pam's migraine and a concert early the next morning) we drove on to Bastrop. Let me just say that GPS systems only work when they are given the correct address, right Jim? The poor little computer voice in the GPS system probably grew as frustrated as we were every time she would tell us "Please make a u-turn as soon as possible." Did I mention it was daylight savings time night and already 11:00 PM?? Let's just say I'll be backing up our little system with MapQuest from now on!
1st Assembly of God, Bastrop, Texas: What a beautiful morning! We were very blessed to be able to minister in song. The service started with such a wonderful time of praise in song. We want to thank Larry Moore for the invitation. After the service we were treated to lunch with the Pastor, his family, the Moores, some of the congregation and Ms. Pat. Have you ever met someone with so much zest for life you couldn't help but be inspired by them? That's Ms. Pat. She's a 90 year old lover of life who enjoys bow hunting, deep sea fishing, mowing her yard and, if she can't think of anything else to do, maybe she'll bake a pie. We wanted to put her in the van and take her with us, but 1st Assembly just couldnt' part with her!
Lifeway Concerts, Athens Texas: Saturday March 15th found us in concert with the Tribute Qt at Lifeway. This was our first trip there and we were not disappointed. The Fuller Family provides such a wonderful service for all of East Texas by providing great Southern Gospel music in that area. We were honored to share the stage with Tribute - those guys were awesome! Their energy, enthusiasm, entertainment and ministry was unbelievable. We are blessed to call them our new friends. Gary, Dennis, Josh and Jacob - thank you for the words of encouragement! Josh - settle down and behave, and Jacob....you know!!! Ms. Nelda, Jim, Helen and all of our friends who traveled so far to see us - you'll never know how it swells our hearts to look out and see you there. Beth, that 8-1/2 hour drive was just plain love in action. We love you right back!!
Posted by: New Day on Mar 19, 08 | 3:06 pm | [0] Comments (1146 views)
Kelley's Blog!
WYLIE OPRY
You know from time to time we like to share a little bit about our New Day experiences with ya'll. But sometimes, I have to sit and debate just how much we want to share. Say, for instance in the case of a wardrobe malfunction. (OK relax, it was nothing like Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl "slip-up") Last weekend we were in concert at the Wylie Opry, which is always a fun place to sing. Well, I decided to play dress up a little and wear a beautiful sparkly sweater with rhinestones on it. I also decided to wear my shoes for the entire time, but that's a different story. Anyway, we were sitting there listening to some great gospel music and I was happily clapping along caught up in the moment when I suddenly realized I couldn't move my arm. At all. Zero. Zilch. My beads from my arm had become entangled with the beads on the front of my sweater. Did I mention that we were up next? After frantically pulling on the sweater from all angles, with my one free hand, I finally resigned myself to the fact that I would be singing every song as if it were the Star Spangled Banner, (you know, hand across the heart) when my husband whipped out his extra large pocket knife complete with assorted scary attachments. Surgery was quickly if not efficiently performed on my sweater just in time. I was free! We had such a great time and can't wait to go back again. Thanks to all our friends who came out to support us. I promise to behave a little more dignified in the future. OK I promise to TRY to behave a little more dignified in the future.
RAYVILLE, LOUISIANA
We were so honored to be a part of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church's 40th Homecoming celebration. Pastor Harold and Ms. Lena Spillars, as well as the whole Mt. Calvary family were such gracious hosts. We were able to attend the Saturday night and the Sunday morning services. This Homecoming is held "camp meeting" style with several evangelists and several singing groups all coming together to celebrate this churches success in reaching the lost for Christ. Mt. Calvary has been the mother church from which 12 different Baptist churches have been established, as well as the home church where 28 different men have surrendered to the ministry. The hospitality of this church is amazing, and the food! Man! Those of us that are blessed to be able to minister at different churches already know nothing beats good old fashioned church suppers! On a personal note, I grew up attending these camp meetings at Mt. Calvary, and then later took my children when they were growing up. It was at these wonderful services that I would hear all these wonderful Southern Gospel groups and I would be amazed by their harmony, their joy, and so envious of the ability that they had to praise God in song! I realized at some point Saturday night while we were singing that I was realizing a true dream of mine come true. I am so thankful to our Lord, Jesus Christ for allowing us to minister in song. God is so good!!
Posted by: New Day on Feb 29, 08 | 3:51 pm | [0] Comments (478 views)
Starting off the year right!!!
You know, I always get excited this time of year. Not because of resolutions, but because of fresh starts! It almost feels like Spring to me! (Without the allergies...haha)
We decided, as a group, that we wanted to really focus on the ministry of New Day this year - not just the concerts, festivals, singings, that sort of thing - but the real meat of our ministry for us - worshipful church services. We started the year with a personal time of prayer and dedication, and seriously, I feel like we're at a starting gate getting ready to run. I'm ready for take-off!!
New Day's first worship opportunity was held January 5th at the Davis Memorial United Methodist Church. What a beautiful church, filled with beautiful people! We had a wonderful time and really felt a freedom to sing AND share with everyone there our love for the Lord. This church really supports music ministries of all genres. They have some fabulous Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, Contemporary and Praise & Worship groups scheduled for Saturday nights in 2008. The church is in North Richland Hills. We really enourage you to go support their efforts to bring wonderful worship to their area. Lay Minister Ron brought a great devotional. Hey Ron, "Who are those guys?!?!" At Davis UMC, we definitely had church!!
On a personal note, New Day would like to say thank you to: Ben & AC Valdez, John & Lisa Jaramillo, Marco & Nydia Franco, Shawn & Sharlene Garrett, and Pastor Russell Rogers. You will never know what that meant to us - thank you!
Kelley
Posted by: New Day on Jan 15, 08 | 3:14 pm | [0] Comments (327 views)
Out with the old and in with the new!!!
Can you believe 2007 is nearly gone? This has been a whirlwind year for us. If we were to make a list of all the things the four of us have been faced with, individually and collectively, it would almost be too much to believe. I'm so comforted though in the knowledge that we do not fight against these "things"....but we rest secure in the knowledge that what the storm doesn't know is that we're safe in our Master's strong and loving arms.
And lest it sound like this has been a terrible year - to the contrary! God has opened doors for New Day that have boggled our minds! We've made many new and wonderful friends. We've experienced awesome events and seen some of our dreams become reality. Suffice it to say - we are sooooo looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2008!
And speaking of 2008....we will begin the year recommitting our ministry to God. We don't want to do a single thing in 2008 that He hasn't ordained. We don't want to take a single step that isn't divinely ordered. Our church choir sang a song that sums up how I feel. "Lead me Lord, I will follow! Lead me Lord, I will go! You have called me, I will answer!"
Please pray for us in 2008 that God will use us to do only what He has called us to do - nothing less, nothing more! And from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so very much for being our friends, our prayer partners, our family and our encouragers!
Posted by: New Day on Dec 20, 07 | 1:48 pm | [0] Comments (237 views)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Is it just me or does anyone else feel like we blink and its already that time of year again? For days my house has smelled of cinnamon and pumpkin and tonight the hard core cooking begins. Tomorrow will be spent with our families and once again I'll pause to thank God for the blessings in my life.
Lately I've been reminded over and over that the unmerited favor of God is so awesome!!! Not only has God blessed me with health, food on my table, and the bills are paid - but I'm surrounded by the most wonderful people to share this journey of life with. I couldn't be more proud of my kids and as the family grows my heart just expands to make room for more.
And then God made friends! And I get to travel and sing with the best! We laugh, we cry, we pray, we share....it just doesn't get any better. We don't take a single opportunity to uplift Him for granted. Our ministry may be questioned by some, but God has surrounded us with the most wonderful, encouraging friends we could ever ask for. And for that we don't have the words to tell you how grateful we are.
So tomorrow, as we bow our head to offer to God our prayers of thanksgiving, I'll thank Him for you! Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me!!
Pam
Posted by: New Day on Nov 21, 07 | 11:17 am | [0] Comments (161 views)
Some things never change....
Some things never change…
When we started this journey two years ago, we were excited to have the opportunity to serve God by doing something we love so passionately, and at the same time deeply honored that people would want to hear us. That hasn't changed….we're still excited and probably more humbled and honored that people are still listening.
Yesterday we received the news that our song, Soul Searchin, has reached the #43 spot on the US Gospel News chart for December. Believe me, that was exciting to think that people we don't even know are enjoying our song.
But when we found out last night that the song reached the #20 position on our local station, KKGM 1630 AM, here in Dallas, that was humbling. This chart is based solely on listener requests, so to think that people take the time out of their busy lives to call and request our song….I don't even have the words to tell you how that feels.
We've prayed from the beginning of our ministry that God would use us to reach the lost as well as encourage the believer. That's all we've ever wanted…and that's the only reason we choose to leave the comfort of our home church and take time away from our families…because we really do believe that God has called us to be Soul Searchers. A position on a chart somewhere is not what we're seeking at all. To hear that we've encouraged someone along the way, that's what we're praying for. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting us with your prayers, your emails, your words of encouragement and yes, for requesting our song. It just tells us that we're where we want to be….in the center of His will.
Posted by: New Day on Nov 13, 07 | 10:03 am | [0] Comments (190 views)
Foster/Adoption Weekend 2007
OK, I'm tired. I admit it. I'm not admitting to be too old though! We have reason to be tired and so do all the workers who spent the last couple of days setting up, playing games, cleaning the grounds, cooking the food, having fellowship, power washing the church, folding and unfolding chairs, putting up tents, and just about anything else you can think of the make Foster/Adoption weekend 2007 a huge hit at Trinity Life Baptist Church. This was our third annual event and this year did not disappoint!
Foster/Adoption weekend was conceived by our pastor, Russell Rogers, who along with his wife Shelly, have a personal vested interest in the lives of foster children. Three of their five children, (yes, I said FIVE) were foster children brought into their home who they then were able to adopt and make permanent members of their family. Our church believes that Foster Parents and Adoptive Parents deserve a little praise and alot of fun! The first weekend of every November is dedicated to reaching these families for the cause of Christ!
This year we had: bounce houses, large slides, bungee jumping, (and no, I did not bungee jump, God blessed me with common sense), carnival games, t-shirt making booths, fire trucks, police cars, and even an ambulance, (just for fun)! And don't even get me started on the food, oh ok, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, chips, snow cones, popcorn, cookies, BBQ brisket, need I say more?
Bob and Pam were able to spend all day Saturday at the Fair with their three grandchildren, Haley, Madi, and Jake. I think Nana and Pawpaw needed a nap first.
Pam and Kelley did attempt the big slide but had much more fun going up than they did coming down! We knew we were in trouble when it took more time to sit and put your shoes back on than it did to slide down! I would have to say my favorite event of the day was the barrel train ride. I think I'm still bouncing around, but at least I had a cushion in my barrel! Can you sit yet Pam? Ms. Lisa, the driver of the train decided since she had such special people on board she would find every ditch and pothole she could on the property. We still love you Lisa!
New Day was honored to be the worship leaders for the Sunday morning service under the big tent. Everyone was so excited and happy to be such a part of a thriving ministry in this church. Our special music for the morning was "Orphans of God". What better song to tell everyone there that we ALL matter to Him? And you DO matter! Whoever you are and wherever you are, you matter to JESUS. Talk to him. He'll listen. In the book of Romans, in the New Testament section of the Bible, chapter 10 verse 13, it says: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved. You can do that, it's easy, call on His name.
I know the best part of the whole weekend for New Day was when someone approached our Youth Pastor during our concert to find out how to become a Christian. That's why we sing. To reflect His glory, to show His love.
Kelley (pictures coming soon!!!)
Posted by: New Day on Nov 05, 07 | 12:05 pm | [0] Comments (226 views)
Praise, Inc. & Brian Free and Assurance Concert
You know how sometimes you look forward to something for so long and the anticipation is sometimes more exciting than the actual event?? That DIDN'T happen here!! We finally made it to October 20th and the Praise, Inc. Anniversary Concert and it was everything we had hoped it would be and more! God just keeps blessing beyond our wildest dreams!
We were admittedly a little nervous, (and more than a little honored) to be included in a program of all fulltime professional Gospel singers.
First up, Patsy Bellington, who was beautiful as always and sang her heart out. You would never expect such a tiny little pretty woman to belt out "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" so strongly and with such fire!
We were next on the program and gave it our all with "How Great Thou Art" being our opening anthem for the night. God was with us and we enjoyed ourselves so much! (Life more abundantly, People!!)
Next up was the group of the hour, Praise, Inc. Wow! We can truly say we have never heard Praise, Inc. sing so smoothly and with such obvious joy! What a great blessing to be able to celebrate 3 years in His service. Steve Sams has stepped out on faith and is doing the work that he believes God has called him to do. There is no doubt to the effectiveness of this ministry. Last year Praise, Inc. was able to see over 200 souls come to know Christ through the efforts of their concerts! Praise God! THAT is what it is all about! It is hard work, you are gone from your family more than you like, you spend hours on the bus, or in the van, but if ONE person will spend Heaven in eternity because of the small effort you make, you KNOW you have a small part of the rejoicing in Heaven!!
I also believe that Steve Sams is an encourager. Some of you may find this hard to believe but sometimes there is a spirit of competition between groups when you have more than one on a program. (What?! Say it isn't so! lol) That does not happen with Praise, Inc., and that did not happen on Oct 20th. If God is your focus this will not happen!!
The last group of the night to take the stage was none other than Brian Free and Assurance. Wow. I don't even know how to describe the ministry that we saw take place. There was such a confidence in Christ and in their message! The boldness with which they sang was such a blessing and invigorating all at once! I have to say that I was impressed not only with their so very obvious God given talents but with the humbleness and humanity in which their ministry is delivered. I will never forget standing in that sanctuary with arms raised to God hearing "For God So Loved" and KNOWING that we were in His presence. If Brian Free and Assurance are ever in your area please make an effort to see them and support their ministry. You will not be disappointed. I want to also thank Mr. Free for his kind words of encouragement for New Day.
Ricky Free was not able to be there because of his studio work obligations in Nashville. We missed him but we get to hear him every day! He was the drummer on our last CD "Soul Searchin'", and if we have any say about it he'll be the drummer on our next project, too!
Charlie Campbell from 90.9 radio in Dallas was the M.C. for this event and what a great time we all had! On a side note I need to apologize to Mr. Campbell for giving away his personal property. You see, there's a very good explanation. I was so excited about this concert and like any good concert there were some drawings for free CD's. Well, there was a stack of CD's next to me on the pew and when they asked where are the CD's to give away, I naturally assumed they were the CD's just sitting there all by there lonesome selves. But.....No! Those were actually the personal property of Mr. Charlie Campbell, for his radio program. Oops. Well, Pam wouldn't let me get up and leave but she did have a great laugh! Later in the night, Mr. Campbell kindly informed that his CD's had been replaced, (thanks Bob) but to keep my little hands off of them! LOL
We also got to meet Paul Hughes from KKGM face to face! What a blessing he has been to our ministry so far and we're looking forward to growing that relationship even more in the future! We're blessed to have these two wonderful men sharing our music in the Metroplex and we sure don't take that for granted!
Posted by: New Day on Oct 22, 07 | 11:41 am | [0] Comments (383 views)
Wimberly!!
Ever heard of a little town called Wimberley, Texas? Neither had I, but I soon found out I'd been missing alot! Wimberley is near San Marcus, and some of the most beautiful country in Texas. What they really have that is so special though is the Cowboy Church. That's where the "Wimberley Gospel Music Fall Festival" is held every year.
We drove down on Saturday morning fresh from our time at the IAMM convention ready to praise God with others and to hear awesome Gospel music. (Don't worry Jim, I won't tell everyone about your speeding ticket, or how we got lost, or how you didn't stop so we had to change in the van. Minor details!)
The festival is held on the church grounds under a large tent, (for the congregation), and a small tent, (for the groups). New Day was scheduled for the 4:45 to 5:30 slot. Can I just tell you that it is hot that time of day?? The sun decided to shine on us, Literally!! I think it was the first time Bob and Pam sang in sun glasses! I didn't wear any because I wanted to be able to "touch the people" eye to eye. (OK, OK I couldn't find my sunglasses in time!)
Anyway, the day was full of great southern gospel, bluegrass, and spiritual music. One of our favorite groups to perform that day was a family group that played all their own instruments and sang bluegrass, The Bailey Family. This event is held every year at the same time and I highly recommend attending. If you are a lover of Gospel music this event is for you!
We were then blessed to be able to sing Sunday night at a revival at Talosa Baptist Church. We appreciate and thank Pastor Herschel Smith for inviting us to be a part of their weeklong revival. The evangelist for the week was Rev. Brian McWhorter, also from East Texas. It was the last evening of a whirlwind weekend that had included the IAMM convention, The Wimberley Gospell Fall Festival and the drive from South Texas to East Texas. I have to admit to being a little tired in the service and I was ready to sit back and be ministered to. Bro McWhorter really touched me with his exhortation to spend more time in God's Word. That, (and prayer) is what will refresh you and prepare you to get right back out there and sing/pray/talk/minister/work for Jesus!
Posted by: New Day on Oct 22, 07 | 11:15 am | [0] Comments (201 views)
IAMM Convention
know that we are not the only people to live fast paced lives. Sometimes I wish we could slow down just a little, don't you? But what would we give up? Time with family, the secular work that supplies our needs and some of our wants, the fellowship with friends that we cherish, or the ministries that we are honored to attempt?
I have to admit that I don't always leap out of bed with joy at the things on my list I have to accomplish that day. (OK those of you that know me personally know I don't "leap" in the morning, especially before 9am, but you know what I mean!) I've been feeling overwhelmed with my "to-do" list lately. Too many things to bore you with here, but I finally had a bright idea: Why don't I pray about it?? Wow! What a thought! Seriously, why is it always the last thought to come to mind when you are at the end of your rope? Prayer is the knot that we can tie and hang onto! Then we can hang on and swing there a little longer! I really needed this restful prayer a few weeks ago.
We've been blessed with a busy schedule lately and had actually not intended to attend the IAMM conference in La Porte, Texas this year. Between our fulltime secular jobs and our ministry schedule we didn't think we could make it work. I'm so glad we did! We were able to drive down early on Friday morning and make it just in time to the round table discussion that includes members, the board of directors, and the President and Vice-President giving their visions of the coming year. Sounds like everyone will be busy again!
The IAMM Association, (International Association of Music Ministers) is a non-profit South Texas based Christian Music Association. New Day has been very blessed to be a member for the past year. There are alot of associations you can join, and I'm sure that most, if not all, try to function with integrity and Christ centered messages. But we believe in our hearts that the purpose and function of IAMM is something everyone in Christian music needs. There are association's you can join to help you make "connections", or get bookings, but I wouldn't look to IAMM to further your "career". What you can expect from IAMM is this: Spiritual Accountability. Sometimes that is like medicine: hard to take, but healing.
I didn't think we would be able to top last year's convention with the concert night, but WOW, it was awesome! There were groups there from Texas, of course, but also from Missouri, Tennessee, California, and others I can't remember where their from. The Relations brought the house down again, as usual, and we were blessed to hear Pastor Mooney from New Life with an exceptional trumpet solo. How moving!! The convention was held this year at New Life, graciously hosted by Bishop Holley and Pastor Gayla. To see some beautiful pictures and read more about New Life you can visit www.gaylasmagazine.com and see for yourself! We were only able to attend one day of this 4 day conference, so I know we really missed a blessing.
After the concert on Friday night we headed to dinner near our hotel with a very sweet couple from New Life, Chuck and Debra Rupert. What a great time of fellowship! We've always said between the 4 of us (New Day) that we want to make true new friends along this great adventure of God's calling with this ministry. With Chuck and Debra, we did! So much fun! Can't wait to see them all again!
Posted by: New Day on Oct 22, 07 | 10:26 am | [0] Comments (160 views)
|
 |
|
