Elizabeth Taylor gone at age 79

I saw the headlines today that Elizabeth Taylor is gone at age 79. I thought to myself, wow! The end of another icon of the big screen. She made tons of movies. She married many times. She stood up for causes. But, I realized I really don't know much about this woman at all.

Of course, she was famous for her sultry movies.
She was famous for her numerous marriages.
She was famous for standing with Michael Jackson in dire times.
She was famous for standing for other causes.

Those who knew her have said that she was very willing to help when she saw someone in need of an advocate. I realize when I think of her life that I am not quick to stand up as an advocate like she was. Perhaps it's because I have not attained to stage she had attained, so if I stand up for a cause, it makes very little difference without the vast platform she had. Still, I have been given my own little corner in which I can either light up or let grow darker.

What will you do with your stage, be it small or large? When all is said and done, will there be anyone grateful your paths crossed theirs like those who speak well of Elizabeth Taylor?

Farewell, Elizabeth Taylor!

A Book Review Of We Be Big - Rick Burgess & Bill 'Bubba' Bussey with Don Keith

Break out the Kleenex. You'll need them as you read this book - We Be Big The Mostly True Story Of How Two Kids From Calhoun County, Alabama, Became Rick & Bubba by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey With Don Keith - A New York Times Best-Selling Authors book. The book was provided to me through the Booksneeze program from Thomas Nelson. You'll be laughing tears as you read. Then, you'll turn the page to crying tears of sadness while rejoicing over God's overall plan and holiness.

At over 200 pages, it's an easy afternoon or weekend read as it will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read the very real happenings in the lives of two popular radio morning talk show hosts. To talk about the events of their lives would give away too much of the book. It's a must read and written in a tag-team, yo-yo manner where one chapter is all about Rick, followed by one about Bubba. This back and forth format continues much like their on-air back and forth discussions which leave an audience wanting more.

Though rooted in humor on their morning radio show, they also are very real with their listeners. The book is no different in it's description of life happenings that brought them to be the radio duo they became. The book will keep you on the proverbial "edge of your seat." Just when you think they have made the big time, it will take you for an unexpected tragic turn that was ultimately used to bring many people to give their lives for Jesus Christ.

Following is an excerpt from the first part of the eulogy which Rick Burgess presented as "God's ventriloquist" at his youngest son's funeral. The young boy drowned in a tragic accident in their backyard pool.



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Please Vote For The Loux Family For An Extreme Makover Home Edition

If you've never heard of him before, let me tell you who this is. Derek Loux was a worship leader for the Kansas City IHOP (International House of Prayer). Don't be confused. When I first heard the term IHOP, it made me hungry for pancakes. In fact, when we visited the St. Louis area IHOP which used to be held at Victory Church in south county, we just had to follow up with a stop to the restaurant after the prayer meeting thick in worship.

Derek Loux was killed in a car crash just 2 days before Christmas 2009. He and his wife were part of a mission to take in orphans. Now, his wife is raising 13 orphans alone in a 4-bedroom house near Kansas City.

Learn How To Nominate the Loux Family Here!

Read how you can help nominate them to receive an Extreme Makeover Home Edition! This family - wow! They need it. And, they have proven that they will truly be good stewards of what they receive. Oh - And, hurry! All nominations must be submitted by March 31, 2011. I know it takes time to read the rules and figure it all out. But, your reward is stored up for you in heaven. By nominating them, you are helping to look after orphans in their time of need - This is TRUE religion!

A New Clip From The Worship Network Cafe' Worship

The Worship Network was a huge blessing to us when we were expecting our third child.  After losing 3 babies during concurrent pregnancies, this child to be born to us was nothing short of a miracle.  As the expectant mom, I sat for hours watching worship videos on The Worship Network.  Sadly, we no longer get this channel.  They do appear on other channels, I think Channel 11 and 24 and Inspiration and maybe some others.  But, I rarely am awake when it is aired.

 

But, I can enjoy them online anytime.  I just received an email from The Worship Network talking about a new clip on their Cafe' Worship.  It combines a jazzy arrangement of I surrender All with amazingly peaceful pictures including water, sky and trees.  Watch Here:

 

Watch clip now...

 If you enjoy this, you can purchase it, brew up some coffee and enjoy!   Buy Cafe Worship now....

All God's blessings to you!!!

Is Anyone Else Tired of Charlie Sheen? He Just Received 74,000+ Intern Applications

I know as a Christian, I am to be kind and loving. So, yes, I have actually sent up a muddled prayer for the man. But, I'm so tired of hearing this name - Charlie Sheen. An article today says that he has received over 74,000 applications to become his intern.

What!? Over 74,000 people in this country not only watch and enjoy this man every week on 2 1/2 Men, but also want to be his intern? I understand he is an actor. I understand he lives his life the way he wants to live it. There was a time in my life I even enjoyed hearing about and watching his brother, Emilio and his dad, Martin Sheen. I realize I'm the only American to say this, but I found the show to be of poor content. And, for now, I'm tired of hearing about his addictions lifestyle and his angry comments. How about you?

The Gambler Kenny Rogers Turns To Inspirational Music With His First Ever Release At Cracker Barrel

On March 7, Kenny Rogers released his first ever inspirational album. After selling over 120 million records in his more than 50-year musical career, he is now releasing an inspirational tone. Cracker Barrel Restaurant Stores will be the only place you can find this new release entitled The Love Of God.

You can read more about this album, including finding links to where you can purchase the album here.

Have an inspirational evening. Why not enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel and then go home to enjoy the new Kenny Rogers album.

Finished Recording Sample Tracks Including My Original Song To My Wife!

I've been spending some time in the "recording studio" aka my basement and finally have come away with some sample tracks of some of the music I perform.  One of the songs included is my original song I wrote for my wife.  It's called Tere's Song, and it's instrumental!

You can hear the samples here!

Of course, I didn't include the entire song.  You'll have to wait for my first CD release for that which will hopefully come sometime this year with all originals!

I hope you enjoy the sample tracks and my original song for my wife!

Got A Dollar? It's Time To Drop Some Love In March

Are you ready? Do you have a dollar? That's all it takes to help someone in need. Find out who you can help during the month of March:



Last month the Love Drop Team raised over $13,000 (and 3 iPads!) to help two little boys with autism receive a service dog. They were beyond touched, and we did this in only 1 month - that's it. Everyone came together and gave a few bucks each to impact one family's life. If you were a part of it, THANK YOU! You can check out the final video of us showing up to their house here - it's pretty cool.

This month we start all over again and rally behind Katie, a single mom out in Dallas battling not only two brain tumors so far (she's knocked out one, and currently working on the other), but who's also dealing with hydrocephalus. We'd love to bring the community her way, and make a huge dent in her medical bills.

Wanna help? Here are 3 ways we could use you:

Wanna help? Here are 3 ways we could use you:

Wanna help?  Here are 3 ways we could use you:

1. Give $1.00 - This is the best way to help out and join our team at the same time.
2. Join our blogger network - Blog about our Love Drops each month like I am :) It's easy, it's rewarding, and it REALLY helps spread the word (which in turn helps our families). Love Drop will give you all the content you need.
3. Give a gift or provide a service - Gift cards are always helpful. Places like Target, Safeway, gas stations, etc would definitely help them out.

Thanks for reading!  Here's to love, baby.

Love Drop spreads donations to help those in need: Help family with autism

This site is amazing. Similar to Extreme Makeover offering houses to those in need, this site offers help through donations to one needy person each month. All it takes is a dollar from everyone who cares to make a huge dent in helping.

This is the family they are helping this month:



Here's more from the Love Drop site on how it works:

Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to make a difference in the lives of one person or family a month. By giving just $1.00, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and super easy way.

At the end of every month, Nate and J$ show up in the town the families live in and present them with everything the team raised -- all the money, the gifts, whatever the community helped get. It's all on film, and it all ends with us making a difference! (And then it starts all over again the next month)

This month we are coming together for 2 beautiful kids with severe autism -- Ethan & Alex. Our goal is to raise $13,000 on behalf of 4 Paws for Ability so that we can place a highly trained service dog with their family (the dog is completely free, but the training that goes into it is very very expensive). And if possible, three iPads so they can all communicate better with each other (Alex is completely non-verbal). Here are 3 ways you can help:

1.
Join the team - This is the best way to help out, and all it takes is $1.00.
2.
Join our blogger network - Blog about our Love Drops each month like I am :) It's easy, it's rewarding, and it REALLY helps spread the word (which in turn helps our families). Love Drop will give you all the content you need.
3.
Give a gift or provide a service - Gift cards to Target, iTunes, Wal-mart, etc would be great! As well as other items or services you think could help out. (Some people even make home-made items, we like creativity!)

Now, it's your turn - Drop some love!