On The Highway of Life...

...this is how old I am today.

Happy Birthday to me, lol.

Merry Christmas, Santa. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Within healthy limits, I don't believe it's wrong or immoral for young children to have childish fantasies, dreams and imaginations. But, at Christmas time, I do believe it's important to direct my ten year old son's focus on the truth and reality of Jesus' birth, especially in a time when secular culture seems to be conditioning society towards greed, selfishness and unaccountability - not to mention the secularism and commercialism of the holiday itself.

Like many Christian parents, I want my son to learn gratitude, charity, compassion, unselfishness, accountability, etc. - all the virtues of Godly character.

Recently, I took Jordan with me to visit a local nursing home. We sang some gospel songs and Christmas songs to some very precious elderly people there. We gave them Christmas gifts and stayed to visit with many of them for a while after our mini-concert.

Jordan loved every minute of it. He enjoyed "entertaining" them with his songs and his own brand of "comedy." And afterwards, he listened to their stories with great fascination. And I was so proud to see him pouring out so much love to each one he visited, as if they were his own family - he didn't meet one stranger.

Jordan learned of the nursing home's "Adopt A Grandparent" program and later told me he wanted to participate and visit the nursing home on a regular basis. So, now, we have a new "extended family."

After our nursing home visit that day, we headed to a nearby church for a special Christmas concert that evening to benefit "Toys For Tots," an event in which Jordan also participated.

As Jordan chatted with me about the events of the day, another opportunity was given for me to explain more and emphasize to him another factor of the true meaning of Christmas, and why it's so important.

Christmas has a genuine, eternal purpose. God gave our lives meaning and purpose through His son, Jesus Christ.

Santa wouldn't even have a job if Jesus hadn't arrived.

Jordan and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

BOOK: Dancing In The Wilderness (By Samanthia Cassidy)

If you've never encountered Samanthia Cassidy, you're missing a tremendous blessing.

Samanthia is a noted singer, songwriter and author. I have been acquainted with her for many years, having shared the stage with her a few times, seen her on TV, and heard her music on the radio. Earlier this year, however, a wonderful friendship began when I saw her and her husband Bill at the 2009 SGM FanFair in Pigeon Forge, TN. We enjoyed several conversations that week and I was so thrilled to experience Samanthia's ministry once again. The anointing flows powerfully from this precious lady.

Unexpectedly, I saw them again in another East Tennessee town at a church I ministered in one Sunday morning. What a pleasant surprise to see Bill and Samanthia in the congregation when I stepped onto the platform!

After the service that day, we had lunch together. Afterwards, I felt as if I had been in a Heavenly revival. Samanthia just has a gift for uplifting everyone who comes in contact with her, and I could sit and listen to her talk for hours...maybe even days!

Her life story is truly remarkable, and she has candidly and vividly shared her testimony in a book entitled, Dancing In The Wilderness. I just finished reading this fascinating book.

A true story and honest glimpse into a dysfunctional home, Samanthia's testimony has helped many people to overcome the bondage of their haunting past and the dark secrets that torment their souls.

I highly recommend that you get your copy of Dancing In The Wilderness today and discover the joy of dancing with God! You'll never be the same. Visit Samanthia Cassidy's website for more information.

Film companies and producers are looking at Dancing In The Wilderness in consideration of making it a major production movie. Samanthia is currently working on her second book, entitled, Nigeria, Oh, Nigeria. Samanthia is also slated for an interview feature in a 2010 issue of Christian Voice Magazine.

Big Hollywood On Palin

In response to my political views (posted on the right column), and the posts I've made here about former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, it seems a few folks feel the need to remind me (via e-mail) that "politics and religion don't mix." I will save my reply to this statement until after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

But for now, it should suffice to say that, for the most part, I share Mrs. Palin's views and convictions, and I appreciate her as a voice for many like-minded conservative Americans.

That said...I recently read a post about Mrs. Palin on another blog that I thought was worthy of passing along.

If you're interested, you can read the entire blog post here.

Guest On 'Gospel Music Today'

My thanks to Ken & Jean Grady, hosts of popular TV/Webcast show, Gospel Music Today, for having me as a guest on their show.

Although they have featured a few of my musical performances on past shows, this latest show features only an interview segment. Below is the interview clip from the show. I talk about my beginning with Naomi & The Segos, joining Tony Gore & Majesty, Christian Voice Magazine and my new CD.



If you'd like to see this show in it's entirety, go to http://www.gospelmusictoday.com/. You'll enjoy the entire show which features a vintage Gold City performance of a classic Christmas song!