Talking Points (Or, playing "catch-up!")

I apologize for not connecting with you here in the last couple of months. April and May passed me by before I realized it! So, let's play some "catch-up," shall we?

Going Rogue - Twice
I did finish reading Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue, months ago. Twice, actually. One of my bestest friends gave me the book as a Christmas gift. Then, also a Christmas gift, another bestest friend gave me the audio book version on CD. So, I've read it and I've heard it, lol. (I have the bestest friends in the whole world! Merry Christmas to me!)

Going Rogue is basically Mrs. Palin's autobiography - a personal account of her background, personal life and political career. And, in her own words, she speaks of her faith and shares her perspectives on political, moral and social issues.

You pretty much know how I feel about the lady, and that I mostly agree with her on these issues. So, it isn't necessary, really, to give you a detailed opinion on the book, other than to say: I enjoyed reading/hearing Mrs. Palin's story in her own words, unfiltered by the media. It only served to strengthen my support and appreciation for a lady whom, in my opinion, is a strong voice for conservative America.

Sarah's new book - America by Heart: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Flag - is coming out this November...just in time for Christmas.

Let's Hear It For The Boy
I'm so proud of my son, Jordan. I think I may have mentioned that a time or two before, lol. He passed the 5th grade as an A/B Honor Roll student, and is looking forward to moving up to the 6th grade.

In the meantime, he's enjoying a great summer vacation - swimming and riding his dirt bike and four-wheeler. He's a bit disappointed that we can't take our usual trip to the beach, due to the oil spill fiasco (grrr). But we can still head to the lake and visit one of our favorite theme parks.

Through the Whale Museum's "Adopt-A-Whale" program, Jordan adopted an orca whale just a few weeks ago. He did this using his own allowance money. This was something he was very enthusiastic about, and was very excited when his adoption package arrived - complete with his very own personalized adoption certificate, a color photo of his adopted whale, a membership certificate to the Whale Museum and more. The orca he adopted is a young male, born in 2004. His name is Comet.

Jordan will celebrate his 11th birthday on July 17th. He's planned a big family gathering at one of his favorite water parks. He's really looking forward to it.

Jordan is traveling some with me during the summer, as he usually does. So, come and see us when we are in your area!

New Addition To John Lanier Ministries
After more than nine years of faithful service as road manager for JLM, Darrell Monroe left to help form the new gospel trio, Diadem, last June. I am pleased to announce that my brother, Royce Lanier, is now filling the vacancy left open by Darrell's departure.

On April 12th, Royce came on board to serve as full-time road manager and personal assistant. This decision was made after much prayer, and we are both in agreement that this is God's will and has come about in His perfect time. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have my brother as part of John Lanier Ministries, and we are both excited about this new venture.

Royce is a faithful husband to his wife, Kelly, and a loving father to their three children - Nathan, Noah and Kaylee. He and his family moved from Atlanta, GA to the small town of Millport, AL nearly two years ago.

As his brother, I can truly say without hesitation that Royce is a Godly young man of Biblical morals and uncompromising conviction. He has the heart of a weeping prophet, like Jeremiah, with a burden of prayer over an unrepentant nation and a desire to see the church return to its first love.

This is Royce's first experience in full-time ministry. His humble nature and genuine zeal has already endeared him to many artists, fans, pastors and promoters. He's made many new friends and has already enjoyed great events like CGM FanFest, meeting and visiting with Karen Peck & New River, being a guest in Jackie & Elaine Wilburn's home, worshipping with Spirit-filled congregations...and eating homemade chocolate pie on Tony Gore's bus!

Royce is looking forward to making more friends and happy trails ahead!

2010 "Favorite Tenor"
Although it's "old news" by now, and many have already congratulated me with kind words, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for voting me as "Favorite Tenor" this year as a member of Tony Gore & Majesty.

This honor came during the 2010 SGM Fan Awards last month, and I am humbled by your kindness. Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for this generous token of love and support. It would not be possible, however, without my best friends and singing partners, Tony Gore and Calvin Thornton.

I love those guys, and we're having the time of our lives all over again since reuniting a few years ago. Thank you for welcoming us back with open arms and open hearts. You'll never know what it means to us. It means even more that you are being blessed by our music and lives are being positively touched by the ministry God has entrusted to us.

If you haven't already, be sure to get your copy of our latest CD, "Dawning Of A New Day." This is an all new recording by the original group for the first time in more than 15 years! (Order online here!)

Or, better yet, come by and see us when we are in your area, and you can get this CD and much more! Check my schedule page for upcoming "Majesty" appearances and make plans to be with us.

Double Feature: CGM FanFest and SGM FanFair In Pictures
You want a good chuckle? Take a look at me dressed in cowboy garb for the premier of Country Gospel Music FanFest last month! Now that was a Kodak moment - a rare one! LOL

But seriously, thanks to the contributions of several friends with great cameras, there is a photo album posted over at the Christian Voice Magazine website, featuring some great snapshots of both the 2010 CGM FanFest and SGM FanFair. It's a double feature - click here!

Walk To The Broken
Following my first radio single from my latest CD, "God Is My Refuge," we've just released Walk To The Broken as the second single to radio. I was advised to choose a different song from the CD because Walk To The Broken is not considered what the music business calls a "radio-friendly" song, and may not get played on very many stations. But I'm taking my chances. Since when did I ever follow protocol anyway?

There are other singles to follow from this same CD. But at this time, I feel strongly that this song needed to be heard, even with minimal airplay.

For so long now, it seems the church has gotten comfortable - in their comfortable pews, inside their comfortable sanctuary, with their comfortable sermonettes - and has forgotten the plan and purpose of God to reach out beyond our comfort zone; to GO OUT and compel the lost to come into the fold. We're becoming the cult of the comfortable, a bunch of fat, lazy, spoiled Christians - while the world around us falls apart.

The message of the song begs the question, "Where is our compassion for the lost sheep?" I pray this song will remind the body of Christ that the promises and provisions of our loving, Heavenly Father aren't given to us to keep, but to share generously with others who are hurting, needy and broken.

If you don't have the CD with this song on it, or you can't hear the song on your local radio station, you can listen to it right here.

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OK, there's plenty to talk about....let me hear from you!