tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:30:00 +0000Random thoughts, musings and meditationshttp://www.blog.johnlanier.com/noreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)Blogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-8182713056127965954Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:49:00 +00002011-03-11T15:49:10.449-06:00The following has been circulating the web since around 2007, so you may have already read this or a similar variation. But in light of ever-increasing concern about the current political direction of our nation toward socialism, I felt this might be worth a read...whether you've read it before or are reading it for the first time. Do You Know How to Catch Wild Pigs? There was a chemistry http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2011/03/do-you-know-how-to-catch-wild-pigs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-1771522506009211558Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:35:00 +00002011-02-23T04:35:36.030-06:00Now, some folks have the notion that southern rednecks are jes unedukated n' ignernt. An' I'm here to tell yuns it jes ain't so. Why, southern redneck gals and guys might enjoy jes plain n' simple livin' in small, backwoods communities or on country farms, but we's some of the most innovative people you'll ever meet. We're smart with our nickels and dimes, too. We don't need the latest http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2011/02/just-for-fun-latest-developments-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-6493226446383021421Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:17:00 +00002011-02-22T05:22:56.367-06:00Undeniably, there is an agenda by a hidden regime behind our U.S. government (and others) to create a new world order that is ruled by a one-world government, which will implement a universal, one-world economy and religion. America was sold out years ago, unbeknownst to its citizens. Whether you know it or not, and whether you believe it or not, our government, in cooperation with this hidden http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2011/02/i-wont-bow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-2800159899528834622Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:10:00 +00002011-02-22T05:10:05.343-06:00Ken and Jean Grady are two of the finest people I've ever met. They produce and host a weekly gospel music TV program called, "Gospel Music Today," and they are gracious hosts. They filmed an interview with me back in September 2010 at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. The show featuring that interview just recently aired. To fit the into the time slot allotted, the interview http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2011/02/featured-on-gospel-music-today-with-ken.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-8098204999077452266Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:18:00 +00002011-01-06T03:18:28.824-06:00Since the 2008 Presidential race, a few discerning preachers and prophets have raised their voices loudly with warnings of spiritual and political trends in America. Even a few honest news journalists and conservative political figures have been anything but silent about a government regime saturated with Marxist, socialist, communist and even Islamic doctrines and ideologies. At times, even I http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2011/01/coming-out-of-closet-with-flying-colors.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-4602035372157853986Sat, 18 Dec 2010 05:49:00 +00002010-12-18T00:15:48.708-06:00Last week, I sent out a newsletter urging everyone to lift Sharon Terrell and her family in prayer as she faces yet another attack of cancer in her body. I spoke with Greg and Sharon on the phone just moments ago and I am thrilled to bring you a positive report.  Your prayers are being heard and God is moving in miraculous ways, intervening for the Terrells. While we continue to pray and wait http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/12/mission-christmas-miracle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-7398543259021526717Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:30:00 +00002010-12-10T12:30:43.455-06:00In recent years, I’ve noticed that stores and malls are putting up their “holiday” displays a little earlier than in the past. But it doesn’t compare to the big push I’ve witnessed this year. Even before Halloween, I saw tree decorations and Christmas gift wrap already on the shelves. In one store, alongside some Halloween displays, there were already lawn figures of Santa and Rudolph on the http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/12/merry-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-3602905646929762842Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-06-19T06:35:27.348-05:00I 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 http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/06/talking-points-or-playing-catch-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-8499606486940485009Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:53:00 +00002010-06-16T01:21:33.784-05:00 Gospel music has lost many beloved figures during my ministerial career. I will never forget how I felt when Vestal Goodman passed away, and I grieved the tragic death of Dottie Rambo for weeks. But I cannot begin to describe the emptiness I felt when I got word that Priscilla McGruder had left this world. Each of these people, in one way or another, were positive influences in my life. Some http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/06/priscilla-mcgruder-1948-2010.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-2878134528996565301Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:38:00 +00002010-06-16T01:35:21.220-05:00When friends and loved ones pass from this life to the next, it's never easy to say goodbye, even though they have found eternal rest in the arms of Jesus and we will see them again some day. In recent weeks, I've had to say goodbye to two very precious people. Helga Anita Rice Our family said goodbye to Mrs. Helga Anita Rice on May 11th. At age 71, she passed away a few days after suffering a http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/06/till-we-meet-again.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-8483221984432510053Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:47:00 +00002010-06-12T14:51:53.977-05:00It's been a while since I've posted, and I humbly apologize. As usual, I've been quite busy lately, to say the least...never a dull moment around here! I've got a lot of catching up to do with much to chat about, and I will be posting more next week. But for now, as I am preparing to leave in a few moments for a couple of services in south Georgia, I have a wonderful event to tell you about http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/06/wilburns-grand-reunion.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-8189737452365081876Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:44:00 +00002010-03-11T16:17:52.678-06:00We seem to be experiencing a technical difficulty with the blog's comment feature. Some comments have been posted but are not showing up. And some folks seem to be having a problem using the comments form, unable to post at all. We're looking into the issues and hope to have them resolved soon. In the meantime, did I mention we've posted new pictures in the photo gallery? UPDATE: If you http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/03/new-pics-no-comment.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-2331482172636077201Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:50:00 +00002010-03-11T06:52:26.954-06:00The first ever Country Gospel Music Fan Fest is coming to Pigeon Forge. Featuring a variety of Christian Country and Country Gospel music, CGM Fan Fest will premier at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center April 29, 2010. And you ain't gonna believe who they've chosen to emcee the three-day event! And they're going to let me sing, too! So, I'm putting on my western boots and cowboy hat and http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/03/going-country.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-3387059378247491873Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:22:00 +00002010-03-16T21:26:05.148-05:00As sponsor for the 6th Annual Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards, Christian Voice Magazine recently announced the top five nominees in 21 categories. (View the complete list of nominees at http://www.sgmfanfair.com/). Tony, Calvin and I were gratefully surprised to learn that each of us were among those nominees. Tony was named among the top favorite lead singers as voted by gospel music fans, http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/03/tony-gore-majesty-among-top-5-nominees.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-1423757875823875030Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:01:00 +00002010-01-26T23:03:36.752-06:00WARNING: The video you are about to view contains explicitly strong content of a spiritual nature and may be considered offensive to the lukewarm and backslidden Christian. Biblical guidance suggested. View at your own risk. In the words of the great Shirley Caesar, "Hold my mule! I'm gonna shout right now!"http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/01/video-clip-word-from-donnie-swaggart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-5625956988853255768Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:35:00 +00002010-01-21T14:35:04.233-06:00In response to my political views (posted on the right column of this blog), and the posts I've made here about former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, I mentioned in an earlier post that some folks apparently felt they needed to remind me that "politics and religion don't mix." I promised I would offer my view on the subject after the Christmas and New Year holidayshttp://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/01/silence-of-church-because-religion-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-9079376249454135454Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:16:00 +00002010-01-13T07:43:42.679-06:00During the final weeks of 2009, four prominent men of God were called to their Heavenly home - B.H Clendennen, Oral Roberts, Roger Barkley, Sr. and Calvin Hunt. In memory and in honor of each of these men, I wrote a two-page tribute entitled, "Men of God, Heroes of the Faith." The full article will appear in the February issue of Christian Voice Magazine. While all four of these men are http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/01/rembering-oral-roberts-and-bh.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-867585206744202280Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:14:00 +00002010-01-13T07:14:50.392-06:00One More Miracle was released to radio several months ago as the first single from my new CD, "God Is My Refuge." The song never made it to any of the Southern Gospel music charts (at least, not to my knowledge). However, the song is doing well on Christian Country and Country Gospel radio stations. I have recently been made aware that One More Miracle has charted at #59 in CVM's Country Gospel http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/01/to-my-country-gospel-christian-country.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-6972671114042017699Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:13:00 +00002010-01-13T07:13:33.429-06:00The SGM Fan Awards are voted upon by Gospel music fans, and given each year at the SGM FanFair in Pigeon Forge, TN.  It's a great way to express our appreciation for Southern Gospel music, and it's a lot of fun! The first ballots have opened and now's your chance to nominate your favorites in a variety of categories. Just click here and select the "Fan Awards" link in the navigation menu at the http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/01/gospel-music-alert-sgm-fan-award.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-552032753619659046Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +00002010-01-13T07:00:07.679-06:00To my delight - and the delight of many other conservative Americans - FOX News announced Monday that Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate, will join the cable news channel as a regular commentator. FOX said that, according to the multiyear deal, Palin will offer political commentary and analysis on the cable channel, as well as FOX's Web site, http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2010/01/fox-has-new-face-new-voice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-4851978081381597215Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:20:00 +00002009-12-30T13:20:25.796-06:00 ...this is how old I am today. Happy Birthday to me, lol. http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2009/12/on-highway-of-life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-2495582612820128245Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +00002009-12-23T23:08:59.718-06:00 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 http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2009/12/christmas-thoughts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-4414737100594375659Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:01:00 +00002009-12-23T21:18:11.546-06:00If 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 http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2009/12/book-dancing-in-wilderness-by-samanthia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-4498908902316049714Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:32:00 +00002009-12-23T19:32:05.421-06:00In 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 http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2009/12/big-hollywood-on-palin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3930149941328966801.post-4515537963036480783Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:01:00 +00002009-12-02T14:11:33.578-06:00My 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 http://www.blog.johnlanier.com/2009/12/guest-on-gospel-music-today-tv-show.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (John Lanier)4