LC's Open Mic

COME ON 2009!!!

 

Dear loved ones,

 

2008 has been a year with great highs, lows, and much in between… AND it has also been another year filled with God’s grace. 

 

We have felt it in the loving prayers offered up on our behalf by all of you. 

 

We have experienced it in the gentle acts of mercy by friends and family. 

 

We have seen it in the continued care and faith of our gracious business partners, Bob, and Dennis. 

 

The last few months were challenging.  No surprise there, huh? LOL.  I think all of you probably have your own stories of trials and, I pray, victories.  If there ever was a time to practice the counting of blessings, it is surely now.  I think it just might be one of the sweetest acts of worship!

 

My precious wife Michelle is doing well.  I am sure I try her patience J.  She is always a source of joy and calm for the entire family. 

 

Abigail is a successful sophomore at Trevecca. 

 

Ethan is now a senior in high school, and Kaeli-Anne is a sophomore. 

 

All of them are doing well.  It probably sounds cliché, but they really are growing up so quickly.  We are truly proud of them. 

 

I have simply been healing.  Doctor visits (our VA medical team s incredible), lots of tests, a bout with pneumonia last month, medications, physical therapy, working on our music business, trying to get my voice and guitar chops back up to speed, writing new songs, meeting with our Square One Ministries family, and above all else trying to catch God’s heart for how we are to grow both the music and ministry in 2009…  The days go by pretty quickly!

 

Tapering down the medications over the last few months has been a little tougher than we thought.  However, overall it is going well.  I have been having a problem with elevated liver enzymes.  The doctors aren’t sure what is causing it…  It could be several different things…  We are praying that it isn’t anything serious, and God will just fix it.  He is SO good J 

 

Your prayers are hugely appreciated as always!

 

This holiday season has been a quiet, blessed time with family and a few friends who were in town.  Here are some of the many beautiful Holiday highlights; a visit from our dear friend Bob, who flew up from Hollywood, Florida, the AWESOME Square One Christmas party, a precious December 23^rd birthday party with Meema, a wonderful Christmas visit from my business partners, a much anticipated Christmas Eve party at Chris & Camille Wallin’s home (their kin folk are fun), a great Hanukah party put on by Gary Flamberg’s ministry and hosted at Meema’s house, sharing Christmas songs at the Web Grove A.M.E. Church here in Tennessee with Reverend Parker and his ministry team, a beautiful holiday evening with the Byrum’s,  a Christmas game of Cranium with my producer, Ernie Petrangelo, all the phone calls, Christmas cards, and loving gifts of cheer and faith given by so many!

 

I did receive one gift that every member of my family was grateful for…  A big, oversized, terry robe!  Why were they grateful?  Last month I had to dash out of my bedroom, and I had, in desperation, donned Michelle’s flowery bath robe…  The kids said it creeped them out.  Michelle just shook her head, commenting on how my sister’s DNA must really be kicking in.  Me?  Well, it seemed to make sense in the moment, and hey, it inspired a gift that I REALLY like…  No regets here! 

 

What they don’t know (I’m pretty sure the kids don’t read my updates…  They have to live it, hah hah!) is this, on that very morning, I had to let our dog, Moriah, out to relieve herself.  No big deal, right?  It was before 6 in the morning, and I had donned the same robe, because I honestly thought no one would be out and about that early.  

 

Well, I had the singular privilege of greeting several neighbors on their way to work.  I have always tried to be faithful to the principle of  “hold your head high and act like you meant it”.  Maybe they thought I was Michelle…  The facial hair probably gave me away though.  My Mama always says, “The older you get. The less you care what others think about you.”  This likely means my old age will be something to talk about.  (I am writing this on a laptop in bed.  Michelle is asleep.  I am pretending that I don’t know this.  Well, I read her what I just wrote, and asked her if it is too much information.  Her muffled voice just came from beneath the pile of blankets, “That’s sweet honey.”  Hmmm…  Okay, I’ll just keep on.)

 

I know that I am getting long winded, so let me just say how awesome it is to be alive and CANCER FREE.  In the name of Jesus, it is going to stay this way! 

 

O yes, in February, my song “Rainy Day”, will be officially released to Christian Country radio.  We are fervently praying it will do well! 

 

I am really missing going out and sharing the gift of music God has given.  I have led worship a couple of times lately, and shared some specials in a few services.  But with the advent of an actual IMMUNE SYSTEM, and with more strength, we should be finally able to minister out more and more.

 

Michelle and I have much to share about real joy, and how to walk in it.  If you would like us to come and minister in music, and/or the Word simply let us know.  We can come to your church, venue, or if you like, we can even come to your home meeting.  We love to laugh and have a good time with God’s people. 

 

Times are difficult right now for so many.  However, God has an answer and we have a blast sharing it!!!  You can call me at (615) 268-2642 or just shoot me an email.

 

Here is to a fruitful, joyful, glorious 2009!  Let us go into it together with a BIG shout of praise.  God loves faith.  Let’s give Him lots of it in 2009!!!!!!!

 

More than anything else know that YOU are LOVED!!!!

 

Lance

 

COMPLETE REMISSION

Blessings!

What a summer... I am sure most of you could echo this sentiment :-) God's grace abounded, but there were a lot of challenges that covered the spectrum – body, soul, and spirit!

It has been a while now since I last sent out an update, but when we got the latest bit of news, I new it was time to send one out!

About three weeks ago, I had a week long series of rigorous tests. For the clinical study I am part of, this is protocol at the one year mark of the donor transplant. Then it was time to wait for the results. We spent a lot of time in prayer, and then tried not to think about it LOL! Finally, the news came by telephone. Our wonderful Physician's Assistant who directly handles my case with Dr. Chin, told us that the latest bone marrow biopsy (that one REALLY hurt), along with all the many other tests showed a COMPLETE REMISSION! All of our wonderful friends at the VA Stem Cell Transplant Unit were celebrating with us! Over the past five years they have become like family :-)

We have also discovered that most of my organs have held up remarkably well, though my heart has sustained some damage. Also, the skeletal damage is currently a bit problematic, all the nerve damage is difficult, and the medications' side effects are challenging. HOWEVER, the same God who has brought us this far WILL see us through to a COMPLETE HEALING!

One other notable fact is that my bones are showing evidence of restoration. According to the doctor, this is impossible! I believe that this restoration will continue, because with God “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”!!!

Thanks to your FAITH filled prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, we are TOHETHER proving what is “the good and acceptable will of God” to HIS glory and honor!

Okay, I know there have been a lot of exclamation points in this letter, but PRAISE GOD, we feel as if there is a whole new, WONDERFUL season right ahead. I am gradually tapering off all the medications, and by God's grace, at the first of the year I can get my BABY SHOTS (the immune system has to start from scratch). Also, in January, I turn 42. Getting my baby shots at 42? :-) So cool to be alive to do it!

The next season will be pretty rigorous as I rehab my body to transition off the meds, build overall constitution, detox and strengthen up, facilitate the body's healing process, get my voice back in shape (next week I start vocal rehab with the AWESOME Jaime Babbitt), playing chops strengthened, and prepare to really return to the work and ministry I love.

It will be an interesting time for Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, and Kaeli-Anne. To have “Papa” back - undrugged, able to get around better, and genuinely engaged with life.  That will be a change. I know my beloved business partners, Bob and Dennis, will be glad as well!

Over this last season, I have had much time to consider and prayer. WOW! The future is REALLY bright! God has given me new vision and hope. There are some amazing things in store, of this I am sure. Lots of MUSIC and MINISTRY! Furthermore, Michelle and the kids will be stepping into the public eye more and more. They have much to share both in the arts and in simply speaking. These struggles have abundantly taught all of us  about love, family, and community.

As a family, we are so very GRATEFUL for all the prayers that have been selflessly offered on our behalf. Your continued prayers are a precious gift that we do not take lightly. Know that we are praying for you. Give us a call or send us an email with any specific requests.

Together we can press into God's best!

We love YOU!!!!!

Lance, Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, & Kaeli-Anne

Wow! January and the first half of February had some real highs and lows. 

Between health issues that were related to the immune suppression treatments and the flu virus – NOT a good combination – I ended up back in the hospital for awhile and then released back into the Vanderbilt apartments, next to the VA, for about 2 weeks. 

While in the hospital, we had a couple of scary days, and unbelievable amounts of IV antibiotics on top of all the other drugs… I felt like a chemical cocktail!

My beloved Michelle was there constantly with her love and care. The doctors and nurses were there as well… It seemed like every 20 minutes or so! Sleep was in real short supply LOL! I praise God that Michelle didn’t get sick. 

My son Ethan, and my daughter Kaeli-Anne both ended up sick (they caught it from me L). Abbi was spared. Thank God for Meema’s help! Michelle was stretched thin, indeed.

For those of you that were contacted and were praying, THANK YOU! For those of you who weren’t aware, please accept my DEEPEST APOLOGIES. It happened suddenly and became serious quickly… I went unconscious and stopped breathing and that got the ball rolling without delay. Ugh! Furthermore, I was pretty much computer-less during my hospital/Vandy apartment sojourn, and honestly, I don’t know how much I would have used the computer if it were available.

The good news is that I AM HOME AGAIN! Last night I slept in my own bed, and that felt WONDERFUL! Strengthening up seems to be a process, but one that is going well.

Also, most of the “six month out from transplant” tests are back. THE RESULTS ARE GREAT! Last Friday the physician’s assistant who handles my case told us that she has seen the good, the bad, and everything in between, and I am in the “great part of the good”. Dr. Chin told us that clinically I am doing remarkably well! 

Their main concern is the graft-versus-host disease (basically, transplant rejection issues). They really want to see it lessen significantly so that we can use less immune suppression. It can be dangerous if it doesn’t. We are praying that God will intervene and supernaturally control it. We know that He is well able! Less graft-versus-host disease and less medication would truly feel good.

I have lots to share, but I know that this is getting long. So, I will get this ready to send out and post on the site, and try to get some sleep!

I love all of you and thank God for you daily. Your prayers for my family and I are so very appreciated. We never take them for granted!

Here’s to God’s miracle moments and great love!

Lance & Family

2008!

I pray everyone's Chanukah, Christmas and New Year was filled with God's best!

My family, friends, and I wrapped up 2007 with a wonderful holiday season here at home in Nashville.  We had a quiet, simple holiday that was genuinely touched with peace and joy.

We took a lot of time just to reflect on 2007 and dream about 2008!

Musically, 2007 was filled with...

Having the honor of being an ICM TOP 10 nominee for MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR!

Having my second single, "THE CROSS OF JESUS", climb to #8 on the Power Source Christian Country Charts!

Having my first single, "JOY UNSPEAKABLE", climb to #16 on the Power Source Christian Country Charts!

Knowing that the song I co-wrote with my dear friend and brother, Primorus/Universal recording artist Woody Bradshaw, "SAVED BY A WOMAN", is being played by him in his live shows all over the USA, and is on his debut album LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE!!!!  Please, check out his website http://woodybradshaw.com and go buy his album - it is INCREDIBLE!

Writing new songs

Putting together a collection of songs from demos, and sessions over the last four years as an "internet only" release for early 2008

Working with my daughter Kaeli-Anne on her budding music career (she is AWESOME)!

Mentoring several other young songwriters

Recording some new worship music

And itching to get back to sharing the music I love with all of you!

Thank you, Bob and Dennis of our label, Torn Sky Records, for making the music possible! 

On the health front, 2007 was certainly a challenging year with a lot of hospital time, but God's grace was ever-present and everyone's love, faith, and prayers were strengthening and miracle working!

The donor stem cell transplant (bone marrow) from my sister, Melody, which I received back in July, has been very successful.

The process - from then to now - was difficult, but the worst is over we believe, and 2008 is a year for complete health restoration - lots to heal up from  :-)

We also wholly believe that the cancer is truly defeated. 

Now that my bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system are entirely my sister's DNA, we believe that my immune system has become a "cancer killing machine", quickened by God to bring health!

The last tests appear to confirm this, too!

I want to give a huge thank you to the incredible medical team at the Transplant Unit.  Dr. Goodman, Dr. Chin, Dr. Savani, PA Tiny, PA Tommy, PA Wendy, PA Rachel, and all the precious nurses and staff - their spirit of excellence and care have given hope and life!

So, here's to 2008

A YEAR OF OPEN DOORS

JOY UNSPEAKABLE

ANSWERED PRAYERS

NEW BEGINNINGS

AND GREAT LOVE!

That is what I am believing for you and yours - for all of us.

Rejoicing to be alive,

Lance

Prayer Works!

I wanted to send out a quick health update and a praise for God's loving care during this difficult season.

Last week I went through a grueling round of tests to see what was happening with the transplant.

The news was very encouraging!

They showed that as of last week 86% of my blood was my sisters DNA... That is ahead of schedule!

My DNA and her DNA seem to be playing fairly well together.

The goal is for my blood and marrow to be 100% my sister's DNA (bless you Melody).

As per the last prayer request, the graft versus host disease is only minimal... Enough to help whip the cancer, but manageable enough to not require serious treatment.

And the CMV virus is being suppressed quite well.

THIS is a HUGE blessing!
All in all every last point we asked for prayer on, God has moved upon... YES, PRAYER WORKS!!!

Although the side effects have been miserable at times, I keep rebuking them and pushing forward each day (some days better than others).

Michelle and ther kids have been so sweet, even when I have been grouchy and groggy... They are troopers, indeed!

Now we are entering some potentially tricky waters... The doctors want to start slowly tapering off one of the immune suppressing drugs (micophenylate).

This new season will tell us a lot about what is going on.

Please pray that

1) The graft versus host disease is supernaturally kept to a minimum.

2) The CMV is supernaturally destroyed.

3) Melody's DNA creates a super-cancer-killing-immune-system!

4) I would be protected from the various side effects of the treatments.

5) The mind of Christ and His healing virtue would flow through the doctors at the VA Transplant Unit.

Again, thank you from all of us here for your prayers, faith, and love.

These are gifts that we esteem HIGHLY!

Pressing in together,
Lance