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 23rd 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
So happy to read about happier times...wishing you continued and increasing strength and health, and good times with your beautiful family...and an easier 2009 for everyone.
In the midst of your trials, you and Michelle have been an endless source of love and prayers for me and my family, and I am eternally grateful!
Many blessings, much happiness and music in '09!
Ruth
Posted by: Ruth Greenwood | January 02, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Interesting to know.
Posted by: Lavonn | April 26, 2009 at 11:44 PM