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Katelyn Dyess: To The Girl That Worries About What Other People Think

Katelyn Dyess

To The Girl That Worries About What Other People Think

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27

If you’re like me you constantly worry about what other people think. Do they like my outfit? Do they think my hair looks cute? Do they like my makeup?

I was even worried about what people would think about this blog. Will they think I’m crazy? Will the blog be too short? Will my writing actually encourage people?

Honestly, if you think about it, how much time do you spend a day worrying about what people think? It’s a lot, isn’t it? I’d be scared to know the hours I’ve spent a day worrying about what people think.

But, God doesn’t want us to spend our days worrying about what other people think. God’s opinion is the only opinion that matters. (Your parents’ opinions are VERY IMPORTANT too.)

The devil will put thoughts into your head to make you think those other people’s opinions matter. Everyone has an opinion. We all do. We’re human. But their opinion truly doesn’t matter.

As long as you’re doing what God has called you to do, you shouldn’t be worried about other people’s opinions.

Be you, fulfill your calling, be confident, and have fun in life.

You don’t want to look back 20 years from now and regret worrying about people’s opinions all of the time.

My prayer today is that God will help you not to worry about what people think of you.

Thanks,
Katelyn

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

Katelyn Dyess

Fast Five – Down East Boys

Fast Five – Down East Boys

The name “The Down East Boys” is practically synonymous with Southern Gospel Music. You’ve probably sat in the pew during one of their concerts, or tapped your toe to one of their tunes as you cruise the highway. The men behind the music are not only talented but are remarkable people who each have an interesting story to tell. Recently, I was privileged to get to know the men who make-up “The Down East Boys.” We sat down to discuss their newest single, which is rocketing-up the charts. I also learned more about their history and even a few fun facts about each of them. I invite you to take a moment to get to know this legendary group on a whole new level with this week’s FAST FIVE.

Stephanie Kelley: While most of our readers are very familiar with your legendary group, please give a brief introduction to someone who might be  new to Southern Gospel music, including a little history of the group.

Ricky Carden: The group was started in the mid-1980s in Eastern, NC. The group transitioned to a full time ministry in 1990 and we have been singing around 175 dates each year since that time. I have been here 30 years this past April. We are on the Sonlite Label.

SK: Recently, your group had a number one song!  Congratulations! Your current single, “Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace,” just made a big jump to the Top 5. What makes this song so special? Please give a little background on this particular song and how you’ve seen God use it in your ministry.

 

RC: “Amazing Amounts Of Amazing Grace” has become our fastest growing song, climbing to the top 5 in only 2 months. I feel this is a song that reminds us that everyday is a blessing from God and no matter what comes our way we are blessed more than we could ever deserve. In these difficult days we have experienced as a nation, we are reminded that if we just look around, the Lord displays to us everyday “Amazing Amounts Of Amazing Grace”!

SK: At what point in your life did you know (or at least dream) that you would have such a deliberate and public music ministry? Please share at least one specific way you saw God preparing you for this ministry.

 

RC: I was captivated by the music at an early age. My Mom and Dad had a group that sang on a part-time basis as I was growing-up, so I spent my early years traveling on a bus from town to town and at the age of 12 I went to a concert that featured the Singing Americans. The group line-up consisted of Danny Funderburk, Ivan Parker, Ed Hill, and Dwayne Burke. That night I realized I wanted to be in a group and share the music with others. It’s been over 30 years since that day and the Lord has blessed me to do what I love!

Daryl Paschal: In January of 2007, the Down East Boys came to my church.  During the concert, my wife, Amanda Paschal, whispered to me, “I can see you singing with those guys.”  God started preparing me then.  In March, three months later, I was offered the job.

Zac Barham: I grew up listening to gospel music loving 4 part harmony and the message behind it, so I began singing at church when i was about 15. He hasn’t stopped blessing me in music from that point on and the rest is history and I thank Him for it every day.

Doug Pittman: When I was in my junior year in high school, I participated in an event called All State Choir. While there I watched several choirs perform, but one really caught my attention. At the last song of this certain choir’s set I noticed that the conductor stepped off of the platform and conducted the choir in the song “Total Praise.” This was odd to me because I was taught that when a conductor stepped onto the platform, it represented to the performers he was in total control of the music that would be made. It hit me while listening to the song that the conductor had not made a mistake by not ascending the platform. He was simply allowing God to be in control of everything that happened during that song. And If I have ever been sure about the Lord speaking to me it was on that day. It was like He said “That’s what I want you to do.”  While I wasn’t always sure about the specific path He wanted me to take, I knew that public music ministry (in some shape or fashion) would be my life’s work. That day the Lord taught me an important lesson, that no matter the situation He is in control and we are simply the vessels He chooses to use to accomplish His will.

SK: You’ve spent a lot of time together as a group and as friends. Please share a little known fun fact about each of the members.

 

RC: Daryl Paschal is the practical joker of the group. He’s always keeping the guys laughing. Doug Pittman is the computer wizard of the group. He’s the “Yoda” of tech stuff on the bus. And Zac Barham, he’s the talker of the bunch. Zac could make friends with a wall if there is no one else to talk to. He loves people and loves to make friends.

Daryl Paschal:  At one concert, Doug was about to fall in the orchestra pit in front of the stage and a piano saved his life.  I couldn’t sing for the next three songs.
Zac forgot his words one night and turned to us for help. Nobody said a word.
Ricky — we were at the house of a past group member, and we decided to walk outside.  Ricky took the first step and slipped. All we saw was his feet up in the air.  To this day, it is still called Ricky Carden Falls National Park.

Zac Barham: Lets see… I love all the guys like brothers but Daryl needs 20 minutes of quiet before you talk to him when he first wakes up ( found that out quickly haha).

Doug can do anything with electronics you can imagine

Ricky never stops working on and off the bus and has one of the best work ethics I’ve seen

Doug Pittman: Zac and I joke often about how we each secretly would really like to be able to sing each other’s part.

Ricky thinks he is quite the dancer. He’s constantly showing off all his new moves on the bus.

Daryl and I share a love of 70’s and 80’s music. If you stick around the bus long enough, you are bound to hear some of those old hits!

The name “The Down East Boys” is practically synonymous with Southern Gospel Music. You’ve probably sat in the pew during one of their concerts, or tapped your toe to one of their tunes

SK: Because of the pandemic, so much of our lives have changed. What positive things have resulted from the pandemic in both your personal and professional lives? Please share your plans for future projects and how you’ve had to modify those changes due to pandemic restrictions.

RC: In the middle of March, we were shut down due to the pandemic. We thought in a few weeks we would be back on the road, but as it turns out we have been limited to just a few dates since then. In 30 years of singing I had never been home for more than 3 or 4 days a week. Weekends were something I had never experienced at home.  It has certainly  been a challenge financially for all the guys, but it has been nice to spend a summer at home with my wife and kids. We have had time to do family things that normally we could not do. Hopefully sooner than later we will be back on the road and ready to share our new music from our new project “Faithful Still” that was released in May.

SK: Thank you to Ricky Carden, Daryl Paschal, Zac Barham and Doug Pittman for sharing your stories with us.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know the people behind the voices of the Down East Boys and I hope that you have too. Be sure to request, “Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace” from your favorite Southern Gospel radio station and be sure to check-out the Down East Boys on your favorite social media platform.

Amy Duncan: God Don’t Make No Junk

Amy Duncan: God Don’t Make No Junk

Genesis 1:26-27K
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:31
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day.

The Moody Bible Commentary (2014, the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago), states the following: “Since God could have created man in any other way He chose, such as by simply calling a man into being (as he did for everything else), the question naturally arises, “Why did he create humanity in this way?” and the answer is, “To demonstrate his special care (love) for man and his desire to relate to him in an intimate way.”

Mark 12:13-17
Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch hm in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance to the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Who’s portrait is this? And who’s inscription?” “Caesars.,” they replied. Then Jesus sad to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” They were amazed at him.

John 3:15-21
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the son of man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Please take note of how many times the words ‘everyone’ and ‘whoever’ were mentioned. Six times, these words scream that Jesus freely climbed that hill, carrying his own cross for each and every person that has taken a breath. The Bible does not teach that Jesus had a pre-arrangement with God specifying his blood was only for a particular group, race, sexual-orientation, gender, etc. The blood of Jesus covers all sin, washes white as snow, and transforms us to our original creation, from glory to glory.

Luke 10:27
He answered, “Love the Lord God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

What does it mean to be a Christian? It’s very simple. It means to be Christ-like. This is something I have to work on daily. Do I fail? Many times. Do I need his grace and mercy each moment of each day? Without a doubt. Because I fail him, does that mean I don’t belong to him? No way, Hosea… I am WHOSOEVER. You are WHOSOEVER. When I write and read this, it brings tears to my eyes. My sin did not knock me out of this category. Your sin does not prevent you from claiming that marvelous gift so freely given to us so many years ago at Golgotha.

You and I are created in God’s image and we must render unto God what is his. We must give our lives to Jesus, grow in him daily, and strive to be as Christ-like as possible. The one thing we must all accept and know in our hearts is that God don’t make no junk!!!

Amy Duncan

Much Love
Amy Duncan

Amy Duncan was raised in a conservative Christian home, being one of two children of Reverend Grant and Shelia Duncan. She and her sister were on the stage singing as soon as they were old enough to hold a microphone. This legacy continues to be passed on through Amy to her three sons.

A former member of the ‘Riders, Amy continues to sing and has also taken on several speaking engagements. She continues her ministry through writing articles, speaking at revivals, conferences, and one-on-one counseling.  She has recently signed with Green Family Ministry Promotions and will be sharing the love of Christ wherever the doors may open.

Amy has also signed with Holland Management Productions (HMP) as a model. Understanding that beauty is not standard, it is Amy’s desire to express to women that we are all created in the image of God and are beautiful in his sight.

More on Amy Duncan HERE.

Kevin Pauls: Trust – a prayer for today

This was my prayer this morning… by Kevin Pauls

Today God…I first want to acknowledge your provision. I really feel awkward when people say “God is in Control” – that leads me to believe you are in control of this chaos. I believe you are in ultimate control, but that does not mean micro managing the world or our lives. In simple terms…I do not think you caused this or any other tragedy…but I firmly believe you are in this with me! Standing, holding, encouraging…loving me through this entire episode.I never want to pretend I know things that are un-knowable. We have a book full of stories about God and the interaction between the Jewish People and Yahweh. We have letters and encounters about the life of Jesus, we have first hand accounts of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have life lessons and we have the the words of Jesus…and so much more that point us to knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world…

Somehow, Jesus is the divine; was human enough to understand our plight and divine enough to save us. I do not understand this at all. However, this understanding guides my life and guides everything I do.

However, this beautiful book we call the Bible does not clearly allow us to understand all the inner workings of the world and how God interacts with His creation…

So, I say all that to simply tell you I do not know exactly how God works. But I am confident he does.

That confidence allows me to have hope for the future. That confidence allows me to have peace in the midst of the storm.

I do not need to know the inner workings of the universe because I know the one who is charge and I trust him!

Today, I simply rest in that trust!

By Kevin Pauls

More About Kevin Pauls

Katelyn Dyess: To The Girl That Needs Positive Friends

Katelyn Dyess

To The Girl that needs to surround herself with positive friends — from Katelyn Dyess

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29)

I recently read an article that talked about not wanting to sit at the table with friends that would talk about you as soon as you got up. That’s so true.

I don’t want to surround myself with people that are going to talk behind my back. No one does. I want to surround myself with people who are going to cheer me on. You should want that too.

Having people around you that don’t support you is only going to bring you down. But having people around you that support you will raise you up.

We should all want people that bring positivity to our lives not negativity. I hope you find your tribe that brings positivity to your life.

Katelyn Dyess

Thanks,

Katelyn

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

A Message From Katelyn:

I’m a high school senior that lives in Meridian, MS. I want to show girls through my blog that they aren’t alone and that someone understands what they’re going through. I am excited about so many doors God has opened up for me. You can contact me at Katelyn-Dyess@comcast.net
I’d love to speak at your next youth event.

Did you know that you can receive the printed, full-color version of SGNScoops Magazine by subscription? Find out more HERE.

Find SGNScoops Magazine On Facebook HERE.

You can download the latest edition of SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Read the latest edition of SGNScoops Magazine online HERE.

Listen To Today’s Gospel Music HERE

 

 

 

 

Amy Duncan: Am I good enough?

Amy Duncan

Amy Duncan: Am I Good Enough?Absolutely Not!

God has many names that have been called upon for thousands of years. Elohay Selichot, the God Who is Ready to Forgive, is one of the names that we all can call him with such great meaning and awe. We all will reach a point in our lives when we must make a decision. Do we choose to accept the love that has been freely offered, or do we turn our back on the truth of the Cross?

If we wait until we change our lives, we will never make the right choice. We are not strong enough, good enough, or powerful enough to forgive our sins and make us righteous in the sight of God. Only the blood of Jesus Christ has the power to save and cleanse from all unrighteousness.

We can easily look at the life of Saul. He was an educated man, Roman citizen, and very respected in his culture by the Roman authorities at that time. He was responsible for the torture and murder of many early Christians.

However, the life of Saul was completely changed, and his path in life was altered, on the road to Damascus when the light of Christ blinded him in order to make him see truth. He then became ‘Paul’ and a dedicated man of God.

Elohay Selichot, the God Who is Ready to Forgive, took what the devil intended to use as harm, and turned it to good. He changed a murderer into a martyr. God took one of the darkest hearts of all time and used it’s voice to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Our God is mighty to save.

One can also look at the history of the children of Israel. Nehemiah 9:17 (NIV) states the following:

“They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them.  They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.  But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore, you did not desert them.”

The children of Israel had a very long history and track record of hard hearts, poor memories, stubbornness, and rebellion. There was actually a time when they wanted to return to Egypt even after they saw the plagues, including the Angel of Death, and the hand of God wipe out the Egyptian army in a matter of minutes.

But God is a God of unconditional love. He is extremely patient. Jesus did not die for the “good man,” but for the “ungodly man,” which we all were at one time. Romans 5:6-8 (NIV) says the following:

“You see, at just the right time, when we were all still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while were still sinners Christ died for us.”

Jesus came to provide salvation not because we deserved this phenomenal gift, but because of his phenomenal love for each and every person upon this earth.

The Bible teaches us that through Adam we are sinful. But, by the sweet blood of Jesus, we become children of God. Through his blood, we are no longer ruined but rescued; no longer in sin, but made righteous in the sight of God; no longer bound to death, but have eternal life; and, we are no longer under the judgement of the law, but we are delivered due to his grace and mercy.

We must never forget that Jesus can bless a mess. He can take a cracked pot and allow his love to shine through the brokenness in order to prove his amazing faithfulness. He can take the worst among us and make them a mighty warrior in the awesome army of God. One’s past does not determine the goodness of God.

 We can never be bad enough to make God not love us. The conviction of the Holy Spirit can reach into any home, any gutter, any church, and any jail cell. God can take our most atrocious acts and use them to bring glory to him. He can turn the darkest of hearts into the brightest star.

So, are you and I good enough to deserve the love of the Most High? Absolutely not! But the good news is we don’t have to be. God’s love is enough.

Amy Oxenrider

Psalm 36:7 (NIV) “How precious is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men fined refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

Much Love, Amy Duncan

Amy Duncan was raised in a conservative Christian home, being one of two children of Reverend Grant and Shelia Duncan. She and her sister were on the stage singing as soon as they were old enough to hold a microphone. This legacy continues to be passed on through Amy to her three sons.  

A former member of the ‘Riders, Amy continues to sing and has also taken on several speaking engagements. She continues her ministry through writing articles, speaking at revivals, conferences, and one-on-one counseling.  She has recently signed with Green Family Ministry Promotions and will be sharing the love of Christ wherever the doors may open.  

Amy has also signed with Holland Management Productions (HMP) as a model. Understanding that beauty is not standard, it is Amy’s desire to express to women that we are all created in the image of God and are beautiful in his sight.  

More on Amy Duncan HERE.

Youth in Southern Gospel: Meet Bo Chesser of the Williamsons

Bo Chesser of the Williamsons

Youth in Southern Gospel: Bo Chesser

By Lindsey Chandler

Lindsey Chandler of the Chandlers

Meet SGNScoops’ newest writer!  My name is Lyndsey Chandler. I sing with my family, the Chandlers. I have wanted to get something started to promote the youth in Southern gospel for a long time. I want to say a huge thank you to SGNScoops magazine for allowing me the opportunity to do this. I will be sharing exclusive interviews in an effort to showcase the abilities, talents and dedication of young artists in Southern gospel music. I will be offering these monthly interviews to better acquaint you with young voices that are growing louder in our industry. So sit back, relax and enjoy our very first interview! 

The Williamsons

Youth in Southern Gospel: Meet Bo Chesser of the Williamsons

I am pleased to introduce to you our first featured artist who comes to us from Konawa, Oklahoma. Bo Chesser is 23 years old and is a singer and musician for the Williamsons. 

The Willamsons originated in 1969 and were revived in 1998. They perform approximately 200 dates a year, passionately spreading the gospel of Christ.

Chesser has been singing since he was six years old, traveling off and on with the Williamsons since he was nine. This young man is not just another member of the group, he is also Lisa Willamson’s younger brother. 

In May of 2018, a position came open with the group, and Bo Chesser has been there ever since. He graduated in 2018 from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, receiving a music degree in trumpet performance while minoring in business. 

Chesser enjoys many hobbies which include running several 5Ks and marathons throughout the year. Not only is he talented in singing, but he also plays quite a few instruments including the trumpet, mandolin, guitar and piano. When it’s time to eat, Chesser’s favorite fast food restaurant is Chick-Fil-A.

The young musician shares, “Other than voice cracks and accidentally playing an entire verse and chorus of a song in the wrong key, (a funny thing) happened this past May. In a small church in Tennessee, a woman in the front row had a bad sounding cough and my sister Lisa and I found it funny for some reason. We held it together until the fifth song, which was a serious song about loved ones going to heaven, of course! The woman coughed again during the second verse, I lost it, and couldn’t sing the entire rest of the song. Even better is, they were Facebook live the whole time.”

When asked what a day off looks like for him, Chesser says, “A productive day off for me consists of working out, running, practicing the trumpet, mandolin, singing and doing general housework. A more realistic day looks like getting at least one of those things done, going out to eat, getting coffee with friends, and watching either YouTube videos or a movie.” 

If he was not singing, he says he would probably be a band director or music teacher of some sort. For musical inspiration, Chesser enjoys the Isaacs and the Talleys as his biggest inspirations in Southern gospel. 

Chesser shares his incredible testimony… 

“The department of human services placed me in a foster home six days after I was born. This was because my biological mother had done drugs and alcohol throughout the entire pregnancy. Over the next few months, I experienced withdrawals from the drugs, such as crying and uncontrollable tremors. By situations that God ordered, a foster family adopted me about two years later, and I’ve been theirs ever since.

“From an early age, they taught me about Jesus and showed me how to live, so at eight years old, I accepted Christ as my savior,” Chesser continues. “I was not living the way I should have for most of my school years in the way I talked, thought, and acted. God, however, got my attention during my senior year of high school, and I truly dedicated myself to him.

“My family is full of musicians, so I was always around singing and instruments. I took an interest at an early age, and my family encouraged me in my efforts. When I was eight years old, Lisa showed me my first three chords on the mandolin; at 10 years old, my dad taught me the basics of guitar; and later that year, I joined the fifth grade band and started playing the trumpet. I truly never would have imagined that I would still be using all of those abilities, especially in this capacity where I get to minister and glorify God,” Chesser concludes.

I trust you have enjoyed reading this interview. Go HERE to hear more about them, making sure you like, comment and share. Or HERE on Facebook.

Lindsey Chandler with The Chandlers

By Lindsey Chandler

For more information on Lindsay Chandler and her singing family, the Chandlers click HERE.

For more Gospel music features read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Rob Patz: God has a plan even now

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

2019 August SGNScoops: Publishers Point by Rob Patz

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) 

How many times have you read that scripture and wondered, “God, if you have a plan for me, why am I right here, right now?” If you read the context of this scripture, you’ll realize it was not written in a time of great prosperity or joy. In fact, the people of Israel were being oppressed right in that era.

I truly believe that this scripture is meant to encourage us. It is meant to tell us that even if you’re right now in a place that you don’t feel you’re prospering, I truly believe, it’s more of a promise that maybe not now, but maybe tomorrow, or over the next few days, weeks, or months, that God is making your paths straight. He is putting together everything that you need, even in times of struggle. 

I also believe the scripture is meant to remind us to live in peace, knowing that God has everything in his control. For me, it is difficult at times to let go of all of the problems of the day and realize that God is in control, that he has seen this day before I even got here. I struggle with that. There are times where I want to micromanage God. 

Have you ever been there? Have you ever wanted to help God along and tell him, “This is how we should do it”? As I get older, I realize, if I rest in the moment, even if the moment isn’t perfect, and allow God to unfold his blessing in front of me, I will be in a much better place, than trying to micromanage what God really has for me.

August 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

I love the last word in the scripture verse above: “future.” So many of us live much of our life by getting down in the present, that we don’t take time to really think about the future. We don’t even pray about things that are long-term future, instead of short term goals. I’m guilty of this. I will pray for the things of this week or this month, but I forget the long-term things that I need to bring to the Lord, that I need for him to be able to hear my plea. 

This week, I challenge you to start writing out your prayers; write out your weekly prayers, write out your monthly prayers, and write out a yearly prayer, something for which you want to set a goal. Then, we as a community of believers can look back on in August 2020, and say, “This is something that God and I talked about for this year and it has finally come to pass.” I know that right now your situation might not be what you wanted for today, but hold on because of what the above Scripture says. I truly believe that God has a plan for your future.

Creekside 2019 presented by Coastal Media

Hey, we are less than three months away from Creekside 2019. There are so many things that are going to be happening this year at Creekside as well as prior to the event. You are not going to want to miss this year. It is going to be a life-changing week and I want you to be there. Call me at 360-933-0741 for more information, or email me at rob@sgnscoops.com and we will get you all set up. Join us, Oct. 27 –  31, for Creekside 2019.

Until next month, this is the Publisher’s Point.

By Rob Patz

First published in the August 2109 edition of SGNScoops Magazine.

For more Gospel music features read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Vonda Armstrong shines DJ Spotlight on Paula Probus

WJCR 90.1 FM in Upton, Kent., was founded by the vision and sacrifice of Rev. Don Powell, Sr. and his wife Gerri. The station went on the air in February 1990. WJCR 90.1 FM is Kentucky’s only 100,000 watt Christian radio station. It reaches 32 counties throughout central Kentucky, and parts of four other states. WJCR is where we find our DJ Spotlight for this month, as it shines on Paula Probus. Take a look at the following conversation with this sweet lady from Upton, Kent.

Vonda Armstrong:  Paula, how and when did you get your first job in radio? What is your current job at WJCR?
Paula Probus: I got my first job in radio at WJCR 90.1FM in Upton, Ky. Back in 2003, the station needed volunteers to handle the phones. So, I volunteered one day a week. Don Powell Jr. and his wife Lauree Powell were running the station and they asked me to DJ a 3-hour program in the afternoon twice a week, and that started my love for radio.  I am currently working fulltime as the Music Director and afternoon DJ and I love it.  

Armstrong:  We understand your grandson is famous! Tell us all about Jake.
Probus: Yes, my oldest grandson is popular. His name is Jake Boone Logsdon, and it all started when my daughter videoed him helping her with her grocery list. He won America’s Funniest Home Videos and he now has his own YouTube channel, Life according to Jake Boone. Jake is four years old; he loves feeding cows, hauling stuff on his flatbed truck and going fishing. He is just a little red-headed country boy.

Armstrong: If you could interview anyone, who would it be? Why would you choose them?
Probus: I would love to interview Gloria Gaither. Gloria is a wonderful writer, and I am sure she has some interesting stories to tell on Bill. I know she is filled with wisdom about the Southern gospel music industry, while she has watched it evolve throughout the years. Gloria also seems to be a humble woman of God.

Armstrong: Tell us about something cool you have been able to do because of your position in radio.
Probus: One of my all-time favorite experiences as a music director for WJCR, was my recent visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. My husband Tim and I walked the red carpet at the ICM awards. The experience was so fun. Being on radio has given me many great experiences, it is the best job ever.

Armstrong: Would you share your testimony with us?
Probus: I am the oldest child of a General Baptist minister. My brother and husband are also preachers. God put me in a family who believes in the power of Jesus Christ. I was saved and baptized when I was nine years old. However, I was taught to sing with my mother and aunt when I was only seven years old. I have not always walked close with Jesus, but he has never left me and is always my refuge and strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.“ Psalm 46:1.

The Freemans grace the cover of the May 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Thank you to Paula Probus for sharing your heart with us today. We have enjoyed shining the SGNScoops’ DJ Spotlight on you today.

By Vonda Armstrong

First published in May 2019 SGNScoops Magazine.

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

“I Have Decided”– A Note From Jessica Horton

I Have Decided by Jessica Horton

“No turning back, no turning back”

When I was a child, I remember God being present in my life – even without a stable faith community. I was often lonely, so I would go and swing by myself. I remember loving to swing so much because when I looked up at the sky, I felt Him looking back at me.

I felt closest to Him during those times especially, and I sought out every opportunity to be near Him. He felt warm, and I knew He loved me.

As I grew older, I began to understand the importance of accepting His invitation to salvation, and when I was nine years old, I decided to follow Jesus.

There has been a lot of speculation about this song. Some theologians argue that to “decide” to follow Jesus doesn’t allow the believer to fully understand that Jesus has already done the work of salvation and the gift is given as God’s choice, not our own. I believe both thoughts are true.

God knows all things from the beginning of time to the end. He is the first to draw us to Himself – we don’t make the first move. He knows every step we will take and knows every variation of choices in our minds. He sent His Son to redeem the world, He accepted the price as full payment for our sins, and His gift is free.

Jessica Horton

Yet, He created us with free will. He wants us to choose Him. If we had the choice between all the spoils of the Garden or a bite of the apple, He wants us to choose His amazing gift of abundance. He wants us to turn away from the things of this world and make a choice – “no turning back, no turning back.”

The history of this beautiful song is one of absolute terror. In the moments that these words were breathed, the author was commanded to renounce his faith. “I have decided…”

The songwriter watched as the village chief of his Indian community murdered his two children while he watched. “Though none go with me…”

And just before this man of God was executed himself, he sang the words, “The world behind me…”

It is my prayer that we as disciples of Jesus will have this same measure of extraordinary faith, backed by the mighty strength of assurance and firm commitment.

Yes, God has already completed the work of salvation. He has already paid the price. But he is calling you and me to choose Him every day and every moment, and receive this incredible gift for ourselves.

Have you decided?

God,

Thank you for Your incredible gift to us. We know that we are nothing without You. Please help us to see the things that are not from you so that we can turn away from them. Give us the strength to choose You every opportunity that we get. Amen.

Scriptures:

Joshua 24:15

John 3:16

John 6:44

Matthew 7:13-14

Revelation 3:20

By Jessica Horton

Find out more about Jessica HERE on Facebook or HERE online.

Jessica Horton is a singer/songwriter from Columbus, MS. She was raised in classic country and gospel, and the soul and sound of these classics often find their way into her music. Her songs feature the acoustic guitar, dobro, mandolin, and other roots instruments. On stage, Jessica brings a live aspect to her show by playing guitar and including singable old-time hymns and gospel songs. Offstage, Jessica spends a lot of time with her husband, David and her church family. She serves as a worship leader and youth director at Shaeffer’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Columbus, MS… (for more click here.)

Jessica Horton will be appearing at Christian Country at the Creek, Oct. 30 – 31, 2019, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. This is a sister event to the Creekside Gospel Music Convention.

For more information on the Christian Country at the Creek and the 2019 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, accommodations, VIP seating, and tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Read the June SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE