Don't you feel so calm and peaceful when you hear the "sounds of silence"? It may be at the dawn of a new day, when the sun sets or in the middle of the night. There is such a restful peace when nothing is happening. When resting in the Lord we can experience this wonderful feeling, as well. So, take a break from the Christmas festivities, reflect on His goodness and His provisions and that "deep settled peace" will flood your soul. If we put this into regular practice, Christians would be the healthiest people on the planet! Stress and worry can (and will) cause more bodily and mental damage than you can imagine. Let's strive to remain healthy, Amen!
Brotherhood concludes the year with some Christmas music cheer at a few celebrations - Seniors at Faith dinner and Womens AGLOW in Winter Park. Christmas songs were sprinkled into our gospel program including "Silent Night" and "Go Tell It On The Mt." Everyone joined in singing carols - "Joy To The World", "O, Come All Ye Faithful" and "The First Noel" . Many have been waiting for Brotherhoods' new CD release, so we had Christmas package deals, as well. We bundled our CD's, Johns' book, cross necklaces and ball caps in colorful bags at discounted prices. They make wonderful gifts as Brotherhood wanted to give something special back to all our 'Hood supporters!
LATE ADDITION: We thought we were done but Brotherhood has a FINAL 2011 concert on New Years Eve (a first)!! It will be a 1 PM concert at Eastside Baptist in East Orlando of Curry Ford Road. It will be interesting and different but we can't wait to meet our new extended family of God. What a way to end the year - singing gospel music and proclaiming His goodness and faithfulness. Thank you, Jesus!
CLOSING THOUGHT: May we continue to be kind, thoughtful and "full of cheer" throughout the year. May we be as charitable in giving and serving those in need. May we be mindful of our need to stay close to the Father at all times. And, most importantly, may we always remember the true "reason for the season". Thank you, God, for sending your Savior Son to us.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
THANK YOU, LORD
Oh no, it's happening again!! The stores and malls are being overrun with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and now, Christmas items. Retailers don't give shoppers a break but keep bombarding them with things to buy. Yes, it's traditional for turkeys to be carved, families to gather, special church services and, of course, football. But Thanksgiving should not be the only time we stop and give thanks to God for the bounty America enjoys.
Thankfully, Brotherhood can aid in the separation and REAL reason for the year end holidays and celebrations. Brotherhood had a great time at a fall Men's Encounter in Orlando. As always, we enjoyed our time of celebration singing a few selections including "Roll Away" (by request). The men loved singing along with the chorus and provided an unexpected (yet wonderful) echo. It also made me joyfully smile and almost laugh when I saw them rolling their hands in sync and sing/shout "roll away, roll away"! Thank you Lord, we can have such great fun and fellowship!
We also took our final 2011 Sunday "road trip" for a full day of ministry at Spirit Fire Church (Titusville) in the morning and then drove down south to Cooper City Church of God for a PM concert. That's about a 3-4 hour drive to the Ft. Lauderdale area. What a blessed time we had at both places, praise God, meeting new people who enjoy the gospel message in song! We enjoyed it just as much as anyone attending did in presenting our eclectic gospel blend of music.
The spirit of the Lord was truly felt at both churches. True to our mission, we presented the Word as well as the music. Brotherhood emphasized "evangelism" by going beyond the church's 4 walls… "Get Up" and tell somebody now. It's more important to bring the lost to Jesus and than just bringing them to church. Church doesn't save, Jesus saves! Both churches received that message and "Get Up" could've been sung again and again for emphasis.
But, with another "hit" on our hands, we had a "first"! So enthused by the Cooper City audience response and the strong gospel truth in "Ephesians One", Phil asked if they wanted Brotherhood to sing it again! The people's loud response gave us the obvious answer. Boy, did we have a grand old time in the Lord! I'm sure if we asked that same question about "He Made A Change", "Jesus You're So Wonderful", etc. we would've received the same answer.
There was a personal invite for those to receive salvation and altar work prayer for people's financial, emotional and physical needs. Afterwards, we had sweet fellowship with our newly made friends and some old friends and family who came to see us, as well. After a well deserved food stop, Brotherhood swiftly (not speedily) traveled back home to Orlando and into our beds without waking our wives (it was approx. 2AM). I know it was a blessed Sunday because Satan was not pleased by what happened. I know that because it's been a terrible start of the week for me - unexpected bills and a near car accident. But I'm a happy camper because I know who holds my tomorrow and is watching over Brotherhood.The devil will not steal my joy!
CLOSING PRAYER: Thank you, heavenly Father, that You know us better than ourselves. And You know what's best for us as we diligently determine to follow Your leading. Your blessings are not just sufficient but are more than enough, more than we could have ever expected or imagined. We will be forever grateful and mindful of Your goodness towards us. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed and be a blessing!
Thankfully, Brotherhood can aid in the separation and REAL reason for the year end holidays and celebrations. Brotherhood had a great time at a fall Men's Encounter in Orlando. As always, we enjoyed our time of celebration singing a few selections including "Roll Away" (by request). The men loved singing along with the chorus and provided an unexpected (yet wonderful) echo. It also made me joyfully smile and almost laugh when I saw them rolling their hands in sync and sing/shout "roll away, roll away"! Thank you Lord, we can have such great fun and fellowship!
We also took our final 2011 Sunday "road trip" for a full day of ministry at Spirit Fire Church (Titusville) in the morning and then drove down south to Cooper City Church of God for a PM concert. That's about a 3-4 hour drive to the Ft. Lauderdale area. What a blessed time we had at both places, praise God, meeting new people who enjoy the gospel message in song! We enjoyed it just as much as anyone attending did in presenting our eclectic gospel blend of music.
The spirit of the Lord was truly felt at both churches. True to our mission, we presented the Word as well as the music. Brotherhood emphasized "evangelism" by going beyond the church's 4 walls… "Get Up" and tell somebody now. It's more important to bring the lost to Jesus and than just bringing them to church. Church doesn't save, Jesus saves! Both churches received that message and "Get Up" could've been sung again and again for emphasis.
But, with another "hit" on our hands, we had a "first"! So enthused by the Cooper City audience response and the strong gospel truth in "Ephesians One", Phil asked if they wanted Brotherhood to sing it again! The people's loud response gave us the obvious answer. Boy, did we have a grand old time in the Lord! I'm sure if we asked that same question about "He Made A Change", "Jesus You're So Wonderful", etc. we would've received the same answer.
There was a personal invite for those to receive salvation and altar work prayer for people's financial, emotional and physical needs. Afterwards, we had sweet fellowship with our newly made friends and some old friends and family who came to see us, as well. After a well deserved food stop, Brotherhood swiftly (not speedily) traveled back home to Orlando and into our beds without waking our wives (it was approx. 2AM). I know it was a blessed Sunday because Satan was not pleased by what happened. I know that because it's been a terrible start of the week for me - unexpected bills and a near car accident. But I'm a happy camper because I know who holds my tomorrow and is watching over Brotherhood.The devil will not steal my joy!
CLOSING PRAYER: Thank you, heavenly Father, that You know us better than ourselves. And You know what's best for us as we diligently determine to follow Your leading. Your blessings are not just sufficient but are more than enough, more than we could have ever expected or imagined. We will be forever grateful and mindful of Your goodness towards us. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed and be a blessing!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
HARVEST TIME
Leaves are falling somewhere in the U.S. informing us that winter's about to start. It's also the signal that harvest time approaches fast. It's also the sign of life's end and we mourn the passing of a gospel great. Jesse Dixon was ushered into heaven on Monday, September 26th; he was 73 years old. His contributions to gospel music over the years will be greatly remembered.
Keep in mind that Jesus will be coming soon and the fields are ripe for the picking (modern translation for "ripe unto harvest"). We all play an important part or role in evangelizing the world. It can be done to the masses like a Billy Graham or on a one by one basis... by you and me! Some may be the tillers of the soil, others seed planters, fertilizers or providing water. At some point, it all comes together where the sinner is ready to receive Christ and is harvested into the kingdom of God!
Brotherhood is preparing for the harvest by reaching out to win the lost and encouraging/ equipping Christians to "get up" and get going! Besides new material, we like to revisit older gospel tunes and dust them off a bit. We presented a ministry mix at an Old Time Gospel Night event (many visitors) and at a Leadership Advance session in September. I still hear comments about Old Time Gospel Night - "we need more of this music", "I was so blessed and uplifted", "I'm so glad I came out tonight!"
Many have been often asked for more Brotherhood CD music. So... we're making ready the release of our live CD titled, "Live... and In Person!" in October. It's crafted from various Brotherhood concerts across Florida and New York and will make a wonderful Christmas gift! John has written a book, "Songs From My Heart" that is unique and different. His compositions have an inspirational story and spiritual application that is shared in this easy-to-read paperback. It's available at amazon.com or can be downloaded in Kindle format.
Pray for Brotherhood as we follow where He leads and opens doors to minister to (1) the unsown seed and (2) the harvest workers.
P.S. I found a wonderful internet gospel radio station; it's www.kwfc.org from Springfield, MO. Being a music survey nut, they present a Top 20 Countdown show every Saturday at 7PM! Give it a try and you'll soon be hooked.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Keep in mind that Jesus will be coming soon and the fields are ripe for the picking (modern translation for "ripe unto harvest"). We all play an important part or role in evangelizing the world. It can be done to the masses like a Billy Graham or on a one by one basis... by you and me! Some may be the tillers of the soil, others seed planters, fertilizers or providing water. At some point, it all comes together where the sinner is ready to receive Christ and is harvested into the kingdom of God!
Brotherhood is preparing for the harvest by reaching out to win the lost and encouraging/ equipping Christians to "get up" and get going! Besides new material, we like to revisit older gospel tunes and dust them off a bit. We presented a ministry mix at an Old Time Gospel Night event (many visitors) and at a Leadership Advance session in September. I still hear comments about Old Time Gospel Night - "we need more of this music", "I was so blessed and uplifted", "I'm so glad I came out tonight!"
Many have been often asked for more Brotherhood CD music. So... we're making ready the release of our live CD titled, "Live... and In Person!" in October. It's crafted from various Brotherhood concerts across Florida and New York and will make a wonderful Christmas gift! John has written a book, "Songs From My Heart" that is unique and different. His compositions have an inspirational story and spiritual application that is shared in this easy-to-read paperback. It's available at amazon.com or can be downloaded in Kindle format.
Pray for Brotherhood as we follow where He leads and opens doors to minister to (1) the unsown seed and (2) the harvest workers.
P.S. I found a wonderful internet gospel radio station; it's www.kwfc.org from Springfield, MO. Being a music survey nut, they present a Top 20 Countdown show every Saturday at 7PM! Give it a try and you'll soon be hooked.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
SEE YOU IN SEPT... & BABY MAKES 3
Summer is gone, children are back to school and the weather's about to change (except Florida). August has already given the northeastern US a weather shock. An earthquake and a hurricane - all within 2 weeks! Don't you think God may be trying to get our attention... just a little? Brotherhood is marching forward and ready for some Fall concert dates in the CFL area plus one set for south Florida. Can anyone say "road trip"? As usual, we are preparing to add some new material to the mix while still keeping true to our style. We will move forward with great gospel tunes - past and present.
Also, since many of our friends and "fans" are asking for another CD, we're doing our best to oblige. With no time for the studio, Brotherhood is producing a new live CD taken from our various concerts throughout Florida and New York over the past few years. Quite exciting and quite different! We thank God for this new project!!
On other news... remember that classic Lucille Ball comedy episode? The one where she's trying to find the right way to tell Ricky that she's pregnant. Unknowingly, Ricky sings "She Having A Baby" and then is shocked to discover he's going to be the dad. It's been awhile since John & Deb's daughter, Joy, blessed them with their first grandchild, Braden. Well... they will be grandparents again after nearly 9 years! Their youngest daughter, Melody, (and her husband Jonathan) are expecting the blessed event in early 2012. "Their baby's having a baby!" We pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. While John is working on grandchild #2, the rest of Brotherhood, Phil, Mel and Dan have surpassed him a long time ago. Well, what do you expect from the "baby" of the group!
THOUGHT TO PONDER: Doesn't time go by so fast these days? Our children have grown, matured, married and are having babies. We know that's the cycle of life but we should also be reminded that our earthly time is limited. The meter is running and we can't feed it - it just keeps on ticking! May we all be ready for that day when time shall be no more. Have "you house/temple" in order just like the parable of talents in Matthew 25. May the Lord God say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of thy lord".
Be blessed... see you "down the road a piece".
Also, since many of our friends and "fans" are asking for another CD, we're doing our best to oblige. With no time for the studio, Brotherhood is producing a new live CD taken from our various concerts throughout Florida and New York over the past few years. Quite exciting and quite different! We thank God for this new project!!
On other news... remember that classic Lucille Ball comedy episode? The one where she's trying to find the right way to tell Ricky that she's pregnant. Unknowingly, Ricky sings "She Having A Baby" and then is shocked to discover he's going to be the dad. It's been awhile since John & Deb's daughter, Joy, blessed them with their first grandchild, Braden. Well... they will be grandparents again after nearly 9 years! Their youngest daughter, Melody, (and her husband Jonathan) are expecting the blessed event in early 2012. "Their baby's having a baby!" We pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. While John is working on grandchild #2, the rest of Brotherhood, Phil, Mel and Dan have surpassed him a long time ago. Well, what do you expect from the "baby" of the group!
THOUGHT TO PONDER: Doesn't time go by so fast these days? Our children have grown, matured, married and are having babies. We know that's the cycle of life but we should also be reminded that our earthly time is limited. The meter is running and we can't feed it - it just keeps on ticking! May we all be ready for that day when time shall be no more. Have "you house/temple" in order just like the parable of talents in Matthew 25. May the Lord God say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of thy lord".
Be blessed... see you "down the road a piece".
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
I'm having a brutal August and it's not just from the heat! I'm dealing with all sorts of deadlines -work, family, Brotherhood and personal projects. Early fatigue also occurs but Brotherhood has "weathered the storm". Typically, August is our vacation time but we had 2 concerts in 4 days by the end of the first week but that will be it! An early AM concert at Navair, and a blessed first time event at Restoracion Christian Center. Wow, were those people free in the spirit and truly ushered in God's presence even before Brotherhood started singing. Praise be to God, for getting acquainted with believers from another worship group - and in Spanish! We felt a kindred spirit and look forward to continued fellowship with them. The seniors group from our home church made a "road trip" there - we appreciate their support.
Being blessed with good administrative skills does take the edge off those deadlines I mentioned earlier... but I still have to deal with them. I can't run away, hide and see them magically work out all by themselves. It's not the real world we live in and Christians should not treat projects, confrontations, conflicts, disagreements with family or friends any differently.
You may think they go away, but not so. Everyone has a memory and someday they will recall or recount a bad situation that was never brought to conclusion. They will hold it against you for reasons unknown to you. That's where humility and forgiveness comes into play. Christians should be so sensitive to their surroundings, that their heart and spirit remain restless and uneasy until it's resolved. I can't hold grudges or remain angry for very long; it's not my nature. So... sooner than later, I'll "step to the plate" and take the responsibility to make things right. Sometimes, I'm surprised when a person asks me for forgiveness because I can't recall any wrong doing.
Isn't that like our Father in heaven who doesn't remember our past sins! Our slate is completely clean. He has separated our sins as far as the east is from the west. In so doing, He brings joy in the morning and we have an assurance that we can always come to Him and seek forgiveness.
Be blessed and love one another!!
Being blessed with good administrative skills does take the edge off those deadlines I mentioned earlier... but I still have to deal with them. I can't run away, hide and see them magically work out all by themselves. It's not the real world we live in and Christians should not treat projects, confrontations, conflicts, disagreements with family or friends any differently.
You may think they go away, but not so. Everyone has a memory and someday they will recall or recount a bad situation that was never brought to conclusion. They will hold it against you for reasons unknown to you. That's where humility and forgiveness comes into play. Christians should be so sensitive to their surroundings, that their heart and spirit remain restless and uneasy until it's resolved. I can't hold grudges or remain angry for very long; it's not my nature. So... sooner than later, I'll "step to the plate" and take the responsibility to make things right. Sometimes, I'm surprised when a person asks me for forgiveness because I can't recall any wrong doing.
Isn't that like our Father in heaven who doesn't remember our past sins! Our slate is completely clean. He has separated our sins as far as the east is from the west. In so doing, He brings joy in the morning and we have an assurance that we can always come to Him and seek forgiveness.
Be blessed and love one another!!
Friday, July 15, 2011
SUMMER IS HERE, GOD IS NEAR
Fireworks, picnics, baseball, BBQ's, hot nights, hot daogs, fireflies, heat lightning and lightning bugs are all sure signs that summer is upon us in the USA. I can remember hot times in the city when fire hydrants were our cool relief (no pools), we played outside way past dark and enjoyed the cool breeze a box fan would bring. Air conditioners were not for everyone and central air wasn't quite needed in NYC.
After a quick dinner concert, Brotherhood is also getting some relief before we resume our schedule in August. We are still basking in God's goodness and blessings poured out to His people in the metro NY area. It's a joy to share what God is doing in other parts of America. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. Likewise, He's the same in Florida, New York and California! There will always be a wonderful, spirit connection when we gather with like believers.
Two instances to share:
(1) I was blessed to attend a picnic reunion with folks that I hadn't seen in over 40 years. I was late to arrive, but from a distance, I could see the joy of Christian fellowship. It's as if time stood still and we had never been apart! (2) While driving through a section of Brooklyn, NY, I noticed the different ethnic stores right next to each other - Hebrew, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian, Korean, etc. These city people, who many have migrated from foreign lands, live and breathe in the same area or city block. And... they get along!!
Why don't we, as Christians, learn a lesson? Despite denominational differences, we are all the body of Christ. If we don't get along on earth, how will we do so in heaven? So, let's celebrate our American freedom, living in peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ and everyone else. Let's strive to let the whole world see/know that we can make a difference in our "corner of the world". Amen!!
Until next time!!
After a quick dinner concert, Brotherhood is also getting some relief before we resume our schedule in August. We are still basking in God's goodness and blessings poured out to His people in the metro NY area. It's a joy to share what God is doing in other parts of America. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. Likewise, He's the same in Florida, New York and California! There will always be a wonderful, spirit connection when we gather with like believers.
Two instances to share:
(1) I was blessed to attend a picnic reunion with folks that I hadn't seen in over 40 years. I was late to arrive, but from a distance, I could see the joy of Christian fellowship. It's as if time stood still and we had never been apart! (2) While driving through a section of Brooklyn, NY, I noticed the different ethnic stores right next to each other - Hebrew, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian, Korean, etc. These city people, who many have migrated from foreign lands, live and breathe in the same area or city block. And... they get along!!
Why don't we, as Christians, learn a lesson? Despite denominational differences, we are all the body of Christ. If we don't get along on earth, how will we do so in heaven? So, let's celebrate our American freedom, living in peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ and everyone else. Let's strive to let the whole world see/know that we can make a difference in our "corner of the world". Amen!!
Until next time!!
Friday, June 24, 2011
THE FATHER & MY "COUSIN VINNE"
No, I don't have a real cousin Vinnie in my family! I have Angelo's, Anthony's, Carmine's, Lenny's, Johnny's, Ronnie's... but no Vinnie's. That's just the name Mel, our bass, uses whenever Brotherhood goes to New York City. It started last year when Mel fell in love with the entire city and his new Italian friends. He wanted to be part of them so much that he temporarily changed his name. "Cousin Vinnie Serruci" surfaces and gets reacquainted with pizza, other Italian food and my real cousins. His pronunciation of Italian words is hysterical but I love it! Our pianist, Dan, now has been added to the mix and I gave him the name of "Vito Salvatore" - cousin to Vinnie (notice the same initials). An entire, wacky story has evolved as to how their fathers came to America... Phil loves the food but has no desire to have a "New York Italian name" - fugetaboutit!!
And, these guys just cracked me up and I laughed so hard that I lost my voice - seriously! And, it happened on both trips. I enjoy these men in music ministry and know God wants us to have fun, too. Father's Day has come and gone but the joy of fatherhood continues. Father God desires good things for His children as we faithfully serve and honor Him. We can't lose in God's economy so let's remember to give Him our very best. May the Father's joy live in your hearts and lives continually. I pray that all the men had a very Happy Father's Day.
God bless and "mangia"!!
And, these guys just cracked me up and I laughed so hard that I lost my voice - seriously! And, it happened on both trips. I enjoy these men in music ministry and know God wants us to have fun, too. Father's Day has come and gone but the joy of fatherhood continues. Father God desires good things for His children as we faithfully serve and honor Him. We can't lose in God's economy so let's remember to give Him our very best. May the Father's joy live in your hearts and lives continually. I pray that all the men had a very Happy Father's Day.
God bless and "mangia"!!
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