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!!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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"!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
TAKING A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE
June is here... the flowers are in bloom and the smell of cut grass permeates the air! And Brotherhood has been busy in and out of Florida already. We kicked off the month with a concert at First Presbyterian of Lake Mary and followed that up with a return ministry visit to the Big Apple, New York City! We met new folks in Lake Mary and had a wonderful time of gospel music fellowship. We reacquainted relationships with our dear New York friends and family. Once plans were set, the guys could not wait to get back to my home town. They could not stop reminiscing about our 2010 trip - the food, the people, the acceptance and the genuine love of God that was shown at each concert ministry.
Our June 2011 travels took us to Brooklyn, the Bronx, Ossining and Garnerville in Rockland County. Brotherhood delivered some familiar and most requested songs such as "Roll Away" and "Give It Away". A do-wop 1950's style song, "Jesus, You're So Wonderful" was introduced and is now a NY favorite! Plus, Brotherhood added new material - originals ("Get Up!", "I'm Coming Home"), P&W, classics, traditional, current popular gospel and... something for the children.
We felt a strong need to present a message to the Sunday School generation and let them know that (1) Jesus loves them, (2) God can use them, (3) He cares for each one, and (3) by faith they should trust Him to answer prayers - big or small. They are the church leaders of tomorrow. God's presence was truly felt at every church and the altar work ministry was awesome. No words can describe such a wonderful weekend of ministry in song, word and prayer! We believe that this weekend has ordained and directed by God and will impact the churches and their communities!!
Food was remembered because.. it's New York City where the best pizza and bagels can be found within a few city blocks. And, you just can't beat home cooked Italian food (thanks to da Bronx "goombas"). And, of course, great fellowship surrounded the food as the family of God grew to know each other in a new way. It's just an example of what heaven's banquet table will be like! "O taste and see that the Lord is good."
Lastly, I want to share our encounter with Francesca. Brotherhood has adopted a certain Brooklyn diner as their very own. As often as we have been there, we're known as that Florida gospel group who sang at Trinity Tabernacle. Well, after our final concert we had plenty of relax time due and wanted to end it with a late night snack. So... to the diner we went. Francesca was our server and was a gracious and wonderful hostess. She answered our questions and discovered who we were very quickly as we were smiling and laughing heartily (being loud in NYC is OK). She introduced us to the owner and had some great conversation. He then completed our meal with a special homemade dessert "on the house". With the service slowing down, Francesca had time to speak with us and, after some specific questions asked by Phil, she sat down, bowed her head and accepted Christ into her life! I looked at her and saw a different women in front of me. Her face was glowing, her spirit lighter and seemed to have burdens lifted off her shoulders - praise God! She promised to visit the local church ASAP in order to continue her walk with Jesus and fellowship with believers. P.S. She was already familiar with the church and knew the pastor from his diner visits with his family!! God does all things right and His good time.
These NY churches consist of caring, loving people with wonderful pastors who allowed Brotherhood to minister in their special way.They all want us back again and we look forward to another NY trip, the good Lord willing! New York is fertile ground and "ripe unto harvest".
Be blessed... see you real soon!
Our June 2011 travels took us to Brooklyn, the Bronx, Ossining and Garnerville in Rockland County. Brotherhood delivered some familiar and most requested songs such as "Roll Away" and "Give It Away". A do-wop 1950's style song, "Jesus, You're So Wonderful" was introduced and is now a NY favorite! Plus, Brotherhood added new material - originals ("Get Up!", "I'm Coming Home"), P&W, classics, traditional, current popular gospel and... something for the children.
We felt a strong need to present a message to the Sunday School generation and let them know that (1) Jesus loves them, (2) God can use them, (3) He cares for each one, and (3) by faith they should trust Him to answer prayers - big or small. They are the church leaders of tomorrow. God's presence was truly felt at every church and the altar work ministry was awesome. No words can describe such a wonderful weekend of ministry in song, word and prayer! We believe that this weekend has ordained and directed by God and will impact the churches and their communities!!
Food was remembered because.. it's New York City where the best pizza and bagels can be found within a few city blocks. And, you just can't beat home cooked Italian food (thanks to da Bronx "goombas"). And, of course, great fellowship surrounded the food as the family of God grew to know each other in a new way. It's just an example of what heaven's banquet table will be like! "O taste and see that the Lord is good."
Lastly, I want to share our encounter with Francesca. Brotherhood has adopted a certain Brooklyn diner as their very own. As often as we have been there, we're known as that Florida gospel group who sang at Trinity Tabernacle. Well, after our final concert we had plenty of relax time due and wanted to end it with a late night snack. So... to the diner we went. Francesca was our server and was a gracious and wonderful hostess. She answered our questions and discovered who we were very quickly as we were smiling and laughing heartily (being loud in NYC is OK). She introduced us to the owner and had some great conversation. He then completed our meal with a special homemade dessert "on the house". With the service slowing down, Francesca had time to speak with us and, after some specific questions asked by Phil, she sat down, bowed her head and accepted Christ into her life! I looked at her and saw a different women in front of me. Her face was glowing, her spirit lighter and seemed to have burdens lifted off her shoulders - praise God! She promised to visit the local church ASAP in order to continue her walk with Jesus and fellowship with believers. P.S. She was already familiar with the church and knew the pastor from his diner visits with his family!! God does all things right and His good time.
These NY churches consist of caring, loving people with wonderful pastors who allowed Brotherhood to minister in their special way.They all want us back again and we look forward to another NY trip, the good Lord willing! New York is fertile ground and "ripe unto harvest".
Be blessed... see you real soon!
Monday, May 9, 2011
REMEMBER MOM IN MAY
May usually signifies the coming of Mother’s Day and the warmth of soon-to-be summer, unless you live in a warm climate (like me). Remember your mothers everyday; don’t wait for a special date on the calendar. Tell them how much you love and appreciate all that they’ve done for you. It could also be a grandmother, aunt or dear friend that you consider as a mother figure. Childbirth can be easy but carrying and delivering a newborn is serious business. In some cases, it can be fatal to either life.
Hmmmm… pondering thought: Despite the possibility of harm, injury or death, women still continue to bear children. The negative is far outweighed by the positive benefits, the joy, love and care for your very own offspring. And, no matter how painful those nine months were, it is soon forgotten as laughter, joy and smiles are enjoyed and shared with the “new mom”. The following years nurture the growth of that infant into a mature, responsible person.
Christ bore the entire weight of sin and endured it until the very end! “Surely He bore our sorrows and by His stripes we are healed.” Jesus Christ did not call 10,000 angels to “rescue” Him because of His boundless love for ALL of us. And His death was for all mankind - present and still to come. He did not die for a select few but for all that believe and place their faith & trust in Him. So, stop and think about our Father’s love and the pain endured by His Son on the cross. Can you imagine the smile on His face when someone becomes a Christian and decides to follow Him? He came for the masses yet loves and cares for each one individually. Decide to continue a one-on-one relationship with the One who loved you first.
Be blessed, love your neighbor as thyself… and live in peace!
Hmmmm… pondering thought: Despite the possibility of harm, injury or death, women still continue to bear children. The negative is far outweighed by the positive benefits, the joy, love and care for your very own offspring. And, no matter how painful those nine months were, it is soon forgotten as laughter, joy and smiles are enjoyed and shared with the “new mom”. The following years nurture the growth of that infant into a mature, responsible person.
Christ bore the entire weight of sin and endured it until the very end! “Surely He bore our sorrows and by His stripes we are healed.” Jesus Christ did not call 10,000 angels to “rescue” Him because of His boundless love for ALL of us. And His death was for all mankind - present and still to come. He did not die for a select few but for all that believe and place their faith & trust in Him. So, stop and think about our Father’s love and the pain endured by His Son on the cross. Can you imagine the smile on His face when someone becomes a Christian and decides to follow Him? He came for the masses yet loves and cares for each one individually. Decide to continue a one-on-one relationship with the One who loved you first.
Be blessed, love your neighbor as thyself… and live in peace!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
THE LOVE OF GOD & HIS CREATION
This past weekend, three quarters of Brotherhood joined a camping trip with married couples and their families from our home church. More than seventy believers spent quality “tent time” together – cooking, eating, playing games, swimming, boating, talking, laughing, praying and singing. Being a “city boy”, I didn’t cherish the thought of setting up and taking down camp with all the stuff in between! But, I wanted to be with my good friends; it was wonderfully refreshing and inspirational! Besides heaven, where else will you find great fellowship with the family of God, nature and our heavenly Father!
At Saturday’s morning devotional, Brotherhood shared a few sing-along choruses that was appropriate for that outdoor setting. And then, as the day’s activities slowed to a crawl, the campfire was started. As moths to a flame, everyone gravitated towards the light and “circled their wagons”. We shared a Q&A session to foster group conversation which led to testimonies of God’s greatness and goodness to His people. The “cherry on top” was the steady flow of spontaneous songs of praise as the fire burned brightly. And it grew even brighter as the Lord favored us with a full moon! My spirit was so charged, I had a very hard time sleeping that night. Sunday’s outdoor service was a delightful mixture of children’s Bible songs, testimonies, "sermonette" and prayer.
It reminded me that no matter how dim life’s road may be, God holds us in the palm of His hand. He holds tomorrow so why should we worry or fret! And, thank you Lord, for taking me from an air conditioned, controlled weekend environment to an unknown, uncommon, rough-it-up-so-what weekend. I may not do it again very soon but is was truly worth it all!
Final Thought: Ah yes, Easter is the “flavor of the month” for the world to celebrate something. Baskets full of candy, new dresses, bunnies and colored egg hunts for the children. However, this is one, if not, the most important celebrations for all Christians. For, if there was no crucifixion AND resurrection, the birth of Jesus Christ would be just another date on the calendar. Remember that God’s love is so great, Jesus Christ would still have gone to Calvary if you were the ONLY person on earth! So, be blessed and be a blessing to someone, as well!
Continue to keep Brotherhood in your thoughts and prayers. After the holidays, we get busy with more practice on new material (always there). Plus, the calendar has us scheduled at First Presbyterian of Lake Mary, FL for a Sunday 5PM concert on June 5th. The following weekend (June 10-12) takes Brotherhood back to the Big Apple again – New York, New York!! Concert details will follow soon so stay tuned.
At Saturday’s morning devotional, Brotherhood shared a few sing-along choruses that was appropriate for that outdoor setting. And then, as the day’s activities slowed to a crawl, the campfire was started. As moths to a flame, everyone gravitated towards the light and “circled their wagons”. We shared a Q&A session to foster group conversation which led to testimonies of God’s greatness and goodness to His people. The “cherry on top” was the steady flow of spontaneous songs of praise as the fire burned brightly. And it grew even brighter as the Lord favored us with a full moon! My spirit was so charged, I had a very hard time sleeping that night. Sunday’s outdoor service was a delightful mixture of children’s Bible songs, testimonies, "sermonette" and prayer.
It reminded me that no matter how dim life’s road may be, God holds us in the palm of His hand. He holds tomorrow so why should we worry or fret! And, thank you Lord, for taking me from an air conditioned, controlled weekend environment to an unknown, uncommon, rough-it-up-so-what weekend. I may not do it again very soon but is was truly worth it all!
Final Thought: Ah yes, Easter is the “flavor of the month” for the world to celebrate something. Baskets full of candy, new dresses, bunnies and colored egg hunts for the children. However, this is one, if not, the most important celebrations for all Christians. For, if there was no crucifixion AND resurrection, the birth of Jesus Christ would be just another date on the calendar. Remember that God’s love is so great, Jesus Christ would still have gone to Calvary if you were the ONLY person on earth! So, be blessed and be a blessing to someone, as well!
Continue to keep Brotherhood in your thoughts and prayers. After the holidays, we get busy with more practice on new material (always there). Plus, the calendar has us scheduled at First Presbyterian of Lake Mary, FL for a Sunday 5PM concert on June 5th. The following weekend (June 10-12) takes Brotherhood back to the Big Apple again – New York, New York!! Concert details will follow soon so stay tuned.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Spring is just around the corner (at least in Florida). The buds are blooming, birds are singing and so is Brotherhood. We had a wonderful, uniquely different outreach concert this month. The West Volusia Music Club (WVMC) is a group of former/current musicians, entertainers, etc. that is just north of Orlando. Besides central Florida, members come from Titusville, New Symrna Beach, Deltona, Cocoa Beach and the Midwest corridor. The club hosts concerts each month for its’ members and guests (open to the public). Unique because it’s not the typical “audience” you would see at churches. And, Brotherhood was the first vocal group that WVMC has invited and a first for gospel music, as well!!
Last summer, their president saw Brotherhood and, after attending few concerts, decided to booked us. They wanted lots of music and little talk so… much prayer was placed on this event so that the gospel message was still presented. Being an eclectic group, Brotherhood presented various styles cooked “our way”. A touch of patriotism, a pinch of a classic love ballad, a dash of gospel ‘50’s style and a cupful of good ol’ gospel music!! It was tastefully seasoned in country, light contemporary, southern, Gaither and hymnal gospel sounds.
Praise God, we did our part and it was well received despite our speakers not working. As usual, our sound man readied the equipment for packing. When all was opened and set up underway, we discovered that the speaker power connections were missing! Well, without them you don’t have sound. So, via cell phone instructions, we were able to utilize the hall’s speakers with our mixer and made adjustments “on the fly”. We just knew that what Satan meant to discourage and disrupt, God turned into a blessing! And, despite these challenges, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the concert and can’t wait for Brotherhood to return. A few other church ministry opportunities may result from this event, and we met some wonderful, dear folks. Some were very unassuming.
One gentleman in his late 70’s visited our table before the concert and I had the chance to speak with him a bit. I discovered he was a musician, songwriter, producer, booking agent and former owner of radio stations. He’s also a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Piquing my interest, I went online to learn more about him. After an accident left him with one arm, he regained confidence to continue playing and singing. In fact, he has a specially built organ allowing him to play with one hand and use his 2 feet to play other instruments at the same time! I listened to his CD and it was wonderful – he truly is a one-armed one man band! I was encouraged and thankful to God that He allows us to use whatever we have to continue a passion. Keep on pressing on and don’t give up, because Jesus Christ did not give up on us! We should be like cheese and fine wine… getting better with age.
THOUGHT: Do you ever hesitate to step out, in faith, to do something for God? It’s like learning to swim. We don’t readily comprehend that when we relax, our bodies will naturally float! We struggle moving our arms and legs and, many times, going nowhere while getting very tired. But when we learn to relax in the process, it all works out – and we swim! God wants us to relax and trust Him for ALL things, big or small. We need to depend on Him for He knows best. The more we struggle to do it ourselves, the harder it becomes. I’ve learned that it’s much easier to surrender to the Father. Why not give it a try, too!
Until next time… be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.
Last summer, their president saw Brotherhood and, after attending few concerts, decided to booked us. They wanted lots of music and little talk so… much prayer was placed on this event so that the gospel message was still presented. Being an eclectic group, Brotherhood presented various styles cooked “our way”. A touch of patriotism, a pinch of a classic love ballad, a dash of gospel ‘50’s style and a cupful of good ol’ gospel music!! It was tastefully seasoned in country, light contemporary, southern, Gaither and hymnal gospel sounds.
Praise God, we did our part and it was well received despite our speakers not working. As usual, our sound man readied the equipment for packing. When all was opened and set up underway, we discovered that the speaker power connections were missing! Well, without them you don’t have sound. So, via cell phone instructions, we were able to utilize the hall’s speakers with our mixer and made adjustments “on the fly”. We just knew that what Satan meant to discourage and disrupt, God turned into a blessing! And, despite these challenges, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the concert and can’t wait for Brotherhood to return. A few other church ministry opportunities may result from this event, and we met some wonderful, dear folks. Some were very unassuming.
One gentleman in his late 70’s visited our table before the concert and I had the chance to speak with him a bit. I discovered he was a musician, songwriter, producer, booking agent and former owner of radio stations. He’s also a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Piquing my interest, I went online to learn more about him. After an accident left him with one arm, he regained confidence to continue playing and singing. In fact, he has a specially built organ allowing him to play with one hand and use his 2 feet to play other instruments at the same time! I listened to his CD and it was wonderful – he truly is a one-armed one man band! I was encouraged and thankful to God that He allows us to use whatever we have to continue a passion. Keep on pressing on and don’t give up, because Jesus Christ did not give up on us! We should be like cheese and fine wine… getting better with age.
THOUGHT: Do you ever hesitate to step out, in faith, to do something for God? It’s like learning to swim. We don’t readily comprehend that when we relax, our bodies will naturally float! We struggle moving our arms and legs and, many times, going nowhere while getting very tired. But when we learn to relax in the process, it all works out – and we swim! God wants us to relax and trust Him for ALL things, big or small. We need to depend on Him for He knows best. The more we struggle to do it ourselves, the harder it becomes. I’ve learned that it’s much easier to surrender to the Father. Why not give it a try, too!
Until next time… be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.
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