Gospel Music Roundup ~ Crawford & Company

Ξ May 22nd, 2011 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast |

GMR Crawford & Company [ 59:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1109)

The Roots of Gospel Music Roundup are all about supporting independent Southern Gospel Music Artists and Quartets with promotion and exposure to the masses.  We do this, because the music blesses the listener.

We don’t charge people for this ministry, we consider ourselves a Barnabas-Ministry, coming alongside those who are out there doing the work of the Gospel and hoping to demonstrate a level of appreciation for what they do, and to show their work to the World.

In Carthage, Missouri, there is one such group that has been putting the Word of the Lord out in song and in deed for decades, now;  That group is called Crawford & Company.

To locals, and to many churches this group has appeared in over the years, they will forever be known as Canaan Bound.  But a couple years ago they set their sites on a new horizon that was looming, and the new name was chosen to reflect the namesake of the Group, providing identity.

Crawford & Co shares the Gospel in Song while traveling the country singing their original Southern Gospel songs. The lively songs and melodies are written by Gary Crawford, founder, and he has been an essential part of keeping the group together through the 25 years of ministry.  Gary started writing in 1982 and God has inspired a hundred plus songs since that time.

Gary Crawford sings lead, Justin Crawford sings tenor, and their newest member Josh sings baritone.  Locals can catch “Crawford and Company” virtually every first friday of each month at:

Fairview Christian Church | 2320 S. Grand Ave, Carthage, MO 64836

Many thanks to stations that are actively sharing our program, as well-

Be sure to check out the lineup at Enjoy Radio.org

And now on Heirwave Christian Internet Radio!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Ξ April 24th, 2011 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Sunday Service, Writings |

Easter, A Resurrection Sunday [ 59:59 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1453)

Philippians 2:5-8

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The Obedience of Christ is truly something to marvel at;  So often we see the sacrifice that was made, and accept the free gift of salvation; but we neglect to acknowledge that this was also an example for us.  An example of Perfect Love that casts out all fear…  even the fear of death.

How many of us, these days, have cried out to God in confusion over the struggles and difficulties we encounter- with many of us somehow having misconstrued the message that was given us here-  “even death on a cross.”   Instead, we plead to God, “Lord, you have the power to take all these problems and bills and pains, why do I have to go through this?”
Jesus did not deserve what was happening to Him, when they pulled Him away from his friends and support group in the night, when He was put through public humiliation for only doing the things that God had asked and empowered him to do.  He didn’t loudly object nor interject to his accusers, “I don’t deserve this!  I have rights!”

Jesus accepted what was happening to Him as it was intended;  a witness and testimony to the obedience that we, His followers, are to not only accept as cause for belief, but to adapt and emulate, if you will, that same attitude in the face of our struggles.

Christians in America are falling into a “Comfort Trap” with devastating results-  with many preachers leading people away, not even realizing what they are doing.

Churches are driven, not following;  What does this tell you about who is in control?  We sing the praise of God and glorify Jesus’ name, and yet we are carefully exorcising the songs that convict or mention the blood of Jesus.  We get worked into a frenzy of praise, not much different than a High School Pep Rally, with congregations bursting out of the doors, pumped up for the week, saying,”Yay, GOD!  Come with ME!!!”  instead of “Wow, Lord;  I will do as you say!”

I will not get into an indictment about churches, here.  I will not even state more than I have already about music.  My heart’s desire is not to have you do what TOM says, but to have you do what the LORD says, and to listen to what He has for you to do.  This comes through reading the word, Praying without ceasing, and allowing His Holy Spirit to come in and clean house.

Then, with everything that gets cleaned out, refill that space with God.  Develop the spiritual abs.  Do not yeild when trials and persecutions come, and bear in mind, trials and persecutions have learned some sneaky tricks and wear some pretty convincing camouflage.  The only way to know what is right is what I have already stated;  Prayer, time in the word, and complete surrender to God.

Listen. Learn. Pray. Enjoy…  in this edition, a Resurrection Sunday Edition, of Gospel Music Roundup

Gospel Music Roundup Joins the Lineup at Enjoy Radio!

Ξ April 8th, 2011 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast |

Gospel Music Roundup Quartets [ 59:54 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1592)

The awesome message of salvation-  of JOY in the Lord - That’s the message of Southern Gospel Music!  Gospel Music Roundup now has an awesome opportunity to broaden our outreach, in partnering with ENJOY RADIO

Enjoy Radio is a streaming internet broadcast including  a wide variety of programs that enrich, enlighten and entertain the Christian listener:

• Heaven’s Jubilee
• Wagon Traxx
• Sunrise Show
• Sunrise Show
• Sunday Side Up
• Sunday Side Up All Country
• Heart Of The South
• Texas Gospel Jamboree
• Home Coming Radio
• Today’s Cross Country
• Country Gospel Music
• Gospel Memories Radio
• Down Home Gospel Reunion
• Gospel Music Roundup
• Blue Grass Gospel Hour
• Rejoice
• The Old Gospel Ship
• Believers Bluegrass Radio Show
• West Coast Express
• Assemblytime Campmeeting
• Good News Music
• Gospel Fest
• Country Parson
• Southern Styles
• Gospel Country Count Down
• Southern Celebration
• God’s Country Radio
• Front Porch Fellowship
• Southern Gospel Lighthouse
• and many more.

Southern Gospel Quartets come with some great historical attributes.  The tight harmonies, the message of faith in the lives of the members, and the love those people have for each other and for the Lord are what form Southern Gospel Music.  In my opinion, this is not more apparent anywhere more than it is in the context of the Southern Gospel Quartet.

In this episode of Gospel Music Roundup:

• The Crownsmen

• The Burneys

• The Missourians

• Chosen Few

• Steel City Quartet

• Rekindled

• The Barkley Family

• The Kings

• Canaan’s Road

• Dotson Family Quartet

• Golden State Quartet

• Grandpa’s Neighbors

• King’s Highway

• Thomas James

• Dave Berland

And, as always…

SO MUCH MORE!

Ya gotta love it!

Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

Gospel Music Roundup on Make Mine Southern!

Ξ March 25th, 2011 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast |

Part One: Tom Whiteman co-hosting with Bob Durham on another episode of Make Mine Southern, Pt 1 [ 42:46 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1380)

Part Two: Tom Whiteman co-hosting with Bob Durham on Make Mine Southern! [ 1:00:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (97)

You know, spending time with Bob Durham is probably one of my favorite things to do, but I just don’t get enough of it.  We had a great time together working on this week’s “Make Mine Southern”, Bob’s weekly program heard on KKOW AM 860 out of Pittsburgh, Kansas.

Bob, as some of you already know, is the Pianist for The Missourians, and has been forever.  But Bob Durham is also a wealth of knowledge about Southern Gospel Music, which is probably why I like him so much!

Take a listen to this show:  It’s in two parts, as you can see, each an hour long.  But as you listen, just picture what is going on as Bob and I go thru these great songs-  a better time, it’s hard to say I’ve ever had!

I also had a great time hearing songs from the Missourian’s new CD, NO BOUNDARIES, available now at their website-  Trust me, it’s worth it!

Make Mine Southern is a weekly Southern Gospel music program that airs every Sunday on KKOW 860 AM from 6:00am to 8:00am, KNEO 91.7 FM Sunday 11:00pm, Monday at 10:00pm and at Heirwave Internet Radio on Sundays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm (CST). It features the latest releases from today’s Hottest Southern Gospel acts as well as local and regional artists. MMS is hosted by one of the midwest’s premier groups, The Missourians. Make Mine Southern is sponsored in part by The Missourians and The Crusaders for Christ Singers. 

Each week listeners from the four state region of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas tune in for two hours of fun and entertainment, Southern Gospel style.  Just remember, wherever you go, whatever you do and whomever you see, “Take the Name of Jesus with you!”

-Tom

Gospel Music Roundup-Trusting is Leading

Ξ March 24th, 2011 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Writings |

Trusting is leading [ 1:00:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1176)

All too often, these days, I hear the phrase, “I don’t know how to trust anymore.”  And, while it’s true that words like those are an indictment on our society, I can honestly say, the worse things have gotten, the more I have learned to trust.

Trust in God.

Men, women and children, they will all disappoint us, and some will carry out that disappointment to a breaking point inside of us that, unless we know Christ intimately, will cause a major rift in our lives. But I will say it again, this is only in the event that we are not closely familiar with the Lamb of Galilee, God in man, Jesus the Christ.

For, by knowing him, we know the suffering and disappointment he went through for OUR sake;  he was mocked, persecuted, scorned and beaten;  Yet with a single command, he could have brought down a vengeance upon man that the world had never seen, and even left this world a mere uninhabited rock.

Instead, He chose the Cross, fully aware of its pain, its torture.  He chose the nails, knowing that God knew what He was doing, and had sent His only Son here, for the purpose of wiping away the sin that separated us from Him.

It took a sacrifice, Holy and blameless.  And Jesus’ unwavering Trust in God is why we now can go to God in prayer, seeking Him, and we can rejoice that even though we may stumble, we may fall, we may wander and we may give up for a while, we can still reach out to Him, and in that very moment He will catch us!

Trust in God.

I hope the songs you hear in this edition of Gospel Music Roundup will draw you into a closer trust relationship with the King of Kings, and that in the music, as it winds its way from your ear to your heart, you can again see that the one thing we CAN trust in this world and in these times, is God alone.

Trust In God.

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.”

Light My Fuse, Jesus!!!

Ξ July 3rd, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized |

Light my Fuse, Jesus! [ 59:47 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (4050)

I LOVE FIREWORKS!!! Especially Mortars and Skyrockets! There is a quiet reassurance in the aftermath, that we are not bound by these earthly containments, and that once we break free, we will shine with a brilliance never before seen, leaving only our earthly hulls behind while our entrance to heaven lights up the sky!

This weekend is the Fourth of July, 2010.  It’s been awhile, since the last podcast,  due to technical issues and the shaping of a heart, here in my own self.

It’s not about me, though; it’s about the Lord, and the love he has for us.  This weekend I would like to share with you some shows from my good friend Bob Durahm, of Gospel Music’s own “Make Mine Southern”, an awesome show available each and every week on KKOW 860 AM from 6:00am to 8:00am (CST) and at Heirwave Internet Radio on Saturdays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm (CST). It features the latest releases from today’s Hottest Southern Gospel acts as well as local and regional artists.

In THESE shows, however, Bob and friends pay tribute to this great land of ours, and this Holiday, Independence day!

Remember, there are four shows in all, so be sure to follow along and listen to each one!

In the service, of the King,

Tom Whiteman

Gospel Music Roundup: St. Patrick’s day celebration!

Ξ March 15th, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, Uncategorized |

Gospel Music Roundup Celtic Style Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3124)

The heartbeat and the soul of Patrick was the Gospel of Christ. He wrote in his testimony,

“I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless, I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my souls desire. I am not ignorant of what is said of my Lord in the Psalm: You destroy those who speak a lie and a lying mouth deals death to the soul. Likewise the Lord says in the Gospel, In the day of judgment, men shall render an account for every idle word they utter.

So it is that I should fear mightily, with terror and trembling, this judgment on the day when no one shall be able to steal away or hide, but each one shall render account for even our smallest sins before the judgment seat of Christ.”

These words of Patrick are as a prophetic trumpet of the Lord. It is most serious to steal the legacy from the people of the nation, particularly when that heritage was life and light in Christ Jesus!

Many Irish have grown up engrossed in the rites and rituals of Roman Catholicism. Many of us, turning from those dead things and having drunk deeply of the Biblical grace of God that is in Christ Jesus, now want to stand on Patricks words,

“no one shall be able to steal away or hide, but each one shall render account for even our smallest sins before the judgment seat of Christ.”

Surely this day so many use to indulge and party, can be taken back by the believer as yet another day to Honor God, and to glorify Him.

Take rest in His greatness, and enjoy the sounds of the Boatrights as they bring the Gospel with a Celtic Flavor

to This edition of Gospel Music Roundup!

GMR Warm-up to Worship!

Ξ January 8th, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized |

Warmup to worship! [ 1:00:36 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2473)

As of the recording of this podcast, it’s 3 below zero in the Ozarks.  The early morning sky is ablaze in the glory of the Lord in a picture only He can paint, and I can only stand amazed in His presence.

Leading up to this moment has been an honor for me-  to get acquainted with so many talented people and share the fruit of their efforts in the name of the Lord with whosoever will listen!  It’s a new day, a new year, a new DECADE.  To the world, it may not seem any different than any other, but He holds the power to make all things new, and he HAS.

Today’s songs blessed me beyond belief.  The words of the Lord always bring me such peace, but today it seemed like an extra measure, and a great dose of heart-warming thrown in as well!

Relax and listen to the sounds of these artists, praising His name in song!

Mark Cable
Signature Quartet
The Burneys
Dave Berland
Jacki Wheeler
The Missourians
Colonial City Quartet
Canaan’s Road Gospel Group
Canaan Bound
Mary alice Vanderwater
Blessed Assurance Ministries

If a song blesses you, please let the singers know.  Your feedback is the only way they have to measure the value of the work that the Lord has placed for them to do.  Better yet, support them, by purchasing a CD or offering a donation.

If you have any comments about this podcast, you may enter them here, or you can contact me, Tom Whiteman, by writing:

Thomas Whiteman

20055 Nutmeg Road

Jasper, MO 64755

or email me at gospelmusicroundup@yahoo.com

Gospel Music Roundup Christmas Eve 2009

Ξ December 24th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized |

Christmas Eve 2009 [ 58:59 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1854)

This is it! The night before the Birthday of our KING! 

I’ve got a great group of artists here, ready, willing and able to join with you as you reflect and celebrate this evening!

It is my prayer that each of you have a most blessed evening, and as you listen to this podcast in the background of your evening’s activities that you be blessed beyond measure and feel the attitude of worship and joy that is intended.

In Honor of the King,

Tom

In This Episode:

Tracy Heaston

Chosen Few

Signature Quartet

The Missourians

Lori Bianco

The Boatrights

Dan Adkins

Just Over Yonder Bluegrass Band

Nancy Good

Dave Berland

And So Much More…

A Special Gospel Music Roundup, with Dave Berland’s Christmas Songs!

Ξ December 23rd, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, comments, Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized |

Dave Berland Christmas Special [ 53:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1866)

Jesus Christ is my Hero!

Apart from that, there are but a few men I would like to point to and ask Jesus to make me a little more like “THAT GUY”.

There’s  My Father,  Marvin Whiteman, of course.  And my Pastor Darin.  Several of my good friends (you know who you are) and this man, Dave Berland.

Dave will be the first man to tell you that this music is not his, but God’s.  That the blessings that come through making and listening are not of his talent, except by the talent that God placed in Him.  And Dave LOVES Christmas, as do many of us-  but not for the presents, the lights and the trees, but for the gift of God it represents:

Luke 2:09 behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Luke 2:10
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
Luke 2:11
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

also, as Isaiah prophesied, in Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

THIS is the awesome magnitude we face when grasping the concept:  The WORLD may look at this as nothing more than a time for gifts and parties and hanging decorations, but for us, it means the Birthday Of The King (also one of the titles in this edition~!).

The worldliness of men will try to shoot down the accuracy of the dating with claims that it was moved to superimpose a pagan holiday, and that may be true.  but the date is inconsequential, in that Christendom chose this time to celebrate the arrival of our King.  No matter WHAT date or time or hour, that deserves celebration!  And with the meaning of Christmas inextricably tied to the birth of Christ, I’d say the naysayers are simply upset that the tools of the devil have been overturned with good.

That’s what Christ came for;  to eradicate the works of sin and death and satan and his minions!  And Dave Berland’s heart is to spread that word, that message, in song.  He prepares his heart for the worship services he and his praise team lead each sunday, praying first that God lead, We follow.

To this end, I’ve put together many of my Favorite “Dave Berland” Christmas songs for this special edition, with many old classics and even a few you might not have heard before.  Songs Like:

• Oh Holy Night

• What Child is This

• Birthday Of The King

• Hark The Herald Angels Sing

• Comfort and Joy

• I saw Three Ships

• Look There He Lays

• The Conditions Are Right

• Should Jesus Come This Christmas?

• and many more.

You are more than welcome to download this and any episode of Gospel Music Roundup, but if you prefer I send you a CD version, simply write to me at:

Gospel Music Roundup

20055 Nutmeg Road

Jasper, Missouri, 64755

or E-mail me at:

gospelmusicroundup@yahoo.com

Part II of GMR co-hosting “Make Mine Southern” with Bob Durham

Ξ October 15th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, comments, Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized |

Standard Podcast [ 1:00:16 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1773)

Part II of my experience, visiting with Bob Durham of “The Missourians” and “Make Mine Southern”, a weekly radio show on KKOW pittsburg, KS

If you haven’t done so yet, please be sure to check out Part ONE of this visit by clicking this link:

http://gospelmusicroundup.org/2009/10/08/gmr-co-hosts-make-mine-southern-part-1/

Listen to Bob Durham and Make Mine Southern

on HeirWave Internet Radio

Make Mine Southern is a weekly variety program featuring the ministries of regional artists in the tri-state area near Joplin, Missouri area. the program has aired for many years on AM 880, KKOW in Pittsburgh, Kansas. The host group for the program is Heir Wave Internet Radio Featured Ministry, The Missourians Other groups featured on “Make Mine Southern” are the Crusaders For Christ and Soloist Jim Setser.

LISTEN TO “MAKE MINE SOUTHERN”

Mondays: 8PM Eastern
Saturdays: 6PM Eastern

God bless!

Tom Whiteman

GMR Co-Hosts Make Mine Southern Part 1

Ξ October 8th, 2009 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, comments, Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast |

GMR cohosts Make Mine Southern! [ 59:44 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1217)

Recently I had the grand opportunity to sit in with Bob Durham of the Missourians, as he hosted his weekly Radio Show, “Make Mine Southern” Aired on KKOW, Pittburg KS on sunday mornings.

Bob Durham started with The Missourians in April, 1989, as their Pianist.
I’ve always really enjoyed ALL the songs the Missourians have ever sung, and have never gotten tired of any of them. Probably the song I enjoy the most right now is “Long As I Got King Jesus.” It has an infectious energy and I can’t sit still when playing it. Anything is truly OK as long as I got King Jesus!

How did Bob come to The Missourians?
Bob says, “They started singing in November, 1988 and used soundtracks. I knew Charlie (Burnett) and Jareld (Burnside) after having heard them sing many years with the Calvarymen, and I knew Richard (Crow), because of being with him several years in the Regents. They asked me to play with them, but I could only do it part time at first because of a lot of schedule conflicts. They started scheduling more so I could come and play, and I never even officially became full-time! So you see—I’m still just filling in until they can find someone!”

Bob’s past Singing History is as follows:
The Good News Quartet: 1976-1978; (I started with them when I was in 8th grade)
The Regents Quartet: 1978-1983;
The Albert E. Brumley Singers: 1983-1985;
The Missourians: 1989-present.

I asked Bob the most interesting thing about him.  His reply, “ I’ve never had a boss! I don’t count the time I was working for Dad on the farm, because I was getting “room and board.”   I have over 100 piano students that I teach each week; I taught part-time throughout college and I’ve been full-time since June, 1988. My job is music, and my hobbies are music!   Southern Gospel is my favorite, but I also enjoy Classical, Jazz, and Christmas music.   My most intense “other” hobby is the Dallas Cowboys! I go to a game every year in Dallas and see all the other games on satellite TV.”

In honor of Bob’s 20 years with The Missourians, I thought it only fair to share this as  episode 1 of a 2-part series, with all of you, as this edition of Gospel Music Roundup!

Be sure to catch Bob Durham on Heirwave Internet Radio!

Make Mine Southern

Make Mine Southern is a weekly variety program featuring the ministries of regional artists in the tri-state area near Joplin, Missouri area. the program has aired for many years on AM 880, KKOW in Pittsburgh, Kansas. The host group for the program is Heir Wave Internet Radio Featured Ministry, The Missourians Other groups featured on “Make Mine Southern” are the Crusaders For Christ and Soloist Jim Setser.

LISTEN TO “MAKE MINE SOUTHERN”

Mondays: 8PM Eastern
Saturdays: 6PM Eastern

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned…

Ξ August 16th, 2009 | → 1 Comments | ∇ comments, Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Writings |

Father, I have sinned [ 1:00:39 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2493)

My Dear friends in Christ, I have sinned.

Over a year ago,  I was injured in a way that has forever changed my ability to work and provide for my family.  I tried to keep my spirits up, prayed about it, went to all the meetings to deal with the physical pain, but deep inside I had begun to let depression kick in.  Finding Joy became more and more difficult, as I struggled to find the inner strength I needed.

I sent out hundreds of resumes, trying to start some kind of new career, and after months of trying, it seemed I had found one- One that I truly loved and enjoyed.  I threw myself into that work with all that was in me, only to have it suddenly cut off when the folks I worked for ran into big problems in their own lives, and I was out of work again.  I grieved over that job, and wondered how this could have happened after the struggles I’d already gone through. Storms came through here and tore away a large portion of my roof that I’d been trying to put on our house.  My son got hospitalized.  Slowly, I found it harder and harder to crank the mike open and create new shows here on GMR.  I essentially turned my back on God’s work.

This was so much sin, I don’t know where to start-  It was “all about me” and not about God.  I recall thinking that I must be getting some kind of punishment for something, and just felt all the more self-pity.  Many of my brothers and sisters who share with me in this ministry would call and check in on me, and I would try to be positive, and I told them that I would be back soon, only to continue to find it hard to open the microphone.

Eventually, money got to be so tight that we have had to cut back in every possible way, and the pain that I saw I was causing my family made me grieve all the more. I even began to find “reasons” (read that, “Excuses”) to stay away from church services. I still prayed, but they were very self-centered prayers and I knew it.  Finally,  I sought counsel with my pastor one day, as I had awakened that morning with a voice in my head, saying “Go see Darin.”  I had some meetings in town, but as drove past my church, I found myself swinging in and heading for his office.  We talked for two hours and prayed together, and while I would love to say that enlightenment hit me like a ton of bricks, it didn’t.  At least, not then.

Enlightenment actually came only recently, actually;  but in that meeting with my pastor, it did become clear that no matter what, I had to PRESS ON.  Sure, it can sound like going through the motions, but if they are the RIGHT motions, what of it?

The first thing I had to do was to renew my daily prayers, then shut up and listen.  Second, I had to renew my involvement in the family of God. Next I had to yield to the spirit, and that was a bit tough due to my pity party, but I just had to keep saying to myself that God HAD this.  The bills kept getting worse, no new job came, no external changes happened, but internally God WAS working.  He began to make it clear that I had been trying to make my life happen the way I wanted, not the way he wanted.  Systematically, I had shut him out of my life!  I still believed, but in my hurting and self-pity I had become TOM-centered, and not God centered.

Being back in the fellowship has had so much to do with healing for me, I cannot begin to describe it.  Even though the problems were still going on, I began to see how much JOY there was to be had, just being with the family of God again.  But, as I healed, the enemy just turned up the heat all the more, and I still had lessons to learn.  I was still trying to bear up under the financial burdens all by myself, because I was convinced that if I just kept pushing on, God would provide.  He DOES provide, but sometimes I had trouble seeing it, and all the phone calls coming in didn’t help any.  The lesson I had to learn HER was that He wants us to cast our cares upon HIM,  that alone I am powerless, and that I needed to let my brothers and sisters in Christ in on what struggles I was going through so that they can lift them up in prayer!  Previously I’d shared my worries with only a few select people-  I honestly felt that since there were so many other BIGGER problems in other’s lives, they didn’t need to hear about my petty money woes.   But, I was wrong (again) and had to learn that lesson.  The more I opened up to the family of God and had people pray for me and with me, the more things began to change.  That brings me to where I am today, asking you all to pray with me over some things that I am powerless to change.  See, while I have been on this journey of recovery, the path has really taken a toll on my wife of 25 years as well.  This was recently made very obvious when I finally got a new job-  and she didn’t share my enthusiasm.  It pains me so much to think I could have discouraged her this way…   As I prayed about it in preparation to return to GMR, this particular show came to mind.  I love you all, and thank you for reading and listening!

In the service of the King,

Tom

Psalm 62
Song of Trust in God Alone

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

Time and again, I face the question, “How can I trust God, with so many problems in my life?  Why doesn’t he just take them away, if he wants me to trust Him?”

Truth is, if you find yourself in the midst of a struggle, God DOES have his eyes on you.  Not to save you or heal you so much as to draw your attention to Him.  I have quite a few struggles going on in my life, and I never had PEACE about them until I laid them at the foot of the Cross that bore our savior, who took away the sins of the world to all who would receive it.  And as a result I am able to laugh in the midst of crisis, to dance for joy that He is faithful, and no matter what darts the enemy throws at me, I am safe in His arms.

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.

Satan Knows what will get to you, because he has seen you do it a thousand times before;  He saw that time you fell into the pity pool, that time you burst out in a rage, that important fact you withheld out of self-protection…  Yet he stands at the ready for you to repent of those things and draw unto HIM.

It’s not a fix-all, nor even does it bear the promise of a cure.  Our promise comes in Glory, and once we have left this earthly vessel behind to run to him crying “Abba! Father!”  And, our home in heaven is going to be so far superior to anything our eyes have beheld on earth, we can laugh in the face of the devil and proclaim the victory that is already won!  He CANNOT take that from us!

Special thanks to today’s praise team:

Dale Harper

David James

John Eric Anderson

Burneys

The Son Set Refuge(Still waters)

Dave Berland

Phillip Andrew Newman

Pure Heart

The Missourians

Circle Of Friends

The Crownsmen

Diane Marie Gillaspy

Blue Coyote Band

And SO MUCH MORE!

Gospel Music Roundup: In His Presence!

Ξ February 11th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ comments, Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized, Writings |

Yield yourself to God [ 59:58 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3309)

What an amazing feeling it is to be in the presence of the Lord!

No, I may not be a current resident of the heavenly places, but I do know my mansion is waiting there, and all of heaven rejoices every time someone joins the family.  I have had the chance to witness a few such events, recently.

As some of you know, I recently joined a Gospel Quartet called “The Victorymen” as a Bass singer.  We typically sing in 2-3 churches in a weekend.  It is a true JOY for me, as I have had a desire to do this very thing for most of my life.  It is also a joy as I get to watch faces light up over some of the songs we sing.  But the biggest joy I get is when we see someone come down the aisle and give their hearts and their lives to Jesus!

We didn’t cause these events;  In most cases, these were people who had been clutching the pew ahead of them for many services before we ever came along, nervous to “Take the walk”,  We were just in the right place at the right time, and the spirit of the Lord moved in a big way on the hearts of these people to LET GO of the pew and tell the world they are ready to give their life over!

Losing some of our fears and worries that life brings our way involves a very similar process for many people;  We fear giving them over to God wholly would take our control away, and some even feel that would be irresponsible.  Nothing can be further from the truth, though;  As long as we cling to our problems and fail to yield them up to God, we are essentially forbidding God to work on them.  For Him to give us the desires of our hearts, we must fully trust Him, and hanging on to our fears and doubts (as much as most people hate to think so) is a sign to God that you don’t yet trust Him.

It’s funny to think that we can stick a plug into a wall, push a button and expect something to happen.  We have more faith in the electric company than we do in God, and when you stop to think about it, can be offensive to God, who is always faithful.

His power is awesome;  His abilities are endless and His wisdom surpasses anything known to man.  His word has outlived generation upon generation and a myriad of social structures, yet we hesitate to TRUST.

When we finally give our hearts and our lives to Him, we begin the process of developing a living, growing relationship with Him that is constantly evolving and moving to higher levels. Each level is designed to bring us to complete reliance on Him through knowledge gained by the reading of His word and the Experiences gained in weathering  our trials.

I still battle with trust issues;  I was always able to do so much until I slowly began to lose those abilities.  Then and only then did I really begin to learn that I had really been trusting myself and using God as my “safety net” to bail me out when things got too hairy.

God has us here on earth to prepare for our eternal relationship with Him in heaven.  One day, once we reach that point of fully trusting, we will be ready to join the throngs in Heaven who rejoice when someone NEW “walks the aisle”!

In this edition of Gospel Music Roundup, I have songs for you by the Victorymen, Canaan Bound, The Signature Quartet, The Missourians, Blessed Assurance Ministries, The Burneys, Chosen Few, Dave Berland, Dan Atkins, The Barkley Family, The Dotson Family Quartet, and as always, SO MUCH MORE!

Please, if you find it in your heart to partner with us in this ministry, you can contact us at

Gospel Music Roundup

20055 Nutmeg Road

Jasper Missouri 64755

email: gospelmusicroundup@yahoo.com

or use the PAYPAL button on the home page!

Gospel Music Roundup: Happy 2009!

Ξ January 14th, 2009 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, comments, Music, Podcast, southern gospel music, southern gospel podcast, Uncategorized, Writings |

Happy 2009 in Christ from Gospel Music Roundup [ 58:09 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1791)

Yes, I know I’m a tad late in wishing you all a blessed and fruitful New Year!

But, had I done so on the first of the year, it might have gotten lost in the hooplah, right?  And this way, I can be more personal about it.

Unfortunately, I fall victim to the human condition way too many times.  I allow every other distraction to get in the way of my sitting down and recording these.  It’s not that I don’t want to, but rather that I want everything to be “just right.”   I need quiet, and there hasn’t been much, what with winds and storms and animals kept indoors.  I have also been plagued with a few health issues and even more HOUSE issues, such as frozen  pipes, roof sections blowing away, and other things.  This relates so much to one of the songs in today’s podcast, called “Leavin’ on my mind” by the Victorymen.

The more I deal with the problems of this aging house and aging body, the need for solid maintenance schedules becomes glaringly obvious.  Heat Tape, used to protect pipes from freezing in the winter, generally lasts only 3-4 years.  One would think that one would replace said tape while the weather outside was temperate about every 3 years, just to be on the safe side.  But no, I had to try to eek that last year out of it, and am now forced to deal with a situation where I cannot replace it safely for want of having to leave it exposed to the elements while I work on it.  This would mean the pipe freezing while I worked, which is not good.

I say all this, because as I said before, our spiritual “House”, or where the Lord resides in our heart, is also something we should maintain on a regular basis.  Digging into the word, replacing the problems of our days with his amazing grace, is something we need to be constant and diligent about.  I love to lay my problems at the foot of the cross every night when I go to bed, knowing that God through Christ will take care of them, and some mornings I even forget to try to pick them up again!  (There is no need to pick them up, for if we truly lay them down and ask Him to take them, then TRUST requires that we leave them there)

This episode also marks 6 years of Gospel Music Roundup as a Podcast!  What a wonderful thought!  Praising God in song and hymn and spiritual songs with wonderful friends, like Dave Berland, the Victorymen, The Missourians, Signature Quartet, The Barkley Family, Canaans Road, The Dotson Family, and so many others…

SPECIAL NEWS!!!

I have recently been asked to join “The Victorymen” and am currently singing and practicing with them as their Bass singer!  This edition includes a few songs that I sing along with them on, and also includes some songs made by the Victorymen a few years earlier, when they were a trio.  You’re going to hear Rogers Littlefield, Rocky Biggers, Randall and Myself, of course, but you will also hear songs that include Cherie Riley and Shawn Riley as well as some that include Nate Davis on lead!

This is going to be a wonderful, busy  and exciting year for Gospel Music, and I hope you come along for our small part of it here, on Gospel Music Roundup!

In Christ,

Tom Whiteman

gospelmusicroundup@yahoo.com

A Merry Gospel Music Roundup Christmas From Tom And Donna!

Ξ December 24th, 2008 | → 2 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, comments, Music, Podcast, Uncategorized |

A Merry Gospel Music Roundup Christmas From Tom and Donna! [ 1:01:48 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2741)

This is our favorite time of year!!!

The wonderful sights and smells, the friends, the warm greetings… And the COOKIES!!!

But most of all, the Gift of Salvation in Jesus Christ, the Holy Child born in Bethlehem!

Join Donna and I as we share the sounds, wonders and insights to this marvelous night of nights,and King of Kings!  Includes music from Dave Berland, Tracy Heaston, The Signature Quartet, Chosen Few, The Boatrights, The Missourians, Tom Whiteman, and so much more!

Gospel Music Roundup: The Christmas Roundup II

Ξ December 18th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, Uncategorized |

The GMR Christmas Celebration continues! [ 58:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1723)

WOW…  I am so excited about God’s Gift to mankind, Himself come to earth in the Baby Jesus!

To think of the buzz going on in Heaven prior to this Glorious Night:  The majesty of the angelic celebration over the birth of our newborn KING!  This was the Promised One, the Salvation of Man come to earth,  yet he entered quietly in the equivalent of a barn, a stable… Yet even in his quiet surroundings, the angels burst out rejoicing!  Knowing what they knew, I’m sure I would have done the same.

My prayer for you, is that in this season of parties and get-togethers, concerts and fanfare, that you are able to take the message of the songs in this podcast to heart, and imagine what life before Christ was like;  The anticipation of eons, culminating in the miraculous birth of our KING, who would a short lifetime later lay down his life as a sacrifice for all men…  He first gave up his seat of Glory to live among men, then laid down his earthly life, that we might have that chance at eternal life with Him, back in Glory!

The songs for this podcast once again just flowed with the spirit, and I was so blessed just playing the songs, listening to audio celebration and having the chance to share it with you, it was a double-blessing!

Thanks so much to The Missourians, Dave Berland, The Boatrights, Homeward Bound, Signature Quartet, Steel City Quartet, John Lawrenzi, Belinda Gail, Pure Heart, and so many other willing servants who have contributed their time and talents to singing the praises of our Lord, the reason for the seasons, Jesus Christ!

Graduation Day For Art Collard: You will be missed!

Ξ December 18th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Podcast, Uncategorized, Writings |

Graduation Day for Art [ 7:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1319)

Another dear friend and anchor of the faith got his walking papers this morning. His earthly mission finished, he has been called back to the arms of Christ! His name? Art Collard.

Art was one of the most amazing men I have ever met. He never spoke very loud, in the time I have known him, but when he DID speak, you’d best listen, because if you didn’t you’d miss some powerful wit or deep wisdom.

Never once, when I would step up to him after Church or stop by his home, would I feel like I was interrupting anything or keeping him from something he’d rather be doing. Art had a decisive way about him that may have, at times, exhibited itself as stubbornness, but truth be told, it just meant that he had already thought the subject through and had made up his mind.

Even in his later years, I would see Art and his wife, Margaret, out in the garden. Weeding, tilling, planting and harvesting was the work they did together year after year for most of their lives. Outside of that garden, they continued to till, to plant and to harvest, but then for the Kingdom of God.

I loved Art, but I’m not sure he knew it. Funny, how we can say something of how we feel about someone when they have gone away, but are hesitant to say those things to their faces, but I do… I love Art, and his presence on earth is going to be missed. I can only hope he is up there, advisin’ the Lord on the behalf of all his friends and family he left behind.

Gospel Music Roundup: The Season Opener!

Ξ December 8th, 2008 | → 2 Comments | ∇ Music, Podcast, Uncategorized |

Gospel Music Roundup Season Opener! [ 58:28 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1499)

What an awesome and amazing God we have, and furthermore an amazing SON he sent here to be our deliverance on earth!

I have had several personal struggles of late, so for those of you who kept the torch of the Gospel Light burning in my absence, I praise God for you!  As some of you know, financial and physical hardships tried to wedge between me and this wonderful outlet of praise, and yet God has stood faithful, even though I was lacking.

Even now, as I went through all the great songs I have at my disposal, it wasn’t until I started putting them together for this ‘cast that I realized how dark and lacking the world outside of Life in Christ is!

There are stations abounding that are playing “Christmas” or “Holiday” music, and more than one locally playing it 24/7.  But there is no greater blessing than to hear music of this season that is directed at the REASON for the Season, that being Jesus Christ!

For the next few weeks, I hope to provide you with a depth of worship aimed at celebrating the birth of our Savior, and to that end provide you with the tools to surround you and your workspace or vehicle with a ministry in audio…  Music that Celebrates the birth of JESUS.

Join me as Dave Berland, The Signature Quartet, Higher Ground, Lori Bianco, Mark Steven Smith, and many others REJOICE in the remembrance of the most wonderful night EVER!

Feel free to download this episode to CD:  Play in your office, in your car, at your next holiday gathering… LET THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW that Jesus STILL is the reason for this season, and none of the commercialization or attacks of satan are ever going to conquer that!

Gospel Music Roundup: The Signature Quartet!

Ξ November 12th, 2008 | → 4 Comments | ∇ Artist Spotlight, Music, Podcast, Uncategorized |

Christ's Passionate Signature [ 57:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2492)

Primarily, this episode was brought about to introduce you to the Signature Quartet, from Carthage, Missouri.  A dedicated and passionate group of talented singers with a heart for ministering in song wherever the Lord leads them.  I have met and enjoyed these guys, and hope you will be as excited about their music as I was.

You see, when I was listening to their songs for this podcast, something happened.  I know, you are thinking to yourself, “Tom, that ALWAYS happens to you”.  But this time is certainly one for the books.

Often I will be putting together the songs for this show, and the Lord kind of “Takes over”, putting everything in the place it needs to go-  a most awesome experience, to be sure.  But this time, it was so much MORE than that!  I truly FELT the ministering of the Holy Spirit in my heart throughout this cast.

So much has happened recently, and most of it has kept me away from the microphone.  Satan was craftily using his darts and distractions.  But when I started to record this evening, I felt God working on my heart, tuning it up and speaking to the hurts that it was hanging on to.

I didn’t just record, this time;  As I say within the show, I FELLOWSHIPPED!  Sweet communion as God worked in me through the words of the songs.

My prayer, is it does the same for you!  Enjoy!