Gospel Music Roundup: Hymns with Dave Berland!

A WONDERFUL FATHERS DAY to all of you! What can make one's life growing up more wonderful than a Father who follows the Father? JOIN ME in this special FATHERS DAY salute to those fathers who not only sacrifice of themselves for their families, but who follow the one who laid down his life in the ultimate sacrifice, that being Christ, humbly submitting and yielding himself to HIS Father, God. What a blessing my father was to me. Dad was a GM assembly worker for 30 years, and early in my childhood, to me, he RAN the place! Not really, but Dad was the all-around “Fix it guy”, and there seemed to be nothing he didn’t know or couldn’t fix. In a lot of ways I think I got to be what I am by my admiration of this part of him. My pride in him made me want to BE like him. There were many times I would be nearby when he was working in the yard, in the garage, or on the house, and he would explain what he was doing and why. Granted, I was so young during most of this that I didn’t even realize that he was training and teaching me, but he was. And for the longest time- even now- I can hear his voice telling me how certain jobs get done. When we were disobedient, or rebellious, our correction usually came quickly, but we didn’t live in FEAR., because we knew above all else that he was CONSISTENT. If WE did wrong, our punishment had already been foretold in our teaching and as such was not just anticipated, but expected. This is a concept unfamiliar to many of kids I have seen these days, but for us, we knew if you break it, you bought it. As a child, I was very fond of cookies and other sweets. My parents had to set up solid boundaries to keep me from overdoing it. I knew full well that taking cookies without asking was wrong, but I kept trying to do it anyway! I distinctly remember one Sunday morning I woke up before most every one else in the house, and LORDY, did a cookie sound soooooooo good. I knew mom had a batch in the kitchen she’d cooked up the night before. I tiptoed down the hall and through the living room, the dining room and finally into the kitchen like I was one of the spies in canaan, trying to make my way to the cookie jar undetected. I gathered a good-sized handful and started back. Through the dining room, through the living room- I was rounding the sofa and bound for the hallway when all of a sudden there stood in front of me the very man who had warned me that doing such a forbidden thing would only cause me pain! I don’t remember how old I was, but I was only waist-high, that much I DO recall. Slowly I raised my head to see an expression on his face that was both stern and disappointed all at once. I KNEW I was in for a punishment, but the punishment is not what stuck in my memory. In fact the punishment is long forgotten, as I seriously do NOT recall what punishment I received. What stuck in my memory was that look- that DISAPPOINTMENT, in my fathers eyes. Even though we had a firm hand in our father, we also knew that he loved us and has never stopped loving us. When we need help, he does what he can when asked. That doesn’t mean he bails us out of our trouble, but rather helps to point us in the way of repair or redemption, showing the way out of whatever we have done wrong. As my Grandmother Elrod once told me, “I really like Marvin; he can be quiet, but when he speaks, you’d better listen, because still waters run deep. He’s a real thinker, and whatever he says has been really thought out” I see so much of those very qualities possessed by my father as a mirror image of those belonging to our heavenly father- always there for us, teaching, leading and guiding us, in so far as we are willing to listen and obey; when we wander off, we fall subject to the consequences of our wanderings, but when we are willing to repent and return, He is right there for us. If we fall on our face in the midst of trying to do everything on our own, not listening to his gentle voice to guide us, he doesn’t automatically reach in and pull us out, but is there in a split second when we reach out to him, and are willing to listen to his gentle instructions. When we get hit , in life, with the unexpected injury or loss that we do not understand, we have only to turn to our Father for guidance and the reassurance of faith in Him that brings us to know that HE knows what we do not, and He will do all he can to bring us through it. I realize, that in this day and age, not all people have been blessed by a relationship with their earthly fathers like what we had, and that human frailty causes many fathers to make mistakes. But no matter where we come from or what we have been through, each of us can look to our heavenly Father to pull us out of the mire and destruction IF we seek him. I for one and all the others who have shared with you in this pod cast KNOW he is there for you and will always be. Get to know HIM, and you will be amazed at all you have been missing. A special thanks to DAVE BERLAND and Jason Elkins for their amazing assistance and contribution to this podcast!

There is nothing wrong with your computer or audio device. Do not attempt to adjust anything; He will be controlling transmission. If He wishes to make it louder, He will bring up the volume. If He wishes to make it softer, He will tune it to a whisper. He will control the Worship. He will control the praise. He can roll the spirit inside you, and make it flutter. He can change the focus of your life from a soft blur and sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit as quietly as you dare and He can control all that you see and hear, if you allow Him to. We repeat, there is nothing wrong with your computer or audio device. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the Heavenly realms to... The Prays Zone, Where there IS no "outer limits". As I began to pull the music together for this edition of Gospel Music Roundup, something awesome happened. It went from me picking and deciding which songs to play, to the songs just kind of "falling into place" without my help or input. God was clearly in control, and he has a plan for this particular Podcast. Saddle up, buckle down, or hang on, because in THIS edition, our great and mighty savior is going to take you on a musical ride that only HE can navigate. So LET him. Enjoy the ride, and I will see you on the other side! Artists on this ride: The Barkley Family Chosen Few Circle Of Friends The Crownsmen Timothy Charles Canaans Road Dave Berland Country Cousins Music David James And of course, So Much More!

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.” Quartet Music is historically the backbone of Southern Gospel Music. The tight harmonies, the positive messages, the strong showing of faith in the group members, and of course, the awesome message of salvation in Christ Jesus, are all things that are brought to mind when one hears the mere mention of a Southern Gospel Quartet! From the early days of the Stamps-Baxter Quartet, the Jordanaires, Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Quartet, and many others to present-day versions, such as Poet Voices and Gold City Quartet, Southern Gospel quartets have enjoyed a fairly steady fan base and longevity. My gift to you, here, on Gospel Music Roundup is to bring you some of the finest up-and-coming ministry minded Gospel quartets who are ministry minded and actively sharing the message of Christ in song! Yes, often I mix in other solo artists, Christian Country singers and Western Cowboy artists. But these are the spice to the mix, and without the quartets, well, it just wouldn’t be the same! Join me now, in a celebration of our Hope on high, a spiritual escalator, if you will, that is an avenue to our Journey to the King’s home he has set aside for those who love him and claim the salvation he offered through Jesus, with some great upbeat songs from such independent Southern Gospel Quartets as: 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 And, as always… SO MUCH MORE! Ya gotta love it!

Hymns of the faith... Where have they gone? Well, if you were to check out Dave Berland's home studio, you'd see them all over the place! Not that he is personally hiding them, but that he has taken upon himself the task of revisiting those classics and giving them a musical form of "Extreme Makeover"! And to date, this writer has seen and heard over 30 of them, and each one is a joy for the ears! You see, I had heard Dave's songs prior to these projects, and was deservedly pleased with his work. But one evening, as I was researching "Hymns", His name popped up. It would seem that Mr. Berland had been quite busy while I wasn't looking, and had a huge head start on his "Hymns I" project. The correspondence that followed has led us to a wonderful friendship in Christ. Dave is one of the kindest, most unassuming yet talented men I know, and his diversity of style surprizes me at every turn. His conversational style is as calm and relaxed as you can hope for, yet the man is driven for the music that uplifts our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would like to someday call Dave my best friend, but I do believe that title is taken up by his Wife. Or his horse; He wasn't very clear on that. Seriously, tho, this man is VERY clear and open about his love for his Wife, his daughters, his LORD, and of course, that Horse, and I for one am impressed on how he handles so many marvelous facets to his life with clarity of purpose the way he does! God is going to do some great things with this man, and he already has begun, as is evidenced by the unprecedented rate at which he is rolling out these new versions of the Hymns! When asked who Dave’s influences are, in life, he answered: “My deepest longing, and hence my influence, is to be an imitator of Christ. That being said, looking back, I can see my strongest influence was my Dad - a great man of God, who loved all kinds of music and had a passion for the classics.- I miss him so.... Taken home , much to early an age. I only pray that I am half the man he was. “My Mom: My number one fan,. my prayer warrior. She is not afraid to tell me when something stinks. . “My Wife: She is my light and guide “My Children: There are my hope and joy. May the Christ I sing about be shown to you through me. “My Pastor - Don: Many songs have come from thoughts he has placed in my heart. “My long time friend Jim - a.k.a. little fish: When I was down in the deepest pit of depression where all seemed lost. I looked up, and there He was, holding out his hand to pick me up.. There is no greater friendship than one built on Christ love. Dave’s music, on and off the web, doesn’t stop with just the Hymns, either. He is a songwriter, as well, having composed many songs that he and his family join together in presenting to the body!` Dave's love for singing and guitar came ’way back in his high school days: He and his long time friend and dear brother in Christ, Jim, would jam for hours together in his basement. As time went on, he began to give concerts as well as singing with tape backgrounds. andwould do those wherever He could, singing at many different churches and events. Married life changed some of his travels, and soon, they settled down. He says, "My family band and I have lead worship at our Church together for the past 20 years. My gift from God is, as I lead worship, to look across the stage and see our family, working together in the building up the Body of Christ." This life is my prayer for YOU. You can visit DAVE BERLAND'S PAGE at http://www.soundclick.com/daveberland or

This episode’s POWER PODCAST PASSAGE: Ephesians 3:12 - 21: 12 When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. 13 So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud! 14 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, 15 this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. 16 I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength— 17 that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, 18 you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! 19 Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. 20 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. 21 Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! To Be Mature My Showcase Artist: John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi: In 1958, this Pennsylvania native moved to Phoenix, Arizona and jumped feet first into singing Rock and Roll. “Legs”, as his friends call him, sang with Duane Eddy, Marty Robbins and Wayne Newton, hoping to soon follow them to the bright lights of Las Vegas’. However, drinking and gambling were a constant temptation and overpowered his life. Within two short years, he had to return to Pennsylvania without any money, and soon became the town drunk. “Legs” continued to spend time in the local bars, hoping for a break that would allow him to do what he loved so dearly, and that was to sing. He would sing for anyone who would buy him a drink, and His strong tenor voice would capture every ear and bring rounds of applause as he belted out the tunes that he loved. Yet, because of the burden he carried in his addiction to alcohol, this came at a great price. His struggle was well known in the local taverns, so while his beautiful songs brought much appreciation from his audience, many found themselves also dismayed at his circumstances. In 1972, “Legs” Lawrenzi’s entire life changed when he yielded his life to Christ. One year later, He joined a Gospel singing group. Now, after thirty one additional years singing and sixteen albums later, he is impassioned for touching the lives of thousands upon thousands, in a positive way.In 1997, after hearing “Legs” perform, a friend was inspired to write Gospel lyrics to some of the great Oldies tunes that “Legs” loves to sing and sings so well. Closing your eyes while he is singing makes one question whether or not “Legs” might actually be the original recording artist, yet the lyrics are now infused with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His praise, rather than the crooning of a love gone wrong. This match of lyricist -and vocalist- was truly a match made in Heaven. The “Fabulous Fifties Gospel” album was born, and today, instead of performing for a few people in a local bar, The Lord has John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi and his group, the Steel City Quartet, summoned to the stage by resounding applause. John (”Legs”) Lawrenzi is truly one of the most dynamic Gospel artists of this era! And joined together with “Timothy Charles” Cousino - Lead, Glenn Crawford - Bass, Ron Pry - Baritone,(Ron’s wife, Jan is the one workin’ the sound for this awesome group, as I am told) they have a sonic blessing in store for YOU.This is why I have put together this special “FIFTIES” edition of Gospel Music Roundup: To showcase the work of this man who has put his feet to the street for the furthering of Gospel in song. If you want to order John “Legs” Lawrenzi’s CDs, “Thru The Years” or “Fabulous Fifties Gospel”, please visit the Steel City Quartet’s Store on their website: http://www.steelcityquartet.com/Store.htm or you can email Legs directly, at legs@steelcityquartet.com While you are there, make sure to check out the Biography pages and schedule to see if they might be coming to your area! As always, with any Artist or group you hear and enjoy on Gospel Music Roundup, I ask that you check out their own websites (their names are linked to them) in the “BLOGROLL” in the center column on my homepage.Email them, tell em how much of a blessing they were to you, and if you would, let them know you heard about them right HERE: On GOSPEL MUSIC ROUNDUP! Also in this Episode: A Circle of Friends Timothy Charles Dan Adkins Firesong Golden State Quartet Grandpa’s Neighbors Chris Fyfe Kurt Neufer Peggy Cooper And of course, so much more:)

In Ephesians 1:18 - 23, the word says, 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. A powerful verse for a powerful life in christ! Let’s sing about that wonderful POWER in the Blood right here TODAY on the SUNDAY SERVICE! How’s your power supply today? Are you tapped into the one true power source that can get you going at a moment’s notice? There’s only one true way to feel the power of Christ in your life; To INVITE him there! You might be saying, “Tom, it’s just not that simple.” But I’m here to tell ya, my friend, it IS. ONLY after I learned I had to completely Yield my life and need for “POWER” to HIM did I realize, THAT is what he has always been waiting for! God doesn’t NEED to be in control; It’s not that he is intentionally holding back your power because of something you have or haven’t done; Rather, it’s because he wants you to TRUST him and ONLY HIM! Do you feel out of control? FANTASTIC! That’s just the critical moment you need, where you need it so you can learn to trust in only him; A breaking of that rebellious self-sufficient spirit that stands fast when God says “GO!” As you head out today, Know that your Joy can only be made full by fully trusting Him when that guy cuts you off at the crossing or someone plays their music too loud. Our power is not of ourselves, but of Christ, and there is TRULY POWER in the BLOOD~!

COUNTRY COUSINS MUSIC Charlie Resseguie and Tom Graham are cousins who live in the beautiful and peaceful rolling hills of central upstate New York. The two of them have been collaborating for about 35 yrs together. Cousin Tom writes country ,because as he puts it, “… in life stuff happens”, and Cousin Charlie, well, he writes both country and southern gospel. Adding. "I write country , and gospel because God has changed my life" . They do a lot of co- writing with folks all over the Northern Hemisphere, and list some real talented friends. If you would like to get in touch with us: phone:607 336 2280 or countrycousinsmusic@yahoo.com much of their music is posted at: www.soundclick.com/countrycousinsmusic