Life Perspective: Reviews & More

Gospel Music 101: Where can you find gospel music calendars for Nashville? Friday, July 31st, 2009 Where can you find gospel music calendar listings for Nashville? Nashville has historically been both a poor and a great place to find live gospel music. On the one hand, it is notoriously difficult to sell tickets to gospel concerts in Nashville, so many great tours pass Music City by entirely in search of greener pastures. On the other hand, half the gospel artists live in Nashville, and you can frequently find them leading worship or performing at fund raisers in Nashville if you know where to look. Keep Reading »

Gospel Music 101: What gospel music radio stations are in Nashville? Thursday, July 30th, 2009 What gospel music stations are in Nashville? A list of Christian radio stations in Nashville. WNAZ FM: The oldest continuously running gospel music station in Middle Tennessee is WNAZ. Heard on 89.1,... Keep Reading »

Pet Nazis: Turning Dogs into Dogma When Man's Best Friend Becomes a Fanatical, Controlled, Dogmatic Industry, Man and Dogs Both Lose PETA has had an unfortunate influence on the pet industry by helping to introduce the pet Nazi into our culture. When I recently stated on a dog owner's list that I thought some of the procedures involved in pet rescue/ pet adoption were intrusive and invasive, you would have thought I had just said I slit puppies' throats and drink their blood for breakfast the way some people reacted. You can read my original experience with pet adoption in my 8/9/08 post "The High Cost of Doggie Adoptions."

At the 19th International World Peace Conference this week in Huntsville, Alabama, three delegates will remove a 40-inch “sword of war” from the throat of sword swallower Dan Meyer. At the 19th International World Peace Conference this week in Huntsville, Alabama, delegates from around the world will watch as three world-peace advocates from different continents, races, and religions will join hands to remove a 40-inch “sword of war” from the throat of sword swallower Dan Meyer. Meyer plans to use this to illustrate how nations should work together and take a hands-on approach to achieve world peace. More at: Sword Swallower Dan Meyer Presents 'Sword of War, Sword of Peace' at 19th International World Peace Conference

Rebecca St. James to star in upcoming movie, 'Sarah's Choice' Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 Rebecca St. James - gospel artist When most people hear the name Rebecca St. James, they think of a GRAMMY and Dove-award winning Christian pop singer from Australia - a talented young woman who is passionate about her faith and her music. Many people know that besides performing gospel music , St. James is also an author, and quite a few are aware that in 2000, she had a cameo appearance in the film Left Behind: The Movie . So, it should come as no surprise to discover Rebecca St. James is ... Keep Reading »

Gospel Music 101: Which gospel artists got their start in Nashville? Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 Nashville is home to many gospel music artists, and many Christian musicians got their start in Nashville. Some of the gospel artists who got their start in Nashville include: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Schultz, The Imperials, Daniel Kirkley, Lara Landon, Luke Benward, Lanae' Hale and pureNRG. Keep ReaAmyding » Similar posts: Gospel Music 101: Who is Steven Curtis Chapman? Monday, July 27th, 2009 Steven Curtis Chapman - Nashville beginnings Singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman is originally from Paducah Kentucky, but he moved to... Keep Reading » Gospel Music 101: Who is Amy Grant? Saturday, July 25th, 2009 Amy Grant - Gospel Music Pioneer Amy Grant, one of the pioneers of contemporary Christian music and the best-selling gospel music artist of all time,... Keep Reading » Gospel Music 101: Who is Michael W. Smith? ...

Gospel Music 101: Who is Steven Curtis Chapman? Monday, July 27th, 2009 Steven Curtis Chapman - Nashville beginnings Singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman is originally from Paducah Kentucky, but he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University so he could pursue a career in the Christian music industry. He began performing at one of the music shows popular at the old Opryland theme park. Keep Reading »

Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience - Deluxe Extended Movie review Sunday, July 26th, 2009 The Jonas Brothers: lights, cameras, music! The three most popular brothers in America brothers are rocking out in 3-D on Blu-ray in their first motion picture, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience - Deluxe Extended Movie now available from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Up Close and Personal brings the world of Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas directly to their fans. Keep Reading »

Gospel Music 101: Who is Amy Grant? Saturday, July 25th, 2009 Amy Grant, one of the pioneers of contemporary Christian music and the best-selling gospel music artist of all time, got her start in Nashville playing songs at Harpeth Hall School and at Belmont Church, where she became a regular performer at Koinonia Coffeehouse on Music Row in the 1980s. Amy Grant was signed to her first record deal when she was just 16 years old and became the 19th best-selling female solo artist in the United States... Keep Reading »

Gospel Music 101: Who is Michael W. Smith? Friday, July 24th, 2009 Michael W. Smith's career beginnings in Nashville Three-time Grammy Award winner, Michael W. Smith grew up in West Virginia where he learned to... Keep Reading »

The gospel according to 'Twilight's' Paramore ('Twilight' and 'Christian Sandwich' videos included) Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 Paramore and Twilight When the "Decode" video from the Twilight soundtrack appeared on television and computer screens around the world, it catapulted Franklin band Paramore into the limelight and made them an instant hit. The edgy rock/alternative sound and intense vocals of lead singer Hayley Williams immediately cemented Paramore's place with Twilight fans at a time when the band had already been building a dedicated fan base on their own merits. See the TWILIGHT - Paramore Music Video Keep Reading »

BarlowGirl to release 'Love & War' in September Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 BarlowGirl is gearing up for the September 22 release of Love & War, their fifth project on Fervent Records. The album's lead single is expected... Keep Reading »

Walter Cronkite, the "Most Trusted Man in America," Has Passed Away: 40 years ago today, Walter Cronkite covered the Apollo 11 landing and moon walk Posted: Jul 21, 2009 Walter Cronkite - My Childhood Memories Walter Cronkite has passed away on July 17 at 92, raising the 2009 celebrity death toll another notch. Much like Paul Harvey, who passed away February 28, Walter Cronkite was a familiar voice and favorite news presence in my youth. Although my father favored Chet Huntley and David Brinkley on NBC, I will never forget Walter Cronkite's coverage of those momentous occasions of my childhood... walter cronkite

Former Miss California Carrie Prejean: beauty contestant, Dove Awards presenter, and book author Monday, July 20th, 2009 Former Miss California Carrie Prejean received a standing ovation at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards in Nashville this past April when she came out to introduce a performance of “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me. Carrie Prejean had just become a household name for her response to Perez Hilton's agenda-driven question about gay marriage at the Miss USA Pageant... Keep Reading » More on Carrie Prejean at: Fired! Carrie Prejean Loses Miss California Crown Carrie Prejean Miss California - when Christians Stumble Miss California Carrie Prejean to Keep Crown and Title Despite Nude Photos Second Topless Photo of Carrie Prejean Miss California Appears on the Web Miss California Carrie Prejean Nude Photos Scandal Hits the Web Miss California 2009 - Carrie Prejean

TobyMac offers summer special on 'Portable Sounds' Monday, July 20th, 2009 Here's some news for you TobyMac/DC Talk fans! Five-time GRAMMY-award winner TobyMac is offering a summer exclusive deal to his fans this summer. TobyMac, one of the founding members of groundbreaking gospel group DC Talk, is releasing his 3rd studio album, Portable Sounds . To make it more accessible to all his fans, TobyMac is offering Portable Sounds until late August, for only $5... Keep Reading »

If you follow my blog, you are aware I have been without television since June 12 when I lost my analog signal. I have tried everything from purchasing two converter boxes, to a new antenna, to an adapter, to finally breaking down and buying a new digital TV, and nothing works. I get no signal. As a matter of fact, MILLIONS of low income, unemployed, retired, or other Americans on fixed incomes don't have TV now. Even more are making decisions to put television service above home repairs and medical expenses because we count on our televisions for weather alerts. Here in Tennessee it is vital during our lengthy spring and fall tornado seasons, as well as for other weather alerts and crisis information. I have made four request to the FCC phone hotline to send me the complaint forms they tell me they send out to people like me. After four requests since May, this week I received a glossy, full-color booklet telling me all the advantages of going digital - still no complaint forms....

Top ten gospel love songs - romantic Christian music for weddings and special occasions Sunday, July 19th, 2009 Romantic Love Songs by Gospel Artists My top ten list of Christian love songs for weddings, Valentine's Day, and other romantic occasions is made up of love songs performed by artists who have recorded gospel albums: Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Jim Brickman, Leon Patillo, Sixpence None the Richer, Steve Green, Noel Paul Sookey, Debbie Boone, and Chris Rice. Keep Reading »

Gospel Music 101: What is gospel music? Saturday, July 18th, 2009 What is gospel music? Larry Norman, one of the pioneers of modern gospel music/CCM Gospel music has been around for over 2000 years, from the time the disciples first began to sing songs of worship and praise centered on Jesus. Although the definition of gospel music may vary depending upon context, gospel music is is a diverse collection of musical styles written about Jesus, the Christian faith or the Christian life. In its broadest definition, Christmas carols, hymns, old Negro spirituals and many great symphonies are gospel music... Keep Reading »

Gospel Music 101: What is 'Gospel Dream?' This is part 2 of a two-part series: Friday, July 17th, 2009 "American Idol" for gospel music fans As reported in Gospel Music Channel's 'Gospel Dream' - American Idol for gospel music artists , "Gospel Dream" is the American Idol-style talent search TV series seen on the Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network. The program airs on GMC Wednesday nights at 10:00 P.M. ET and 9:00 P.M. CT... Keep Reading » Also see : Gospel Artists on American Idol

Gospel Music Channel's 'Gospel Dream' - American Idol for gospel music artists Thursday, July 16th, 2009 Gospel Music Channel's "Gospel Dream" The Gospel Music Channel's (GMC) "Gospel Dream," an "American Idol"-type talent search for gospel artists, is now down to six semi-finalists. Two contestants were voted out last night in another week of performances as NeVar Massey, Hampton, GA (34); Robert Mauti, Nashville, TN (26); Tim Stylez, Atlanta, GA (27); Tony LeBron, Boca Raton, FL (32); and Travis Lindseth, Kirkland, WA (21) took the stage... Keep Reading »

GOSPEL GRAPEVINE: Diamond Rio, Stryper, Skillet, Jeremy Camp and more I heard it through the grapevine... Featuring news about: Ceili Rain, Diamond Rio, Mikeschair, Brandon Bee, Stryper, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, and Todd Agnew Keep Reading »

Nickel Creek's Sara Watkins: Debut album combines country, bluegrass and gospel Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 Nickel Creek roots In late summer 2006, popular progressive bluegrass band Nickel Creek (not to be confused with Nickelback) announced that at the end of the year, they would take an "indefinite hiatus" from recording together and their 2007 tour would be their last for a while. Band members Chris Thile (mandolin), Sara Watkins (fiddle), and her brother Sean Watkins (guitar) pointed to the fact that 18 years together made the process of being a band less "natural," and Nickel Creek felt time apart would prevent the band from having to actually break up. Keep Reading »

Jeremy Camp to tour with Natalie Grant and Bebo Norman Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 Jeremy Camp's "Speaking Louder Than Before" fall tour BEC recording artist Jeremy Camp has announced his "Speaking Louder Than Before" fall tour with Natalie Grant and Bebo Norman. Named after his recently released "Speaking Louder Than Before" CD, this tour is gospel artist Jeremy Camp's first headlining tour in almost two years. Keep Reading »

Diamond Rio to release first gospel album 'The Reason' in September Monday, July 13th, 2009 After performing award-winning country music since 1984, Diamond Rio is unveiling the group's 11th album and first full length gospel record The Reason on Word Records on September 22, 2009... Keep Reading »

The Jonas Brothers gospel roots - Nick Jonas' early gospel album Friday, July 10th, 2009 I think by now everyone has heard of the Jonas Brothers the trio known for their uplifting, positive lyrics. As reported in The Jonas Brothers: the gospel and Lines, Vines and Trying Times , the Jonas brothers are the Evangelical sons of an Assemblies of God pastor who managed Christian music groups. Keep Reading » more Jonas Brothers The Jonas Brothers: the gospel and Lines, Vines and Trying Times 3 comments If your kids are into the Jonas Brothers, a boy band who gained their popularity on the Disney Channel, your young ones are in good hands. The Jonas... Keep Reading »

Newsboys music highs and musical chairs but still 'In the Hands of God' Thursday, July 9th, 2009 Gospel artists Newsboys, known for their Christian pop-rock music stylings, have also gained some notoriety for their ongoing game of musical chairs.... Keep Reading »

Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included) Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 Jennifer Hudson hits a high note with "Will You Be There" As reported in Jennifer Hudson to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service July 7 . gospel and pop performer Jennifer Hudson was picked by the Jackson family to be one of the performers at Michael Jackson memorial, performing a gospel version of "Will You Be There" - article and video at Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included) Keep Reading » Related articles Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service ...

Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service Monday, July 6th, 2009 he Jackson family has released the names of participants scheduled for Michael Jackson's memorial service Tuesday morning at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The names of the musical guests and other participants was released today by Michael Jackson's publicity firm for the Jackson family. Keep Reading »

Jennifer Hudson to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service July 7 Monday, July 6th, 2009 Gospel and pop performer Jennifer Hudson has reportedly been picked by the Jackson family to be one of the performers at Michael Jackson's memorial... Keep Reading » See also Gospel Artists on American Idol Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died? Monday, June 29th, 2009 · 12 comments Was Michael Jackson a Christian?Rumors are flying that pop superstar Michael Jackson became a Christian the day or week before he died on June... Keep Reading » Mich...

Former Tennessee Titans Steve McNair found shot to death in Nashville Saturday, July 4th, 2009 Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was found shot to death at an apartment complex on Second Avenue South in downtown Nashville... Keep Reading » More at: Steve McNair Found Shot to Death - Football Star 'Air McNair' Found Dead in Nashville Former Tennessee Titans star Steve McNair, 36, was found shot to death at an apartment complex on Second Avenue South in downtown Nashville along with a second female victim

Gov. Sarah Palin announces resignation Friday, July 3rd, 2009 Catching everyone off guard right before the July 4 holiday weekend, Gov. Sarah Palin announced today her plans to resign as the governor of Alaska.... Keep Reading » Gov. Sarah Palin to Resign as Alaska Governor In a surprising move, it was just reported on the news that Gov. Sarah Palin has just announced she will resign as governor of Alaska before the end of July.

I first posted this as an article on ChristianActivities.com a couple of years ago, but I thought I would share it today in my blog for the 4th of July. It is a sad truth that most Americans do not know the words to our National Anthem - "The Star Spangled Banner." Long may she wave! The defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during the British attack on September 13, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem which became our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." In 1931, the Congress of The United States of America made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official national anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that o...

Which gospel artists are celebrating a July birthday? July artist birthdays include: Andraé Crouch, Michael Sweet, Sheila Walsh, Sandy Patti, Ricky Skaggs, Benjy Gaither, Dino, Rebecca St. James, Krystal Meyers and many more at: Gospel artists - July birthdays