The Genius Behind Music On Mr. Rogers

Jazz has always had a close tie to Southern Gospel and I've been trying to learn a little more jazz to incorporate into my music. Below is an interview posted online with Johnny Costa who played the music on Mr. Rogers show. Take a listen to his amazing jazz skills and some of the thoughts behind the music on the show.

One Day!

I can't believe the last time I posted on my blog was at Easter! How time flies when you're not doing much ministry work. Well, the wait is almost over. The new ministries are set to launch on November 1.

You can read more about the changes and additions on the website but I'll also be detailing more stuff along the way here on the blog.

I've still got more work to get done on the website before it goes live (where you're able to see the site) at midnight on November 1. Time is getting near. Hopefully, everything will transfer over correctly. It takes a lot of work to make a successful website so I hope you enjoy it when you visit.

Happy Easter 2010!

HAPPY EASTER!

MaackOnline.com Update

The tracking didn't exactly work right. Sorry about that. It's my first attempt at a video blog post.

Nathan

No More Home Bible Studies?

This is one of those shocking stories against Christians in the United States.

- Nathan

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Happy Resurrection Day!

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today! Christ the Lord has risen today! 

This is one of my favorite days of the year. It's the day that Christians can tell a world (that pays attention at least this one day) that there is a difference between Christianity and all other religions of the world. We can show the world that we're not looking for a figure-head or someone to get questions answered or even to better ourselves - but that we serve a Savior who did die and who did rise from the dead! 

Jesus is the difference. In these difficult days in America and around the world, we need to keep that faith to believe in the Savior - the only One who can take whatever's wrong in our lives and make it right. Jesus saves, He still does - and I'm forever thankful that He's willing to take even a small amount of faith on our part to save us from our sins and hell. So get up and celebrate that the tomb is still empty and that because He lives, we can face tomorrow!

In His Grip!

Nathan

Pastors - Be Careful

I was reminded again today in church about why our Christian leaders (i.e. Pastors) are supposed to conduct themselves with a higher standard.

Hebrews 13:7,17

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct....Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

If those who attend church are supposed to follow and obey those who lead in the church, those leaders should be acting in a godly way. I went to a church a few years ago where the pastor didn't lead or live correctly and many people left because they knew they couldn't follow his poor example. Just a reminder to pastors and church leaders to guard your hearts and minds in Christ.

I thank God that there are many good pastors including mine who take the Bible and their relationship with the Lord and with their congregation seriously.

I also wanted to congratulate Don and Sharon Engram on their 50th wedding anniversary! Pastor Don was my pastor for many years. Another great couple who led by example.

Nathan

Twenty-Eight Years Old

Today I turned twenty-eight years old. It's also the first day of spring. I'm sure the people in the North didn't get the memo of spring starting with all the snow falling out their windows.

I'm beginning to understand people that say time is flying by. I had a conversation with a co-worker the other day and we figured out that the individual days go by slow (at least weekdays) but the weeks, months, and years go by fast. We just couldn't figure out why.

It should be a fun year. I'm working on a lot of different stuff and a lot of detailed steps go into each project. Pray for me this year please!

In His Grip!

Nathan

Arizona Statehood Day

At 10:00am on Valentine's Day in 1912 President William Howard Taft signed the proclamation for statehood in the White House, which made Arizona the 48th State of the Union.  The news was immediately telegraphed to Phoenix, and later that day, George W. P. Hunt placed his hand on a Bible and was sworn in as the first governor of Arizona.

The proclamation for statehood also enforced the new Arizona State Constitution which includes the opening Preamble:

"We, the people of the state of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this constitution."

The constitution also established the legal state motto of Ditat Deus, which in Latin means "God Enriches".  Ditat Deus has been a legal part of our government seal since our earliest days as an Arizona Territory.

PRAY:  Let us celebrate Arizona's birthday by acknowledging our gratitude to Almighty God and declaring that God does enrich us!  Pray also that our government leaders -- Governor Brewer and Executive officials, Legislators in the Arizona House and Senate, our U.S. Congressmen and Senators, and our Justices and Judges -- will all experience a greater revelation of Jesus and His government in their personal lives as well as in their official capacities.

Gaither Vocal Band Wins Grammy!

Nashville, TN (2-9-09) - Members of the Gaither Vocal Band received an early valentine from the Recording Academy last night when their latest studio project, Lovin' Life, garnered a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, Bluegrass Gospel Album during the 51st annual awards ceremony. This is the eighth win overall for the Gaither Vocal Band and its predecessor, the Bill Gaither Trio. Bill and Gloria Gaither have also won Grammy Awards for the Homecoming series of videos and received the President's Merit Award in 2005. The CD was produced by all four members of the Vocal Band, and marks the first win for members Guy Penrod, Wes Hampton and Marshall Hall.

The Grammy win capped a week that saw the venerable group virtually dominate several Billboard charts. The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volume 1 and Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volume 2 CDs debuted in the top two positions on Billboard's Contemporary Christian album chart, marking not only the Gaither Vocal Band's first No. 1 on the Christian album chart, but also their first No. 1 debut on that chart as well. The DVDs of the same title debuted in the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Music Video charts as well, ranking ahead of long-form music videos by such acclaimed artists as Il Divo, AC/DC, the Eagles and the Temptations. The CDs also garnered both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Southern Gospel album charts. The impressive sales of both CDs earned them the #53 and #60 positions on Billboard's Top 200 representing all genres of music.

"The honor of this Grammy Award makes a wonderful statement that, after more than 25 years together, the Gaither Vocal Band is still making the kind of music that stands out in an industry so full of great talent," Bill Gaither responded. "These are very exciting days for the Gaither Vocal Band and this win is extremely gratifying."

Gaither Vocal Band Changes

Have you heard! The Gaither Vocal Band is making a big change in 2009. In case you missed it, I've posted the official press release below. - Nathan

1/13/09 (Alexandria, Indiana) - With mixed emotions and tremendous optimism about the future, Gaither Music Group announces major personnel changes for the Gaither Vocal Band, including the return of some of the group's best-loved alumni.

After more than 14 years as the Gaither Vocal Band's lead singer, Guy Penrod will now begin a new journey. Bill Gaither is delighted to announce today that Guy is pursuing a new direction as a solo artist. It is a bittersweet transition as Penrod will miss sharing the stage with his comrades and he will be greatly missed.

Bill Gaither states, "I am losing a lead singer, but I am not losing a friend. I am extremely grateful for the incredible contribution he has made to the Gaither Vocal Band's legacy." Guy Penrod has said in response, "My years with the Gaither Vocal Band have been among the most glorious of my life. Now, though, with the Band continuing in strength and me tackling the new challenge of a solo career, we can all serve our God even more powerfully in the days to come."

As Gaither has stated at various times of transition, "You never replace a group member... you simply find a fresh, new direction." And with that philosophy at heart, Bill Gaither has gone far beyond simply replacing his long-time lead singer. He has completely recreated the Gaither Vocal Band, now expanding the size of the group from four members to five and bringing back an all-star cast of voices from the Vocal Band's rich legacy of talent. 

Effective immediately, the new roster for the five-member Gaither Vocal Band will be: Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Michael English and Mark Lowry. Mark Lowry will complete all his previously scheduled solo engagements through April 2009 and will appear with the Gaither Vocal Band at every available opportunity during this transition, beginning with the Gaither Caribbean Cruise on February 22.

Marshall Hall, who has sung with the group since 2004, will no longer serve as the group's baritone and will be missed dearly by his friends both on and off the stage. He is a talented singer and producer, as well as an experienced worship leader, who will undoubtedly enjoy a solid future building on the experience gained during his five remarkable years with the Gaither Vocal Band.

The public's overwhelming early response to the January 20th release of The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion DVD, as well as the group's 2009 Grammy nomination, has already begun what could be the group's most unforgettable season yet. 

AZ Cardinals - Headed to the Super Bowl

I've never really been a big football fan. Probably because our home team has never really played pro-football. Oh, they put on the pads and the helmets but they never really played the game. I have a signed football by all the Cardinals back when they were the Phoenix Cardinals.

Now, they're the Arizona Cardinals and they are headed to the Super Bowl! If you didn't know, the Cardinals have the record for the 2nd longest period of time (next to the Chicago Cubs) without being in a championship game or series. Let me rephrase that - the Cardinals HAD the record for the longest time -- didI mention, the Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!

If your team isn't in the Big Game this year (Cardinals/Steelers), root for the Cardinals. It's their time!

Go Cardinals!!

10 Rules For Happiness

Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) once gave a list for the rules happy living. Here's the list to read and think about as you are living life each day!

1. Give something away to someone (with no strings attached).
2. Do a kindness to someone (and forget it).
3. Spend a few minutes with the aged (their experience is a priceless guidance).
4. Look intently into the face of a baby (and marvel).
5. Laugh often (it is life''s lubricant).
6. Give thanks to the Lord (a thousand times a day is not enough).
7. Pray (or you will lose the way).
8. Work (with vim and vigor). ["Vim" means "robust energy and enthusiasm."]
9. Plan as though you''ll live forever (because you will).
10. Live as though you''ll die tomorrow (because your body will, on some tomorrow).

American Flag Mosaic

Hey Everyone!

This drawing was included in an e-mail I recently received. I thought you might enjoy it.

Let's remember to pray for the new President and Vice President that they would turn to God in all decisions and in the way they lead.

Nathan

Trying Stuff Out

Hey Everyone!

I'm working on some new things for the ministries right now that will help me better communicate with you. I'm not revealing the details here just yet but I can tell you I'm experimenting with a feature right now on this very blog! Keep checking for new posts.

Also, there is big news about part of the ministries that you'll want to read about. It should be posted later this week so keep watching maackonline.com!

Have a great day!


Nathan

Story Behind "A Simple Christmas"

For the past several years, I've wanted to make a Christmas CD. Every January I would think about it and start the process; every December I would have an "oops" moment and realize I didn't work on anything for 11 months.

This year was no different. I got to December and had nothing done. So, I thought it would be fun to just sit down in the studio and record Christmas arrangements as they came into my head. Then, if it turned out well, I would give it away for free on my website for people to enjoy.

Well, the arrangements came out better than I had hoped! So, I put them together onto a webpage and called it "A Simple Christmas." It's free during the month of December for you to enjoy. You'll only hear piano.

If you like the songs, send me an e-mail and let me know. Tell others about the website and the music. Put it on your MP3 players or enjoy it on a custom CD.

Maybe next year I'll actually make a Christmas CD. Until then, I hope you like "A Simple Christmas."

maackonline.com

Merry Christmas!

The Reason Why...

One of the great gospel singer/pianists Gerald Wolfe wrote a blog post that I thought needed to be repeated here. It was written so well I couldn't have said it better. So, here is his post from his Just The Way It Is blog in its entirety below. --Nathan

*** CAUTION: POLITICS INVOLVED ***

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a personal message concerning the upcoming Presidential Election. Since then, that message has made its way around the world... literally, and I have received hundreds and hundreds of emails supporting what it said. I've also received some negative comments... twelve, to be exact.

I've noticed all twelve of the negative emails I received have a similar theme, almost verbatim arguments, justifying their positions on voting for Senator Barack Obama in next month's election. The interesting thing to me is that the emails came from fellow Christians from different areas of the country, so I would assume they don't know each other. It's almost as if they copied their positions from some sort of memo on "why Christians can, and should, vote for Barack Obama." I'm convinced these folks are trying to justify something in their minds that isn't resonating in their hearts. I say that because, if you strip away the "talking points", you get to the real heart of their arguments... money. Without exception, after expressing their opinions on how"the President can't do anything about Abortion", or "nobody likes Abortion", or "what about the needless loss of life in Iraq", the arguments then turn to the economy, and ultimately, their wallets. I am convinced that if Senator Barack Obama wins the Presidential Election next month, it will be because men and women who call themselves "Christian" will vote, based on their view through the lens of self-interest rather than the view through the lens of scripture.

Here then, is THE reason I will not vote for Senator Barack Obama:

1. Barack Obama is the most pro-Abortion (not pro-choice) candidate to ever seek the office of the Presidency. He has said "one of the first things" he will do as President is to "sign the Freedom Of Choice Act" into law. Most people have never heard of it, and have no idea about what it means. I have read it on the US Senate website. It provides for Abortion-on-demand throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy, and negates any current State Laws that prohibit or restrict late-term or partial-birth Abortion. It also provides for Federal funding of Abortion, something currently prohibited by the "Hyde Act". There's a great article written by Princeton University Professor Robert George, concerning Senator Obama's pro-abortion views, and you can read it here.

Of course, as a conservative, I have many, many reasons why I wouldn't vote for Barack Obama besides the "life" issue. Issues like our speedy slide into Socialism, more and more government control over our financial institutions and businesses, tax policy, and so on, but I am compelled by scripture to look out for "the least of these." It's impossible to "care" about people, if you think it's perfectly acceptable to kill them before they're born.

One of Senator Obama's favorite verses of scripture is "if you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me." He uses that verse to justify his Socialist policy of redistribution of wealth... taking from those who have and giving it to those who don't have as much. The problem is, the scripture speaks of "giving", not "taking". The Biblical view is based on two principles; one is the tithe, which is ten percent of a person's gross income given to the ministry of the local church. The other is "giving", which is above and beyond the tithe that "is the Lord's". Senator Obama, who says he's a Christian, doesn't tithe, let alone give, according to his tax returns. Over the last two years, when he has made a substantial income because of his best-selling books, he has given less than four percent of his income to charities or churches. His running mate, Senator Joe Biden, has given around three percent of his income to charities or churches over the last nine years. Their rhetoric about "caring" doesn't match their record. On the other hand, Senator John McCain has given close to eighteen percent of his income to charities and churches over the last two years, according to his tax returns. Based on the facts, who really cares about "the least of these"?

This year, there is not a Presidential candidate that perfectly matches my core values and beliefs. I am certainly not a "McCainiac", and I find myself in disagreement with him on several issues. However, on the most important issues, his opposition to the Freedom Of Choice Act, and his desire to nominate "constructionist" Justices to the Supreme Court, we are in agreement.

Any person who can over-look the value of the unborn for perceived financial reasons, cannot call themselves a true follower of Christ. There is no valid argument one could give to justify their concern for others, if they would vote for someone who is an adamant supporter of the most pro-abortion legislation every written, period. Call it what you will, a "Christian" who votes for Barack Obama is voting their self-interests, their greed, or their politics, not their convictions.

Ways to Maintain Insanity (08.03.08)

I was sent this list of things to do and wanted to share it with you. Laughing out loud is a good thing!

1. At Lunch Time, Sit in Your Parked Car with Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer at Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It 'In.'

5. Put Decaf in The Coffee Maker for 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write 'For Smuggling Diamonds'

7. Finish All Your sentences with 'In Accordance With the Prophecy.'

8 dont use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go.'

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting around Your Work Area and Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're not in the Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You by Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

18. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, yelling 'Run for Your Lives, They're Loose!!'

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

Tony Snow Dies (07.12.08)

One of my favorite Conservative commentators and White House press secretaries Tony Snow passed away today after a battle with colon cancer. He was a great Conservative voice and a great man by all accounts.

Here's the statement released by President and Laura Bush:

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation's finest writers and commentators. He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts. He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father's Administration. And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer. One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith - and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator.

Click here for more on the story.

Do Aliens Exist? (07.08.08)

Some co-workers and I were discussing the existence of UFO’s and aliens today. I know, strange topic at work but there was a reason behind it.

Anyways, one co-worker said that she could believe in UFO’s and aliens. Her reasoning is that in such a huge amount of space with galaxies and planets existing far beyond what we can see, why would God just create on one planet which takes up a very small amount of His creation.

I disagree. I believe that there are no aliens on other planets and that UFO’s are just unidentified until we identify them as something man-made or rock from space. Here’s my reasoning: The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” He very clearly has the “earth” singled out meaning that there is significance to it. Genesis then goes into great detail about how much effort God put into designing this planet, the animals, and us humans. No other planet or alien species is mentioned anywhere in the Bible (God’s inspired Word).

Then we get to the New Testament. In comes Jesus. The Bible points out in simple terms (John 3:16) that Jesus is God’s ONLY Son. Now, if Jesus died for our sins once and for all here on earth and He’s God’s only Son, what is the salvation plan for the other alien planets? Did He go and die on their planet too? Are they a perfect species that don’t need to be saved? Do they automatically go to heaven? Do they just cease to exist when they die?

There are too many unanswered questions that don’t reason with what God wrote for us. I think that God designed the heavens as a way for us to see how vast, all-powerful, and creative He is. Just look at His creation at night. Then use a telescope. It’s amazing work!

So, there you have it. My co-workers reasoning and my reasoning (in a little more detail). I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Send a comment and I’ll put it on the blog posting.

Beam me up, ah, I mean – until next time!