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 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. 

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