Things have finally calmed down after the holidays and it’s time to get back in the singing mode. I for one can’t wait. We are looking forward to a great 2009. We already have some exciting dates booked and are currently booking dates for the rest of the year.

We didn’t sing very much in January but what singing we did was a lot of fun. We had the privilege once again to participate in the Magnify Ministries Cruise. We gathered in Brooksville, Florida on Saturday January 26th at the Grace World Outreach Church to share a special Magnify concert. We were joined by the Chosen Ones, John Darin Rowsey, Bill Schell, and promoters and host for the concert, YoungSong. The Grace Church choir also joined us during this Gaither style event along with music minister Brian Warren. Several received Christ during this concert.

Monday, we all boarded the Carnival ship Destiny to head for stops in Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk. We were also joined on the ship by the Ohio based quartet, Colonial City Qt., and 2nd Generation, a great trio from Kansas City, MO. Comedian Tim Lovelace was our emcee for the week and kept us in stitches. Pastor Garcia from Grace World Outreach led us in Bible studies throughout the week.

We got to spend a lot of quality time with our fellow performers, sharing road stories and just relaxing and getting to know each other better. Rod had the opportunity to share a room with John Darin Rowsey who formerly sang with Karen Peck and New River. John is one of the industry’s top songwriters having written songs for many of the top groups. I had the privilege to write a new song with him that we are very excited about. He was seated at our dinner table and it was a joy to get to know him and make a new friend.

As we were returning home, Rod received a call that his older brother had suffered a stroke or heart attack. Just a short time later, he received news that his brother had passed away. Please keep Rod and his family in your prayers as they deal with this loss.