Chris’ Corner

Hey everyone! Please forgive me for failing to update you all on Southern Tradition. Our schedule has been off here lately - and I found myself not at my computer. Nonetheless, I hope that this newsletter finds everyone richly blessed - and enjoying the cooler weather!

Southern Tradition is preparing for the holiday season - and looking forward to our fall events. This weekend we will be in Dothan, Alabama at Cross Creek Junction. Check out our homepage for show times.

God is still SO good. I thank Him so much for His never-ending love, and grace. Here lately, I’ve been fighting my own battles - and I’ve come to realize that with God, there’s no mountain I can’t climb - or storms I can’t brave. And in the dark world we live in, it’s a comfort to know that His eye is always on me.

I hope that you all will continue to keep STQ in your prayers. As I’ve said all along, we seek to find the center of God’s will. Only there can we be more than victorious! Only there can we find true peace!

Until next time…………
Chris

Hey everyone! Hope you guys had a great weekend! We sure did! It’s been a hot summer - and we’ve enjoyed travelling to different venues - and spreading God’s word thru our song!

This past weekend we were in Leonia, FL - at Leonia Baptist Church. We had a great time singing to those folks - and appreciate the wonderful food afterwards. We have some open dates coming up - so, if you or your church would like to book us, give Larry a shout!

We are excited about what God is preparing us for. We still find ourselves in a country that is so far from Him. It is our challenge to reach those who so desperately need to know His saving Grace. Keep us in your prayers as we travel, and as we attempt to spread God’s message in song.

Until next time…..Chris

Hey everyone! First, let me say that I’m sorry for the long delay in our online newsletter. We have had some technical difficulties that have prevented us from getting my weekly thoughts to our webhost - Jenny. But, I think I’ve got the kinks worked out - and am glad to be back in contact with you!

Southern Tradition has been working steady through July - and we are hoping that the fall is just as busy. We hosted a gospel sing in Graceville on July 19th - and had an awesome time with our friends Robert & James, and the Dixie Echoes. It is always a blessing to be with them both.

Ya know, southern gospel music is declining in popularity today. It is a very sad fact that those who cherish the old songs of faith, strength, and God’s love are few and far between. It’s easy to have mixed emotions when trying to sing that style of music - when the pews aren’t full and the alters aren’t lined with souls who have been changed because of the message in such songs. But, God is our cornerstone - as a group - and as individuals. I believe that we are in the middle of one of the greatest challenges (as a country). Our faith, strength, and acknowledgement of God’s unwaivering love are being put to the test - as we attempt to weather this storm. I believe that gospel music will be an outlet from which we can draw strength - as folks like STQ attempts to spread the ONLY good news - the good news of Christ!

Please be in prayer with us - as we continue to work hard spreading the message that God is the only answer in the midst of such troubled times! We surely appreciate your support, and would love to hear from you! So, email us - or leave us a comment on myspace!

Until next time….We sure love ya!
Chris

Hey everyone! Another week is here to greet us - and I am very thankful for those blessings God grants us! I hope that this newsletter finds each of you doing great - and richly blessed! Today, as I ponder my thoughts for the week, I find myself just simply praising Him for all He does!

STQ has been very busy the past couple of weeks. We’ve sang alot lately - and are proud that we’ve been able to minister in song. This past weekend we were at a private event on Saturday in Freeport - singing at the Community Center. Sunday morning we were at Friendship Baptist in DeFuniak Springs. Needless to say, we had a blast. We always enjoy going to Rosie’s church! And I must add that the food was terrific!!!!! Sister Lorraine (Larry’s stepmom) made a Squash Pie, which is a dessert. Oh my, it was second to none! Sunday night we were at Blountstown Assembly of God - just inside the city limits there. I must confess, it was one of the most spirit-filled services I’ve been in!

We were tired getting back into town Sunday night - but the experience was worth the travellin! It is the best feeling in the world to minister to folks - and worship with those I’ve never met before. How amazing it is - to share such a kindred fellowship with others who know Christ as their Savior!

Remember our July 19th concert in Graceville, Florida. We will be singing with Robert & James and the Dixie Echoes. We hope you’ll bring a friend or three - and worship with us! Also, keep STQ in your prayers - we work to stand in the center of God’s will!

Until next time…………..Chris

Hey there everyone! I chose to write this week’s newsletter on Thursday for a reason. After a really busy weekend on the road - I was in need of a refreshing word from God. So, I made sure I was back in church last night! One thing is true: You cannot give to others when you don’t have it to give yourself. Many who sing gospel music “full-time” have lost this truth - and aren’t able to share “truly” what God has for them, simply because they do have it themself.

Nonetheless, our pastor talked about moving forward. And, boy, it was truthfully for me, and my family. He mentioned the armor of God. All of the armor He gave us protects the front of our body - not the back. The breast-plate, the sword, the shield, and so on - they are all used to protect us while we are engaged with something in front of us, not our past! Everything in life is in a constant struggle to move forward. We age, the clock continues to move, and life truly is as a vapor. We cannot change those things. But, we honestly have a choice to make: Follow life or stand still and follow death (Deuteronomy 30). Remember this: God wants us to always be moving toward the center of His will!

STQ had a tremendous time this weekend. We were at Pleasant Valley Baptist Saturday for their building-fund benefit. We were there with Robert and James and several other groups - and the atmosphere was awesome! I even bought me a cake specially made by Sis. Lolley! Sunday morning we were at Bethel A/G in Laurel Hill, and Sunday night at Chancellor A/G near Enterprise, Alabama. Both concerts were uplifting, and I believe hearts were mended! The Chancellor sing was probably the best I’ve ever been a part of, though. The Holy Spirit was welcomed - and everyone worshipped in one accord!

Remember STQ this weekend as well - our schedule will be just as busy as last weekend’s. But, we are very happy to be spreading the message of Truth and Salvation, and hopefully reaching those who need a touch from Jesus Christ!

Remember our upcoming concert, July 19th with Robert & James, and the Dixie Echoes at the Graceville Civic Center at 7pm. We hope to see you all there! ! ! !

Until next time…………CHris

Hey again everyone. I hope you all had a safe and blessed weekend. I am writing this week’s newsletter alittle late, I know. Over the weekend, our family lost a member - Mr. Randy Jones. He was 42. His life was taken tragicly in an automobile accident. The funeral was today - and while I sat there, I pondered a few thoughts.

Life is truly precious. We oftentimes take for granted just how special a single life can be. In this hectic world, we easily “don’t have time” to call that cousin or neice. Maybe a weekend full of baseball games with the kids keeps us from visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Or maybe we just don’t have time to call up that older, wiser sister because, well, she’s always “right”. Irregardless of what the excuse may be - we are all guilty of letting our hectic lifestyles push us away from family.

So is the case with God. In the midst of our hectic world - if we’re not careful - God gets put on hold. “I’ll pray tomorrow”, “I’ll go to church next week”, I’ll visit that ole altar next sermon”, or maybe “I’ll ask God to come into my life the next time.” But unfortunately, tomorrow never comes, the next week never dawns, the sermons are no more, and you never get that second chance to ask Him into your heart. That’s the end result for many who are “too busy” for God.

Tonight, as I reflect on the life of Randy - I ask you all to reflect on your family, your friends, and most of all - your walk with God. If you aren’t living a life close to Christ, you are surely living a life in vain. Jesus offers a love that is more precious than silver, whiter than snow, more kindred than a mother’s love, and stronger than any army! Let us be careful not to get so caught up in this ole world that we lose sight of that old rugged Cross - and the message that still shines from the greatest story ever told.

Continue to pray for us - we are working on alot of bookings, and will be travelling to some new territory. We continue to do only God’s work - and we ask that you hold us in your prayers. I pray that God continues to keep His almighty hand on a nation that desperately needs a touch from Him. We love all of you out there - and greatly appreciate your support!

Until next time………..Chris

Wow - isn’t it interesting how quickly time is going by? It seems as if just yesterday I was getting used to writing “2008″ on all my checks! Hey again, everyone! I hope this newsletter finds each of you still blessed - and sheltered in His arms of Love. Time is surely passing us by -and we have to make sure we are ready should He call us home! Life is like a vapor - and that statment seems more and more true today.

I do apologize for us not getting a “Chris’ Corner” to you last week - I think my email never got to Jenny. Nonetheless, I hope you all had a great Memorial Day holiday - and didn’t eat too much!!! I know I did. This past weekend, STQ had the honor singing at Pleasant Ridge Baptist in DeFuniak Springs. It was their 118th Homecoming Celebration - and the folks were great to fellowship with. We enjoyed the food, too! I believe I got the most out of Dr. Johnson’s message - whew! It was a great one!

I tell ya, we need your prayers. Not only as a group - but as individuals. Satan tries so hard to undercut our spiritual progress. When we are right in the Lord - everything is wrong with Satan. He tries to snare our feet - and lead us to believe we are failures. But, I am glad that I serve a God who has NEVER been defeated - nor will He ever be! He’s the Alpha and Omega - my soon coming King!

Remember our concert on July 19th with the Dixie Echoes. Robert & James will also be there - so come out, and enjoy some great Christian fellowship - and southern singin! Oh, tell a friend about it! We want to fill the place up!

Until next time…………Chris

Hey there everyone! Again, I am sorry this week’s newsletter is so late getting to you - but, I have had quite the busy week! It seems as if everyday I live, I find myself trying to keep up with this ole world - but, all for naught! I have to keep reminding myself that each day that goes by, I’m just alittle closer home!

Last weekend was a very special weekend for us. We had the pleasure of singing again with Robert & James. We were at the County Fairgrounds in DeFuniak Springs, Florida for an Album Release Concert - in honor of R&J’s new album. We had a tremendous turnout - the concert hall was filled beyond capacity - and many folks just had to stand up. Those who brought their lawnchairs were glad they did! The music was sensational, and fellowship perfect. I had to leave early to go back to Panama City - and hated I missed talking to you all after the concert.

Saturday night’s concert was our only one for the weekend. I, along with my friend, Jonathan, spent a Saturday morning on a private pond near Enterprise, Alabama. It was a great break to the monatony. But, during that time on the pond, I discovered that TRUE fellowship (with a Christian brother) is something Heaven sent! In this ole world we live, we oftentimes lose sight of time - in the midst of a hectic, carnal world. Before we know it, days are running on top of each other - and we bog down. I thank God that He gives us “time” in fellowship when we only choose to be still - and take that fellowship in!

STQ is off this weekend in observation of the Memorial Day holiday. I, for one, am PROUD of our men and women in uniform - and salute those who have courageously fought in battle to defend our very freedom! Take “time” this weekend to reflect on our freedoms, and those who fought to keep us free.

Please remember to pray for our group - and that ONLY God will guide our path. Remember this passage of scripture; Proverbs 3:5-6. He is the light house on that hilltop that shines His light for us to see where He’d have us go!

Until next time………..Chris

Hey there guys! Hope you all had a great weekend - and a very special Mothers’ Day for all the terrific Moms out there! Southern Tradition had the weekend off - and was able to have some down time prior to a busy stretch of concerts, and planning periods for some exciting events that are on the horizon.

Here are some dates:

May 17, 2008: Robert & James Album Release Concert @ DeFuniak Springs, FL. (The Fairgrounds); starts at 6pm.

July 19, 2008: “An Evening with the Dixie Echoes.” Concert @ Graceville Civic Center, Graceville, FL. Starts at 7pm. Admission $10

Listen everyone, we are hoping to fill up the seats at these events - and we’re really hoping to start an annual concert with the Dixie Echoes in Graceville. So, help us out by coming to these sings. We always appreciate your continued support.

Well, I will have more thoughts for you next week - please keep us in your prayers, and leave me some comments on here! I love hearing from you!

Until next time………….Chris

Hey everyone! What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again! I woke up this morning very tired from a long weekend on the road - but when I walked down my steps I started singing that song. Another week is now underway - and I pray that this newsletter finds each of you richly blessed. Southern Tradition Quartet had two performances over the weekend - and are looking forward to announcing some exciting concerts coming up in July.

Saturday, we were in Red Bay, Florida - for a family reunion concert. The Infinger family was ever so kind to have us perform prior to their lunch. I was under-the-weather so to speak, but truly enjoyed the singing! I left shortly after, but heard the food was terrific!

Sunday, we travelled to Eufaula, Alabama. We performed at Parkview Baptist Church. Let me tell ya, it was an awesome night! The spirit of the Lord was present - and we sang the Glory down. I had never been to Eufaula - but got to see the “Big Pond” (as I call Lake Eufaula), and even got to drive over into Georgia prior to the concert. The fellowship to and from the event was awesome - and the kind folks there at Parkview really made us feel at home. After the concert was over, our friends Bill and Reba Blankenship, had us over to their lake house for refreshments. It was a quick fill-up on food, and we were back on the road. Thanks to Bill and Reba for being such loving hosts! We truly hope to return to Parkview soon!

I read an uplifting email today - talking about a gentleman who saw only the negatives in his life. He was surrounded by turmoil, and couldn’t reason why forgiveness was so important. Ironically enough, he had a vision - of a man who hung from an old rugged cross. The man saw His stripes, the nails in His side, the crown of thorns on His brow. This gentleman became overwhelmed by the agony He was going through. Then, suddenly, he heard the voice of Christ saying, ” Look at the pain I endured for you, yet I never questioned why I had to forgive you.” Those words shook the gentleman in a way that changed his life forever. As a christian, we should never ask “why”. We should praise Him for the great things he continues to do in our lives. Remember this: If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it! My prayer is that God continues to not only bring us to our greatest challenges, but brings forth victory as we overcome them!

Oh, by the way. Please write down this exciting event:

Southern Tradition in Concert with the Dixie Exchoes 7/19/08 Graceville Civic Center Graceville, FL.

(starts at 7pm) Admission: $10 Please bring a friend, and enjoy this awesome night of fellowship in song with our friends, the Dixie Echoes!

Until next time…………Chris