Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson’s new CD project, So Proud, released on February 7, debuts at #1 on both Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart.  So Proud also debuts at #5 on Billboard’s Independent chart and #44 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.

This week, Wilson’s title song and current single, “So Proud” lands at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and #20 on the Gospel Indicator chart. “So Proud” is a feel good blend of inspiration, heart and soul. “So Proud” was produced by multiple GRAMMY^®, GMA Dove and Stellar Award-winning producer Aaron W. Lindsey (Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp). 

Wilson’s sophomore CD, So Proud, is receiving great reviews.  “Wilson’s tone and downright in- the-pocket delivery stand out in a sea of gospel male vocalists who often substitute acrobatics for solid singing. Brian Courtney Wilson affirms the very reason we fell in love with his artistry the first go ‘round,” says GospelPundit.com.  “On So Proud, Wilson’s vocals are more refined and smoother than his distinctively raspier vocals on Just Love,” says EURWEB.com. 

The highly-anticipated project features 12 songs.  Wilson wrote or collaborated on most of the songs, and served as co-producer for all of the tracks on the CD. Other songs on the CD were produced by GRAMMY-nominated and multiple award-winning producer and songwriter Stan Jones, including the second single, “He Still Cares,” currently impacting gospel radio.  The message is that even when you’ve had a touch from the Master, you still may go through trials and tribulations. But you must believe that God still cares for you, and He will give you what you need, when you need it, to make it through.

Other songs produced by Jones include “Right Back To You,” a prayer that God will let you be the greatest at whatever it is that he’s calling you to be, but even if you aren’t, whatever you do will be worthy of giving right back to God; “Closer,” a song about faith and endurance that reassures the listener that no matter how things may look, God has not forgotten you and that every promise He made, every plan that he has for you, he’s going to see it through with you, but you’ve got to keep holding on because you’re closer than you think; and “Grab And Hold,”  which reminds us that Jesus has everything we need, and that we need to make sure that nothing stops us from grabbing His hand and holding on. The song has what Wilson describes as an “old school church feel” to it that reinforces the meaning of the song.

Wilson wanted to include in this project a song that considers the promise of marriage. He wrote “One Day At A Time,” in collaboration with award-winning producer P.J. Morton, who produced the song. “I’ve been married 11 years and we do it one day at a time,” says Wilson. “We make the decision every day to be faithful to each other, to forgive one another, to keep showing up, to work as hard as we can and to keep believing that God is going to work out whatever problems we may have. It’s important to tie marriage to worship because a good marriage is a model for the way God wants to be in relationship with us,” he added. “Perfect,” another collaboration between Wilson and P.J. Morton, gives the good news that even though we are not perfect, God sees us as perfect for the plans He has for us and the dreams He put in our hearts.  Morton also serves as producer for “Perfect.”

“Obey Anyway” was written several years ago by Toby Hill. Wilson wanted to include it in this project because the message of the song—that when times are tough and we are looking for an answer, we just have to keep going and following the instructions that God has already given us—fit with the theme of the project. The celebratory, feel-good “Storm In Mind” was inspired by a conversation Wilson saw on a program on the Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN). One man told of being on a cruise ship when a storm came up. Everyone started to panic except the captain, who explained to the passengers that he knew there was no need for panic because he was there when the ship was built, and he knew that it was made to endure the storm that they were going through. The message of this song is that if we’re going through a storm in our life, we’ve got to believe that we can make it through because God has made us to endure it. Wilson performs “Unspeakable Joy” as a duet with gospel legend and label mate Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Wilson was inspired to write the song because he believes that if you understand that you are perfect for God and perfect for whatever plan God has for you, then it should bring you a sense of joy. “You Are My King” is a simple, straight forward song that says no matter who you are or what your station is in life—rich or poor, with many friends or alone–God is our King and He can help you get through.

Wilson continues his promotional tour in Washington, DC (Wednesday, February 15); followed by Baltimore, MD (Thursday, February 16); Philadelphia, PA (Friday, February 17); Nashville (Sunday, February 19 through Tuesday, February 21); and Atlanta, GA (Wednesday, February 22).

So Proud follows Wilson’s debut CD, Just Love, which entered at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and #6 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart. The CD has remained at #1 on Christian Music Trade Association’s (CMTA) Inspirational Albums chart for 52 weeks.  Since its release in June 2009, the CD held steady in the Top 20 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for over 90 weeks—longer than any other CD title on Billboard’s Top 50 that year [2010]. 

Purchase Brian’s CD by clicking the banner below.
 

 

Erica and Tina Campbell, best known as inspirational star duo, Mary Mary, have announced the release this week of their new single “Go Get It,” the title track to their upcoming album due out in May. The phenomenal string of successes for their 2011 album, “Something Big,” which featured the smash hit, “Walking,” has secured multiple nominations and awards for a string of shows in 2011/2012 including double Grammy nominations for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song.

As the ladies gear up for the launch of their WE tv series, which highlights the non-stop pace of sisters Erica and Tina Campbell, they joyously anticipate giving their fans a sneak peek into the day-to-day aspects of their lives. The series rolls out as Mary Mary continues to perform, tour and record new music while running busy lives on the home front. Erica and husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell, balance raising three children including a newborn baby. Meanwhile Tina and husband, Ricky Minor Band drummer Teddy Campbell, balance raising a blended family of four while Teddy plays nightly on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In addition to their spouses and children, the ladies are part of a big extended family as two of nine siblings, and each individual family member has larger-than-life personality. Through it all, the sisters remain devoted parents, loving spouses, and multi-Grammy winning superstars.

Mary Mary’s new album, set for release in May 2012 will feature two new songs including the just released single, “Go Get It.” The album will include classic Mary Mary songs that have been remixed and remastered featuring some of the duo’s greatest hits. The highly anticipated album will be sure to please old and new fans alike.

Mary Mary has been on an incredible run in the past year including securing the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, Two Stellar Awards, double Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Best Gospel Album. The year also saw partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury. Perhaps the biggest news of all is Erica and husband Warryn Campbell’s delivery of their new baby girl in late January.

Mary Mary will premier on WE tv Thursday, March 29th at 10pm ET/PT, in a special time slot, then continues each week at 9pm ET/PT with ten, hour-long episodes. The duo looks forward to sharing a glimpse of their lives with their fans.

Check out the “Go Get It” single below.

About WE tv: WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network that showcases an unfiltered, modern view of family life. The original programming presents stories from a woman’s perspective and features celebrities and personalities audiences can relate to and embrace. The network’s slate of original series, including the hit shows Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, underscore WE tv’s brand position and tagline, Life As WE Know It, which signifies the connection women share based on similar life experiences during life’s defining moments – like getting married, raising a family, dealing with sibling rivalry, and making ends meet. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., WE tv is available in over 76 million homes and is available in HD and on demand.

 

Reach Records’ hip-hop artist Trip Lee is gearing up for the release of his latest album, The Good Life. Slated to release nationwide on April 10, 2012 through Reach Records, the 4th project for Trip celebrates the truth in real life through its unique style and lyrical content.

A musical exploration to redefine “The Good Life,” Trip challenges listeners to no longer live in light of lies that says The Good Life is all about the money, the cars, and the clothes.

“The Good Life is not climbing to the top of the corporate ladder, The Good Life is not a life free from any responsibility,” says Trip. “The Good Life is living in sync with God and embracing all that He has to offer us in Christ.”

Teaming up with label mates Lecrae, KB and Andy Mineo on production and musical fronts, The Good Life celebrates the truth and features new powerful songs like Trip’s first smash single, “Robot” that unveils the world, the flesh, and the devil’s lies by letting listeners know that they don’t have to be controlled by those lies.

“We don’t have to be robots,” says Trip. “We can choose life. I want to challenge the lies we’ve been told, and present a new and more glorious picture.”

Trip’s debut album, If They Only Knew, hit stores nationwide a few days after his high school graduation. That same year, he was also featured on the Dove Award-nominated, timeless classic “Jesus Muzik” with label mate Lecrae. Trip’s sophomore album, 20/20, was released in 2008 and garnered much success: breaking into the Billboard Top 200, reaching #11 on the Billboard Christian albums chart and landing at #4 on the Gospel chart. With his third studio album, Between Two Worlds, Trip offered a collection of reflections on life in a fallen world. Those reflections resonated with listeners as B2W debuted at #1 on the Christian and Gospel Billboard charts, #5 on the Hip Hop/Rap iTunes chart and #9 on the Top Albums iTunes chart. The album also received two Dove nominations and a Stellar Award for Best Gospel Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year.

Since his first album release, Trip has traveled the world performing for thousands of listeners. In conjunction with The Good Life, he is gearing up for the nationwide 4Thirty1 Conference tour (http://www.premierproductions.com/tour/4thirty1-conference) and the Amazing Grace Tour alongside InPop singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham.

Trip will also be embarking on a nationwide album promotional tour that will be kicking off in conjunction with the April 10 release as well as a featured artist at various 2012 festivals including Spirit West Coast, Atlanta Fest and Rock The Lakes, among others.

*All tour dates are subject to change:

4Thirty1 Tour 
April 19 – Atlanta
April 20 – Nashville
April 21 – Birmingham
April 26 – Greensboro
April 27 – Columbus
April 28 – St Louis
May 3 – Tulsa
May 4 – Dallas
May 5 – Houston

Amazing Grace Tour:
February 10 – Everett, WA 
February 11 – Portland, OR 
February 17 – Amarillo, TX 
February 18 – San Marcos, TX 
February 19 – Loredo, TX 
February 20 – Woodlake, TX 
March 2 – West Plains, MO 
March 4 – St. Louis, MO 
March 7 – Poplar Bluff, MO 
March 9 – Ooltewah, TN 
March 10 – Orange Beach, AL
March 15 – Pinellas Part, FL 
March 16 – Bellville, GA

Promotional Album Tour:
May 10 – Virginia Beach
May 11 – Raleigh
May 12 – Louisville
May 13 – Kansas City
May 17 – Minneapolis
May 18 – Chicago
May 19 – Detroit
May 20 – Pittsburg
May 26 – Orlando
June 1 – Dallas

About Reach Records and ReachLife Ministries
Reach Records and ReachLife Ministries strive to, “bridge the gap between biblical truth and urban context.” Founded in 2003, Reach Records is a Christian music record label dedicated to using music as a means of reaching the urban community in a biblically sound way. While Reach Records employs music to reveal biblical truth, ReachLife Ministries aims to empower ministry leaders with this music in order to grow the urban church.

For further information and a list of upcoming Reach Records and ReachLife Ministries events, please visit http://reachrecords.com/. For more information about ReachLife please visit http://reachlife.org/.

The world and media has dubbed him with nicknames like Lin-sanity and Lin-sation.  Now the meek Harvard grad Jeremy Lin is speaking out about his Christian faith, using his platform to Glorify God.  In a candid interview Lin says he listens to the music of Christian Rapper Lecrae and Christian Contemporary group Hillsong.  He tells Fuse TV why he listens to Christian music.  “To remind myself why I’m playing the game and to remind myself I’m playing to glorify God,” states Lin.

What an amazing endorsement for those two Christian artists. This from Lin who bounced around the NBA like a ping pong ball just months before taking the nation by storm.

People have called Jeremy Lin the Tim Tebow of professional basketball.  A compliment to his underdog rise to stardom as a professional athlete.  But it seems that he has more in common with Tebow then the world knows.  Both players are Christians, fans of Christian music, and using their platform to glorify God.  Jeremy Lin said when prompted, “I’m a fan of Tim Tebow, I’m not ashamed to say that.”

In a report by Charisma Magazine some of Jeremy Lins’ old roommates from Harvard spoke about the character of this young phenom.  “Jeremy was in the spotlight at Harvard before he was in the spotlight in the NBA,” Lins old friend and roommate Adrian Tam says. “He showed that Asian-Americans could be leaders, they could be athletic, and they could be bold and open about their faith in a winsome way.”

Lin was involved in an on campus Christian group called the Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Christian Fellowship (HRAACF).  Lin’s involvement in (HRAACF) and the broader Asian community at Harvard was somewhat limited because of his basketball commitments says Adrian Tam, who was an HRAACF Campus staffer during that time.

In a video testimony, Lin said he missed Christian community at Harvard until he connected with HRAACF. Tam became a spiritual mentor to Lin, meeting with him regularly, studying the Bible together and reading together such books as Too Busy Not to Pray. “He loved his roommates, spending lots of intense one-on-one time with them, leading investigative Bible studies with them, and just plain hanging out with them,” Tam says.

What Tam remembers most about Lin, from the time they first met, was his humility. “Even though he was more accomplished, smarter and just plain bigger than I was, he always treated me with respect and honor,” Tam says. “He was real with me, earnestly desiring to follow God in all things. He had a quiet ambition—not only to be the best basketball player he could be, but also to be the best Christ-follower he could be.” 

“Jeremy Lin is the kind of alum that makes InterVarsity Asian American Ministries proud,” says James Choung, director of InterVarsity’s Asian American Ministries (AAM). “I’m not talking about his prowess on the court, though it’s fun to see. What I love is that when he’s given the spotlight, he gives glory to God and others in a way where his humility shines through. And because of who he is, he’s giving national attention to Asian-American Christianity as a whole.”

You can listen to Lin talk about Christian music in the video below.  Click Here to read the full story on by Charisma Magazine.

According to CNN, Family and close friends will say goodbye to Whitney Houston with a private funeral and burial Saturday in her native New Jersey, trying to come to grips with grief that the pastor of her childhood church called “very deep.”

“We are all hurting,” Pastor Joe Carter of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark told CNN’s Jason Carroll on Tuesday. “That voice is silenced. But she left us with so much.”

Earlier in the day, Carolyn Whigham — the owner of Whigham Funeral Home in the northern New Jersey city — said that Houston’s funeral will start at noon Saturday at that church.

Carter said that he’ll officiate what he described as a “small … invite-only service.” The church seats a maximum of 1,500 people, and the pastor said he expects “all these empty pews to be filled with people whose hearts are broken.”

“She was able to leave us with so many wonderful memories of that God-given gift,” he said. “That’s what we are celebrating on Saturday.”

At the request of the late singer’s mother Cissy Houston, the eulogy will be given by Marvin Winans, a gospel singer and pastor at Detroit’s Perfecting Church, Carter later told CNN’s Erin Burnett. Winans officiated Houston’s 1992 marriage ceremony to R&B singer Bobby Brown.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told reporters Tuesday that he planned to issue an executive order so that flags at government buildings throughout the late entertainer’s native state would fly at half-staff on the day of her funeral.

There will be no large-scale public memorial in Newark in the immediate aftermath of Houston’s death, city spokeswoman Anne Torres said. The funeral director at the Whigham Funeral Home told city officials that the family did not want a big memorial, according to Torres.

Carter, the New Hope pastor, said organizers hope to set up a large screen outside his church, so people who cannot get inside can see the funeral proceedings.

The pop superstar’s body was flown to New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport from California on a private plane belonging to filmmaker Tyler Perry, according to a law enforcement source with knowledge of the situation.

Click Here to read the full story on CNN.com 
 
 

A moment is a brief, indefinite interval of time.  It can be shorter than a second or longer than a minute.  It is relative to the context of its surroundings.  Everything of significance in our lives depends upon how we spend our time, what kind of significant moments we are experiencing and creating.  A significant moment is a turning place for the rest of your life.  The outcome of these moments is determined by our actions.  What you did in a moment of anger, rage or bitterness can set the course of your destiny.  One man killed his friend who had been accused of raping his daughter.  The man later confessed that he had made a big mistake.  Whether his friend had been guilty or not, his actions in a moment of rage only made matters worse.  The stigma he placed upon his family and the time he would spend in prison not able to care for his family was not worth the moment of revenge.  

What you say or do in a moment of lust and weakness can change your life forever.  That moment you decided to lie, cheat or steal, only lead to more lying, cheating and stealing until you are finally discovered and labeled as a liar, cheat and thief.  That moment you decided to give up your virginity before being married was a moment of betrayal and remorse that you will regret for the rest of your life.  These moments lead to other moments of illicit relationships involving fornication or adultery, and carry you on a downward spiral of self destruction.  That moment you decided to take that drink, start smoking or try those drugs, changed the course of your life.  Job 20:5 observed, “That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.”  These moments of seeming joy and conquest ultimately end in disgrace and failure.  Job 21:13 goes on to say, “They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.”  

Moments are powerful.  Some we control by our actions, some we don’t. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  Joseph’s life was filled with significant moments.  In a moment his father gave him a coat of many colors.  In a moment he disclosed his dream to his father and brothers.  In a moment his brothers cast him into a pit.  In a moment they sold him as a slave.  In a moment he was bought by Potiphar.  In a moment he was placed over the household.  In a moment he was lied on and thrown into prison, and in a moment he was made the second most powerful man in the world.  Keep your head up.  You have a significant moment coming.

______________________________________________________

About Bishop Leonard Scott: One person fits the mold of dentist, musician, pastor, entrepreneur and community advocate, and that is Dr./Bishop Leonard Scott.  Bishop Leonard Scott is the Founder and President of the nation’s oldest black owned gospel recording company, Tyscot, Inc., which has been home to superstar recording artists John P. Kee, Deitrick & Damita Haddon, the Rance Allen Group, and Dr. Bobby Jones among others.  Dr. Scott is an accomplished Gospel singer.  His latest release, “Bishop Leonard Scott Presents My Worship Experience” is in stores now.  He currently pastors the Rock Community Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he also facilitates the annual Harmony Music and Business Conference.  Dr. Scott is the husband and father of seven children.  Visit Dr Scott at www.bishoplscott.com 

 

The new project from Marvin Sapp, titled ‘I Win,’ will be released on April 3, 2012, a three-week delay from the previously announced March 13 release date.  The new CD is a follow-up to Marvin Sapp’s gold selling ‘Thirsty’ album that featured the number one song “Never Would of Made It.”  

Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It” took him to new hieghts as one of Gospel’s top selling artists, even performing on the BET Awards later that year.  Sapp’s MEGA-hit was the number one downloaded Gospel song on I-Tunes in 2010 and and Billboard confirms Sapp was the most played artist that year as well.

The success of Sapp’s record was followed by the loss of his wife Malinda Sapp, and his new record will feature a new motivation. 

The album’s lead single, “My Testimony,” is climbing the charts at radio.  The title track, written by Brittney Wright, is said to be a favorite of Sapp’s.

A live performance DVD will accompany the CD when you purchase the product.  Below is Sapp’s new single “My Testimony.”

Celebrated Fair Trade Services recording artist Laura Story picked up her first GRAMMY® at yesterday’s awards ceremony, winning “Best Contemporary Christian Song” for her No. 1 hit “Blessings.” This GRAMMY® win crowns an immensely successful period for the decorated worship leader after she garnered five Dove nominations, a No. 1 hit song and a best-selling sophomore album Blessings in less than a year’s time.

“Blessings,” which was released last year, was in rotation at over 100 Billboard Christian format reporting stations going No. 1 at Christian AC, Inspo and the National Audience charts for multiple weeks. Additionally, the song also held the No. 1 spot on the iTunes® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart for 28 consecutive weeks. The critically acclaimed album, Blessings debuted at No. 4 on Soundscan’s Overall chart and has remained one of Christian music’s best sellers to date.

In addition, Story and her husband, Martin, recently learned they are expecting their first child, due later this year.

“What an amazing season this has been!” says Story. “Martin and I have been so thankful to find out that we are expecting, and then this GRAMMY surprise was the cherry on top! We are both humbled and so grateful to God for this and pray that any attention the song “Blessings” receives will be used by God to bring hope to others who are walking hard roads. May God’s faithfulness be seen in this above all things. Thanks to all who are celebrating with us.”

Story’s new single, “What A Savior,” is also experiencing success at Christian radio and is currently No. 17 on the Billboard Christian AC chart. Top stations and networks currently playing the song include K-LOVE, WAY-FM, KLTY/Dallas, KSBJ/Houston, Fish Atlanta/Nashville/Sacramento, KTIS/Minneapolis and JoyFM/St. Louis.

Story kicks off the “Girls Night Live Tour” with Mandisa next week in Omaha, Neb. The tour will visit over 30 cities within the next two months and will also feature special guests Anita Renfroe and Jamie Grace in select cities. For more information visit www.girlsnightlive.com

What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?, the first book by Laura Story, will release March 13 by Freeman-Smith, a division of Worthy Publishing. The 30-day devotional is based on her song, “Blessings,” and contains Story’s personal reflections garnered from her own journey, along with prayers, quotes and a journaling page for readers to recount how blessings have impacted their own lives.

About Laura Story: 
Laura Story, a talented worship leader and songwriter known for penning hit worship songs such as “Indescribable” made famous by Chris Tomlin, made her music debut in 2008 with her first release Great God Who Saves (INO Records). Great God Who Saves garnered her four Dove nominations in 2009, at which she took home her first award for “Inspirational Album of the Year.” In 2011, she also nabbed another nomination for “Female Vocalist of the Year.”

Her hit single “Mighty To Save” earned a No. 1 Soft AC/Inspo and Top 10 AC hit at Christian radio. Also in 2011, Story revealed twelve new inspirational tracks on her sophomore release titled Blessings. Story teamed up with producer Nathan Nockels (Passion, Philips, Craig & Dean, Point of Grace) and delivered a worship project that exudes constant threads of pop energy and singer-songwriter warmth. The title-track immediately became a fan favorite as it topped the iTunes ® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart and held the No. 1 spot for 28 consecutive weeks. For more information on Story, please go to www.laurastorymusic.com.

 

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will release the highly-anticipated album After This (Light Records/eOne). One of gospel’s most highly-acclaimed choirs, led by longtime songwriter, arranger and producer JJ Hairston, Youthful Praise marks their sixth live recording, the first since the highly celebrated Resting On His Promise, with the release of After This.

Recorded live in July 2011 at The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT, After This showcases Hairston’s captivating gift in mixing traditional gospel with urban, contemporary and mainstream influences to create the distinctive sounds that have elevated JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise into one of gospel’s preeminent choirs. Featuring the title track as the first single, “After This” has been climbing the singles chart in gospel radio, vaulting into the Top 15 as listeners hail its high-energy rhythms and uplifting lyrics encouraging faith and joy through troubled times. Setting the stage for the rest of the 13-track album, other dynamic songs include “The Victor,” “Lord of All” featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker, “Love Lifted Me” featuring Tye Tribbett, and “My King.”

As Youthful Praise’s director, songwriter, arranger and producer, Brooklyn native JJ Hairston has written, produced and led the choir since its beginnings in 1992 at its home church, Cathedral of Praise in Bridgeport, CT. Since releasing their first album in 2001, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have garnered critical acclaim and numerous Stellar Award nominations for their blend of memorable praise and worship with traditional choir harmonies. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have performed with gospel greats Dorinda Clark-Cole and Pastor Shirley Caesar, SWV, Destiny’s Child. They have performed on national stages including a smash opening performance on the 2011 Stellar Awards; on Bobby Jones Gospel, TBN, Lift Every Voice and more.

With a catalog of hits “Lord, You’re Mighty,” “Awesome God,” “Resting on His Promise,” and their 2004 worship anthem “Incredible God, Incredible Praise” JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise continue to impact the sound of contemporary gospel around the globe today. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise deliver another smashing live performance on their latest album After This and will appear in select cities on their upcoming promotional tour.

To learn more about JJ HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE, please visit: http://www.youthfulpraise.org 

Valentine’s Day is one of the few holidays that seem to have a polarizing effect on most people.  Some love it and relish in all of the promises of love it offers.  This is especially easy for those who have a significant other.  For many, however, it is a dreaded day especially for those who are either single or lost a loved one.  But Valentine’s Day really can be enjoyed by all.

Tyscot Music & Entertainment and Shirley Murdock want to share a few tips on how to not only share but also receive Love on Valentines Day.

Tip #1: Kick off your Valentine’s Day the right way

Although jewelry store commercials and flower shops focus on romantic love, there is one love that EVERYONE has and can use this day to focus on: the love of God.  Many in the Christian faith know and can attest to the love that God shows humanity on a daily basis. This is a special kind of love that only God can give is called Agape love. 

According to www.gotquestions.org, Agape is defined as: “love which is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself.”  What better way to start this day of love than with the One who loves like no other.  Best of all, this is a love that has no ending, who can beat that?

Be sure to take some time out to remind yourself of the love God has for you. 

Here are some Bible verses that will get your mind moving in the right direction:

Psalm 63:3, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:37 – 39 and John 3:16.

Shirley Murdock chimed in on Tip #1 and shared the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ on Valentines Day:

A threefold cord is not easily broken…

This Valentines Day, as you celebrate love with that special someone in your life with the gift of candy, roses and candlelight dinner for two, remember that Jesus is the physical expression of the Father’s love for us. –Shirley Murdock

 

Tip #2: Give love to someone who needs it

Is there someone in your life that could use a little love?  Perhaps it’s a neighbor, co-worker, a friend, or family-member.  There is probably someone who could use an encouraging word, a joke or a cup of coffee, whatever.  Though you’ve probably heard this before, a simple act of kindness can really make someone’s day.

Shirley Murdock added additional tips on how to give love to others:

We can reciprocate and strengthen the love of the Father, by what we do for others.

Pick up an extra card and take it to someone in the hospital or nursing home.

Take a teddy bear to a young cancer patient.    

Tighten up your natural relationship with the fiber of your spiritual relationship and toss it out! It may be the life line for someone, who’s about to fall!-Shirley Murdock
 

Tip #3: Show yourself some love

Who doesn’t like to treat themselves every now and then?  Think of one thing that makes you happy and do that for yourself. 

Tip #4: Tune out and plug into something that makes you feel the love

If all of the sentimental love talk gets you down, turn it off and tune into something that makes you smile.  Be it your favorite CD, a hilarious comedy special, a great book or that funny Youtube clip that your co-worker sent last week that you haven’t bothered to read, use this day to lighten up and have fun.

Love is patient, Love is kind, Love endures….God is Love. Yes, this special word holds a lot of weight for many people on Valentines Day, but it is also the totality of who Jesus Christ is in our lives.

So, as we share love with others on Valentines Day, let’s acknowledge the true source of Love and learn how to love like Him.

Live: The Journey CD & DVD is available in stores and online!