Featuring Tri-City’s biggest songs like “Stranger,” “When the Saints Go to Worship,” and “Encourage Yourself” plus a companion DVD that captures them live, this is not only a celebration of one of gospel’s best choirs, but also a moment to relive some of the greatest music around.

Be sure to head to your local gospel music stores to pick up your copy and support the ministry of Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers this coming week nationwide. While you’re waiting check out our gallery of Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers over the years.

[ione_media_playlist id="593666" src="http://praiserichmond.com/"]

RELATED LINKS:

VIDEO: Backstage at BET Bobby Jones Gospel with Donald Lawrence

Exclusive Interview: Donald Lawrence “Choirs Will Be Around Forever”

Gospel Artist Donald Lawrence Reveals Battle with Cancer

Featuring Tri-City’s biggest songs like “Stranger,” “When the Saints Go to Worship,” and “Encourage Yourself” plus a companion DVD that captures them live, this is not only a celebration of one of gospel’s best choirs, but also a moment to relive some of the greatest music around.

Be sure to head to your local gospel music stores to pick up your copy and support the ministry of Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers this coming week nationwide. While you’re waiting check out our gallery of Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers over the years.

[ione_media_playlist id="593666"]

RELATED LINKS:

VIDEO: Backstage at BET Bobby Jones Gospel with Donald Lawrence

Exclusive Interview: Donald Lawrence “Choirs Will Be Around Forever”

Gospel Artist Donald Lawrence Reveals Battle with Cancer

The first week in the New Year has been designated “Celebration of Life Week.”

“Celebration of Life Week,” one of the events and observances sponsored and promoted by the International Society of Friendship and Good Will, takes place annually during the first week in January, which has also been designed as “Celebration of Life Month”: “A time to honor our children and grandchildren in America. Each child and each life is to be held as a precious gift and should be treated with the highest respect and dignity,” according to Answers.com.

“L’Chaim: To Life”

To celebrate this occasion, we offer a toast, L’Chaim (the Hebrew expression which literally means “To life.”) L’Chaim reveals a lot about the Jewish approach to life. The phrase is not to a good life, to a healthy life, or even to a long life. It is simply to life, recognizing that life is indeed good and precious and should always be celebrated and savored. According to a noted Rabbi, L’Chaim means not “to life” as it is commonly translated, but “to lives“—to life in the plural: life in all its fullness, overflowing life that impacts others. No one could live life by themselves. We all need someone else. So there’s no point in toasting life, because life that is not shared is unlivable. So in recognition of the “Celebration of Life Week,” the first week in the January, “Celebration of Life Month,” we offer a toast and say L’Chaim!

As a follower of Jesus Christ, who is “The Way, the Truth and the Life,” I endeavor to speak life, while making declarations about life in the midst of a culture that seems absorbed with death. In the midst of an environment where dark forces would seek to release a spirit of death, we celebrate life and speak life to our towns and cities, to the states of our nation and indeed to the world. Let’s listen to “I Speak Life”— the title song from the CD by Donald Lawrence, featuring Donnie McClurkin, an appropriate song for Celebration of Life Week.

Celebration of Life–Figurative Public Sculpture

In downtown Columbus, near Veterans Memorial Coliseum, we find an eye-catching metal sculpture displayed again the skyline of the Capital City. Created by Alfred Tibor, a holocaust survivor, the statue depicts a woman lifting a child over her head and tells the story of early life in the town of Franklinton which grew into the city of Columbus.

The sculpture by Alfred Tibor in downtown Columbus, Ohio depicts a woman holding up a child in “Celebration of Life.”

www.waymarking.com provides photos and the following description of the bronze sculpture:

The plaque on the front reads:

“Celebration of Life

Arthur Boke Jr. was the first African-American resident of Franklinton, Ohio. His story tells far more than the color of his skin. It is a story of love, selflessness, compassion, and understanding expressed by Sarah Sullivant. Her example reaches out to humanity with a mother’s pure love that accepts all human beings as equal, who share each other’s burdens, listen to each other’s stories, and learn what it is to live in harmony.
It was Sarah Sullivant, who with her husband Lucas – founder of Columbus, made the story of Arthur Boke Jr.

In 1803, Sarah had just given birth to a son, when several days later she found at her doorstep an abandoned baby of a slave. It is what happened next that lifts the story into the rare.
Sarah, filled with the love for her own new-born son, could not bear to leave the abandoned baby without help. Urged on by a humanity very seldom seen in those days, she took the baby, and along with her own new son, nursed both to a strong and healthy childhood.
Named Arthur Boke Jr. by the Sullivants, the baby was adopted by the family and lived as a son and brother until his passing in 1841. The Sullivant children, especially Joseph, whom Arthur helped raise as a loved brother, made sure Arthur was buried in the family plot. It was a testament to Arthur’s inclusion in the Sullivant family. It was an example for future generations that love bridges even the deepest of divides.

Presented here as a modern tribute to the Sullivant’s expression of love is “Celebration of Life,” a sculpture celebrating the family’s deed, and enshrined in bronze, a symbol of how all humankind can make this a better world, one child at a time.

2004″

Another plaque on the side reads:

“I am a survivor of the Holocaust, the worst genocide in history.
Hatred is destruction
I gained freedom when I came to the United States of America.
I donated this work to tell coming generations; “Freedom, hope and respect, celebrate life.”

- Alfred Tibor – Sculptor

To learn more about the Celebration of Life Week, click here and find out more about the significance of this observance in Columbus, Ohio, the location of the bronze “Celebration of Life” statue erected in Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Columbus.

During the first week of the New Year, it is appropriate to continue our blog entries at Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe with a focus on the “Celebration of Life.”

Donald Lawrence

Just about every morning since I was sixteen I’ve always woke up at around 5AM. Allowing time between just me and God to pray, read, and sing his praises is what has sustained me even in the darkest days. I try to use one inspirational song to guide that time and today Donald Lawrence’s (@donaldlawrence) “Bless Me — Enlarge My Territory” was the song.

As we all enter into 2013 we should do so with the full expectation that God will use us this year to enlarge our territory. 1st Chronicles 4:10 says that “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” It is my prayer that God keeps his hand over each of you and your families, that he uses your purpose for this life to enlarge your territory and through it you uplift his kingdom.

Visit me at josephkitchen.com │Follow me on Twitter @josephlkitchen │ Like me on Facebook facebook.com/josephkitchen | Read my blog revkitchen.com

Joseph Lynn Kitchen Jr. is an ordained Baptist minister from Prince George’s County, MD where he serves as a community leader on issues of education reform, public transportation and youth empowerment. Joseph is Executive Vice-President of the Young Democrats of Maryland and National Policy and Platform Director of the Young Democrats of America’s Minority Caucus. Learn more about Joseph’s work at www.josephkitchen.com.

This is one of my favorite gospel songs. When there is now one else there for you or in your corner just know it’s alright. Just pat yourself on the back and “Encourage Yourself”. That’s all I need to do!

Gospel music super-producer and songwriter Donald Lawrence chats backstage at a recent Bobby Jones Gospel taping with BET Gospel correspondent/blogger Torrence Glenn about how to identify and handle distractions plus the importance of finding the right church home.

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Follow both Donald Lawrence and Torrence on Twitter – @DonaldLawrence & @TorrenceG.

RELATED LINKS:

Exclusive Interview: Donald Lawrence “Choirs Will Be Around Forever”

Bobby Jones Gospel: Shirley Murdock & The Rance Allen Group

Pastor Shirley Caesar & Marvin Sapp to Hit The Stage on Bobby Jones Gospel

Tamela Mann to Perform on Bobby Jones Gospel

Verizon How Sweet The Sound Tour: New York City

Verizon How Sweet The Sound Tour: Los Angeles

Verizon How Sweet The Sound Tour: Chicago

Gospel music super-producer and songwriter Donald Lawrence chats backstage at a recent Bobby Jones Gospel taping with BET Gospel correspondent/blogger Torrence Glenn about how to identify and handle distractions plus the importance of finding the right church home.

[ione_embed src=http://serve.a-widget.com/service/getWidgetSwf.kickAction service=bet width=628 height=515 fv="preselectedPlaylistItem=guid_810bac12-bbfb-4ae6-b2ca-d574afde432d&affiliateSiteId=176704&widgetId=509145&width=628&height=515&noScale=1&playOnLoad=0&mediaURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bet.com%2Fcontent%2Fbetcom%2Fvideo%2Fbobbyjones%2F2012%2Fexclusives%2Fbackstage-with-donald-lawrence%2F_jcr_content%2Fleftcol%2Fvideoplayer.videoplaylistmrss.mrss%3Fpt%3DEmbedFullPage%26type%3Dembedfullpage%26ordts%3Dy%3Ftype%3Dembedplaylist%26pt%3Dembedplaylist%26&revision=178&autoPlay=0" type=iframe]

Follow both Donald Lawrence and Torrence on Twitter – @DonaldLawrence & @TorrenceG.

RELATED LINKS:

Exclusive Interview: Donald Lawrence “Choirs Will Be Around Forever”

Bobby Jones Gospel: Shirley Murdock & The Rance Allen Group

Pastor Shirley Caesar & Marvin Sapp to Hit The Stage on Bobby Jones Gospel

Tamela Mann to Perform on Bobby Jones Gospel

Verizon How Sweet The Sound Tour: New York City

Verizon How Sweet The Sound Tour: Los Angeles

Verizon How Sweet The Sound Tour: Chicago

After careful consideration and deliberation, producers and promoters of Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound have decided to postpone the national finale scheduled for this Sunday, November 4th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The finale will take place at a time that allows for the safety, travel and enjoyment of the participants and the audience; details of the new finale timing will be announced broadly as soon as they’re confirmed.

“The safety and care for our audience, our extended communities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and all of our performers is our first priority,” said Steven Marrs, President of Momentum Entertainment Group – who helps produce the event. “Our thoughts and best wishes are with all those affected by the devastating, life-altering hand of Superstorm Sandy.”

Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound, the country’s most prestigious and premiere gospel music celebration brings gospel greats and the greatest choirs from coast to coast together as they compete to be named “The Best Gospel Choir In America.”  The celebration is hosted by Grammy Award winning artists Donald Lawrence and Yolanda Adams and features Grammy Award winning artists Mary Mary, CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker.

Producers and promoters of Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound continue to stand with and pray for everyone devastated by the impact of Sandy. They continue to express that it was with a heavy heart that they arrived at the decision, but with that same heart and out of great sensitivity and respect for those suffering from the aftermath of Sandy, this decision was made.

Producers and promoters are currently looking at various scenarios and alternatives for the future. As soon as a final decision is made, the public will be updated accordingly and welcomed with open arms to this uplifting event.

Starting Monday, November 5th, customers will be able to receive a refund at their point of purchase.

For the latest news and updates on Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound, log onto www.howsweetthesound.com, on Facebook at How Sweet The Sound and via Twitter @hstscelebration.

Nashville

BEST DAYS YET is Morton’s 10th solo album and features a first time collaboration with phenomenal Grammy Award winning producer Donald Lawrence.   The album offers a flawless combo of Morton’s classic, strong vocals and Lawrence’s masterful vocal arrangements and production.

The album loudly proclaims themes of encouragement, hope and transformation.  The opening title track, “Best Days Yet” starts the album strongly in timeless fashion that will soon have choirs and churches singing along.  Though studio-recorded, the song’s powerful instrumentation gives it a live feel. Album cuts “Times Like These,” and upbeat “It’s Over” continues the themes throughout.

Morton’s son PJ is well known for his amazing songwriting pens several songs on the album lending his signature sound to BEST DAYS YET.  Among the highlights are the contemporary “Go Through” and “The Promise,” (also featuring Morton’s daughter Jasmine Morton-Ross).

One highlight is “Something Happens (Jesus)” an immediate classic that is pure gospel music.  There are also stand-out guest artists on the project including, Marvin Winans offering smooth and rich vocals on “Things Are Changing” and the incomparable Karen Clark Sheard on the Thomas Whitfield classic “The Grass Withereth.”

BEST DAYS YET is well rounded, blending traditional with contemporary, achieving a definitive release from one of Gospel music’s generals.  Bishop Paul S. Morton continues to serve as the International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

BEST DAYS YET is available now for pre-order on iTunes & will be in-stores and on line everywhere November 13, 2012.

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net     www.twitter.com/thebellereport

Nashville

BEST DAYS YET is Morton’s 10th solo album and features a first time collaboration with phenomenal Grammy Award winning producer Donald Lawrence.   The album offers a flawless combo of Morton’s classic, strong vocals and Lawrence’s masterful vocal arrangements and production.

The album loudly proclaims themes of encouragement, hope and transformation.  The opening title track, “Best Days Yet” starts the album strongly in timeless fashion that will soon have choirs and churches singing along.  Though studio-recorded, the song’s powerful instrumentation gives it a live feel. Album cuts “Times Like These,” and upbeat “It’s Over” continues the themes throughout.

Morton’s son PJ is well known for his amazing songwriting pens several songs on the album lending his signature sound to BEST DAYS YET.  Among the highlights are the contemporary “Go Through” and “The Promise,” (also featuring Morton’s daughter Jasmine Morton-Ross).

One highlight is “Something Happens (Jesus)” an immediate classic that is pure gospel music.  There are also stand-out guest artists on the project including, Marvin Winans offering smooth and rich vocals on “Things Are Changing” and the incomparable Karen Clark Sheard on the Thomas Whitfield classic “The Grass Withereth.”

BEST DAYS YET is well rounded, blending traditional with contemporary, achieving a definitive release from one of Gospel music’s generals.  Bishop Paul S. Morton continues to serve as the International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

BEST DAYS YET is available now for pre-order on iTunes & will be in-stores and on line everywhere November 13, 2012.

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net     www.twitter.com/thebellereport

“Speak over yourself, encourage yourself in the Lord. The pressure is all around, but God is present help! Well the enemy created walls, but remember Giants they do fall.”

One of my favorite Bishops is back!!!!!

After a taking a small hiatus, Bishop Paul S. Morton is back with the first single from his forthcoming studio LP, ‘Your Best Days’ which is due in stores November 13th. Gospel genius and hitmaker Donald Lawrence produced the new single”Your Best Days Yet” which already tells me it’s a hit! Check it out for yourself