Happy May! Mother’s Day is just two weekends away, but there is still time to plan how you will honor your mother! If your mother is a gospel music aficionado, she can meet gospel star Kierra Sheard and her mother, gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard who are hosting a “Mommy & Me Mother’s Day Dinner” in Atlanta on May 19. “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks and gospel star Tasha Cobbs are special guests.
The goal of the “Mommy & Me Dinner” is to appreciate mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other significant women in the lives of millennials and generations prior. This dinner will provide an environment and opportunity for mutual appreciation, amusement, laughter, emotional healing, and long-lasting healthy relationships among attendees and their beloved. A red carpet will be on hand for mothers and daughters to have a celebrity- like experience! As a part of the $75 Diamond Package, attendees receive: a red carpet photo with Karen and Kierra, preferred seating, dinner and keepsake hard-card invitation. The $65 Gold Package includes a walk on the red carpet and dinner. The dinner, which starts at 6 p.m., will be hosted at Terminus 330, 330 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
GRAMMY Award-Winning Gospel Artist Le’Andria Johnson, who is also pastor of IPC (Imperfect People Changing) Ministries, will perform at the 2nd Annual Steeple Awards this Saturday, April 22! The Steeple Awards bring together some of the biggest names in gospel music and ministry to celebrate their work on the frontline in the battle for souls. In addition to Le’Andria, who recently released her new single“Bigger Than Me,” the show will also feature BET’s Sunday Best Season 3 Finalist Latice Crawford, James Hall and Worship and Praise, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Delra Harris, V3, Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, The Wardlaw Brothers, Keyondra Lockett, and Damita.
Five ministry leaders will be honored with the prestigious Nehemiah Award, including Pastor Marlin D. Harris of New Life Church, Bishop Paul S. Morton of Changing a Generation FGBC, Apostle Travis C. Jennings of The Harvest Tabernacle Church, Pastor Jerry D. Black of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church and Apostle Thomas H. Vinson of Highpoint Tabernacle Church. Famed gospel singer Dottie Peoples will receive the Reverend Dr. Clay Evans Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Peach State Health Plan.
“The Steeple Awards identifies and celebrates ministry leaders and gospel music artists who have earned widespread acclaim as well as those whose contributions have previously gone largely unacknowledged,” said C. Chandon Carter, the show’s creator. “Prepare for a night of powerful testimonies and powerhouse performances. We’re excited to showcase the work that God is doing through these faithful servants.”
The awards show will be hosted by Christian comedian, social media breakout star, Karlton Humes. The list of 2017 presenters is still growing and includes GRAMMY Award winner Kevin Bond, Sheen Magazine’s Kimberly Chapman and Sammie Hayes, TC Carson, Page Turner, Dr. Kevin Bond, Latavia Roberson and more.
The Steeple Awards takes place at New Life Church-Atlanta, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur, GA 30034. VIP Red Carpet and Reception begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by the awards show at 5:00 p.m. General admission adult tickets are available for $40. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for starting from $65 and include entry to the Founder’s Reception, the Red Carpet Stroll, in addition to VIP seating.For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thesteepleawards.com.
The Pre-Show Concert Extravaganza takes place this Friday, April 21st at 6:3o p.m. located at More Than Conquerors Church, 3600 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia, GA 30038. The pre-show will be hosted by rising gospel artist Lawrence Flowers and will feature performances from Urban Contemporary group Half Mile Home, B. Chase Wililams & Shabach, Tobbi & Tommi, among many more.
Me and Kirk Franklin way back in the day now…Yes, he’s my favorite praise artist…Yes, I know my eyes are closed…
Hello World,
Happy Easter Saints! Jesus Christ rose from the dead! And now, we can be free from the chains of sin if we accept of His gift of salvation solidified through His death and resurrection on the Cross!
Thankfully very early in my Christian journey, another Christian revealed the secrets of praise to me and it has become an important aspect of my relationship with Him…First of all, I learned to praise the Lord whether my circumstances are good or bad, and through my praise, the Lord gives me joy – which is not dependent on happiness! As my father has said, most people make themselves unhappy because they expect to be happy all of the time….It just ain’t gonna happen…but you can always have joy! Praise Jesus!
And although times may be particularly bad for many people right now, we are challenged in the Word to offer up the sacrifice of praise…And we can do it, because the Lord sacrificed his Son for us….
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15
Below are My Top 10 Praise Songs that help me to get my praise on and especially on today, Easter Sunday! This list is an “old school” list because I’ve been saved for a while now, but they still work!
1.“Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin – First of all I met Kirk Franklin in Nashville, Tennessee years ago…He is the nicest guy for real! And he is as short as I am…hilarious! Anyway, this song is a shonuff praise song…I ain’t gon lie…not too many gospel songs make me wanna dance but this one does….
2. “Victory” by Yolanda Adams – This song rocks! In spite of myself, I was bobbing my head when I first heard this song as I watched the movie “The Gospel” years ago…
3. “Shackles” by Mary Mary – This is a nice song to bob your head to in the car… (Plus, they are so pretty too…sorry, I believe in being cute!)
4. “Love Him Like I Do” by Dietrick Haddon, Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard – Again in spite of myself, I find myself rockin’ when I hear this song…I swear you will to 🙂 .
5. “Love Song” by Canton Jones – Just a beautiful song about the love of God…it compares to no other…and really works when your man is trippin’ …y’all know how it is!
6. “My Life, My Love, My All” by Kirk Franklin – Just a beautiful love and praise song…It’s a love song for Jesus…I know that sounds corny, but it’s true…I’m swaying as I’m listening to it right now…
7. “The Blood Song” by Kirk Franklin featuring Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis and Jaci Velasquez – Can you tell I’m a Kirk Franklin fan?
8. “I’m Still Holding On” by Luther Barnes and the Red Budd Gospel Choir featuring Deborah Barnes – Although I sometimes feel silly believing in a God that I can’t see, I still hold on because I’ve had too many blessings and experiences to turn back now…I’m still holding on…
9. Oh Happy Day” by The Edwin Hawkins Singers – It was a happy day when I was saved! This soulful song can’t help but put you in the mood to praise Him! It’s a good song to end your workout with as well for my gym rats out there…
10. How Can I Say” by Lisa McClendon – The lyrics of this song are beautiful…How can I say I love the Lord and not talk to Him each day…Her voice still reminds me of Lauryn Hill’s voice…
So what are your favorite praise songs? Let me know in the comments!
The Pre-Show Concert Extravaganza takes place this Friday, April 21st at 6:3o p.m. located at More Than Conquerors Church, 3600 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia, GA 30038. The pre-show will be hosted by rising gospel artist Lawrence Flowers and will feature performances from Urban Contemporary group Half Mile Home, B. Chase Wililams & Shabach, Tobbi & Tommi, among many more.