Artist Spotlight - Salvador

For Nashville-based jam band, Salvador, great music was incubated in the blistering Texas sun, birthed on the road for umpteen days a year, and nurtured by an unwavering commitment to the collective creative process. The eleven songs on their sixth studio album, Aware, amply demonstrate the virtue of the American work ethic in producing fresh expressions of worship that are at once culturally relevant, original, and actually sound effortless, seamless, spontaneous.

He points to the album’s title cut, “Aware,” as an example of the band’s new mindset. “Our fast-paced lifestyle often causes us to blow past the basics,” Nic Gonzales muses. “I think most Christian songs express thanksgiving for the things God gives us. But we wanted to take a different approach to thankfulness. Our heart’s cry is that we would be aware of what is going on around us, that God would create a fundamental change in me so that I would realize that everything that I am is not just about me.”

While the band’s approach to crafting songs continues to evolve, one that thing has remained steadfast is the marriage of their personal devotion to God with their dedication to the craft of live performance. Their inspired improvisational skills have translated into an enthusiastic word-of-mouth reputation for emotionally-charged live shows, but it is their heart for worship, their insistence on promoting God rather than themselves, that infuses Salvador and continues to electrify crowds whenever they perform.

“Salvador is an ever evolving jam band,” Nic explains. “Every show is different. There is no set list. The guys don’t even know what is coming next. They just hear the chord that sets up the next song, and then off we go. When you can do that it’s magic.”

Salvador is an amalgam of talent from across the Western Hemisphere. Drummer Ben Cordonero hails from Nicaragua by way of Miami. Keyboardist Chris Bevins, who also handles some of the co-writing chores calls Nashville home. Josh Gonzales on the Bass still resides in Austin, and Nic relocated to Music City after his marriage to superstar, Jaci Velasquez last year.

Whether rattling the rafters with thundering, anthemic rock ‘n’ roll or soothing the soul with a gently meandering ballad, Salvador creates music that scratches an indelible groove in your grey matter. Aware nails that rare synthesis of spontaneity and expertise with an inspired collection of uptempo, pop-rock worship songs. Many in the industry have declared Aware to be the best that Salvador has ever recorded. Nic says simply, “This is what I have to offer. It is the accumulation of the best that I am right now.”

Discography

• Live in Austin - Release Date: 1999, Label: (independent)
• Salvador - Release Date: 2000, Label: [Myrrh/Sony]
• Into Motion - Release Date: 2002, Label: [Word]
• Worship Live - Release Date: 2003, Label: [Word]
• Con Poder - Release Date: 2003, Label: [Word]
• So Natural - Release Date: 2004, Label: [Word]
• Que Tan Lejos Esta El Cielo - Release Date: 2005, Label: [Word]
• Dismiss the Mystery - Release Date: 2006, Label: [Word]
• Aware - Release Date: 2008, Label: [Word]
• How Far is Heaven: The Best of Salvador - Release Date: 2009, Label: [Word]

Check out Salvador at Amazon.com

Info taken from http://salvadorlive.com/about/

Artist Spotlight - Kierra "KiKi" Sheard

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Sheard spent her formative years surrounded by the strong influences of her family, their faith, and their music. At age 6, she began singing in the choir at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, pastored by her father Superintendent J. Drew Sheard. Even at a young age, Sheard had a preternatural grip on the signature "Clark sound" pioneered by her mother and aunts.

Sheard made her stage debut at the age of 10 duetting with her mother on the Twinkie Clark-penned "The Will Of God", the standout closing track from her mother's debut solo album Finally Karen in 1997. The song won a Stellar Award for Best Children's Performance the following year. In the years following, she honed her skills as a performer accompanying her mother on stage. By 2003, EMI Gospel sign[ed] Kierra to her first recording contract.

Kierra is currently a freshman at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she is studying entertainment law. Though originally a criminal justice major, the decision to switch to entertainment law was definitely influenced by her growing career in the gospel music industry.[5] Though her touring schedule has been curbed to accommodate her academic goals, Sheard did embark on a Japanese tour with her mother Karen Clark-Sheard in August 2006.

In addition to performing at the 2007 Stellar Awards, ("Why Me?"), Sheard appeared on BET's Celebration of Gospel standing in for Faith Evans in "Endow Me" (as popularized by Sheard's aunts) along with Coko, Lil' Mo, and Fantasia. Sheard also sang with her mother for A Tribute to Aretha Franklin.


Discography

•  I Owe You - Release Date: 8/10/2004, Tracks: 10, Label: EMI Gospel
• Just Until... - Release Date: 8/2/2005, Tracks: 9, Label: EMI Gospel
• This Is Me - Release Date: 6/27/2006, Tracks: 13, Label: EMI Gospel
• Bold Right Life - Release Date: 10/28/2008, Tracks: 10, Label: EMI Distribution

Check Kierra out on Amazon.com.

Info from http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=579

9/11

Where were you today when the towers fell?

Today as we remember those who lost their lives on this day, know that God is with us. HE is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He loves us and that will never change.

"Lord, I pray that you will help us forgive, you will help us love and that we will stop hating and hurting our neighbors but that we will show love in all that we do. We thank you for life and your love. Give us peace today as we remember, as we grieve. Renew us. In your precious Name we pray, Amen."

Grandma

Dreams

What are your dreams? What are your plans for the future?

Write them down. They can anything. Nothing is too silly or too crazy or too boring to go on this list. Dreams are those wonderful hopes and wants and desires that God places in us.

After you write your list I want you to post it on your wall in your room, on your locker door, or if you want to keep it private, in your journal; any place where you can look at them, often. Why?

When I was in Jr. High I wrote down my dreams. As I've gotten older some of my dreams have changed but quite a few have stayed the same. But being reminded of what I wanted and who I desire to be has kept me focused, working toward my goals.

Remember though that dreams aren't set in stone. They change and thats ok. Be open to that.

Now there's one more thing I want you to do, if you're up to it and can handle it. I want you to take your list and give it to God. Say, "Lord these are my dreams, my wants, and desires. I give them to you, to fulfill them in my life." Then ask Him to make His desires and dreams for your life, your desires and dreams. Be sincere.

When I first made my list, being a youth leader wasn't on it. Lol. But I did have on my list to be a teacher. Now I meant a classroom teacher at the time, but after I gave my list to God, He changed my dreams. I'm not a classroom teacher but I am a teacher as a youth leader.

Don't ever stop dreaming but I dare you to include God in your dreams. They will blow your mind and take you on a much bigger journey then you would have taken yourself on.

Grandma

Artist Spotlight - Lecrae

Lecrae Moore grew up on the southside of Houston, TX. He has been led by God in the urban reform movement and has become a leader in showing nonbelievers the way, truth, and the life God has put in his own life.


Lecrae was raised by his mother and has moved to several places throughout his upbringing; San Diego, Denver, and Dallas. This has given him exposure to various types of cultures and backgrounds he is able to utilize this in delivering Gods message to a greater mixture of people. But he did not start off with the intention to show people God’s truth through his lyrics. He, like many inner city kids, took to rap music as a way to communicate what was on his mind and idolizing the street life.

Encouraged to attend a Christian conference led by James White, Lecrae received a revelation through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He realized his sinful ways and the Holy Spirit gave him the means to a desperately needed Savior in Jesus Christ. God’s word in Mark 16:15 states “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” Lecrae began to share his testimony at his University of North Texas campus, which gave him many struggles as well as triumphs. Lecrae’s God given gift of speaking and rapping God’s message helped him while he volunteered at a juvenile detention center.

By age 25, Lecrae joined Reach Records and released his debut album entitled “Real Talk” on May 20, 2004. “Pouring out a genuine discussion of life issues and passionate, unashamed pursuit of Jesus Christ, Real Talk was released to the world where he quickly became noted as an emcee that would meet listeners where they were by delivering transparent, relatable, and impacting messages.”(Reach Records)

Lecrae’s debut album impacted the music industry as well as many lives, but he knew he needed to do more to help the urban culture that has been significantly neglecting God. Lecrae Cofounded ReachLife Ministies in 2005 which established a culturally relevant and biblically solid resource center to help train the next generation. This non-profit organization is equipped with local leaders who can use culturally relevant tools to strengthen communities through the word of God.

Lecrae’s next album was entitled “After the Music Stops” and songs such as Praying For You, Send Me, and Jesus Musik slowly hit mainstream markets. Soundscan Christian Hip Hop/R&B carts had After the Music Stops on its charts for two years! Lecrae followed that album with “Rebel”, which became the first Christian rap CD to sit at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts. Rebel also claimed the No. 3 position on the secular iTunes Rap charts.

Discography

• Real Talk - Release Date: 2004. Label: [Reach]
• 116 Clique: The Compilation Album - Release Date: 2005, Label: [Reach]
    .... "Fanataics," "Love Song," "Breathe In Breathe Out," "Stand Up"
• After The Music Stops - Release Date: 2006, Label: [Reach]
• Rebel  - Release Date: 2008, Label: [Reach]
• Far//Away (Digital Single/EP) - Release Date: 2010, Label: [Reach] 

Check out Lecrae on Amazon.com

Info obtained from http://www.lecrae.net/artists/lecrae 

The Daily God Hunt

This week I gave an assignment to LC. We are looking for the ways God shows Himself to us everyday.

We are looking for 4 categories:

• Obvious answer to prayer
• Unexpected evidence of God's care (ex. You miss a traffic pile-up because you forgot your wallet at home)
• Unusual linkage or timing (ex. Someone was praying for you right when you were in the midst of trouble.)
• Help to do God's work in the world (if your doing God's will He will always provide.)

So I challenge you each day to stop and examine what God is doing for you, in you, through you, around you  and write it down. It doesn't have to be an exhaustive or long list. Just one thing each day this week. It might surprise you all the ways God provides.

And for those of you who aren't believers I challenge you to go on this hunt too. Think of the ways or the things that have happened to you that you can't really explain but have really helped you out. God has your back too.

Grandma

Artist Spotlight – Anthony Evans

Born and raised in Dallas as the third of four children, 30-year-old Anthony grew up in a family of great achievers. His father, Dr. Tony Evans, is the founder and president of the internationally syndicated radio and television program "The Alternative" and senior pastor of the more than 8,000-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. His mother, Lois, is the executive vice president of The Urban Alternative. He has three siblings – his sister Chrystal is a worship leader and mother of five, while Priscilla, a mother of three, is a writer with Moody Press and Lifeway, traveling the country speaking at events with the likes of Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. Younger brother Jonathan, father of 1, plays NFL football and is a speaker and mentor.

Growing up singing, Anthony's musical career took a more serious turn after college when he began a two-year stint as a vocalist with TRUTH. Next he toured for four years as a vocalist for good friend and gospel music sensation Kirk Franklin. His performances with Kirk, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Soul Train," and appearances on the Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award telecasts have become invaluable learning experiences. Anthony's other musical influences vary from Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith to Commissioned, Andre' Crouch and The Winans.

For the past six years Anthony has been a solo artist; writing, arranging, and singing around the globe. He has recorded 4 albums: "Even More", "Letting Go", "The Bridge," his debut Christmas album "What Christmas Means" and most recently "Undisguised" released in January 2010.

Anthony has teamed with varying organizations including the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, Lifeway, Women of Faith, Promise Keepers, and many more, as his heart and their messages have crossed.

Anthony currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee. He spends most of his free time with his close friends or on a local farm with his horses.

Discography

• Even More - Release Date: 6/8/2004, Tracks: 13, Label: Ino/EPIC
• Letting Go - Release Date: 3/7/2006, Tracks: 10, Label: Ino/Columbia
• The Bridge - Release Date: 9/4/2007, Tracks: 11, Label: EMI Gospel
• What Christmas Means - Release Date: 10/6/2009, Tracks: 10, Label: Ino/Columbia
• Undisguised - Release Date: January 26, 2010, Tracks: 10, Label: Ino/Columbia

Check Anthony Evans out on Amazon.com

Info obtained from http://anthony-evans.com/about/

Artist Spotlight

At Life Choices we listen to A LOT of music. We be jamming! Lol. Its all Christian but a lot of different genres, from rock to hip hop to pop and r&b and soul, we got a little something for everyone. We want to share some these artists with you so every month there will be an artist spotlight. So get ready!

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

⁵ You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me written in your book before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to ^[b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!  Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

This has been our study for the last 3 weeks. Lesson 3 is this week looking at verses 13-16 so it should be an interesting discussion. (We doing lesson 3 this week cuz we skipped it last week its not that I can't count. lol)

This is my favorite chapter in the Bible which is probably why I have us looking at it (lol) but verses 13-16 are my favorite part of the chapter.  It truly speaks to me and shows me my value because God is the one who created me.

If you can't come out to our meetings def check this chapter out.

Grandma

Forgiveness

Forgivenss is not always easy. At time it feels more painful then the wound we suffered, o forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet there is not pace with out forgivenss.

They Call Me Grandma

I'm not really a Grandma but I am the youth leader. I could tell you why they call me that but if u really want to know u can ask me. I invite you to join us in any capacity, whether on this blog or at one of our meetings.

If you do stop by just ask for Grandma and I'll greet you personally.