Category Archives: Blog

From a Mommas Heart!

 

 

 

From a Mommas Heart

From a Mommas Heart

 

From a Mommas Heart 

 

As a mom of two young adult children I thought it would be very interesting to take a look at what it’s like from a mommas heart to watch her child achieve his dreams. Earlier this week I interviewed Jake Long a 2014 NFR qualified contestant.   Jake is a team roper who is competing at  the NFR this year. Jake’s mom Pam Weatherby is out at Vegas for the finals  cheering her son on.  I was able to interview her and ask her what it’s like to be Jake’s mom and to be there cheering him on and behind the scenes in a mommas eyes.

 

INTERVIEW

 

It’s that time of year again!! The WNFR is upon us. What is it like for you as a momma of one of the qualified NFR contestants (Mr Jake Long), to be out there in all the excitement?

Pam:  It’s just so neat to see Jake fulfill his dreams after all the hard work that he has done. I love taking care of the horses and meeting wonderful people in the rodeo world.

How many years does this make for you all to be out there as participants?

Pam:  This is our 4th year to be out here with Jake.

What is your very first memory of Jake picking up a rope and beginning the many years of fulfilling his purpose and dreams?

Pam:  When Jake was just a toddler he carried around a small piece of rope, wore an old felt hat and he carried it with him everywhere.  Jake has roped in junior rodeos since the age of 6.

Have you found it difficult at times to watch the process of his Dreams becoming reality?

Pam:  No, I haven’t found it difficult to watch good progress he has been his own self teacher at many times he was always had his eyes set on his goals and never took them off.

What’s some key advice you have been able to give him over the years?

Pam: The key advice I used to always give Jake is I would always just tell him have fun and there’s always another roping.

As one mom to another, what advice can you give a mother to help them encourage their child along the path of their goals and dreams?

Pam:  Key advice for other mothers is let your child pick what they want to do if they want to rope that’s fine but if they want to play basketball that’s fine too. But let them fulfill their own dreams not your own dreams do not live though your kid.

Can you share a funny memory that sticks out in your mind of Jake?

Pam:  A funny story on Jake is he is a heck of a barrel racer. He always out ran me on my own horse, but I think doing different events just made a better horseman.

For my last question and probably one of the most important, how has your faith played a role in all of this?

Pam:  My faith has really been tested, I would pray protection,  to have good cattle, and to win good every night.  I would pray and pray. Then finally God said when are you going to let me have control and have faith, and that’s when I finally turned over the reins to the Almighty God.

 

Thank you so much Pam for doing this interview with me.

 

 

 

 Above and Beyond
Dream Catcher 3:20
Cassie Gilman

Interview with Jake Long

Dreams just keep coming true for this rodeo cowboy

Known as Jake Long

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Jake is married to the beautiful Tasha Long and they have two beautiful children.  I have not ever met them personally but I’ve heard such wonderful things about each of them. I have been blessed to get an interview with him. I had the help of his awesome mom, Pam Weatherby.

 

Jake grew up in Coffeyville, Kansas.  In town I am very familiar with, growing up in North East Oklahoma myself. Jake is the son of Crickett Long  and Pam Weatherby.  He began his career roping at Junior rodeo’s in Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. Jake won his first buckle at the young age of eight years old. He won two horse trailers in 1999 team roping in Guthrie and Pawhuska Oklahoma.  I 2007 Jake  won his first truck. It was a Dodge so you know it was a good one (of course writers opinion).  He won his truck at the Dodge finals in Pocatella, ID.

 

Jake won the Champion Heeler  at the George Strait team roping in San Antonio in 2007  this time he won another nice new shiny truck this one was a Chevy truck and he also won a horse trailer as well as his earnings

 

In 2010 Jake’s dreams just continued coming true.  He was roping with Brady Tryan, of  Huntley, Montana.  They took first in St. Paul, Oregon and Silver City, New Mexico and placed in a lot of other big rodeos.  Jake also became a 2010 WNFR qualified contestant!  Making it a dream come true!

 

It is now 2014 and once again Jake Long as made it back to the National Finals Rodeo.   Jake has answered a few questions for this blog and I hope that you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about him.

 

Thank you Jake Long and Pam Weatherby for helping me get the word out to others that dreams really do come true!!

 

INTERVIEW WITH JAKE LONG 

It’s that time of year again!! It’s the WNFR14! How many years does this make for you as a NFR qualifying contestant Jake?

Jake:  4 years

 

At what age did you know that this was the dream you would follow?

Jake:  As long  as I can remember

 

Who has influenced you the most in your career?

Jake:  Clay O’Brien Cooper, also I have had several friends who help me learn to rope and progress. My family has always been a huge influence and great support for me.

 

What would you say the most difficult situations are that you face out on the road?

Jake:  All night drives and schedule conflicts

 

If you could tell us what it takes to be a winner what would you say?

Jake:  To be a winner have faith, dedication, lots of practice, and confidence in yourself!

How does your faith play a role in your Roping Career?

Jake:  God blessed me with an amazing talent and I am so thankful for it. I have to have faith and know He will help me every step along the way.

 

Is there one main piece of advice you can give to all of those kids and adults out there who want to pursue their dreams?

Jake:  Stay focused and keep your eye on the goal.

 

There are a lot of Team Ropers out there that watch you close and want to learn all they can from you; what are three tips you would have for them in their Roping years ahead?

Jake:  Maintain your game plan. Do not conform to others. Keep strong and focused staying mentally ready.

 

**Be be sure to check out this YouTube video to learn more about**

**Jake Long and his faith and how it plays a role in his roping.**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Cesar de la Cruz

I am so excited about this interview with Cesar de la Cruz.  I hope my readers enjoy this as much as I do.  It’s always nice to get to know these guys a little more and see what’s behind their dreams and goals.

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Cesar de la Cruz

Cesar de la Cruz grew up in Tuscan, AZ. He has a long line of Cowboy roots and grew up roping steers. His uncle, George Aros, a 4-time NFR qualifier, was a big influence on his rodeo career.

Cesar and his wife Arena were married in 2008. They have two adorable boys, Camilo and Gio. I have seen them in the stands many times at the US Finals cheering him on.

Cesar qualified for his first NFR at the age of 22. He is now 31 and continuing to watch his dreams come true

How many years does this make for you as a  NFR qualifying contestant Cesar?
Cesar:  This is my 9th Year!

At what age did you know that this was the dream you would follow?
Cesar:  I was about 15 when I decided this is what I wanted to do!

Who has influenced you the most in your career?
Cesar:  My Uncle George Aros.

What would you say the most difficult situations are that you face out on the road?
Cesar:  Finances and being away from home.

If you could tell us what it takes to be a winner what would you say?
Cesar:  You need to have a short term memory and have to expect yourself to win!


How does your faith play a role in your Roping Career?
Cesar:  For me I have have to have faith that God has a plan for me and I have to trust him with my roping career!

Is there one main piece of advice you can give to all of those kids and adults out there who want to pursue their dreams?
Cesar:Refuse to Lose, Never give up, and Hard work pays off.


There are a lot of Team Ropers out there that watch you close and want to learn all they can from you; what are three tips you would have for them in their Roping years ahead?
Cesar:  Lots of practice, you need a good horse, Set and try to achieve your goals.

For more on Cesar de la Cruz be sure to check out this Youtube video.

Thank you Cesar for letting me do this interview with you.

Above and Beyond,

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie Gilman

Interview with Brian Mace

I got to know Mr. Brian Mace last year while doing PR for Carol Hogner.  At that time Brian was with Gospel Hour Radio.  It was a divine connection from the start.  We have worked together in ministry with his programing on GHR.  I was very blessed by his big heart for Southern Gospel Music and His love for God.

Thank you Brian for doing this interview with me.  I hope you all enjoy my interview with Brian Mace.

 

Interview

Name: Brian Mace Date of Birth: January 7th, 1962
Brian accepted Christ at the young age of 8. Brian was called into this ministry many years ago but wasted many years running from what he knew was his calling, to share the word & love of God through song and testimony. Brian has a heart for God and a desire to see many come to know Jesus as their personal savior. Brian has been singing for many years but just a few years ago he stopped running and gave it all over to God. Brian has had opportunity to share the stage with some of the who’s who in Gospel music such as Ron Blackwood & The Blackwood Quartet , The Lester’s, Gold City and Brian Free & Assurance, and legends Ron Pauly, Bill Shaw & Naomi & the Segos. Brian was a two time Male vocalist of the year nominee at the Music City Gospel Show Case in Pigeon Forge TN. which aired on Dish Network & Sky Angle’s, Angle 2 and was shown into over 40 million homes. This is where Brian was picked up and signed to The C & C Music Groups Revelation Records label.
Brian is also honored to be a Ministry Partner with Mo-Kan Gospel Music Asso., Country Gospel Ministries & Alpha Omega Christian Music Association. These things are nice and Brian does appreciate it. However, this is not really about Brian it is about the ministry that God has entrusted to him and the work that is to be accomplished. To quote Brian “The thing about ministry is this, you just have to be “called”, that’s all; from there on out it’s up to the Lord to make everything happen the way it’s supposed to happen. That’s the way he set it up and that’s the way we try to do things around here.”

How long have you been singing Southern Gospel Music?
Brian:  about 45 years
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Brian:  I can’t really say which artist. It was more of a “genre” ,That would be, Southern Gospel.
What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
Brian:  How Much Love, As far as a stations, it was a mass release over approx. 1200 stations, However, it was a small station in KY where it was aired the most reaching their #1 spot for almost 3 months.
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
Brian:  When I sang and an alter call was given. Souls came to know Jesus

What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Brian:  My motivation is, I know that what I am doing opens up souls so that they might hear the message of Jesus and His salvation through song and personal testimony. Bottom line seeing souls come to know Christ and His love.

Do you have any new projects in the making?
Brian:  Yes, there is a project in the works. I am still waiting on tracks to be completed.I am not sure of a release date at this time.

What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
Brian:  I actually have a couple of songs rotating through the air wave. How Much Love, and My Faith.
To learn more about Brian Mace you can go to his Facebook website link on my page.  Brian is available for Bookings in your area.
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Above and Beyond,
Dream Catcher 3:20
Cassie Gilman

Interview with Inspirational Country Artist Chris Hayle

I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people over this last year.  I have met a great friend and Inspirational Country Artist Chris Hayle.  I was able to do an interview with Chris to get to know a little more about his music and ministry.  I hope that you are blessed by it as well.

Here is a bio clip from Chris’s website.  You can go to his website to keep up with his schedule as well as order his cds.

http://www.chrishaylemusic.com/#!home/mainPage

From the back roads in a small town in Michigan, to the streets of recording studios in Music City, Tennessee, Chris has been singing to audiences abroad. 

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​Chris grew up listening to the older style of Country and Pop music, but his taste includes hymns, and today’s Contemporary Country zest to give his albums well rounded flavor.

Chris began singing as a child but not publicly until he started attending church as an adult.  In short time, he became song leader of the worship team. 

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After his experience of major depression, father’s death at Christmas time in 2001, and several back surgeries, Chris began writing down his thoughts creating the title song to his Christmas album,​ “A Heavenly Christmas“​, in memory of his father, and also penned the song “Celebration of Life”.  The Cd includes several Christmas inspirational favorites.

​Our NEW project, “This Is God’s Country”, took a whole year to bring to fruition!  With the help of Fans, Family, Friends & the provisions of our Heavenly Father, we are now able to bring you 10 new songs!  These are a must listen!  Each tune will speak to your heart in some fashion, but above all……I pray that lives are changed for God’s Glory!

 

INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS HAYLE

How long have you been singing Inspirational Country Music?

Chris: I have been singing Inspirational Country music for the past 12 years!

What ICM artist would you say has influenced your music the most?

Chris:The ICM artist that has influenced my music the most would be Tommy Brandt! I have learned alot from Tommy in the life of a “musicianary”!

What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?

Chris:The first song to hit the airwaves is called “A Line In The Sand” which hit the Top 10 after 9 months on the ICM charts! Our local station, WGDN 103 Country has been a major supporter in playing our “local” music. They have a Sunday Gospel program that they include me in.

What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?

Chris: The defining moment, I believe, was in 2012 at the ICM Award week showcase. Something just clicked and happened that day, and since then our music has skyrocketed! Our big hit song, “This Is God’s Country” spent a whole year on 4 different charts! Our newest radio single is “What If Jesus Comes Back Like That” that I recorded on my very first project, but it became such high demand, we re-recorded it in 2014!

 

What motivates you to keep going when your tired?

Chris:The biggest motivation is God, but seeing/hearing children sing my songs…….that just does something to my soul, keeping in mind that they are the future church! Thank you Cassie and God Bless your ministries!

 

What single are you targeting right now and where is it at on charts?

Chris:“What If Jesus Comes Back Like That”. As far as I know it hasn’t charted yet. Was released in August through Above & Beyond Promotions.

 

Be sure to check out his website and find him on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Thank you Chris for sharing your time with me and for this great interview.

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Dreaming Above and Beyond Eph 3:20

Cassie Gilman