We had a great time last night in De Leon Texas. Carol got to sing her Jesus Jams at the Two or More Coffee House. This Coffee house has become my new favorite place. There is such a wonderful atmosphere there. I felt at home there. They have wonderful food and I had the best cup of coffee I have ever had. I had the Reeses…mmmmmm
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK
Carol was backed up by Rendall Caviness. Rendall can be found on Facebook under Harping4U!
I am working on perfecting live recordings. Carol AKA Mommajo is letting me perfect these with her. PTL…So I have included mp3 files of her Jesus Jam session.
PART 1 JESUS JAMS WITH CAROL
PART 2 JESUS JAMS WITH CAROL
I hope you enjoyed the live recording of Kickn it Java Style with Cassie!
For more information about Carol’s music be sure to go to her website below.
For those of you that know me at all, you know I spend a lot of time on Facebook. I have been introduced to a lot of wonderful friends, ministries and businesses. I was scrolling through my page one day and found STS Ranchwear on my Facebook The first thing that caught my eye was the cross. I believe in supporting Christian Businesses with all my heart so when you mix the Cowboy Lifestyle and that together you have won my heart over for sure!!
I started following STS Ranchwear and I realized they are way more than a clothing line. STS is about sharing Stran and Jennifer Smith’s Faith with others through their own lives. You will find Ranchwear, Fashion tips, Recipes, Fitness tips and Testimonies of God’s love on their website and Social Media. We all need encouragement from one another and I sure know I need help with fitness and fashion. LOL…..
I am all about Dreams and encouraging others in theirs. This is one of my favorite things about STS and the heart of Stran and Jennifer Smith.
THE HEART BEHIND STS RANCHWEAR
Jennifer and Stran Smith are best known for their long standing careers in professional rodeo. Stran has 11 Wrangler National Finals Qualifications and was the 2008 World Champion Tie-Down Roper. He is best known for overcoming hardships in and out of the arena.
Jennifer was Miss Rodeo America and worked as a television correspondent in the western & equine industry for 15 years for networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and Outdoor Channel. Jennifer also spends time as a designer and consultant in the Western fashion industry.
What is not highly publicized is their background in ranching. Stran and Jennifer strive to carry on Stran’s 4th generation ranch in Tell, Texas. When not on the road, Stran, Jennifer, and 3 children, Stone, Scout, and Selah raise Black Angus cattle on the family ranch.
I am very honored to share with you a few questions and answers with Stran and Jennifer. A look into their heart and Dreams.
What inspired you to begin STS Ranchwear?
The combination of growing up on a 4th Generation ranch and spending the last 20 years in the rodeo and western fashion industry, we have an idea about what we want in Ranchwear. When we went looking for it, there was nothing on the market quite like what STS Ranchwear is today. Our partner, Chad Fairchild with Carroll Original Wear has spent years perfecting the quality of outwear and sourcing quality leathers that fit the true western buyer’s standards.
The handbags were a vision of passion as well. I wanted to create a line of bags that not only utilized luxurious leathers and western design, but also had all the organizational needs of today’s western woman.
What is your vision and targeted audience for each of your blogs?
We love EVERYTHING about the western life that we are so blessed to have been raised in. We feel it’s important to honor a legacy of the true working cowboy and family life, educating on skills, equipment, livestock, and wildlife. We, more importantly, strive to emphasize the principals that this country was built on: HONOR and INTEGRITY while being TRUE to your faith, your family and yourself. Anyone that is or just wants to be cowboy can find great stuff on STSRanch.com.
How has faith played a role in your family, being on the road rodeoing and running a business?
In every way, Faith is the center of our life. In every venture in our life, whether it’s rodeo, ranch, and especially our family we want to be in God’s will. We wouldn’t attempt to do anything with out His confirmation… not just in our business, but in every part of our life.
What three tips could you offer to tell us how to stay focused Spiritually, Mentally and Physically?
A goal without a plan is just a wish. It is very important to have a plan so you know what direction to go. Write down your goals and look at them often. Be consistent and stay the /coarse. It is a marathon, not a sprint. It is so important for us to have a Purpose in our goals beyond “us.” Like we’ve said, if God is at the center of everything you do, you have a bigger purpose and responsibility in obtaining your goals. You never know who is looking up to you or who you will inspire in the meantime. Stran said it best in his interview when he won the World Championship. If your heart is still beating than God’s has a plan for your life.
Thank you STS Ranchwear (Stran and Jennifer) for this great interview.
To learn more about STS Ranchwear and Stran and Jennifer Smith please check out their website below and be sure to follow them on Facebook.
In today’s time were faced with busy schedules, topped with a negative world around us. Everywhere you look on the news there is war, violence, new disease outbreak and so much negativity.
You have to focus on Gods goodness, mercy and love in order to make it through the battles. With out staying focussed on these things and relying on Gods strength you will have battle fatigue.
Battle fatigue is an obsolete term which may refer to:
Combat stress reaction, a military term for an acute reaction to the stress of battle commonly involving fatigue, slowed reaction time, indecision, and other symptoms
Post traumatic stress disorder, a medical term for a chronic disorder associated with psychological trauma
Shell shock, a term used in WW I for an uncontrolled strong nervous reaction to the battle’s horrible and extreme unhuman conditions
We experience similar reactions to our fatigue. When our bodies and minds are tired and weak we find it harder to made decisions. We’re slower at speaking life and standing in faith.
We might find ourselves frozen with fear with an attack that normally we would have waved off as nothing. We find ourselves being controlled by our emotions verses our spirit man.
Were a spirit who has a soul and lives in our body.
Your spirit man is where Jesus abides. This is where we find our strength, joy, peace and all the Good God is. But we sometimes find that instead of filtering what’s coming against us from the outside through our spirit that we’re letting our mind, which is our will and emotions handle it and that takes a toll on your mind and your body.
With the job I have I don’t get much sleep in the week what sleep I have is not restful. The more tired I get the more thoughts seem to flood in. If we are not feeding the spirit man during this time our flesh, our thoughts,and emotions can get away from us so fast.
I realized that I had gotten away from filling my spirit man up I was in tears and coming home grouchy and on edge. About two weeks ago there was a day I was so exausted that I was ready to walk out the door of my job and throw my hands up in every area. I got my smart phone out to read my bible app and was too tired. I decided that to turn on Joyce Meyers. I listened for like 3 hours Just to make it through that day. It reminded me that in order to win the battle and not be in shell shock I had to renew my mind.
If we are tired it’s hard to be a light to others and to walk in love.
In Galatians 6:10 it says
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 MSG)
When your wanting to shut down and give up take a step back look at Gods word and remember what He says about you and who you are. Do something for someone else in need instead of focussing on all the stuff coming against you. Somehow God uses that to bring a spring back in your step.
Take time to rest physically, mentally and spiritually.
EXAMPLES
(1 Peter 5:8-11 ASV)
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does
If we stay focused on Him and refreshed in Him, take care of our bodies, and rest our minds we are able to stay alert and on guard.
Don’t ever let condemnation set in for being fatigued. Everyone goes through those times.
Isaiah 40:30,31 says Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in The Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
So when you find yourself growing weak and tired fall back into His wings that cover you and let Him carry you and get ready to soar.
Have you been through heart aches, disappointments, relational let downs? Are you at a point where your not sure who to trust? You might even be to the point you no longer trust your own self, your own judgments calls and your own decisions.
I have been thinking a lot about trust today! I have been through all the things above. I have made wrong choices and let myself down as well as others letting me down. These experiences make it so easy to build up walls. To walk away from anything or anyone who might hurt me. To run from any chance I would let anyone down. I know that this place of wondering where trust is to be placed is something we all go through.
What is the answer you say? Trust no one! Don’t even trust yourself! What? You say! Listen to me hear me out. Trust is meant to be placed in one person only. GOD!
When you read through the word you never read trust in man. You find over and over where He says things like TRUST in ME!! Lean not to your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4
The reason we are to put our trust in God is He can never fail you!
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
So now how do you move forward? How do you have healthy relationships? How do you know you can make right decisions?
You trust God who lives in others! You trust God who lives in you.
What does He tell you to do where others are concerned?
He says LOVE one another as I HAVE LOVE YOU! John 13:34.
The way you and I do this is because we trust God within us and within others to make the wrongs right.
Love always trumps. It trumps your past bad decisions! Love trumps fear! It trumps past hurts and it opens the door for a great future.
God is LOVE!!
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
And He says
11 For I (LOVE) know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
So today if your wondering where to put your trust remember TRUST GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE!
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalms 91:1-2 | NIV
I have been listening to Tommy Brandt for awhile now. I have always loved his music. Tommy is one of the top Christian Country artist out there. His music has a true sound of Country Music with Lyrics of Christ Love.
I had been following Tommy on social media for awhile when I got to meet him this last November at the ICM Awards Week. You know sometimes we anticipate what someone will be like in person when all we know is the media side of them. I can tell you that Tommy’s heart is big and full of God’s Love. I attended a Session at the ICM week where Tommy and a few other artist talked to us about how to remain a Christian with what we face in this world of Ministry today. I watched Tommy share from his heart of situations where he faced hurts in his ministry. I watched as he spoke and all I saw was a real man with a heart after God. More than ever in today’s world these are the kind of role models we need out there in the music industry
Interview with Tommy Brandt!!
Tommy Brandt is a gifted singer/songwriter who has spent the last twelve years touring the country spreading his down home message of faith, hope, and love through music, testimony and stories about his own life. In that time he has become a leader in his field winning multiple Inspirational Country Music Awards including “New Artist of the Year” in 2004 and “Male Vocalist of the Year” five times. He also was honored by the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 with a “Visionary Award” for his contributions to Christian Music using Inspirational Country Music with lyrics that encourage Faith, Family and Country. This Florida boy has the unique distinction in his genre to have had his first 16 singles top the Christian Music Charts. Tommy’s newest album was just released and is receiving great reviews nationally. His latest project titled “Praise Hymn” speaks for itself.
How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?
Tommy:I started out singing Country music back in the 90s with a band called “New South”. In 1997 I rededicated my life to Christ and began singing Christian Country Music and in 2003 made a full time career in the ministry.
What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Tommy:There have been many great influences along the way, but if I had to narrow it down to one it would have to be Garth Brooks. The way that he not only entertains, but communicates with his audience is phenomenal! I want to sit in front of a crowd of 2 people, or 20,000 people and make them feel like it’s a one on one concert. “Making a Difference one song at a time”. Other influences include Kenny Hinson, Del Way, Hank Williams Jr, and Eric Church.
What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
Tommy: I released “No Turning Back” in 2003 and had my first #1 single with it. The first time that I heard it live on the air was on Powersource Top 20 Radio Show. It’s still one of my favorite songs to sing in concert.
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
Tommy:My first Christian concert was at a small Methodist Church in Okeechobee Florida where I led an elderly man to Christ. I didn’t really know how to give and invitation, or really how to lead someone to the Lord, but I poured out my heart and asked if anyone wanted what I had experienced with Christ and it happened. With calloused hands and tears rolling down his wrinkled face we held hands and prayed together. I knew this is what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life.
What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Tommy: It’s always that one lost soul that gives their heart to Christ that makes it all worth it and motivates me to keep on going.
Do you have any new projects in the making?
Tommy: I just completed a new project called Praise Hymn. It’s a double CD box set with Praise and Worship songs on one CD and Hymnal songs on the other. We’re excited about the reviews that it is receiving.
What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
Tommy:I have a version of “Unclouded Day” out to radio now and am getting ready to release one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever recorded and written called “Broken”.
Do you write any of your own songs?
Tommy:I write the majority of the songs that I sing. Although, when I hear a song that really moves me I am happy to record it.
What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?
Tommy: Definitely the song I mentioned earlier “Broken”. I recently wrote this song as a testimony about my life.
Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
Tommy: I had broken 3 ribs the day before a 3 day revival where I was preaching and singing. The pain was excruciating! Just before service I took a pain pill that I had never tried before that the Doctor had prescribed and literally had an outer body experience on stage. I was singing for the offering and wrote my own offering song as I was singing it. It was hilarious! It was like I was standing in front of myself watching in amusement as I played guitar and came up with comical lyrics on the fly. I wished that it would have been on video.
What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
Tommy: Jeremiah 29:11. It gives me the promise of hope and a future no matter what I’m going through.
Can you tell me a little about Beyond Music Productions?
Tommy:My wife Michelle and I felt led to begin mentoring young artists getting started in the music ministry about 5 years ago. There are so many talented youth out there ready to serve the Lord but have no idea what to do or how to follow their calling. We want to be there to lead them through the steps to achieve their goals and calling without all of the pitfalls that the music industry presents. We currently have 12 artists that we’re working with and really enjoy watching them grow.
What is your vision to work with today’s youth in the music industry?
Tommy: Our vision is to have workshops across the country to train and mentor artists as we travel.
