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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was blessed to be able to sit down and do an Interview with Carol
Carol is a Christian Country Recording Artist and Minster. Carol has been nominated for New Artist of the Year with HMG Nashville and Power Source. She will be traveling to Nashville to attend the ICMAwards this year in November. I hope you enjoy getting to know Carol a little better.
Carol Hogner grew up in East Texas and was always singing, even if it was just her and her sisters singing songs while washing dishes. She sang in a group called The Spirituals as she was growing up. She then turned her focus to work and taking care of her 2 children Josh and Amber. As time went by she came back to singing with a strong passion for the Lord. She was singing at rodeo bible camp where her kids were attending and met Jeff Hogner. A short time later Carol and Jeff got married. Carol then gained 2 more daughters Hannah and Halee. As a family they traveled to team ropings ministering as Joshua Cowboy Ministries, for nearly 15 years. Her husband got his heavenly promotion 5 years ago. Now she continues to travel all over the United States and into Canada putting on church services and concerts. Her whitty, down to earth country personality captures all who encounter her.
INTERVIEW WITH CAROL
1. Carol can you share with us a little about your cd Ordinary Things? Well I had been wanting to do a new CD for about 10 years. A couple id know for a lot of years called me up one day. They said they had some money they’d like to sow into my ministry and they’d like it to go toward making a new CD if at all possible. If not and I needed to use it somewhere else then that was ok too. Well that got the ball to rolling. When I had what I thought was enough money to go into the studio with I called a friend of mine. I asked him if he’s be interested in helping me with a new CD. He said I’ll do better than that I’ll introduce you to my cousins in Nashville that do that kind of thing. So his cousin Mark Johnson called me and we hit it off right away. Mark is not only a great musician and Aaron Tippin’s bass player and long time road manager he writes songs too. He asked me if I would like to have some original songs to record. I said let me think about it, lol YES I would love that. The first song I listened to was Ordinary Things and I cried like a baby. My husband had passed away just the year before. Through God’s favor I believe we were blessed to put out a very well produced CD. I couldn’t be more grateful.
2. I understand you released the single Ordinary Things with HMG. How has that been going for you?
I was so thrilled when Mr. Gene Higgins called me that day. What a nice gentleman. I can say that I’m pleased with what we’ve accomplished together. Along with Ms. Darlene Fowler and my God Squad it was charting the first month. Again Thank you Jesus!!
3. I saw that you have been nominated in the top 10 for New Artist of the year for the ICM Awards, I bet your pretty excited about that?
Oh my goodness excited is putting it mildly… I am ecstatic about. I feel like it’s just another way to share God’s amazing Love!! I want to thank all the DJ’s and fellow artists for making that happen, I’m so grateful.
Well congratulations are in order for sure.
I have few more questions so your listeners can get to know you a little better here.
4. What are some of your favorite songs that you perform? Ordinary Things, Faith, If I was Jesus, Hold Us Together and Won’t Let Go are just a few I love.
5. Where did you accept Jesus Christ into your life at? In a little Baptist Church, several times actually, lol I was so afraid of going to hell wanted to be sure I was saved. I know now that once was plenty 🙂
6.Where would your life be with out your relationship with Christ? Without Christ, I am…. Absolutely nothing …
7. In your walk with Christ, what would you say the biggest miracle you have experienced is? Personally, my daughter survived a tumor in her jugular vein at age 11.
8. What’s your favorite Bible verse and what does it mean to you? Psalms 138:8
I found that scripture about 10 years ago. For me it’s the perfect scripture for any occasion. I call it my life scripture.
9. Was there ever a time in your life when you felt like you were just ready to throw your hands up and give up?
No I don’t think so. If I did it was a passing thought. I’m a fighter when it comes to giving up.
10. What hymns/gospel song would you say has impacted your walk the most? When I came back to The Lord after being out of His service got several years I heard “Pardon Me I’ve Been Pardoned”. I felt like if been set free.
11. Do you believe in the power of prayer? What has God revealed to you through prayer?
I do believe prayer is very powerful. I’ve learned if we can take The Lord at His Word we put ourselves in a position to receive His blessings.
12. When you get to see Jesus face to face what do you think you would like to say to Him first?
I think I’d just want to say thank you for all you’ve done for me Sir and I sure do love you!
13. Can you just share with us a bit about yourself that your listeners may not know about you?
I grew up in the small Texas town of Malakoff. My sisters and I use to sing together at the kitchen sink while we did the dishes. I always wanted to be a singer. When I heard my first Christian Country radio station I cried. I didn’t know there was such a thing. I love country music so it fit me to a T. I travel around to team ropings sharing my Jesus with my songs and His Word.
15. What was your family life like growing up?
I have two older sisters and a younger brother. We were a close family growing up. We were in church every time the doors were open. We didn’t have a lot of money but we didn’t realize it till we were grown. We had very loving parents.
16. What do you like to do in a time of leisure for fun or to relax?
I love being a grandma. I spend as much time as I can as often as I can with my grand babies. I love to sing, work outside at the ranch, and build things out of wood.
17. What’s one random fun thing that your listeners don’t know about you?
I can fold my tongue in half, lol
18. What’s your favorite quote?
“Should been a Cowboy”
19. Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Going to visit my grandparent and my grandpa putting me up on his shoulders to go hunts eggs.
20. What was the funniest thing that has ever happened to you during your singing ministry?
We use to have church outside under a big oak tree in our back yard. We had a quest preacher come in to speak. I got up to sing and her dog came and sat down in front of me. He then proceeded to drag his behind on the ground… We all lost our breath laughing.
21. What was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
I was singing the National Anthem at a team Roping in Kansas one morning. When I got to that high note a squeaked something terrible. Because of my love for that song and my country I was devastated.
22. Finish this sentence: The best advice I have ever been given is….. Seek peace
23. Finish this sentence: The best advice I could ever give is….Well I guess I’d have to say Seek peace
24. What would you say your motto for life is…… Life’s too short not to have fun!!!
I really enjoyed doing this interview with Carol. I have been watching Carol’s Dreams coming true one day at a time. I want to encourage you not to give up no matter what!!
To listen to Carol’s music and keep up with where she will be you can go to her website.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Thank you for taking the time to read this Interview with Carol Hogner. Please share with your family and friends.
What does God have to say about having Dreams and Goals? A lot!!!!!
God Himself has Dreams and Goals for us. Sometimes we start looking at our hurts, and lack instead of what God has planned for you. We have to believe He wants big things for us before we can believe for those big things for ourselves.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
How do we know What God has to say about having Dreams and Goals? We have to search out His words. We have to stay in prayer and seek the things God has for us.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The great things He has for us will only be added to us when we are putting Him and His ways before our own.
What do you do when you don’t know exactly where He wants you or what He wants you doing? You do the last thing you know He told you to do. You step out in Faith and then you listen for His direction step by step for your Dreams and Goals….
Genesis 12:1-3 ESV
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Abram had no idea what was next for him. He kept wanting God to show him the entire lay out of the plan. God wanted Abram to trust Him for the directions one step at a time. So just like Abram when God tells you what to do even if that first step is just to SEEK HIM then you go and you do as He has told you. The rest will follow. Many times God directed Abram to go and he obeyed and was blessed abundantly.
There are times in our lives that no one from the outside can advice us or teach us what to do. The people around you may not understand exactly what it is God has called you to do. You need to remember you have the GREAT TEACHER LIVING RIGHT INSIDE YOU!!!
1 John 2:27 ESV
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
This is not to say that we cant have help from those God placed in outlives. Just make sure their advice aligns up with what God is saying to you and that they are not Dream Thieves. Joseph’s own brothers were dream thieves.
What does God say about those lost years, or finances or hopes and dreams? He says He is in the restoration business….
Joel 2:25 ESV
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.
Start thanking God for restoring your hopes and Dreams. Ask Him to help you be a goal setter and not to live a life regretted.
So What does God say about Dreams and Goals?
We now know that He has lots to say and it now depends upon us to LISTEN!!!
