A New Tradition

I'm thinking about starting a new tradition on this blog. Since my dad worked the evening shift, I was at the mercy of whatever my mother wanted to watch on television each night. There were only three channels, so it's not like there was much choice. Mom loved Perry Como, Andy Williams, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dean Martin, Ed Sullivan, Red Skelton, and Jack Benny. Those names are probably not familar to many of you, but they were the pioneers of variety shows on television in the late 50's and early 60's. I remember when I was a kid that two of these televison variety shows ended each week with a special feature. Perry Como and Tennesse Ernie Ford would always end the broadcast with an inspirational song. Regardless of what other acts may have been on the show that night, the last few minutes were devoted to something for the soul, a spiritual or hymn. Ernie Ford was the best, but there are very few videos of him to share.
Those of you that read my Thursday 13 a couple of weeks ago know how much I love inspirational music. I especially love the hymns of the Faith. I may not do this at the end of every post, but for a while I will look for a hymn to close the post. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I believe I may end each week with such a post. Friday's would be a good time for a little "Soul Music". I hope they make your day a little better.
I am going to start with the best of the best, Tennessee Ernie Ford. The video is not the best quality, nor is the sound, but this voice is timeless. Enjoy.

Pray for Me

I have a close friend who has been diagnosed with ALS. He is 57. He has been battling this disease for about a year now and fight is not going well. Everytime I see him, he is weaker...he has lost more weight, and muscle tone, strength etc. I don't know if he will be with us this time next year. I do know one thing. He is secure in his faith and he knows that the victory over death has already been won. While we may not understand the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can rest in the knowledge that God has prepared a place for us and that we will also share in that victory over death if we have acknowledged Christ as our Lord and Savior.
We have alot of things in common, but we really share a love for gospel music. The other day I determined that this week my Thrusday Thirteen would be dedicated to my friend and share with the world my thirteen favorite hymns. The Hymns of the faith are precious. They remind us of God's love, mercy, and grace toward us. In difficult times hymns give us strength and comfort. Contemporary praise songs serve a purpose and they are good in their own right. However, there is nothing that speaks to the soul like the Hymns of the Faith. Even if you don't know much about religion, or God, or the church, chances are you have heard some of the hymns. It is important that they are passed on to the next generation in the same manner that we share the scriptures, and our life experiences. So, while you are waiting for my Thursday Thirteen, and it will be a long one, here is a song that my friend and I love. It is not a hymn, but it is a request that every Christian should ask of every other Christian...Pray for me.


This group is a favorite of ours. I would ask that you pray for my friend and his family. Ask for God's mercy and grace as they face some very difficult days ahead.

Respectfully requested.