New Beginnings!

Welcome to 'Words of Praise' my new blog!
I've been wanting to begin this project for many months now, but find that 'timing' is as important in life as it is in music. So let me thank you for joining me here - and invite you to follow along as I share insights, encouragement and updates on the music ministry of Desert Springs Church.

The Male Chorale from California Baptist University, located in Riverside, CA - appeared in concert last Sunday night here at Desert Springs. Eighty three young men performing together as Chorale and Band, all under the leadership of their conductor Dr. Judd Bonner. It was an amazing concert - rousing songs of praise such as 'Sing', 'Total Praise', wonderful anthems like 'Revelation 15' a salute to our veterans, a rousing arrangement of 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic', songs of Americana including the crowd pleaser 'Cindy!', and songs of praise and worship such acapella with the Chorale surrounding the audience that left here inspired and thrilled.

The story of transformation of the University and the revitalization of the entire School of Music under the leadership of Dr. Gary Bonner as Dean since 2002 is worth reading. For more on this check out their website www.calbaptist.edu


Excellence was dripping from this presentation, not only musically, but in their purpose, demeanor and spirit as they embarked on their two week tour. At the concert, we committed to pray for these guys during their tour each day, that God would keep them safe, use them to inspire all those who hear them sing and that the tour would reveal opportunities for personal growth and team building.

A word of special thanks goes to everyone who helped us with housing on Sunday night and to the teams of food servers who helped with dinner on Sunday and breakfast on Monday.

In closing this installment of 'Words of Praise', let me remind you to invite your friends to join you at our upcoming concert "An Evening of Worship" Sunday, May 16th at 5 p.m. This is the season closing concert by our own Worship Choir. Please note the time is 5 p.m. - with a reception to follow! For more information go to our website; www.desertspringsfamily.org

Scripture feature of this first blog is my life verse;
"But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." John 3:21 NKJV.
The one who does the truth (see I John 1:5) is obviously already a believer because his or her deeds are done in God. Therefore, "coming to the light" is more than exercising faith. A person who comes to the light not only believes, but also openly identifies with the light so that his or her works can be seen as things done in union with God.