Category: Top articles

Southbound’s Insight into a New Year and New Kind

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AMY TURNER

Southbound is set to mark 32 years as a band in 2025. Clint Brown recently shared a perspective on the concept of a new year.

“I’ve learned through the years that at the end of the year, we all say the same thing, happy new year, as that clock ticks right over midnight. And I’ve learned through the years that new is two different things: There’s a new in time, and there’s a new in kind.”

Brown went on to illustrate this concept with a clever analogy:

“If I have a car that’s a 2015 Honda Accord and someone gives me a 2023 Honda Accord, they’ve only given me a car that’s new in time. But if they give me a 2023 Mercedes, that’s a new kind of car.”

Applying this idea to the concept of a new year, Brown pointed out, “Every year, we get the same amount of time that we had in the last year.”

Brown concluded his thoughts with a heartfelt wish for Southbound’s listeners, “So, my prayer for you this year is that you would not have just a new year in time, but that you would have a new kind of new year. So, from southbound to all of you that are listening, we pray this year that God gives you a brand new, happy, new kind of year.”

Southbound’s latest project which will release January 17t. It includes the recent single release, I Left It In The Water.

A Journey of Faith: Libbi Perry Stuffle’s 54 Years in Gospel Music

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AMY TURNER

On Christmas Day 2024, Libbi Perry Stuffle marked an incredible milestone in her career – 54 years of singing Gospel music. This remarkable journey has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, but through it all, Stuffle’s faith has remained unwavering.

Reflecting on her decades-long career, Stuffle shared, “You know, I look back and there’s been a lot of good times, there’s been a lot of bad times, there’s been a lot of tragic times.” Despite the ups and downs, she maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that “there’s never been a day that God’s not been faithful and never been a morning that His mercies went new.”

Libbi Stuffle Courtesy Perrysministries.com

Stuffle acknowledges that during difficult periods, it was sometimes hard to see God’s presence. However, with hindsight, she recognizes His constant support. “Looking back, I mean, God has been with us every step of the way. He has provided, He has been everything that He said that He would be, that He would never leave us, never forsake us,” she affirmed.

While the length of her career might make her “feel old,” Stuffle remains grateful for the opportunity to continue her calling. She expressed, “I’m just honoured to be able to still get out here and do the calling that He’s placed on us.”

The Perry family’s commitment to Gospel music continues to thrive. Their latest project, titled “Long, Long Road,” features their current single, “You Can’t Hurry God.” This new release demonstrates that even after more than five decades, the Perrys’ passion for sharing their faith through music remains strong.

As Libbi Perry Stuffle looks back on 54 years of singing Gospel music, her journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of Gospel music.

Dottie Leonard Miller’s Legacy Celebrated in Memorial Service

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AMY TURNER

The founder of New Day and Daywind, Dottie Leonard Miller, was honored last Monday evening during a celebration of her life, bringing together many artists whose careers she influenced. The memorial service featured performances by several prominent gospel music groups, including Brian Free & Assurance, Greater Vision, Karen Peck & New River, and Autumn Nelon Streetman.

Billy Blackwood of The Blackwood Brothers, who maintained a close relationship with the Leonard family, shared meaningful insights about Miller’s impact on the gospel music industry. “Dottie’s vision was a magnet, and her passion drew artists to her vision,” Blackwood reflected. “Practically, everyone here today is a testimony to the reality of that vision.”

Miller’s influence extended far beyond the business aspects of the music industry. As Blackwood noted, “She collected friends and artists who would match her vision for spreading the gospel. And because she faithfully followed her calling, millions of songs in Christian products have touched lives around the world.”

Her dedication to spreading the gospel message through music created a lasting impact. “Her legacy is a testament to her determination, her faith, and her deep commitment to spread the message of the gospel,” Blackwood concluded.

The Meaning Behind ‘He Made A Way In A Manger’

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AMY TURNER

Lee Black’s Christmas song “He Made A Way In A Manger” tells a powerful story. The song, now 20 years old, was written by Black and his friend Steve Merkel.

The idea came from a Christmas card Merkel received. It had a simple drawing of a manger on the front with part of a famous Christmas lyric. Inside, it showed Jesus on the cross, finishing the lyric.
This inspired them to write a song connecting Jesus’ birth to his death. Black wrote the words, and Merkel composed the music.

Provided to YouTube by DistroKid He Made A Way In A Manger · Lee Black ‘Tis The Season ℗ 2796642 Records DK Released on: 2022-11-04

The song reminds us of a scripture from Jeremiah 33:15-16:
“In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”

This prophecy points to Jesus as the savior, born in a manger but destined for the cross.

Black reflected on the song’s meaning, “I think the joy of Christmas is tinged with just a bit of melancholy, knowing that the baby in the manger is going to be the Christ of the cross. But what a gift we’ve been given in that.”

The song captures both the joy of Christmas and the sorrow of Jesus’ sacrifice. It helps us see the whole story of Jesus, from his humble birth to his redemptive death.

A Gift of Love: Sharing the Spirit of Christmas

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JEFF TURNER

In this busy Christmas season, Jeff Treece of Sunday Drive reminds us of a precious gift we can give that doesn’t cost a thing – the gift of love and kindness.

Treece suggests, “At Christmas time, it’s the perfect time to share joy and be a light in the world.” He points out that while many people are rushing around trying to find the perfect present, Christians have an opportunity to make a real difference.

“If we, as Christians, just slow down a little bit and share the love when we get out amongst people,” Treece says, we can have a positive impact on those around us. This simple act of kindness aligns with the true spirit of Christmas.

Treece emphasizes the importance of this gesture, stating, “We want to take people to heaven with us, that’s the ultimate goal.” This reflects the Christian belief in sharing God’s love and message with others.

He adds a personal touch, saying, “Me, personally, I want the Lord to put his arms out and say, ‘Jeff Treese, you told body.'” This shows his deep desire to fulfill what he sees as a Christian duty to spread love and joy.

Treece concludes with a call to action: “So let’s share love. Let’s be the light out in the world this Christmas season.” This echoes the biblical teaching found in Matthew 5:16, which encourages believers to “let your light shine before others.”