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QUOTE - " LOVE has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are expected to give...which is everything." (Katherine Hepburn)

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SCRIPTURE – MUSICIAN’S 1^st CORINTHIANS 13 – LOVE

Whether there be great and successful music ministries, they shall eventually pass on. Whether there be regular rehearsals, full of anxious people, waiting to be sing and rejoice, they will cease. Whether there be friendships...they will also vanish away.

We know all the parts and we try to teach them--accurately and with good taste. But when He, who is the Perfect Musician, comes, then we who struggle to teach music skills will be done away in favor of the Master Musician.

When I was a child, I sang as a child...I learned music skills as a child... I dreamed of my future as a child...dreaming of what God would have me to be in His kingdom. But when I became a grown-up, I realized that all these childish dreams were but foolish without the touch of the Master Musician.

Now, there abides faith...the song of a bird that senses the dawn and begins to sing in the darkness.

There abides hope...springing eternal with every new psalm, hymn and spiritual song that sings of God’s great glory and majesty.

There abides LOVE...the magnificent force that drives us to the foot of the Cross.

And, the greatest of these?

LOVE.

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PRAYER - "Holy One, Giver of All Good and Perfect Gifts, Lover of My Soul and Redeemer of our fallen world, I pray this day for our nation, our leaders, and all those who have grave and heavy responsibilities. The task before them is huge. The only power they really have is the power of God’s people for them. I pray for a new sense of LOVE and trust to permeate our nation. I pray that the Holy Spirit will once again come upon all believers and that flames of Holy Fire would bring us to a new awareness that as a nation, are going down the narrow path of self-destruction, as has many strong nations before us throughout history. LOVE is the key to victory. If we can learn to LOVE each other more and place more trust in who You are in our lives and in our world, we can begin to stand tall and stand in the gap for our blessed nation. May this season of LOVE refresh our minds and hearts. May we come to realize anew the greatest of all our blessings…is LOVE. I pray this prayer in behalf of all my brothers and sisters who are seeking to carry out what Your Son, Jesus Christ, taught us…to ‘LOVE one another as You have loved us.’ Amen."

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WHAT THINK YE? – LOVE

Love. It is a simple four-letter word--one syllable, but what a tremendous impact this word has on our lives, souls, spirits, personalities, and the inner most place of all, the heart.

Love. This word has brought down kingdoms, leaders, rulers, presidents, congressmen, famous people. and common, ordinary everyday people.

Love. This word has forgiven misunderstandings, righted wrongs, set things anew and afresh, challenged many hearts, set spirits free, and taught us how to really feel deep within our souls.

Love. This word offers forgiveness, joy, jubilation, security, kindness, friendship, and provides a safe environment where one can bear the soul without fear and know real protection.

Love…is difficult word to fully understand. Young lovers think they know the meaning of the word. Young marrieds think they know the meaning of this word. Parents think they know the meaning of this word. Grandparents think they know the meaning of this word. But when it’s all said and done, only one Person really understands the true and insightful meaning of the word, and that Person is…Jesus Christ. He came for us. He loved us beyond our understanding of the word. He gave up His Throne in Heaven to come to earth and become a man, to show His love for us. He died a cruel and inhuman death to show His love for us. He reigns in highest Heaven, awaiting the opportunity to show what He has prepared for us and the love He will give us when the Day of Resurrection finally comes.

Love. I’m glad we have set aside one day per year to celebrate this unique and special gift-- Love. So celebrate well. Some barely take notice. Prepare ahead to enjoy this unique day and spread Love and goodness all day long…to everyone…every where you go…everyone you meet…and especially, to your family!

What think ye?

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LEADERSHIP - MAKE YOURSELF A LEADER

Here is a Make Yourself a Leader Kit, from a special issue of FAST COMPANY magazine.

1. Leaders learn to be both confident...and modest. Sure, you need a healthy ego to be a leader--but you also need to be strong enough to check that ego at the door.

2. Leaders learn to be authentic. You earn the trust and respect of the people with whom you work when you know who you are--and when you 'walk your talk.'

3. Leaders learn to be listeners. Great listening is fueled by curiosity. What's the enemy of curiosity? Grandiosity--the belief that you have all the answers—and you don’t! No one does.

4. Leaders learn to be good at giving encouragement, and are never satisfied. Leaders are always raising the stakes of the game for themselves and their people. They're always testing and building both courage and stamina throughout the organization. If the organization, staff, choir, ensemble or program is stalled, the LEADER must bear responsibility.

5. Leaders learn to make unexpected connections. They strive to organize and lead conversations among people who don't normally interact with each other, and they see the kinds of patterns that allow for small innovations and breakthrough ideas.

6. Leaders learn to be provide good direction. Smart leaders know how to pose revealing questions. Four important reminders:

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MARRIAGE SUGGESTION – VALENTINE’S DAY IS ALMOST HERE !!

Valentine’s Day is a great day of the year! It is a time when it seems that the beauty and meaning of "love" is transmitted in many wonderful ways to spouse, children, special friends, and others within our circle of influence. It is a time to remind ourselves and each other that love is the only enduring quality that sets us apart as special people of God. Those who do not know God can love, of course, but only the believer knows the full extent of this powerful word.

I trust that you have things well in hand for your spouse as this very special day approaches…that honors LOVE and all that goes with that precious word. LOVE is a major player in our lives. All of us wish to be LOVED, appreciated and perhaps,. pampered just a bit! If you have just been reminded that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, there is still time to surprise your spouse. Here are 6 ideas that can save your hide—or at least, severe disappointment of someone being forgotten on this day!

1. Order some flowers...NOW...and have them delivered February 14th.

2. Stop by the best 'take-out' food place you know and take home a complete Valentine meal…or better yet, prepare your most favorite meal and serve it for just the two of you, when all the kids are in bed.

3. Visit the nearest women’s fine clothing shop and pick up a nice surprise for your spouse--within your budget range…or maybe, just a bit out of your range. If you are a female, DON’T get a tie and shirt! Be a bit more creative than that, if you are a woman. For men, let the one who waits on you be your guide! Better secure the right sizes in advance! Or…get a gift certificate – not quite as romantic, but it will work.

4. Prepare a 'certificate booklet' where once a week for the next month, the spouse can pull out one of the certificates for a specific thing, such as:

• a back rub

• dish washing give away

• a long walk holding hands

• a promise to go shopping this weekend, etc. Be creative here!

5. Pick up the favorite CD of your spouse and ask the store to gift wrap it in a very special way.

6. Go down to the office on V-Day and surprise your spouse by taking him/her to a nice romantic lunch somewhere out-of-the-way! Make sure—in advance—this will not interfere with pressing business. Associates normally will be happy to cover bases for you! Have flowers in hand – and make reservations way in advance for lunch – like NOW

It's not too late...but almost!

MMEMail hopes this inspires you. We’d be interested in hearing some really great things that happened…or what transpired – not everything, of course, but some nugget you think would be of interest to our readers!

Happy Valentines Day to you!!

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PARENTAL SUGGESTION - TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE TRUE VALUE OF VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine's Day is a lot more than giving and getting cards! Sometimes children are hurt because they did not get as many cards as their friends received. Even worse, didn't get any cards at all! Teach your children that 'giving’ is more important than ‘getting.' An old Bill Cates song says, 'Giving's not dividing. It's adding, don't you see!' Help your children learn early that the more they give away, the happier they will be. Major on giving and not so much on getting.

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BY THE NUMBERS - 5 QUESTIONS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE STILL ALIVE

Frederick Buechner

Buechner is one of my most favorite writers. He is deep and sometimes (most of the time) deeper than I can keep up with him! Recently, this short article crossed my desk and I thought it was a great challenge for us in the new year. Read each one slowly, and read it several times. Meditate on it and see what the Lord will bring to your mind.

1. Have you wept at anything during the past year?

2. Has your heart beat faster at the sight of young love?

3. Have you thought seriously about the fact that someday, you are going to die?

4. More often than not, do you really listen when people are speaking to you...instead of waiting to jump in and take your turn to speak?

5. Is there anyone you know in whose place, if one of you had to suffer great pain, you would volunteer yourself?

If the answer to all or most of these questions is NO - maybe you should check your pulse.

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THIS IDEA WILL WORK – WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY DOING THAT SOMEONE COULD DO FOR YOU? (From THIS IDEA WILL WORK, Lorenz # 30/1794L--$12.50)

Music ministers, college professors, pastors and many other vocations seem to thrive on trying to do everything themselves...with little or no outside help. They set up chairs. They take down chairs. They move chairs. They take chairs to the choir loft. They take chairs from the choir loft. They straighten choir room chairs. They go get chairs. They take chairs back. They stay later than anyone else to do a multitude of tasks that could be given to "willing" volunteers!

Much of what we do in music ministry, and other ministries as well, could be given away to others--who are standing on the sidelines--watching and waiting to be asked to be involved. Some people just will not volunteer but will fulfill a task when asked!. We should be training people in all aspects of leadership...from the most difficult to the most simple...such as moving chairs. Doing everything by yourself and never asking for help are sure signs of (1) insecurity, (2) lack of trust in other people, and (3) thinking that no one can do it better than you can do it. Well...they can...and will, if asked!

In this new year, give up some things that others could do for you—freeing you to do the important things! Give up "majoring on minors" and begin to "major on major things!"

This Idea Will Work !!

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WORSHIP – We’ve made worship self-centered--instead of God-centered; We lobby for what we want, with statements like: ‘I didn’t like the songs’, or ‘I didn’t like the sermon’. It’s as if we’re worshipping "worship" instead of worshipping God."

Geoff Bullock, "Beyond Self-Centered Worship"

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HUMOR - WHAT IS LOVE?

Since this is Valentine Month, a survey of 4-8 year old children consented to share their views on LOVE. What do THEY know about this subject, you ask? Read on!

• Love is that first feeling you feel before all the bad stuff gets in the way.

• When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands have arthritis, too. That's love.

• When someone loves you, the way she says your name is different. You know that your name is safe in her mouth.

• Love is when someone hurts you, and you get so mad but you don't yell at him because you know it would hurt his feelings.

• Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.

• Love is when my Mommy makes coffee for my Daddy and she takes a sip

before giving it to him…to make sure the taste is OK.

• Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss but they look happy and sometimes they dance in the kitchen while kissing. Gross me out!

• Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.

• My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.

• Love is when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.

• When you're born and see your mommy for the first time. That's love.

• You never have to be lonely. There's always somebody to love, even if it's just a squirrel or a kitten.

*****

DVD REVIEW – ERNEST & ELIZABETH // THE LORD’S PRAYER – Peculiar People Theater Company, Franklin, TN. This team of actors brings a unique blend of spiritual insight as well as really fine comedy to many non-traditional theater audiences as well as churches and schools. Writing their own material, Peculiar People deliver both inspiration and entertainment.

Charlie and Ruth Jones are the featured actors in this two new DVD--in a black-box format.

You will be amazed at the creativity and production of this DVD as well as being brought to a place of astonishment of God's Love as Peculiar People's Theatrical Theology shines through loud and clear. These are talented people and your DVD audience will thoroughly enjoy their work and the truths they bring home.

Here’s a bit about each:

ERNEST & ELIZABETH

This is a story of romance, love, the death of a dream and the light of hope. You will join Elizabeth, an elderly woman living alone in "Government Housing," as she looks back over her life with Ernest, her husband of 40+ years. Surrounded with silence and doubt, Elizabeth breaks through her self-pity as she is reminded of her belief in God’s care for her. This is truly a moving representation of faith and freedom. (34 min)

THE LORD’S PRAYER

"Lord, teach us to pray..." Jesus shook the religious world by starting with the simple phrase, "Our Father…." The idea that folks like you and me can approach the God of the Universe by calling him "Daddy" was scandalous! However, the scandal and drama of this prayer has been lost because of its familiarity. THE LORD’S PRAYER, by Peculiar People, is a fresh, vibrant handling of this radical prayer given to us by Jesus. As each phrase of the Prayer is considered, concepts and words are thrown-out in a stream-of-consciousness style giving new life to an "old" passage of Scripture. (14 min)

You can go directly to the MMEMail Special web page and order directly from there:

http://www.peculiarpeople.bigstep.com/item.html;$sessionid$4VSFN0IAAAXUZTZENUEZPQWPERWRJPX0?PRID=1568710

*****

COMPACT DISK – HYMNS, Christopher Adkins, Cello – Stephen Nielson, Piano, all arrangements by Kurt Kaiser

Kurt Kaiser has brought together two extremely talented gentlemen for this wonderfully inspirational album, added his own creative touch in arranging and scoring all the settings, and has provided a "must-have" album!

CHRISTOPHER ADKINS is the principle cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He received his training at North Texas University and Yale. While a student at Yale, Christopher was the principle cellist for the New Haven Symphony. In addition to his duties with the Dallas Orchestra, he also serves on the SMU faculty, is an active recitalist and chamber musician.

STEPHEN NIELSON is distinguished in both the classical and sacred music field. He is truly one of the gifted and distinguished artists of our day. He is one/half of the piano duo team of Nielson & Young, having performed with Ovid Young for over 25 years. Stephen lives in the Dallas area.

KURT KAISER really needs no introduction to MMEMail readers. Kurt is a gifted composer, arranger and pianist, having a wide array of keyboard albums to his credit. He was the co-composer of the famed musical, TELL IT LIKE IT IS, with Ralph Carmichael. Kurt has many choral credits, but really shines in his hymn improvisation. In addition, Kurt is one of the nicest persons you will ever meet – truly, a "gentleman" in the world of sacred music! Thank you, Kurt, for this very inspirational album.

This album is full of favorite hymns that will spark many memories. Included is Kurt’s wonderful hymn, IN HIS LOVE AND IN HIS PITY, taken from one of his larger works. It is a charming, haunting melody. Treat yourself to an hour of pure musicianship…with a world-class cellist, pianist and one of the best arrangers living today. It will be worth your time, MMEMail assures you!e

You can go to Kurt’s new website: http://www.kurtkaiser.com - and order this album through PayPal. It is easy to do. Price is $16.00 - plus $4.00 S&H. Unfortunately, there is no MMEMail discount. But…it is worth the $20.00, we assure you!!

*****

BOOK– THE ART OF WORSHIP, A Musician’s Guide to Leading Modern Music, Greg Scheer, Baker Books, 224 pages--with notes, ©2006, $15.99 (also available on Amazon.Com for $10.87)

THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ…MUST-HAVE!! It is the absolute best and the most definitive book I have ever read that provides full, complete, up-to-date ideas, suggestions and ways to balance traditional and modern (contemporary) musical tastes, or seeking relevant worship for a secularized society. The author deals in detail with enlisting and training an effective and musical leadership team, overcoming opposition from church members who are resisting such a move, how a church can absolutely fail…or…succeed in the launching of a contemporary ministry, and he charts an absolutely clear course that takes the reader through every aspect of what is involved in the worship experience. Scheer deals deeply with comprehensive technical details, biblical principles, and action steps to make this book invaluable as a resource for musicians, worship team leaders, pastors…and… students who need what is in this book!

I would recommend without hesitation that every seminary that has a Church Music Degree have this book as REQUIRED READING. Every college music school, division or department should require this book for church music courses. It is full of remarkable information. The book will open doors of knowledge for professors who are not familiar or comfortable with this area of church music.

Here are some quotes from the book:

• Two worlds collide in today’s worship: the world of the classically trained musician and the world of the play-by-ear, chord-chart-reading pop musician. Although these worlds have much in common, they rarely meet and have little common language.

• If you are a traditional music minister, you will be involved in directing, overseeing, or collaborating with a worship team soon, if you aren’t already. This book will give you the tools to successfully interact with what may be an unfamiliar genre to you.

• If you are a contemporary music minister, this book will help you think more deeply about the theology of church song, flow of liturgy and aspects of music you may have previously only considered intuitively.

• The word, "contemporary," comes from the root words con and tempus, or "with the times."

• Repeat this phrase three (3) times:

Contemporary worship music will NOT revitalize my church!

• Worship wars can be avoided by taking an honest inventory of a church’s situation BEFORE making any changes in musical style. If musical change is ONE person’s pet project, it is bound to fail.

There is so much in this book that should be read and digested by the music ministry, pastors, worship leaders, praise team singers and instrumentalist and others. This is a DON’T MISS IT kind of book. MMEMail highly recommends this book to our readership. You will not be disappointed.

*****

ANTHEM – SOON AND VERY SOON, Andrea Crouch, Arr. Rollo A. Dilworth, Daybreak Music (Hal Leonard) #08745102, SATB (also available in SAB, TTBB voicing), with Keyboard, $1.75 – Rhythm charts and CD is available on the website.

I did not know the music of Rollo Dilworth before I reviewed this score. To introduce him to our MMEMail readership, he is currently the Associate Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities & Music Education, North Park University School of Music, Chicago, IL. His doctorate is from Northwestern University in Conducting Performance. He is currently the MoM, Martin Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Chicago.

Now on with the review! This is one first-class, fresh, and innovative arrangement. You will not have heard or experienced a better arrangement of this most favorite Crouch tune than this one! It is always surprising to me how the Lord always brings fresh new talent to the church music scene. Seems, He has an endless supply!! Dilworth's chart is sooooooo much fun to learn and sing. The rhythms are intricate but possible with good rehearsal technique time. Make sure the singers learn the rhythms correctly the first time or you face a losing rhythmic battle. The piano keyboard writing is, to say the least, challenging! It is not the kind of piece the little blue-haired lady in tennis shoes can master…probably not ever. This accompaniment will take a seasoned veteran in the black gospel style or as close as a good white pianist can get. Make sure the accompanist gets to hear the recording of this piece and works on it in advance, and eventually with you before it goes to the choir. If you want to hear it before purchase, go to www.halleonardmusic.com - go to church music (left side of the page) put DILWORTH – the search engine, a list of his music will come up and scroll down to SOON AND VERY SOON. You can click to hear a demo of the chart.

There are three versions of this piece, as stated above. I would encourage men’s ensemble groups or choirs to seriously look at the TTBB version. This kind of good writing on such a familiar chart doesn’t come along too often!

Don't miss this one! It is absolutely wonderful, and your people - both choir and congregation - will LOVE this piece and will want to sing it or hear it sung

and hear it again and again.

Nice work, Rollo! I hope we can meet soon!

*****

MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS

HILDEGARD STANLEY – will be known soon as. Dr. Stanley! Brewton-Parker College will bestow an Honorary Doctorate on her during the May graduation. This is indeed a well-deserved honor. The school recently named the new Music Building "The Hildegard Stanley Music Center," - another deserved honor. Hiddie paid her dues having served the college many years and she has mentored literally thousands of students in process. If you wish to email a note of congrats to Hiddie, her address is hstanley@bpc.edu

RAE MOSES - is the New Choral/Vocal Music Editor for Carl Fischer

Rae is currently living in the Houston area, involved in school music and has a part-time church. He is a choral music educator, composer, arranger, pianist, and computer expert, so he should fit in well with the CF team. If you wish to contact Rae, his new email address is: raem@carlfischer.com

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CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS

MUSICALIFORNIA – 2007 – April 9-April 12

MUSICALIFORNIA -2007 will be in the beautiful Sheraton San Diego Hotel. For a description of the facilities and listing of room rates go to www.musicalifornia.com

and click on Location.

What does MUSICALIFORNIA-2007 offer to you? Many things, including:

*12 hours of anthem reading sessions, covering the latest releases from these publishers: Brentwood-Benson, Integrity, LifeWay, Lillenas, PraiseGathering, and Word.

*10 Premieres of new musicals for adults, youth, and children, presented by outstanding choirs from the area...fully produced with staging, lighting, and media.

*9 Elective Seminars daily, with topics including Worship, Children's Choirs, Production, Drama, Software, and much more. We’ll cover almost anything relating to music and worship in the church.

*Concerts by leading artists and worship leaders

*60 Exhibit booths, representing publishers, software companies, robes and apparel, media, music dealers, and much more.

The Ray DeVries Church Music Ministry Award will be presented to Cam Floria in the opening session Monday night.

MMEMail readers can claim a $10 Discount toward registration (one per church) if you register by February 15 and put the code - MMEMail - on your registration form.

To obtain a registration form, simply go to www.musicalifornia.com and click on Registration.

The MUSICALIFORNIA-2007 web site will be updated as new details become finalized. This is a world-class event. Schedule it in your calendar now!

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BITS AND PIECES

MMEMail wishes to express our deep appreciation to ROGER BRELAND and, The University of Mobile Center for the Performing Arts, Mobile, AL for sponsoring the February issue of MMEMail. Talk about changing a program around, Breland has done that for sure! Remarkable things are happening in this program under Roger’s leadership. MMEMail is very grateful for this sponsorship from The University of Mobile.

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MMEMail SPONSORSHIP: If you would like information as to how to sponsor an issue of MMEMail,. Email Bob Burroughs at bbur65@aol.com for details. June, 2007 and forward are available.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MMEMail! August 2007 is MMEMail’s 10th birthday.

We’ll be celebrating each month, but in the June issue of MMEMail, we would love to have YOUR comments about this monthly e-zine...what it means to you—if anything, what would be an improvement, what could/should be eliminated/added, and we’ll print some of these comments.

Here is a short piece from the August 27 MMEMail, 1997 that I thought might interest our readership:

Sometimes, we tend to think that if we were but a little older, life would be better and tasks could be accomplished more easily. I've known some very old 30 year-old people...and I've known some very young 90 year old people. In fact, Esther's 90-year old pastor/father...is marrying a new love...on October 19...in Pell City, Alabama...a 30-year friendship has now blossomed into marriage. Now that's faith ! That is also young thinking! (Editor’s note: Her Dad just turned 100 December 9!)

The fact is this: there is no magic age at which excellence emerges or quality surfaces. Consider:

Age 33 - Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Age 26 - Benjamin Franklin wrote Poor Richard's Almanac.

Age 24 - Charles Dickens wrote his Pickwick Papers.

Age 25 - Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist.

Age 24 - Isaac Newton formulated the law of gravitation.

Age 74 - Emmanuel Kant wrote his finest philosophical works.

Age 80 - Verdi produced Falstaff.

Age 85 - Verdi wrote Ave Maria.

Age 80 - Goethe completed Faust.

Age 87 - Michelangelo completed his greatest work.

Age 90 - Justice Holmes was still writing brilliant Supreme Court opinions.

Seize the day! Redeem the now moments in your life. The moment for which you wait...may never arrive. The moment...once past...will never return. The time is now.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Tomorrow – February 6 – is the birthday of my sweetheart, Esther. She is one of the great joys of my life and yes, there is a birthday celebration going to happen! It will be fun. If you wish to send her a Birthday greeting, her address is: eburroughs@aol.com

The extravagant grace of Jesus Christ be with you.

Bob Burroughs

Bbur65@aol.com