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Jack’s Corner by Jack Hodge
Larry Ferguson Making History With
DottyRambo and Dolly Parton
Over the years I have been blessed to collect several
Albums of Dottie Rambo’s.
Dating back to some of the vinyl albums For one
“The Singing Rambo’s”, titled “The Real Thing”. I also
have in my collection a lot of Dolly Parton’s vinyl albums,
One is titled “My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy”.
Dottie and Dolly recorded a song titled “Down by
The River”. I played it on my show a
lot as it was a favorite.
Having a Radio show my self titled
“The Jack Hodge Gospel Show” I
got acquainted with Larry Ferguson a
number of years ago. Larry and I have
stayed in touch with each other. Read
about Larry Ferguson and keep him
in your prayers. Most of you should
know Larry was with Dottie in the accident
that took her home to heaven.
Biography of Larry Ferguson
Larry Ferguson, a Louisville, KY native
dreamed as a child of working in
the music business. His family and
friends were often forced to listen as he attempted to
entertain or give them the latest scoop in entertainment
news.
Ferguson was represented by Alix Adams Modeling
Agency throughout high school during which
time he won a contest which landed the teenager his
television debut as the guest co-anchor opposite Kirby
Adams on WHAS-11 TV, the Louisville CBS affiliate,
on it's local based magazine show "Louisville Tonight
Live".
By mid teens Ferguson became involved in Southern
Gospel and Country music promotion. Before
adulthood Larry had already started his own highly successful
concert promotions company "Larry Ferguson
Promotions". It was at this time Ferguson began bringing
in America's favorite Country and Gospel groups
to the Louisville, KY area. In later years Larry would
bring Legendary Gospel figures such as Jake Hess to
packed venues and eventually work with his favorite
Gospel artist Dottie Rambo.
In 1995 Larry wed Judy Gibbs also of Louisville and
the two would later be the proud parents of two boys.
Joseph Christian Bliss Ferguson was born on February
13, 2000, and Pierce Joshua Ferguson was born August
17, 2004.
After promoting several successful concerts with
the legendary Dottie Rambo the two developed a friendship.
Ferguson began booking most of Rambo's tour
dates during the late 90's before relocating to Nashville,
TN to become the singer/songwriter's full time personal
manager. The partnership proved to be a successful one
bringing Rambo back to the forefront of Gospel music
not just in legendary stature but as part of the current
mainstream scene.
In 2002 Ferguson served as CO-creator
and associate producer of the concert
tribute "We Shall Behold Him". The
show hosted by country music icon Barbara
Mandrell was nominated for an
NRB award and featured Dolly Parton,
Larry Gatlin, Vestal Goodman, Crystal
Gayle and many others performing a
tribute to the music of Dottie Rambo.
Woodland Gospel Publishing (a division
of Woodland Press) of Chapmanville,
WV announced the 2006 release of
Ferguson's first literary offering "Driving
Ms. Dottie". The book is being described
as a delightful collection of short
stories from life on the road with the Queen Of Gospel
Music. With Dottie's blessing, Larry plans to share
some of the behind-the-scene touching moments and
lighthearted occurrences of being the right hand man to
Ms. Rambo.
The pairing of Ferguson and Rambo has proven
to be one of the most successful partnerships in the industry.
Recently a journalist quoted Academy Award
nominated actress, Lily Tomlin speaking of the great
devotion that Ferguson has toward Rambo by saying, “
I wouldn't mind having my own Larry Ferguson.”
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT
LARRY...
Dolly Parton, "Larry is a wonderful man that I'm
proud to call a friend."
Lily Tomlin, "Larry Ferguson fell into our lives
like a penny from Heaven. I have seldom met anyone
with whom I was more impressed; he is a true gift to
everyone whose lives he touches. It is rare today to find
someone with his innocence, sincerity and sweetness. I
am proud to call him a good friend to me and my family."
Barbara Mandrell: "It is so very marvelous the
way God puts people in our lives that truly make a difference
for us. God blessed my dear friend, Dottie Rambo,
by putting Larry Ferguson into her life. His energy,
talent and heart bless us all."
Bill Anderson: "I only had to be around Larry
Ferguson for a few minutes before I knew that his heart
was dedicated one-hundred percent to Dottie Rambo
and her music."
Crystal Gayle: "It was a great blessing working
with you on the Dottie Rambo Tribute television production.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational message
of love, hope and optimism."
Stella Parton: "I was honored to be asked to say
something about Larry Ferguson. I have known Larry
"In The Line Of Duty" or should I say on the job for a
few years now. I have found him to be the utmost professional.
Not only that, he is one of the kindest, sweetest
and loyal individuals I know. God bless him in this
new work. If it is like everything else he does it will be
impeccable."
Gerald Crabb: "What an awesome thing it is
to see someone dedicate their life, mostly behind the
scene, to keep this great ministry going. Dottie Rambo
is my hero and I am very grateful to Larry Ferguson
for what he is doing for my friend, His reward will be
great."
Kenny Bishop: "I've enjoyed knowing Larry for
a long time. Watching him at work as he assists one of
Gospel music's great treasures has been an inspiration
to me on more than a few occasions. If Dottie has an
Aaron or a Hur in her life, it is Larry Ferguson."
Ann Downing: "Larry Ferguson loves his work!
His loyalty and commitment to Dottie is evident by his
tireless efforts on her behalf . I feel honored to call
Larry my friend and colleague.”
The picture of Larry and Dolly is when Larry and
Dolly planted a Rose in memory of Dottie at Dolly
Wood
Until next time stay in Gods care
Jack Hodge
PO Box 5623 Phone (865-453-3864)
Sevierville, Tennessee 37864 ,
E-Mail glorylandhighway@msn.com
About the Author Jack Hodge
This story is to show others what God will do if you are Obedient. Remember this word "Obedient"
Knoxville Tennessee on the banks of theTennessee River October 9, 1937. George and Nellie Hodge received a new boy. Giving him the name of Jackie Richard. I had three older brothers, the oldest George Edward then Bobby Dan. The youngest of the three was Billy Earl. When I was 7, Brother Ronald Winfred Houser came along. Ronald was from a second marriage.
We will go back to my first memory. I remember a flight of stairs on the out side of the house leading up to a landing.
This would be where I cough the curtains on fire.
As I remember mom telling me, she was in the kitchen when she smelled smoke. When mom came into the living room the curtains were ablaze. Mom said I had taken a stick of kindling stuck it in the hot coals of the wood burning stove, got it on fire and stuck it to the curtains. I was at the crawling stage at this time.
My next memory was at maws house. Maw, that is what we call our Grandmother. Maw, Uncle Frank and Frank’s wife Irene lived together. This memory was of my first snow. Uncle Frank took me out bar footed and touches my feet to the snow. I’m guessing I was around 2 or 3 at this time. I do remember standing at the table watching Franks wife fixing me a Peanut Butter sandwich.
My memory takes me to the Tuberculosis Sanatorium my first memory of my Dad. Dad was behind a big glass window with all these tubes running into him. I was very young and had to be held up to see him. A lot of my youth was blocked out.
I remember going to Dad’s to stay all night with him and older brother Bill. I remember it being a big house and aunt Lucy lived there. Aunt Lucy being Dad’s Sister. Later years I was told this house was on Front street in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Up to the age of around Nine, there is a lot of memory loss. I have some short clips of very bad memories. Things better left unsaid.
That takes me to around the age of 7. Mom was divorced and re-married to Herman Houser. This is when brother Ronald came along. This was also a short span of memory.
This takes us to the Public Housing Project in Knoxville, Tennessee where we lived. As I remember there were Mom, Bill, Ronald and my self-living in the apartment. I would have been around 8 years old. I recall 4 memories that year. I met Norma Taylor who became the first friend in my life. Every one said we would grow up and get married
I've wanted to sing as long as I can remember. My mother would sing country and gospel songs around the house, as far back as I can remember. I was always a music lover, I was told, before I could walk or talk, Mom would turn on music on the radio, they would hold me up and my little legs would go with the music. As I got older I sang along with the country singers on the radio, With singers like Hank Williams Sr, The Chuckwagon Gang and singers on the Mid Day Merry Go Round on WNOX out of Knoxville, Tennessee. In the summer we would gather with neighbors and friends on the front porch. Mom would play the Guitar and we would sing. It would be a mixture of Gospel and country music. As I entered into my teen years, Rock and Roll was the big thing , By this time we had moved up north to Illinois, as mom was ill, and we went to live with my older brother Bob and his wife Loretta. Dad died when I was 9 years old, and mom was having a hard time. But that's another story. As a teenager, I wanted to be a Rock singer. At 16, I was given the opportunity to record a Love song, I took the time to learn the song. It was a beautiful song, but thought it would cramp my style, so I turned it down. Keep in mind, God had a plan for me. I was being molded along the way for bigger and better work for Him.
At 17 I got saved, I worked for the Lord for about a year. A word to those leading and rearing young Christians, choose carefully what you say to them. I will not go into detail at this time but a Minister I believed in caused me to leave the Church with a statement he made. (Another story later)
A few years passed and I began to sing from time to time in night clubs and bars. But never went anywhere with my music.
As years came and went I spent time talking with God. Most of the time when something went wrong and I needed His help, and that was quite often.
Years passed, And I lost business after business, my home and finally my family. I had not turned my back on God, but I wasn't being obedient to God. There is that word again "Obedient" remember this powerful word.
I wondered around from here to there for a while then decided to return to Tennessee, after loosing everything I owned and Loved, I had been striped like Job.
In 1992 I married a woman that had sang Gospel music for 35 years.
In 1993 going through the mountains on I-40 east on our way to visit my brother in-law in North Carolina. I popped in a Gospel tape of the McKameys. Under His Feet was playing and the tears began to stream down my face. The Spirit was so strong in the car that day. You needed to have been there and experience what I felt that day to know what I mean. I gave my life back to God.
When we returned from North Carolina, my wife Dela and I began to sing in Churches around our area. I bought a Guitar and Dela taught me a few cords, and I would sing with the Guitar. Sometimes I would play, but most of the time Dela would play when we sang.
Well, Satan got upset, he had lost me again and he thought he could get me back. "Wrong"! I'm getting ahead of my story.
In 1994 I had a heart attack. With a bad heart, asthma and emphysema I was disabled.
My wife Dela became very sick With Cirrhosis of the Liver. She got worse and worse. The last 2 years was the worst, at times she didn't know how to feed herself, Sometimes she would ask me how to go to sleep and ect. If you have never dealt with someone with this type of disease it is hard for me to explain, my job was 24 hours a Day.
Dela finally went into a coma and passed away, I went through a very bad time, depression and such. I didn't know what I was going to do. But, I felt it was time I took control and get back into life.
I asked a Lady friend, Linda, to have dinner and conversation with me. This was part of Gods plan for me and her, as we fell in Love that night as no other two people have ever fell in Love. And we got married within 6 months April of 1999. But I'm a little ahead of my story. God had been telling me for about 4 years to stop smoking cigarettes. He had a job for me and that job was to sing for him, and in order to do a good job it required me to stop smoking as I had smoked since I was 13 years old,. I have Asthma and Emphysema. I had said several times "Lord take away the craving for cigarettes." You know this is not what God was looking for. Quitting smoking was very difficult for me. In January of 2000 Dillard Craig A friend of mine said he had quit smoking. I asked him how he did it. He said he had the flu and every time he would try to smoke it would make him sick. As I was driving home from his house that night. I began to talk to God, I said God, have these Cigarettes make me sick so I don't want them. My dear friends, be very careful what and how you ask God to do something. Within a week I was in the Hospital dying with my Asthma and Emphysema, But the night before I went into the Hospital I told God I would not smoke anymore. I was Obedient and have stayed Obedient. That is what God wants from us.
When I showed the Lord I could be Obedient let me tell you all that has happened to me in a four years:
I have won 17 National awards with the Tennessee Country Music Association, Gospel Division. I have won 9 International awards with the North American country Music Association International, Gospel Division. I came in third in Ed McMahans, Christmas Star Search. I have toured four states, been on several TV and Radio Programs. I’m the President, Producer, Music Director and DJ of “The Jack Hodge Gospel Show, a Radio program Syndicated World Wide out of Sevierville, Tn. My Co-Host and son Paul Jackson Hodge is a great asset. I was presented a Crystal Trophy by the North America Country Music Association, In’t. for my Radio Show “Jack Hodge Gospel Show” 2003 Show of the year. I have been given the Editors Choice Award with the International Library of Poetry. My poetry was chosen for publishing in the "Incandescent Jungle" by the International Library of Poetry. I’ve been Published by Noble House of London, New York and Paris. International Library of Poetry chose my poem "A Star Was Born" to be put on a compilation album called "Sound Of Poetry". International Library of Poetry published 15 of my poems on CD called "Visions". In 2002 I was invited to Disney World in Florida to read my poetry and was presented with a Silver Bowl, “the Poetry of Merit Award“. I was nominated for International Poet Of The Year for 2002. In 2003 I was presented with a silver cup award (Poet of Merit) and have been asked to return to Disney World in March 2004 to read my poetry again. In 2002 and 2003 I also received the Bronze Medal (Merit awards) from the International Library of Poetry.
I have 14 CD's and have written 4 of the songs on these CD's. I have written over 200 poems and I have other songs which do not have music. I currently write an article called "Jack's Corner" ,"Gods Corner",A poem and a Recipe for a Magazine “ONE VOICE” (Awakening of the World) This magazine. This magazine wone an award with my writings from NACMAI (North America Country Music Association International) through the Missippi Chapter. Pat Cole President and CEO.
My Recording Studio "Jack Hodge Recording's", gives me the opportunity for me to work with singers not in the Gospel field. God will put us in the places He needs us to work for Him, then it is up to us as how and what we do.
The Bible is being fulfilled daily. God needs his people to help bring in the lost as time is coming to an end.
As you can see, God has been good to me. This is what God will do for you, too, if you are simply obedient to God’s wishes. Put God first in your life and he will use you for his work. Just let God use you. The benefits are astronomical.
Stay in Gods care
Jack Hodge
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I would like to thank Rhonnie Scheurman of RhonBob Promotions out of Kodak, Tn for sending this to me. Phone Rhonnie at 865-933-9504 NOAH'S ARK Man Builds Noah's Ark (To The exact scale given in Bible) Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands |
God’s Corner
By Jack Hodge
I would like to thank Rhonnie Scheurman of RhonBob Promotions out of Kodak, Tn for sending this to me.
Phone Rhonnie at 865-933-9504
NOAH'S ARK
Man Builds Noah's Ark (To The exact scale given in Bible)
Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands
The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.
The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.
Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.
A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.
Huiber s did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top - deck not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.
Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.
'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have
been so big.' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.
"Now that I am old and Gray...give me the time to tell This new generation (and their children too) About all your mighty miracles."
Psalm 71:18
Until next time stay in Gods care
Jack Hodge
PO Box 5623 Phone (865-453-3864)
My new book "The Thoughts Within" is filled with many stories of Gods wonderful works. I am working on four books at this time. If you would like to contact me -phone 865-453-3864 or e-mail glorylandhighway@bellsouth.net . Mailing address is Jack Hodge Ministries PO BOx 5623 Sevierville, TN. 37876
Visit My Message Board
Pictures below was taken at North America Country Music Assocation International at Country Tonight Theatre in Pigeon Forge Tennessee March 2009.
Young Harmony-Johnathan & Ginger Bond-Chief judges for NACMAI for the twelth year.
Lamar Harris, Clayton Pepper, Jeremiah, Pat Cole, Jack Hodge, Wayne Graham and Jameson Rodgers
Rev. Wayne and Kathy Graham. Visit Wayne Graham's Ministries.
E-mail me your feed back. Jack
Picture above taken at the North America Country Music Assocation International on March 12, 2009. Left to right Mike Conner, Evelyn Conner, Jack Hodge, Linda Hodge, Pat Cole and Mike de'Bills
Picture below was taken in 2008 of Jack and wife Linda at The Thomas Foundation banquet.
Below you will see the design of my book in progress "Poems From The Soul".
Jack, DJ Tommy Dean and James Marvell from Mercy
Jack and son Paul and The Jack hodge Gospel Show
View Guestbook Sign Guestbook
From left to right-Jack Hodge, Andrew Dean,
Ernie Ashworth, Rhonnie Scheuerman and DJ Tommy Dean.
Ernie Ashworth, Grand ole Opry star, went to be with Jesus at age 80 on Feruary 28th at Trousdale Medical Center in Hartsville, TN. Ernie was promoted by local promoter Rhonnie Scheuerman of RhonBob Promotions out of Kodak, Tennessee.
The first time I heard Ernie Ashworth I was around twenty six years old, the song, “Talk Back Trembling Lips”. The song went to number 0ne on the country charts. “Talk Back Trembling Lips” was one of the first country songs to cross over to the Pop Charts. He joined the Grand ole Opry in 1964. When I opened my show on WSEV locally, the Jack Hodge Gospel Show, I got reacquainted with Ernie and played his gospel music on my show.
Rhonnie Scheuerman called me and asked if I would help M.C. “Jamboree On The Mountain” organized by Colonial Buster Doss. I felt fortunate to share the stage with Grand ole Opry star Ernie Ashworth at the Jamboree as both M.C. and Gospel Singer. Ernie and I kept in contact through the years after the Jamboree On The Mountain. He was a great person as well as a great singer.
Ernie appeared on the Silver Screen in the movie “The Farmer’s daughter” in 1965. In 1989, he bought a radio station, WSLV, in Ardmore, TN. In 1991, he received the Living Legend Award from the major independent record label awards show.
In 1992, Ernie was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The next year he contributed songs on a new gospel album on the Playback label. In 1993 he had a single “I Wish” on the Independent charts. Ernie was an active member on the Grand ole Opry and still played the road in his last years.
The Alabama native began his career writing songs
in the 1950s for the Acuff-Rose publishing house that were recorded by country singers including Little Jimmy Dickens, Carl Smith and Johnny Horton, and wrote "I Wish," which was recorded by pop crooner Paul Anka.
I feel fortunate to have known Ernie Ashworth as a friend and peer in the music industry.
Columnist: Jack Hodge Hyperlink
"Poems From The Spirit" This was my first book.
Read Calloll Roberson story below in Jacks Corner. A wonderful Gospel Singer and song writer.
Jacks Corner
Evangelist and Gospel Singer
Carroll Roberson
It all started when I entered Ed McMahan’s Christmas Star Search. I came in Third Place in the contest. After placing in the contest I decided to pick up my Gospel Singing professionally again. This is when I became familiar with Carroll Roberson and his music. I began to sing with his tracks and playing Carroll on my radio show which aired on WSEV out of Sevierville, TN. The following will tell you about Carroll Roberson’s life and his dedication to God. For me to sit and tell you all the great things Carroll does would take more space then our magazine allows each month. The following paragraphs are from Carroll’s web-site and are being used in my article with his permission.
About Carroll Roberson:
From the little town of Ripley, Mississippi, the Lord has called Carroll Roberson to minister to people all over the world. After being saved by the Lord's grace at the age of twenty-eight and after the Lord brought him through a cancerous operation on his throat one year later, Carroll went into full-time ministry.
After serving two years as a pastor, he felt the Lord leading him into evangelism. Since 1987, Carroll has been preaching revivals, crusades and singing his music for our wonderful Savior to millions of people. Carroll's music has opened numerous doors over the years for him to share Jesus Christ in word and song. His music has brought him national and international success recording over twenty-five albums and writing over one hundred songs. His music has become one of the most listened to in Christian music today.
His clear unique style ministers to a wide range of people from young to old and even foreign countries. One of his albums, "His Hand In Mine", has sold over 100,000 copies. Even though he has received numerous awards and dozens of hit songs, his first love is preaching God's word. Carroll keeps the Holy Scriptures at the forefront of his ministry. He studies daily from a Hebraic perspective and has helped countless people come to a richer understanding of God's word. He feels his calling is to share the Bible with as many people as possible in this life.
He and his wife Donna lead tours to Israel on a regular basis, uncovering treasures from the life of Christ that have changed many people's lives. His love for the Lord and his years of study have qualified Carroll to be a servant and spokesman of God's mercy and grace. Carroll's life is evidence that God uses simple people from ordinary backgrounds for His extraordinary work. Carroll has two boys, Shane and Brandon. He and Donna attend Shady Grove Baptist Church in Ripley Mississippi when they are not traveling on the road
You can see Carroll Robinson’s web-site at www.carrollroberson.com
Until next time, Stay in Gods Care,
Jack Hodge
e-mail: glorylandhighway@bellsouth.net
www.jackhodge.com
865-453-3864
“Jacks Corner”
With the legendary Ann Downing
I have played Ann Downing’s music on my radio show a long time. I’ve watched Ann on TV with the Gathers for many years. I’ve talked with her office many times. Today I talked with Ann Downing to get her permission to put her story out. What a delightful person.
"I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." Psalm 104:33
More than likely you’ve seen Ann Downing as a regular on the popular Gaither Homecoming Video series. However the majority of her time is spent maintaining a full schedule of church concerts and speaking engagements each weekend traveling throughout the United States and Canada.
Apart from her affiliation with the Gaither Homecoming Friends, Ann’s own versatile music style appeals to a wide range of musical tastes and age groups, not just the Gaither Video fans While she is a commissioned song evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene, Ann enjoys sharing her music and ministry with a wide variety of denominations.
Ann’s unique presentation style is also appealing in that she comes down from the platform to communicate with the audience on a very personal level. Her spontaneous, off-the-cuff delivery gives the feeling of a conversational visit rather than a rigid formal program.
Raised on a cotton farm in rural Mississippi, Ann grew up dreaming of the day she’d sing gospel music all over the world. Right out of high school she began to realize that dream by securing a position with the legendary Speer Family, later marrying the man of her dreams and co-founding a group that helped shape the face of Gospel music we have today. She won the industry’s highest honor—the Dove Award—for Female Vocalist within a year of co-founding the Downing’s and went on to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Ann has been lauded with various awards and accolades throughout her gospel music career spanning over forty years. However, she’s quick to tell you that she’s like you in many ways. Fading success? She’s been there! Crumbling marriage or financial ruin? She’s been there! Lost a spouse or experienced a devastating trauma in your family? Ann’s walked in your shoes!
What do you do when you can’t “fix” what’s wrong in your life or the lives of those you love? What do you do when the circumstances of your life beg the question, “do you really believe what you’ve said about trusting God?” Ann’s intensely personal story is one that reaches us all where we live and helps us hold firmly to the promise that “earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.”
Gods Corner
Jack Hodge
This was sent to me by my friend Fred Leonard to share with you.
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than their house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his
pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?
'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America '
'No, not that; read further.'
'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.'
'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient..
I have always bent down and picked up pennies anytime I have seen them. So now this makes it even more special to me that I do so. Jack.
Until next time, Stay in Gods Care,
Jack Hodge
Aaron Tippin and Linda at Aarons sports shop.
Aaron Tippin and Jack at Aarons sports shop
“Jack Corner”
Through The Years with Aaron Tippin
Aaron began singing as a child while bailing hay, running combines and plowing the back forty. In order to hear himself over the diesel engine of the tractor, he had to develop some pretty strong vocal cords. That is where his music career began. When growing up Aaron’s inspirations came from his idols, Hank Williams Sr. Jimmy Rogers, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Aaron is a country singer and lives in DeKalb County, Tennessee with wife Thea, daughter Charla and sons Teddy and Thomas. Aaron was born in Travelers Rest, North Carolina.
In the February edition of Power Source, Aaron’s new song “He Believed” was at # 75 on the chart.
When my wife Linda and I first started dating Aaron had a song out called “For You I Will”. This was my song to Linda, never dreaming we would meet and become friends with Aaron. I had a very good talk with Aaron about all the new things going on in his life.
The first time my wife Linda and I met Aaron he was on a bulldozer working on his parking lot at his new sports shop. That was in 1995. Aaron is one of the most gifted and down to earth artist we have ever met and we have met quite a few. Aaron has a true emotion for the United States of America. During the first Gulf War in 1990, Aaron Tippin had become the first singer to go to Saudi Arabia to entertain the troops. In 2002 he went to Afghanistan. He and his band were detained in Afghanistan because their passports had not been stamped and they couldn’t leave for 24 hours. They were considered Illegal Aliens. Aaron says they were treated well and they got the best from the soldiers whether in tents or barracks. Since 2003, he has been making annual visits to our forces in Iraq and became the spokesman for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. In 2005 he became the first country artist to donate funds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Aaron said “When I’d sing ’Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly,’ I started sending five-gallon buckets out into the crowd that said “Katrina’ on them. People just poured out of the stands. Aaron said he would get all choked up watching that. Aaron recorded the song right after 9-11, but it’s not about 9-11 at this concert, it’s about Katrina. And the next time it will be about whatever catastrophe we Americans have to deal with. Aaron wrote it to represent a feeling that we can always come back to. Be proud to be an American. That’s what’s most important when the chips are down.”
Aaron said it most likely be next Thanksgiving before he would be going back to entertain the troops.
Five of Aaron’s RCA albums became Gold Records. One is Platinum. Between 1990 and 1997 he scored six top-10 hits, had two No. Aaron records and created such memorable moments as “The Call of the Wild,” “I Got it Honest” and “Whole Lotta Love on the Line.” Aaron appeared on the soundtracks of such films as :”The Beverly Hillbillies” in 1993 and “Fire Down Below” in 1997 and became the commercial spokesman for ChannelLock Tools. Success as a songwriter for others also continued, as Garth Brooks, Charley Pride, Kenny Chesney and others recorded Tippin tunes.
Aaron is a devoted family man. He and Thea were married in 1995. Aaron has a grown daughter, Charla, from his first marriage. Aaron and Thea have two sons Teddy, born in 1997 and Tommy in 2000.
Aaron is a licensed pilot and he is teaching his two sons to fly and Thea does fly but is not too crazy about it.
Aaron launched his own record label, Nippit Records (that’s Tippin spelled backwards) in 2006. Aaron is working on changing his style. Don’t worry he’s still Aaron Tippin and he’ll always be a country singer. But his sound is getting a makeover. “The only evolution is that I am putting more of the roots where I came from --the Carolinas-- into the sound. It has the southern-rock influence, with that rockin’ guitar sound from The Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels. I’m cross-breeding that with the steel and fiddle. And you’ll still hear me yodeling on the new stuff. It’s just what I call ’cranking it up to 11’.”
“Ready To Rock” will be the first track marketed by Aaron’s own record company. “I am in the music business now more that I’ve ever been before. I’m like a six-year-old on a bicycle on my first down-hill run. I don’t know what’s at the bottom of the hill, but I am excited and unafraid. It’s scary and fun and all these emotions at once.”
I asked Aaron about doing some more religious songs, Aarons reply, “there is a Gospel album in the works with myself and Thea real soon“. Aaron and Thea will be making a Duet Album next year. Aaron tours the U.S. on the week ends. Aaron is scheduled for T. V appearances and a new Video on GAC. The video will be on “My Space”
In 1990 Aaron was on tour out in the middle of Los Angels, California sometime around Christmas time and he was all alone. Aaron was having dinner in this little cafe, when this bum suddenly appeared and headed straight for Aaron’s table. He walked up to his table and, uninvited , sat down. What was on Aaron’s mind? He was glad he didn’t say. The man was hungry, cold and tired, so Aaron pushed his plate over to him, and the man said you are mighty kind. Then something strange happened. What the man said to Aaron he thinks of every Christmas. The man said that he was Jesus. Well Aaron was surprised! Aaron thought to himself “maybe he is lying, just a bum off the street.” But he said that he was Jesus, Born in Bethlehem and He had died for us but somehow we’d forgotten Him. Aaron stated, “ you know I had my doubts, but I just couldn’t take the chance“. As Aaron states, “you have to help your fellow man so I just had to believe.” Aaron said ‘I might never know if it was Jesus in that chair. All I know is that I’m sure He was there.
Being the kind of person Aaron is, he had to let the world know. So he wrote a song entitled “He Said That He Was Jesus”. Aaron, Thea and Phillip Douglas put the song together. Aaron says The a is the real talent in the family. Thea was a vocal major at Belmont University.
Aaron and I were talking and he was telling me about another song he had written “Tell Everyone You Know Jesus” and The Kingsmen recorded it on their Mississippi Life Album a few years back.
I’ve talked to Ray Dean Reece, one of the original Kingsmen and he is trying to locate me a copy of the Mississippi Life Album. I will use “Tell Everyone You Know Jesus” on my Radio Show.
It’s a fact we never know when or where the Holy Spirit will appear with a message for us to pass on to the rest of the world or to someone overhearing your conversation at the next table in a restaurant. You know we all can be a messenger of God. We don’t have to be a Minister or Sunday School Teacher. All we have to do is listen for His voice. Pass on the messages He gives us. Maybe you think it is not much of a message to pass on but you never know who may be listening to you. It does not have to be a sermon, just something some one needs to hear. Sometimes the smallest message can have the biggest influence on someone. The Spirit knows no time or place, day or night. It makes no difference where or who you are, when God is ready to give us a message to pass on we need to be ready.
I’ve pulled over to the side of the road to write a song and have been awakened from a sound sleep in the middle of the night to write a poem.
Perhaps you have something to share and don’t know how to get it to the public. Something God has done in your life, a family member or a friend. You can write, E-Mail or call me. God Loves to see us working together.
Until next time stay in Gods care
Jack Hodge
Visit www.cyberwit .com for my latest book.
Jack and Fred Rose of Modern Day Prodigal, The group is a Gospel group from Ohio Fred has written a lot of good songs. My favorite is "Good Ol' Days.
Fred and his Guitar
The Hodge driveway
The above picture was taken in South Carolina. The lower one was taken in The
Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee side
I will be adding pictures from time to time
Smokie Mountains by Jack Hodge March 2009
A waterfall on the drive to Cades Cove in the smokies
Linda and I love to go riding in the country. We come up with some great pictures and see the beauty of our Maker. God is so good, He gives us so much to please the eye. We should take care of it, and thank God each day of our lives for His wonderful blessings. His greatest gift to us was His son Jesus. Without Him we would be lost. I add these words in every prayer I pray, "Lead, guide and direct me in all I say and do". This covers it all, and we all need this in our prayers.
Stay in Gods care
Jack & Linda
LINDA’S THOUGHTS
I recently read an article in the book “Grace For The Moment” which I would like to share with you.
Sometimes God Says No:
Can you imagine the outcome if a parent honored each request of each child during a trip! We’d inch our bloated bellies from one ice-cream store to the next…
Can you imagine the chaos if God indulged each of ours?
“For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgement, but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9).
Note God’s destiny for your life. Salvation.
God’s overarching desire is that you reach that destiny. His itinerary includes stops that encourage your journey. He frowns on stops that deter you. When his sovereign plan and your earthly plan collide, a decision must be made. Who’s in charge of this journey?
If God must choose between your earthly satisfaction and your heavenly salvation, which do you hope he chooses?
Me too.
Linda Hodge
Pictures below was taken at North America Country Music Assocation International at Country Tonight Theatre in Pigeon Forge Tennessee March 2009.
Young Harmony-Johnathan & Ginger Bond-Chief judges for NACMAI for the twelth year.
Lamar Harris, Clayton Pepper, Jeremiah, Pat Cole, Jack Hodge, Wayne Graham and Jameson Rodgers
Rev. Wayne and Kathy Graham. Visit Wayne Graham's Ministries.
E-mail me your feed back. Jack
Picture above taken at the North America Country Music Assocation International on March 12, 2009. Left to right Mike Conner, Evelyn Conner, Jack Hodge, Linda Hodge, Pat Cole and Mike de'Bills
Picture below was taken in 2008 of Jack and wife Linda at The Thomas Foundation banquet.
Below you will see the design of my book in progress "Poems From The Soul".
Jack, DJ Tommy Dean and James Marvell from Mercy
Jack and son Paul and The Jack hodge Gospel Show
View Guestbook Sign Guestbook
From left to right-Jack Hodge, Andrew Dean,
Ernie Ashworth, Rhonnie Scheuerman and DJ Tommy Dean.
Ernie Ashworth, Grand ole Opry star, went to be with Jesus at age 80 on Feruary 28th at Trousdale Medical Center in Hartsville, TN. Ernie was promoted by local promoter Rhonnie Scheuerman of RhonBob Promotions out of Kodak, Tennessee.
The first time I heard Ernie Ashworth I was around twenty six years old, the song, “Talk Back Trembling Lips”. The song went to number 0ne on the country charts. “Talk Back Trembling Lips” was one of the first country songs to cross over to the Pop Charts. He joined the Grand ole Opry in 1964. When I opened my show on WSEV locally, the Jack Hodge Gospel Show, I got reacquainted with Ernie and played his gospel music on my show.
Rhonnie Scheuerman called me and asked if I would help M.C. “Jamboree On The Mountain” organized by Colonial Buster Doss. I felt fortunate to share the stage with Grand ole Opry star Ernie Ashworth at the Jamboree as both M.C. and Gospel Singer. Ernie and I kept in contact through the years after the Jamboree On The Mountain. He was a great person as well as a great singer.
Ernie appeared on the Silver Screen in the movie “The Farmer’s daughter” in 1965. In 1989, he bought a radio station, WSLV, in Ardmore, TN. In 1991, he received the Living Legend Award from the major independent record label awards show.
In 1992, Ernie was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The next year he contributed songs on a new gospel album on the Playback label. In 1993 he had a single “I Wish” on the Independent charts. Ernie was an active member on the Grand ole Opry and still played the road in his last years.
The Alabama native began his career writing songs
in the 1950s for the Acuff-Rose publishing house that were recorded by country singers including Little Jimmy Dickens, Carl Smith and Johnny Horton, and wrote "I Wish," which was recorded by pop crooner Paul Anka.
I feel fortunate to have known Ernie Ashworth as a friend and peer in the music industry.
Columnist: Jack Hodge Hyperlink
"Poems From The Spirit" This was my first book.
Read Calloll Roberson story below in Jacks Corner. A wonderful Gospel Singer and song writer.
Jacks Corner
Evangelist and Gospel Singer
Carroll Roberson
It all started when I entered Ed McMahan’s Christmas Star Search. I came in Third Place in the contest. After placing in the contest I decided to pick up my Gospel Singing professionally again. This is when I became familiar with Carroll Roberson and his music. I began to sing with his tracks and playing Carroll on my radio show which aired on WSEV out of Sevierville, TN. The following will tell you about Carroll Roberson’s life and his dedication to God. For me to sit and tell you all the great things Carroll does would take more space then our magazine allows each month. The following paragraphs are from Carroll’s web-site and are being used in my article with his permission.
About Carroll Roberson:
From the little town of Ripley, Mississippi, the Lord has called Carroll Roberson to minister to people all over the world. After being saved by the Lord's grace at the age of twenty-eight and after the Lord brought him through a cancerous operation on his throat one year later, Carroll went into full-time ministry.
After serving two years as a pastor, he felt the Lord leading him into evangelism. Since 1987, Carroll has been preaching revivals, crusades and singing his music for our wonderful Savior to millions of people. Carroll's music has opened numerous doors over the years for him to share Jesus Christ in word and song. His music has brought him national and international success recording over twenty-five albums and writing over one hundred songs. His music has become one of the most listened to in Christian music today.
His clear unique style ministers to a wide range of people from young to old and even foreign countries. One of his albums, "His Hand In Mine", has sold over 100,000 copies. Even though he has received numerous awards and dozens of hit songs, his first love is preaching God's word. Carroll keeps the Holy Scriptures at the forefront of his ministry. He studies daily from a Hebraic perspective and has helped countless people come to a richer understanding of God's word. He feels his calling is to share the Bible with as many people as possible in this life.
He and his wife Donna lead tours to Israel on a regular basis, uncovering treasures from the life of Christ that have changed many people's lives. His love for the Lord and his years of study have qualified Carroll to be a servant and spokesman of God's mercy and grace. Carroll's life is evidence that God uses simple people from ordinary backgrounds for His extraordinary work. Carroll has two boys, Shane and Brandon. He and Donna attend Shady Grove Baptist Church in Ripley Mississippi when they are not traveling on the road
You can see Carroll Robinson’s web-site at www.carrollroberson.com
Until next time, Stay in Gods Care,
Jack Hodge
e-mail: glorylandhighway@bellsouth.net
www.jackhodge.com
865-453-3864
“Jacks Corner”
With the legendary Ann Downing
I have played Ann Downing’s music on my radio show a long time. I’ve watched Ann on TV with the Gathers for many years. I’ve talked with her office many times. Today I talked with Ann Downing to get her permission to put her story out. What a delightful person.
"I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." Psalm 104:33
More than likely you’ve seen Ann Downing as a regular on the popular Gaither Homecoming Video series. However the majority of her time is spent maintaining a full schedule of church concerts and speaking engagements each weekend traveling throughout the United States and Canada.
Apart from her affiliation with the Gaither Homecoming Friends, Ann’s own versatile music style appeals to a wide range of musical tastes and age groups, not just the Gaither Video fans While she is a commissioned song evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene, Ann enjoys sharing her music and ministry with a wide variety of denominations.
Ann’s unique presentation style is also appealing in that she comes down from the platform to communicate with the audience on a very personal level. Her spontaneous, off-the-cuff delivery gives the feeling of a conversational visit rather than a rigid formal program.
Raised on a cotton farm in rural Mississippi, Ann grew up dreaming of the day she’d sing gospel music all over the world. Right out of high school she began to realize that dream by securing a position with the legendary Speer Family, later marrying the man of her dreams and co-founding a group that helped shape the face of Gospel music we have today. She won the industry’s highest honor—the Dove Award—for Female Vocalist within a year of co-founding the Downing’s and went on to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Ann has been lauded with various awards and accolades throughout her gospel music career spanning over forty years. However, she’s quick to tell you that she’s like you in many ways. Fading success? She’s been there! Crumbling marriage or financial ruin? She’s been there! Lost a spouse or experienced a devastating trauma in your family? Ann’s walked in your shoes!
What do you do when you can’t “fix” what’s wrong in your life or the lives of those you love? What do you do when the circumstances of your life beg the question, “do you really believe what you’ve said about trusting God?” Ann’s intensely personal story is one that reaches us all where we live and helps us hold firmly to the promise that “earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.”
Gods Corner
Jack Hodge
This was sent to me by my friend Fred Leonard to share with you.
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than their house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his
pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?
'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America '
'No, not that; read further.'
'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.'
'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient..
I have always bent down and picked up pennies anytime I have seen them. So now this makes it even more special to me that I do so. Jack.
Until next time, Stay in Gods Care,
Jack Hodge
Aaron Tippin and Linda at Aarons sports shop.
Aaron Tippin and Jack at Aarons sports shop
“Jack Corner”
Through The Years with Aaron Tippin
Aaron began singing as a child while bailing hay, running combines and plowing the back forty. In order to hear himself over the diesel engine of the tractor, he had to develop some pretty strong vocal cords. That is where his music career began. When growing up Aaron’s inspirations came from his idols, Hank Williams Sr. Jimmy Rogers, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Aaron is a country singer and lives in DeKalb County, Tennessee with wife Thea, daughter Charla and sons Teddy and Thomas. Aaron was born in Travelers Rest, North Carolina.
In the February edition of Power Source, Aaron’s new song “He Believed” was at # 75 on the chart.
When my wife Linda and I first started dating Aaron had a song out called “For You I Will”. This was my song to Linda, never dreaming we would meet and become friends with Aaron. I had a very good talk with Aaron about all the new things going on in his life.
The first time my wife Linda and I met Aaron he was on a bulldozer working on his parking lot at his new sports shop. That was in 1995. Aaron is one of the most gifted and down to earth artist we have ever met and we have met quite a few. Aaron has a true emotion for the United States of America. During the first Gulf War in 1990, Aaron Tippin had become the first singer to go to Saudi Arabia to entertain the troops. In 2002 he went to Afghanistan. He and his band were detained in Afghanistan because their passports had not been stamped and they couldn’t leave for 24 hours. They were considered Illegal Aliens. Aaron says they were treated well and they got the best from the soldiers whether in tents or barracks. Since 2003, he has been making annual visits to our forces in Iraq and became the spokesman for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. In 2005 he became the first country artist to donate funds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Aaron said “When I’d sing ’Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly,’ I started sending five-gallon buckets out into the crowd that said “Katrina’ on them. People just poured out of the stands. Aaron said he would get all choked up watching that. Aaron recorded the song right after 9-11, but it’s not about 9-11 at this concert, it’s about Katrina. And the next time it will be about whatever catastrophe we Americans have to deal with. Aaron wrote it to represent a feeling that we can always come back to. Be proud to be an American. That’s what’s most important when the chips are down.”
Aaron said it most likely be next Thanksgiving before he would be going back to entertain the troops.
Five of Aaron’s RCA albums became Gold Records. One is Platinum. Between 1990 and 1997 he scored six top-10 hits, had two No. Aaron records and created such memorable moments as “The Call of the Wild,” “I Got it Honest” and “Whole Lotta Love on the Line.” Aaron appeared on the soundtracks of such films as :”The Beverly Hillbillies” in 1993 and “Fire Down Below” in 1997 and became the commercial spokesman for ChannelLock Tools. Success as a songwriter for others also continued, as Garth Brooks, Charley Pride, Kenny Chesney and others recorded Tippin tunes.
Aaron is a devoted family man. He and Thea were married in 1995. Aaron has a grown daughter, Charla, from his first marriage. Aaron and Thea have two sons Teddy, born in 1997 and Tommy in 2000.
Aaron is a licensed pilot and he is teaching his two sons to fly and Thea does fly but is not too crazy about it.
Aaron launched his own record label, Nippit Records (that’s Tippin spelled backwards) in 2006. Aaron is working on changing his style. Don’t worry he’s still Aaron Tippin and he’ll always be a country singer. But his sound is getting a makeover. “The only evolution is that I am putting more of the roots where I came from --the Carolinas-- into the sound. It has the southern-rock influence, with that rockin’ guitar sound from The Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels. I’m cross-breeding that with the steel and fiddle. And you’ll still hear me yodeling on the new stuff. It’s just what I call ’cranking it up to 11’.”
“Ready To Rock” will be the first track marketed by Aaron’s own record company. “I am in the music business now more that I’ve ever been before. I’m like a six-year-old on a bicycle on my first down-hill run. I don’t know what’s at the bottom of the hill, but I am excited and unafraid. It’s scary and fun and all these emotions at once.”
I asked Aaron about doing some more religious songs, Aarons reply, “there is a Gospel album in the works with myself and Thea real soon“. Aaron and Thea will be making a Duet Album next year. Aaron tours the U.S. on the week ends. Aaron is scheduled for T. V appearances and a new Video on GAC. The video will be on “My Space”
In 1990 Aaron was on tour out in the middle of Los Angels, California sometime around Christmas time and he was all alone. Aaron was having dinner in this little cafe, when this bum suddenly appeared and headed straight for Aaron’s table. He walked up to his table and, uninvited , sat down. What was on Aaron’s mind? He was glad he didn’t say. The man was hungry, cold and tired, so Aaron pushed his plate over to him, and the man said you are mighty kind. Then something strange happened. What the man said to Aaron he thinks of every Christmas. The man said that he was Jesus. Well Aaron was surprised! Aaron thought to himself “maybe he is lying, just a bum off the street.” But he said that he was Jesus, Born in Bethlehem and He had died for us but somehow we’d forgotten Him. Aaron stated, “ you know I had my doubts, but I just couldn’t take the chance“. As Aaron states, “you have to help your fellow man so I just had to believe.” Aaron said ‘I might never know if it was Jesus in that chair. All I know is that I’m sure He was there.
Being the kind of person Aaron is, he had to let the world know. So he wrote a song entitled “He Said That He Was Jesus”. Aaron, Thea and Phillip Douglas put the song together. Aaron says The a is the real talent in the family. Thea was a vocal major at Belmont University.
Aaron and I were talking and he was telling me about another song he had written “Tell Everyone You Know Jesus” and The Kingsmen recorded it on their Mississippi Life Album a few years back.
I’ve talked to Ray Dean Reece, one of the original Kingsmen and he is trying to locate me a copy of the Mississippi Life Album. I will use “Tell Everyone You Know Jesus” on my Radio Show.
It’s a fact we never know when or where the Holy Spirit will appear with a message for us to pass on to the rest of the world or to someone overhearing your conversation at the next table in a restaurant. You know we all can be a messenger of God. We don’t have to be a Minister or Sunday School Teacher. All we have to do is listen for His voice. Pass on the messages He gives us. Maybe you think it is not much of a message to pass on but you never know who may be listening to you. It does not have to be a sermon, just something some one needs to hear. Sometimes the smallest message can have the biggest influence on someone. The Spirit knows no time or place, day or night. It makes no difference where or who you are, when God is ready to give us a message to pass on we need to be ready.
I’ve pulled over to the side of the road to write a song and have been awakened from a sound sleep in the middle of the night to write a poem.
Perhaps you have something to share and don’t know how to get it to the public. Something God has done in your life, a family member or a friend. You can write, E-Mail or call me. God Loves to see us working together.
Until next time stay in Gods care
Jack Hodge
Visit www.cyberwit .com for my latest book.
Jack and Fred Rose of Modern Day Prodigal, The group is a Gospel group from Ohio Fred has written a lot of good songs. My favorite is "Good Ol' Days.
Fred and his Guitar
The Hodge driveway
The above picture was taken in South Carolina. The lower one was taken in The
Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee side
I will be adding pictures from time to time
Smokie Mountains by Jack Hodge March 2009
A waterfall on the drive to Cades Cove in the smokies
Linda and I love to go riding in the country. We come up with some great pictures and see the beauty of our Maker. God is so good, He gives us so much to please the eye. We should take care of it, and thank God each day of our lives for His wonderful blessings. His greatest gift to us was His son Jesus. Without Him we would be lost. I add these words in every prayer I pray, "Lead, guide and direct me in all I say and do". This covers it all, and we all need this in our prayers.
Stay in Gods care
Jack & Linda
LINDA’S THOUGHTS
I recently read an article in the book “Grace For The Moment” which I would like to share with you.
Sometimes God Says No:
Can you imagine the outcome if a parent honored each request of each child during a trip! We’d inch our bloated bellies from one ice-cream store to the next…
Can you imagine the chaos if God indulged each of ours?
“For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgement, but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9).
Note God’s destiny for your life. Salvation.
God’s overarching desire is that you reach that destiny. His itinerary includes stops that encourage your journey. He frowns on stops that deter you. When his sovereign plan and your earthly plan collide, a decision must be made. Who’s in charge of this journey?
If God must choose between your earthly satisfaction and your heavenly salvation, which do you hope he chooses?
Me too.
Linda Hodge
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