European Holiday

The Washington Waits Clan in Seattle

Sheila & Fred (my cousin) in the backyard of Fred & Ann's home in Edmonds

Aunt Mitzi, DW, and Fred

DW sitting in Fred's pristine Corvette, which by the way was custom ordered and assembled at the Corvette factory in Bowling Green, KY near our home in Lexington. This thing is loaded with stuff even most Corvette owners haven't even heard of or can only imagine.

My daughter Kristin (middle) from Lubbock (TX) & one of her friends who just happened to be in Seattle celebrating Kris' 40th birthday the same weekend we were there - - totally unplanned. How great was that!

(l/r - Ann (Fred's wife) Aunt Mitzi, Fred, Linda (Dennis' wife), Dennis Waits (my cousin), DW & Sheila)

This pic was taken at the Market Place in downtown Seattle after Sunday morning services. Sheila & I totally enjoyed our visit with the Waits family. We also visited with my cousin, Wayne Flood and his mom, Marie (one of dad's sisters). While in Seattle we stayed with Ann and Fred at their beautiful home in the charmingly quaint little town of Edmonds, which is bounded on the west by Puget Sound; spectacular views from many angles inside their home! Can't say enough about how Ann & Fred were such splendid hosts. Took us everywhere, including the Trojans-Huskies football game (I'm a big USC fan from my years in Los Angeles and close ties my company had with the university), and to dinner at the downtown Seattle Metropolitan Grill - what a feast that was! We appreciate and are so grateful for their generous hospitality. It could not have been better... well except maybe for the fact it rained virtually every day we were there except one.

Until next time, stay hooked up to the Power Source.
David

Christ Centered Concert - Great Time! Great People!

Last night's concert was truly a time of the 'family' getting together and, well... just being 'family'. All of us were worshippers (no performers) and God was the audience. I love it when this happens! Sounds so easy but hearts have to be open . . . and this isn't always the case - 'tho granted it should be. I appreciate so much the spirit that flows in and through the body of those that call Christ Centered home. House was full and that's right here in my own home town "backyard". I know it lifted Sheila's and my spirits to be part of it. And as a bonus also got to hear Christ Centered's own singers, "Adoration". You can tell they've been at it awhile and understand how to get it done. Great job guys and gal! Of course they've got an experienced 'kick-in' band that brings a freshness to the worship and praise experience.

Pastor Tommy Howard's humility and love for the Lord allows him to function naturally and without pretense as a true pastor. Personally, still can't get used to those who feel 'called' into local ministry merely to speak; but somehow ignore the shepherding the flock responsibilities. I've learned this usually translates to no hospital visits... no in-home visits... no family support during times of personal loss or tragedy, etc. They speak - Sundays or weekends - and merely prep for same during the week. Definitely not the case with Tommy. Thanks Tommy and Christ Centered. We love you!

David

December Plans

In planning my December schedule back in 2006 & very early 2007, I intentionally blocked out most of the time as personal which, of course, resulted in a very scaled down booking set. I now view it as the provincial hand of God, as I've been battling a bronchial condition since the beginning of October up until even now. Though I admittedly 'limped' through a few engagements voice wise, I thankfully (but still with regret) had to only cancel one singing engagement during this period, which had us traveling as far away as the Pacific Northwest... then down into northern California. I'd request that you please pray that I'll be able to fulfill these few remaining, but important engagements closing out our singing and concert appearances for 2007. Remaining 2007 dates are as follows:

Dec. 2 - 6 pm
Christ Centered Church
Lexington, KY
Solo concert with my friend, Brother Tommy Howard, who has been pastor at Christ Centered for many faithful years. He's a blessing to both his congregation and to the greater Lexington community. He manifests a true servant's heart.

Dec. 3 - 7:00pm
Lakeside Christian Church
Lakeside Park, KY
Rotary Concert in the Greater Florence/Cincinnati area featuring several artists, sponsored by my dear friend Gary Stewart.

Dec. 9 - 6:30pm
Lafayette Church of the Nazarene
Lexington, KY
Solo concert where Brother David McCracken is pastor. David's father was Brother C.E. McCracken who preceded him as founding minister of this faithful body. His brother, Gary McCracken and I attended Asbury College together. That's how I became acquainted with the McCracken family. It shapes up to be a night of praise as Gary Stewart and wife, Nellie, who has had multiple bouts with cancer, will be in attendance. This is Nellie's home church where her parents are still active members. Also expect a contingent of folks from Gary's and my senior class of Bryan Station High School, Class of 1962. Looking forward to this one.

Well this puts a wrap on 2007 ministry engagements, as the very next day (Dec. 10) I fly to Lubbock (TX) area for a week with my daughter, Kris and her family - husband Devin and my 2 granddaughters, Kalyn Marie, age 14 (my mother's namesake) and Summer Zoe, age 11 (Devin's mother's namesake). Now, these two girls are some kind of athletes, not to mention God loving, as well as lovable, beautiful young ladies (both externally for sure and certain, but more importantly internally). Not only are they immersed in sports ... they actually excel at it - par excel lance!! Be it basketball, soccer, softball, swimming, horses, to name merely a few. You name it they are involved either on an organized competitive basis or merely on an organized basis (horses). Don't see how Mom & Dad keep up. I'm proud of these girls and their parents and grateful that their parents set God as the highest priority of their home and life.

After Texas we get to spend a few days leading up to Christmas in Nashville with Sheila's daughter, Michelle and her husband, Wyatt. We always enjoy our time together with them. Much laughter, tricks and love shared. They too have a priority for a daily walk with Jesus.

Then in recognition of Sheila's retirement from teaching earlier this year (after 29 yrs.) we embark on a 17 day Hawaii cruise! It departs Los Angeles January 2. Prior to our cruise get to spend New Years in Long Beach (CA) with my daughter, Kim and family - husband Craig, and 3 grandkids, Noah - age 9; Abby - age 6; & little Hope - age 2. Noah is so intelligent! I'm thinkin' he's gonna' be some kind of nuclear scientist, but an extremely 'cool' one with a heart for God and love of the Lord. It's still a bit early predicting the other 2. We are trusting they'll be whatever God leads them into. That's our prayer as Kim, though a college grad, home schools the children with the highest priority of their home being to ensure God is honored and served in their household. We are so thankful and grateful for how all our kids have turned out and they are passing it on to the next generation. It's only by the grace of God. All praise to God, our Heavenly Father and to His Son, our Lord!

So to all our singing ministry (and personal) friends, may you continue to live and have your being in God's provision and remain under His covering until next time.

David

Give Thanks to the Lord Most High This Thanksgiving!

My Thanksgiving wish is that you . . .

"Give thanks to the Lord; call on His name.
Make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him; make music to praise Him
Meditate on all the miracles He has done."- 1 Chron. 16:8-10

So . . . Above all earthly blessings. . . above all earthly joys . . . above all else we give thanks to our Savior, the Lord Jesus! May He receive all praise and thanksgiving on this Thanksgiving Day & may we be careful to remain under His covering,

David

Midnight Hour Genesis

About a year ago I was invited by an old friend, Mel Taylor, to come to Richmond, IN for a weekend of ministry at the church where he had just been called as worship minister (among other ministry responsibilities). Mel and his wife, Dawnette, moved there from Seattle-Kent area where they had ministered the previous 10 plus years. I presented a concert that weekend, during which I invited Mel and one of his co-workers, Aaron Roberts, to join me on a couple of songs. Well, as they say, the rest is history. By the beginning of 2007 we were discussing the possibility of doing a few dates together around Mel's ministry responsibilities, as well as Aaron's, and my solo ministry traveling schedule responsibilities. The result? Midnight Hour was launched.

Let me be clear, my primary focus is still the solo artist ministry God has entrusted to me. Folks have asked. But I must confess I'm really enjoying the comradery that appearing with the trio affords. More importantly though, I'm very grateful for the reunion with Mel, after our years of
traveling together as members of the Gospel Lads Quartet. Then there's the added blessing of becoming acquainted with Aaron Roberts, who just happens to be blessed and gifted with an exceptional tenor voice, not to mention being a fine stand-up man of God, husband, and father. God is blessing our collective efforts to exhalt Him!

In a subsequent post I will share the reason I agreed to form Midnight Hour after having declined even to consider numerous other invitations to join groups over the past 15 years or so. Meanwhile, I am always amazed how God uses folks like us (you and me) to carry out His purposes. My increasing years only confirm what I was taught at a young age. . . God is far more interested in my availability than in my ability. And that goes for you as well. So, until next time, stay in His care.
David