The last few days have been hectic. We had to rush Isaiah to the hospital Tuesday night, he was having some problems cough up phlem and it looked as if he was having a seizure. This of course, to a toll on Paula and myself. Today, we had several appointments and by the time I got home, I didn't have time to make it to church. So that aggravates me.
I want to say I appreciate all the prayers that you all offer up for my family. I can sure feel them. God is able to do far above whatever we ask, think, or imagine. I hold on to this promise, beliving God is going to move for my family.
Steve
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
This will proabably make some people mad....
There is a new trend that is distrubing me. I have noticed of late that our churches are becoming full of effeminate men. This may not bother many, but it is starting to become a hinder in our churches. I'm not talking about pink shirts and flashy jewelry. I'm talking about acting like those of the homosexual persuasion.
If we are men...then be men. We can still be compassionate and loving without acting effeminates.
I'll be the first to welcome, all people to our church. Yet, leadership is a different thing. I meet more youth pastors and minister of music that lean to this life style. I think this is leading our young men down a bad road.
People lets pray for our young people, that they will have role models who will not compromise to please the world.
Folks, thats just how I feel.....
Steve
If we are men...then be men. We can still be compassionate and loving without acting effeminates.
I'll be the first to welcome, all people to our church. Yet, leadership is a different thing. I meet more youth pastors and minister of music that lean to this life style. I think this is leading our young men down a bad road.
People lets pray for our young people, that they will have role models who will not compromise to please the world.
Folks, thats just how I feel.....
Steve
Monday, June 12, 2006
Revival Ridge
The KY Enquirer featured a good friend of mine Paul Estep and his group in Saturday's paper the article is below.
Makin' it big in Gospel
15-year-old, his dad form half of Revival Ridge
BY RYAN CLARK | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
BELLEVUE - It all started when Jonathan Estep was 8 years old.
"I began to hear this sound coming from this child," says his father, Paul
Estep. "It was wonderful."
After listening to his father sing, Jonathan began to harmonize with his
father's voice.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It just sounded right," Jonathan says.
That's how it's always been for Jonathan. It sounds right. Or he feels his
way through it. Or it just happens.
That's how he plays guitar, bass and mandolin.
He feels it. He needs minimal instruction.
But if he ever needs it, Jonathan, now 15, has his father, a classically
trained pianist, to help him.
Together, the two form half of the bluegrass gospel group Revival Ridge.
For the last six years, the foursome has traveled all over the South and
Midwest spreading God's word and playing their own form of bluegrass.
"We don't have that twang you would normally associate with bluegrass,"
Estep says. "But we love the music."
After playing about three gigs every weekend for the past six years, Revival
Ridge has gotten a break.
They will be the warm-up band before a Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
concert at 7:30 p.m., July 27 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
"One of our band members went on a tour of the Ryman a couple of years ago
and we were able to give (Skaggs) some of our music," Estep says. "He heard
us and said he wanted us to come perform. We hope this will be the start of
something big for us down in Nashville."
FLORIDA TO FAZOLI'S
Along with members Jeff Blackburn, of Georgetown, and Billy Morgan, of
Guilford, Ind., Revival Ridge has traveled as far as Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,
to play a show.
Then again, you may have seen them at Fazoli's restaurant in Florence.
"For some reason they just love us there," Estep says.
John Dowell, who chooses talent for the Ryman Auditorium, said bluegrass is
an increasingly competitive genre of music, with more groups vying for a
sliver of public attention. But he's liked what he's heard of the band.
"I am always looking for talent," Dowell said in an e-mail. "And they are
just unique and original enough, while maintaining tradition, to qualify for
playing our Plaza Parties."
In 2000, when the bass player in Estep's old band the King's Strings decided
to quit, he replaced him with Jonathan, his 8-year-old son. Jonathan learned
to a play stand-up bass in about a week. But he had to stand on a milk crate
to reach the top of the instrument.
Jonathan played bass admirably, and, when that band broke up, Paul and
Jonathan continued on their own. With mom Nancy home-schooling the children
(the family is rounded out by 11-year-old Jessica and 4-year-old Jenna),
Jonathan was free to roam the country with his father.
Just like that other parent-child group the Judds.
"I always said there is nothing better than the times when we pack up our
camper and we go," Estep says. "Those are the best. Just me and him."
The Esteps put more than 3,500 miles on the camper in April. Last year, they
logged more than 35,000. After 97 concerts last year, they have already
played 61 this year.
And it's a good thing.
In March 2005, Paul Estep lost his job at a bank when it was bought by
another company.
Suddenly, the band became his only source of income.
LESS THAN NORMAL
Ron Cornett says there's nothing like "family harmony."
"When two members of a family sing together, it's unlike any other kind of
harmony," said the 51-year-old, who's played bluegrass all his life. "So
when I heard of them about a year ago, I was attracted to that."
Cornett, who a year ago founded the Northern Kentucky Bluegrass Music
Association, said he liked hearing the group's gospel sound. When it came
time to choose 15 bands for an upcoming festival in Sparta, he chose Revival
Ridge as one of his headliners.
"They're working on building up their name," Cornett said. "I know most
everybody in this area and I think they can go a long way. Jonathan is a
young man with so much ability. He is fantastic. For his age, he can go as
far as he wants to go."
Still, the industry is tough, he said. And focusing purely on gospel - while
not playing bars, for instance - could hold the band back.
"Bluegrass is very competitive," he said. "There are so many good bands. And
I mean good bands."
After dabbling with recording in the past, Revival Ridge will be releasing
what Estep calls the band's first CD "that sounds what I want it to sound
like." The CD - a mix of originals and covers - should be ready in late
June. Estep sings and plays guitar. Jonathan sings and plays bass.
More than a year since Estep being laid off, the family is not only
surviving, but thriving on the income generated from the band, as well as
from giving music lessons on the side, Estep says.
Still, it's made for a less-than-normal environment for Jonathan.
"I've just never really known anything like what you would call 'normal,' "
Jonathan says. "But I love what I'm doing."
His dream is to someday play in a large bluegrass band or form his own.
"He's had to grow up quickly," Estep says. "He always said he could do it
and he was right."
Estep says they both got their musical talent from his father, who was also
in a bluegrass band.
And the fever could be spreading, as the girls of the family are beginning
to show they can sing, too.
Revival Ridge could someday expand to include their voices.
"I'm so happy that we can do what we do," Estep says. "That's a true
godsend. We are blessed."
Congradulations guys...
Till later....
Steve
Makin' it big in Gospel
15-year-old, his dad form half of Revival Ridge
BY RYAN CLARK | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
BELLEVUE - It all started when Jonathan Estep was 8 years old.
"I began to hear this sound coming from this child," says his father, Paul
Estep. "It was wonderful."
After listening to his father sing, Jonathan began to harmonize with his
father's voice.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It just sounded right," Jonathan says.
That's how it's always been for Jonathan. It sounds right. Or he feels his
way through it. Or it just happens.
That's how he plays guitar, bass and mandolin.
He feels it. He needs minimal instruction.
But if he ever needs it, Jonathan, now 15, has his father, a classically
trained pianist, to help him.
Together, the two form half of the bluegrass gospel group Revival Ridge.
For the last six years, the foursome has traveled all over the South and
Midwest spreading God's word and playing their own form of bluegrass.
"We don't have that twang you would normally associate with bluegrass,"
Estep says. "But we love the music."
After playing about three gigs every weekend for the past six years, Revival
Ridge has gotten a break.
They will be the warm-up band before a Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
concert at 7:30 p.m., July 27 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
"One of our band members went on a tour of the Ryman a couple of years ago
and we were able to give (Skaggs) some of our music," Estep says. "He heard
us and said he wanted us to come perform. We hope this will be the start of
something big for us down in Nashville."
FLORIDA TO FAZOLI'S
Along with members Jeff Blackburn, of Georgetown, and Billy Morgan, of
Guilford, Ind., Revival Ridge has traveled as far as Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,
to play a show.
Then again, you may have seen them at Fazoli's restaurant in Florence.
"For some reason they just love us there," Estep says.
John Dowell, who chooses talent for the Ryman Auditorium, said bluegrass is
an increasingly competitive genre of music, with more groups vying for a
sliver of public attention. But he's liked what he's heard of the band.
"I am always looking for talent," Dowell said in an e-mail. "And they are
just unique and original enough, while maintaining tradition, to qualify for
playing our Plaza Parties."
In 2000, when the bass player in Estep's old band the King's Strings decided
to quit, he replaced him with Jonathan, his 8-year-old son. Jonathan learned
to a play stand-up bass in about a week. But he had to stand on a milk crate
to reach the top of the instrument.
Jonathan played bass admirably, and, when that band broke up, Paul and
Jonathan continued on their own. With mom Nancy home-schooling the children
(the family is rounded out by 11-year-old Jessica and 4-year-old Jenna),
Jonathan was free to roam the country with his father.
Just like that other parent-child group the Judds.
"I always said there is nothing better than the times when we pack up our
camper and we go," Estep says. "Those are the best. Just me and him."
The Esteps put more than 3,500 miles on the camper in April. Last year, they
logged more than 35,000. After 97 concerts last year, they have already
played 61 this year.
And it's a good thing.
In March 2005, Paul Estep lost his job at a bank when it was bought by
another company.
Suddenly, the band became his only source of income.
LESS THAN NORMAL
Ron Cornett says there's nothing like "family harmony."
"When two members of a family sing together, it's unlike any other kind of
harmony," said the 51-year-old, who's played bluegrass all his life. "So
when I heard of them about a year ago, I was attracted to that."
Cornett, who a year ago founded the Northern Kentucky Bluegrass Music
Association, said he liked hearing the group's gospel sound. When it came
time to choose 15 bands for an upcoming festival in Sparta, he chose Revival
Ridge as one of his headliners.
"They're working on building up their name," Cornett said. "I know most
everybody in this area and I think they can go a long way. Jonathan is a
young man with so much ability. He is fantastic. For his age, he can go as
far as he wants to go."
Still, the industry is tough, he said. And focusing purely on gospel - while
not playing bars, for instance - could hold the band back.
"Bluegrass is very competitive," he said. "There are so many good bands. And
I mean good bands."
After dabbling with recording in the past, Revival Ridge will be releasing
what Estep calls the band's first CD "that sounds what I want it to sound
like." The CD - a mix of originals and covers - should be ready in late
June. Estep sings and plays guitar. Jonathan sings and plays bass.
More than a year since Estep being laid off, the family is not only
surviving, but thriving on the income generated from the band, as well as
from giving music lessons on the side, Estep says.
Still, it's made for a less-than-normal environment for Jonathan.
"I've just never really known anything like what you would call 'normal,' "
Jonathan says. "But I love what I'm doing."
His dream is to someday play in a large bluegrass band or form his own.
"He's had to grow up quickly," Estep says. "He always said he could do it
and he was right."
Estep says they both got their musical talent from his father, who was also
in a bluegrass band.
And the fever could be spreading, as the girls of the family are beginning
to show they can sing, too.
Revival Ridge could someday expand to include their voices.
"I'm so happy that we can do what we do," Estep says. "That's a true
godsend. We are blessed."
Congradulations guys...
Till later....
Steve
Best Looking Contest
Now the above pictures are of two 34 year old gentleman. They both are members of Newport Church of God. They both are ministers. However the larger pic is of the best looking and that of course is me. The other pic is the youth pastor, Wayne Guilliams. I've known way since I was eighteen. His looks have improved since I met him, but he still has a long way to go. He emailed me and asked me to post his pic on my site....I have always been considerate so I thought I would post his pic.
Till later....
Steve
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Isn't this the truth
This was posted on Focus on the Family pastor's update...
President James A. Garfield (an ordained minister of the Gospel) foresaw a century ago where we are today:
Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If that body be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation, it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.*
Steve
What a Day
Yesterday was an eventual day. We took the kids to Coney Island. Needless to say, I understand I am not a teenager anymore. My body aches prove that this morning. The kids had a wonderful time, and I managed not to get sick on any rides. Tired and wore out we got home about 10:00 last night. Paula rode 3 rides and went to the van with Jospeh and JJ about an hour before we left. Overall I thought she did pretty good. Pray she will have the energy to make it to church Sunday.
I was woke up last night about 1 AM and our cat...Butterscotch had 5 kittens. They are cute, but it was too early. Going to a birthday party later today.
Tomorrow is Sunday, so I'll post something spiritual tommorrow.
Steve
Friday, June 09, 2006
I have an invitation...
I have been invited to speak at the Holy National Assembly of Truth, for the Holy Prayerway Church. The Assembly is being held in Detroit, Michigan. I will be speaking July 27. Please keep this date in your prayers, and that Paula's health will permit her to go with me.
Thanks
Steve
Paula Update
Paula had an appointment with the UC Transplant doctors yesterday. They changed some of her medicine and scheudled her for a CPX test. This is a stress test to see where she will go on the transplant list. Paula has been feeling very drained. She hasn't really been able to do anything. She felt so bad again last night she couldn't go to church. Please prayer for her that she will get some energy to be able to do what she wants too. I don't like to see my wife upset, because she feels to bad to go to church.
We appericiate your prayers,
Steve
Monday, June 05, 2006
Paula's Transplant Update
Today, Paula met with the Transplant Doctors at UC for the first time. Evidently she will have to have a transplant (unless the Lord heals her). They have put her on some new meds. She has another appointment this Thursday with the her Doctors as well. They are continuing to evaluate her. They will be testing her very soon to see where she will place on the transplant list. Please continue to remember her and us in prayer. I'll update you Thursday on what Dr. Naz tells us.
In Christ,
Steve
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Jewish Museum
A couple of days ago, we took are family to Hebrew-Union College in Cincinnat to see there museum of Jewish history including the holocost. It was a great experience. They had ancient artifacts dating back to the time of Abraham. Yet the most riviting part, was the holocost exhibt. If you are in our area, I urge you to visit it.
Steve
Steve
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