July - September 2010 FREE The Lord’s Notes Lord Before Us Productions QUARTERLY Newsletter ~ Special Convention Edition ~ What The Saints Are Reading (extended…) Kirk Franklin “The Blueprint” Franklin is a musician and seven-time Grammy Award winner whose early life was anything but a blueprint for success. Yet succeed he did. Born to a teenage mom who didn't want him and to a father he never knew, he was adopted by his aunt. Franklin was introduced to Christianity early on, but his home environment was harsh and unloving. Given his history, this artist's future often seemed dismal, and yet Franklin tells his fans that God reached down and changed him, and slowly, but markedly, transformed his thinking and his lifestyle to one that followed a pattern of biblical manhood. Throughout the text, Franklin expounds upon faith, relationships, parenting, sex, and marriage, with a casual, energetic verve that will either win readers over or annoy those who find it disorganized and underedited. No doubt, Franklin's story is told to ennoble men and women of faith, but much of the content comes across as put together in piecemeal fashion. Love Letters To The Lord (Book Series) – Linda L. Smith Unwavering Faith, Buried Treasures of Faith, & Still Standing! After sharing what Smith calls her ‘personal expressions to the Lord', it was agreed that her expressions were simply love letters written to the Lord on a daily basis. She provides intimate details as to how it all began, chronicling from 1991 up through 2000 within the three-volume set released this June. Smith allows the reader a glimpse into her world as she balances her faith in God, her responsibilities as a wife, mother, grandmother, and president of a healthcare training institution. Love Letters to the Lord will satisfy a wide spectrum of readers: entrepreneurs, faith-based groups, those with multiple levels of accountability, and especially those with relationship issues within the workplace, family, friend or marriage related, there's something for all social groups. These books will Change your Life! CD /DVD Reviews (extended…) Deitrick Haddon “Blessed & Cursed” DVD Pain, Deceit and Triumph are just some of the plots twists that viewers will experience in this highly anticipated movie! A modern retelling of the dramatic Biblical account of Saul and David, Blessed & Cursed stars Gospel sensation Deitrick Haddon in his first theatrical debut as Dwight Hawkins an incredibly gifted young man who is in search of his purpose amid setbacks and unexpected surprises! Also starring are Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha), Drew Sidora (Step Up) and a host of Gospel music stars including - Karen Clark Sheard, DAMITA, Kierra Sheard, Dr. Bobby Jones and Rance Allen… 7/10 Mali Music “The 2econd Coming” Influence by the likes of John Legend & Bobby Marley, Mali gives you a Tasteful display of not only good Music but tight Vocals as well… Hits include: Broken Spirit, Conqueror, Heart’s Song, All I Have To Give, Yahweh, and I Hate You. Pick this One up for your Second Coming… 8/10 DeWayne Woods “My Life’s Lyric” Woods is back on the scene with a very Emotional/Musical offering, titled – My Life’s Lyric. After his New Artist win at the 2008 Stellar Awards, on the hills of the success of his Hit single “Let Go” – many wondered if Woods could pull off another hit; well rest assured;; he has with this release. Standouts include: God Can, Living On The Top, Good Times, & What Kind of Love. Lyrics for Life is all DeWayne Woods… 7/10 Worth A Spin: forever JONES “Get Ready” 7/10, CeCe Winans “Songs of Emotional Healing” 7/10, J’Son “City Lights” 6/10 Phil Tarver “Place of Worship” 7/10, Darwin Hobbs “Champion” 8/10, Gotta Have Gospel/Ultimate Choirs 7/10 Worth A View: The Preacher’s Kid (starring: Letoya Luckett, Tammy Townsend & Tank) 7/10 In Your Interest – Min. Lamont Bradley “Is Your Praise – Recession-Proof…” We have all been there, once or twice – when it looks as if the Bills are more than the Money you’re gonna have; but before we can just give up – He seems to step in… A few years back, had to be the worst years yet for me in every facet of my life Personal, Business, Health, Ect. At one point I fount myself about to give up on God, yes you heard me – Give Up on HIM. So for about a month, I didn’t go to church, concerts, revivals – nothing, I just kept to myself and stayed home. Well God decided he had enough and took away my so called friends, my finances was limited, and to top it all off – my health started to fail. He made me turn back to Him, just when I thought I could do it myself; he reminded me “I’m Still In Control”, and your Praise will bring you out... He also let me know that it was him that was taking me Through everything. Yeah, when my Money ran out – I ran out on him, but I’m glad he didn’t give up on me… Sure things are starting to get back on track now – but you better believe I learned what not to do, and that sometimes He takes us through things to make us Stronger. He wouldn’t put more on us, than We can bear…LB Catch the “Praising with Professa” Radio Show - Sundays 8:30-9AM (PST) on www.KCLAFM.com (99.3FM) What’s New? LeAndria Johnson is the new BET Sunday Best – Season 3 Winner, congrads gurl! Look for Season 2 Winner – Y’Anna Crawley & winner up - Jessica Reedy projects coming later this year. Marvin Sapp took home the Best Gospel Artist award at the BET Awards this year; it was well deserved. The Lexi Show has come to an end on The Word Network, no word yet on future TV plans from Lexi; but we will keep you posted… Stephen Hurd will record Live on August 27 in Upper Marlbro, MD – “Oh That Men Will Praise” project will be released later this year. Look for New Projects from Lowell Pye, Jonathan Nelson, Isaac Carree, Beverly Crawford, Mississippi Mass Choir, Lucendia Moore & Amy Rushes – This Summer. Israel Houghton is gearing up for the release of “Love God, Love People”, the project featured production work from Aaron Lindsey & Tommy Slims – along with Artists Kirk Franklin & Fred Hammond – look for it in stores soon. Finally, our Deepest Condolences go to the Families of: Ali Woodson, Gary Coleman, and Bishop Walter Hawkins – your Music and Memory will live with Us Forever… TOP 10 IN GOSPEL 1. Marvin Sapp “Here I Am” 6. Youthful Praise “Resting On His Promise” 2. Fred Hammond “Love Unstoppable” 7. Forever JONES “Get Ready” 3. Hezekiah Walker & LFC “Souled Out” 8. Sheri Jones-Moffett “Renewed” 4. Karen Clark-Sheard “All In One” 9. Mali Music “The 2econd Coming” 5. Mary Mary “The Sound” 10. Myron Butler & Levi “Revealed” FOOTNOTES Living The Zoe Life Every Day! Yes, we can live the abundant life without limits. Now is the time for Living the Zoe Life Every Day! While it may be a season of uncertainty for some, it does not have to be for you. You have the ability to chart your destiny in life. Take responsibility for your choices and diligently commit yourself to a plan, honor God, and be rewarded. The author can be reached at www.StarlaPorter.com for more information. Four-D College / Love Letters To The Lord (Book Series) Linda L. Smith, CEO/Founder of Four-D College (www.4DCollege.com) charts a new course by authoring Love Letters to the Lord, a three volume set. The first is subtitled A Modern Day Example of Unwavering Faith, the second is subtitled Buried Treasures of Faith, and the third is Still Standing! Love Letters to the Lord will satisfy a wide spectrum of readers: entrepreneurs, faith-based groups, and those with multiple levels of accountability. Go to www.LoveLettersToTheLord.com for more information. Consulting Entertainment/Bishop Noel Jones presents the 13th Annual Stop The Violence – Think Education, Put God First – Back 2 School Conference, Friday, Sept. 24th at 7PM – Musical Guest: William Johnson & Echoes of Worship, L.A. Inner City Mass Choir, Team Jesus, and Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum. Guest Speaker: Tye Tribbett. On Saturday, Sept. 25th at 9AM-10PM. Guests include: MC’s - Kevin Nash & DJ ElVee from KJLH 102.3FM, Aaron Meeks, Tatyana Ali, Donney da Priest, Terry Crews,Young Chozen, P-Dub, Laia Jones, Don Dubbs, Nicole “Faithful” Franklin, Levi, and Mali Music . Day Classes, Break-out Sessions, and a Finale Showcase. City of Refuge Church 14527 So. San Pedro Ave., Gardena, CA. For More Information, Please Call 562-212-5281. LORD BEFORE US PRODUCTIONS would like to thank you for your Support, and remind you that our International publication (The Lord’s Notes) past and present is NOW available Online on our web site and at selected Conferences/Conventions throughout the year. Lord Before Us Records is currently in the Studio with many Artists – look forward to their releases in early 2011. Pick-up the first release by LAVA Ministries “This Is My Story” is in stores now. Lord Before Us Products will be Launching in the Fall 2010, featuring T-Shirts, Bible Covers, Novelity Items, Black Art Work, and more… Get ready – for If Lord Is Before You, Who Shall Be Against You!