A Trust Thanksgiving

I've been watching many of my friends on Facebook posting a daily word of thanksgiving this month. That's really cool and I wish I would have thought to do that at the beginning of the month, but I didn't. I didn't want to feel like I was simply jumping on a popular bandwagon a week into it, so I've simply enjoyed looking at what others have written. Please understand that in no way means I'm not thankful, because I am. In fact, what it has also done, is remind me of things I'm thankful for that sometimes I may take for granted.

I may take the time to make a list for my personal blog (Faison Focus) this week, but right now, I want to share some things from the quartet's perspective. These are not written in any particular order.

We're obviously thankful and in praise to our God for allowing us to travel and sing. Our ministry heart is to encourage the believer and evangelize the lost. The abilities that God has given us to accomplish those goals are an unbelievable blessing. It's one we do not take lightly. God has given us many friends who allow us to minister in their church. He has kept us safe over many highway miles. In short, as the Scripture says, "Every good gift and perfect gift comes from the Father..." To God be the glory! The rest of the blessings are certainly in light of the Ultimate Blessing we have in Christ.

We're thankful for our friends that support us, both prayerfully and financially. Some of us were talking this past weekend about how we have some incredible friends who are there for us, through good and bad. There are folks who are so kind and gracious to help us as they are able financially and more importantly hold us up in prayer on a regular basis. Friends, we absolutely could not do what we do without you!

We're thankful for our families who allow us to go and fulfill our ministry. From time to time, we're able to have family on trips with us, but many times we leave them behind on weekends. We do try to schedule our services around important dates in our family's lives, but sometimes that cannot be avoided. Our families mean so much to us and the support they provide helps us beyond what words can express.

We're thankful for Ole Lightning. The bus has many, MANY miles on her. In fact, that bus is younger than any of us (Assembled in 1980, according to the sign on the wall.), but with well over a million miles under her belt, she's holding her age well! We try to take care of her, but we're grateful for the way she helps get us down the road.

We're thankful for our friends in the quartet 'business.' I use that term almost tongue in cheek, simply because it's the term that comes to mind to express who I am referring to. While the list could go on and on, I would simply highlight the folks associated with Simple Faith and Gulf State Quartet. Our partnership with the POPCORN Concerts provide us with opportunities to fellowship together, and when we say we get along well ~~ it's truth! The men and women who make up these three ministries have a genuine appreciation and admiration for each other that cannot be overlooked nor overstated.

And, since I'm the one writing this, I'll mention this ~ I'm thankful for Trust Quartet. The Trust family is a special group of people with a special bond. We enjoy traveling together and sharing the good news of Jesus through song. God has placed a unique group of people together and is using that group to further build His Kingdom. I'm thankful for each one who is working together toward that common goal.

We'll take time off this weekend and do the family thing. But as we do, please know that we are thankful for you, our Trust friends. You are a blessing to us, and we appreciate all you are to us and what you do for us. We love you.

Buzz and Beverly, Jeff and Rhonda, Seth, Spence and Karen, John and Pat, Robin and me ~ and all our families ~~ Happy Thanksgiving!

Singing With Robert!

He first caught my attention during our sound check Sunday morning. Then, when I went to Sunday school class, there he was again. I sat behind him, and throughout the Sunday school time, I found myself observing him. I learned his name is Robert. I watched how he interacted with others in the room much older than he. I listened as he shared prayer requests for those he was concerned about. I listened to how several in the room mentioned his love for music. After all, that's why I had the occasion to be there ~ Trust Quartet would be singing during their worship service that morning.

I watched as Robert and his family left the room and went to take their place in the sanctuary and prepare for worship. They sat on the very back row, left side. Smiles rarely left their faces, even through some of their tears of joy as we sang Because He Lives, Treasures Unseen, and Sinner Saved By Grace. What really caught my heart, though, was his response to the very last song we sang. This particular song speaks of going home to see Jesus. As I introduce the song, I'm reminded (so I remind those listening) that life as we know it can be hard. It can be riddled with pain, suffering, and disappointment. There are things we may not understand as we walk through life here, but one day soon, we'll be home with Jesus. Life as we know it is almost over. Those of us who know Christ as our Savior will soon be able to worship Him in all His glory! As we sang It's Almost Over, Robert and his mom, through tears, were smiling from ear to ear! They both had their hands raised in worship of the Almighty God who loved them and was waiting to welcome them to that reward!

You see, Robert is confined to a wheelchair. I don't know all his physical ailments, but I know from his testimony that he loves Jesus with everything he's got! One day, he's not going to be bound to that wheelchair! One day, he's not going to have trouble communicating with those around him. One day, Robert will be able to stand and sing in the Heavenly choir! And for the record, I'm looking forward to joining him!

Trust's Newest Helper

Seth Joiner

Each person in the Trust Quartet family has a responsibility. Whether it is loading or unloading the bus, moving equipment in and setting it up, or being in charge of the product table ~~ you get the idea. There are lots of jobs available, and if Buzz is gonna feed you, he wants some return for his investment! (Just kidding, Buzz.) After all, there are some of us that the investment is significantly larger with that deal!

For the last few weeks, we've had a young man with us who has been trying his best to earn his meals. Seth Joiner is the nine year old grandson of Rhonda and Jeff. He has learned quite well how to bring in microphone stands, stools, tables . . . and he's a pretty good water-go-getter, too! Seriously, if he can help, he's generally ready to do it.

When Seth is not traveling with us, he is a fourth grader in school, and enjoys riding the bright orange bike Papa and G-ma (Buzz and Beverly) gave for his birthday. He hunts with Papa Jeff every chance he gets, and enjoys playing football, baseball, and fishing with dad (Brett Joiner). Maw Maw Rhonda tells me he really enjoys playing drums and guitar and has tried his hand at writing a song or two.

Seth is a talented guy and one day, I wouldn't be surprised to see his name in the credits alongside a song and you may just see him on stage with Trust Quartet some day. Until then, though ~~ Hey Seth, would you please go grab Uncle Steve some water??? Please???? 

What Do Singers Do in Their Free Time?

I tend to visit websites of Southern Gospel artists, and several ask and answer questions about our hobbies. Our site, trust quartet.com is no different. As I type this on my fancy phone, I'm sitting on the front row at Faith Baptist Church in Vero Beach anxiously awaiting the Tribute Quartet concert to begin. If you look on my profile on the quartet's website, you'll find this group listed among my favorites. These guys are great musically, and appear to be the real deal. Coming to concerts of the full time groups is a treat for me, too, because when I do, I learn from them.

I'm going to wait til the concert starts, take a couple of pictures to attach to this blog and post it. Then, I'm going to put the phone up and enjoy the music. If you ever have the opportunity to hear Tribute Quartet in concert, you really need to do yourself the favor and take advantage of that. To learn more about my friends at Tribute, visit their website at www.tributequartet.com.

Oh, here they come!!!!!!

A Few Thoughts From My Heart

It has been a while since I wrote anything here. Thanks for your patience and hanging around.

The results of the election were not at all what we hoped for, but we should be reminded that the same God who was on the throne yesterday is still on the throne. He may not be pleased with the direction our Nation is headed, but our job is not to worry, but to rest ~ in Him! We need not fret, but rather continue to walk in the paths of righteousness, holding firmly to His nail scarred hand.

The song perhaps never meant as much to a collective group of people ~"I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day". Friend, I know who holds tomorrow, and I KNOW WHO HOLDS MY HAND! When I examined my life this morning, I remembered my job here has not changed. I am still called to love God and my neighbor, and pray daily for them ~ yes, even those with whom I disagree.

Stay focused on doing our part to keep our Nation great. I'm still thankful to be an American!