Showing posts with label Odie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Odie. Show all posts

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Memories Old And New

Quick Note From Davy:
By God's grace I will be preaching at our home church, Dryden Rd Pentecostal Church in Moraine, Ohio Sunday morning. This will be my first time preaching since the stroke over 11 weeks ago. I need God to lift me above my limitations. Please pray for me.

Hey Friends,

This is Odie reporting in for another Saturday post. I hope you are doing well. Thank God for helping us through each day past and ahead. My family is blessed, and I am grateful!

Last week, I had a childhood memory play over in my mind. I was taken back to my 8 year old self. We were living in a ground floor apartment in Franklin, Ohio. 

Dad and I were home doing one of our favorite pastimes, listening to CDs. We had the Hemphills playing. Candy Hemphill Christmas came on singing Master Of The Wind. Dad and I sat in his old orange recliner, listening to this beautiful song.


In the mid-90s, I had not yet learned to savor a song's lyrics or apply them to my life. My Dad soaked in the words. His tears came, and soon, the Holy Ghost had settled into our little home. 

I did not know the storm my Dad was facing right then, but I am thankful God was there to comfort Dad! God let Dad know He was there with him! 

I did recognize the special visitation of the spirit of God on my Dad! At that moment, I experienced the splashover from Dad's special blessing. That has been a moment Dad and I will forever cherish! Master Of The Wind is one of our favorite songs of all time.

That night, I learned a valuable lesson, God can show up wherever you need him! Life changing moments can happen anywhere! I am so thankful that I had that time with my Dad!

Since then,  many song lyrics have helped me through life more times than I can count. Tears flow as their messages wash over my soul, and I stop in my tracks to throw up my hands to worship God.

Last Week, Dad worked with Mom on vocal therapy. We got to sing as a family again. My heart was so full, thanking God that Dad's voice is gaining strength. We are still praying for a full recovery!

Then Dad started singing Master of the Wind. I could not keep the emotions from getting me as he sang this chorus.
I know the Master of the wind
I know the maker of the rain
He can calm the storm 
Make the sun shine again 
I know the Master of the wind

We have been living the words from the song. I felt the same spirit of God that I felt at 8 years old. 30 years later, I settled over my family. This time, it was in my home, gathered around my keyboard. God had been so good to us! He has kept us together and given us a reason to sing and rejoice.

Today, we are all facing some type of storm. Remember, He is the Master of The Wind in my life and yours. The next step may be unknown, and the rain may be blinding, or the clouds may block the sun! He is right there with us even today!

Let me close with an updated version of Master of The Wind. The fabulous Becky Isaacs Bowman recorded this song on her solo project. She is joined by a special guest, Candy Christmas.


Thanks for joining me. I enjoy our visits each weekend. See you next week.
Odie

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Lisa And Mexican Food Time

 Hey Friends,

This is Odie reporting in from the beach cottage. I hope you are having a great day. I am here today with a look into a couple outings I had last month with my cousin.

First, a special reminder about something happening in most of the United States before we wake up tomorrow.


It is time to spring our clocks forward. We lose an hour of sleep tonight. I am not a fan of the time change, but I am glad to get more sunshine. Also, I am looking forward to the warmer weather.

Lisa  And Mexican Food Time

Our regular readers will recognize our Cousin Lisa. Several of us often call her Mama Lisa because she is always taking care of someone. She is a tremendous blessing to our family. Today, she gets an extra shout for being awesome.


Lisa and I love it when our schedules work out for us to spend some extra time together. Even if it is just a couple hours for lunch. Lots of laughter and fun is always involved.


Salsa from Alcapulco is often in the equation, too.


Then we have some yummy food from Alcapulco. These pictures are making me ready for Alcapulco right now. I can almost taste it!


God gave me an excellent person to be in my corner. Lisa brings a smile to my face on a daily basis.


I am so thankful for Mama Lisa! Thank you, Lisa, for being there for me! I love our happy memories. I try my best to always express my gratitude. The words thank you can never truly convey my thankful heart. Everyone needs a person in their life who is as awesome as you!

The food, fellowship and friendship make for a wonderful trio. Here is another picture of the yummy Alcapulco food. 


A highlight of going to my favorite Mexican restaurant is seeing my friends! Jorge is the owner and a wonderful friend to our family. He came over to check on us. Also, to get an update on Dad! We love Jorge and his family!


Thanks for joining me for this post telling you about Lisa. 
She and I are already planning another outing in a couple of weeks that we are excited about. I will tell you about it in another post.

Odie

Saturday, March 2, 2024

19 Years of Praise

Hey Friends,

This is Odie checking in for this first Saturday of March. I hope you are doing well today. I am doing good myself. God has been so faithful to me. I am feeling extra blessed today!

This week, 19 years ago, was one of the roughest weeks of my life. I have been reminiscing and praising God one more time. My parents were my rock, and they nursed and guided me. It was rough on them as well!

Our family and friends from all over prayed and helped us tremendously during this scary time. Pastor Philip Deane and the church family Beams of Light Church, in Cantonment, stood beside us. That is when Bro. Philip became our Dr. Phil. Thank you one more time from the bottom of my heart!

Testimony Time

At the end of February 2005, we found ourselves in a wonderful revival near Pensacola, Florida. I was severely sick. I had been sick off and on for weeks. Late on a Friday night, we rushed to the emergency room. I was at my ropes end. We were looking for answers to the reoccurring sickness. I will never forget the 5 hours of misery as we waited in the waiting room before I was called back.

We were hoping for answers and quick treatments to make me better. There was no way of knowing the extent of what the doctors would find. One report from the surgeon sent me down a road I never expected to walk.

The unknown was frightening! I was 19 years old, and that was the first crisis that I had faced. I truly learned to lean heavily on God during my week in the hospital.

During the hospital stay, it was easy to feel like we were drowning in the unknown. Dad would get in my ear and tell me, Baby, this water is over our head and I do not know where the bottom is. But he kept assuring me that we would touch the bottom. 

No matter the outcome, God was with us and we would eventually find the bottom of this deep spot and walk out onto solid ground. 

On March 1st, I had surgery to remove an ugly tumor and some organs that were affected by the tumor. I was terrified of surgery and what the doctors would find! 

I am thrilled to report that God was faithful to me. Surgery was successful, and no cancer was found! When I received the good news late on surgery day, all I could do was cry and raise my hand in praise. I knew the bottom was within reach. 

I look back on this period of time and see God's faithfulness. He worked a series of miracles and brought me through. God turned my test into a testimony and taught me to trust Him. I praise God with every fiber of my being! He is the reason I can share this testimony today.

19 years later, 2024 already has had its own challenges and unknowns. This time around, I have reminded Dad I do not know where the bottom is now. I do know without a doubt that we will touch the bottom and walk out of this deep water. No matter the outcome, God is right here with us!

Already, God has worked another series of miracles for my family! We can never thank Him enough for His continued faithfulness! Today, I am taking another opportunity to say thank you!

Thanks for joining me for another post. I enjoyed visiting with you and praising God! See you next week.
Odie

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Singing At Sea 2024 Recap Roundup

Hey Friends,

This is Odie checking in for this Saturday. I hope you are doing good.

I appreciate all of you who have let me know you are enjoying my vacation recaps from the last two weeks on Saturdays. Click here and here to see the previous posts. Today is the final recap for this year. 

Singing At Sea PSA. 

Several people have contacted me in the past, interested in the Singing at Sea cruise. I highly recommend this cruise chartered by Templeton Tours! We are planning to go next year! 

2025 is already booking up fast for the 49th annual Singing At Sea. Several categories are already sold out. Next year, it will all take place on the Carnival Freedom again. The dates are January 27-February 1st 2025. 

The ship sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Monday. Tuesday is spent at sea. Wednesday is a port day at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. Thursday is also a port day at Grand Turks. Friday is another sea day sailing back toward Florida. Saturday morning, the ship arrives back at Port Canaveral. The bars and casinos are shut down on the ship for the week. You are surrounded by fantastic food, fellowship and great Southern gospel music for your time on the ship.

Contact Templeton Tours here for more information. You can put down a deposit to reserve your spot today. The remaining balance is due in November 2024. The Southern gospel groups on board get credit for every passenger who signs up with their group as your tour host. You can choose any group from the list of entertainers for the week. 

11th Hour was our host this year. They were great to sail with, and we highly recommend them as a host group. It will not give you any special perks, but if you sign up for the 2025 cruise, tell Templeton Tours that  Andrea Boggs recommended it! 😆

Thanks to Jeff Templeton and Templeton Tours for making an excellent cruise available for the Southern gospel enthusiast and cruise fan! All the groups work hard to give us the music we love! The Singing at Sea is my favorite vacation.

Singing At Sea 2024  Final Recap 

I hope you are ready for an extended photo trip on the Singing at Sea 2024. Warning: this is a picture overload! This was  5 nights and 4 days packed with fun, food, beautiful scenery, music and fellowship.

Monday Afternoon

Anthem Edition singing the sail away concert.


Lunch with a view.


First of several Guys Burgers that I  enjoyed.


Some of my cousins from the Boggs side were also on the ship. It was excellent to see Edith, Rhonda and their spouses!


Welcome Aboard with Karen Peck Gooch and Mark Bishop



Gold City




Dinner




Nicole found some friends from Mississippi that she knew.


Karen Peck and New River



This large theater spans decks 3,4 and 5. The stage is on deck 3, and we were sitting on deck 5. My iPhone zoom capabilities worked well!


Odie and Nicole enjoying night one of the cruise. This is when we started planning for next year.


The Whisnants


Our host group 11th Hour.




Carolina Band




Pizza for a late night snack.
 

Tuesday Sea Day

Breakfast


Coffee


Soul'd Out




Doug and Kyra McKinney with Odie.


Odie and Trynda


Nicole and Odie in cruise mode.



My favorite view.


The Whale Tail of the Carnival Freedom. Last year, this ship went several months without a tail. Due to a fire in the ship's funnel, it took a while to replace it.


Sterling C. Sample



Parade of Pianos





How many piano players can play one piano?



Elaine Wilburn introduced special guest Eddie Crook.


Lunch



The Sound






Voices of Lee



11th Hour






Levi Mills of The Sound and Odie.


Tuesday evening was Captain's night. Here are a few pictures we took before dinner.







We got to meet the Captain.


Captain's Reception






Todd, the Cruise Director


Captain and Officers


Dinner








Pictures with Hope and Gracie Bowling.


Bill Shivers and Odie.


Brian  Free and Assurance



The only seat available for Nicole for this set was the drum stool.


This is me with long time friends Tamara and Lesley.



Troy Peach Hoast of Southern Gospel Mid-days on Singing News Radio was this venue's MC for the weak.


The Kingdom Heirs closed out Tuesday night.




One of the daily ice creams we enjoyed from the trip. This is usually how we would end the night.


Wednesday


The Taylors



Breakfast



Bro. Steven,  Abby and Sis. Trynda



Amber Cove, Dominican Republic



We met the Parsons Family from Goshen, Indiana, on the cruise. This is Bro. Parsons and one of his daughters. It was neat to find that we know many of the same people.















 



Time for coffee


I found friends from Georgia even while shopping in Amber Cove.






Nicole said this cup was made for me since I love ice cream.





Wednesday Night


Kelly Crabb and the Bowling Sisters




Carolina Band



Dinner


Kenneth was one of our waiters at dinner.




Tanner Duckworth


11th Hour meet and great.

Garrett and Amber's son, Vinny Saunders, 17 months old, was the star of the show.


We got to hear some of their new music coming out soon.


Amber's Dad joined her and Victoria for part of a song.


It was great to get to chat with Amber Saunders for a little bit!


Nicole and I loved sailing with 11th Hour! Garrett, Amber Saunder, and Victoria Bowlin were so nice to us all week!


The legendary tenor Danny Funerburk.


Karen Peck and New River




Lowie was one of our sweet tablemates at dinner. Karen Peck and New River is her favorite group. I captured this moment of Lowie enjoying Karen's singing.


Tribute Quartet joined Karen Peck and New River on stage for their final song.


Tribute Quartet closed out Wednesday night.






Bro. Darren and Sis. Tammy Mize


Thursday 

Bro. and Sis. Long



Grand Turks












Lunch





Thursday Night

Mark Bishop singing with 11th Hour


11th Hour




Troy Peach


The Erwins




The Matthews Family




Brian Free and Assurance


Sis. Carol from Georgia and Nicole


Dinner





We had wonderful tablemates for dinner. It was great to visit with Lowie, Sue and Don from Pennsylvania.


Karen Peck and New River



This little boy in the picture had to come to see Karen Peck after he was in his PJs.






Tribute Quartet







Jeff Tolbert and Primitive Road



Special Guest Larry Riddle


I met Joseph Reed. He is the Morning Show host for Singing News Radio. I am listening to his show as I type.


Night Owls Diaries Live with Grant Gibson and Matthew Gooch closed out Thursday night. I was glad to be there for their first live show in front of an audience. 


Night Owls Diaries is a weekly show online. It comes from the bus late at night while Matt and Grant drive the Karen Peck and New River bus.


Grant Gibson and Odie


Odie and Matt Gooch


Nicole Odie and Tamara 



Friday Sea Day


Breakfast with my favorite view.


Hymn singalong with Wesley Pritchard.



Amy Lambert Templeton



Wesley Pritchard and Odie


Jonathan Wilburn and Odie


Jeff Easter and Odie


The Whisnants




2 Whisnant brothers and 2 Erwin brothers sang together.




Katie Erwin and Carter Whisnant


11th Hour







Amber's sister and Dad joined her for a song.


Becky Mathews and Odie


Mark Bishop was the MC in this theatre all week.


The Browders





Sis. Carol and Odie




We met the Cruise Director and the Assistant Cruise Director.


2 of our 3 fantastic waiters for the week.





The dining room staff sang for us.


Dinner




Troy Peach and Jeff and Sheri Easter



Levi Mills jumped on the drums for Jeff and Sheri's set.


C.T. Townsend joined them for Party Time.


One more picture with our dinner tablemates.


Odie and C.T. Townsend


It was great to see these ladies and their families on the cruise. Stephanie, Lesley, Tamara and Odie.


My final ice cream of the cruise.


Saturday Go Home Day

Andrea was our room steward for the week. She took great care of us!


Final cruise breakfast for the year.


Off the ship, waiting for the shuttle to the airport.


Time for one last vacation selfie at the airport with Nicole before we went to our separate flights.




See you later, Florida... 


 and hello, Ohio.


I came home Saturday night to this warm welcome.


Singing at Sea 2024 was a success! We had so much fun! We got to see most of the groups that sang during the week. We heard many of our favorites sing multiple times. Nicole and I are looking forward to next year. Until then, we have countless happy memories to relive.

Thanks for joining for this week's recap. See you next time!
Odie