Today is to celebrate Mother’s Day! We honor our mothers with cards, flowers and tokens of love and appreciation. I have been blessed with a wonderful mother who raised me right. I thank God for her and for all of the sacrifices that she made to me. I would not be who I am without her guidance and her support. She is the greatest mother that I have ever met.
Me with Mommy Bernice.
There is a another lady who I know to be a wonderful woman and the greatest mother even though I never met her. I know her only from the memories shared by her daughter and the spirit that lives on in my wife. She is my mother-in-law, Gloriastean. I never had a chance to met her because she passed away three years before I met her daughter.
My mother-in-law, Gloriastean.
In spite of never meeting her in the natural, I feel that I have gotten to know her well through the many wonderful stories that my wife shared of her. From the times that she sang in the jazz clubs as a teenager, to the time she lived in California with her father and attended San Fransisco State University as a music major and the stories of her driving a Cutlass.
My mother-in-law had a passion for life and a passion for excellence. My mother-in-law only wanted the best for her daughter. She gave her the best education, making sure she attended private school all the way through college. Her mother and father sacrificed and bought my wife a grand piano in college so she could her learn how to play. She also encouraged my wife to learn how to sew by investing in buying my wife a sewing machine so she could learn how to make her own clothes.
My mother-in-law had a passion for excellence in taking care of her house and her family. She instilled in her daughter the same passion. Whether it is keeping the grass cut in the yard or the floors swept in the house, I see that today in the way that my wife keeps our home.
My mother-in-law spent her life making sure that her daughter was taken care of and to provide her with a good life. Even though she is in heaven and I never met her, my mother-in-law’s passion deeply influences me today. It is my desire to take care of my wife the best way that I can. I look to my mother-in-law for this inspiration. I only hope that I can continue at the same level that she started. Thank you for being the greatest mother, and greatest influence, that I never met.
I must Tell The World, Tell The World Everywhere I Go!
Lecrae
I am unashamed to say that my wife and I attended a rap and hip-hop concert earlier this week at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.
The Fabulous Fox
Grammy award-winning rapper Lecrae brought his Anomaly Tour to the Gateway City on April 30, 2015. The three-hour concert, featuring Andy Mineo and DJ Promote, provided uplifting messages of hope and heavy doses of realness.
An anomaly is defined as something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. Lecrae’s Anomaly 2.0 concert definitely had it’s share of anomalies. Let me see, where shall I begin.
Anomaly #1
I grew up listening to rock-n-roll, heavy metal and even a little country music. For me, rap was not on my playlist. I didn’t even like the music. The most rap that I listened was “Parents Just Don’t Understand!” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Did I just date myself?). But as I have matured, so have my music selections. While I still will listen to some of my favorites, I now also listen to music that has an uplifting message, no matter the genre. Lecrae is currently one of my favorite artists because he delivers a message of overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you.
Lecrae
Anomaly #2
This is the third time in just over a year that my wife and I have seen Lecrae in concert. Last year, we attended our first Winter Jam concert and the Summer Shed concert when they stopped here in Saint Louis; both of which featured Lecrae. Lecrae is now the artist that I have seen in concert the most, more than Def Leppard, Bon Jovi and REO Speedwagon – all of which were bands that I attended concerts while in high school and college.
Lecrae
Anomaly #3
Prior the concert, my wife and I eat dinner with our friends who are also big Lecrae and Andy Mineo fans. Eugene and Roxanne grew up in Los Angeles. Although the LA area is vastly different and much larger than Vienna, MO where I grew up (3.8 million people versus 603 people), we all came together and enjoyed the food, fellowship and then the concert. They were so sweet because they blessed us with dinner. We got to get a picture together next time, enjoying the fellowship. We didn’t get a chance to take a picture this time. They are also true-blue Laker fans (but I won’t hold that against them). We also were able to see our other friends Marc and Peggy and their family.
My wife and I eating dinner at the City Diner before the concert.
Anomaly #4
We purchased our tickets back in February and were able to get awesome seats in Row J — about ten rows from the stage. Considering how costly some concerts can be today, paying only $48 for these tickets was such a great deal. Plus, the fact that the show lasted three hours made it an even better value. Not long ago, when Mrs. Carter had her concert in Saint Louis, we paid almost three times as much, for seats much further from the stage and the show lasted only an hour and a half. Still shaking my head over that one! What was I thinking? (I don’t know!!) You learn.
Anomaly #5
We purchased these tickets as deluxe tickets, which meant we were able to arrive early for a ‘meet and greet’ with Andy Mineo. My prior experiences with VIP tickets that give you an opportunity to meet the band, you will be paying two, three or four hundred dollars a ticket, maybe even more. I never bought VIP tickets because I didn’t want to pay such a high price, but for only $48 – what a deal! People asked Andy questions and he answered them and shook people’s hands as well as ours.
Andy Mineo
After the meet and greet, we purchased a STL Lecrae tour T- shirt and I had to wear it to represent. Pretty nice don’t ya think.
The Anomaly STL T-Shirt in Cardinal Red
Anomaly #6 It was great to see many people attend this concert as a family unit. I saw many parents jamming with there teenaged-children, posing for selfies, taking pictures and having a great time. In my experiences with previous concerts, I usually would see adults, and teenagers, but they did not come together as a family. This concert was different, and it was good to see.
Anomaly #7
When I was growing up, rap and hip hop were considered alternative music and only a small group of people listened to the music. But today, more people accept these genres and the music has moved into the mainstream, so much so that the concert’s demographics surprised me. The audience was very diverse and I can I say, I was there. The concert included a guest appearance from Saint Louis’ own Thi’sl for duet on Lecrae’s hit song, Fakin’.
Lacrae and Thi’sl getting ready to perform Fakin’
Anomaly #8
In all that I have said about the concert, I have not mentioned that Lecrae, Andy Mineo and DJ Promote are Christians and their music promotes strong Christian values. Why? I didn’t want you to have a prejudiced view of Christian rap and hip hop before I talked about the concert. That being said, I believe it is an awesome gift these men bring to the stage. There are some people who would say that Christian rap and hip hop are not true Christian music, almost to the point of being considered ungodly. However, I would disagree. Any music, no matter the style or genre, that has an objective to reach an audience with uplifting words and inspirational messages, and that can tell the world about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is worth having on your playlist. These three men succeed at making music that achieves this objective.
If had a chance to catch the Anomaly Tour, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought about the show.
Jay and JT at Lacrae Concert
Jay
This post is dedicated to our concert rodees Roxanne and Eugene! Until the next concert.
Okay, so my efforts to have the Downton Abbey recap up the next day has gotten delayed again this week. My schedule did not allow me to get this post ready on Monday evening; but nevertheless, I have push onward and now I have the chance to write my recap.
This year’s season of Downton Abbey is a much different than the previous seasons. There is no major historical event occurring to wrap the plot around. In previous years, we watched as the First World War took center stage and it was easy for the writers develop a plot around such a major historical event. In this season, the plot is more focused on personal stories and events in the characters lives. It allows for a greater development of the characters that we have loved since the first season or a chance to get to know the new ones. At first, I was unsure how this would be work, but the plot line and the writing has been excellent. By the 1920s, Europe and especially Great Britain, saw an extraordinary change in the political and social scene. Season Four of Downton Abbey has masterfully portrayed that change.
www.pbs.org
Observations and Thoughts about Episode Four
Anna continues to withdraw herself from Bates and refuses to tell him what is wrong. Learning that Mrs. Hughes knows what has happened, Bates threatens to leave Downton if she does not tell him the truth. Mrs. Hughes tells him, leaving out that it was Green, Gillingham’s valet, who was the one responsible for the vicious act. Once Anna knows that Bates knows, their relationship starts to slowly reconcile. Anna does not want Bates to know that it was Green who attacked her.
Alfred travels to London for the first time to take the chef’s test at the Ritz Hotel. His cooking creating have been a hit with the family, but unfortunately he does not finish in the top four. He returns to Downton.
Mr. Drewe, one of the oldest tenants of Downton, has died. He had not been able to pay his taxes in many years. Prior to his death, Lady Mary threatened to foreclose on his property and get it back so it can be profitable once again. Mr. Drewe’s son wants to continue farming the land and he pleads with Lord Grantham to find a way to do it. Lord Grantham agrees to pay the back taxes and allow him to work on the land. Lady Mary and Branson find out what has happened and do not agree with it.
Technology continues to make its way into Downton. Baxter, the new lady’s maid, is using an electric sewing machine, and Cora wants to purchase a refrigerator for the kitchen, much to the displeasure of Mrs. Pattmore. Mrs. Pattmore continues to struggle with these new items and feels that they are unnecessary. But Mrs. Pattmore sees the benefit of the sewing machine when she rips her smock and needs it fixed in a hurry.
Questions for Episode Five
Will Bates pursue finding out who attacked Anna? Will he find out that it was Green? If he finds out the full truth, how will he react? Will Anna and Bates be able to have the same relationship as they did prior to the event.
Will Alfred continue with his desire to be a chef? Or will he give up on it all together? Who will be there for him to encourage him with his dreams and goals?
What new appliance or technological item will be introduced at Downton? Will Downton keep up with the change times? Or will it continue to be caught up its past, expecting things to stay the same?
How will the changing tide of the working class effect the way Downton does business? How will Downton be able become self-sufficient as it has for the last one hundred years? Will there be other parts of the land be sold off in order for Downton to maintain its operations? Will Lady Mary and her father come into an agreement on the best way for this work?
Okay, so my Downtown Abbey post is a little late. The Day After Downton post was supposed to be up and ready the day after. But last Sunday, my wife and I attended the Winter Jam concert and missed Downton Abbey all together. So instead of watching it Sunday night, we did not get an opportunity to watch it until Monday night. And then my scheduled filled up the rest of the week. And finally today, I am getting a chance to sit down and write my thoughts about Episode Three.
www.pbs.org
Thoughts / Observations for Episode Three
Anna refuses to tell Bates, or anyone else except Mrs. Hughes, what has happened to her. Bates is earnestly trying to find out; and Anna is avoiding him at every opportunity. She has even requested to move back in the Abbey and way from Bates. Anna does not want Bates to know what has happened to her because she fears that he will seek revenge on Green.
Lady Mary is moving forward in her role as executor of the Downton Abbey. She travels to London to meet with tax advisors to find out what can be done about the death tax. While in London, she meets up with Gillingham at the request of her mother and Lady Rosiland. Their relationship takes the fast track and by the end of the episode, Gillingham asks Lady Mary to marry him, despite being engaged to another woman.
Edna is trying to manipulate Branson into a relationship with her. After spending the night in his room, Edna asks Branson if she would marry her if she was pregnant. Not knowing what to do, Branson turns to Mrs. Hughes for advice. Mrs. Hughes calls Edna’s bluff and dismisses her from Downton. Branson is relieved and Edna leaves in disgust.
Alfred, upset that he cannot get move forward with a relationship with Ivy, has set his sights on attending cooking school and learning to be a chef.
While in London, Sir John Bullock invites Lady Mary, Lady Rosiland, Lady Rose, Branson, and Gillingham go out for the evening to the Lotus Club, a jazz club. While at the club, Sir John is dancing with Lady Rose. Sir John leaves Lady Rose alone on the dance floor while he runs away, in a drunken stupor. Jack Ross, the African American band member, leaves the stage and comes to Lady Rose and finishes the dance with her. The family is observing Jack dancing with Lady Rose and gives disapproving looks to her. Branson comes over to Lady Rose, telling it was time to go.
Lady Edith and Gregson move forward with their relationship as Gregson get ready to leave for Germany. They spend the night together in London to the disapproval of Lady Rosiland.
Questions for Episode Four
With Anna moved back in the Abbey, how will this effect her relationship with Bates. Will Bates find out what has happened? Will Mrs. Hughes be forced to tell him or the family what has happened? Will Green be at Downton more often since Gillingham wants to marry Lady Mary.
Will Lady Mary give an answer to Gillingham? Will she wait until she has fully grieved for Matthew? How long will it that? Will there be other men who arrive at Downton who will try to get involved with Lady Mary, knowing that she is again a single lady.
Having escaped the lusts of Edna, will Branson get himself together and accept his role in the family? Will he work with Lord Grantham and Lady Mary to run the estate or will he run away all together and start a new life, maybe back in Ireland or maybe in America?
Will Alfred get the chance to go to London to train as a chef? Will he finally end his quest to get Ivy? Is this the last we see of Alfred?
Being a person of color, how will the family react to Jack if he tries to anything with Lady Rose? Will such a relationship further break down the barriers that have been created by the aristocratic family?
How will being in Germany affect Gregson? Will he get caught up in the German politics in any way? Will he just be there long enough to officially divorce his wife? Will he return to London? Things seem to be going to good for Lady Edith right now, considering her history will men and relationships.
Ten musical acts, one pastor.
Five hours of ministry, one mission.
The Winter Jam 2014 tour stormed into the Gateway City last night and left the 18,000 concert-goers with a message of hope for the future and God’s enduring love.
Billed as one of the largest concert tours of the year, now in it’s 19th year, Winter Jam features many of today’s biggest and newest acts in the Christian music scene. I had not been to many Christian concerts. However, when our friends Eugene and Roxanne invited us, we immediately jumped at the opportunity when we saw that the performer list included Newsboys, Lecrae, Plumb and Newsong. By going to the concert, we were introduced to Derek Minor, Everfound, Love & the Outcome, Colton Dixon, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Tenth Avenue North. It was mixture of hip-hop, rap, pop, rock and heavy metal. Not your typical mixture of musical acts, but than again, this not your typical concert.
It was awesome to see, in total, ten musical acts take to the stage during the five-hour event. Each act took to the stage and performed between fifteen and thirty minutes. Keep in mind that this was much more than a concert with chart-topping singles and Grammy-winning performers. The artists and their music will pull you in. However, when the artists share with you their message about how important God is in their lives and how He has changed their life, you know that this is much more than a concert. It is an opportunity for you to see and to experience that same joy and peace of knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ. The performers offered their testimonies on what brought them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Nick Hill also gave a brief lesson on The Prodigal Son, coming to Christ and ministered salvation. People stood up all over the hall, accepting Christ in their lives.
What an awesome and beautiful sight to see!
Lecrae
Another blessing, concert goers had an opportunity to learn more about Holt International, an organization that helps families adopt needy in foreign countries for over 60 years. They also provide sponsorship a child in a bridge program that prepares the child for adoption. The bridge program allows you to sponsor a child for $30 a month, which will help if the child with necessary surgeries or shots before the adoption is finalized. Holt’s motto is, “every child deserves a home”. It was special to see a local family who was brought on stage to share about how they adopted six children. Holt International had volunteers at the Winter Jam concert. If you would like be a Holt International volunteer please check out its site. To learn more about adopting a child or helping a child by sponsoring a child through the bridge program please click on HoltInternational.
Plumb takes to the stage.
Concert organizers want to make the event available to as many people as possible. So, instead of charging a high price tag, tickets were only ten dollars, payable at the door and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. VIP tickets can also be purchased prior to the show. There are two levels of VIP tickets, one for the individual rate ($50) and one for the group rate ($40). With a VIP ticket, you get a concert ticket, a T-shirt, access to the hall an hour before it is open to the genera public with first-choice of seating, and a question-and-answer session with some of the performers. A third option is available for ($30), if you do not want a T-shirt.
I would recommend that you consider the VIP (Jam Nation) ticket if you are planning to attend a future Winter Jam concert, for a couple of reasons. 1) You have your own red-carpet entrance into the hall and you can avoid standing in the general admission lines. We arrived an hour and a half before the start time and there were already at least a thousand or more people waiting. 2) You can get into the hall early and not have to wait outside, especially now if you are in a winter weather climate. 3) If you are planning to purchase a T-shirt at the show, the price already includes one for you. 4) You get early access to the merchandise tables if you would like to purchase additional T-shirts and CDs.
One insider tip if you have a VIP ticket for a future show: you will want to find out where the VIP entrance is. When we arrived at the concert and parked in the garage and walked towards the hall, lines were forming all around the building. However, we saw no signs that indicated where we needed to go. We stood in a line thinking it was for all of the VIP ticket-holders. However, as the line started to move and as we got closer towards the entrance, some people were being moved into another line and the VIP entrance came into view; and we got in with no problem. As we entered in and were checked in, security checked our bags to made sure that we did not bring any food or cameras into the building. We picked up our T-shirts and lanyards because we purchase a last minute pass online. We found a great seat and settled in. It was only a little after four o’clock. And the general admission ticket people would be coming in for another 45 minutes.
Paying a little extra was well worth it.
JT enjoying the concert!
Jay helping with the offering near the end of the concert.
The Winter Jam 2014 is just getting underway and will be on the road until at least the end of March. Check here for tour dates and time of the shows in your area. If the tour is coming to a city near you, you don’t want to miss it.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
Follow!