So much commercialism around this time of year. Easter eggs and baskets, stuffed bunnies, rows and rows of pastel candies and other seasonal merchandise in my local Walmart …
Let's get it right, this time. Easter IS the message of our risen Lord!
25 years ago this Monday the 12th of March, this little guy changed my world forever. Happy Birthday, Tyler Brann!
1:25 a.m. … Wednesday, the 29th day of February … we were awakened by that eerie sound of sirens declaring an approaching tornado. I have been in Branson since this past October and have heard the drill in midday a time or two. This time, it was not in the afternoon ... nor a drill. Welcome to the Ozarks in the spring!
The major damage took place about a mile from the home I am staying in. Not until the break of day did we realize the extent of the catastrophe that had transpired. The following is an aerial view of "The Strip" on highway 76 through the center of Branson. The link provided will take you to a series of photos, courtesy of many news outlets in our area.
Additional photos: http://fox2now.com/2012/03/01/pictures-branson-tornado-damage-2/
Video feed: http://fox2now.com/2012/02/29/branson-takes-direct-hit-from-tornado/
I have also posted additional updates on my Facebook profile page: https://www.facebook.com/lmbrann1
Nine years ago this day of February 4th, Dad Bill Murphy packed away his Gibson guitar, bid farewell to all of us and returned to his Heavenly home … leaving his Stetson behind. He wears a crown, now.
Man, do we ever miss "The Leader of the Band!"
Yep. Finally a grandparent! Of a dog, that is. Tyler and Sarah have recently had an addition ... rescued the little guy from an animal shelter. By all reports, "Moe" is spoiled rotten! I hope to someday soon have the chance to further the cause.
Oh my … it's been awhile since I updated this page!
I am now living in the amazing community of Branson, Missouri. Well, somewhat … still have much of my life in a Tulsa storage facility.
I am so honored to be part of the "greatest band in Branson" … the worship band at Faith and Wisdom Center. Gospel music's great, Gary McSpadden, and his lovely wife Carol are the pastors. What incredible musicians I work with!
God has also opened the doors for me to provide some technical services for two more of His best musical artists who are headquartered here in Branson, Gary S. Paxton and Gloria Elliott. Gary and his beautiful wife, Vicki Sue, have opened their hearts and their home to me. ( Yeah … this is a view from the "Paxton office" :) ) And Gloria has provided my "alternate homeless shelter" … how much more blessed can I get!
Eventually, I will get settled … where God wants me … and in His timing. In the meantime, I am within 35 - 40 minutes driving distance of Mom Ila, who will turn 89 this coming February. She still resides at Maranatha Village … the Assemblies of God retirement complex in Springfield.
My brother Bob and his wife Delena will be joining us for Christmas. I will miss being with my son Tyler and his wife Sarah … they are in the other world of New York City! God willing, and funds providing, I will get to visit them in January.
Have a very blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It has been awhile since I posted an update. So much to do … so little time.
The summer heat has been/is incredible! Temperature records are being broken consistently in our vicinity. 100 degrees-plus daily … made most unbearable by the added humidity. No rain. Texas and West Oklahoma are in extreme drought.
In the midst of these climate conditions comes the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Interstate I-44, that I frequently take from Tulsa to Springfield, passes through the southern section of Joplin. A couple of weeks ago I took the opportunity to detour into the part of that city that was hit the hardest. I can honestly say, I will never be the same.
I was warned by some who had been there that I would not be prepared for what I would see. How right they were! It was 5 weeks and 5 days after the EF5 storm struck … and the landscape still resembled a nuked war zone. I wept. The photo below was one of many that I took that day. This was one of only a few homes that still resembled what it used to be.
Please pray for Joplin. I am in contact with friends who are lending physical help in restoring some order among the devastation. It will take months. Probably years.
For those of you who have been following our Oklahoma and Missouri storms over the past few days, this link pretty well tells it all! Our families are safe, but our prayers go out to those who have suffered the effects of this week of tragedy.
Spring has sprung in all its fury, here in Tulsa country. And along with it, 'finals week' is just days away at ORU. I'm not sure I like the sound of that … finals week ?? I hope that is not prophetic … (Smile.)
Strange, … how excited a 63 year-old can get by hearing the words, "Spring break!"
So, as have done many other worn and weary students, I have gone home to Mama. And, as have done many other worn and weary students, I will sleep a lot! And eat, … more than I should. A great combination … NOT!
And then, I will be anxious to get back to ORU. Just as many other rested and fattened students will be:)
Spring has sprung here in the mid-south part of our land ... and the excitement begins! What a strange weather year this has been. Less than a month ago, we were buried in 14 inches of snow. Then, 2 weeks later, 78 degrees before falling to below freezing again. The saying here in Oklahoma is, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!" How true that has turned out to be :)
Hope to see ya later!
The now historic Blizzard of 2011 has come to an end ... and Tulsa is virtually paralyzed! The 14-inch one-day total is an all-time record snowfall for the city. Hundreds of vehicles are stranded on city streets and Oklahoma highways. And ORU is closed! That in itself is an historic event.
I am safely tucked into my apartment, studying and sending homework via e-mail to my professors who are equally stranded at home. I couldn't go anywhere if I tried to, ... the snow is too deep and not a plow has come our way. Welcome to winter in Oklahoma. 76 degrees last Saturday, minus 9 tomorrow night!
Photos courtesy of Channel 6 in Tulsa:
Latest Update: http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/latest-update:-the-blizzard-of-2011
This was posted by a Facebook friend, and with his permission I give it to you.
Letter from Jesus -- about Christmas….
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know
that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary - - especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
In the absence of Exciting News, please accept this delightful rendition of "Deck the Halls." We shall return shortly :-) ( First, might want to turn off the streaming music track at the top of this page ... )
My goodness. Where has this year gone?! I have less than 4 weeks left in this semester at ORU. So far, have enjoyed the ride immensely. Ask me again, after finals week in December :-)
A new Christmas instrumental single coming! Yes ... I am currently laying down the tracks to Silver Bells, a "soul/jazz" version I think you will like. I wanted to put that on my last cd, but didn't get it done. Hopefully, we will have this one Internet-ready by Thanksgiving. I have been taking a class at ORU that involves studio recording and editing. The teacher, Kitt Bender ... a greatly talented musician as well as ORU instructor, is working with me on this one.
Also, within a few days we will be doing a promotion for the Christmas cd. Just had word from an Internet station today that plays our music year round ... will be listing those stations as well.
Back to the books!
Well, made it through Fall Break ... unbroken. But today has been a different story. Here, my friends, is the scoop:
As a way to supplement my income, I work in the office of my apartment complex one day a week ... that day this week being today ... ( huh?) Anyway, I was awakened at 6:00 a.m. by a frantic knock on my door. Still in the darkness of breaking morning, I was not too keen on going to the door. Until, I realized it was my neighbor.
Their lower floor .... and my garage ... were flooding. Thus set in motion a series of calls that eventually ended with the fire department coming to the scene. Pipe broke somewhere. I'm OK, save for a few boxes with wet bottoms. My neighbors didn't fare as well.
Then another resident's alarms were going off. And storms hit the area ... much rain and wind. Then came a call from my Bro now in Fort Worth. He and his wife had just witnessed a small tornado passing thru'. I call Mom in Springfield ... she is disappointed that she is missing all the excitement.
It is now 10 hours later ... I have spent those entire 10 hours in the office attempting to bring calm to my neighborhood.
And how was your day?
Not in all of my 62 years of life do I remember ever having a 'Fall Break!' All during my elementary and high school years we were usually on tour ... during which we were 'home schooled' on the road. We would take travel days off, and then study straight thru' the days we were stationary. Never went to college ... no big deal back then :-)
So, to experience my very FIRST official fall break is kinda cool! The Bro, Robert, is driving up from Ft Worth tomorrow and we are going to Springfield together to check up on mom. Then the three of us are tripping a few miles to Branson, where we will be guests of Vicki Sue and Gary S. Paxton. Robert and mom have never been to 'the Paxton Museum' ... their home, as I call it. They are in for an adventure!
Then, Bro and I will return to Tulsa late Friday, to move me into another apartment this coming Saturday ... one in which I can better use my recording studio. No neighbors to yell at me when I turn the monitors up.
Gloria Elliott will also be in Tulsa this coming weekend, so we will get to be in one of her services on Sunday. By the way, her new album that we worked on is getting great reviews. You can hear tracks from it on her new website at: http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com And if you are in the area 10/17, the address where she will be is listed on her schedule page. We'd all love to meet ya!
Til' later .........
Rough day, today. I lost my best friend. For 13 years my kitty, George T. Wesley, has been a faithful pal.
He loved Wheel of Fortune. If I was home and didn't have the tv on at 6:30 he would let me know. Really! It wasn't so much that he enjoyed the action as it was the time to curl up on my lap for awhile.
When Tyler was still in grade school, George ruled! He would get him up in the mornings, wait for him to come home, and then would attempt to turn out his bedroom light when he thought Tyler should go to sleep.
He played 'bat and ball' with his boy, Tyler. Little plastic Easter eggs were his favorites. He would sit on the edge of the bed while Ty would pitch them at him. His paws were mighty bats! He even learned to 'run to first base' ... which was a spot under a bedroom lamp table. We figured that he got that from sitting in the tv room with 'Boy' while they watched a major league game together.
When God called my dad home, George would nightly sit at the top of the stair landing ... looking for Dad to walk through the front door. He knew that Grandpa Bill would get out the electric vibrator and give him a good massage. Any other cat would have run a hundred miles to get away. Not GTW! He relished it.
He ran for president in 2000. When George Bush was campaigning, the local humane society decided to run our George for office ... to raise funds for the new shelter. Little 'voting boxes' went up all over Pocatello, Idaho ... and people paid 1 cent per vote! George T. didn't get elected, but he did his part for a worthy cause.
He rode beside me in the Budget rental truck, all 1300 plus miles from Idaho to Tulsa. And he enjoyed every minute of the journey. George adapted to his new home very well ... didn't even get too excited when the tornado sirens blew. He slept right thru' most of the thunder storms that first spring.
I could write a book on George's 13 years with the family. But I will tuck the memories away in my mind, to recall them when I need a good friend to remember. There will never be another George T. Never.
George T. Wesley -- 1997/October 2, 2010
It has been way too long since I last posted an update. Yes, I am still alive and I am well. I have been doing the ‘student’ thing at Oral Roberts University. And may I add, loving it! I had, however, forgotten what staying up until the midnight hour doing homework was like. The lifestyle does not leave much time for social networking :-> And George hates it when I come to bed so late! ( George is the cat … ) But, I am keeping up with the young ones … quite well, thank you. Mid-terms are over for me and I have proven to myself… and others … that my brain is still working. And the MILES of walking between classes on campus makes for fairly good weight control. I managed to get into an outfit that has been teasing me for several months, now. Yep. I feel good about my life! Stay tuned, my friends.
... A son will hold your hand for a little while, but he will hold your heart
for a lifetime. It's "Sons Week" - Love ya, T. Brann :-)
I have had flashbacks this week, to a former time in life. Was it 40 something years ago that I burned the midnight oil, crackin' the books before a history test? And I thought I was through with that.
Welcome to ORU and my new life! History has been replaced with Interactive Media, my typewriter with a computer keyboard, earbuds replace my bulky headphones, ... and I now email my homework to a professor. My flashbacks are grossly out-of-date!
What's cool is that the young whipper-snappers cruisin' around campus see me coming and assume that I am one of the professor types! Gets me respect. Until one of them ends up sitting next to me in class :-)
I'm holding my own, tho'. Especially at the campus Hava Java outlet. I can drink coffee and study with the best of 'em!
Stay tuned. This could get interesting.
After approximately 1187 miles of travel back and forth between Springfield, Branson and Tulsa,... in 4 days, ... I am finally back in Green Country! Did I mention that 'Green Country' is sweltering with temps in the 100 - 106 range, with substantial humidity?
So, the potentially 'most elder' student at ORU will start classes this coming week. Staying with the media communications & recording emphasis ... hopefully, preparing for an interesting '4th or 5th' career around the corner! Yep. Life now begins at retirement age :-) ... I really don't think there is any such thing as 'retirement' anymore. Who can afford it?!?!
Since our last conversation, Gloria Elliott's album has been completed, and will be 'officially' out this coming week. Her Album Debut Concert, at Gary McSpadden's church in Branson, was amazing. She is so annointed when she sings. She opened by singing my song, "It's Time," ... and I am saying to myself: "Did I really write that?!?" What a great job. We will have her entire album up on her new web site in a couple of weeks, if not before.
http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com
Stay cool, my friends! Drink lots of ice water .... That's what George T. tells me :)
I have been in hot weather before ... but this week has got to be the closest I have become to being baked in an oven. Tulsa can be oppressively hot, but I think Springfield wins the cook off!
It has hovered in the mid to high 90's all week, with the humidity in matching digits. Thus, the heat indexes have been from 105 to 115 degrees. I keep repeating to myself:
THINK SNOW!
Will be in Branson this Sunday A.M. at the 'Sanctuary of Hope' church. Gloria Elliott is going to introduce her new recording of my song, 'It's Time.' She sang it on the Jim Bakker Show last week .... the first time it has been publicly performed. Wow. What a great job she did! We will have it up on her site that I am designing for her at, http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com , in a few days -- along with the additional tracks from the album produced by Gary S. Paxton. I am so blessed that Gloria chose to include it in this new cd.
On the 'BLOG' page of this site, I have posted a very poignant reading that I came across, about our American flag. As we celebrate our country's birth on the 4th of July, please take a moment to access that page and read this tribute.
