Hello Krew
It's a beautiful spring day here in the Great Smoky Mountains. The grass is getting greener and the Bradford Pear Trees are budding. There's no place like East Tennessee in the spring of the year, and the fall of the year....well there is no place like East Tennessee anytime!

I had a great weekend in NC. I left home on Friday morning and headed east on Interstate 40. Just as soon as I got into NC, I noticed a Wendy's sign that said "Welcome Back the Carolina Classic". I knew right away I was going to have a good weekend! The Carolina Classic was a speciality burger that the Wendy's used to have on their menu only in NC. They took it off the menu several years ago, much to my dismay! On the way to Dunn, I had one, after the concert, I had another one, and then on Saturday on the way to High Point, I had another one, and Sunday night on the way home, number 4! If you live in NC, you have to try it! Its a great burger with chili and slaw and onions. Yes, I know....its a wonder I don't weight 400 pounds!

The concert in Dunn was a great night at Calvary Baptist Church. Pat Klatt did a great job of putting it together. It was great to see Laura and Karen Barefoot. I have known them since I was a teenager with the Hoppers. I have eaten many meals and slept in their yard (on the bus) many nights.

From Dunn, I went up to Archdale NC for a great Saturday night concert and Sunday morning service at Charity Baptist Church. Pastor Elton Wilborne is such a great man with a heart for ministry. His entire family was so nice and the weekend was great. Sunday night I was blessed to be back at Faith Baptist Church with Stephen Welborn.

This Sunday I will be in Orlando FL for a Sunday Morning Service at the Dolphin Hotel.

For those of you who are going on the cruise with us in April, let me remind you of a few things. You must have a photo ID and birth certificate or a passport to board the ship. And your registration must be in your first name, as it appears on your birth certificate. If you didn't use your first name when you registered for the cruise call Travis Roark at 865-278-3681 immediately. Two to three weeks prior to the cruise, you will be receiving documentation from the cruise company with more details about the ship, schedules. . . . .

Don't forget the upcoming concert March 25th in Maryville TN. I will be singing, along with Phil Cross and Poet Voices, Allison Speer and First Love. Speaking of First Love, they are in the top ten for Horizon Artist of the Year in the Singing News Fan Awards. I hope you will all vote for them. They are so sweet and their new babies are adorable. I am sure they will have the twins with them at the concert in Maryville.

The 26th we are going to the Cumberland County Playhouse to see Steel Magnolias. And then on to the buffet at the State Park. IF you want to go with us, call Dot at the office and she will tell you how to make reservations for that.

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Since I recorded the LIVE AT THE RIVER project, many people have asked about the devotional book that I read from. Occasionally on the road, I have read from that book and I always get questions about it,. A YEAR IN THE NOW was written by Bishop Jim Earl Swilley. It has been a real inspiration in my life. Daily I find strength and "umph" when I start my day by reading. I was honored to meet Jim a few weeks ago and was blessed when he gave me a few other of his books to read.

So many people have asked where they can get A YEAR IN THE NOW. I inquired some weeks ago and was informed they were on back order, but yesterday I received a shipment of them. There is a devotional for each day that is power packed with inspiration. If you would like a copy of the book, Please call Dot at the office. The book won't be listed on the store on the webpage for a while. The book weighs about 3 pounds so postage will vary per order/zipcode. The retail price is $20.00 plus shipping.

Personally I think the book is worth twice that. For instance, today's devotional (John 10:10) was exactly what I needed this morning.

1. Today I will live in the now because I have learned how to appreciate my life-to celebrate all of it-reveling in my victories, learning from my defeats and simply enjoying the journey. God is Good, Life is Good, It's all good!

2. I will be happy and thankful and positive and light. . . . . . with a good attitude. . . .

3. Today I will not waste my time for celebration by regarding regrets. . . . .

4. Today I will praise the Lord Who is great and greatly to be praised......

5. Today I will live in the moment...seize the day, rejoice and be glad in the day the Lord has made. I will embrace the world around me and love it unconditionally.

6. Today I will enjoy abundance and favor and prosperity and success......Joy flows out of my heart like a river, bringing life to the desert of depression where so many are dying.

7. Today is a day to thank Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals by making bitter experiences sweet. He has turned for me my mourning into dancing and has given me the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I celebrate his life in me because he has girded me with gladness and caused my cup to run over. Today he anoints me with the oil of joy above those around me and today, I will LIVE IN THE NOW

Call Dot at the office to get your copy. 865 933 2100.

I just got an email about some online voting that's out there again . www.diamondawardsonline.com Appreciate your support there.

Until Next Week
Kapt Kirk

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