ISSUE NO. 3
RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE!
the nation's premiere blogZINE
Positive Acts, Positive People
The PLAYMAKER Actor Tony Grant on Faith, DREAMS ...& Being Called to Perservere
Gospel Recording Artist
Psalmist Candy West
Teacakes by Minke
Terrence Mackey
Ignites a
&
Conducts a
Divine
Pastor
Jesus Symphony
"TURNAROUND"
James Henderson
Our Staff. Editor in Chief
o d I . e m l o ' l i Senior Editors l t s u j s y ' t i m , y Executive Art Director w h o w e tn b h g d i l R u Staff Writer co h c i e h h t w . . e . l L b Columnists L m e s e it A r y l ! nt z e i Contributors r r W u e c h T n i curls p Chief Photography Editor o t p o m 's , w e Copy Chief o c r n c e i e t a p Scar t u Associate Art Director B n . ) o e e e h r a e rs o (He Photography Editor t u b i r t n o c t o Associate Photography Editor g s e p n m o u y l n r a a g u Designer n S e h t l i t a n r U o ! Intern y r a o t a v i t the w c a l r u y c M e r ? a d p n u o r any s a g n i y l r a b s! s r m e r k a c i n e EDITORIAL OFFICES Sn p o / w DALLAS TX ts i a w y t sani Deputy Editor
,
CONTACT (469) 231-4482 ORDERED.STEPS@YAHOO.COM Random Acts of Praise is published by grammatically inCORRECT Publishing Group
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Random Acts of PRAISE POSITIVE Acts/POSITIVE People
...lose to win!
Sometimes, DOUBT is a pretty good sign that you are about to WIN!
LOSER. So many times I’ve spent feeling like I’ve strutted around with that hateful moniker stamped across my forehead for naysayers to gawk at, armed with a detrimental arsenal of “I told you so’s” & “I can do it better’s.” DISBELIEF in your ABILITIES is a might heavy burden to bear! …and I know I’m not alone. These days, in my 40+ years of time I’ve borrowed on this planet, I’ve realized one thing & finally caught the revelation, Sugarlumps: SURVIVAL is not indicative of OPINIONS – unless it’s our OWN. See, we have a bad habit of thinking we’ve lost before the race has even started! In the summer, do we turn on all the lights in the house in anticipation of darkness approaching…even though Daylight Savings puts a few extra hours of shine on our plate? NOPE. Even as kids, we recognize that the porch lights don’t come on until it’s actually DARK outside. You haven’t lost. And you’re not a LOSER. Sometimes, folk are watching you in awe because they see how you’re SURVIVING. It gives them HOPE. Not everyone hates; sometimes folk are quietly GLEANING from you…even if they have a funny way of showing it. Keep pressing. Keep pushing. Keep fighting. You’ve already WON.
Step inside our world of beauty, inspiration...& POSITIVE VIBES Random Acts of Praise is here! In this issue: We chat with award-winning actor/singer Tony Grant about his career of ENCOURAGEMENT, Gospel Recording Artist Terrence Mackey conducts "Jesus Symphony," & Candy West has a major "Turn Around!" There's a PRAISE inside these pages just for YOU!
Cover Photo Credit: TONY GRANT Want to be featured in Random Acts of Praise? Contact The Editor today!
CANDICE Y. JOHNSON Editor-in-Chief RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE BLOGZINE | 2016
ordered.steps@yahoo.com
"I don't know about tomorrow, I just know about today, I just hope tomorrow ...is better than yesterday."
TONY GRANT Candice Y. Johnson ' s EXCLUSIVE chat with
RANDOM SPOTLIGHT
(Recited from "Yesterday" ~ Tony Grant)
6102 LIRPA
The Playmaker
3# eussI
ON FAITH, DREAMS & BEING CALLED TO PERSERVERE
Tony Grant loves people.
“I want to see people be blessed. I’m happy when I see God’s blessings upon someone’s life.” The actor, producer and Grammy-award nominated musician with a uniquely identifiable swag and gift for bringing the empathetic side of humanity to each character that he owns, currently stars as
“Phillip” on
the OWN network’s runaway smash comedy, Tyler Perry’s
“Love Thy Neighbor.” Aside from frequent
collaborations with the likes of Perry [Why Did I Get Married, The Marriage Counselor, A Madea Christmas, Madea Gets a Job, and Behind Closed Doors], Grant’s undeniably captivating tenor voice paved the way to R&B music success in the 90’s, as lead vocalist of the Grammy-nominated group, AZ Yet. His smooth vocals have had the honor of melodically merging with the indelible instruments of Brian McKnight, Dr. Dre, Kenneth
“Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Celine
Dion, Stevie Wonder, and Harry Connick Jr. - to name an incredibly distinctive few.
…theater. The world has served as
Music, television, film
a bountiful stage for Grant, passionately pursuing DREAMS intended to dramatically bless the lives of others. The gentleman has performed mountainous tasks and accomplished lofty goals far beyond the comfort many folk will allow their anxious minds to even think of dreaming. But it’s his position in theater
– one of gospel
entertainment’s elite using a chameleon-like ability to disappear into each character he assumes to infuse inspiration into imaginary worlds of fiction and insatiable drama that has captured the heart and inquisitive mind of Random Acts of Praise. You recognize his handsome face
– but can you feel the
beat of his altruistic heart? No matter the identity the script requires him to strap on (the good guy just trying to make it or the creep trying to take it), his body of work speaks volumes to his purpose. DESTINY transcends the titles his career has crowned him with.
…he’s more like, a professional ENCOURAGER. Tony Grant is more than an actor. He’s The Playmaker.
PLAY CONT'D)
(
I never dreamed of doing it [being an actor/singer],” Grant confesses from a rare stop at home during a brief respite between gigs. “I wanted to fly a jet.” That’s right. When Grant was a child, he wanted to fly. So profound and fitting, considering his career has soared to the clouds, with God in control as the pilot. Which is precisely why Grant credits El Shaddai with the divine success that has granted his career wings. Even if the steps were ordered a bit differently than he initially envisioned. “
The ministry of theater, disappointment & CONFIRMATION “When I was 11, I woke my mom up and told her I had a dream that I was a minister, but I wasn’t behind a pulpit. I was in front of thousands of people. She said, ‘That’s not a dream…that was a vision.’ And God put this on my heart.” In 1990 it was the heart of that vision that took Grant to an open casting call for the hit stage play A Good Man is Hard to Find, where the future actor unknowingly followed the inevitable reality of the “Joseph dream” he’d experienced as a child. Sick, Grant arrived as the eleventh candidate vying for a coveted role in the play. Standing out in the cold & rain, he would come to find out there were only ten slots available for the line of hopefuls to audition. But as fate would have it – destiny had something a little different in mind for God’s faithful servant. “[Actor] number seven came and gave me his spot!” gratitude warmly wraps itself around the fond memory like a plush, cushy throw in the middle of Fall as he recollects the inevitable
path to the amazing future he knew awaited him. “I sang Amazing Grace and won the lead role! 26 years later, I’ve never had to pick up the phone for a job. When God calls you to do something, He makes a way.”
Blind faith is hard, almost laughable in an industry that can often be so fickle and uncertain as the business of entertainment. But it’s that I shall not be moved mustard seed Grant has held onto through all the years of “not picking up the phone” to maintain incredible faith that not only allow the blessings to continue flowing, but uses that platform he’s been afforded to be a blessing to others. Even if that platform isn’t as conventional as traditionalists would have it seem. “As Christians, we limit God. People take “you can’t serve two masters” and misquote it. God gives you the gifts. My line to get to where I’m at was through R&B music. That’s what gave me my voice to make a difference. I’ve bridged the gap between secular and gospel and have not been judged. Listen, so many of us are so gospel, that we forget we’re all God’s people. God is taking me to places people won’t commonly come to. What do you do to bring attention to the community? Let me get $100 million…I’m going to help somebody. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others; this is my path of doing that.” “
Humility speaks VOLUMES. Throughout our conversation, what’s more apparent than the status Tony Grant has
…is his open heart to serve.
attained in his illustrious career
“As with any type of celebrity, you have a huge responsibility to help people – and you don’t have to be a pastor to do it. Whatever your position is, you have the responsibility to help. I’m human, but my heart is for God.” MOTIVATION. It’s a hard mountain to conquer in the creative world you craft thrives in. What gives you the spark
–
the LIGHT, that convinces you to keep pushing forward in your purpose?
“My grandmother said something that’s always stuck with me that others can benefit from: ‘Everybody has a talent. Some may have a gift. But they’re no good if you can’t move people.’ See, you can sing or preach, and by the time you finish, folk may have forgotten it. But people don’t forget THE ANOINTING. Think about it – every time Jesus spoke, He caused people to reflect.” I know I don’t stand alone in telling you that your career in itself is a spectacular, divine inspiration to the everyday dreamer! You get hired to encourage people; who does that?! To be used in that way; it’s a joy to escape reality for just a few hours to witness it each time you hit the stage. That’s the catalyst for the moniker we’ve crowned you with: The Playmaker. Creating characters and making memories that have a lasting impression on the audience; breathing life into the words of the writers. That’s you. It’s truly awesome!
“Cliff Powell (Next Friday, Ray, First Sunday, The Preacher’s Kid) calls me The Answer. Because when it comes to music and theater, any time someone needed help, they’d ask me and I’d have the answer. But before that, I was called The Grim Reaper. Because if someone was doing a play and things weren’t working out [with one of the actors], they’d call me in. It got to where if the cast saw me coming through the door
– they knew somebody was
out of a job. I had to start coming through the back door!” You’ve done so many plays; embodied an eclectic array of characters with alternate personalities! Uuuummm, how do I put this, nice-like? How exactly do you keep from becoming a tinch cra-cra?
“I have been blessed to have a lot of people praying for me. {A polite chuckle escalates into a full blown laugh on the other end of the line}. And that’s the truth. I’m also one of the most confident people you’ll ever meet. I was extremely insecure until I was about 11/12 years old; I cried every day. But you know what I did to turn all that around? I stopped saying what I wanted, and started saying what I’m going to do. I can do ALL things through Christ. I keep myself rooted with positive affirmations & I don’t elevate myself above people.”
I love that you love what you do & tackle it with such
trinkets about himself with a transparency usually
passion and dedication! Tell me & I know this is kind of a
reserved for old kinships. He tells me about his
tough question
childhood, and the uninhibited imagination shaping his
– out of the 500/600 shows you’ve been blessed to entertain audiences in…what’s one of your
adolescent years. Back in those days [prior to social
favorites?
media & the bountiful, electronic playground of Apple
“Wow!!!! That is hard! I’ve been a part of some incredible
and Androids] parents insisted their offspring play
productions, but two shows really stick out to me. Why Do
outside & enjoy the fresh air until the porch lights came
Good Girls Like Bad Boys & My Brother Marvin (a play
on. The matriarch of the Grant household offered no
reflecting the life of the late soul singer, Marvin Gaye). I
exception to the unwritten rule. And since his brothers
could relate to his (Marvin Gaye’s) life, and what he dealt
wouldn’t play with him, Grant once created played &
with. Like him, everything about my life is not normal. I
WON an imaginary football game all by himself
don’t like to rehearse a lot; (when invited to perform live) I
entire team of 22 his mind gave life to. That’s actually
don’t even plan what I’m singing, because God always
where his acting career was birthed.
changes it anyway. I practice putting myself in situations
No formal classes.
where I can activate FAITH & know that God will work it
No back & forth doubts or reservations.
out. My purpose is not to sound good
Grant realized unequivocally: he’d been called to the
“Playing Marvin was healing for me, because of what I’ve
stage as his pulpit.
…it’s to INSPIRE!
…& the
gone through. That show touched me, the inner struggle he had. He was different, but just didn’t know how to handle it. My pastor once said, ‘Where there’s ANOINTING, there’s separation.’ I’ve taken that to heart.”
“As a kid, my pastor would give me the key to the church, & I’d go in to sing when no one was there. I’d hit the notes in the church, but wouldn’t sing out. When I finally did & God showed up, I knew what I was supposed to be doing.
God mandates a spiritual evolution when He places calling
“He’s giving me so much favor. It’s not a struggle for me,
upon our lives, no matter what capacity He uses us in.
because I just SURRENDERED. I told myself: Why are you
Your spiritual roots are most definitely not lost on my
chasing after something you’re never going to CATCH?
…
ears
GOD has to be the one to manifest it & He’ll do it on His
“So many people tried to get me fired from the first play I was in, because I wouldn’t sing. BUT, I preached my first
own time; you can’t chase it.”
sermon at 15 years old; 20 churches & even the rival school
What INSPIRES you? How do you keep motivated?
I played ball against showed up. So many people got saved,
“I’m motivated by being a blessing to others. God gave me
we couldn’t believe it!
that kind of heart. My teachers used to ask me what I
“We get into trouble when we think we know what God is saying for someone else’s life, but don’t know what He’s saying for our own life. People ask me all the time, ‘What are you doing here?’ This is where I’m supposed to be. Among PEOPLE – not just actors & actresses. That’s what keeps me rooted.”
wanted to do when I grew up. My response? I want to say or do something that’s going to make a difference in the world. I’m inspired by our youth & seeing what they’re going through.”
What keeps you pushing?
“Sometimes, I’m not perfect even in putting God first. Sometimes
– I do feel like giving up. But my wife &
Our conversation has run a bit long, but there are so many
children keep me going. I’m more hungry now that I was
dimensions to the actor, husband (prayerfully Random
20 years ago. // The hard part is forcing myself to come
Acts’ next chat will be with Grant’s ridiculously stunning
home and make time for family, but I’ve learned charity
wife, Trisha Mann Grant) & father; the ease of the
starts at home. I don’t care what it costs
nuggets he’s dropping fills our friendly chat with the
don’t let two weeks go by without seeing each other. And I
atmosphere of a private motivational coaching session.
LOVE Facetime when we’re apart!”
Humility effortlessly affords Grant the ability to release
– my wife and I
Give me one word to describe working with Tyler Perry?
“Consistency. We have an amazing, mutual respect for one another. I love him.” Your spirit comes alive when your feet follow this amazing path GOD has mapped out for your steps. Sometimes, it’s a struggle to hold onto that
– that vision
you KNOW God gave you, but your natural eyes have yet to see.
“This CUP. I understand what Jesus was saying!” Laughter fills the other side of the line. I get it, too.
“Like when I see the potential of a play that could bless so many people, but the writer won’t budge. Even Mr. Perry allows me to give input; he does not think he knows it all.
…he’s blessed. When he sees
That’s why he’s so successful
God moving, he moves out of the way.
“Negativity and drama is the key to success to some people. But every day is a different hope
– we have to walk
upright. When you are saved, you can’t be out there like you used to be.”
Is it ever too late?
“As long as you are ALIVE…you’ve got a chance!” “I’m very patient & believe in having the right spirit on me and my work. I’m so excited about it! I wanted to do a Grant has never been accused of allowing grass to take
record that spoke to couples, full of love, respect &
root under his hard-working feet, nor of allowing the
romance instead of raunch; something to make people fall
rocks to cry out on behalf of his genuine praise! He is
in love like that.”
gracious & kind - qualities that allow for longevity in his chosen career. He’ll soon be back on set filming Perry’s
Wisdom, knowledge and FOCUS are the cornerstones of
“Love Thy Neighbor,” his latest drama, “The Last Punch” (based on true events - Grant plays James
the daily walk Tony Grant lives. Unselfishly, he doesn’t
Cornelius, an Atlanta hustler turned boxing promoter
the way with fellow DREAMERS; because he wants to
who used his street smarts to navigate the 1980’s fight
see others WIN.
game & must find a way to make Muhammad Ali’s final
“Don’t chase it [your destiny]. Thank God for it & let
bout happen) is soon to be released, he just wrapped up
Him manifest & bring it to you. Like David before he
“Soul Damage,” is busy scripting his own play/movie, his inspirational tune “Yesterday” was picked up by the American Cancer Society, he’s been belting out the new movie
mind sharing some of the wisdom he’s attained along
became King - God set an appointed time & just gave you a glimpse of it in your dreams. Put God first in EVERYTHING. Life will whip your behind, but
the National Anthem as only he can for various sporting
acknowledge Him in both good & bad; don’t go against
events & he’s overjoyed to bring new music to the
DESTINY.”
audiences that love him! It’s been years in the
…yet Grant has no regrets.
making
RANDOM FINAL THOUGHT:
…Tony & I exchanged a pretty righteous laugh when I tried to get him
So
to identify three random facts about himself in true Random Acts fashion. We only came up with two, lol! But I thought it was pretty cool to find out how much he loves animals - & how meticulous he is about folding his clothes. What Tony is more decisive about though, are the scriptures he
“But God hath chosen foolish things of the world to confound the wise.” [I Corinthians 1:27 KJV] & “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart.” lives by:
[Proverbs 3:5 KJV].
The time I’ve borrowed from inspirational creative force Tony Grant has gone way longer than anticipated, but has far exceeded my expectations. I have to admit, this interview arrived at a time when I needed encouraging myself; by the time I sat down & put fingers to keyboard attempting to do his words justice, his positive energy inspires me all over again. The easiness of his personality is reminiscent of one of my favorite characters I’ve seen his transform
– Eric from Madea’s Christmas. Graciousness & transparency remain unaffected by the hectic nature of the “95” grind that brings him such joy. Devoted to his craft – committed to Christ. Plus…he’s just a cool dude. into
In parting ways exchanging
“thank you’s” & [SALUTATIONS], I ask The Playmaker what he would like to leave on
the minds of Random Acts of Praise audience. Unsurprisingly, he chooses to drop words of wisdom from his pastor, Arland Sanchez:
“If you’re honest with yourself about who you are & who you want to be…God can open up the gates for you!”
…thoughts to live by, Family. Let it work for you.
Hey, Family! Check out the "PLAYmaker"/Tony Grant on: Facebook Twitter iTunes CD Baby *social media outlets ...and don't forget to catch "Love Thy Neighbor" on OWN Television!
APRIL 2016
RANDOM ACTS OF PRAISE !
5 WAYS TO GROW INTENTIONALLY
RAND OM
Inspira tion
It's a NEW YEAR! Fresh goals, new dreams...more opportunities to WIN! Forget the resolutions - let's be INTENTIONAL about this! by Candice Y. Johnson
1
INSPIRTION
ACTS OF
INTENTIONALLY DO MORE THAN WHAT YOU PLANNED! Listen, we all need a battle plan…but that vision board ain’t gonna walk itself into manifestation! Plan it – but get it DONE.
2
4
INTENTIONALLY BREAK OLD HABITS & BUILD NEW ONES!
(I’m speaking to myself here). Every great hero didn’t earn his tights overnight! It’s okay to acknowledge your humanness, Grasshopper. Planning, acting, habit-ing…it can all get to be so overwhelming! When the winds of change blow at you a little too strong, it’s alright to pause & chill for a minute to RESET/REFLECT on progress. Then…back to work!
I spent the better part of last year completing one project at a time, by making every INTENTIONAL step a habit! I scraped one of the WORST habits – procrastination, off my spirit like an old piece of gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe…& that’s when I started WINNING!
3
INTENTIONALLY KEEP TRACK OF WHAT’S WORKING ... DITCH WHAT’S NOT. This is as simple as it gets: keep a list of what’s adding to your growth; “X” marks the spot on anything that subtracts from your pending success. TRACK it/HACK it!
INTENTIONALLY RELAX.
5
INTENTIONALLY CELEBRATE!
It’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate your own AWESOMEMESS - you are the best & only YOU around! Take time to celebrate each VICTORY big/small, knowing you've been INTENTIONAL about receiving all the blessings GOD has stored up for you. It’s YOURS for the getting! Now sing in the key of TRIUMPH: “…and He did it, INTENTIONALLY!”
Random Acts of
BOOKS! THE PRACTICE WHAT YOU PRAISE NOVEL SERIES Deliverance In Praise Tabernacle is known for incredible praise & worship, a powerful, ANOINTED Word, & dedicated members who are saved, sanctified & filled with the Holy Ghost! ...but just like the disciple Peter, they stay ready to GO OFF!
Random Acts of PRAISE! The Premeire blogZINE
GRAMMATICALLY
inCORRECT PUBLISHING
Join Pastor Trigg Dennis as he tries to keep his congregation near the cross on a hilarious, insightful & sometimes heartbreaking journey,balancing ministry, life...& the search for a First Lady in Practice What You Praise & the dynamic follow up, When All Praise Breaks Loose!
CANDICE Y. JOHNSON
Written & imagined by Candice Y. Johnson Real situations. Real emotions. Real MINISTRY.
PUBLISHER
Available on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLES & other booksellers. "Readers will be able to relate to some of the situations presented in this book, even though it is a book of fiction, she took the time to actually present real life situations that are happening in today's world inside and outside of the church." (LaBrittany Pace)
"Candice Y. Johnson has a writing style that has to be experienced to be believed! I don't remember when I've laughed so much while reading a book. But you may also find yourself between these pages, you might even learn a lesson or two." (Karen Rogers)
COPYRIGHTÂ 2016
RANDOM ACTS OF MINISTRY
ordered steps productions HEALING HEARTS THROUGH DANCE!
BOOKING: ORDERED.STEPS@YAHOO.COM BRING THE AWARD - WINNING BODY OF BELIEVERS & THE " HEALING HEARTS TOUR " TO YOUR EVENT / SCHOOL / MINISTRY TODAY !
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BECAUSE DANCE IS MORE THAN AN 8-COUNT!
"if we don’t give up, we WIN." - T Mack
RANDOM ACTS OF
MUSIC Terrence Mackey
Jesus Symphony By: Candice Y. Johnson Photograph: Terrence Mackey
/symphony/ - an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements. /JESUS/ - our risen SAVIOUR Jesus Symphony: Uplifting Jesus!
As a child prodigy of music, he learned to impeccably articulate his magnificent gift for manipulating sound & discovered a passion for touching the hearts of people. Humility has led his group – Nu Restoration, to be revered as hometown favorites in the Dallas metropolitan area; the intricately melodic sound of the group’s first CD led to a Dove Award nomination & garnered them several Texas Gospel Music Awards. But in the manner of true minstrels, gospel recording artist Terrence Mackey is keeping GOD first. N O M A D I Cfor | Christ. 24 And he’s conducting a symphony
Jesus Symphony, the highly anticipated album from Terrence Mackey & Nu Restoration is about to usher in a major musical revival on Christian audiences nationwide. And Mackey doesn’t plan on introducing the latest piece of art from his worship arsenal in ordinary fashion - even as he recounts a time when his vision had a different face.
“I knew I was going to deal with music, but I never thought it would be something of this magnitude,” Mackey excitedly shares as he makes his way to where else – a music store. “I thought I’d be playing in a church or clocking in at a 9-5. But I’ve never had a [work] badge outside of the church.” Those “church badges” not only granted Mackey entry to ministry events with backstage access, but the path was paved for the anointed musician & wordsmith to share the stage with some of gospel music’s greatest gifts: Pastor John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, The Canton Spirituals & The Williams Brothers. And although they’ve held down the platform with legends, Mackey & Nu Res remain faithful to each ministry opportunity they’ve been blessed with. Their diligence is showing. Nathan Myers, Amber Bullock [“Sunday Best”], Kirisma Evans, Drea Randle, Chadney Christle, Michael Bethany, Norris J, Joseph Anthony, Jason Clayborn [who penned the Hezekiah Walker hit
“Better”] & Mackey’s own sugarlump
– wife Darian Yancey-Mackey [“The Sing-Off” & TD Jakes’ group of songstresses, GRACE] have all planted vocal
seeds to help make Jesus Symphony one of this year’s most profound declarations of faith hitting the airwaves! It’s not by happenstance that Mackey was able to assemble this tribe of worship warriors who will sing folk under the pew & back again; inspiration, planning & FAVOR all had their hands upon the project even before the first note was played.
“The album is well diverse; it has stuff for those who are 87 years young all the way down to 12 years old,” Mackey confidently states with pride. “It’s traditional and contemporary. Moms, grandmothers & their children can listen together.” Mackey credits the inspiration for his music as coming from
“everywhere.” Even observing his youngest daughter
–
“I love the whole record, BUT those songs really touching me:
“It’s inspiring; God will make a way no matter the circumstances.” The Greatest - “The lyrical content is awesome; it’s about how good God is.” You Shall Win -“I wrote when I was at my lowest, going Make A Way -
headphones on, walking around the house singing led to one
through depression, trying to figure out what my purpose
of the tracks on Jesus Symphony. It’s those small bits of
was. But if we don’t give up
…we WIN.”
creative sparks the musician hopes will translate into inspiration for listeners to exercise their own faith in pursuit
Mackey’s dreams didn’t exactly look like the face of his
of their dreams.
eventual destiny
“I hope people realize whatever they put their mind to,
…but the identity of his purpose remains
the same. He’s been uniquely blessed to tap into the heart
they can do it. I write what makes me feel good. I call it feel
of worship while encouraging & inspiring those around
good music
him to follow the path God has ordered just for their steps.
– people can feel it emotionally. I just put it out
there the way I feel it.” he says.
Whether he’s assisting with sound at events [as a founder of The Sound Guyz
– one of the industry’s top audio
Anyone who has the guts, drive & determination to
services giving top quality sound to the voices of the artists
orchestrate a complete symphony for Jesus, knows that not
at events and concerts], or taking the platform to sing with
everyone embraces the vision that has been plainly written
Nu Restoration, Mackey always extends his very best to
for the world to see. Mackey takes it all in stride, however,
God & helps other dreamers to do the same.
making it clear that detractors have no place in his destiny.
“I laid down what felt good to me at that moment,” he explains. “Someone told me they didn’t understand a song [on the album], but they can’t dictate what I feel at that moment. I know it’s meant for somebody!” It’s that unwavering belief in the mantle he holds that will propel Jesus Symphony into the next level of music ministry,
“It’s never too late to dream – just make sure you’re going down the right road.” He says. “We all have a purpose; some people get to be 40/50 years old & don’t find out [their purpose] until they’re that age. We’ll waste time on somebody else’s purpose, & it’s not for you. It takes steps. You Will Win is about that: how is my story going to end? At the end of the day, we all WIN.”
even as the enemy desires to sift it as wheat. There’s no
Before this particular story ends, Random Acts can’t let the
doubt the album holds the key to someone’s
incredible TMack go without a few random facts that
…but Mackey
BREAKTHROUGH. The struggle may be real
fans/supporters may not know about Dallas’ favorite sound
is determined to WIN.
guy:
“Do I get burnt out? Yes. But something happens to spark it [motivation] again.” Mackey explains this is more than a hobby. “I make music because I love music. Period. I like to do music; that’s why I like to do sound for other people and make them sound good. No matter who it is, or what’s going on I love music.” As Nu Restoration readies for the epic concert taking place 4/30/16 at the Limitless Church of Dallas, Mackey steals a moment to savor the feast of songs that have been prepared for the public’s spiritual consumption & shares a few of his favorite dishes from the album’s menu.
…he doesn’t eat
#1) Unless it’s a Jolly Rancher or M&M’s sweets. Or seafood
– just because.
#2) He’s goofy; he lets loose at home when others aren’t
…he’s a comedian.
around. When he’s not on the platform
#3) He’s a very loving person: he doesn’t say much or talk a lot & is careful who he opens up to. But once he knows
…there’s nothing [within reason]
someone as a FRIEND
that he can’t be asked to do.
The Jesus Symphony concert/CD release will be a masterpiece of worship & festival of praise that audiences do not want to miss! 4/30/16 7 pm Limitless Church 3838 Spur 408 – Dallas, 75236 $10 general admission/$20 VIP *EVERYONE will be blessed with the brand new Jesus Symphony album with the purchase of a ticket!
Nu Restoration's single: "So Good" is available NOW on all digital music outlets ~ Get YOURS today!
It’s one thing to support the artist. But it’s a whole ‘nother arena to see an artist who gives of himself & sacrifices to genuinely show support for others. No competition. No intimidation. No ego, pomp or circumstance. Just a genuine love for music & care for people. That’s who Terrence Mackey is. And it’s refreshing to witness his true WITNESS.
“Philippians 4:13 – I’ve been quoting that all my life. Keep God first, that’s my motto. Keep PUSHING…that’s what I’m living by in 2016.”
Savory. Sweet. Kissed by Heaven!
Treat yourself & those you love to the tastiest teacakes this side of Grandma's kitchen! Order today at: www.teacakesbyminke.com!
RANDOM REVIEWS
Hymns. Healing for the soul. Help for the hurting. “Turn Around,” the breakout single from dynamic gospel recording artist Candy West is a lyrical testimony reminiscent of the old-school hymns that the Mother’s Board used to sing when troubles came, & it was time to pray! Laced with modern flair that appeals to both traditional & contemporary gospel music connoisseurs alike, “Turn Around” is a catchy, audible feast of praise orchestrated to uplift, encourage & get the feet of the saints stomping! After the storm rages through with destruction as its goal, GOD can “Turn Around” that situation in an instant – and listening to this tune will help you to BELIEVE. West (an award-winning, highly sought after songwriter & background/lead vocalist complimenting some of gospel music’s most treasured voices to bring their musical stories to life) brings lead vocals to this inspired work that are not just strong, they are mighty & filled with apostolic power! And don’t sleep on those background vocalists; they are holding their own with West in melodic harmony, belting out notes that can touch Heaven – but grounded enough to bring a Word of hope to audiences. Relinquish the power worry has over to God & watch that thing change so fast, tears of sorrow suddenly become tears of joy! Because God is just that good!
CANDY WEST: #TURNAROUND
Don’t hesitate, blink, pause or tarry – whatever you are going through, whatever your need is from gospel music…grab a copy of “Turn Around” today. Your spirit will be lifted & your soul will sing with this classic declaration of praise! “Turn Around” is now available on iTunes & other major music outlets.
Random
FINAL
THOUGHTS by: cj
DILIGENCE. GOD spoke this word to me during prayer time, just as I woke to complete this month’s issue of RAOF. Be DILIGENT in all GOD has given you to do…not what Man THINKS you can do, Sugarlumps! Take that first step; heck – take the first FIVE & watch how GOD moves on your behalf!!!! He is faithful to those who diligently seek HIM in ALL that your heart desires to do. GO FOR IT. Let FEAR kick rocks, strap on your superhero cape & FLY!!! PRAY & MOVE! What’s your superpower?
...ps, the face to your left is 42 -you can't tell me God isn't good!