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Friday, December 11, 2009

Louisiana Heartbeats

Praise Music Production is a name that was given to the ministry formed between a close friend and I in 1995. This vision was a God given assignment to promote local unknown gospel artists. She had come with a friend to my beauty shop. There was something about her that seemed to connect with me STRONGLY. A short time later she began to come visit often with me in my shop . We had no idea then that God had plans in motion to join us together and create a MUSIC MINISTRY in our near future....

My customers were not just clients, but everyone was considered as friends. We soon discovered that we had ALOT in common and that our paths had already crossed a few years back while she still worked at a local furniture store. She was now disabled due to back problems. Not only did our past have alot in common, but now our present would also. She began sharing with me information about a newly formed Christian Radio station that she had started listening to. During the day she would call and leave messages on my answer machine to let me know what was happening at this station. I eventually bought a radio and listened to it in my shop daily. It wasn't long before we both soon discovered that we were hooked on Christian music, all styles....

We began to plan shopping trips together to go and check out the specials at the Chrisitan Store at the town mall. Wearing scripture T-Shirts with blue jeans was our daily wardrobe. We were always on the lookout for new ones to purchase from the sales racks. Sometimes we would not buy and we would wait until the prices would be reduced even more. It became a weekly outing for us. It was there that we soon started testing out the samples of the new Christian Music releases. When there was a free set of earphones, we would take turns, plug in and jam to the music. We were thoroughly enjoying ourselves singing and laughing. We were just being us. While waiting for a set of earphones to become available, we became aware of other voices singing. Some of these voices were awesome. We were not the only ones enjoying the music...

God woke me up one early morning around 2 am and said in an unaudible voice " I want you to SHOWCASE my people who are singing for me". I shared it with my new found friend. Praise Music Production was then formed by 2 people who loved The Lord and Christian music. We soon became known as "The Music Ladies". We learned how to create a contact list, organize, and then promote music events using the people on our music contact list.The Lord knew where the local undiscovered talent was. He knew their HEARTS and their DESIRES to sing for Him, and He sent them in our paths to be discovered in some very interesting ways... It wasn't hard to form a list. We would approach singers and say "We are Praise Music Production. We showcase people who want to sing for The Lord. We don't charge, we don't pay, and we don't get paid to get bookings for you, and for FREE. Would you like to be on our contact list?" We had no trouble keeping a large contact list.

We took steps of faith and sometimes even leaps trusting that The Lord would continue to instruct and guide us, and He did just that.....From 1994 to 2004 , a total of 10 years ,we faithfully followed the call from God to SHOWCASE GOSPEL talent only...In 2004, my music partner suffered a stroke and I had a massive heart attack. We have been restored recently to better health for the NEW SEASON. The Lord showed me while I was sick that "The season is NOT over...it is just CHANGED." Something new was going to happen. I could feel the new season coming. Louisiana Heart/Beats will be the new season to take promoting our local and statewide Louisiana talent to television and the internet for more exposure. Doors of opportunities continue to open to be able to do this...A new assignment..A new name...

There is this picture that hangs on the wall at my friend's place of business. I have see this picture many times over the years and have stood BELIEVING the scripture Isaaih 40:31 that is written on it. This morning The Holy Spirit said "Look at the eagle again. It is getting ready to fly. Now look at the trees BEHIND the eagle. What does that look like?" I said "Lord, that looks like a heart beat monitor." The Lord then said " Louisiana Heart Beats". You are getting ready to SOAR for me. Yes, your heart beats for me and a new season is getting ready to begin." The Holy Spirit then instructed me to take the name Louisiana Heart Beats and break it down again like this.....Louisiana He(art)Beats.. to then read....He Beats..... ( Lord Beats)..... in our hearts.

The name and season has changed but the vision has remained the same all these years. Louisiana Heart/Beats... will be showcasing 2 separate categories under that one name. Authors, writers, businesses and ministries will featured under the category...HEART... and music guests will be showcased under the category BEATS.. The finished product will soon be on television and the internet. God is still the author and the finisher of our faith. He is still in control....

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.....
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV Study Bible)

Send you your stories to praisemusicpro@peoplepc.com


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