Lance Christopher: Journal

Blessings!

What a summer... I am sure most of you could echo this sentiment :-) God's grace abounded, but there were a lot of challenges that covered the spectrum – body, soul, and spirit!

It has been a while now since I last sent out an update, but when we got the latest bit of news, I new it was time to send one out!

About three weeks ago, I had a week long series of rigorous tests. For the clinical study I am part of, this is protocol at the one year mark of the donor transplant. Then it was time to wait for the results. We spent a lot of time in prayer, and then tried not to think about it LOL! Finally, the news came by telephone. Our wonderful Physician's Assistant who directly handles my case with Dr. Chin, told us that the latest bone marrow biopsy (that one REALLY hurt), along with all the many other tests showed a COMPLETE REMISSION! All of our wonderful friends at the VA Stem Cell Transplant Unit were celebrating with us! Over the past five years they have become like family :-)

We have also discovered that most of my organs have held up remarkably well, though my heart has sustained some damage. Also, the skeletal damage is currently a bit problematic, all the nerve damage is difficult, and the medications' side effects are challenging. HOWEVER, the same God who has brought us this far WILL see us through to a COMPLETE HEALING!

One other notable fact is that my bones are showing evidence of restoration. According to the doctor, this is impossible! I believe that this restoration will continue, because with God “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”!!!

Thanks to your FAITH filled prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, we are TOHETHER proving what is “the good and acceptable will of God” to HIS glory and honor!

Okay, I know there have been a lot of exclamation points in this letter, but PRAISE GOD, we feel as if there is a whole new, WONDERFUL season right ahead. I am gradually tapering off all the medications, and by God's grace, at the first of the year I can get my BABY SHOTS (the immune system has to start from scratch). Also, in January, I turn 42. Getting my baby shots at 42? :-) So cool to be alive to do it!

The next season will be pretty rigorous as I rehab my body to transition off the meds, build overall constitution, detox and strengthen up, facilitate the body's healing process, get my voice back in shape (next week I start vocal rehab with the AWESOME Jaime Babbitt), playing chops strengthened, and prepare to really return to the work and ministry I love.

It will be an interesting time for Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, and Kaeli-Anne. To have “Papa” back - undrugged, able to get around better, and genuinely engaged with life. That will be a change. I know my beloved business partners, Bob and Dennis, will be glad as well!

Over this last season, I have had much time to consider and prayer. WOW! The future is REALLY bright! God has given me new vision and hope. There are some amazing things in store, of this I am sure. Lots of MUSIC and MINISTRY! Furthermore, Michelle and the kids will be stepping into the public eye more and more. They have much to share both in the arts and in simply speaking. These struggles have abundantly taught all of us about love, family, and community.

As a family, we are so very GRATEFUL for all the prayers that have been selflessly offered on our behalf. Your continued prayers are a precious gift that we do not take lightly. Know that we are praying for you. Give us a call or send us an email with any specific requests.

Together we can press into God's best!

We love YOU!!!!!

Lance, Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, & Kaeli-Anne

Wow! January and the first half of February had some real highs and lows.

Between health issues that were related to the immune suppression treatments and the flu virus – NOT a good combination – I ended up back in the hospital for awhile and then released back into the Vanderbilt apartments, next to the VA, for about 2 weeks.

While in the hospital, we had a couple of scary days, and unbelievable amounts of IV antibiotics on top of all the other drugs… I felt like a chemical cocktail!

My beloved Michelle was there constantly with her love and care. The doctors and nurses were there as well… It seemed like every 20 minutes or so! Sleep was in real short supply LOL! I praise God that Michelle didn’t get sick.

My son Ethan, and my daughter Kaeli-Anne both ended up sick (they caught it from me). Abbi was spared. Thank God for Meema’s help! Michelle was stretched thin, indeed.

For those of you that were contacted and were praying, THANK YOU! For those of you who weren’t aware, please accept my DEEPEST APOLOGIES. It happened suddenly and became serious quickly… I went unconscious and stopped breathing and that got the ball rolling without delay. Ugh! Furthermore, I was pretty much computer-less during my hospital/Vandy apartment sojourn, and honestly, I don’t know how much I would have used the computer if it were available.

The good news is that I AM HOME AGAIN! Last night I slept in my own bed, and that felt WONDERFUL! Strengthening up seems to be a process, but one that is going well.

Also, most of the “six month out from transplant” tests are back. THE RESULTS ARE GREAT! Last Friday the physician’s assistant who handles my case told us that she has seen the good, the bad, and everything in between, and I am in the “great part of the good”. Dr. Chin told us that clinically I am doing remarkably well!

Their main concern is the graft-versus-host disease (basically, transplant rejection issues). They really want to see it lessen significantly so that we can use less immune suppression. It can be dangerous if it doesn’t. We are praying that God will intervene and supernaturally control it. We know that He is well able! Less graft-versus-host disease and less medication would truly feel good.

I have lots to share, but I know that this is getting long. So, I will get this ready to send out and post on the site, and try to get some sleep!

I love all of you and thank God for you daily. Your prayers for my family and I are so very appreciated. We never take them for granted!

Here’s to God’s miracle moments and great love!

Lance & Family

I pray everyone's Chanukah, Christmas and New Year was filled with God's best!

My family, friends, and I wrapped up 2007 with a wonderful holiday season here at home in Nashville. We had a quiet, simple holiday that was genuinely touched with peace and joy.

We took a lot of time just to reflect on 2007 and dream about 2008!

Musically, 2007 was filled with...


Having the honor of being an ICM TOP 10 nominee for MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR!

Having my second single, "THE CROSS OF JESUS", climb to #8 on the Power Source Christian Country Charts!

Having my first single, "JOY UNSPEAKABLE", climb to #16 on the Power Source Christian Country Charts!

Knowing that the song I co-wrote with my dear friend and brother, Primorus/Universal recording artist Woody Bradshaw, "SAVED BY A WOMAN", is being played by him in his live shows all over the USA, and is on his debut album LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE!!!! Please, check out his website http://woodybradshaw.com and go buy his album - it is INCREDIBLE!

Writing new songs

Putting together a collection of songs from demos, and sessions over the last four years as an "internet only" release for early 2008

Working with my daughter Kaeli-Anne on her budding music career (she is AWESOME)!

Mentoring several other young songwriters

Recording some new worship music

And itching to get back to sharing the music I love with all of you!

Thank you, Bob and Dennis of our label, Torn Sky Records, for making the music possible!


On the health front, 2007 was certainly a challenging year with a lot of hospital time, but God's grace was ever-present and everyone's love, faith, and prayers were strengthening and miracle working!

The donor stem cell transplant (bone marrow) from my sister, Melody, which I received back in July, has been very successful.

The process - from then to now - was difficult, but the worst is over we believe, and 2008 is a year for complete health restoration - lots to heal up from :-)

We also wholly believe that the cancer is truly defeated.

Now that my bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system are entirely my sister's DNA, we believe that my immune system has become a "cancer killing machine", quickened by God to bring health!

The last tests appear to confirm this, too!

I want to give a huge thank you to the incredible medical team at the Transplant Unit. Dr. Goodman, Dr. Chin, Dr. Savani, PA Tiny, PA Tommy, PA Wendy, PA Rachel, and all the precious nurses and staff - their spirit of excellence and care have given hope and life!

So, here's to 2008

A YEAR OF OPEN DOORS

JOY UNSPEAKABLE

ANSWERED PRAYERS

NEW BEGINNINGS

AND GREAT LOVE!

That is what I am believing for you and yours - for all of us.

Rejoicing to be alive,

Lance

"For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ."
Php 1:19


It is hard to believe that November is here. It feels like a time for GOOD changes! it is also hard to believe that it has been about 3and 1/2 months since my donor transplant began. What a journey it has been thus far. The challenges have at times been quite overwhelming, but we are still standing by God's grace. AND there is good news!

Initially, the doctors wanted to try to get some control on the cancer with my own transplant to buy time to then administer a donor transplant. They felt we had a chance of controling the cancer with time, and that there was a chance for a cure. Their concern was that the cancer would stage a comeback before the donor had fully engrafted and then there would be needed more cancer treatments on top of all the other immune suppression, antibiotic, treatments, etc... They told me today that this is actually a normal scenario and that it is not uncommon to happen at around 3 months. Hence ALL of the tests that they have been running lately. HOWEVER, they don't know why exactly - but they are quite pleased - because so far ALL the cancer markers show NO cancer progression or abnormal cells! The other concern was that the graft versus host disease that kicked me pretty hard over the last month would get out of control, because it flared pretty badly. HOWEVER, the triple stacked immune busters they are hitting me with- though difficult to cope with - have brought the graft versus host disease into a manageable range. THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

We had about a 50/50 chance that even with the heavy antiviral treatments I am on, something called CMV virus could trigger in my body and do a lot of damage (because of the heavy immune suppression). However, the CMV virus has not grown! THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

Also, my organs are holding up well, which is a blessing. They did discover a gall stone that was elevating all the liver counts (they said it was from all the past treatments) and there was concern about infection, but it is being treated with a drug to try and dissolve it and over the last 2 weeks my liver counts have dropped to almost normal. THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

All in all, the doctors are very pleased with how things are going.

At this point most of my blood has converted to my sister and does not appear to be regressing... And that is VERY GOOD NEWS! Because her immune system key. I just know deep inside that it is working, and by God's grace will KEEP working.

SO, today was a day of news that was quite encouraging!

All of your selfless gifts of prayer mixed with God's infinite compassion and mercy add up to GOOD NEWS!

We keep standing in faith and prayer and doing everything we must. The drug regimen is unbending and gruelling. The drug set up is quite a routine. I have to take many distinct high dose drugs every day and deal with side effects. Without Michelle's help it would be impossible. That is why you can't even be approved for the treatment without a caregiver. At each time the specific drugs must be taken then the side effects have to be monitored and treated along with vitals including blood sugar, blood pressure, and temp throughout the day. The huge doses of steroids are the trickiest, because they REALLY effect your mind and emotions and body. The steroids were so strong that I had to be put on insulin after the first dose. Thank God that this is only temporary. The steroids also really weaken the muscles, but I keep walking every night (not allowed to be in the sun yet) and so far I'm holding my own. Sometimes I shake, but I am alright (I lost another 10 pounds lol).

I am grateful that we are able to be at the apartment, because so far I have been able to avoid catching any colds or flus... In the current situation, I sure don't want any of those :-) I don't know when they will release us to our home again, but we are flowing with everything as best we can.

Everyday, I meditate and pray and do all I can on that level, too. Michelle and I have found a special comfort in taking communion each day... There is such power in the Body and Blood of Jesus. We remember all of you as we consider His Body broken for us. It is "The Meal That Heals" (God bless David and Marty of KSItoday.com for this encouragement). We want and declare over all of you God's best - in body, soul, and spirit!

As to what to expect over the next few months... First, I have to say that I know in a MOMENT God can radically intervene and REALLY show off with an INSTANT, TOTAL HEALING! THAT would be fine by me **smile**, and you know I get excited at the thought that it could happen that way. Wouldn't it be COOL to really confound the doctors with something like that! It IS a time of MIRACLES! We just keep walking and trusting in His timing and goodness.

Right now the doctors strategy is to start slowly tapering off some of the immune suppression again, to see how the two immune systems get along. With all the faithful prayer, we have good reason to believe that it will just keep getting better and by this schedule I should be way down on the steroids by December - January. THIS will be a relief!

Here is a summary of the immediate needs:

1) The donor immune system to completely engraft with minimal "graft versus host disease".

2) The donor immune system to recognize and kill ALL cancer.

3) The CMV virus to be destroyed.

4) The gall stone to totally dissolve and the liver to be protected.

5) Protection from all the side effects of the drugs.

6) The mind of Christ for the doctors.

7) Strength, abundant blessing, and grace for my family - especially Michelle - and my gracious business partners.

All in all we just want God's best, and we know according to His Word what that is :-)

I know there is a lot here... And your sacrifice of time and love in reading this email, and then praying however God leads you is never taken for granted!

Pressing on with joy for the future,

Lance

I wanted to send out a quick health update and a praise for God's loving care during this difficult season.

Last week I went through a grueling round of tests to see what was happening with the transplant.

The news was very encouraging!

They showed that as of last week 86% of my blood was my sisters DNA... That is ahead of schedule!

My DNA and her DNA seem to be playing fairly well together.

The goal is for my blood and marrow to be 100% my sister's DNA (bless you Melody).

As per the last prayer request, the graft versus host disease is only minimal... Enough to help whip the cancer, but manageable enough to not require serious treatment.

And the CMV virus is being suppressed quite well.

THIS is a HUGE blessing!
All in all every last point we asked for prayer on, God has moved upon... YES, PRAYER WORKS!!!

Although the side effects have been miserable at times, I keep rebuking them and pushing forward each day (some days better than others).

Michelle and ther kids have been so sweet, even when I have been grouchy and groggy... They are troopers, indeed!

Now we are entering some potentially tricky waters... The doctors want to start slowly tapering off one of the immune suppressing drugs (micophenylate).

This new season will tell us a lot about what is going on.

Please pray that

1) The graft versus host disease is supernaturally kept to a minimum.

2) The CMV is supernaturally destroyed.

3) Melody's DNA creates a super-cancer-killing-immune-system!

4) I would be protected from the various side effects of the treatments.

5) The mind of Christ and His healing virtue would flow through the doctors at the VA Transplant Unit.

Again, thank you from all of us here for your prayers, faith, and love.

These are gifts that we esteem HIGHLY!

Pressing in together,
Lance

We have had so many beautiful responses from all of you in answer to the last health update.

Michelle and I treasure EVERY one.

If I haven't personally responded to yours, please know that I am joyfully working through to yours, and I should be caught up in the next day or two :-)

It is truly a labor of love, both to read and respond.

I want to give a HUGE SHOUT of PRAISE, because your prayers are WORKING, indeed!

During a 48 hour period, the cyclosprine (immune suppresant drug) levels in my blood shot to over 1,000.

That is twice what is considered to be a toxic level :-(

The potential nuerological and organ damage that the doctors expected NEVER happened.

I was supposed to have been shaking uncontrollably, blood pressure through the ceiling, with organs being damaged...

And yet, aside from joint pain and some increased naseua...

I WAS FINE!

It really tripped them out :-)

Of course, you know we loved that!

We got to share about all the prayer going up!

IT SUSTAINED ME MIRACULOUSLY...

Now THAT is cool!

Being held up by God's hands, the precious hands of HIS Body, is both humbling and wonderously exhilirating.

God bless each of you for the sacrifice of time and energy spent on our behalf.

I know that all of you have many PRESSING needs...

And yet you have chosen to include us as part of your prayer burden.

We do not take your sacrifice for granted!

Here's to the JOY that only HE can give!!!!!!!


In love with Jesus,

Lance

2 Corinthians 1:7&11
And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort....as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.


I am back in treatment again at the VA.

I am being treated like an inpatient, but they are allowing me to actually stay in The Village At Vanderbilt, in a 2 bedroom apartment, which is only moments away from the VA Transplant unit.

I report to the hospital 7 days a week at about 7:30 am.

This is when they draw blood, take vitals, go over med logs, check on "input" and "output", take any needed xrays, and give any IV meds that are necessary, etc.

Last Thursday, we did a donor stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) to whip this cancer once and for all (the last 2 transplants were my own purified stem cells).

Just a little clarification... These treatments have nothing to do with embryonic stem cells.

It is all done using my own and my sister's cells :-)

I praise God that my sister, Melody, is a match.

She was so gracious to fly out here with my niece, Becky.

She went through a lot of misery to donate, and I am forever GRATEFUL!!!!!

Concerning my recoup time, without MAJOR divine intervention, it is pretty long.

Serious immune suppresion for 3-6 months and then a gradual testing of how the two different DNA co-habitate in my body.

The procedure can take up to 2 years...

However, we are BELIEVING GOD for a record-breaking, MIRACULOUS recovery!

Without God's healing power intervening it can be very risky... AND it is just plain weird.

My bone marrow, blood, and various other organs will be 100% my sister's DNA by next year or possibly sooner.

In a DNA test of those things, they will show that I am a 36 year old woman... pretty freaky and disturbing... I might like shopping better, lol.

They have assured me that I will still be a man hormonally, etc.. Michelle was VERY grateful for that news... phew!

The hope is that Melody's immune system will kill the cancer once and for all!

I know with God this is possible!

The whole treatment can be pretty rough.

For anyone interested in more info on this treatment (it is still in clinical trials), you can click this link.

http://multiplemyeloma.org/treatments/3.03.05.php

ANY faith filled prayers are SOOO VERY APPRECIATED!

We are believing God for my sister's DNA to TOTALLY wipe out the cancer in my body, and for our two DNAs to "play nicely together" inside me.

A couple of days ago, the head nurse sat with us and outlined the 3 main points that she felt should receive extra prayer support (Wendy is an AWESOME believer).

They are:

1. Pray that the CMV virus is supernaturally romoved from my body!

This nasty little virus that lies dormant in most of the population (and is currently in my body), has wrought havoc on transplant patients, because the immune system is so supressed. It has been responsible for a lot of the mortalities in the past.

2. Pray that there is only minimal graft-v-host disease!

Enough to cause an immune response against the cancer (graft-v-myeloma), but not enough to damage any part of my body.

3. Pray against any opportunistic viruses and bacterias!

These guys really like immune supression :-(

AND I would add a fourth...

4. Pray that the doctors and nurses will have the mind of Christ about all the cases that are before them daily.

My doctors are Dr. Stacey Goodman and Dr. Wichai Chin.

The main nurse who is responsible for me is NP Wendy Knuckles.

I AM BELIEVING GOD FOR HIS HEALING VIRTUE TO TOUCH EVERY PATIENT TREATED HERE!

God's ways are so far above our ways :-)

Michelle, the kids, and I have been blessed beyond words by all of the love and support of all of you!

AND I am hard at work in my little "mini" studio - mix room here in the apartment...

The ministry and music must go ON!

Get READY to hear some fresh worship!

In love with Jesus,

Lance

Just a quick note...

I wanted to thank all of you and Christian Country radio for taking "The Cross of Jesus" into the Power Source top 20!

The great response to this song has been encouraging and humbling.

May God bless you as you embrace His cross,

Lance

My current single from the Re-Construction album, "The Cross of Jesus", has finally hit Christian Country radio!

It has entered the Power Source Christian Country charts at 54, and should start climbing :-)

Thank you for your support at radio!

I wish I could hit the road in support of the air play... That would be cool, but alas, I am still healing up from the transplant.

AND speaking of "healing up", it is definately a proccess, but I am doing well :-)

I love living only minutes from the Opryland Hotel.

In the late evening when the crowds have gone down, I slip over there and walk with my family through the BEAUTIFUL indoor gardens.

It is one of the most beautiful spots in Nashville.

It is interesting to me that I NEVER feel like taking a walk anymore... Ugh!

BUT once I actually get moving, I feel so much better and energized!

No shortcuts to rehabbing the body LOL! I just gotta' DO IT!

Blessings,

Lance

I just re-read my last post... Well, after that melphalon... Let's just say that I haven't checked my email in about a month lol... It knocked me harder than I thought it would, but even with that I was protected from the worst of the side effects. THANK YOU for your faith filled prayers!!!!

I am home now to continue the recouperation process. It is kind of tough for Michelle and the kids, because everyone has to be REALLY aware of EXTREME hygiene... No harmful bacteria or viruses allowed (at least in theory). It is 24/7 germ awareness! That has meant everyone's social calenders have been seriously cut back, and for three very social teenagers that has been hard. Although, they have been INCREDIBLE sports about the whole thing :)

While I was in the hospital Avon T. (our TN Meema) had my daughters stay with her north of town... They said it was like girl camp every day!!! They had a bonafide BLAST! And my son stayed with the Gallaher family not far from Meema's place. He and Daris had a GREAT time as well!!! Steve, Lisa, Daris & Stephen, God bless you! Michelle and I are SOOOO grateful for the loving care given to our kids during a challenging season.

So... Now I have to really dig into my emails... It is time to catch up! It has been a month... So, your patience with any unanswered emails is truly appreciated. I look forward to answering every one of them.... But it might take me a bit to actually do it :-)

Your continued prayers are a blessing. There are still some very serious decisions looming ahead in the next month or so. We need God's wisdom on a lot of different levels as to how to proceed!

We still need God's sovereign touch to complete this healing in a quantifiable way... AND that is just what we are believing for!!!

Soaking in God's grace and love,

Lance

Well folks, I am inpatient now at the Nashville VA Bone Marrow Transplant Unit for a stem cell transplant (my purified stem cells).

I've got a lap top here and dial up internet... I am grateful for this touch to the "outside".

Tomorrow is another Melphalon treatment then my blood counts start dropping until my marrow is basically all burned out... No fun :)

But we are believing God for HIS CURE in the midst of this. The last 2 weeks have shown the cancer really getting AGGRESIVE... I guess we fight this with even more AGGRESIVE prayer and declaration of His promises.

God is GOOD and HE is certainly still the Healer. No matter how He works this healing out, we are by faith rejoicing in it. Like God, we are boldly "calling those things that are not as though they were." (see Rom 4)

Everyone's calls ,emails , visits, and precious prayers have been and are such an encouragement and proof positive that God's manifestation of healing is "drawing nigh"!

We are praying that the melphalon will kill EVERY cancer cell in my body and that I would be supernaturally protected from the side effects.

Also, we are inviting God to just show up and heal me at ANY time as a testimony to these doctors of what God can do!

We are also praying that the doctors will have the mind of Christ in everything!

The doctors here have been such a blessing to us. Their genuine concern for my well being has humbled me. God has ordained them, of this I am sure!

Michelle, the kids, and I are SOOOOO grateful for YOU and all you do.

Let us know how we can pray for you!

In His love,

Lance

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMIN' has received some great reviews on GarageBand.com and was voted the "Track of the Day" for Feb 5, 2007!

***GarageBand.com uses collaborative filtering to let ordinary people identify the best songs. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the "50 Best Websites," GarageBand's mission is to empower musicians and redefine how music is discovered and promoted.***

"JOY UNSPEAKABLE", the first single from my new album,
"Re-Construction", is now #16 on the Christian Country charts (Power
Source).

We broke the top 20!

YAY!!!!!!

I want to thank all of YOU for helping to make this possible!

We have some great radio promotion going through this month and we
will see how high this debut single will go!

Here is to a 2007 filled with wonder,

Lance

On Monday, January 29th, as a result of a perfect 5 star rating, my song "AUTOBIOGRAPHY (It's Love)" will be the featured song on the Country music genre page of Garageband!

I am VERY grateful for all the reviewers who have scored this song so well!

balladboy from Lake Oswego, Oregon wrote in his signature review,

Love Comin' On Strong

Contemporary gospel at it's best. An interesting melody, unusual in the genre. Chorus is as strong as any secular tune and the production here is smooth using natural instruments and good mics. Harmony reminds me of Alison Krauss' music. Vocal is soft and forceful and totally convincing. one would hope that this is where the genre is going. Good work.

God bless!

Lance

***GarageBand.com uses collaborative filtering to let ordinary people identify the best songs. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the "50 Best Websites," GarageBand's mission is to empower musicians and redefine how music is discovered and promoted.***

RE-CONSTRUCTION is now on iTunes!

If you are an iTunes user, go check it out and let me know what you think of their layout.

Also, any reviews are sincerely appreciated!

There is more distribution in the pipeline and I will keep everyone updated as we go :)

Your fan,

Lance Christopher

...Been thinking a lot about "heavy" stuff lately.

Over the holidays, I had some time down in Florida to hang by the ocean. (God bless Bryant, Bob G., and my biz partners, Dennis, and Bob for making it possible)

Physically and emotionally, I was pretty wasted on treatments. High dose dexamethasone can make one feel pretty wimpy, and having my platelete count below 25 didn't help... Ugh!

After everyone would go to bed, I would sit outside, listen to the surf, and prayerfully meditate.

No real agenda other than to connect with my God and sort out things like living, dying, His will, healing, treatments, destiny, callings and purposes for my wife and children, suffering, joy, the music business, ministry... Stuff like that.

Conclusions?

I am not really living unless there is something for which I am willing to die. (I'm sure I am quoting someone, but I'm not sure who)

I fight to live, because to do so is to honor the One who gave me life... It values the gift He gave.

To predict the future based on present circumstances is FOLLY. Almost every major life shift, at least for me, has been a genuine surprise. I think God likes it that way.

God REALLY does rule supreme in the affairs of men, and my help is significant in as much as I submit to what HE wants.

God still is in the healing business, and His TRUTH trumps mere facts... That is to say that faith in God's word makes the facts come in line with the truth.

Faith pleases God... He sincerely likes it. Pleasing God is good :) I want to please Him!

He has blessed me with GREAT doctors.

I LOVE music ministry :)

AND Yeah, way more than I can fit in this blog entry LOL.

I do believe that 2007 is the year that I am cured of cancer.

I PRAISE GOD FOR EACH OF YOU WHO HAVE AGREED WITH ME IN THIS!

I am unbelievably grateful for YOUR gift of faith!

I pray that 2007 is a year of miracles for you!

I praise God that we are in this thing called "life" TOGETHER!

In Him,

Lance

Also, I have to say that on the drive down to Florida I was HUGELY blessed by the old Sonic Praise album by Sonicflood, the one from when Jeff Deyo was the lead singer. That album was/is brilliant!

Then on the drive back up, Michelle, Bob Gale, and I sang all the old hymns, and old vacation Bible school songs we could remember... That was a blast LOL!

We also got to soak up the UNBELIEVABLE songwriting talent of my precious brother Chris Wallin... I've got my very own private stash of his demos... Nobody writes a song like he does. On the drive down and back we listened and got BLESSED!

Hey all!

Just a quick note :)

I've noticed a lot of you have been searching for the lyrics to "Joy Unspeakable" and "Autobiography (It's Love)" (saw it in search string stuff in admin).

THAT is so cool!

I am blessed that the songs bless YOU!

Now, just go to the "Music & More" page...

and then click the song title and VOILA!

Lyrics and more!

Also, I want to wish a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you fine folks from Canada who have been "surfing" in.

A big thanks to Riverside Country, with host Jason Farris up in Fredericton, NB!

AND HERE'S A LITTLE INFO ON RIVERSIDE COUNTRY!

*** "A wave of Christian Country music!" ***

Riverside Country, with host Jason Farris, is a syndicated, weekly 60 minute radio program featuring a rich blend of positive messages and great Christian Country & Country Gospel music!

The program features popular Inspirational Country hits from today and chart-topper's from the past, plus the latest Country Gospel news, requests and dedications, prizes, and more! Each week a portion of the show is dedicated to a featured artist. You'll hear tracks from their latest album release, interesting personal info, and short interview clips. Also, once a month we count down the top hits in Christian Country music. Listen-in for a great time!

Don't miss out on our weekly prize draws! Comment on the show or send in your requests or dedications and you'll be automatically entered!

Tune in to any of the following stations to hear the program. If your local station isn't listed, please let them know you'd like to hear Riverside Country!

CJFY 101.1 FM Blackville, N

CJRI 94.7 FM Fredericton, NB

CJFY 107.5 FM Saint John, NB

CINB 96.1 FM Miramichi, NB

CFTL 100.3 FM Big Trout Lake, ON

CKFS 90.1 FM Fort Severn, ON

CFDK 98.5 FM Pickle Lake, ON

The Bible says in Mark 16:15 that we are to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Riverside Country exists to help do just that, through music and song, and to provide enjoyment while honouring God... country style!

*** Be sure and click over to
http://www.riversidecountry.ca
And tell our northern neighbor, Jason, "THANK YOU!" for bringing "Joy Unspeakable" to the fine folks up there! ***

God bless us, everyone!

Lance Christopher

It has been a BUSY month since the last news update.

A couple of highlights are...

1) My song, "Joy Unspeakable", is now #21 on the Christian Country charts with over 130 stations spinning it!

"Joy Unspeakable" is my first duet with the UNBELIEVABLY-ever-COOL Scat Springs!

We are praying it will break the top 10...

SO, please call your local country station AND your local Christian station and request "Joy Unspeakable by Lance Christopher"!

That's faith in action :)

2) My sophmore album, RE-CONSTRUCTION, is available for download at...

http://www.mysongstore.com/cart/browse.php?so_store_id=315

I will let you know when it is officially available at your local record store... We are shooting for the end of January!

3) UNIVERSAL/PRIMORIS recording artist Woody Bradshaw recorded my song "Saved by a Woman".

He and I wrote the song together and I am blessed beyond words that he and the label agreed to include it!

Blessings
&
Merry Christmas!

Lance Christopher

Hey everyone,

I will be playing this Monday night, the 6th of Oct, at the ROY ACUFF THEATRE located across from the Opry Mills Mall and right next to the Grand Ole Opry.

I will be going on stage at about 8 pm, but the show starts at 6pm.

I will be playing with a GREAT band. The bass player, Paul Arntz, and the drummer, Jim Pace, both played on RE-Construction!

There will be a lot of talented artists playing a great night!

The cost is $10 at the door.

Also, for clarification on the location of the Lance Christopher booth for the ICM convention, we will be in the ATRIUM room at the Radisson Hotel Opryland (across from Opryland Hotel, the Radisson is the one with the Applebee's inside).

Our booth will be running starting this Saturday, the 4th of Oct, through 8th.

Please come on down and show some love :)

It should be a great week!

Blessings,

Lance

I want to thank everyone for helping to make "Joy Unspeakable" #58 on the Christian Country Charts (Power Source)!

This is a pretty cool lead up to the Christian Country Music Association award week coming up November 4th-9th at the Opryland Hotel.

I will have a booth there all week with my precious family and a few volunteers on board!

So, stop by and hug on us.

I will be playing at the Roy Acuff Theater on the evening of the 6th (Monday) at 8:00 pm.

Tickets will be $10 at the door.

This is a pretty big deal...

So, mark it on your calendars, and YA'LL COME ON OUT!

Have some FUN!

And show some LOVE by cheering in the crowd :)

It is being filmed for possible broadcast on GAC (Great American Country).

Yes, ANY support is appreciated!!!

I will get some more details up as the date approaches!

Hey, know you are LOVED!

:) Lance Christopher