Silence is Golden... or is it? (Bucky Covington, Jason Castro, Michael Castro etc)

Well, first off -- my apologies to you for taking a week off LOL.
Thanx for all the emails and wondering if I was okay or on vacation etc. I was "chillaxin".

The past week has had a lot of things going on .. sheesh... anyway, first and foremost, I have to give a shoutout to my precious Lord and Savior :) Can I get a whoop whoop?! (For those that think I am being irreverent, I am sorry, I am filled with major love and joy for my Lord and there is no intention of irreverancy here. (irreverancy -- did I just make that word up? Ok, add another to the Cath Vocab List)

Goings-on... or NOT:
NOT... not stimulating our economy, but definitely earmarking.. enuff said, read between the lines.

Goings-on:
AI at Disney -- Jason Castro and Bucky Covington --
Hey both of my boys will be together at the new American Idol Experience kickoff event. There is a motorcade on February 12 at 4:30 p.m. and then a private concert (I believe winners from radio stations are the recipients. You are in for a treat.) Then the actual AI Experience attraction actually opens for business on February 14. The preshow is kind of an AI reunion of sorts because former top contestants and AI staff will be appearing. The list someone shared with me is:

Paula Abdul
David Archuleta
Fantasia Barrino
Bo Bice
Jason Castro
David Cook
Bucky Covington
Diana DeGarmo
Melinda Doolittle
Simon Fuller (Idol Creator)
Josh Gracin
Justin Guarini
Taylor Hicks
Michael Johns
LaKisha Jones
Kimberley Locke
Sanjaya Malakar
Mandisa
Syesha Mercado
Ryan Seacrest
Chris Sligh
Carly Smithson
Jordin Sparks
Phil Stacey
Ruben Studdard
Carrie Underwood
Brooke White
Ace Young

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Michael Castro/AI Season 8:
AI didn't air much of Michael Castro (just as they didn't air much of Jason Castro prior to him getting into the top 24) but they did let us know that he did not make it through to the next round of Hollywood performances. Michael only just started singing in public about 20 days prior to the audition -- talk about finding out what the talents are that God has given you and using them! I hear something unique and memorable in his voice and definitely marketable. God gave him a voice and I hope he continues to use it. (AI is definitely not the only game in town -- especially where using your voice for good is concerned). I understand Michael is already using his talent for good and inspiration :) "Way to go -Stro"

I am sharing a free download of Michael Castro singing "This Boy" which he posted on his myspace as a gift to all. Here ya go: MICHAEL CASTRO

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Do you talk to God?
So many people have said to me that "they can't ask God about something because they "didn't want to bother Him with trivial matters" or He is too busy" or that "He has too many other people to take care of" or "He just doesn't hear me or answer me." I believe that God answers every single prayer. Sometimes He says "Yes", sometimes "No", and other times He responds "Not Now." Most importantly God searches our hearts more than listens to the words that come out of our mouths. He also will stand firm on giving to us those things which He has promised. I have been guilty in the past (as probably most of us are as well) of praying for things that God said he would never give to us. I am glad that He opened my eyes to how stupid I was back then.

I received the following in an email and wanted to share it because it relates to that subject:

Are you waiting for an answer from God?

It's easy to think that God's not listening--especially when you've been praying that "one special request" for longer than you can remember.

Don't be discouraged! Here's what He says about prayer...

1. Pray boldly. God wants us to approach Him with confidence! (Hebrews 4:16)
2. Pray often. God desires a relationship with us. (1 Thessalonians. 5:17)
3. Pray in faith. He is able and willing. (Mark 11:24-26)