Billy Rees "Carpenters On Tour" Book Worth Your Money

Very popular Carpenters You Tube channel owner Billy Rees has put together an excellent book on his favorite musical duo. Carpenters On Tour is stuffed with terrific European and U.K. based articles! What can a lover of Karen and Richard Carpenter find here?  Interviews, album reviews, concert critiques, images of tour booklets, venue tickets and more.

The man himself.

Taking a deep dive into what's there will surprise even the most knowledgable Carpenters fan. Just a tidbit- What famous hit song was passed on by Richard that became a big hit for another female artist? It's a song I never knew that he passed on before. Loved the chorus but Richard hated the rest of the song. I think it's a great record by the woman who made it famous. There's more to discover. Get this book! You won't regret it!

The Reunion of Whitney Houston and Clive Davis

Clive Davis, the music executive that developed so many incredible artists under his watch, has died at the age of 94. Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, and many others prospered by his visionary leadership. He told some of many tales in his decade old book, The Soundtrack of My Life.

From the expected stories around Whitney to the very unexpected ones about many others, the book is an eye-opening glance at the music industry.  Good, bad, and very, very ugly.

Clive's story is finished. If you're reading this, yours is not.  Each of us will have to give an account to God what how we've lived, what we've done, and who we believe in. Are you ready?

(Top photo by PurePeople.com)

I Am SO Busted!

Last night, my lovely wife started asking me questions about a great television show I was watching. I've been totally absorbed in this show as it deals with a group of people trying to make it big in the music industry. Of course it includes great music, sung and produced with excellence! 

As I continued to watch episode after episode, I began to realize it was also very focused on the main characters jumping from bed to bed. It was not a show I would have let my kids watch, that's for sure! Then I started thinking, "Why am I watching this?" But I let it slide, turned off the TV and headed off to bed.

Today, for my time of reading the Bible, praying, and reading a devotional designed to make me think about how I live my life, I uncovered the section shown above. Was I busted! Big time! I'm sad to have to skip the rest of the show, but I know enough to know that my wife was right and God wants more out of me. He is good- and boy, do I need Him!

When Is Your Imagineering Book Coming Out, Tony Baxter?

Journey into Imagination, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Indiana Jones Adventure, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and yes, Splash Mountain. The list of these incredible attractions make super fans lists of Disney Imagineerings's greatest park hits. Recognize the face? Of course, you do! It's Imagineering's legend Tony Baxter. He remains one of the best old school or new school Imagineers ever. Period. 

Look- Bob Gurr and Rolly Crump have done it.  Marty Sklar and Bob Weis jumped in. Randy Bright wrote one of the best long ago. Even the legendary John Hench dove in with an amazing one. Of course, others have written about the greats in Imagineering. All said, it's time for Tony to spill.  Don't you think?

Notable and Quotable: Greg Laurie

"There has to come a moment when we pass from money to meaning, from possessions to purpose, from success to significance. Ultimate success is serving the purpose of God in our generation."

                                                        Pastor and Author Greg Laurie

Here Greg is, in his new companion book, a devotional based of the House of David - the new Amazon Prime television series- talking about God's ultimate purpose for each of us. As always, his teaching comes straight from the Bible. This time, it's a quote from the book of Acts (historical recounting of how Jesus worked through the believers once he had returned to Heaven for a season).

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed."

Acts 13:36

What a challenge! What a question this is! Are we serving God's purposes during the time we are on this earth? Am I? 

This is absolutely something I wrestle with constantly! I know without a doubt that my time is limited, and once again, the words written in the Bible and Pastor Laurie's fleshing them out instruct me and give me pause. The guy was used decades ago to lead me to Jesus. Back then, we both had hair and not a wrinkle! Now, we're older and grayer and hopefully wiser, but the guy leads me from afar. 

What am I doing with the blessings and talents and gifts God has given me? What are you doing with those given you?

The Happiest Place on Earth Book and Disneyland's Tomorrowland Concept Art

 Imagineer Herb Ryman is probably one of my favorite Disney artists when I consider concept art and others renderings. His work on EPCOT Center is stunningly sublime and also dazzling. But for the first blog post of August 2025, I wanted to highlight his incredible work for Disneyland, specifically Tomorrowland's Monorail and Submarine Voyage stations. 

It's a tribute to the creative thinkers of Walt's day that they would stack two such important attractions on top of each other. Making the most of limited space, after all, was a tradition at "Walt's park". Fantasyland used this design trick to their advantage, creating layers of charm upon charm. In Tomorrowland, the goal wasn't charm but it was to create "A World on the Move" long before the 1967 version so many theme park fans rightfully adore- and it succeeded tremendously. 

This image is from the incredible new book, "The Happiest Place on Earth" by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt. If you think you know all there is to know about the creation of Disneyland and have seen most of the concept art for it, you couldn't be more wrong. Get this book and get it now!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Carpenters Rock Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe

Here's a rare little photograph of the Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe Resort in Lake Tahoe advertising the Carpenters. The date is either March 17-19 or August 22-28, 1972. Regardless, it is one of the first times that Richard and Karen Carpenter headlined a show. Opening act was Foster Brooks, whose famous act was based on him playing a lovable drunk- certainly not politically contact now. Del Webb's was quite a prestigious place to be playing! But by this point in time, the resort would be thrilled to have such a big act. With 3 mega hit albums (Close to You, Carpenters and A Song for You) and 8 equally great selling singles in a row (Close to You, We're Only Just Begun, For All We Know, Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, Hurting Each Other, It's Going to Take Some Time, and Goodbye to Love) the brother/sister act was dominating the Top 40 sales and radio airplay charts. Ah, the good old days! 

It's all documented in the terrifically detailed book Carpenters: The Musical Legacy by Mike Cidoni-Lennox and Chris May. Think you know Karen and Richard? Well, the book will surprise you. Check it out.

(Photographer unknown.)

--------------------------------

This is part of a continuing series on the albums of Karen and Richard Carpenter. There are so many stand alone posts highlighting different aspects of their career, recordings, rare photographs, and life that I've lost count. 

Below is the list of my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews and then my initial ones a decade earlier. Each have different photos and clippings.

My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:

Offering / Ticket to Ride
Close to You
Carpenters 
A Song for You 

Now & Then

The Singles 1969 - 1973

Live in Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974 - 1978

Christmas Portrait

Karen Carpenter (The Solo Album)

Music, Music, Music

My Initial Reviews of the albums:

Offering/Ticket to Ride

Close to You

Carpenters

A Song for You

Now & Then

The Singles 1969-1973

Live In Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974-1978

Christmas Portrait

Made in America

Voice of the Heart

An Old Fashioned Christmas

Time (Richard Solo)

Lovelines

Karen Carpenter (Solo)

As Time Goes By

The Soundtrack of My Life: Clive Davis' Victory Lap

How can a decade old book be such a fascinating read for a hardcore music fan? Easy! Fill it with behind the scenes stories are great pop artists from the 1960s forward. Clive Davis' The Soundtrack of My Life reads like it was written for my life, and probably yours too. From the expected stories around Whitney Houston to the unexpected ones about Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin, the book's a joy to read. A totally fascinating look at the excesses and successes of the music industry. Find a copy. You'll be glad you did!

This Real Life Indiana Jones Solved One of History's Greatest Mysteries!

Add this to the "When Real Life is More Fascinating Than Fiction" files: Imagine being a female archeologist in the mid-1900s when men ruled the profession. Then consider what it felt like to be hired by arguably the most powerful government on earth, The Vatican. Add to this the more than enormous task of being challenged to find and authenticate the bones of Peter, one of the most famous disciples of Jesus and Rome's first pope. This is the true story of a small, brilliant Italian Margherita Guarducci. The fictitious archeologist Indiana Jones has absolutely nothing on this woman!

The woman's work and her fierce determination to discover the truth at any cost lie in the heart of the account The Fisherman's Tomb by lawyer and author John O'Neill. Admittedly, Ms. Guarducci comes in rather late in the story, but she plays a rather important part. 

Texas oilman George Strake funded the entire secret excavation. He was contacted by the head of the Roman Catholic Church at the time, Pope Paul VI and asked to fund it in secret, which the devout Texas agreed to do- for decades. With the help of Father Walter Carroll, a young priest, the trio builds at team who begins searching for Peter's remains.

This true story is told against a backdrop of World Wars I and II. The entire saga is filled with intrigue, politics, almost miraculous events and more as friends and enemies within the Vatican itself battle for the credit of what is- or isn't- discovered.

Margherita Guarducci's book, The Tomb of St. Peter, tells her story and covers her findings in detail. (I have not read it.) O'Neill's book reads like the suspense novel it could be, except for the truth of it all.

If you've read my trip report on Rome (here), you'll know these books lead to a magnificent journey available to any traveler who puts in the effort, The Scavi Tour. You'll go under St. Peter's Basilica, bypassing the huge lines, joining a small group of ten to twenty people to the Necropolis. A fully underground Roman street and cemetery filled with ancient buildings, tombs, and one of Christendom's most sought after discoveries.  

After reading the book and seeing it all for myself when at the Vatican, the only question I have is, "Why isn't this a movie?" 

Olivia Newton John's Prayer

I read/heard on one podcast, The Life of Greatness, she says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have."

I read/heard on one podcast, The Life of Greatness, she says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have."

On one podcast, The Life of Greatness, Olivia Newton-John says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have." 

Oh, Olivia, I pray that the God of the universe heard your prayer and that you were forgiven your sins just as millions of people all over the world have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. He was the perfect sacrifice in place of us. Over the centuries, people have realized they fall very short from the perfection God requires, and they need to place their lives in the hands of Christ and turn the other direction. Eternity in Heaven or Hell rests in the balance. (Did you know Jesus himself speaks of Hell in the Bible? See Matthew chapter 5.)

Here's one author's paraphrase of some very famous Bible verses which makes it crystal clear: "“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him."

Making Records with the World's Biggest Stars

What do the following legendary musical artists all have in common? Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Sting, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Gloria Estefan, Karen Carpenter, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Quincy Jones, Art Garfunkel and dozens more. They are have worked with producer Phil Ramone. 

The now deceased genius producer and artist goes behind the scenes of American Popular Music and reveals stories about the creation of one iconic song after another. How he did it and how he worked with some of the most gifted writers, musicians and singers to walk the planet. He'll mention the exciting work behind something like Still Crazy After All These Years, and the reader needs to turn on the record to hear what was put into it.

Who is the artist Phil said was most open to feedback? Who was terrified to meet Ray Charles and why? What song took over a decade to complete and which were written in a matter of minutes? 

Making Records: The Scenes Behind the Music is a fan's dream book! Phil and co-author Charles L. Granata make this one a must-read... and a must listen to.

NOT a Dave Barry Notable and Quotable

"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status, or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above-average drivers." 

                            Dave Barry, Dave Barry Turns 50

For multiple reasons,  it seemed right to begin this post with this quote by the famed humorist. But this isn't a "Notable and Quotable". You have to wait for the punch line until the end of what I write today. But trust me, it will be worth it.

When the Apostle Paul came to faith in Jesus Christ- meaning after his spellbinding encounter with him on the Damascus Road-  it changed his life. Once upon a time, the formerly named Saul incited fear at the very mention of his name. He was a persecutor of what was thought of by some as a new Jewish sect. Believers were searched for, jailed, and executed under his command, including the first Christian martyr, Stephen.

If you've read this far, you know this man who hated the faith became one of the most powerful and influential of believers in Jesus. I mean, c'mon, the guy wrote a huge portion of the Bible's New Testament.

Once encountering Jesus, Paul spends 14 years working in the field and sharing the truth- Jesus Christ is the only way to life and truth, and the great gift of eternal salvation vs. damnation is trusting in Him and his accomplished work on the cross. Dying for the sins of all who would believe. 

Truth be told, to say he angered the Jews and was considered a traitor would be an exaggeration. They believed it took adherence to all those Jewish laws and customs to achieve pardon from God for their sins. High up on the list was the practice of circumcision, the cutting of the foreskin of a man's penis as a symbol of his commitment to God. (In itself, not a bad idea as it reminded each man that the use of his body was meant for God's glory and purposes.) "Measure twice, cut once" has never been a more important thing to remember.

When Paul later writes to all the churches in the region of Galatia (Modern day Turkey), he opens Chapter 1 by establishing his credibility as a true apostle. After all, the man once persecuted believers, and now he was one of them. They had reason to be skeptical!

Chapter 2 is Split into Two Important Sections:

• Verses 1-10       The Apostles Affirm Paul is Sent by God

• Verses 11-21     Paul Confronts Peter to Preserve the Truth

When we pick up reading the second chapter in the book, we find some amazing truths in these 21 simple verses. So, read with me the following, Galatians 2:1-15:

"Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.  I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 

But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you." (We will get back to this last statement.)

In these opening verses, we get to see a very real and human side of Paul. Even he had to defend his credibility. Even he had doubt at times. Even he needed validation and wanted to know if his work mattered. Can you imagine Paul thinking he'd run his race in vain. He's so human!

I love that the Bible shows the humanity, the weaknesses and strengths of its heroes. They are not perfect. Just like you and I. They are just obedient to what God wants- even if it took a life changing event to get them to do it.

Notice here in verse one that Paul worked for 14 years doing what the Lord told him to do. That’s a long time of unrecognized obedience!

Maybe you’re like that- Doing what you know to do- whether or not anyone notices. Bless you for your faithfulness! You are blessing the Lord by persevering in what He gave you to do.

It's always best to look to Jesus for direction!

Don't miss that Paul says he went to Jerusalem because of a revelation (verse 2). God speaks through the Word and also through dreams, visions, prayer, and through the counsel of others. Yes, even today!

Paul had to be seeking God regularly to gain direction and instruction. That's a great plan for success, though. God knows what He wants to accomplish and what will stand the test of time. It's better to seek Him out and do what He wants rather than just offer up our own good ideas. (It's one reason prayer is so important and much more than just asking God for the things you want.)

With a few unitalicized notes from me, let’s continue on and read verses 6-10:

"And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised (Those not born Jews), just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (Those born Jews) (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas (Peter) and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." 

FINALLY, we see that the leaders of this new found Christian faith recognize Paul's calling and his role! But still, the guy remains very human. Paul wanted- even needed- to check in with those deemed over him. He finally receives validation as one who should be reaching the Gentiles (those non-Jews).

Did you catch the last line “Remember the poor”? In God's kingdom, the reality is that caring for “the least of these” pleases Him and opens their hearts to the Gospel, the message that Jesus is the only way to God and the only way to eternal life.

Again, Paul is just so human! he's like us in so many ways. How often we can get caught up in thinking what someone else is doing is more valid than what God has called us to!  Or maybe that someone else’s work is LESS important than what we are doing! Isn’t obedience to the Lord the main issue? We all have a part to play in God’s Kingdom! 

You can almost hear in Paul’s words- “Peter, James, and John? They have one thing to do, I have another. Let’s do this!” Reminds me of that Home Depot ad! Maybe after today, each time you see this on the television, it will act as a reminder that we all have a meaningful part to play in God's kingdom. Who knows what the ripple effect will be from your obedience? 

What can I say?

I enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny too!

Up til this point, things seem to being going pretty well for Paul. Don't sit back and relax yet. Here comes BIG conflict in these next few verses.

Read verses 11-14with me:

"But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas (Peter) before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Paul is just SO gutsy! Can you imagine doing what he did? It would be like being invited to the executive board meeting of the Walt Disney Company (or insert your own here) and telling Robert Iger that he is a hypocrite and a fool for doing what he's doing.But then asking for his blessing and endorsement.

There's just not a confrontation of hypocrisy There's also confronting the fact that Peter seems to be endorsing another gospel – a false teaching- his silence as an endorsement that it takes more than faith in Christ alone (in this case, circumcision), and his work on the cross to atone for our sins. 

This issue had to be addressed. There was a very young church that was vulnerable and need to be protected and taught the truth.  

We might view the issue of circumcision is a case of majoring in the minors. But not at this time in history. It was a huge issue. The Jews thought that obedience to all their laws and customs was a requirement for salvation from Hell and into the gift of eternal life.  

These people pushing circumcision were called Judaizers. On one hand,  they professed Jesus but adhered to Jewish customs, believing salvation was not complete without obedience to them.  

For every good reason, Paul's language was strong here. He pulled no punches. In fact, he uses his strong language which a good dose of sarcastic humor to make his point later. Don't believe me? Stop now and read Chapter 5 verses 7-12. 

The Judaizers had a variety of motives, and Paul reveals their them later in Chapter 6. They were afraid of being persecuted for their faith in Jesus and they wanted to be recognized by proving their loyalty to the Jews. But it gets worse. Looking deeper into this, you discover many of them just did not want to socialize with the Gentiles.  

In truth, these folks were pushing a form of legalism. A falsehood that rears its ugly head from time to time in the church. (And in other places too. Like political parties, media organizations, and social groups.)

If you've read this blog long enough, you know I am all in for the 100% absolute truth of God's Word. No compromise whatever. But legalism misrepresents God, and that is why it's so dangerous.

Let's put it in bullet point form.  Legalism is a form of bullying that accomplishes things contrary to God's heart and His ways:

• Legalism drives away people who are really seeking God.
• It creates two classes of people- The Haves and the Have Nots.
• Legalism misrepresents God's truth his theology.
• Legalism is a form of manipulation and control.
• It is an excuse for arrogance, bigotry, and partiality,
• Lastly, legalism creates an ungodly fear that God never intended.

Let me challenge you here- Are your preferences for worship styles, church government, service style and length, or baptism type really 100% founded in God's Word. Or are they a tipping of the hat to what you like and want? When we push for our preferences and get mad when we don't get what we want, we are not displaying God's heart. Furthermore, if we do it, it is a sin against God and misrepresents Him. Stand typo for the absolute truth of God's Word, but be humble enough to differentiate between theology and personal preference. 

Begin equating works to circumcision.

You really want to be free! Don't go there. :)

Moving on to the last six verses (verses 15-21)-

"We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 

But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."

Obviously, Salvation by Faith instead of Works was the core doctrine that prompted the Protestant Reformation of 1517AD. Martin Luther. It is as important today as it was then and in Paul's lifetime. The law has its God-given purpose: It is to reveal to us our sin and therefore point us to Christ. Jew or Gentile (those not born Jews), God extends himself to all of us.

Did you see the order here in verse 16? First faith, then justification- just like first faith then renewal and cleansing and a formation into Christlikeness. Faith is the opposite of self-dependence. It's God-dependence. And the core, the heart of the Bible’s message is God desiring relationship with the people He created, and the efforts He goes to see this- so that all the earth will know Him and glorify Him!

You might be wondering about the term "Justification. It is a Legal term.

God declares that in response to our faith in Him:

• Our sins are forgiven.

• We are righteous in his sight.

• In other words, we are declared “Not Guilty!” Not condemned (Lots of Romans Chapters 3-8, especially 8:1)

• We’re not just forgiven, we’re righteous. (Based on Jesus’ righteousness! Acting in accordance to what is right)

• Not just innocent of our crimes but seen as holy, pure, clean!

• Do you see yourselves as holy pure and clean?  REJOICE!

Salvation is the result of the work of Jesus, Nothing that we can do, nothing that we've earned. 

Here, I want to stop and bring in a very subtle but important point.

The importance of conflict, discipline, and correction cannot be overstated. Whether we want to admit it or not, conflict often brings true motives to the forefront. We‘re human. We’ll disagree at times. We’ll act imperfectly. We may even believe something unbiblical at times. Often we’ll ignore conflict, avoid it, do it poorly or perhaps maybe , occasionally,  do it well.

But did you know that God uses conflict resolution as a way to further His Kingdom?  We often mention how God uses persecution to bring growth to the church as the Good News of Jesus spreads. But here, we see that conflict, problem resolution, and godly discipline brings growth as well. It's an effective form of sharing the message.

A few quick examples I want you to remember:

• Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1-14. This couple lied about bringing all their money to the Apostles. When asked about it, each one lied, and God struck them dead. Notice more folks came to Christ after their Ananias and then Sapphira die because of their lies? 

Here's verse 14:  “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women”

Discipline comes, then growth.  God deals with our pride.

• When the Grecian Jews thought their widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food – Acts 6:1-7.  Accusations of bigotry came to light within the church. What a disaster this could have been. But the Apostles prayed and assigned a godly man to take over, solving the problem and maintaining unity. Once the issue was resolved, more people came to faith. 

Verse 7: “ And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”
 
God deals with suspicion and the demanding of rights.  

Here's the next one and the last example for today. It applies directly to what we've been discussing.

·       Saul converts but the Disciples are afraid of him. (Acts 9:26) Barnabas steps out in faith and defends him. Saul/Paul is eventually accepted and begins to preach. The church once again grows. 

Verse 31:   “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

Growth comes when we invest in each other and are not threatened by the gifts God has given them! God deals with our fear.

 

A break in unity stops the powerful witness of the believers and it halts the growth in God's kingdom. But once unity is restored, God's kingdom grows again as people respond to the message Jesus delivered and lived out. 

The truly best state ever is to be in Christ!

We started with question by humorist Dave Barry about us all thinking we are above average drivers.  Now, I have my own question for you- “Are you an above average sinner?”  Me, too!

But the Apostle Paul has us all beat. In his own words, 

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”  (1 Timothy 1:15).  

If God can forgive, save, and use the Apostle Paul, imagine what He can do for us!

"For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."

Rejoice brothers and sisters! God is for us! We need nothing in addition to the accomplished work of Jesus on the cross. Now, all the things we do are because of His great love not to earn His great love. Rejoice, again I say rejoice!

Notable and Quotable: Larry Osborne

"If we claim to be followers of Jesus, there's never a good reason for panic. God loves a mess. After all, it takes a mess to have a miracle."

                        Larry Osborne, Author of Thriving in Babylon

I love this quote! How many times do I have to learn this lesson- that if I wait instead of panic, God comes through and I learn a lesson, see Him in a deeper more mature way, and watch God at work...even if the end result is not something I initially want. Even though I know better, I can fall into the trap of thinking being a follower of Jesus means I deserve and can get an easy life. (How'd that work out for His disciples?) Then I remember, it's truly about dying to self and living for God's purposes, relying on God's grace and not my own works to gain me favor and forgiveness from God. Major lessons taught over and over again...

Pride, Sexuality, and the Gospel of Jesus

Gay, Straight or something else on the spectrum? Atheist, Agnostic, or Adherent to a particular faith, or adherence to none. Dr. Christopher Yuan writes a mesmerizing book that successfully addresses the idea of healthy, holy sexuality. Reading it will help the LGBTQ+ reader understand the perspective of those who don't understand them and visa versa, people of faith and people of no faith. It's a book that addresses the Bible, Christianity, Pride, Brokenness, and who can follow the call of Jesus Christ. It was an eye-opening journey which brought many questions to light and made me consider what it meant to look at complex issues from multiple sides of the equation. Read it if you want your world view stretched.

40 Years Without Karen Carpenter

 

Forty years ago, Karen Carpenter died- and I remember exactly where I was at the time I heard of her death. It's hard to believe four decades have passed. With her brother Richard, the Carpenters had not only an amazing career filled with huge record sales and Grammy awards, they amassed generations of fans. 

 

The news was a shock, and part of our innocence also died when Karen passed. I just couldn't believe it.

Jazz artist Michael Franks (the Carpenters created a fresh take on his song B'wana She No Home" back in 1977) wrote poignant lyrics about a friend and fellow artist who passed away. These very words are worth mentioning today to honor Karen and her legacy.

 

On his Rendevous in Rio album, the recording "Songbirds" leaves listeners with these heartfelt lines: 

 

"When I consider your absence then my smile erases. 

Sure, the Creator creates, but rarely He replaces."

Rest in peace, Karen, and thank you for your part in the musical legacy left behind.

----------

A few of the other many, many, posts here about Karen, Richard, and the Carpenters music and impact on my life:

The Night I Met Karen Carpenter

Great American Voices: Karen Carpenter

Carpenters Revisited: A Fresh Look at Horizon 

The Legacy of Karen Carpenter

Carpenters Band Offers Their Tribute 

The Last Hours of Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter: The Drummer Who Sang

Carpenters Recording Chronology

Using Chris May and Mike Cidoni Lennox's Carpenters: The Musical Legacy book as an excellent list for the "base", all the contributions by various A&M Corner Forum members, and many other sources such as album liner notes, I compiled a recording chronology of every piece of studio work by Karen and Richard Carpenter. These dates are placed based on the main tracking of a tune, meaning usually piano, drums, and bass, but not Karen's vocals. 

As a big time Carpenters fan, I've long wanted to do this kind of historical project so that I could create kind of an ultimate anthology for a fresh listening experience. (If you've been reading for awhile, you know I've got tons of articles, rare photos, and album reviews on the blog.)

Here is my list... as of this date. More could pop up in years to come:

Carpenters Chronology

1965

"Caravan" (1965) Summer 1965 per Essential Collection, no specific date given - Richard Carpenter Trio

1966

"The Parting of Our Ways" After May 13, 1966 per Essential Collection, no specific date given in book

"Looking for Love" 1966- After May 13, 1966 per Essential Collection, no specific date given in book

"I'll Be Yours" After May 13, 1966 per Essential Collection, no specific date given in book

“Every Little Thing (Beatles cover)” - no specific date given in book - Richard Carpenter Trio

“Strangers in the Night” June 1966 - no specific date given in book - Richard Carpenter Trio

“I’ve Never Had A Love” June 1966 - no specific date given in book - Richard Carpenter Trio

"Iced Tea" September 1966- Richard Carpenter Trio

“Girl from Ipanema” - no specific date given in book - Richard Carpenter Trio

Unknown: “Why Don’t They Understand?”; “Cinderella Rockafella”

1967

"You'll Love Me (Summerchimes)" May 1967- per Essential Collection, no specific date given in book

“California Dreamin’” 1967- no specific date given in book

“Nowhere Man” 1967- no specific date given in book

“One of the Nicer Things” 1967- no date known

1968

"All I Can Do" (1967–1968) no specific date given in book for either spectrum or carpenters

"Don't Be Afraid" (Demo) 1968- no specific date given in book

"Invocation" Unknown - no specific date given in book; Remix 1968

"Your Wonderful Parade" 1968 - no specific date given in book

Unknown: “And When I Die”; “Can’t Buy Me Love” ; “I Fell in Love With You”(Your Navy Presents)

Lately, I Think Myself a Creature, Something More Than Sorrow (Spectrum Songs Carpenter/Bettis)


1969

"Get Together" (Offering/Ticket to Ride) 1969 – no specific date mentioned in book

“Benediction” no specific date given in book

"Ticket to Ride (original Offering version)" April 29, 1969;

“Eve” May 8, 1969; Remix 1987

"Goodnight" May 9, 1969 (with CSULB) 

"Crescent Noon" May 9, 1969 (with CSULB)

"And When I Die" May 9, 1969 Karen and Wanda Freeman (CSULB)

 “Turn Away” May 20, 1969

“Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” June 2, 1969

"All of My Life" (1969; remix) June 2, 1969; Remix 1987

“Someday” June 16, 1969

“What’s the Use” June 18, 1969

"Don't Be Afraid" (Offering/Ticket to Ride) June 19, 1969

"Love Is Surrender" November 5, 1969; Remix 1987

“Mr. Guder” November 8, 1969; Remix 1990

“Another Song” November 1969; Remix 1994

“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” December 8, 1969


1970

“Help” January 8, 1970

"Get Together" (Your Navy Presents) March– no specific date mentioned in book, from Resource

All of Your Navy Presents March 1970:

Get Together (Karen Vocal)

Bacharach Medley

Love is Surrender

Can’t Buy Me Love

Baby It’s You

Flat Baroque

Help

Ticket to Ride

Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing / All I Can Do

All of My Life

Cinderella Rockafella

Mr. Guder

(Sacre Bleau) I Fell in Love with You

“I Kept on Loving You” March 16, 1970

"(They Long to Be) Close to You" March 24, 1970; Remix 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

"We've Only Just Begun" June 13, 1970; Remix 1985, 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

“Baby It’s You” July 13, 1970; Remix 1987; RPO 2018

“Reason to Believe” July 13, 1970; Remix 1987

“Crescent Noon” July 28, 1970

"Maybe It's You" July 28, 1970; Remix 1987, 1990

"Merry Christmas Darling" November 11, 1970; Remix 1978, 1992, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO (FAWK also cut same time)

"For All We Know" November 11, 1970; Remix 1990, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO


1971

"Rainy Days and Mondays" January 25, 1971; Remix 1973, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

"Superstar" Prior to April 1971 video- no date given; Remix 1973, 1985, 1990, 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

“Saturday” January 27, 1971

“One Love” January 27, 1971; Remix 1994

"Let Me Be the One" 1971 - no specific date given in book; Remix 1990

“(A Place To) Hideaway” 1971- no specific date given in book

“Bacharach Medley”- no specific date given in book

“Sometimes” 1971 - no specific date given in book

“Druscilla Penny” 1971 - no specific date given in book

"Hurting Each Other" October 12, 1971; Remix 1973, 1990, 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

"Bless the Beasts and Children" April 16, 1971; Remix 1985, 1991, 2004 SACD

“Make Your Own Kind of Music Medley” During TV series July 20, 1971 to September 7, 1971

“And When He Smiles (Live at BBC)” Sept 25, 1971

“What are You Doing for Love” Unreleased recorded October 11, 1971

“Sebastian” Unreleased recorded October 11, 1971

“Road Ode” December 17, 1971; Remix 1990

“I Won’t Last a Day Without You” December 28, 1971; Remix 1974, 1991, 2004 SACD

Unknown: “Don’t Leave Me”; I Believe in You”;


1972

"A Song for You" February 22, 1972; Remix 1987

"A Song for You (Reprise)" February 22, 1972

"It's Going to Take Some Time" February 24, 1972; Remix 1989, 2004 SACD

“Top of the World (A Song For You version)” March 1, 1972

“Piano Picker” March 22, 1972; Remix 1987

“Crystal Lullaby” March 23, 1972; Remix 1987

“Flat Baroque” March 25, 1972

"Goodbye to Love" March 23, 1972; Remix 1985, 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

“Intermission” Unknown- no specific date given in book

"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" December 28, 1972; Remix 1991

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Single)” 1972; September 1974; Remix and new saxophone July 18, 1984

1973

Oldies Medley (1973)

"Fun, Fun, Fun" January 9, 1973; Remix 1990

"The End of the World" January 9, 1973; Remix 1990

"Da Doo Ron Ron" January 9, 1973; Remix 1990

"Dead Man's Curve" January 10, 1973; Remix 1990

"Johnny Angel" January 10, 1973; Remix 1990

"The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" January 10, 1973; Remix 1990

"Our Day Will Come" January 12, 1973; Remix 1990

"Sing" January 12, 1973; Remix 1994, 2002 SACD

“I Can’t Make Music” February 16, 1973

"One Fine Day" February 18, 1973

"This Masquerade" March 12, 1973; Remix 1990, 1991. 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

"Yesterday Once More" March 14, 1973; Remix 1985, 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

"Yesterday Once More (Reprise)” Probably March 14, 1973; Remix 1990

“Heather” March 17, 1973

Radio Contest Outtakes (1973)

"Ticket to Ride (Singles version)" April 18 1973;

“Top of the World (Singles version)” August 15, 1973; Remix 1991, 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

Unknown: Canta, KFRC, Mortons 1971 Toronto during Englebert Humperdink tour

1974

“(I’m Caught Between) Goodbye and I Love You” May 3, 1974

“Bacharach Medley Live” May 8-21, 1974

"Morinaga Hi-Crown Chocolate Commercial (From the Heart Comes the Soul)" After Japanese tour end June 12, 1974 per Essential Collection

"Please Mr. Postman" July 22, 1974; Remix 1975, 1991, 2004 SACD, RPO

“Love Me for What I Am” September 10, 1974

“Happy” September 19, 1974

"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" 1974 no specific date given in book

“Carpenters/Como Medley” Late 1974- no specific date given in book

“Sailing on the Tide (#1)- NEVER RELEASED” Late 1974- no specific date given

1975

“Desperado” January 28, 1975; Remix 1994

"Solitaire" January 28, 1975; Single Remix 1975

"Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again" January 27, 1975

"Only Yesterday" January 30, 1975; Remix 1991, 2004 SACD

“Aurora” April 8, 1975

“Eventide” April 8, 1975

“I Can Dream, Can’t I” April 10, 1975

“Good Friends are For Keeps” 1975- no specific date given in book (maybe close to end according to From the Top/Essential Collection?)

“Breaking Up is Hard to Do” December 4, 1975

“I Can’t Stay Mad at You” (Skeeter Davis song) December 6, 1975

“Goofus” December 9, 1975

"Sandy" December 9, 1975; Remix 1997

Unknown: "Try and Win a Friend" unreleased recording for Horizon.

Unknown dates Late 1975/ Early 1976: “Come and Be Kind”,

“Real Love” (maybe Kenny/Dolly song? Not Doobie Brothers)

Unknown- 2 more songs for Hush December 1975 un-orchestrated 

Unknown 75 or 76- “Box Office Movie King” written by Palma Pascale.

“Where is Love”; “Hurting”; “I Believe in You”;

1976

"I Need to Be in Love" January 23, 1976; Remix 1985, 1990, 2018 RPO

“You” January 24,1976

“Boat to Sail” January 24, 1976

"Ordinary Fool" January 25, 1976

"There's a Kind of Hush" January 30, 1976; Remix 1985

“I Have You” January 30, 1976

“Can’t Smile Without You” February 14, 1976; Remix 1977, 1997

“One More Time” February 14, 1976

“Medley: Superstar/Rainy Days and Monday” September 25, 1976- per As Time Goes By liner notes

“Close to You” (Spike Jones version) 1976- no specific dates given but before 1st TV special on December 8

“Good Vibrations (with John Denver) 1976- no specific dates given but before 1st TV special on December 8

“Strike Up the Band (drum solo)” 1976- no specific dates given but before 1st TV special on December 8

“These are the Jokes (TV skit)” 1976- no specific dates given but before 1st TV special on December 8

“Hits Medley ‘76” 1976- no specific dates given but before 1st TV special on December 8

"From This Moment On (Studio Version)" 1976- no specific dates given but before 1st TV special on December 8

"From This Moment On (Live Version)" November 27, 1976

Unknown- “Stay Young”- tracked same day as One More Time (per Chris May); “Magic in the Music”;

”Love is Coming Back”; “Sunday Afternoon”


1977

“Man Smart, Woman Smarter” March 29, 1977

“Two Sides” March 30, 1977

"All You Get from Love Is a Love Song" (1977) April 1, 1977

“You’re the One” April 2, 1977

“Sailing on the Tide (#2)” April 2, 1977

“B’wana She No Home” April 13, 1977.

“I Just Fall in Love Again” April 16, 1977; Remix 2018 RPO

"Sweet, Sweet Smile" May 8, 1977

"Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" May 9, 1977; Remix 1978, 1989, 2004 SACD

“On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada/Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” May 24, 1977

“Look to Your Dreams” November 13, 1977

"Suntory Pop – Jingle #1" 1977 – no specific date given in book

"Suntory Pop – Jingle #2" 1977 – no specific date given in book


“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” November 13, 1977

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” December 7, 1977; Remix 1992

“White Christmas (Stand Alone track)” December 7, 1977; Remix 1990

“Winter Wonderland/Silver Bells/White Christmas” probably December 7, 1977 but no date given

“What are You Doing New Years Eve?” December 8, 1977

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” December 8, 1977

“The First Snowfall/Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” December 10, 1977; Remix 1990

“Overture from Christmas Portrait” December 11, 1977; Remix 1992

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” December 11, 1977

“Sleigh Ride” 1977- no specific date given

"Christ Is Born" no specific date given in book; Remix 1990

“It’s Christmas Time/Sleep Well Little Children” no specific date given in book

“Christmas Song (Chestnuts)” no specific date given in book; Remix 1992

Unknown- “Second Thoughts”; “Savin’ It Up for the Minute”; “We Won’t Be Back Tomorrow”; “Come and Be Kind”; “I Can’t Smile”; “I Can’t Stay Mad at You”; “I Finally Got It Right This Time”; “Real Love”; “Runaway”; “Sebastian” “Second Thoughts”;

1978

“Jingle Bells” February 5, 1978; Remix 1992

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Christmas Portrait version)” February 5, 1978; Remix 1992

“(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” February 5, 1978

“Christmas Waltz” February 9, 1978; Remix 1992

"Ave Maria" (1978) February 9, 1978; Remixes 1984, 1990

“Carol of the Bells” February 9, 1978; Remix 1992

“He Came Here For Me” February 12, 1978

“Little Altar Boy” February 13, 1978

“Silent Night” February 14, 1978; Remix 1992

“Man Smart, Woman Smarter (with Suzanne Sommers)” Prior to May 17 on Space Encounters TV Special

“Old Fashioned Way (with John Davidson)” Prior to May 17 on Space Encounters TV Special

“O Come O Come, Emmanuel” 1978- no specific date; Remix 1992

““Christmas Alphabet” October 1978- no specific date

“Play A Simple Melody” – 1978

“Dancing in the Street” April 7-9, 1978- per As Time Goes By liner notes

“Leave Yesterday Behind” May 20, 1978

"I Believe You" May 31, 1978; Remix 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

“Thank You For The Music (Live on The Tonight Show)” June 27, 1978

“Where Do I Go From Here?” August 11, 1978

“When I Fall in Love” August 12, 1978; Remix 1990

“Honolulu City Lights” August 13, 1978

“Slow Dance” September 21, 1978

"Little Girl Blue" 1978 – no specific date given in book

“Medley Close Encounters/Star Wars” 1978- no specific date given in book

“Medley Superstar/Rainy Days and Mondays” 1978- no specific date given in book

Unknown- “Thank You for the Music” (studio); “Rainbows in Your Eyes”; “Just Fall in Love”; “Love Song”

1979

"Lovelines (Karen solo)” 1979- no specific date given in book

“Remember When Lovin’ Took All Night” 1979- no specific date given in book

“Still Crazy After All These Years” 1979- no specific date given in book; Remix 1990

“My Body Keeps Changing My Mind (Karen solo)” November 8, 1979; Remix 1990

(Karen solo- ““Basket Case” ; “Make Believe It’s Your First Time” “Church Choir (Wild)”; “Don’t Try to Win Me Back Again”; “I Do It for Your Love”; “it’s Really You”; “Jimmy Mack”; “Keep the Lovelight Burning”; “Love Making Love to You”; “Midnight”; “Something Missing”; “Truly You”)

Unknown- “All the Way” (Frank Sinatra?); “Auld Lang Syne”; “Better World”; “Mad”; “I Don’t Need You” (Kenny Rogers); “Yours Sincerely”; “What are You Doing in Love”; “Don’t Leave Me”; “Funny Faces”; “I’ll Be Seeing You”; “Just Somebody” (date unknown); “Last of the Romantics”; “Lately”; “Love Me Like the First Time”; “Mad”; “Rainbow in Your Eyes”; “Yours Sincerely”;

1980

“If I Had You (Karen solo)” January 4, 1980; Remix 1989

“If We Try (Karen solo)” Unknown

"Karen/Ella Medley" March 2, 1980

"This Masquerade"

"My Funny Valentine"

"I'll Be Seeing You"

"Someone to Watch Over Me"

"As Time Goes By"

"Don't Get Around Much Anymore"

"I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart"

1980 Medley – no specific date given in book

"Sing"

"Knowing When to Leave"

"Make It Easy on Yourself"

"Someday"

"We've Only Just Begun"

“Slaughter on 10th Avenue”” 1980- no specific date given in book

“You’ll Never Know” 1980- no specific date given in book

“You’re Just in Love” 1980- no specific date given in book

“Dizzy Fingers” 1980- no specific date given in book

“I Got Rhythm Medley ” 1980- no specific date given in book

“Without A Song (a capella intro version) – May 13, 1980- per As Time Goes By liner notes

“Without A Song (full length version) – May 13, 1980- per As Time Goes By liner notes

"From This Moment On (Studio)" February 1980- no specific date given in book; Remix 1995

“When It’s Gone (It’s Just Gone)” June 12, 1980

“Two Lives” June 12, 1980

"Touch Me When We're Dancing" June 15, 1980; Remix 2004 SACD, 2018 RPO

“Prime Time Love” July 25, 1980

“Kiss Me the Way You Did Last Night” July 27, 1980

“When You’ve Got What It Takes” August 20, 1980

“Somebody’s Been Lyin’” August 26, 1980

"Because We Are in Love (The Wedding Song)" August 26, 1980

“The Wedding Prayer” August 31, 1980 (RC singing at KC’s wedding)

“Strength of a Woman” October 20, 1980

“(Want You) Back in My Life Again” October 21, 1980

“Your Baby Doesn’t Love You Anymore” October 22, 1980

“The Uninvited Guest” October 23, 1980

“Make Believe It’s Your First Time (Carpenters version)” October 23, 1980

“The Rainbow Connection” October 24, 1980

“Beechwood 4-5789” November 7, 1980

“Those Good Old Dreams” November 20, 1980; Remix 1981

“At the End of a Song”, November 20, 1980

Unknown- “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”; “Sweet Talkin’ Guy”; “Peter Pan Moon”; “You Made Me Feel Love”;

“I Don’t Want My Arms Around You”; “Play a Simple Melody”; “Stop Me”; “All the Good Things I Remember”; “Once in a Lifetime”;

1982

“You’re Enough” April 23, 1982

"Now" April 25, 1982

Unknown dates- “Fallin’ for Love”; “Fool Me” (Richard Vocals); “Some Guys Have All the Luck”; “Stop Me”;

“Love You Through and Through”; “For the Minute”

1983

“You’ll Never Know”; “The Lord’s Prayer”; “Love as Old as the Heart (RC Vocal)”;

1984

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” August 1984- no specific date given in book

“Overture from An Old Fashioned Christmas” August 1984; Remix 1992, – no specific dates given in book

“Medley (Here Comes Santa Claus etc)” August 1984- no specific date given in book

“Selections from The Nutcracker” August 1984- no specific date given in book

“My Favorite Things” August 1984- no specific date given in book

“An Old Fashioned Christmas” August 1984- no specific date given in book

“O Holy Night” August 17, 1984

1985

“I’m Still Not Over You - June 26, 1985

1987

“When Time Was All We Had” – no specific date given

1996

"Karen's Theme" December 13, 1996

“Incidental Music” from Karen Carpenter Story

2018

“Overture from Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” August 2018- no specific date given in book

EVERYTHING UNKNOWN

“You’re No Good” (Linda Ronstadt cover)