Lew Doty: News

Some little while ago, a comment was placed on my guestbook page telling me that I had come a long way. That comment was automatically removed because it didn't contain a valid email address.

I have a service that removes all comments without email addresses since huge amounts of SPAM appear almost every day and they usually don't contain email addresses. The email addresses don't print on the guestbook page in order to protect people's privacy, but do show up internally, thus making it easy for the service to remove inappropriate and offensive material.

Today this writer also posted to my guestbook and was also deleted automatically (same reason), but today's comments were that she was very disappointed in me for having removed her original comment. She felt that I removed it because it didn't praise me enough, wasn't complimentary enough, and even though she had returned to the website to purchase a CD, she had changed her mind because of her disappointment, and that obviously I hadn't come far at all.

Well, Candace, you are correct both times. I have come a long way on my spiritual path, but God knows I do have a long way to go.

Why do we all take things so personally? And let's face it, we all do.

Anyone's opinion of me and my music, either negative or positive, is welcome so long as they contain an email address.

I'm sorry to have disappointed Candace, but it was not personal - just an automatic response.

Having said all that, it is obvious that I too have taken things too personally since I have spent the time to write my commentary here.

And the lessons continue.

I sit looking out my window at the forsythia bush which is just beginning to bloom. What a lovely time of year. Rebirth, renewal, a time to rise up in consciousness, a time to step forward and take the high road at every opportunity, a time to be reminded that everything each of us ever needs is already within us - sometimes asleep, waiting to blossom, but there. I encourage you to look deep within to uncover all your hidden treasures and to allow them to break through and rise up.

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
Agnes M. Pharo

I would like to take this moment to wish you and your family a truly blessed holiday season. Whatever your faith or tradition, may the Spirit of Christmas be alive in your home, and the meaning of Christmas be alive in your heart.

I am happy to announce that I have signed a contract with Watchfire Music and am anticipating exciting things to be happening in the upcoming months. Watchfire had dedicated itself to becoming the ITunes of inspirational music. Several of Watchfire's artists have been nominated for Grammys this year. Life is good.

The bursting forth of spring reminds me that every day is a new beginning - we get to start again if we didn't like the choices we made yesterday.

I have been very busy playing at Sunday services and prayer concerts. The Universe is conspiring to do me good and I'm enjoying every moment of it.

There has been some talk about the next CD being all congregational songs and chants. As it all gels, more news will be forthcoming.

Enjoy your spring (and summer, autumn and winter)

Well, as many of you know, Wind and Water has been released, orders are coming in left and right, and the response has been overwhelming and positive. I have already made many new friends who've been gifted with W&W for Christmas.

As you can also see if you check the calendar, 2007 is going to be a very busy year for me. I have been booked for 48 Sundays, and now the prayer concert bookings on Friday and Saturday nights are beginning to be planned.

Thank you everyone who supports me in my music ministry. I am blessed beyond my wildest imaginings.

My new CD, WIND AND WATER, will be delivered in time for Christmas sales. I should have it in my hands and available by the 10th of December. I am very thrilled with the results of two years of work, both raising money and recording. I know you're all going to love it as well. To order, go the products page.

Imagine the Universe as beautiful and just and perfect.
Then be sure of one thing:
The Is has imagined it quite a bit better than you have . . .