On a different note,
There's something to be said for finding Your Voice. This can be viewed in various ways, all bearing weight and Impact within your life. We all have a voice, we all have influence and we all have an opportunity in this life to make a mark... we just have to choose it!
As a singer/songwriter, one of the most pivotal and challenging aspects of being an Original artist is finding your Voice... or finding your style. Who will I be as an artists? Rock, Country, Gospel, R&B, and so on... Am I gonna discuss relative topics, Love, personal views, having fun, or more deep and thought out topics? This part of an artist development can make or break their career. You can see the beginning of relative artists and the growth that transpired from their start to their now current style. And You can empathize with where they could of been versus where they are, just by the stylistic choices that were made. Choosing who You are going to be in the music world starts your path to success and productivity.
Which leads us to an even bigger aspect, which is personal development. Choosing who I AM in the world I live. You see we all have a Voice... the ability to influence those around us. And if given a platform (Art, Music, Leadership, Etc) we could have a large impact on the people we come in contact with... sometimes those we'll never meet. We are all conditioned to be opinionated, let's just lay that out in front. But choosing the projected influence a person has can be quite different. I can force an opinion, or stick to only MY views... or I can take a step back and be specific in my expressions. Similar to a singer/songwriter choosing their path, we all must make a decision on WHO we will be... which will have dire ramifications as far as the receiving of that Voice!
If we do Not choose our Voice wisely, we may never be heard! Or maybe Not heard by the ones that need to hear it! So many are inflexible and unwilling to change. This allows for no growth or development. And as I have spoken in many previous writings, there is a plan and a path laid out for us... IF we choose to seek, invest, sacrifice and follow! God has a plan... the Lord also laid out a road map... LOVE... Now I'm not saying You have to only write Love Songs, what I mean is choosing your influence... Positive or Adverse?
How you affect those around you with your influence and opinions... how You invest in the world around you with Love or hate? Anger or Grace? As an Artist, You can influence a generation, or you can spread angst for years to come. I am Not choosing your path for you, I am simply asking You make a conscious choice! Seek council... from your friends, family, producers, teachers, and find your spiritual foundation and stability... I can tell you 100% my success in life is based on my Faith and following the path the Lord created for me. I am still ME... but HE created ME! And as far as my style, I was willing to be honest, transparent, mold-able, teachable, and developed.
Find Your Voice and then You will have an Impact! Don't get caught up in being reactionary or a sheep to society! BE YOU on Purpose!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, November 17, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Signed At Last!
On a different note,
As You all know, I write about quality, investment and focus quite often. These are paramount aspects of success in all areas of your life. As many of you know, I have recently signed a deal with Spectra Records, the Top Independent Label in the World. WOW, what an honor!! They have an incredible artist/talent list that rivals many major organizations. It is an absolute honor to be part of this Amazing organization, and I look forward to working hard with and for them!
The reason I bring this up, is to shine a light on what realistically got me to this place. Depending on a persons Likes or Dis-Likes, we could take most famous artists and critique them harshly. Ok singer, average lyrics, and so on... Well, I would fall into this same boat! Meaning, there is Always going to be some one better, not saying we all aren't good enough to create music. The reason I bring this up is, if that is a known aspect of the Artist population, how do "I" set myself apart?
Quality and Hard Work typically are your differentiate-rs in this journey. There are producers out there to assist artist in development & inception. Example: I am NOT a producer, but I do have vision and the ability to write lyrics. I also have years IN music, teaching myself guitar & piano. That being said, I am NOT a producer!! So, my goal is to hire/work with the Best that fit into MY current situation! Another eye opener from a Quality perspective is the reality of bench marking your music. Who are You comparing it against? If You are thinking You want to get Signed, then You should be comparing against National Level Quality... Not local indie (Nothing against them)! Labels are thinking BIG picture... National & World Wide! Make sure Your Output/Product is Sell-able if You want to get signed, else keep making YOUR music & enjoying it!! Gotta Enjoy it!
The other side is the part most hate... the Business side! WORK! Hehehe! A LOT of work! This is YOUR business, so You better Own it! Everyday, Rise & Grind! But Not just busy work, but focused efforts! Are You finding opportunities, are You reaching fans, are you performing/crafting your style, and are You pushing the envelope to create a brand? Yo gotta ask yourself these questions! You gotta promote, sell, market, evaluate, analyze and Grow Your business! Takes a lot of looking in the mirror, transparency, and willingness to keep fighting when it seems hopeless!
Which brings me to my last aspect, but honestly for me... the Most pivotal! To Build anything, we need a solid foundation! For an artist, that means Faith, Family & Friends! I have Faith because it has been proven to Me! I pray daily about His path for my life, and that IF music is it I will work hard. But if it's Not, to re-direct my efforts! Now, It's not like I'm quitting music... It means, where is my focus? The Lord will provide you security, and be the one to open those doors No One could of seen! Trusting in His plan... Wasn't He the one who birthed Music in you to begin with? YES! Surround yourself with positive, like minded, supportive, loving, graceful, Honest people! They will inspire & encourage, and be truthful when You need feedback! We ALL need that!
There are so many aspects and things I had to learn on this journey. I have 12 years in music, and I mean working years! Managing, promoting, booking, networking, practicing, growing, etc... It takes time, but hard work, focus & Faith creates opportunity! I am blessed regardless of whether I "make it" and I AM making, performing, and earning with my music... I am thankful to be who & where I am! I trust the Lord has a plan for me, and as long as I give Him the Glory He can use it to better the lives of others!
BIG Thanks & Love to Spectra Records for having Faith in me, my product and my ability & willingness to work hard for the up coming album! I am Honored! Thanks to my Wife Joy who is my muse, my best friend and I could Not do it without her! My Friends & family who honestly inspire me daily by the Love they infuse in me! And Lord, this is Your path, I'm just walking it! THANK YOU! Thank You, please keep me focused on what is Important!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
As You all know, I write about quality, investment and focus quite often. These are paramount aspects of success in all areas of your life. As many of you know, I have recently signed a deal with Spectra Records, the Top Independent Label in the World. WOW, what an honor!! They have an incredible artist/talent list that rivals many major organizations. It is an absolute honor to be part of this Amazing organization, and I look forward to working hard with and for them!
The reason I bring this up, is to shine a light on what realistically got me to this place. Depending on a persons Likes or Dis-Likes, we could take most famous artists and critique them harshly. Ok singer, average lyrics, and so on... Well, I would fall into this same boat! Meaning, there is Always going to be some one better, not saying we all aren't good enough to create music. The reason I bring this up is, if that is a known aspect of the Artist population, how do "I" set myself apart?
Quality and Hard Work typically are your differentiate-rs in this journey. There are producers out there to assist artist in development & inception. Example: I am NOT a producer, but I do have vision and the ability to write lyrics. I also have years IN music, teaching myself guitar & piano. That being said, I am NOT a producer!! So, my goal is to hire/work with the Best that fit into MY current situation! Another eye opener from a Quality perspective is the reality of bench marking your music. Who are You comparing it against? If You are thinking You want to get Signed, then You should be comparing against National Level Quality... Not local indie (Nothing against them)! Labels are thinking BIG picture... National & World Wide! Make sure Your Output/Product is Sell-able if You want to get signed, else keep making YOUR music & enjoying it!! Gotta Enjoy it!
The other side is the part most hate... the Business side! WORK! Hehehe! A LOT of work! This is YOUR business, so You better Own it! Everyday, Rise & Grind! But Not just busy work, but focused efforts! Are You finding opportunities, are You reaching fans, are you performing/crafting your style, and are You pushing the envelope to create a brand? Yo gotta ask yourself these questions! You gotta promote, sell, market, evaluate, analyze and Grow Your business! Takes a lot of looking in the mirror, transparency, and willingness to keep fighting when it seems hopeless!
Which brings me to my last aspect, but honestly for me... the Most pivotal! To Build anything, we need a solid foundation! For an artist, that means Faith, Family & Friends! I have Faith because it has been proven to Me! I pray daily about His path for my life, and that IF music is it I will work hard. But if it's Not, to re-direct my efforts! Now, It's not like I'm quitting music... It means, where is my focus? The Lord will provide you security, and be the one to open those doors No One could of seen! Trusting in His plan... Wasn't He the one who birthed Music in you to begin with? YES! Surround yourself with positive, like minded, supportive, loving, graceful, Honest people! They will inspire & encourage, and be truthful when You need feedback! We ALL need that!
There are so many aspects and things I had to learn on this journey. I have 12 years in music, and I mean working years! Managing, promoting, booking, networking, practicing, growing, etc... It takes time, but hard work, focus & Faith creates opportunity! I am blessed regardless of whether I "make it" and I AM making, performing, and earning with my music... I am thankful to be who & where I am! I trust the Lord has a plan for me, and as long as I give Him the Glory He can use it to better the lives of others!
BIG Thanks & Love to Spectra Records for having Faith in me, my product and my ability & willingness to work hard for the up coming album! I am Honored! Thanks to my Wife Joy who is my muse, my best friend and I could Not do it without her! My Friends & family who honestly inspire me daily by the Love they infuse in me! And Lord, this is Your path, I'm just walking it! THANK YOU! Thank You, please keep me focused on what is Important!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Thursday, September 25, 2014
One Step at a Time...
On a different note,
I can speak for myself, and say that I typically have multiple goals, objectives and mid-length goals happening simultaneously. And every so often I am reminded of truly focusing on the next steps placed right in front of me. It conceivably easy to set a long term goal, or to have a dream by which to shoot for... but without a first step in a specific direction, we would never get there!
Building a pyramid took a brick... a first one, a 600th one, but a group of individual pieces to accomplish the objective. The saying 'Rome wasn't built in a day" comes to mind... a reminder of a very important and over looked aspect of our day to day lives. We are so focused on the objective that we forget to plan, act and move in the direction of the actual goal. Would You agree this world is typically led by expectations? I would... and that sets us up for failure and hurt feelings. Definitely Not what our intentions were at the beginning...that is, to set out with a Great idea only to fail short.
Here's the cool part... by focusing on the steps at hand, we can accomplish a couple things at once. We can actually make an impact on the initiative... we can accomplish foundational steps, and set up future steps for success. If we do not prepare for the journey, if we do not plan for the challenges, risks, and milestones then how successful do we really think we can be? Example: Do I really think I can build a business with out a proven & marketable product? Do I have enough money to sustain the business for the first year? Will my business grow without building a customer base and advertising my proven product? Without a delivery method for my product, how will my customers even receive this amazing product? Do we think this process would be done in a few days? Planning and one step at a time gets you to a place of success!
The other side of this is the ever needed feeling of accomplishment!! Which is what will carry us through the hard times... the challenging times... the times we can't see the finish line. By focusing on the steps in front of us, we now can accept, handle and build on the dream that lays before us! It's the hidden component that gets lost in today's "I Want it Now" mentality!
I know this world is moving fast, and we are having to move at a pace that isn't typically comfortable just to keep up. It is a choice... a step... a decision to focus on what is relative & important! Peter stepped out of the boat, focused on what was in front of him (Jesus), and walked on water! SUCCESS! Only when he lost sight and took his eyes off the path did he sink. One day, One step, and One choice at a time... Set goals, plan for them, and act on them with confidence!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
I can speak for myself, and say that I typically have multiple goals, objectives and mid-length goals happening simultaneously. And every so often I am reminded of truly focusing on the next steps placed right in front of me. It conceivably easy to set a long term goal, or to have a dream by which to shoot for... but without a first step in a specific direction, we would never get there!
Building a pyramid took a brick... a first one, a 600th one, but a group of individual pieces to accomplish the objective. The saying 'Rome wasn't built in a day" comes to mind... a reminder of a very important and over looked aspect of our day to day lives. We are so focused on the objective that we forget to plan, act and move in the direction of the actual goal. Would You agree this world is typically led by expectations? I would... and that sets us up for failure and hurt feelings. Definitely Not what our intentions were at the beginning...that is, to set out with a Great idea only to fail short.
Here's the cool part... by focusing on the steps at hand, we can accomplish a couple things at once. We can actually make an impact on the initiative... we can accomplish foundational steps, and set up future steps for success. If we do not prepare for the journey, if we do not plan for the challenges, risks, and milestones then how successful do we really think we can be? Example: Do I really think I can build a business with out a proven & marketable product? Do I have enough money to sustain the business for the first year? Will my business grow without building a customer base and advertising my proven product? Without a delivery method for my product, how will my customers even receive this amazing product? Do we think this process would be done in a few days? Planning and one step at a time gets you to a place of success!
The other side of this is the ever needed feeling of accomplishment!! Which is what will carry us through the hard times... the challenging times... the times we can't see the finish line. By focusing on the steps in front of us, we now can accept, handle and build on the dream that lays before us! It's the hidden component that gets lost in today's "I Want it Now" mentality!
I know this world is moving fast, and we are having to move at a pace that isn't typically comfortable just to keep up. It is a choice... a step... a decision to focus on what is relative & important! Peter stepped out of the boat, focused on what was in front of him (Jesus), and walked on water! SUCCESS! Only when he lost sight and took his eyes off the path did he sink. One day, One step, and One choice at a time... Set goals, plan for them, and act on them with confidence!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, September 8, 2014
Language of the People...
On a different note,
Have you ever stopped to acknowledge the impact and necessity of communication within our day to day lives? How would a marriage work without it? How could friends stay close without it? How could we fulfill the requirements of our jobs without it? In this world of social media and technology, can we even fathom now a life without it? Direction comes from communication... and that comes from the physical & spiritual aspect of our lives. This could explain the impact of music, art, and expression in this world we live... Communication can be verbal, non-verbal and typically evokes some sort of emotion.
We listen to a Love song, and feel melancholy... We seen a vibrant abstract painting, and our mind begins to translate... we see a breath taking sunset, and we feel euphoric, and so on. The power of communication is one often left as a known instead of taken into consideration as a tool, a weapon, or a bridge for our personal usage. We Must choose to be communicative and How we will use it to accomplish our missions. Thinking about bullying, it is a form of communication which tears down the people around us. For various reasons, some people feel the need to communicate hate, judgement, and persecution, versus love, Grace and Inspiration. I believe it to be something we must be conscious of and take to heart, and even refine as we grow.
We are Not born great communicators... we must learn to talk, to learn a language of the people around us, and then how to express our own individuality. Never mind the listening & receiving side of it, as we all know the challenges we face in that area. But even in just being able to project our thoughts, ideas, sentiments, or even our needs, wants and desires is not always quite so simple. Not sold on this? How many relationships end because two people aren't able to communicate their needs? How marriages fail because of a non-reciprocated dialogue? A lack of or inability to communicate will have vast affects on our world. Look at the new generations, who are tied to cell phones & texting, yet have no social skills or face to face communication abilities... think that might have an affect in their life?
So, if we must grow in this area or at least put effort forth, maybe we can start in the areas we Are comfortable in... Like art, music, faith, etc... They say "Speak in the language of the people"... So, who ever is important in your life, find out how they share information. Put some focus and effort towards the people who matter in your life... For me, my relationships are built of my emulation of a Godly relationship. Which is rooted in Love, Grace, Forgiveness, Mercy, trust, Respect, Inspiration, Adoration. Short Term memory, and so on... Imagine the world by those standards!?! Words can built up or tear down... they can encourage or hurt those receiving them... You have the choice, ability & opportunity to prosper your life through refining your communication skills! Me, I write, I sing, and I choose to be expressive with my words... What will your platform be?
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Have you ever stopped to acknowledge the impact and necessity of communication within our day to day lives? How would a marriage work without it? How could friends stay close without it? How could we fulfill the requirements of our jobs without it? In this world of social media and technology, can we even fathom now a life without it? Direction comes from communication... and that comes from the physical & spiritual aspect of our lives. This could explain the impact of music, art, and expression in this world we live... Communication can be verbal, non-verbal and typically evokes some sort of emotion.
We listen to a Love song, and feel melancholy... We seen a vibrant abstract painting, and our mind begins to translate... we see a breath taking sunset, and we feel euphoric, and so on. The power of communication is one often left as a known instead of taken into consideration as a tool, a weapon, or a bridge for our personal usage. We Must choose to be communicative and How we will use it to accomplish our missions. Thinking about bullying, it is a form of communication which tears down the people around us. For various reasons, some people feel the need to communicate hate, judgement, and persecution, versus love, Grace and Inspiration. I believe it to be something we must be conscious of and take to heart, and even refine as we grow.
We are Not born great communicators... we must learn to talk, to learn a language of the people around us, and then how to express our own individuality. Never mind the listening & receiving side of it, as we all know the challenges we face in that area. But even in just being able to project our thoughts, ideas, sentiments, or even our needs, wants and desires is not always quite so simple. Not sold on this? How many relationships end because two people aren't able to communicate their needs? How marriages fail because of a non-reciprocated dialogue? A lack of or inability to communicate will have vast affects on our world. Look at the new generations, who are tied to cell phones & texting, yet have no social skills or face to face communication abilities... think that might have an affect in their life?
So, if we must grow in this area or at least put effort forth, maybe we can start in the areas we Are comfortable in... Like art, music, faith, etc... They say "Speak in the language of the people"... So, who ever is important in your life, find out how they share information. Put some focus and effort towards the people who matter in your life... For me, my relationships are built of my emulation of a Godly relationship. Which is rooted in Love, Grace, Forgiveness, Mercy, trust, Respect, Inspiration, Adoration. Short Term memory, and so on... Imagine the world by those standards!?! Words can built up or tear down... they can encourage or hurt those receiving them... You have the choice, ability & opportunity to prosper your life through refining your communication skills! Me, I write, I sing, and I choose to be expressive with my words... What will your platform be?
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, August 18, 2014
The Formula...
On a different note,
One of the first amazing things I realized when I started living my life by Faith was that I didn't have to be perfect. I'm sure to many that would seem quite contrary! For most of us, we live or have lived for extended periods of time with guilt or shame...a very heavy, destructive and defeating way to go through life. When You spend time with the Lord, you realize all He is looking for is Your heart, Your focus, and You Love! Perfection is Not in the cards my friends... None of Us will ever meet that frivolous expectation!
What I also noticed and know now in my heart, is that this relationship example is to be mirrored and echoed in All areas of our life. Putting our hearts into it, Investing out true Love, and giving it complete focus!! Does that seem so hard? Well, as human beings it is much harder than we might think... thus we must make the conscious choice daily!!
As artists, in whatever medium You choose, imagine if You just put half your heart into it. Or should I say, by expecting any level of success & achievement how could we do that without pouring our hearts into it? How many relationships have you witnessed fall apart due to the lack of effort of one person? You must choose where to put your heart and commit to it... Singers, artists, parents, spouses, workers, etc...We cannot be successful with out commitment & focus on the path we are choosing!
Once have a path laid out before us, a plan or objective to accomplish, we must keep our eyes on that goal! Just like when Peter stepped out of the boat and took His eyes off Jesus, things will sink if we do not maintain & refresh our focus daily! If My dreams are speared to thin, the intensity, energy, focus are shared thus weakening all of them. This is part of our life planning... Where do I wanna be? What am I trying to accomplish? Lord, what plans do You have for me? Don't let the world distract you, don't let 'Keeping up with the Jones'" keep you from your goals!!
LOVE... Love is the glue that binds us! Love is grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, patience, selflessness, and many more... it changes the world we live, it transforms our hearts, it will be the aspect that sets us apart! Love comes from personal reflection... what is in our hearts? When we seek perfection, that is a personal view, thus introspective, and self-serving. If we are focused on the ME, I, US, We of any situation, then our focus, our Love, and our Hearts are only seeking internally. If we continue to look only at ourselves, we will live a lonely & empty life... and this will keep us from focusing on the outward effort at hand in achieving our goals! We can spend energy on inward expectations, or put our efforts towards moving in the direction of the things we know to be important! You see, perfection is not achievable, thus not worth wasting energy in hopes of it... Focus on what is fruitful, put your heart into the areas that will be bring true fulfillment, and make sure LOVE is your biggest & best attribute! The formula is clear, repeatable, and proven!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
One of the first amazing things I realized when I started living my life by Faith was that I didn't have to be perfect. I'm sure to many that would seem quite contrary! For most of us, we live or have lived for extended periods of time with guilt or shame...a very heavy, destructive and defeating way to go through life. When You spend time with the Lord, you realize all He is looking for is Your heart, Your focus, and You Love! Perfection is Not in the cards my friends... None of Us will ever meet that frivolous expectation!
What I also noticed and know now in my heart, is that this relationship example is to be mirrored and echoed in All areas of our life. Putting our hearts into it, Investing out true Love, and giving it complete focus!! Does that seem so hard? Well, as human beings it is much harder than we might think... thus we must make the conscious choice daily!!
As artists, in whatever medium You choose, imagine if You just put half your heart into it. Or should I say, by expecting any level of success & achievement how could we do that without pouring our hearts into it? How many relationships have you witnessed fall apart due to the lack of effort of one person? You must choose where to put your heart and commit to it... Singers, artists, parents, spouses, workers, etc...We cannot be successful with out commitment & focus on the path we are choosing!
Once have a path laid out before us, a plan or objective to accomplish, we must keep our eyes on that goal! Just like when Peter stepped out of the boat and took His eyes off Jesus, things will sink if we do not maintain & refresh our focus daily! If My dreams are speared to thin, the intensity, energy, focus are shared thus weakening all of them. This is part of our life planning... Where do I wanna be? What am I trying to accomplish? Lord, what plans do You have for me? Don't let the world distract you, don't let 'Keeping up with the Jones'" keep you from your goals!!
LOVE... Love is the glue that binds us! Love is grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, patience, selflessness, and many more... it changes the world we live, it transforms our hearts, it will be the aspect that sets us apart! Love comes from personal reflection... what is in our hearts? When we seek perfection, that is a personal view, thus introspective, and self-serving. If we are focused on the ME, I, US, We of any situation, then our focus, our Love, and our Hearts are only seeking internally. If we continue to look only at ourselves, we will live a lonely & empty life... and this will keep us from focusing on the outward effort at hand in achieving our goals! We can spend energy on inward expectations, or put our efforts towards moving in the direction of the things we know to be important! You see, perfection is not achievable, thus not worth wasting energy in hopes of it... Focus on what is fruitful, put your heart into the areas that will be bring true fulfillment, and make sure LOVE is your biggest & best attribute! The formula is clear, repeatable, and proven!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Love is...
On a different note,
As we venture through this life, we leave a wake behind us. Each of us with a purpose, with an impact, and with opportunity! We will endure trials & heartache but also the thrill of victories & fulfillment of completed goals... but there is not much which compares to the result of Love in our lives. Where would we be with out it?
We all grow up and probably become a little cynical as the dreams of youth get weighed down by the reality of adulthood. But that doesn't mean we need to stay there! As we mature and form our foundations in life, we must then begin to take ownership and make choices as to "Who" & "How" we want to live! We MUST choose to be a better man, a better woman, a better husband or wife, or parent... Life is a challenge, a journey, full of trials... some good and some not so good. but each creating the person we are to this day! But LOVE is what keep us moving... keeps us striving... and get us through those tough times!
Can we think of a larger characteristic in this world? One that has more of an impact on this life we live? We have generosity... rooted in Love! We have sacrifice... rooted in Love! We have relationships... rooted in Love! We have goals, objectives, dreams, passions... which are driven by love! So, even without realizing it... Love does propel this world we live... it does make the world go around!
We all need encouragement to prosper, we all need a support system to achieve the highest goals, and we all need the people around us to know how much they mean in our lives. You see, whether it is parenting, family, art, music, writing, ministry, marriages, etc... LOVE Must be at the core... actually, it IS at the core of healthy, flourishing, enriching, and fruitful endeavors... We just need to acknowledge it!
So, as You go about your day, everyday, be sure and reflect on this continually... it can change a situation instantly, it can renew a relationship over night, it can be the motivation you need to reach that next level of success! Being a man of Faith, I know where Love comes from... I also know it is in our DNA... we are born to seek & give LOVE. But we are also made of free will, thus we must choose it too!
We can get caught up in emotions, life, trials and such but never let yourself forget that You are Loved! You are special! You are vital to the world around you! Choosing LOVE will allow your impact to exceed all of our expectations! It is the life blood... and it can melt the hardest of hearts! Thanks for showing me Love by reading this letter... I hope it inspires you to do Great things!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
As we venture through this life, we leave a wake behind us. Each of us with a purpose, with an impact, and with opportunity! We will endure trials & heartache but also the thrill of victories & fulfillment of completed goals... but there is not much which compares to the result of Love in our lives. Where would we be with out it?
We all grow up and probably become a little cynical as the dreams of youth get weighed down by the reality of adulthood. But that doesn't mean we need to stay there! As we mature and form our foundations in life, we must then begin to take ownership and make choices as to "Who" & "How" we want to live! We MUST choose to be a better man, a better woman, a better husband or wife, or parent... Life is a challenge, a journey, full of trials... some good and some not so good. but each creating the person we are to this day! But LOVE is what keep us moving... keeps us striving... and get us through those tough times!
Can we think of a larger characteristic in this world? One that has more of an impact on this life we live? We have generosity... rooted in Love! We have sacrifice... rooted in Love! We have relationships... rooted in Love! We have goals, objectives, dreams, passions... which are driven by love! So, even without realizing it... Love does propel this world we live... it does make the world go around!
We all need encouragement to prosper, we all need a support system to achieve the highest goals, and we all need the people around us to know how much they mean in our lives. You see, whether it is parenting, family, art, music, writing, ministry, marriages, etc... LOVE Must be at the core... actually, it IS at the core of healthy, flourishing, enriching, and fruitful endeavors... We just need to acknowledge it!
So, as You go about your day, everyday, be sure and reflect on this continually... it can change a situation instantly, it can renew a relationship over night, it can be the motivation you need to reach that next level of success! Being a man of Faith, I know where Love comes from... I also know it is in our DNA... we are born to seek & give LOVE. But we are also made of free will, thus we must choose it too!
We can get caught up in emotions, life, trials and such but never let yourself forget that You are Loved! You are special! You are vital to the world around you! Choosing LOVE will allow your impact to exceed all of our expectations! It is the life blood... and it can melt the hardest of hearts! Thanks for showing me Love by reading this letter... I hope it inspires you to do Great things!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, August 4, 2014
Life of Harmony...
On a different note,
In music we consider "Harmony" a simultaneous combination of tones. In life we consider it a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts. Balance... If we are always subject to the reactions of this world, or only seeking to fulfill our own personal desires; we then become off balance. Is your life Harmonious and in balance?
It is normal and healthy to set personal goals. But we must all be conscious of the world we live, our choices, and how balanced our life is. Look around and You can see many people who are only focused on a single path. In that, we are closing off opportunities in 80% of our lives. We are missing out on life, and we are shielding ourselves from growth, fulfillment, fruitfulness and possibly prosperity. I remember some one asking me when I was in full time ministry "What are of Ministry did I think God had for Me?"... this of course was an easy answer... None! At the time I was doing Worship, Preaching, Writing Devotionals, etc... My response was that any given day the Lord could use me in any context He desired... My only goal, was to be willing!
But, year prior to that, all I wanted to do was Worship... I was a singer, I wanted to sing! But this kept me from truly growing spiritually... Self serving, even if for a positive objective of singing for the Lord! Now as a singer/songwriter/performer I must also keep my life in balance. If my only goal was to be famous, my life would be very empty... It would hurt those around me, it would close off doors in my life, and it would probably be filled with years of frustration, loneliness, and doubt. We must seek to take back control of our day to day choices!
God, Family, Work, Health, Rest, Fun, etc... We ALL must stop and evaluate... and we must do that periodically. This allows for a more balanced life. Example: Being healthy in general is much more than working out. If You are not strict on your diet, If You are not consistent in the Gym, if You are not getting rest, if You are sacrificing for the better good of your body, you are going to have a hard time. Shoot, even with all those things, it's still an uphill battle... is it not the same for life? Evaluating our choices, seeing the ramifications, or how it will affect all those in our life?
Harmonies in music are very pleasing to the ear... it is pleasant, joyous, and perfectly equal... Don't you want the same results for your life?
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
In music we consider "Harmony" a simultaneous combination of tones. In life we consider it a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts. Balance... If we are always subject to the reactions of this world, or only seeking to fulfill our own personal desires; we then become off balance. Is your life Harmonious and in balance?
It is normal and healthy to set personal goals. But we must all be conscious of the world we live, our choices, and how balanced our life is. Look around and You can see many people who are only focused on a single path. In that, we are closing off opportunities in 80% of our lives. We are missing out on life, and we are shielding ourselves from growth, fulfillment, fruitfulness and possibly prosperity. I remember some one asking me when I was in full time ministry "What are of Ministry did I think God had for Me?"... this of course was an easy answer... None! At the time I was doing Worship, Preaching, Writing Devotionals, etc... My response was that any given day the Lord could use me in any context He desired... My only goal, was to be willing!
But, year prior to that, all I wanted to do was Worship... I was a singer, I wanted to sing! But this kept me from truly growing spiritually... Self serving, even if for a positive objective of singing for the Lord! Now as a singer/songwriter/performer I must also keep my life in balance. If my only goal was to be famous, my life would be very empty... It would hurt those around me, it would close off doors in my life, and it would probably be filled with years of frustration, loneliness, and doubt. We must seek to take back control of our day to day choices!
God, Family, Work, Health, Rest, Fun, etc... We ALL must stop and evaluate... and we must do that periodically. This allows for a more balanced life. Example: Being healthy in general is much more than working out. If You are not strict on your diet, If You are not consistent in the Gym, if You are not getting rest, if You are sacrificing for the better good of your body, you are going to have a hard time. Shoot, even with all those things, it's still an uphill battle... is it not the same for life? Evaluating our choices, seeing the ramifications, or how it will affect all those in our life?
Harmonies in music are very pleasing to the ear... it is pleasant, joyous, and perfectly equal... Don't you want the same results for your life?
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
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