Who are You?

On a different note,

When someone approaches you and asks what You do for a living, that's typically a pretty easy, clear, and defined answer. At least to ourselves and probably pretty clear to those around us. It's something we should be very comfortable talking about, as it is truly takes up the majority of ours lives. And those in our life could & should probably be able to answer the question for us. But for someone who didn't know us, at first they will take it for face value... We could be an architect, musician, artist, doctor, or nurse at the initial moment. But at some point we'll have to back that up!
If someone tells you that they are a Doctor, you might ask which hospital they work at... If they say they are an Teacher, you might ask which school they work at... or if they are an artist, what type of works have them accomplished and in what style... You see anyone can say their "Do" something or "Are" something, but at some point there has got to be some supporting evidence. So, the inquiry most likely continues... they might get in to specifics on the occupation... trying to gauge some type of understanding. Let's be honest, we're all trying to break it down to a level We can understand! So, if I am talking with a astronaut I would typically associate it with someone I know... "Oh Yeah, I've seen Star Wars...Loved it!"... This is also were the rubber hits the road.... Example: If I say I am a musician, they may ask what kind? "Singer"... Oh cool, do you sing in a band? "No"... Do you have any Original pieces? "No"... Did you go to school for it? "No"... You see my trend... meaning, people at that point would be skeptical, as there is nothing to back up the previous statement... and do I claim something that I have no true knowledge or experience in?
If I do not help sick people, am I a doctor? If I do not Deliver mail, am I a mailman? You see my point here... maybe in general terms, it is our day to day life that truly defines who we are versus us claiming a title by happenstance?
This was an example of a daily occurrence that happens in various areas of our life. It is something we all see and have probably been through. I will say this came to my mind this morning when thinking of my spiritual walk. Am I claiming to be a Christian, or is my life reflecting it as such? In my younger years, I said I believed in God but didn't know anything about Him... I didn't share Him or even try and emulate Him. This is Not to judge, call out, or persecute those who claim any title from my perspective... Just a thought provoking scenario. One I have to ask myself! So, whether it's spiritual or just day to day, our actions, our habits, our attitude, our words, and our hearts reflect a much more clear picture of who we are... Are we happy with that result? What can we do to alter that perception? Food for thought!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Outlook...

On a different note,

The power of influence is carried by all... and I know that most don't have any desire to carry that, but we All have it! Some of us just choose to ignore it, or not leverage it. No shame in that, but some times not doing anything is a statement in itself... ponder that for a second! The funny thing is, as long as we have a good foundation, know who we are & want to be, the influence should come naturally. Meaning, it has to be sincere to not have an adverse affect.
You hear me discuss living on purpose quite often... it is making a choice on Who You desire to be, what You desire to reflect, and how You want your live to flow. We do not have the over all control, but we do have free will and choices to make each day. We can choose to get caught up in the weight of circumstances, or choose to feel blessed by the life we have right now! I cannot control any one else, nor can I predict what God has around the corner... I have my choices right now! I have the ability to breath right now! And this is my life to do with as I wish! So, doesn't that stand for something? Are we supposed to fall prey to circumstances we have no control over?
You have a choice... and You do have an opportunity to change the things in your life You feel need changing! You can't look to anyone else, You cannot blame anyone else! You see, that is part of our influence... Our choices! I've meet some incredible people in my life, and they had influence without even trying! I can look back and try to see the common aspects of those moments. I will say there are a few things that stand out... They all were sincere in who they were and how they treated others... they all lived a bit care free, meaning they did not get caught up in the circumstances... they were great communicators and good at seeking the positive & options in life... and lastly, they were All of Faith! I guess the over all sentiment would be "Outlook"!
I am broken, faulty, and wrong every so often...hehehe... But I stand firm in my beliefs, stand firm in my desire to Love & Inspire others, and my understanding of Grace and giving it to others who are just as broken as me! I do not always show a happy face, but I wake up daily with the desire to be who God created me to be! And I choose to be as positive as I can, and make a difference in my family, my friends and the world I touch! YOU CAN DO THIS... My life was fulfilled spiritually, the rest is menial... I hope & pray we ALL find peace, solace, and love on a daily basis!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

What do You Expect?

On a different note,

Most of the time expectations leave us sitting frustrated & empty handed! And I would suggest for most of us to do our best not to put too much on the shoulders of others, as we are just human. But in regards to life in general, I think having expectations could be a driving force in our journey. Let's be honest, you don't typically hear the word in a glowing, wondrous and positive light. It's usually "I expect this of You" or "You have not met the expectations"... etc... But in life, maybe we should have some higher expectations for ourselves!
It's like taking on a new approach or view of it, but instead of seeing the negative it is seeing the power than comes behind it. We know how it feels to have our expectations not met... Well, then shouldn't that drive us to Not want to miss our own expectations? Example: I lived in a studio apartment for a few years, with not a whole lot of furniture, but that was not the way I expected to live for long! You see, so many of us either don't set clear goals or we don't set them as realistic... We either set them Way to high, or at level "Easy"!! We have gotten so used to getting things NOW or Our way, that we forget what it's like to work for something!
We should have expectations for our lives! We should expect more of ourselves and use that to encourage us to reach new levels in life. I look around and see people miserable, frustrated, angry, depressed, and such... and I know EXACTLY how that feels... been there! But I am Not ok with just Average! If we're gonna do it, we ARE GONNA do it!
We forget to stop and evaluate periodically... analyze and review where we are. We get caught up in the "Constant", "Complacent", "Comfortable", "Reactionary" and forget to refocus! Honestly, I truly believe we need to refocus daily, but probably need a self eval every few months. We must re-check our current standings, re-set our focus, and re-charge our batteries in order to reach new heights! Life is Hard for ALL... Work is Not fun for most, but it isn't going to change on it's own! Get out there and meet YOUR expectations!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Extend & Apply...

On a different note,

I can remember being a young man at church... and certain things being said that struck me as odd. I guess at the time I was thinking more rationally versus spiritually. And you know how kids are, things tend to be literal. I would hear phrases or sentiments eluding to "Waiting on the Lord". And trust me when I say, we should be awaiting certain answers and seeking direction. But what I have also learned is, typically that also includes the evaluation and execution on our part. There will be quiet times of focus and replenishment, but in general life is happening whether we like it or not. And a lot of times, maybe it's just me, there are things that I probably should of been doing all along, or at least being conscious of... almost like we can just get off track. What I have learned is that the Lord is typically waiting on Us!
To get a job or promotion, we must "Apply" ourselves... To receive help we must "Extend" ourselves to others... and we also must "Step out" in Faith! Time is passing by, by the second, and we know these lives are only temporary. I believe we can still be progressing in life, refining our daily lives and seeking the Lord for clarity. Those around me have probably heard me speak of the Lord "Re-directing" us... meaning, I extend myself, I apply myself in something of worth and if He desires me else where then He will re-direct me! I must step out of the boat, making choices based on my relationship with Him, based on knowing His plan, based on knowing His goal of sharing LOVE with this world! Meaning, we align ourselves with the Lord, then we begin to emulate and see things through His eyes... previously all we saw was our personal objectives! So, if I extend myself in Love, with purpose & intent, then I am at least bringing worth, purpose, and fruit to my life.
We await His path, His leading, but like the disciples He said to "Go Out" and make fishers of Men... meaning, go out and Live a life of purpose... I will take care of You! "Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Me"... don't let circumstances keep you from a life of worth, don't let doubt and fear keep you from Your Purpose!
My goal is never to offend, or speak for the Lord, but to evoke thoughts and share some of the things the Lord puts on my heart! Life is wide open, many decisions to be made, and many we will probably screw up a little... We have already been given Grace! Get up, dust off, and move forward! The fact that we are seeking His will, His answer, and His path says we are already headed in the right direction! If needed He'll re-direct or move the mountains in front of us!! We just have to extend ourselves to accomplish our goals in this world!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Welcome Home...

On a different note,

Whether it's the prodigal son, whether it's vacation, or just coming back to get some rest... We All need to regroup and recoil back to our home! Our home... our place of  rest.. our place of focus.. and our place of fulfillment! This can be mentally, spiritually, physically and even figuratively! It is a place in our heart, it is a conscious choice of where we allow our walls to come down and seek an opportunity to be replenished!
For me, I have moved many times in my life, so I learned that my Home is no longer specific 4 walls... but a place I have chosen as my place of rest. I can remember living in studio apartments, but still desiring that solace when coming home from work or vacation. Couldn't wait to return to my place of comfort, constant and security. As I got older I began to realize that place had much less to do with the structure... it was a place that I held dear and kept the things important to me. That feeling was even more compounded when I began to enrich my spiritual foundation.
Once I was willing to give my life over to the One who created it, I relinquished the sense of ownership and responsibility to the physical things of this world. I realized that if my spirit, my heart and my sense of security were founded in something solid, dependable and consistent that my life would be much more stable. I am no longer tied to the things of this world, but thankful for the things I have been provided! It truly changes ones perspective... and allows us to find comfort not weight in our day to day lives!
My wife is also a gift I find solace in... and when our life gets crazy, we seek focus time to get re-grounded in our marriage. It is my home also! We are daily making decisions, we are daily having to chase life just to keep up, and a lot of times being reactive to the craziness that is Life!! We need to find rest, we need a stable foundation and we must make the choice to replenish our spiritual & physical supplies.
Doesn't it feel amazing to come home? To walk in to the arms of comfort, security, and familiarity? We need to find that place spiritually, physically & mentally/Emotionally! This will keep us grounded and focused on the things that are truly important! And if You can invest in that spiritual residency, it will allow you the freedom to find it at all times in any location!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Backstage Snapshot...

On a different note,

Well friends, it's Friday!! Typically one could stop right there and have said a mouthful! It has been a week of rest & recovery for me after a very busy performance schedule last week at Bikeweek in Daytona. BIG Love to my family for being supportive & graceful in those trying times. It is a group effort no doubt, and I do not forget what they put into my music career. Couldn't do it without them... wouldn't want to!
It becomes evident at times that the world might have a perception of the music world, or at least the "Show" side of it. It's a pretty incredible thing to see what goes on before, during & after a show from a mechanical, emotional, and organizational perspective. There are so many small aspects that have such an impact on the show the world sees from the front of the stage! I can honestly laugh at myself thinking of how frustrated we can be literally moments before rocking out for a few hours! Let's be honest that it's a bunch of type A guys, so the fact there is strife at times would be par for the course!
You hear the term Chemistry when it comes to bands and music in general. I believe it refers to various areas of the union. Musically all must be lock step and on the same note... literally! But to withstand the trials that come with a Group of people, there must be a lot of grace, love, forgiveness and short term memory! Let me give You a few examples of the little things that could throw off a show... Set List: Someone has to create a list of songs, in order, and factoring in style, tempo, key and such. Batteries: Have the equipment we use is run off batteries, and must be changed each show. Ergo, if we forget batteries, we have a problem Houston!
Those were just a couple examples... minute details that go into us getting onstage and have a Great time with You! I'll say this too... Once that curtain drops, most of the frustration, issues, and whatever fade immediately! Seeing those smiling faces and getting into the music takes us to another place! The little stuff doesn't matter... and we can smile, laugh, and feel Amazing after the show... The lessons this has taught me...
Yes, small issues can have a large impact... Yes, it's Ok to get fired up and concerned about your Product and the things that have an affect on your life... Yes, we MUST give Grace in order to co-exist as we ALL have our Moments! And Yes, have short term memory as it will serve you well to Not carry the weight of this world very long!
I am beyond blessed & thankful to be performing, singing and writing music!! Not a day goes by that I don't that the Lord for this incredible gift & opportunity! Hopefully for some of You this was at least informational.. maybe even comical! Trust me, it is funny at times!! We take ourselves WAY to seriously! HEHEHE

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

St. Patrick's story...

On a different note,

The lore of St. Patrick stems from a boy kidnapped and brought to Ireland only to find the Lord during this time. As an adult, he became a priest to serve the Lord and converted many of the Irish people to Christianity. Of course we know the green came from the Shamrock, but what an interesting underlying story. That when one is Lost, they became found... that in the midst of heartache, they find fulfillment. I would venture to say, this is the story for most of us!
So, in theory... St. Patrick was at a place of desperation, loneliness, and probably feeling without options. He was in a strange land, taken by force, and realistically no clue as to how to get home. I can tell you, I felt this very same way when I found the Lord. For most of us, when we are strong, successful, or life is going well we tend to forget our blessings... we disregard the leading of the Lord cause "We got this!". Couple that with free will and you have a recipe for a disaster waiting to happen. Pride before the fall they say!
The Lord is always with us... waiting on Us... allowing us freedom to choose our own path. So, He waits.. til we fall... for some like me, over & over! Until we finally look up and seek Him, His Intercession, and His Love, Grace & Mercy! So, we are all similar to St. Patrick by way of getting to the end of our rope... realizing there is but once source, one answer and one solution! Whether someone is in jail, kidnapped, or just feeling the weight of this lonely world... the Lord is there and He provides fulfillment!
So, I applaud the celebration of this Journey... too bad most have never heard this story. As I believe it to be quite pertinent to the lot of us these days. We ALL will endure such trials, and hopefully we'll all end at the same conclusion! I was Lost, but now I am found!! I know it was my pride that kept me from finding the Lord sooner! I have Yet to look back and regret my path of Faith! I pray for those that are still lost, and enduring incredible trials... I pray they find clarity & enlightenment, and thus making a dark place bright!

Good day & God Bless... oh, and Happy St. Patty's day!
Ch