Product Definition...

On a different note,

Once I decided to actually begin recording my writings, part of my approach towards a songwriting career was based on years of business & management experience. I tried to keep a balanced perspective and incorporate a quality aspect into my art. When running a business, You first must determine a product, vision and scope. Meaning, what is the goal of the endeavor? What is the end result?
Once You have determined your Product (i.e. Indie Artist, Song Writer, Singer, Sales, Getting Signed, etc) you can begin to define it's parameters... This is where you can separate yourself! Knowing your product, doing comparative research and having a realistic understanding of what it means to be at the Top of the food chain. It's being realistic with ourselves on what we'll need to do to be competitive! And let's be honest, when it comes to music, art, or most creative genre's, there is MUCH competition... so, how will you gain the fan base or attention of your consumers if you do not raise the bar or at least maintain a higher quality? You won't!
Now remember, this pertains to those who have higher goals & expectations. I know people who truly just desire to enjoy music and maintaining a garage band is more than fulfilling... Art is ART, thus personal reflection, perspective and expression is foundational. I'm speaking to those with hopes of sharing their product to the masses!
There will be various ways to validate the level of quality, but this message was more for the understanding of what it will take to put yourself on the map. With the opportunity social media presents, it's easy to gauge our current state... how do we currently fair against whats popular now? Do our songs, pictures, video's, pieces, etc. compare? How is our over all production? Social media presence? And so on... It's taking the fervor we have for our Art and balancing it with personal transparency in regards to the viability of commercial success.
Define your mission/vision, what that means in regards to the end result, how you will approach creating a worthy product, and then work on a plan to make it reality! Since You own it, it's Your art, don't leave it up to chance!! Put your best effort & quality forward!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Enjoy the Ride...

On a different note,

I'm hoping we all take the time to look back over our lives to see the path... the trail... the learning's... and the Glory of the journey we've been on. No matter how similar we are, our Journey has been filled with moments, trials, & victories that have made us who we are today... for Me, I know my path is divine... or at least the in last 10 to 15 years. I guess in theory, without knowing, I was living the first have of my live selfishly. Meaning, I was only responsible for ME... and I made decisions accordingly. This changed when I was so sincerely & graciously brought to my knees... Suddenly, life took on a new direction!
As a kid growing up in the sticks... the woods/farms of Maine, there was always something new to be found. My brother and I would venture off... finding anything from boats to abandoned cabins. Isn't life similar? If we are open to it, if we are looking for it... Life is full of New findings, New adventures, something New around every corner... But it really comes down to the focus... What is our focus?
If I approach my path through this Forrest (Life) with My personal direction.. My Path... then I tend to be a little more focused on the end result... A to Z... Direct shot... Focus on the existing trail. But, what happens when we venture out without a personal vendetta, but seeking a path... following a path changing at every step... just enjoying the ride... We can see the beauty of whats going on around us. We can actually enjoy the Journey!
Life can take on a life of it's own... hehehe... Meaning, we can end up being reactionary, thus pressured, weighted, or caught up... Or we can let go of the weight of it, knowing this Journey is one of reflection, love, faith & hope... an entirely new perspective!
Make sure you take the time to enjoy the ride... taking the time to see the path before you... If we are not watching we can end up off track... I will seek the path that was created exclusively for me, thus living by Faith... expecting divine intervention... looking back and reliving the Glory of a Journey blessed with things I never would of seen otherwise!

Good Day & God Bless,
Chris

Live outside of Fear...

On a different note,

If we are willing to truly stop and recognize the signs, we can see patterns... we can see similarities in the world we live. As an example, when we live in Fear... or if we live a life of selfishness... or if we choose to live in anger or defensiveness... We are choosing to live in the dark! Allow me to clarify this a lil more...
When we do things that we subconsciously know to be wrong, or against our very nature, we tend to do it in secrecy. Which would be keep others in the dark... or us maneuvering in the dark... in the shadows... meaning, we cannot be forthright in our plans. If My goal is to be rich, at the expense of others... I probably wouldn't broadcast that... I'd keep my personal goal internal... again, in the dark. When I choose to be self focused, i.e. "Me against the World", then I am choosing to be defensive... to fight... Not much positive in that scenario... When I choose to be worried, scared, or consumed by the circumstances of this world... I then retract, again taking on a defensive stance... ok, so those are some examples to get us all on the same page... what is the opposite?  Living in the Light...
Being in the light... transparent... of positive energy... Life takes on an entirely different perspective and outlook. If I am willing to put others first, If I am living a life without hidden agenda's, and if I am living a life of Love & Hope... My entire demeanor changes! My circumstances change, which are also catalysts to the on going ripples in my life. You see... our choice of how we operate, how we choose to perceive or how we project in the world we live has vast affects on our quality of life!
I will tell you that this way of thinking is not always an easy road... life is full of ups & downs... And for me, until I knew the Lord intimately, it was Very hard to keep on the positive side of things. But I now live by Faith... meaning, I KNOW I am seeking HIS path, thus He is in control... It's His plan, not mine!
I often speak of self reflection... Only You & God can sit and determine your course of action... But to decline yourself the opportunity to make the changes will only prolong living by circumstances... and I think we all can agree, that living day to day is fruitless.
Live with a positive outlook, not waiting on others... or putting expectations on others... Live by LOVE, because YOU will get it back over & over... Choose to avoid living in secrecy, in lies, in darkness...

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Come to Jesus Moment...

On a different note,

There is a typical scenario I think of when discussing being a believer or a non-believer. It's really just a simple example of our innate knowledge of who we are, who is our creator, and how certain things are breed into our DNA. I think most would agree we have a breed in knowledge of right & wrong... meaning, even prior to being taught everything as a child we tend to know when were doing something we aren't supposed to or for the wrong reason... Of course so people may not have it as strong... So, here's my scenario: We're all believers when we're hanging off the side of a cliff by our finger tips! Meaning, when put in a life or death situation, who do we call out to?
We probably aren't calling the Police, or our mothers in that moment. Realistically, we are looking for a miracle, a savior, and someone who has the ability to provide a divine intervention! There are more examples, but to me that one really does put it into perspective. As You know, I am not trying to force any one to believe, or "make them" address their spiritual foundation... but I definitely desire us all to keep perspective and hold ourselves accountable to our health & wellness. If Your spiritual world is in disarray, then for sure the rest of your world will probably be a following suit most often.
I've been asked why do I think most people wait til they hit bottom to seek out the Lord. I will say, I have first hand experience in that! And I am honestly Not surprised by this revelation. We are not only born knowing Right & Wrong, Knowing our creator, but we are born into this world selfish... prideful... carnal... So, as we live our lives for the big ole "ME ME ME", we are then unwilling to conform so easily to a selfless way of life. Makes absolute sense to me... Why would I want to give up my control... My fulfillment... and the "Do what I want" lifestyle unless I had to?
I stand before you a changed man, one who fought giving my life to the Lord for many years. But once I did, my life was changed drastically, and definitely for the better. Of course the first few years were hard... having to learn to put God first... and others second... went against my desires. But like most others, I did have my "Come to Jesus" moment! I had lost everything, and was then given no options but to call out to Him! and wouldn't ya know... THANKFULLY... He answered!
Don't feel bad or be concerned if You have a similar story... I will tell You "pride" is the last thing You'll need in your spiritual walk... We are ALL sinners, meaning we all have issues... NONE of us are perfect!! So, it's no contest, it's not about who's better or worse... it's about us ALL getting to a spiritual place of transparency & honesty!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Go to the Well...

On a different note,

I know it's Not always funny when God rocks the boat, but I will say I do find some humor in the fact that I have seen first hand how God deals with complacency. He does not desire us to get too comfortable, too ritualistic... Meaning, if our Faith is not being maintained, He'll make sure to give us a bump in the road to remind us of our need, dependency and focus. I'm sure some might take offense to that, but I personally am thankful for it!
My life is as busy as anyone's, and I do make an effort to create intimacy with the Lord, but for me routine is one of the ways I can stay productive. But I also in the back of my mind I ponder the day to day, and whether or Not I am getting too comfortable. We are on this earth for a short amount of time, so for us to be fruit & useful, we really can't afford to waste too much time! I consider myself a living example of God's Love! He has used me in scenario's I had no business being in... But, it was the acknowledgement that it was Not about Me! It was His Love, His Grace, His power, and so on... All I had to do is be willing!
I hope You see that within my writings I do try to be honest, open and transparent... I do not claim life or Faith to be easy! But I do say that letting Go is a very freeing experience! As we go through life we will endure trials & valleys, so it is the circumstances and How we deal with it that will shape us. I would never expect someone to endure a trial perfectly... as we are Not perfect! But I would encourage that person to keep the faith, remembering the times past... previous valleys... and that the Lord was there... providing, comforting, and typically redirecting to an even more fruitful path.
I'll be honest, I pray daily for things that most would find scary or unsettling. I pray for opportunity, I pray for redirection, I pray for His hand & intercession in my life, and I state that I am willing to give it all up for Him... I do not take those plights lightly, nor do I say them in a "mater of fact" way... I trust the Lord with my life... He has Always taken care of me, and made my life fruitful & worthy as long as I kept Him #1 in my life!
We WILL endure, Life does Go on, but it is our Faith that keep us grounded and steady. There is Nothing stable, lasting on this earth... Only the LOVE & Presence of our Creator! Find truth, solace, and comfort in that, and Go to that well for nourishment!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Dream Weaver...

On a different note,

Not to start off too morbid, but time is something we cannot depend on... tomorrow is Not promised, and every second of our life is ticking by... so, I ask "What are You doing with it?!"... The reason I propose this question is that a lot of us get caught up in the rituals, complacency and comfort-ability of life... we become reactionary. We probably do not set many goals, and if we do they are realistically over simplified or super easy to accomplish... and even in that, we are probably "ok" if they do not get met. Is this really where we wanna be? Is this really the life God had intended for us? Is this the best we can do?
I personally ask myself these types of questions constantly. I am Not "Ok" with average, and I for sure do not believe God put me on this green earth to blend in with a crowd. One of the things my Faith does for me is give me a sense of worth... meaning, I know I have a purpose! And, I know I seek & follow my Savior is just happens to be my provider & protector! Thus, as long as I am striving to bring positive change to this world, He's going to support it, or re-direct it! See, I am driving towards goals that are in line with His will... What is His will you ask? To Love one another, to Seek Him out and share His Love with the world! He is Number 1 in my life... Does that seem unrealistic?
As we grow our relationship with Him, and make Him the priority we then open the doors for His intercession... Yes, exactly!! HE... The Creator Now has a vested interest in Your Goals (Cause You work for Him)! So, we better first stop and check ourselves & our goals... hehehe... Let's see, My goal is world domination and ultimate money & power... (Insert game show buzzer sound)... FAIL! My goal is to create/perform music and share Love & Happiness with the world!! Ah ha... now we're getting somewhere!
This world is made up of people who have skills, gifts, talents, and experiences that all vary... BUT, we are ALL created equal! So, why can't should I preclude myself from setting goals & dreams? Am I not worthy? Or is it I am not willing to step out of my box? Or maybe I need to grow my faith a lil more before I step out of the boat... This LIFE is already happening... Right now! Get your footing (Spiritual grounding), Find your balance (Physical, Mental Emotional, Spiritual), Look Up (Set Your goals), and Jump for those stars (Follow Your plan to reach Your objectives)!!
I KNOW there is a plan for me... I know that if I am WILLING to step out of my boat in Faith, that God will continue to use me! WE are our own hindrance, WE are our own worst critic, WE allow the world to dictate our future... STOP living for the world, and reach for the Heavens!! You don't have to do it alone!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Reality Check...

On a different note,

Today I will speak from a personal and introspective perspective... who knows, maybe others have felt this way or still feel this way. I hear so much about success, how to find it... or create it... or whatever. I so appreciate the "You" movement in motivation, I really do, but I think it creates a false sense of reality at times. We glamorize certain things in life and then try make it look so easy... when in all actuality, it is Not that easy for most. I can remember years of frustration in my early adult years... Really because of a false sense of reality & false sense of entitlement. I felt I was set up for failure. Constant disappointment... but even in that comes some victories, some accomplishments, and in that is where I should seek my fulfillment.
Not everyone will be President, Not everyone is cut out to be a pilot, Not everyone will be on American Idol... So, the area of Goal setting I believe we divert at times is the "Realistic" part... We must set achievable goals... well, how does one do that? Facts... If I am trying to lose 150 lbs... I'd better do my research... I'd better be prepared to sacrifice EVERY day for my goal! And I better meticulously document, plan out and enact such goals... You see, we all typically set unrealistic goals, oh and expect them in a short amount of time... And that is where disappointment, failure, doubt comes in!
Example: I am continually doing vocal exercises, trying to expand my range, increase control, and such... I remember desiring to learn how to use my Falsetto voice. At the beginning it was so foreign, that it only frustrated me... I found some exercise after that, and began the process of teaching my vocal muscles to do it. I can tell you I am still refining and honing it in after prob 3 years of exercises. YEARS of daily exercises to perform one small task. So, I set a goal, I did the research and found exercises, I committed to the Long haul, and put Years of daily work in to it... What did I earn? Success! Allow me to give you the alternative... I played football for many years... worked VERY hard, and almost made the NFL... But looking back, I'm not sure I did the right things to truly put me in a place of victory. I thought Just desiring it, and putting hours in was enough... In reality, I wasn't doing the right things, I wasn't investing enough, AND I probably should of realized my peak potential many years in to it... Either way, I did not meet my goal... Lack of a plan, lack of defined investment, lack of transparency and honesty on my part...
I cannot define what YOU will be successful at, but I do know it is going to take a plan. Success does not happen by chance, goals aren't met by entitlement. You know the saying "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it"... I hope this does not come across as negative, but as a gut check... and opportunity to regroup, refocus, and recommit to Your dreams! Please look up the definition of "S.M.A.R.T" goals... Use Your time, money, effort, & energy wisely!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris