As I ponder the possibility that spring will never return to the midwest, I immerse myself in music: right now with my MP3 playing drowning out the sound of my typing, but also the joy of a new guitar, and the fun of returning to my brass roots. I’ve picked up the French horn for the first time in 5 years or more so as to lend my lips to my church’s Easter musical. I also recently purchased up the fun Breedlove Passport C20T short-scale guitar, and just dropped it off today at the music store to have a pickup installed, or to “get it ‘lectrified” as I like to say. I got the guitar for a steal, as it was a closeout, and am having the new Fishman Matrix Infinity (straight from NAMM!) installed. I can’t wait to get that baby back from the shop - it’s sound is so, so cool.

I warned you that these were musings, not deep thoughts. But consider today your joys, and what brings a smile to your lips. Consider also what brings a tear to your eyes - of joy, of sorrow, of renewed hope or compassion. No, life doesn’t center around MP3s or musical instruments, but music is one of those examples of the work of God our creator - and one of the ways He blesses us to participate with Him in His handiwork. Is God an artist? You betcha. Just look around you. Is He a musician? You betcha on that one too: where do you think we get it from? Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that He rejoices over us with singing!

So, nevermind the snow, or sleet, or hail, or whatever it’s doing out there again. Use this time stranded indoors to reflect… both to muse and to mirror the image of God in which we were made.

Download audio samples from my CD Alive in the right column. All 10 original songs are included on the album, with more songs on the way. Some are congregational, inspired by actual ministry needs of the Christian church (”I’m Alive Today” was written for a baptism service, “Peace” was inspired by the Scripture passage being preached from on a given Sunday), others were born out of more personal experiences (”The Water” was written during and strengthened me through a summer ministry in college, “Lord, Teach Me to Pray” and “The Beginning of Wisdom” served as a heart-cries in times of great need), while still others speak to the gospel message in general and specific (”You Are the One” is cross-centered, “Just Like in Heaven” considers the already, but not yet nature of Christian life and spiritual journey, “I Love You for Who You Are” focuses on God’s nature as reason enough to love and serve Him, not just all the things He can and does do for us, “Watch and Pray” is a testimony, “Pray for This Land” is inspired by the Hebrew prophecy of Jeremiah). The full album is available upon request. Contact me for more information. Enjoy!