Sometimes we must slow down to listen, other times we must turn up the volume to hear. Lately I have been gently reminded that there is a plan for me. These reminders have come in many shapes, sizes and voices. Ever since I was told a few months ago to press into the Lord he has fervently been chasing me to get my attention. Whether it was listening to others share their stories in the hills near music city. Or maybe it was the beautiful sounds in the mountains of Haiti. Perhaps it was when I got the attention of the pastor during his sermon while visiting a church down south. Maybe it was when my own priest asked me to lead in ways that are uncomfortable. Or was it the time I spoke with someone whom my writing ministered to. Maybe it was when I watched a movie that brought me to tears (yes guys we do it too). When you press into Him, no matter the noise you will hear His voice. Click To Tweet Each moment that I have experienced lately were not my chance. He has been molding me slowly to do more. I am not sure what any of this will lead to, all I know is that it was not by accident but by design that these words have been written at the time that they have. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ~ Jeremiah 33:3 We are […]

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Sometimes the most intimate of venues carry the most impact and heart.

Last night I had the honor to attend a Music for Missions event supporting theVine.co. Being a supporter of theVine.co for a while now (written about them a couple of times now) I know the heart of its founders Rick and Samantha.

The mission of the Vine.co is to help Mission Teams raise money for Mission Trips to help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and minister to those in need all around the world.

Music for Missions is one vessel that Rick and Samantha use to be able to fund the mission they have started in Canaan, Haiti. Rick spends hours and hours late at night scouring the internet for artist that have a similar heart for Christ and his people.

On this night we had the opportunity to spend an evening with a few dozen guests listening to the music and testimony of Chris August. I personally have been a fan of Chris’ for many many years. Chris is one of those artists that is not afraid to admit his flaws and uses his own mistakes and acceptance of God’s grace as his testimony.

Local artist Keira Mackenzie from FaithbridgeChurch in Jacksonville opened up the evening with her fresh raw talent. If you have a chance to hear her sing she has quite a future ahead or her.

Then there was a group that came all the way from Ireland based in Nashville, called We Are Messengers, in which the lead singer Darren Mulligan did an acoustic set. I cannot wait for their album to drop in November and see them out on the WinterJam tour this year.

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Lately by Alice Summers – A music Review As a music aficionado I am always on the lookout for new and upcoming artists with a new sound. I recently had the fortune to be able to preview the newly released album Behind the Noise by Alice Summers. Disclaimer Alice Summers provided the album “Lately” free of charge for review. So let’s dive right into the track list of the album that should be added to your play-list. For the Rainy Days – starts out with an upbeat almost country-like guitar and is a prayer of thankfulness. The song takes us through mistakes and missteps and yet finding the smile as it is His path not ours. The song of gratitude can make anyone’s bad day a bit brighter while it points us to Him. “A flower never grows if the Sun is all it knows.” This is Grace – A slower tempo song of reassurance through Grace. Alice’s beautiful voice is displayed with precise emotion in this song of God’s Grace. Under the Shadow – Possibly my favorite track on the album, Alice’s prayer to provide comfort through darkness and overcoming of fear. Under the shadow of His wings we are able to find peace through trusting Him to be our refuge. Rock of Ages – No this is not the musical , much better in my opinion, a beautiful ballad of redemption through our baptism and the age of life. May we find healing until our last breath through the cross. It takes the listener […]

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