Questions

The discipleship journey in Christ is both simple and complicated. Tonight I want to concentrate on the simple.

Several conversations about this topic have led me to this blog. How do I know I am moving forward in Christ, or more specifically, how do I know that I, as a Christian, am in the right place?

The answer to me is simple, but multi-tiered. If you are moving forward in Christ, than you are in an environment that God would like. He wants you to grow in Him. Therefore, the environment itself may or may not be totally positive (e.g. can one under persecution grow - of course) but if you can find are focussing on God and are able to grow, it probably is an acceptable environment. If not, move on.

In the Bible, some related to Paul, some to Apollos ( as I understand it) Paul was like, dude who cares as long as Christ is being taught. Makes sense non?

Maybe too simplistic, but we need to serve God to out fullest in humility and with passion. If we move from place to place and never hit that, it is probably us, if we move and find it - good move.

Progress Report

It feels like I am writing a lot about the CD to come. I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about all aspects of it this last week. Production, marketing, tour support, all of those things. For sure part of it has been invigorating and, of course, a big part of it is stressful. There has been a great progression people getting into my music since the release of "Noticing the Sky", I am very excited about the prospect of building that even further, and hopefully adding value to peoples lives through the art that I can create. The most encouraging comments are the ones from people who describe how this song or that has helped them through a tough spot, or in their daily or weekly walk for a time.

That being said, it continues to be the process of producing this CD that is juicing me. I have set an aggressive target date for release, but I am not going to share it publicly - yet. All that to say, I am thinking sooner than later - it's the carrot to keep coming back here and reading. All that to say it will be months.

Some of the tracks are really coming alive in this stage of the production. (Still pre-production really) I am excited for where this CD is going. I think it is going to represent a new flavour for me, and from all aspects that excites me. I think it represents growth in several areas, musicianship, writing, singing, arranging, producing and more. That alone is making it all worth while.

Ahh the Sun

Well it has been a great week of soaking up the sun. Temperatures in the 80s and the 90s have rejuvenated the soul. Yet another week of relaxing before I am back at it around various places including, of course, work.

I over exposed this picture a little, but you get the idea.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

We haven't been as busy as we were this past Thanksgiving in years. Three dinners: one Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (throw a church service in there as well!) Saw almost all of our immediate family and some friends, that alone something to be thankful for.

Unfortunately I came down with a pretty good cold that has gotten worse today. Hopefully I can fight it off before the big drive to Florida for vacation at the end of this week!

Pre-production on the CD has been happily taking up alot of time lately. What can I say, the process has really lit some creative juices and I am growing more and more comfortable on the engineering side. I have been reading for a couple of years now on mic techniques, mixing techniques etc. trying to get some knowledge into the brain, and although I got some practice on the really low end version of Cubase I was using for some songwriting, working in Logic (Express) has been a great experience. Anyway, I am sure I need to find other things to post about, because the CD is months away, but man am I enjoying the process!!

Where Am I?

I wasn't refering to the amount of posts recently, but some may have assumed that was the context of the title:)

Anyway, I am really talking about the progress on the new CD. I am absolutely having a blast recording. I am about seven songs into the pre-production of about 14. Although that would make it seem like I am half way through at least this phase I am not, because I am not finished what I think I need to on all of the songs either. I do have to remeber this is the 'scratch' phase of the recording, nevertheless, I want to be happy even with this phase.

The CD is shaping up to be very different from my first, so down the line I will be interested to see what people think of the change. I would describe it as more of an artists CD than a worship CD, more songs for listening to then songs for singing to. Anyway, jsut felt like shooting up some info up here to keep something flowing from me to you.

Have a great day eh!!

Peace.