STREAMING EVERYWHERE NOVEMBER 18TH Life is a grand mosaic of moments that make up one big picture in the end. Every one has their own and every single grand picture looks different from another, no matter how similar we might be as individuals. It makes sense for life to be so overwhelming but it's important to focus on just getting to the next piece in your grand mosaic. Whether it's part of today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or whenever this chapter is through and you start your next chapter. Our successes and trials serve as lighting and shadowing. Whether it's an exceptionally bright or dark picture at the end, I would have a hard time believing that anyone's grand mosaic has no light or no dark. I think of this when I think of Jesus who actually was only good. I find peace that whatever I'm going through at the hands of humans, He willingly went through worse for me. However, as hard as it is, it's important to see the role that Judas and the Pharisees played as necessary. Jesus knew. It wasn't a surprise to Him. Without the betrayal and crucifixion, there could be no resurrection and salvation. I'll never celebrate Judas and the Pharisees, but I understand the role they played. Going back to Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says that in going through trials, the genuineness of our faith is tested like gold, although our faith is much more valuable than a precious metal that will perish. Good existed first and evil is a rebellion towards good. Evil depends on good for existence, not the other way around. Our trials aren't always brought about by evil, they may just be a test from God that we don't want because it interrupts our contentment, but the trials and the blessings serve as dynamic lighting in the grand mosaic that makes up the final picture of our lives.more

“Somebody Else's Soul” is a gritty song and reflection about my lowest lifestyle before God bringing me to my wife, Natalie, and sobriety. There was a point where I wasn't sure about finishing this song because of the brutally honest details, but when I listened closer to the verses, it definitely doesn't paint a glorified picture. Which is good because musically, it’s a really fun song. “Sweet Mellow Tune” turned out to be a great follow up song for “Somebody Else’s Soul”. Written at the same time. It was during a bit of a low moment after a year of sobriety. I go through bouts of low moments which I’ve learned to use as opportunities to slow down, think deeper and reflect. I get some of my best writing done during these phases. “Sweet Mellow Tune” expresses some doubt about where I was on my path/journey, but works towards recognizing the progress I had made. The last line, “I try and I try to love me the way that you do” was originally referencing my wife, Natalie, but I've realized it also references a conversational statement to God. Which, if music were chronological like movies, would have made a great segue into the faithful songs I've been writing. I hope you enjoy these equally as much as I am thankful for how they have turned out.more

“Sweet Mellow Tune” turned out to be a great follow up song for “Somebody Else’s Soul”. Written at the same time. It was during a bit of a low moment after a year of sobriety. I go through bouts of low moments which I’ve learned to use as opportunities to slow down, think deeper and reflect. I get some of my best writing done during these phases. “Sweet Mellow Tune” expresses some doubt about where I was on my path/journey, but works towards recognizing the progress I had made. The last line, “I try and I try to love me the way that you do” was originally referencing my wife, Natalie, but I've realized it also references a conversational statement to God. Which, if music were chronological like movies, would have made a great segue into the faithful songs I've been writing. “Somebody Else's Soul” is a gritty song and reflection about my lowest lifestyle before God bringing me to my wife, Natalie, and sobriety. There was a point where I wasn't sure about finishing this song because of the brutally honest details, but when I listened closer to the verses, it definitely doesn't paint a glorified picture. Which is good because musically, it’s a really fun song. I hope you enjoy these equally as much as I am thankful for how they have turned out.more