The truth is, Adele is signed to a major label and none of us would know about her if she wasn’t. Still, there are plenty of artists signed to major labels that have never seen the light of day, or sold anywhere near the amount of records Adele has.

But that voice. People hear her sing, and then can’t help but tell others, “Have you hear of this girl, Adele? Her voice…” I know I have. She has a voice that can barely be restrained within the confines of a compact disc. I can only imagine that hearing her live would be astonishing.

People also resonate with her authenticity. The way she sings makes it easy to believe that she really means it. And in interviews, she is nothing short of charming and self-effacing. But even after hearing her huge smash, “Rolling in the Deep” dozens of times, I’m not sure what it means, beyond obvious heartbreak.

“We could’ve had it all, rolling in the deep.
You had my heart inside your hand, and you played it to the beat.”

Perhaps it’s a kind of Brit slang that would say, “Hey baby, you and me got it so good…we really are rolling in the deep.” I dunno. But it doesn’t matter—because people are feeling something. It’s hard not to feel something when you hear Adele, regardless of what she’s singing.

Now she’s singing “I set fire to the rain…” Cool. Again, not sure what it means, but she sounds heartbroken, again. But this time, she’s sounding more empowered. And she’s selling millions of records, and winning GRAMMYs left and right.

To all the writers, artists, poets, dreamers, creators reading… The lesson I can take from all this is that people want to feel something. It might be what you say. It might be how you say it. But when you’re trying to find a target to aim for with your creative efforts, aim for the heart. And shoot your arrow with excellence and creativity that makes people notice, and over time (it may be a long time), you will have the audience you’ve been waiting for.

I believe this also applies to leaders who want to take their tribe somewhere. To salespeople who want to make a deal. And even to a person who simply wants to be a good friend.

When I write a song, I usually aim for my own heart. What am I really feeling? What do I need to hear? What form of encouragement do I need right now? And how can I honestly communicate that in a way that will speak truth to me? Sometimes I aim for someone else’s heart, speaking passionately a message I would like a person to soak in…hopefully steering them in the direction of feeling something. Success, to me, is when it works.

Adele’s first record, 19, came out in 2008. And the general public barely noticed. The record company was about to consider her attempt to break the US market a flop. Then lightning struck. She was scheduled to be the musical guest on SNL on October 18th, the same night Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin made her guest appearance. That show earned SNL its highest ratings in 14 years with 17 million viewers. That’s 17 million people who heard Adele sing, most likely for the first time. The following day 19 topped the iTunes album sales charts. You can’t predict, or manufacture that kind of magic.

But she was ready. Her label got her the gig. She delivered, and we responded. And we’re still responding. Because we love how she makes us feel.

How are you making people feel?

At last week’s GRAMMY show, Adele performed for the first time since last fall’s vocal cord surgery. She sang “Rolling in the Deep” and it was amazing. The crowd rose to their feet in admiration. And I couldn’t help but notice how the show’s director let their ovation continue an extended length of time before running the pre-commercial bumper. Because I believe he knew something. That while everyone agrees Adele is awesome, we need an opportunity to let her know. And that there’d be great value in letting the live audience and the millions of viewers join together to express their gratitude to Adele for all she’s given us.

Do the same. Give it all you’ve got. Let your audience feel something genuine. And they’ll respond in ways you’ve never dreamed.

Check out my Christmas Tour Journal, including a music video I made on the road…HERE!

So, what’s next? Let’s figure it out together! Let me know if you’d like to talk about doing a concert somewhere near you.

1 MESSAGE

This is a beautiful story about a young woman struggling with the ravaging effects of breast cancer. It’s called “1 Message” and is produced by Kelly’s Filmworks, the same people that delivered “The Perfect Gift” and “Clancy,” not to mention “The Perfect Stranger” and “Another Perfect Stranger.” I’ll keep you updated as I know more information.

1 MESSAGE: The Story

Rebecca Norris is a 28-year old woman living out the good life in America; blessed with natural beauty, a successful career, and a handsome, equally-successful fiancée, her well-structured existence thrives in a world where nothing could go wrong. Then came the morning she discovered the lump. Now, twelve months later, she finds herself in a self-imposed prison of depression, despair and loneliness – her beauty and her life radically cut down by what she had always perceived as ‘a mature woman’s disease’. Becca’s dark, gray Seattle days are consumed by overeating, bitterness, and a desire to shut out family, friends, and the world in general.

Then one day, a random email from a faceless mentor (me!) across the country breaks through the cold walls of Becca’s life, and his inspiring words begin to crack the hard exterior that has served as both her defense and her cell block. Over the next few months, Becca begins to rediscover the beating heart inside her…the hidden treasure that the scars of a driveby mastectomy could damage, but not destroy. A new start on life ensues, along with hard-learned lessons about self-worth, love, and the healing power of forgiveness. Her climactic journey to find her newfound soul mate culminates in a heartwarming discovery and a surprise-twist ending.

Chicago-based author Mary T. Lennox, a former oncology nurse, wrote “1 Message” in early 2003, and self-published it in 2004. Calling on her experiences with cancer patients, she created her main character based on the stories and struggles she had witnessed throughout her 22 years of service. Producer / writer Jefferson Moore began adapting the novel for screen in mid-2006. Later that same year, his mother Betty was diagnosed with breast cancer.

EMMANUEL & THE PERFECT GIFT

I’m so excited & grateful to have made my feature film acting debut in “The Perfect Gift” – a tremendous family film that explores the culture war that pops up every year around the celebration of Christmas. I got to play the bad guy in the movie – type casting, right!? I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity. Many of you have seen the film in theaters, or on television, or have bought the DVD. Thank you so much! And thanks to Jefferson & Kelly Moore for being so awesome and inviting me to be a part of their lives, as well as their movie.

You might have heard my song “Emmanuel (You Are With Me)” in the film, on the radio, or seen the video on TV. Thank you so much for the outpouring of support for this song. I appreciate so much all the radio stations that took a chance on playing a tune from an unknown artist with a weird last name. And for all the emails from people all over the world who have had their lives impacted by this song.

I wanted this to be a song that addressed the fact that Christmas isn’t always the happiest time of year for a lot of people, but then invite God into that place. I hope it can be a great song of encouragement to people who struggle with depression or loneliness at this time of year. The song is available on iTunes! You can watch the music video we made for the song HERE ON YOUTUBE – an alternate version of the video is also on the DVD for “The Perfect Gift.” Here’s the movie trailer…

PRECIOUS MEMORIES & CLANCY

The movie “Clancy” – featuring my tune “Precious Memories” – has also been released on DVD, and seems to be getting a ton of television viewings on various cable networks. I hope you get to see this great film. It has a huge heart.

I wrote the song “Precious Memories” as a tribute to my grandmother who told me I could do anything I wanted. If I could have one more day with her, what would I want to say to her? This song is my response. I’ve been blown away by hearing that people have had this song played at funerals! Wow…amazing. Here’s the music video we did for the song HERE on YOUTUBE.

The song is also available on iTunes!

But I’m curious what holds me back. Because even as I sit here at my desk, with piles of to-do lists filled with things I can be working on—all of which will be very beneficial to me—I find myself more often than not paralyzed. A writer’s block, of sorts. It’s a feeling that my phone must have right before it completely loses its charge. The gas tank is nearing E, and the sputtering is so deafening I think I’m gonna take a nap.

It all comes down to where I place my hope.

Hope misplaced leads to disappointment, anger, cynicism, depression…paralysis. Life has taught me I can’t put my hope in anyone or anything. But I keep forgetting that. I’m not going to become a pessimist, I’m just choosing to remember that my true hope and treasure can only come from God, and from no one or no where else. ”Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,” Psalm 146:5.

To me, hope is a result of trusting God. I trust that God loves me more than I can even imagine. And I also trust that God is with me, and is going before me making a way—even where there seems to be no way. This makes the dry soil of my tired heart into fertile ground for ever-blossoming hope.

It’s not up to me to make all my goals and dreams happen. I have my thoughts on how I’d like things to go and I’m not letting go of them. But I’m going to direct them to God in prayer, submitting them to His better judgment for how things should go. And I’m going to trust what God tells me in Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I believe that no matter what your circumstances are, this is a time for hope. I’m banking my life on it.

I wrote this song to be an exciting description of who Jesus is…Light to the world, Love to a heart, and Hope for today. Thanks to Tim Brown my co-writer and amazing producer, and to Wendell Gafford who has worked tirelessly to tell radio stations around the country about my music.

When he got ready to leave the house this morning, he chose his favorite yellow ball cap, white cut-off sleeved t-shirt, and jogging shorts. He put on his headphones, attached not to an iPod, but a bulky CD player, and threw in his happy music. I knew it was happy music because he wasn’t just walking, this guy was dancing as he walked. He had arm gestures and everything. He twirled, gestured, back-stepped, and bounced, almost like he was two-steppin while moving forward. It was awesome. It was joyful. And it was uninhibited. I couldn’t take my eyes of the guy in my rear-view mirror as I passed him.

I want to be like the dancing guy. I want to put on my happy music and dance while I walk. But somewhere down the line, I learned that people laugh at people like that. People point fingers and stare at people like that. But, sadly, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a guy who looked happier and more confident than the dancing guy. And he made me smile. People who just walk or jog down the street don’t make me smile. But I smiled because I was proud that there is still someone left in this world that lives out of his heart, and isn’t controlled by fear of what people might think about him. Because that is truly how I want to live, regardless of how few examples I might have.

Dance even though no one hears the music in your heart.

Entry #13 – Wednesday 12/21 - 

I’m sitting here in Starbucks in Port St. Lucie, Florida…just hours away from the final concert on my 2011 Hope of Christmas Tour. It’s been an unbelievable experience. I’ve met so many awesome people. Sung a ton. Driven thousands of miles. And tried super hard to not eat all the sweets that get thrown at me. It helps that I’ve jogged more than I intended!

The thing that is a bit strange right now is the idea of something good ENDING. It’s going to be over. And honestly, I don’t know what’s next. There’s a part of me that thinks if I just stay here in Florida or Minnesota or Omaha, then I can remain in this place of awesomeness. I was journaling this morning about joy. And how when I experience great joy, my normal response is to want to keep experiencing it — like making plans to experience it again — or finding someway to hold onto some of the current joy, just in case none shows up tomorrow.

I’m so much like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness, starving and complaining. Until God finally provided manna from the sky to meet their desire for food. His promise was that He’d provide only enough for each day. But that He’d provide tomorrow’s food…tomorrow. I, like our distant relatives, want to hoard and squander whatever I can…just to have enough joy for tomorrow. Then I hear God say, “Enjoy today…be fully present and bathe in gratitude…but don’t miss out on the joy I have for you tomorrow, simply because you’re so focused on yesterday’s joy.” With that, I can say “Thank you, Lord for an amazing experience. I will be forever grateful. I’m blessed beyond measure. Even still, I can’t wait to see what you have for me…”

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Entry #12 – Tuesday 12/20- I was blown away by the crowd Sunday night at Palatka Church of God. I’ve seen crowds react like this on television, but never imagined that I’d be part of it in real life. They had so much passion & enthusiasm…hooting and hollering and praising…even in the middle of a couple of songs. During the bridge of “Mary, Did You Know” I thought the roof was gonna fly off. They loved me very well…and God was praised, big time. Thank you to Pastor Robin for hosting us, and to Robin Robinson and HOPE FM for bringing me in and promoting the concert so well…and for playing my music!!

Monday night was killer for me…as I got to hang out with the Palatka Samson Society guys…I’m blessed by their courage, intentionality, and authenticity. More churches need men like this willing to live this way. I must come back here sometime soon…

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Entry #11 – Sunday 12/18- After a stopover for lunch with the incredible Doug Gonterman, outside of Atlanta, I made it to Savannah to spend the night. I explored the city a bit by foot, and figured that I should’ve taken a tour to appreciate all the details of this interesting city that claims to be the Most Haunted. Probably because the whole city was built on top of a graveyard, I hear. Saturday I made it to Saint Augustine, FL for a great time with Jeremy Dowler and the folks at Anastasia Baptist. My song came on the heels of Pastor Dan’s sermon about God’s plans vs. Our plans…so when I sang “Something Good” both me and pastor were amazed how God orchestrated that. He figured I received the sermon notes ahead of time. God is so cool.

Sunday morning with Jeremy & the band at the satellite campus was awesome. First time ever to perform my song “Emmanuel (You Are With Me)” together with a band. What a joy… I was so impressed with how they had prepared. I hope to have a video of it to post sometime. Off to Palatka…

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Entry #10 – Friday 12/16- The prison concert last night was incredible! I had such a great time hanging out with a group of awesome guys who I love dearly…and who also love me back, dearly and with amazing enthusiasm! At first, it didn’t look like we were going to be able to get in…the guard at the checkpoint “didn’t have a memo” about us coming in to do a concert, much less bringing in food. Thanks to the Deputy Warden Simmons who came up front and vouched for our validity…out of the graciousness of his heart, let us and our 20 pizzas, in. The guys were overwhelmed by how good the pizza was. One guy said, “This is my first piece of pizza in ten years!” Amazing. They were so grateful. The concert went great – about 200 guys showed up…and were very attentive and respectful, and engaged. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re gonna get…but this night was special. I’m grateful.

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Entry #9 – Wednesday 12/14 - Well, I made it back to Nashville to end the first leg of the Hope of Christmas Tour…and it’s been awesome to unpack, sleep in my own bed, see a few friends, do laundry, etc. Still, I’ve got some HOPE to dump on people here in Nashville, so I’m grateful that Brook Hollow Baptist and Pastor Tom Gholson had me over for a Sunday night concert. I appreciate the chance to be able to invite some of my local friends over to see me in action. I loved having the cutest kids come up and help out with “Jingle Bell Swing.” And also loved having a couple guys who used to be in my prison small group attend the concert as well. Speaking of prison, tomorrow night I’ll be putting on a concert for the guys still inside. They requested a pizza party beforehand, so I’ll be bringing out 20 pizzas and some cokes and cookies (that my friend Chris & his daughters are making)!

If you haven’t heard my version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” featuring the guys from my Friday morning Bible study here it is…

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Entry #8 – Tues 12/13 - I have to admit, it’s super great to be home for a couple of days. I figured out that I’ve driven about 2600 miles over the past couple of weeks. While it’s been amazing, there’s nothing like being at home in your own bed, with everything just the way you like it.

My visit to Omaha last week was…I can’t keep saying amazing, can I? It was very special. Thursday with Mark Mathia & his family at lunch…and then speaking at his company, Tiburon, to a roomful of his employees about “How To Survive the Holidays.” I loved how willing the group was to interact with such honesty and even, compassion for each other. A great place. I’m so proud of my friend Mark and the environment he’s created there. The next morning, I got to have breakfast with my college choir director, Dr. Richard Palmer, and catch up on the past, um, 23 years or so… Really meaningful time with him. Music connected us in the first place, and now my music has reconnected us after all these years. Amazing how God works.

Friday evening’s concert was a blast. Thank you to Eric Watne for hosting & promoting the event there at the PSCollective, a quite cool venue with an amazing sound system and a great staff. So many people from my past showed up…kind of like “A Christmas Carol,” but in a good way. We had a blast singing (& dancing) together. Thank you so much, Omaha friends, for coming up and celebrating the Hope of Christmas together, and making me feel so loved. You make me want to come back…

P.S. I’m posting my 5 Christmas Audio Devotionals on my facebook page this week, if you’re interested!

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Entry #7 – Mon 12/12 - After some fantastic time with family last Tuesday, I took off for Iowa on Wednesday, with a stop in my birthplace of Albert Lea, MN. I can’t remember ever having been there as a grown-up…so I wanted to see the place. It looks like a beautiful little town, perched on a hill overlooking a nice lake. This day, it was cold, snowy and icy. But my goal was still accomplished. Conveniently two days after my birthday, I wanted to find where I was born: Naeve Hospital. Someone asked what does “naeve” mean…I figured it was the name of someone who gave a bunch of money to the hospital. But according to Mirriam-Webster it is a: mole, or birthmark. Birthmark seems quite appropriate since that’s the place, ahem…Mark was birthed. HA!

Oddly enough…the snow disappeared on my drive into Iowa.

Wonderful time at Echo Hill Presbyterian that night – beautiful building, awesome people, great pastor…and a chance to see my old college friend Noelle, her parents, her husband, and their new baby girl, Emily! Next up, the place I went to high school and college, Omaha, Nebraska!!

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Entry #6 – Sun 12/11 – So much is happening so quickly that it’s difficult to process it all. It’s like my joy bucket just keeps getting more and more joy dumped into it… Kinda like the amount of snow in MN! Brief observations: I’m tired, but I’m not tired of anything. Every day is like an adventure–not sure what’s gonna happen, but I know it’s gonna be something good (cue music…). A lot of what I’m experiencing feels very surreal, like it’s a dream. Cause I have had many, many dreams where I’m doing the things that I’m getting to do these days. I want to be careful not to slip into simply “isn’t this amazing” mode…and forget my responsibilities in the midst of all that’s happening. Things like: take care of my physical health by getting rest, taking care of my voice (avoiding a ton a caffeine, sugar, warming up before singing…), and staying grounded spiritually (checking in continually with God with gratitude and a reminder of His love for me regardless of what I do or don’t do, or even what other people think about me). More than singing a few songs, I feel that my job is to bring love and life everywhere I go. I can’t do that when I’m not taking care of myself and doing those things. So there’s a few of my personal thoughts.

Last Monday was my birthday. Yep, finally turned 30! HA! Spent great time with my parents (and yes, I ate at Perkins: the world’s greatest restaurant several times in MN). And Monday evening, Pat & Ray Anderson hosted just about 30 people for a house concert around their living room grand piano. We had a great time. People were so interested and interactive. And they sang the proper parts when asked!! Then at the end, we all indulged in some amazing desserts Pat had prepared. (Ok, I realize that I blew one of my goals of less sugar…but hey, it was my birthday!!) Together with conversation, meeting old and making new friends, and a ton of love, my birthday was golden.

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Entry #5 – Wed 12/7 – Sunday night was so much fun. I’ve never laughed so much in a concert before. I was asked to do a concert for the Christmas banquet for Salem Road Covenant in Rochester out at Ironwood Springs Ranch. It’s probably not a big surprise that I never quite know what I’m getting into when I go some place. But there was something about this event that I couldn’t foresee. I was getting ready in the dressing room/shower stall and I could hear the group doing their post-dinner game out in the room I was going to play in. All I could hear what uproarious laughter…so I couldn’t wait to go out and join in the fun. This group was amazing. Once we got going, and they figured out that they could have fun…they let loose. As exemplified by this video during my very serious version of Jingle Bells. To me, laughter is a sign of healthy community. A place where people can let go and be whoever and however they want to be. That may be crying, laughing, clapping, dancing, or even sitting there processing the whole thing with your eyes closed. As Marlo Thomas once said, “Free to be you and me!” Funny enough, the man who sat off to the side, soaking in most of the show with his eyes closed, was the first to stand up at the end…and the first to shake my hand and tell me a warm, joyous, “Thank You!” I’m grateful to Tom & Connie Reinhart for inviting me to be a part of a very special evening. And to Jennifer Naatz-Smith for the amazing job she did singing “Mary, Did You Know” with me. Salem Road…I’ll gladly come to any party you throw! You put the MERRY in Christmas!

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Entry #4 – Tues 12/6 - I am so completely overwhelmed by an amazing weekend. I seriously don’t even know where to start. I’ve had an amazing week in Rochester. Time with my parents, sister, and my dad’s cousin & wife, and my mom’s cousin and her two friends was particularly special. I’m also thrilled to call Rochester Covenant Church my home away from home church. I love how authentic they are all…and loving…and full of life. I was able to sing for their Sunday morning services – and loved playing with their praise band, especially on “I Will Praise Him Still.” Let me back up – the Christmas Tour 2011 (cause there WILL be one in 2012!) kicked off Friday night at UTurn – a place I love because of how they reach out to the homeless, the addicted, the recently released from jail…you name it, there’s a place for us there. Please support UTurn however you can! We need to keep places like this, and Rich Bontrager & the Journey Church that runs it, going. They are reaching people most churches aren’t able to. The concert was filled with many beautiful moments — in particular the time when we opened the mic to let people come up and share who they are thankful for…and then to light a candle for them…and that led into “Precious Memories,” of course. Very meaningful. It seems like people come to my concerts to feel something deep…and to be given a chance to express something in front of others…just only seemed right. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. And can’t believe that people are allowing these songs to find such a deep place in their hearts…what a honor.

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Entry #3 – Fri 12/2 – Well, we finally made it to December. It’s been a great week hanging out with my parents and some friends here in Rochester, MN. I’m thankful to have a 2nd home here in this town…and to have a church like Rochester Covenant with leadership that I respect…and LIKE! I’ll be singing there Sunday morning. But TONIGHT’s the big kick-off of the tour. It’s opening night at UTURN Event Center. I’m very excited. I’ve been preparing a long time for this and I’m anxious to share some of the crazy ideas from my brain with the people who will be there. I have a handful of family showing up and some friends I haven’t seen for a long while, too. While I want everything to be amazing, I think I need to just chill out and let God do what he’s gonna go. I usually end up enjoying it a ton, and I’m sure tonight will be a blast for me. I do believe that Christmas is about magnifying the HOPE of the gospel…and if the gospel isn’t HOPE…then I’m done. To me, the gospel says, no matter how dark or dreary is your story, God is wanting to step into it, and bring light, love, and life into it. Emmanuel…you are with us. Amen!

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Entry #2 – Mon 11/28 – had a great tapas dinner with Greta from high school last night – and then a really good time over breakfast at Moody Bible Institute with their head of national programming Denny Nugent–really great conversation. Oddly enough, Denny and I met probably 14-15 years ago. He was the GM of a country station in Cleveland, OH and they came to Nashville to shoot their promo commercials. I was hired (along with a fake wife) to talk & laugh about how great & funny their morning show guy was…like they just caught us on the street and asked our opinion. On the topic of radio: It’s easy to think about how much radio airplay helps baby artists like me…to get my music heard around the country would help open so many doors. But still there’s only so much room on the air for artists — and most research says that listeners want to hear songs they know from artists they know. Still, I can’t be distracted by “what might be”…especially since I have an amazing month planned coming face to face with people and getting to share my songs with them…there’s nothing better than that for me. I have to leave certain things in God’s hands…like who likes me or doesn’t like me. Or doesn’t like me, yet.

Made it to my folk’s house in Rochester, MN–awesome. Nothing like being with your creators.

current radio single being promoted: “You Are” from Christmas

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Entry #1 – Sun 11/27 – left nashville 8am for beginning of 1st annual Christmas tour. wow. can’t believe it’s happening. i feel so blessed. when God’s has His hand on something you just know it. the lack of kicking and screaming to get something done (which i’m well familiar with)…is evident.

lunch: hardee’s turkey burger – very tasty. must make sure i don’t eat a lot of crap while traveling.
ton of traffic: everyone was going home i guess.
music listened to: really enjoying michael buble’s new christmas project
book listened to: started jon krakauer’s “under the banner of heaven” – so far, pretty frightening.
sermons heard: stan mitchell – new wineskins pt 4 & 5. great stuff.

spent a lot of time practicing my own songs. have to make sure i know all the lyrics! also want to make sure that i’m not killing my voice every night i’m singing. i battle this in my mind: wanting to leave it all out on the field…but still needing to sing the following night. i feel like i’m about to run another 1/2 marathon like i did last year. i’ve been training, but i’ve never done a tour like this before, so i’m a bit uncertain how it’s all going to play out. my friend chris gave me some good advice that i adapted: i’m not defined by the high notes i hit or don’t hit…

lesson: it’s not the end of the world to be imperfect. amen.

spending the night in chicago, perhaps my favorite city in the whole world. going to have dinner with my great friend since high school, greta. can’t wait to see the decorations & lights on michigan avenue. more blessedness. more to come….

What started as a conversation with her dad about possibly stopping by their house sometime…turned into a concert for several hundred people at the beautiful Jasper Community Arts Center (and their Bösendorfer Grand piano!). The crowd was amazingly engaged…we laughed and cried together…and celebrated God, each other, as well as Olivia.

The fact that Olivia loves my music is unbelievably meaningful to me. To think that my words and melodies could bring an ounce of joy to Olivia’s life is such an honor. To think that something I do could somehow lighten the load one person has to carry…is humbling…and keeps me moving forward on this path God has me on.

So to Olivia I say, “Thank you for letting my music into your heart! I long for the day when we will no longer be imprisoned by this wretched bag of bones our souls have to drag around. You are proof that life is not what happens to you, but rather, how you choose to respond to it. The fact that you choose hope, encourages me to keep choosing it as well.”

I can’t believe it’s actually happening! But indeed, it is…

Come experience the HOPE of Christmas with us LIVE!

Fri 12/2 – Rochester, MN – UTurn Event Center – 7pm – $10
Sun 12/4 – Rochester, MN – Rochester Convenant – part of am services
Sun 12/4 – Rochester, MN – Private Event for Salem Road Covenant
Mon 12/5 – Rochester, MN – Pat & Ray Anderson hosted HOUSE CONCERT
Wed 12/7 – Marion/Cedar Rapids, IA – Echo Hill Presbyterian – 6pm
Thu 12/8 – Omaha, NE – speaking at Tiburon Financial
Fri 12/9 – Omaha, NE – PSCollective – 7pm – $5
Sun 12/11 – Nashville, TN – Brook Hollow Baptist – 6pm – FREE CONCERT
Thur 12/15 – Nashville, TN – Charles Bass Correctional Complex
Sat 12/17 – St. Augustine, FL – Anastasia Baptist – part of Sat pm & Sun am services
Sun 12/18 – Palatka, FL – HOPE FM presents @ Palatka Church of God – 6pm – FREE CONCERT
Mon 12/19 – Palatka, FL – meeting with Samson Society guys
Wed 12/21 – Port St. Lucie, FL – Hope Lutheran – 7pm – FREE CONCERT
Sat 12/24 – Port St. Lucie, FL – Hope Lutheran – part of services

It’s going to be a month long journey across the country for me and the Pilgrim Mobile* (not official title). I love that I’m doing several events in some cities – including private banquets and prison concerts! Oh, and that I get to spend Christmas in Florida is pretty awesome, too! I hope we get a chance to meet during December as I share the HOPE of Christmas with songs from my brand new Christmas CD.