I played at an open mic at The Luther Cafe on Friday night.(Jan. 25th). Had a great time. There was bluegrass, fok-rock, comedy, poetry, CCM. I was amazed by one of my My Space friends. I had heard her recordings, but hadn't witnessed her playing and singing live. Julie Anne Osterhus and her sister Rachel just blew everyone away with their singing and songwriting. They are going to win a lot of hearts for Jesus. They have insight and wisdom far beyond their years. Julie is definitely an annointed songwriter who sings her heartfelt songs with power and passion. Rachel sang harmony and has one of the most pure and beautiful voices you'll ever hear. I'm hoping to hear more from them soon. Check out Julie's music and see what you think.
http://www.myspace.com/julesing6303
Blessings!

I'm starting to get opportunities to play music. I had a Christian Coffeehouse in High Point contact me on my music page about playing! I'm going to play there on Jan 12th. I'm playing at Luther Cafe on Walnut Street (Christ The King Lutheran Church) on Dec 21st and at Java Divine in Holly Springs on Dec. 28th. I love that room. It really sounds great.
I'm a huge believer in the power of prayer. God is answering my prayers all the time. He is opening doors for me to play music both as ministry and to entertain people. If I can make them smile and give them some Good News at the same time, even better.

I recorded a raw demo of my first song of praise last night and posted on my page and my music page   MUSIC

It's a simple song almost like a prayer. I'd like to hear children singing it.

I just recently finished my first song of praise (and thanksgiving)!It started one morning at work. I went into the courtyard at breaktime and prayed. A lot of my prayers are thank you's. I could still feel the sun on my face when I came inside and a verse came to me right then. I realized not long ago that it was okay to ask God for help and inspiration to write, so I prayed about that too. I was playing my guitar and the music just came along with a pre-chorus and chorus. I had another verse working too, but I think I like repeating the first verse better.It's the first song I've written in a long time, so I'm hoping it's the first of many. I hope to record a demo of it this week at home and post it on My Space and/or my webpage then!

Having one of those irritating days at work and just trying to make it through the day without taking valium or blowing up. I'm thankful for my job (sometimes) and all that God does for me in my life.
A friend invited me to play at a 4th of July party. They have it at this beautiful house built in the 1860's. Lot's of good food, nice family event. They even have a big fireworks display when it gets dark. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and making a joyful noise!

It's been a pretty hectic couple of weeks. My wife had surgery on Wed. May 9. She had a herniated disk in her neck and a little bone spur there. We were both feeling optimistic before the surgery, but the day before she was crying when I got home. I asked what was wrong and she said I'm scared. A friend from Church got there about the same time I did. She brought over dinner for us, so we didn't have to worry about that the night before the surgery. She prayed with us and that always helps.
When we got to the hospital, one of our Pastors was there to meet us pray with us. The pre-op nurse could tell Shelby was distressed. She asked if she wanted prayer."I always want prayer"! So she prayed with us. God had everything planned out and put the right people in our path. It made an incredible difference for both of us.
Shelby is doing really well. She is sore, but I think yesterday was her best day since the surgery. I've been having migraines for the last week and a half. I think it's from stress. So far I feel pretty good today, though. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming 3 day weekend. Hopefully I can get a few things done and still have some time to relax and do something fun with Shelby.

I'm thinking about my wife's upcoming surgery. We have to be at the hospital at 6am tomorrow. She has a herniated disk in her neck. We're both really optimistic that it's going to improve her life. A good friend said he would think good thoughts. He said he doesn't pray, but will think good thoughts. We have lots of people who will be praying for us. The good thought thing is a really nice gesture. It also gives me another person to pray for and try to find a good way to witness to. I do appreciate everyones prayers and good thoughts. I will probably post another entry tomorrow night or Thursday.

I'm sitting here at lunch time (which is almost over),glad that it's Friday and only 2 1/2 hours left to work. I'm ready for the weekend. I think we'll probably have some rain tomorrow, but I'd be happy just to stay home and relax for a change. Maybe play guitar and record. I want to go look at some guitars and make a decision about whether to get a new accoustic. I'm pretty sure which guitar I want, but I still need to pray about it and talk it over some more with my wife. Have a great weekend!

We just got an announcement that we will be getting a company wide bonus. Now I should be able to get the Seagull Entourage MJ guitar that I've been coveting. I feel bad about wanting material things so much, but this guitar will make a difference in what I'm able to play since I injured my finger, just because the neck is so much smaller than the one on the acoustic that I'm playing now. I'm still planning to sell my beautiful Cherryburst Epiphone Les Paul Junior. Let me know if you're interested.
I want to be able to go out and start playing in public again. I may play some rock and blues and country, but I mostly want to praise and worship God with my music and hopefully help someone else get excited about living for Jesus!

The days are getting longer and the weekends shorter. We went to the zoo Saturday and had a great time. My legs are still sore today from all the walking. Shelby and I really needed to go have some fun as a couple. We've been babysitting every weekend lately. She has surgery to repair a herniated disk in her neck scheduled for May 8th. Please remember her in your prayers. Well I hope this is going to be a great week!