Jeffrey Joseph East

If You Were Here Today

2011-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

On June 2, 1945, my father was born.

No doubt I miss him terribly, but days like today are a little tougher than most.

I wrote this song on June 2, 2010, a year ago today, with a friend of mine, singer/songwriter Brett Tyler. Check him out:)

Hope you guys enjoy this.....and call somebody you love today.

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend!

I've said this before, but few things in life bring me as much joy as just simply spending time with my beautiful wife, and that's what this weekend was all about.

Yesterday, Monday, was spent up in Santa Claus, Indiana at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. What a blast! I swear, no matter how old I get, I will always enjoy a great roller coaster, and nothin' beats a water park on a 95 degree day. We lathered up in free sunscreen, and just had a wonderful time. I ate more cheeseburgers than I care to mention, but I wouldn't change a thing!

How was your weekend?

Blessings,
Jeffrey Joseph East

My Typical Morning

2011-05-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday folks!

Congrats to our winner(s) in last weeks, "leave a comment, get a free EP" blog post"!

Ashley, Rebecca, and Nate...You are all 3 getting an EP!

Of course, Nate, I've had one here for you for about a month or so now, and Rebecca, all you had to do was ask:) Ashley, great hearing from you!

So in honor of a new week, I thought I'd share an old video that pretty much encompasses what a typical work day for me is like here in Nashville, TN. Really, not much has changed since this video was made, except now I'm married and live in a completely different house. :)

Ya'll have a great monday!

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

The Cutest 15 Seconds EVER!

2011-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Alright folks, so here it is. Another YouTube gem compliments of our cat, Lucy, and a special cameo by another cat we know named Buddy. I know, how many cat videos can there possibly be on YouTube, but trust me, this one will TOTALLY make your day!

Oh, and turn your volume WAY UP! hehehe ;)

Hahaha!

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

Happy Birthday Mama!

2011-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my Mother's birthday.

I for one, along with the rest of my siblings, am very glad she was born...for obvious reasons.

But more than that, I just can't imagine there being a better mother in the world than the one I got. I'm so thankful for her. I love her wisdom, I love her strength, I love her love, but most of all, I just love her.

The video below is one I posted a while back for Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary. Some of you might remember this song, but here it is again.

Love you Mama, and Happy Birthday!

Everyone hope over to her facebook page, Joyce East, and wish her a big happy birthday!!!

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

The Opossum Of Kingston Springs

2011-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday at the studio out in Kingston Springs, and well…Jason Kyle and I had a little adventure. Of course, I recorded it and put it up on YouTube. Hahaha!

Enjoy☺

EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

Grammys, Music Row, and Daddy.

2011-05-11T14:31:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended the Grammy Block Party down on Music Row. Wow. What an awesome event!

I met a lot of really great folks, some I already knew, and some I only knew of. The music on stage was spectacular. The show kicked off with a stellar performance from Old Crow Medicine Show, and with a few other notable acts in between, it was closed out with The Civil Wars. Folks, if you’ve never heard The Civil Wars, I highly recommend you Google them now or pull them up on iTunes and give them a listen. Seldom does an act truly catch my attention and pull me in the way these guys do. It’s just one guitar, 2 beautiful, haunting voices, and a collection of songs built word for word, phrase for phrase for this talented duo.

The highlight of the evening was probably meeting Joy Williams, the female half of The Civil Wars. But what was really cool, was meeting her not only as a fan, but as a songwriter.

I remember when I was little boy, traveling with my Dad back and forth from Dale, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee. I remember hearing him talk about his dreams. He was the leader of the family band, a songwriter, and I was a 9 year old chubby kid eagerly awaiting my next Happy Meal. He would drive us down Music Row and say “Son, here it is. This is Music Row!”

One of the last things my Dad told me, after I started writing songs inspired by the cancer that was taking him from us, and before he passed away from it, was “Jeffrey…Jeffrey keep writing, son. For God’s sake keep writing.”

As I walked around with friends on the lawn between 16th and 17th avenue yesterday, it hit me once again. I’m doing it. I’m really doing it. Although an extremely small part, I AM a part of this town just the same. I am a writer on Music Row.

I’m approaching 28 this July. Dad’s been gone since January 2006. But the memory of that little boy eating fries from his happy meal, riding next to his father, the dreamer, down 16th, and up 17th avenues is still as real today as it was then. So many times I wish I could see Daddy, talk to him, hear his voice say, “I’m so proud of you son.” But I hear it in every song I write. I see in every music row face I meet. I feel it in every hand I shake.

I owe so much to my family. I’m so thankful for each and every one of them.

We’ve come so far…but we’re just getting started.

Thanks everyone for reading this blog and showing your support. Not just to me, but to my entire family. Thanks so much.

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

Lights Out Lucy

2011-05-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

I posted this video on YouTube a few months back, and while the views were holding steady at 99, over the last 2 days, it has shot up to 330+ views! I've never had a "viral" video, but this one looks like it might be headed that way! So, I'm sharing it with you once again...you know...before it's huge.

Painting With Miranda

2011-05-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Few things in life bring me as much joy as simply spending time at home, relaxing on the couch, watching TV, and just being with my wonderful, beautiful wife, Miranda. But sometimes, she makes me work. Last week's project was our bedroom wall.

Since we eloped in January and didn't spend money on a wedding, we decided to gift ourselves with a King size bed! It's awesome. But the red and black color scheme that we decided to go with for the bedding, did not match the light purple accent wall that worked so well with the previous bed.

So behold a give you...

"Painting With Miranda"

If you enjoy this blog, click follow, leave a comment, and please, keep in touch.

God bless,
Jeffrey

Key West and YouTube

2011-05-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

I was fortunate enough to spend last week down in Key West, Florida for the 2011 BMI Songwriter's Festival. Needless to say I had the time of my life. Key West had always been this almost mythical place that I always wanted to go to, but knew it would probably never happen...well, it did happen and it was awesome!

Key West has great music, wonderful people, INCREDIBLE food, and the sunset down there is spectacular. Fortunately for me, the day I went to the pier to watch it, was the also the day they were reenacting Conch Republic Independence Day. So, in the video below, if you look closely past the pirate and Coast Guard ships, and my big goofy foot towards the end, you will see the legendary Key West Sunset.

Ever been to Key West? Tell me about it either here, or leave a comment on the YouTube site!

God Bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

PS If you wanna see the right side of the video, you may have to actually go to YouTube to watch it. For whatever reason, because it's in HD, I guess it doesn't want to embed correctly on the blog:-)

Hello World!

2011-05-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

So I’ve decided to start blogging again.

I got to looking at this blog which I started a couple years ago, and man, so much has changed since I last posted something. Best of all…I GOT MARRIED! I know, not much news to most of you reading this, but I seem to tell everyone whether they know it or not.

I’ve been extremely blessed in this life. Miranda, my wife, is an angel and an absolute Godsend. She’s the essence of patience, and she absolutely gets me in every way.

Mom is doing well up in Kentucky. She’s still working at the local newspaper and mowing her own grass on the weekend (which is awesome!)

Blake and Kimberly (sister-Meme) are kicking it in Sparta and all over the country playing bluegrass as members of The Expedition Show. Time not spent on or with the band is dedicated to East Public Relations.

Jonathan (brother-Gaga) and Brooke are full time performers over at Dollywood and pretty much have their hands in everything entertainment related these days. I’m so proud of my family.

I’m writing songs at Zavitson Music Group (ZMG) down on music row, and I’m loving life. I’m amazed at the talent this town possesses, and even more amazed that I get to experience those talented people first hand and a day to day basis. There’s a lot of great stuff going on these days, and I want to share it with you guys.

Leave some comments, get involved, and stay in touch.

God bless,
Jeffrey Joseph East

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-worktape-sessions/id396251104

"Time"

2009-08-21T17:21:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

"Time" is up!!!

Tell your friends!

God Bless,
Jeffrey

New YouTube Channel!

2009-08-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So I've been a ghost forever now, and for that I'm sorry...but I'm back! I wanted to let everyone know that I'm starting a YouTube Channel tonight at 7pm CST!!! So, I'm attaching the link for all of you to view the welcome video a little early! But tonight, Friday, August 21, 2009, I will be posting my first "real" video. The YouTube channel will consist of mostly videos of me playing guitar and singing songs that I wrote from my couch here in Nashville, TN. I'd given thought to doing this before, but something's telling me that now is the time!

So, with your help, I really think we can get this thing off the ground! How can you help?!? TELL EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

Seriously, the sky is literally the limit here! So, click on the link, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL!!! That way you can get instant updates as soon as a new video is posted!

Thanks a lot everyone!

God Bless!!!

My Crawl With The Lord...

2009-06-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

My Crawl with the Lord…

So it’s been well over a month since my last post…sorry…I’ve been a bit busy☺

In the last month, I visited my 90 year old Grandma with Alzheimer’s down in Texas, got an official release from Harley Allen Music (left on good terms), got a new job as a driver for Signature Transportation Services, one of the country’s premier limo companies, and I was accepted to Skip Ewing’s Horse And Writer Invitational which takes place July 12-18 in Dubois, Wyoming. (Check this website out for more info on what a great opportunity this really is! www.horseandwriter.com)

But perhaps the thing that’s kept me most busy over the last little while has been my ongoing wrestling match with God. Yes, the same ole’ song and dance that I’ve written about since my first post, has actually kept me from writing of late. The last month, while filled with the opening and closing of some significant doors, has been absolutely filled with soul searching. At every turn, a new challenge has presented itself in my life. And as I sit here in my favorite Starbucks on 21st Avenue for the first time in 30 something days, I can honestly say that the more I’ve learned about God, the less I know about myself.

I have spent the last month critically analyzing many of the things I’ve done in my life, the choices I’ve made, and all the events that have led me to where I am today. And in the process, I have confused myself profusely!

I’m just wondering if anyone else out there has ever reached that point of discovering that their “walk” with the Lord is really more like a crawl? Has anyone ever had that fear that their last “stumble” might have done so much damage that their spiritual legs are now broken? How does one walk on broken legs?

What I have learned is this, when you are flat on the ground looking up, defeated and weary from the fall…when you need a hand, be careful what you reach for. There are plenty of crutches in this world that might help you off the ground, but anything short of Jesus will return you to the ground, leave you stumbling, and make you crawl. That’s where I am today. That’s where I’ve been for a while now. Part of me is ashamed to say it, while part of me is relieved to realize it…but I am very much crawling at the moment.

Where are you today? How is your walk/crawl with the Lord? Let me know, I could use some help on this one. God Bless you all.

Living In A Preposition...

2009-05-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

(I wrote a version of this a couple nights ago, but this is slightly revised…so forgive the fact that it’s a bit “dated”) ☺

Living In A Preposition…

I found myself in an oft too familiar place today. Head down. Spirits low. Voice quiet. Dejected. Low. In a word…Weak. When I first started this blog, after reading my first post, a dear soul that I’m honored to call a friend from down in my home state of Texas posted a wonderful comment that uplifted me and urged me along…but gave me pause to think.

Howdy Jeff!
DUDE! Some very astute and on the mark observations I have read here. I feel like GOD is going to use your experiences in print form to encourage weaker ones in the Faith. We do all need to slow down in these days where we watch the clock while waiting for the microwave to finish. And there is definitely strength to be found in weakness. When we empty out all that we are and fill us up with what HE wants us to be, we become a powerful force and threat to the enemy. We’re never stronger or taller than when we are on our knees before our Holy GOD who can do all things! Nobody can corner HIM! Just a word of heads up; the devil will find no joy in what you are doing here and will be coming to stop you if he isn't already. Be steadfast in the LORD, HIS power trumps anything the world or enemy can come up with. Draw near to GOD and every time HE will draw near to you. It looks like you are doing that now. I love you in JESUS' Holy name little Brother and look forward to seeing you in Franklin this fall! Have a RED LETTER DAY! I'm praying for your protection, don't back down.
Bro. Mike

Growing up, I always imagined the devil as a little red creature with a flimsy arrow shaped tail and a trident walking around in a pit of fire somewhere beneath my feet. Maybe it was my love of Bugs and Daffy and those old cartoons that helped put this cute little spin on something that is anything but adorable. But that, unfortunately is not the case. The Enemy is real…and he’s here…and he’s threatening to tear down anything that is edified in the name of God.

I’m sitting in my Starbucks here on 21st Avenue in Nashville on Saturday night, May 16, 2009. On a night where I feel beaten, and worn, and so incredibly weak and unworthy, I am SO feeling the enemy doing whatever it can to keep me here. And it’s making me wonder about something that we are all guilty of.

Why, if I trust in God, do I find myself living in a preposition? The “but” that seems to literally follow every statement of faith in my life. You know what I’m talking about:

“I believe in God, I want to follow Him…BUT…I have so much going on right now, I just can’t focus on Him.”

“I trust that God is good and true and all things in life come from Him…BUT…I’m so consumed with stress and too depressed right now to really see Him for what He is.”

“I know God has forgiven me…BUT…I still can’t shake the guilt of the things I’ve done in my life and I can’t forgive myself”
“Sure, God says He has love and compassion for everyone…BUT…I’ve done way too much bad stuff in my life for Him to love me.”

“I believe in a loving God…BUT…how can He let bad things happen the way He does down here on earth? Why are children dying from hunger and disease? Why do good people suffer and bad people prosper? Why is my life such a wreck? Why…why, why, why…”

I’m learning that single word, that little 3 letter preposition, is the perhaps the biggest indicator of our faith. More so than the words that come before it, or after, that word, BUT, will expose the total truth about who we are and our true view of God.

In fact, I think stating your faith in a sentence with a “BUT” in it, is really the biggest oxymoron ever! By definition, the word faith, meaning COMPLETE TRUST, is anything but complete when coupled with a “BUT”. We might as well just come right out and say:

“I believe in God and TRUST in Him…BUT…not really”

And that’s where I’ve found myself this evening…living in a preposition. Fortunately, I’m realizing the absurdity of it all! I just can’t fully trust that in which I have doubts…and those doubts, that word, that preposition is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons.

So Mike, thank you for that comment. It is indeed very well understood, and I’m so thankful to God that there are people like you in this world to help the rest of us along and keep us on our toes.

How about the rest of you reading this? Are you living in a preposition? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. I might be way off in this observation, but it certainly makes since to me.

God Bless!

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

2009-05-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind…

Life is so uncertain at times. One minute you’re happy, employed, everyone you love is alive and well…then, things just seem to fall apart.

That’s been my life over the last 3 to 4 years. The changes I’ve endured, some avoidable, some self-imposed, have all been difficult, and somewhere along the way, I lost myself, and I lost sight of what was really going on and just where I stood in the bigger picture. And even though things are never really that bad, it’s so simple to get lost in our own little world. To get so wrapped up in our own sorrows and problems that we totally ignore the fact that there are indeed others in the world that have it worse than ourselves, which is selfishly so hard to believe at times.

But I’ve been awakened.

I have a group of friends that I have yet to actually meet. A group of folks that gave selflessly of their time and hard earned money to make an actual difference in this world by bringing to light one of those examples where “someone has it worse than ourselves.” A group of folks associated with Cross Point Community Church on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee, took a weeklong trip to India as part of the Compassion India Mission. The Compassion Mission Statement reads as follows:

“In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.”

That group of friends that I have not yet met from Cross Point, did more than serve as beacons of God’s light, love, and true hope during their stay in India, they served back at home at the same time. Avid bloggers, their journey was extremely well documented through their powerful images both written, and visual. A few nights ago, just before they returned home, I took a couple hours to read all the blogs and view all the photos…needless to say, I was moved to tears. I felt so helpless here in the States…I really did. For the first time in life, I wanted to be somewhere other than the comforts of home. I wanted to make a difference. I was so inspired, that I grabbed my guitar, headed upstairs, and wrote a song in a matter of minutes.

The song came directly from a combination of a couple of (non)-events that took place in my life last week, (verses 1 and 3), and the painful truth of what was more than likely taking place at those very moments in India (verses 2 and 4). I got some of the statistics in the song from Pete Wilson’s blog at withoutwax.tv. The sound from the attached video is the raw recording made shortly after the song was written. The pictures are taken directly from withoutwax.tv, and Angie Smith’s blog audreycaroline.blogspot.com. I wish I could give credit to the photographer(s), but I’m not certain who that was, if you know, then please tell me so I can give them credit for visually capturing the very spirit of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. Please ignore the poor the audio quality of the video, after all, it's just me, a guitar, and a Macbook. ☺

God Bless all of you that went to India, all of those in need of help in India, and all of those moved to help in some way. I pray that India, and places like it are never again Out of Sight, Out of Mind. God bless.

Finding Your "Place"...

2009-05-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Finding your “place”…

It’s been a trying last few days. I can’t really explain it other than this…it’s so hard to remain steadfast and disciplined when it comes to growing spiritually. I know this isn’t news to anyone out there reading this, but I’m so amazed at how easy it is to fall back into the “I’ll study later” way of life. Needless to say, I kinda got out of the habit this week of going to Starbucks everyday and reading/writing. But it has taught me once again the importance of at least trying to grow every single day. I know this is a really short post, but I am working on one that I hope to have up in the next couple of days. But I’m just wondering to those of you out there, what do YOU do to find the time, and prepare you heart and mind for study? Is there a specific thought that gets you going? Do you say a prayer? How you do let go of all the pressures and worries of life to make yourself ready to receive the word of God? I’ve relearned this week that preparing yourself for growth is almost as important as growth itself! So many times throughout the New Testament, Jesus would go out on His own to be “alone”. Even Jesus needed that time for himself and the Father!

Life is so cluttered these days. I really think now more than ever, we need to set aside time for ourselves and for God. Please, leave some comments and let me know how you find “your” place. Be completely honest. This is something that is seemingly so very seldom talked about…you just never know who you might help out with what you say. God Bless!

The Voice...

2009-04-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Voice…

I’m sitting in my favorite Starbucks here on 21st Ave. in Nashville, TN, Music City, USA, listening to some memories via youtube.com. Growing up in the family band, I had many musical influences over my younger years. From the countless songs Daddy wrote, which I some how remembered all the lyrics to when he forgot, to the true country classics from artist like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. But if my Dad was ever really a fan of an artist, it had to have been Vern Gosdin. One of my greatest memories of Daddy listening to Vern took place in Daddy’s 2000 Chevrolet Blazer right after he got it by trading in his little 4-cylinder, manual Nissan Frontier, which he claimed was missing “a power button.” (Which we discovered on a trip to Texas for Uncle Son’s funeral while trying to merge onto I35…lol…poor little truck just didn’t accelerate…like…at all!) Daddy had just recently either found, or was given, the Vern Gosdin Gospel Album on CD…and man oh man…I don’t think Vern Gosdin has ever been played louder in a vehicle! I remember the best thing about the album, besides Vern’s haunting voice, were the incredible harmonies. Daddy loved the harmonies on that album.
So, naturally, when my sister told me of Vern’s passing yesterday morning, it hit me in a profound way. In a time before Pro Tools and the ability to make anybody sound great in a studio, there existed real artists. Folks that could take a guitar, stand, and sing a song…and sing it well. Vern was truly one of those seemingly rare talents…apparently the last of a dying breed.

There’s a reason why he’s been regarded as “The Voice”.

Seems like the older I get, the more and more sentimental I am over everything. Hearing Vern’s voice this morning really brings back a lot of memories that I’m guessing a lot of 25 year olds just don’t have. I see Daddy in that Chevy Blazer, new to him, just grinning ear to ear while blasting Vern singing “Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand.” I remember the hope that great music gave my Dad over the years…the same hope I get today. I remember when I was 9 years old, driving back and forth from Texas to Tennessee, almost on a weekly basis. I was Daddy’s little “Travelin’ Partner”. Yeah, I never complained at all that summer. Heck, give any 9-year-old enough Happy Meals, and he will indeed stay…happy. But more than anything, I remember listening to music and Daddy talking about his dreams in the music business. Coming in from I40 headed east, and seeing that Nashville skyline for the first time, he would always say, “There it is, Son! Nashville, TN!”

It’s amazing how life has twists and turns and puts us places we never thought we’d be. I’m certain there is Heaven, and I’m pretty dang certain Daddy’s in it. And I’d like to think he’s been watching all of us kids, Mama included, down here on earth. So that’s why every time I leave my Nashville apartment, headed downtown, I say the same thing every time I first see the skyline…”There it is, Son! Nashville, TN!” In honor of Vern Gosdin, and the memories he evokes in me, I’m attaching a video of one of his gospel classics. I hope you all enjoy it, and I hope that if anyone has ever had an artist, or a song, bring back some warm memories, then you’ll understand what Vern Gosdin means to me today. If you have such a song or artist, leave a comment and let me know about it. I’d love to hear your story. God Bless.

When The Pipes Burst...

2009-04-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

When The Pipes Burst…

And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

This blog wasn’t meant to become a book review of Jeffrey’s latest readings, but I feel as though I must share with you the things that impact me the most in my day-to-day life. I have been so blessed with incredible friends from my days up in Bowling Green, KY, while attending Western Kentucky University. The kind of folks that no matter what, would never turn their back on you at any point, especially when their love for you has been less than reciprocated over a difficult period of time. Many people go through an entire lifetime and never encounter that kind of bond with another soul…I, however, have found several such blessings in my short time here on earth. One of those Angels in my life has been Jacob Sensenig. I spoke with him on the phone about a month ago…(one of those unfortunately rare occurrences where I’ve picked up the phone and actually called someone I love, but haven’t had the capacity to understand their love for me.) And he said he had a book he thought I should read. Well, at the time, for whatever reason, I wasn’t too receptive to the idea of reading a “book”, so I’m sure I said something like, “yeah, cool…sounds great.”

Flash forward to last week, having been inspired to post after reading Don Piper’s 90 Minutes In Heaven, and I found myself hungry to read some more, meaningful, inspirational books. So I, surely by the Grace of God, found a parking place on West End Ave. close to Borders Books and Music, and walked in. I called Jacob while scouring the “Religion” section, and asked him what the name of the book was. He was thrilled to hear from me, and told me all about The Prodigal Comes Home by the award winning vocalist, Michael English. But of course, Borders did not have the book, so I made a short drive down Broadway to Lifeway Family Bookstore and for $14.99 plus tax, I found what turned out to be a simply wonderful story of God’s redeeming, undying love for one of his lost children.

I wasn’t very familiar with Michael English, but the name rung a bell when Jacob had first mentioned it. Then it occurred to me that my publisher, Harley Allen, had told me about Michael and his battle with severe panic/anxiety disorder back when I was struggling with it myself. So I was certainly intrigued to hear what this man had to say in his book, for if you have ever had to struggle with panic attacks, you can’t help but feel for those that have been through it as well. In what might at first seem like a ploy to sell a book or a new record, English tells the brutally honest story about his upbringing, rise to fame as a Dove/Grammy winning Christian artist, and his subsequent fall from the top of the world which led to divorce, depression, and a nearly fatal addiction to painkillers. But his truly epic struggle to overcome his plight with the unwavering help of a truly loving, forgiving Heavenly Father is indeed an inspiration to anyone that has ever gone through a difficult season in his or her life. And, as was the case with the Piper book, English made me think.....

It’s not that I was never aware of the scripture. It’s not like I’d never read the words in red or the parables or the Sermon on the Mount. It’s not like the word of God was absent from my life, it’s just that growing up with it was like growing up with running water. Something we take for granted yet really just cannot live without.

I remember growing up in the Dale, Texas, just about 35 miles south of Austin…state capital and home to THE University of Texas…(hook ‘em horns). And while the fabled Texas heat would live up to it’s infamous billing summer after summer, the winters, not wrought with snowfall, would dip down low enough to wreak havoc on a family of tenants living in a small farmhouse in our extremely small, secluded community. Yes, while my brother and I would enjoy throwing rocks at the icicles dangling off that more than likely bacteria ridden tin roof, only to catch them and enjoy a tasteless, frozen treat, Daddy would make his way out the cat-clawed screen door to recruit the help of his two sons…for the freeze the night before had of course burst a pipe, or 2 or 3, under the house. Fortunately, as a precaution, we would fill the tub up with water the night before, as well as buckets so the toilet would flush, and I’m thinking the sink was probably full as well in anticipation of what could be a long few hours to a day without running water. Now, if you’ve lived the high life and never had to experience a moment in time where you couldn’t walk up to sink and turn on a faucet, or draw a nice warm bath in the dead of winter, then you probably don’t understand that when the water stops, the flow of daily life is literally, completely frozen. And it was in those moments that I realized the importance of life’s greatest necessity, water! Of course, other than holding a flashlight at just the right angle, Daddy would fix the pipes on his own, not really needing our assistance, but there was something fun about the 3 boys crawling around in the dirt under the old homestead. Yeah, even to this day, the usually repulsive smell of “plumber’s glue” brings back some of the fondest memories of my childhood.

But it wasn’t until I was much older, over the last little while that I’ve seen how God’s Holy word, is so much like the water before the pipes burst. It’s just something we see, feel, taste on a daily basis without really giving it much credit for what it really is. Without water, we die…we cease to exist. Without God’s word in our spiritual life, we can become so parched, so spiritually dehydrated. When the pipe’s burst, then and only then do we see the true value of what has been sustaining us all along! When the backup supply is depleted, we are indeed thirsty for that sweet nectar that keeps us alive. When life falls apart at every seam, and all we have left is a parched spirit and a thirsty soul, that is when we need nourishment in the worst way.

In reading what Michael English had to say about his fall from grace, and God’s Grace after he fell, I was reminded of my own personal struggles. I have found that while God’s word has always been there, it has never meant more to me than it does at this point in my life. I’ve heard that we must keep the body constantly supplied with water in order to stay hydrated. In fact, science has discovered that when we feel thirst, we have already waited too long.
Is that where you are in life right now? Are you spiritually hydrated, or have you, like myself been waiting for thirst before you quench our most basic need? Everyday I am learning that I know so little. Everyday I become more aware that I have been dehydrated for a long time. God’s word is a glass overflowing…and its time to drink it up!

Leave a comment and let me know where you’re at in life right now. I would absolutely love to hear from you! So please, leave a note and at least say hello! God Bless!

Christian Cruise Control

2009-04-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Christian Cruise Control…

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1 Corinthians 13:9-10

I have been reading a great deal more lately. Yesterday, I sat in the same Starbucks on 21st Avenue that I’m in today while writing this, and finished the last half of a book by Don Piper called 90 Minutes In Heaven. For those not familiar with the book, it’s the account of Mr. Don Piper and his life after death experience in which his life as a minister was cut short in a horrific car wreck, only to come back to life 90 minutes later. The first 2 awe inspiring chapters tells of an amazing heaven where he was greeted by previously departed friends and loved ones. His picturesque recollection of every aspect of his truly Heavenly experience is certainly powerful and extremely moving, as well as beneficial in giving all of us just a little more hope in the things to come after we leave this earth. The rest of the book focuses on his personal battles with recovery, depression, and the underlying, overwhelming question of “why” he was sent back to this earth, to his broken body, after experiencing the absolute, ultimate experience that is Heaven. Aside from being just a fantastic read, it is indeed a huge inspiration and a testament to a loving God that has complete control, especially when we have NONE! And of course, the book did what it was intended to do…Mr. Piper’s testimony did what God wanted it to do…it really made me think.

I wish more than anything, that I could sit here and tell you that I have been a model Christian from day one. I wish I could say that Jesus died for the rest of you while I’ve been perfect from birth. I wish I could tell you that if I had life to live all over again, that I would make the same decisions and not change a single thing. I wish I could tell you that all my friends who once regarded me as a beacon of light and hope, and a source of strength and wisdom, still hold me up as an example of the life they should lead. I wish I could tell you that at no point, have I ever doubted God, his plan, his Son, and the forgiveness and grace that He has promised all of us who believeth in Him and are washed in His blood. I wish I could say that I have been a firm believer, never faltering, always honest and steadfast in my beliefs. I wish I could tell you that even this very morning, on the way to this Starbucks, I kept a completely calm, loving demeanor amongst all the traffic, car and pedestrian, and that I arrived to this seat without a single slip up. I wish I could tell you that I awoke this morning feeling alive and rejuvenated, with everything figured out. The simple truth is, I can’t in good conscious tell you any of those things. I can’t even go on pretending that as I’m sipping coffee and writing this, that I’m not fighting tears at the thought of who I’ve been, what I’ve done, who I’ve hurt, and all the regret and baggage I carry as a result of a lifetime of mistakes and shortcomings.

No, I haven’t had a Damascus road experience. I haven’t suddenly seen the light and am now complete and pure. ‘Jesus has been in this car called life, I’ve just never really let him have the wheel.’ (Wish I could take credit for that analogy, but that goes to Pete Wilson and his Backseat Jesus series. Checkout the podcast, video or audio, at www.crosspoint.tv)….it’s amazing.

I have been on what I’m deciding to call Christian Cruise Control. At some point in my life, I got comfortable where I was in my walk with the Lord, and just kinda put my life on autopilot. Now cruise control is an awesome feature found on most vehicles these days. It’s great for those long trips on the interstate where you can just hit a comfortable speed, usually 10 over the limit, and just let the car drive you. The funny thing is, we have enough sense to tap the breaks and regain control when we encounter potholes, slowing traffic, roadblocks, pileups, and the like, while driving ourselves. But while on CCC (Christian Cruise Control for those not following along), I’ve totally disregarded all the warning signs of impending danger. All the curves, potholes, changing from pavement to dirt roads, I’ve never slowed down…not even once. And this car I’ve been driving has really taken some hits, probably even flipped a few times. And I just held on. Never thinking to tap the breaks and just slow down. Well, I’m slowing down now. And that’s what this blog is all about.

For those that have known me, I’m a pretty open book when it comes to emotions. It’s evident in my personality, my bad puns, my super sensitive side that still balls like a baby every…single…time Fieval is reunited with his family in An American Tail. It’s evident in the songs I write…probably a bit too much. So if you’re reading this and thinking, “man, this guy is sappy,” guess what…you’re absolutely right ☺

But I’ve been more compelled to write now more than ever…not just lyrics and melody, but as another example of just how amazing, awesome, and compassionate God really is. I’m not anywhere close to where I need to be, but thanks be to God…I’ve finally tapped the breaks!

Strength in weakness...

2009-04-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

Strength in Weakness…

Earlier this week I was hanging out with my mother at the old farmhouse down at the sinkhole in Allen County, KY. I had come up from Nashville to attempt to till the garden spot…key word being attempt. Long story short, we ended up on the front porch, exhausted, and enjoying the beautiful afternoon.
I’m not sure how we got to a point in a conversation or what we were even talking about, but she said something quite profound. I’m guessing we were talking about the tornadoes that moved through Murfreesboro, TN last week, and how I was fortunate enough to do something I’ve never really done…actually help some people out.
I had gone down Saturday, the day after the tornadoes came through, with a group from Cross Point Community Church, a place I had attended for the first time the Sunday before. Having a special tie to the storm hit area; I wanted to do something to help out…anything I possibly could. So I heard about the group meeting at the church via the Twitter app on my iPhone. Anyway, I went down there with folks I didn’t know, to help folks I didn’t know…and it was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. I was so amazed at how people from all over the area gave so freely of their time, resources, strength, energy, all on the day before Easter. Truly a humbling experience, so much so, I cried later that night just thinking about it, and I was still talking about it with Mom almost a full week later.
But it was in that conversation that Mom made an analogy between those people who lost everything in a tornado, and herself when she lost her husband of nearly 40 years, my dad, to cancer in 2006. She said “son, it’s amazing how people can find such strength in weakness.”
Now, my mother will be the first to tell you, if she could, that she is not the best with words. In fact, as sad and as cruel as it may sound, Dad, brother, sister, and myself had always had a good laugh with a few of the vernacular mishaps my mother had let slip over the years. I think Daddy’s personal favorite was a common expression my mother somehow twisted in regards to something bad about to go down. You and I and the rest of the world know the expression as “the blank has hit the fan”. Poor, innocent mother became the butt of the oft repeated inside joke amongst the family after she came in from work one day complaining how “the fan’s gonna hit the ceiling now!” I know you’re probably sitting there reading this, wondering how that would be funny…but if you only knew my family…..lol.
So, when mom said something “profound” this past week, it really stuck with me. And today, I was reminded of just how right what she said was…there is indeed “strength in weakness.”
I met a family today. A very special family. Yesterday, the father of the family, 52, was killed when the single engine plane he was piloting nose-dived into a farmer’s nearby field. A totally unexpected tragedy. But in walking into a house full of grieving loved ones, people I had never met, in a town I had never been, I witnessed a most familiar site…laughter. Now if you’ve never lost a loved one, someone truly close and a part of your day-to-day life, you might find it strange that there could be laughter amidst such sadness. But it’s a very, very special laughter. It’s a healing laughter. It’s a laughter that comes from the remembrance of good…no, GREAT times! Memories that might have long been forgotten on a normal day are brought to light in such moments and magnified a million times. While I stood and watched the sobs of a new widow, and the tear stained face of a daughter less than two months from marriage, and the crooked smile of a 21 year old son (spitting image of his father), I saw myself…..and I know I witnessed God. As they searched through old photos of their newly departed hero, I watched their eyes light up over and over again and I heard the most beautiful thoughts and robust laughter as they shared their recollections of the still images of the man they loved so dearly. And I was taken back to that week in January of 2006, when my parents house was full of family and friends and photos of my father who had just lost his valiant fight with cancer…..which given the life he led, really wasn’t a loss at all…but a victory! Yes, mom was indeed right. There IS strength in weakness. When we think we are worn to a frazzle, and life hits us with such woes as destruction of a home, or the death of a dad, we persevere. And it’s by no means an accident.
I am so incredibly guilty of getting caught up in the little things in life that vex me, and as a result I get so down and smothered that I can’t seem to pull myself out. I’m working on it, I really am, and days like today and last Saturday are reminders that it’s really not that bad, Jeffrey! God is indeed in control...always was, and always will be. He will forever give us “strength in our weakness.”