Final Preparations

Yet another recital prep week is now underway. Even for a "professional" the impact and anticipation leading up to a big performance can be overwhelming. I am excited and exhausted at the same time.

Emotions are on a rollercoaster. Stress seems to impact me more than normally..everything is a big deal. Sleep is disrupted, and physical fatigue is a factor. I don't really want to practice or even study, but the final prep work is the key to making the quality really exceptional. I know I should be doing more.. so I do some.. Will it be good enough? Will my voice and skill carry the honesty and message from my heart into the audience directly? Will they reject me or accept me?

It is such a privelege to sing for others. I get to join in something bigger than myself. Music reachs out and the souls of the audience rise up and merge with that of the singer in some sort of special dance. To look directly into the audience's eyes and sing to them takes passion, and intensity on a level rarely called for in other places in today's world.

For the first time in my career I am using my personal singing to try and directly impact a "local" ministry in a benefit. Charles and I are offering this recital as a gift not just to God, but we are hoping to help some folks in M'ville and Henry County through our talents and through the generosity of the audience. This may be among the biggest performances i have ever given... It is certainly a milestone. If you are the praying type, we would appreciate your prayers. If you would are reading this from a location within driving distance of M'ville VA, then I hope you will come on Friday night.

One thing is for certain.. I can't fix the world, but hopefully by performing on Friday night, we can make a difference for a few people that we don't know, and maybe , just maybe, God will bless this offering and example and use it to renew the spirits of many around the world, to try and do something.

Random acts of kindness, without expectation for reward, are the key to delivering on God's plan. What seems random to us, is not random to him. Concurrent diversity drives us towards God size goals. We cannot achieve them alone, but together, each doing our part, great things can be done.

"And this we know in the journey of life. Whether green rolling hills, or the deserts bare and dry. In all things God works for our good, for those who love the Lord."
--from composition by Lloyd Larson set paraphrasing Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.