The first reminder was through my classes here at South Plains College. I have three ensembles: bluegrass, Irish, and jazz; four lessons: piano, Irish dulcimer, music theory, and voice; and three classes: Audio 1, Computer Music Notation, and Marketing/Merchandising. It's been good to get back into the groove of things, and to have random jams in the hallway with other musicians who just happen to be there. My responsibility for right now is to learn as much as I can, and to be a light for Christ up and down the hallways of the music building. I am really excited about what I am learning and will learn this semester, as well as for the opportunities I anticipate having to share my testimony through my music.
The second reminder came from a lunch-time conversation with our "Uncle Lester". We were in Amarillo for a bluegrass jam, along with our roommate Kasey. Kasey had a date with her "beau", so Kirk took Amber & I out for lunch. We talked extensively about our music, how to promote it, logistics of being touring musicians, and of the power music has. He was so encouraging to us, pushing and prodding us to do the leg-work to get hired at bigger and bigger venues and festivals. Sometimes I feel so inadequate to be doing what I dream of, but "Uncle Lester" inspired me to keep working towards that goal. I realized that sometimes God gives us a dream and a vision, and then asks us to take the steps to see that dream become reality. We have to step out in faith, trusting that the Lord has put that dream in our hearts and will, therefore, bless our endeavors towards that end.
The next reminder was of the power music has to really touch people's lives. It came about through our gig at the "Cactus Theater" in Lubbock. It was gospel night there, and we were invited to play four songs-- two in the first half and two in the second half. All of the groups gathered together before the show to pray over the concert, which was a really good reminder that we are playing for the Lord, not for ourselves or anyone else. Even so, God often uses music to reach into people's hearts. During intermission, a lady came up to us and told us that our performance of "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" had made her cry. I thought to myself, "that isn't even a tear-jerker song; it's rather lively, in fact." Yet, something in it touched her. That's a God-thing! Then, we did "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", I shared a bit of my testimony, and we played "Green Pastures". By the end, you could hear sniffling throughout the theater. That's powerful, friends!
Finally, I was reminded that God often throws incredible opportunities into your lap when you are regularly seeking Him. After our show at the "Cactus Theater", we were rather hungry so we started thinking of places to eat at 10pm. "Uncle Lester" suggested a place called Stella's that often has live music. When we walked in the door, we were delighted to discover that one of our professors, Mark Wallney, and his band were performing. We greeted them, then sat down to order our food. Before long, they say to us, "go get your instruments and play a song with us". We (Kasey & I, as Amber had crashed by then)ended up playing two songs with them, then they had us do two songs by ourselves. It was such an honor to be asked by one of my teachers to join him for a public performance, off the cuff! How cool, and definitely a God-thing!
I got kind of long-winded, but I'm really excited about my music and where God is taking me with it!
~Enjoy Life~
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