My week in Nashville at the end of March for the CIA Summit, Tom Jackson Seminar, and CMS Songwriters Boot Camp was great. God once again covered me in safety as I drove alone 2 days up and back. I have come to look forward to the long drives…just the Lord and me and some of my favorite Christian music artists playing on the stereo. It is a time of intense prayer, meditation and praise.
Once there and the event began rolling, God’s voice clearly spoke to my spirit about some things I am to pursue in regards to ministry, music and writing. Actually, that is putting it lightly…God shouted things to my spirit and lit a holy fire in me in regards to what I am to do in music and ministry.
The CMS Productions Nashville Songwriters Bootcamp proved to be a very inspiring event beginning with the opening keynote speech by the amazing Rick Cua. Other featured mentors were Charlie Peacock, Casey McGinty of EMI, Chad Segura of WORD, Steve Rice of Integrity, Scott and Christine Dente from “Out of the Grey”, and many more representatives from the CCM industry.
I soaked in a ton of great information on the art and business of songwriting and later in the day, my song, “Call the Name of Jesus” was critiqued by Christine Dente (Out of the Grey) and Casey McGinty (ExecVP Capitol CMG Publishing). I’ve never participated in an open class critique like this and it was a bit nerve wracking but I knew that no matter what, it would be a growing experience. It surprisingly ended up being very affirming as my song, production and vocals received great reviews from both Christine and Casey and accolades from many of the class members as well. I am still a bit surprised that I am writing music that it is getting such positive reactions. This I never imagined.
The Tom Jackson Seminar was the most unique seminar I have ever been too. What a character he is! He is also a expert on stage production and taught Taylor Swift much of her stage moves.
Keith and all the folks at IndieHeaven went over and above my expectations in the production of the CIA Summit. Two days of challenging teachings filled my imagination and spirit with even more creative ideas.
The Momentum Awards were the perfect topping to an awesome week! Although I did not win an award, I certainly felt like a winner when my name was announced and flashed across the numerous big screens and applause and cheers from my peers rang out. It was a surreal and overwhelming moment to receive such honor and recognition as a Contemporary Christian Artist Top 5 Nominee! Woohoo!
One of the most fulfilling things about the entire week was the fantastic fellowship I shared with some amazing artists with huge hearts for God. Rooming with Belinda Jane was a blast and making new friends with artists like Bill Petty, Craig Whitaker, Jamie Thietten, Kerri Crocker, Shelly Wilson, Steven Coy Cook, Chris Carder, Jolene Riley, Shelly from Journey Home, John Gillespie, Stephanie Newton, Harry Offutt, Kerensa Gray, Marq-Paul J. LaRose, and Della was the icing on the cake!
All in all, God tremendously blessed me during my time in Nashville and I am fired up and hungry for more of Him! I know as I continue to passionately pursue Him, He will continue to empower and bless my endeavors. May I ask you… are you really believing God at His Word these days? If not, then why not? Check this out…
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” - Hebrews 11:6
Isn’t that great news?! We are not in this Christian race alone!
Try believing He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do, then earnestly seek and love Him with all your heart, mind and strength and behold the blessings that come from being His vessel!
Take time to pray and connect with God to find out what it is that He wants you to do. You do not have to have a musical talent to be greatly used and blessed of God! The people behind the scenes in God’s economy are as important in God’s plans as those in the public view. Each of God’s children has a unique purpose and place to fill for God. It is amazing that He even chooses any of us to be used, but He does, and then we are blessed when we serve Him.
Try Him and see that God is so good!
Always remember...
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