Children of God

One of our first concerts this tour was to a group of sexual offenders at a mental hospital.
This was hard for me to wrap my head around... I've known a couple people who have been molested as children. I thought of those loved ones as we started our concert and as I looked at these men who have hurt children... and honestly, I wanted to be mad and a part of me did not want to be there.
It was while we performed a song by Heather Williams called "You are Loved." I came to the realization that these men are children of God and they are in need of a Savior as much as I am. It broke my heart...
The thing with these men is that most of them had been molested themselves. It's kind of all they have known, and the way their minds work... they don't know any better.
I'll tell you another thing, they were one of the most appreciative group we have ever been in front of. They worshipped with us, and they blessed my heart.

Next time, I come to a situation where I am quick to judge. I hope to remind myself that the people involved are hurting and children of God that need His love, just as much as I.

Empty Now Filled

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Coming back from Christmas break has been refreshing, rewarding and rejuvenating. 

The beginning of fulltime wasn't as smooth of a transition as I imagined it to be. Team dynamics were suppose to be a piece of cake. How could 8 people, from all over the country (and Russia), with different personalities and interests not get along.... I don't know, I was banking on the reasoning that we were all there for the same thing a love for God, a love for music and a love for ministry. 

Every person in my team is great and they offer so much. It's been a blessing to hear each others' stories and lives. But, it's also been a struggle to see where each of us fits in and where we excel and how we can perform (not just in music) more efficiently as a team. We, by no means, have it all together. But, that is the beauty of God's work. 

God's hand is in everything. He is the only one who can piece together our lives and weave in a masterful and grand design. He is the only one who can create beauty from chaos. Sometimes chaos is all we have to offer and sometimes... God uses us regardless of anything that we do. We simply cannot be without Him.

When we come to the end of ourselves, that is when God is most evident. 

Being able to go home for two weeks, I was able to reflect on the past four months. I was able to reevaluate my actions and my purpose and I am now able to do those things differently. I can turn around and praise God for the good and the bad, I can choose to serve Him despite my weaknesses. I can look to Him to refill my cup. 

All Things New

It's a new year. CTI has produced a new album. And we will begin a new tour.

God, restore a new heart in me.

Oh. And it's a new blog.
I'm going to try to write more for the remaining of my year with CTI. I will also try to use this more to update my lovely supporters on the goings on of CTI.

As it is right now, we leave for tour Tuesday and will be in Missouri. This is our longest tour of the year, we will be on the road for 9 weeks. I don't have complete details but I have heard that Oklahoma City, Florida, Maryland and Toronto are on the map.

I'm looking forward to getting back on the road. It's not always easy living with the same 7 people that I haven't chose to live with. But, God has taught me much through each one of them and I know He will continue to do so.

I pray that you will learn from those around you, do not take the people around you for granted. Regardless of how you may feel about them, and how they feel about you, He has created us to love.