April Diary

Spring is the time of new beginning. Old is gone; new has come. Where dead figs once lay like residue, fresh blossoms begin to appear. How awesome!

I am writing allot of new material now, and trying to rehearse and get ready for when the Lord calls me to perform. I heard today that my CD is being shipped to Lifeway, and now we are trying to break the hold these corporations have on radio. I received an email today telling me its going to be $245,898.00 dollars and if I wire this to an account at Royal Bank in Canada, they will spin my single on all Christian stations nationwide. How sad. So that’s what it takes huh? Good thing it’s spring.

I take spring as a reminder from God that He loves new beginnings. When everything feels dead and dull and barren, God gives life. I love this about my Lord.

Now, as I look out the window and see the grass’s green growing in its vibrancy, the trees budding, and finally, after a long Washington winter, the sun shining on all in sight I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness. Like spring, God never fails to show up. He’ll never forsake us. With this thought, my heart swells. Read more

It’s About Jesus

It would be a severe understatement to say that my entrance into the Christian music industry has been a roller coaster ride. I’ve experienced the heights of success and the lows of failure. I’ve gained new fans and lost old ones. I’ve written hits, busts, and everything in between.

Some crowds give me as warm a reception you could ask for, while others have me reeling in discomfort and outcastedness. Some promises are fulfilled; others are forgotten. Some days are rosy, some are average, and others have me wanting to quit.

At times, the lack of control over all of this is exasperating. “I want to drive the roller coaster!” I scream inside. “I want control!”

Yet, when chaos is the norm–– when criticism, failure, and mundaneness haunt me–– I remember the words of the fellow songwriter, the psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Such an understanding keeps me at it. I’m being led by the One who formed me in my mother’s womb. The Lord, He is my shepherd, and I shall not want. He leads me through green pastures and beside still waters. He, the divine roller coaster operator, is in control. And He has my best interest in mind.

Today, let us be reminded of his sovereignty. His leadership is perfect. And, for this, I will worship Him. Whether musical success or failure is around the corner, this is about Jesus for me. Through my music, my life, my success and my failure: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.” (The Moravians)

-Phil