Am I dreaming big enough?

I know what I want for myself and for those who witness my praise and worship. However, yesterday I wondered if I was dreaming big enough to accomplish what I wanted to happen in this next phase of my life. Of course, I want to stand next to the Kobe Bryant's of the Gospel music industry. I want to stand alongside Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Karen Clarke-Sheard, Shirley Caesar and other amazingly talented artists as they offer praise to the Lord. They minister via song to the masses and I want to do the same. I have to because I feel it in my spirit...

I want to grace the stage accepting numerous awards for successfully ministering to worshippers and saving lost souls as they have. I enjoy the idea of the awards but the praise extends beyond that. I want to change lives first and foremost. Yet, I can visualize standing on stage accepting my awards beginning my speech with, "I'd like to first give honor to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ..." Is that dream big enough? I am beginning to think that it is right on point. I am exactly where God wants me to be and will allow Him to direct my path.

I am getting ready to take a great big step. Each moment on this journey reflected in the songs I'm recording in the studio. Each step bringing me closer to my goal of creating a collection of songs that will clearly show my love for God. I hope to communicate the love I have for God reaffirming His power to worshippers while educating seekers. Yesterday I realized that I have to dream big. I desire more and that constitutes something bigger than I initially planned for myself. God knows what's best for me. Although my sight reaches the horizon, Gods vision extends well beyond it.

Preparation is the key...

The amazing thing about life is that you never know the exact moment when God is going to change yours. We walk with a plan in our head not knowing if our dreams will come true. Yet amazingly we keep working toward our dreams and goals as if we know that things will come to fruition. We choose colleges, careers, and do all that we can do direct our paths. We, in essence, walk by faith as we make efforts to map out our future.

From a very young age children are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some have absolutely no clue but there are those that are able to recite exactly who or what they want to be when they get older. They have a plan. More importantly, God has a plan for us. We may think we are in control as we choose a profession and take the necessary steps to acquire a specific career. The reality is that God has ordered our steps. He places opportunities in front of us and we have to take advantage of whatever He gives us. Our plan may not be the same as His. Sometimes He gives us more than we are capable of dreaming. However, He places things strategically for us to become successful members of society.

For me, my career goal is to minister via song. My purpose is to educate worshippers while also saving lost souls. I have been working solely on ministering through song while educating others for many years. Like a politician prepares for his office, I’ve prepared to minister. I knew from a very young age what God had planned for me. I’ve never been sure when God would direct my path to another level--ministering nationally and internationally--but I have always prepared for that time. That time is now.

Despite the challenges I’ve faced or changes that I’ve had to make, my mind has stayed on my goals. No matter how many times the devil tried to block my path, my focus has never changed. Preparation is the key to success and I am prepared. My entire life is based on my love and faith in God. I know that He is guiding this process as He has directed every aspect of my life. God gave me ample time to prepare and I am ready to see where He plans on taking me.

The time is NOW!!

As I stand in the studio perfecting my sound, I realize that I planned for this moment all of my life. From the first time I stood and sang my first song God was preparing me. God was preparing me for this season in my life as He has prepared me for every other season. I’ve been working hard for this moment sometimes wanting it to happen yesterday but knew it wasn’t time.

People are always asking me questions in regard to my singing: why aren’t you overseas sharing the word or why haven’t you done this so you are further along? My answer is always a resounding, “I am exactly where God wants me to be.” No matter how great our desire is things don’t come in our time but in His time. I put in the work through prayer and ministering and now, its God's time for this moment in my life.

God knows my heart. He has prepared me and I am answering His call. I will sing until my last breath knowing that He has afforded me the gift of ministering through song. It is time to stop thinking about it and putting things in to action! Are you ready for an anointing?

A brief update...

I ministered at Symphony Hall in Newark, NJ on Saturday at the memorial service for the "Clinton Avenue Five." It was a service for five teenage boys who were last seen together thirty years ago. They disappeared after playing basketball in 1978. Two men were recently arrested and charged with their murders. The service was uplifting and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

I am still putting in studio time working steadfastly on my CD. It sounds great and I am eager to bring it to light. I look forward to sharing it with everyone. So, I must say to God be the glory! He is smiling on me and blesses me more and more each and every day! To God be the glory!

*****REMINDER: The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival in Newark, NJ is coming up. It is from July 30-August 1, 2010. Go to this website for more information... http://lpccd.org/ ***** This is an event that you don't want to miss...