A continuation of Thanksgiving praise!!

I trust that everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends. I enjoyed mine. I'm thankful for so many things that God has done and will do for me. He has opened so many doors for me including doors I didn't even see. As He expands my territory, I just can't thank Him enough. I embrace my blessings and take a moment out of everyday to say, "Thank you, Lord." He has been so good to me and I express my gratitude every waking moment.

I'm looking forward to extending my praise into the Thanksgiving weekend. I won't be running to Black Friday sales but I will be giving Him the highest praise. The WFDU's Gospel House Cafe will be taking place tomorrow night from 6-10 p.m. at the Irby's Dance Center in South Orange, New Jersey. I hope to see my friends and family supporting my vision as we dance for the Lord. Be blessed and thanks for the support!

Come join me on 11/27/10 at:

IRBY Dance Center
125 Irvington Avenue
South Orange, NJ


Tickets are $15.00 which includes a buffet prepared by Divine Delicious Catering!
$20 at the door/Facebook RSVP is $18 at the door.
Tickets on sale now.
Contact: (908) 397-3055(DJ D-Real)
(201) 207-1262 (DJ OfTheWay)
(973) 332-4125 (Troy from AfraKuts)
Email djdreal1@aol.com or djoftheway@yahoo.com

Oh what a time we had in Sherrill, Arkansas...

This past Sunday, we pulled up to this little country church in Sherrill, Arkansas which sat adjacent to a small cemetery and across from a cotton field. Being from Newark, New Jersey I was a little out of my element environmentally at St. Luke's Missionary Baptist Church but never outside of my comfort zone. I knew that God showed up despite the location. This was just a new step on this journey God had for me that ran down a private road in a small church where I am sure my ancestors once praised.

We drove up to the little brick church and were one of only a few cars parked outside. Everything about this church was different than the churches back home in New Jersey and New York but I felt His presence as soon as my feet touched the ground. It has never mattered to me how many people I minister to, where I had to go to get them or how large the venue. So the size of the church and the number of people in the pews were never a concern of mine. I felt at home here as I took in the setting of the church and its members.

Immediately upon exiting the car we were greeted by Pastor Gregory Little, his wife Andrea Roaf-Little and their two children. We were ushered into the church to prepare for me to share my music ministry. As always I asked the Lord to guide my spirit and opened my heart to whatever was laid upon it. I stood in that little country church and embraced the love from its pastor and the church family and began ministering via song.

This was my first trip to Arkansas and initially I wasn't sure what to expect. In New Jersey and New York we praise a little differently but ultimately the praise is the same. I worshipped with a small church off on the side of the road where the members are few. But the praise was a triumphant praise. I worshipped with "folks" who didn't care about the size of the congregation, church or location. All they wanted to do was praise the Lord and that's exactly what they did.

One of the church deacons said, "We've been asking God for something like this for a long time. God brings things exactly when we need Him to." And off to my left I heard the mother of the church lead the congregation in devotion. The pastor, his wife and the deacon thanked God aloud that I came to share my music ministry not realizing how thankful I was. I was and remain grateful that God allowed me to worship with Pastor Little and look forward to returning to Arkansas to minister there again. My heart is so full because I, too, had been asking God for a moment like this. As always, He opened another door for me expanding my territory.

Pastor Little stated in his sermon that, "Every door that God opens is not for you." I am so glad I entered this door and am ready to embrace the additional doors it will open. God is so good!

What a joyous night!

As you all know, I ministered at the 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival in Newark, New Jersey last night. I had a "new" look, style and sound. I usually minister traditional songs at this event but last night, I stepped out on faith and tried something different. No matter what the sound--rap, house, traditional or contemporary--praise is praise! I ministered a new single, "Thank you" and "Blue Rain."

I always ask God to bless me when I minister in His name so I knew that He would. His favor is one thing that I know is consistent. However, as I graced the stage, I informed the large crowd, my hometown crowd, of the fact that I was coming at them from a different direction. I asked them to listen to my new single giving me their honest opinion of the song and this "new" style. The crowd willingly obliged. They welcomed and expressed their satisfaction of my "new" style through their expressive praise as they openly danced for the Lord.

Looking into the eyes of the young and old while witnessing their praise I knew that I, the homegrown minister, had truly accomplished my goal of touching souls. I realized that my style and look were different but my praise, like God's favor, remained the same. Adding a pretzel to an M & M doesn't mean it's no longer an M & M. It remains the same it just tastes a little different. A rose is a rose no matter the color. Minor changes but still the same. I no longer wear dreads and I didn't have on a suit last night, but my voice, mind and heart were still focused on the Lord. Witnessing the reaction of the worshippers and seekers last night, was further confirmation that God and I were taking my music ministry in the right direction.

In the studio I'm going to continue working on a CD that will be contemporary and traditional. It will be a mix of the "old" and "new" me but it will still be the anointed me. I thank God that I was able to minister to souls in His name last night. To God be the glory!

Triumphant homegoing service!

It isn't often that I am at a loss for words. Well, it isn't necessarily that I am at a loss for words. I am just trying to form the right words to express what I witnessed today at the home going service for Bishop Walter Hawkins. Words that come to mind are triumphant, amazing, soul stirring and abundant joy. I danced, I cried and I praised. What I witnessed today was profound. The spirit of God danced in the theater running through me and the others bearing witness never slowing its pace.

When they anointed Bishop Walter Hawkins' son it was further confirmation for me that I am on the right journey. I am where I want to be but more importantly where God needs me to be. I was in great company today celebrating the life of a man that epitomized the honest, humble, forgiving, understanding and anointed individual God wants us all to be. Bishop Hawkins didn't judge. He just helped worshippers and seekers along their way ministering the word. We witnessed just who God was through the praise and ministry of Bishop Hawkins.

Without asking him, God arranges our steps and directs our paths. I say, "Dear Lord, I plan to continue walking in the steps you've provided for me. Sometimes, I might even dance my way through. Thank you, Jesus!"

The celebration is over but my praise continues... TGBTG!!

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?

Believing in me while praising Him!!

I have been ministering at different venues and spending time in the studio over the past few weeks. I apologize for not making any blog postings recently but have redirected my focus toward developing my CD. I am diligently working to bring something to you, the listener, that will reflect how serious I am about using my voice as a vessel. My intention is to explode on the scene with a masterpiece filled with songs that will inspire and enlighten you while also encompassing your spirit.

I offer up the highest praise when I sing and feel the spirit of the Lord in my soul. My life is designed by the love that I have for my Savior. I want to share that love via song and when my CD is released, I will do just that. My posts will continue but may not be on a daily basis. I will keep you informed and updated about my progress as well as where I will be ministering.

I ask for you to pray that the Lord continues to guide my spirit as I work fervently in the studio. I believe in me; therefore, I know what the outcome of all my efforts shall be. I only ask that you make sure you are ready!

Transformed...

Sometimes in life you need that extra push to get things done. God puts things in front of you that you don't always see. He also puts people in your life for different reasons and with each interaction you grow and learn. Whether the individual is passing through or not, you learn from your experiences with them.

At this point in time, God has blessed me with an abundance of positive people in my life. He's created a circle that I am glad to be a part of and welcome into my life. I have been encouraged and am in the studio working on my songs so that I can move on to the next step. I feel transformed. I have been working diligently and now things are moving in the right direction. I am looking forward to the day that my demo is complete as well as being able to share it with others.

I believe in me and my success in ministering to the world. I appreciate God's gifts and splendor. I am in awe at what He has done for me and can clearly see the blessings that are on the way. It is because of His grace, mercy and guidance that I wholeheartedly believe in me!

God is good...

A perfect end to a busy but blessed week. I was out and about enjoying the splendor of God's beauty today gaining inspiration from each experience and every sight I witnessed. I ministered at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ earlier in the week. The theme was "Glory" and the experience was glorious. I was a witness to the Lord's presence during the service which still rests upon me. The night was spirit filled and is on my heart with the fullness it had on Wednesday. That is the true power of God...

I spent some time in the studio this week working on some songs creating my demo. My producer gave me a track and the Lord placed the words on my heart to compose a song. It didn't take long and the words are a testament to just how good my God is. As I wrote the lyrics with great ease, which is not the norm for me, it was further confirmation that I am walking in the direction that I should be going in. It allowed me to clearly see that God is directing my path. It is something that I know in my heart but it is a joy to bare witness to His blessings. When you pray until something happens or you see something is getting ready to happen, it lights a fire in your soul. It increases your pace and allows you to become more focused.

I worked on some other things in the studio but that songwriting experience was extremely rewarding. As each day passes my desire to minister to the masses increases. I know it will come--whether on a stage or CD, or in a church, or video--it doesn't matter to me how my message reaches people. What matters to me is just that it does. As I keep working in the studio keep praying for me. Ask the Lord to guide my heart to write lyrics that touch the hearts of those in need and those who don't know they are in need. As I write, sing and prepare know that I am praying for you... I will see you soon through song.

Thank you Lord...

I am sitting here thinking about how things are coming together. I was in the studio today feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Thankful for what God has done and is getting ready to do for me. I was looking specifically at which direction I need to go in to complete my CD. I would like to sing within the different subgenres of gospel music and focus on various topics-- faith, current events, and possibly do a remake of some traditional songs. I want to be recognized for my ability to bring people together despite the subgenre. I want to use my voice to minister to your spirit and that could come through contemporary gospel, house and rap. Despite the genre the message will be the same.

This has been a process but I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Although there have been many bumps along the way, I am in a magnificent place. I am ready to move from the studio, to the radio, and out onto the stage. Never forgetting where I have been, stand today, and shall go tomorrow--I will sing praises until my very last breath. God is truly smiling on me and I thank Him for the blessings that are slowly yet consistently raining down on me.

**In case you forgot... I will be singing tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ. Come out and receive a blessing! I loook forward to seeing you.**

I am certain...

For as long as I can remember I have been singing. I sing wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself-- background vocals helping others with their projects, or with and directing choirs and on many occasions alone at events.

The location, venue, program and city may vary but my praise remains the same. I offer up the highest praise as often as I can. Whether I'm driving a car, riding on a bus or train or walking down the street, my praise is consistent. I may be sitting quietly but most of the time I am thanking God for what He has done for me, and for the blessings that have been promised yet currently remain unseen. I know these blessings are on the way because I have had a relationship with God all of my life! His love is unconditional and doesn't change based on the situation. He is the one constant in my life...

In the midst of all the madness that surrounds me in a world full of uncertainty, one thing is certain-- the relationship I have with God.

You may look at me making assumptions about my journey suggesting my burden was light. Further assuming that I'm where I stand because of some miraculous feat I managed to complete. What you fail to remember is that my steps were ordered and guided by God. It is because of Him that I stand and He'll be escorting me through the next phases of my journey. It is by His grace that I am here. It is by this grace that I am certain that anything I can manage to dream will be achieved.

Who is your MVP?

Who is your MVP? So many people have been given that honor. Who would you give the honor to? The other day I heard someone mention an athlete as an MVP of a game and my thoughts immediately turned to who I thought might be deserving of such an award.

In sports and in different aspects of life people receive the honor of being referred to as the most valuable player which equates to the individual who performed the best during the game or event. There are others awarded for acting, singing, writing and directing. The people that win these awards are rewarded for amazing performances, story lines or creations. When I sit back and think about my life, I can only think of one honoree that supersedes all others and is deserving of my MVP award. Receiving the highest praise, my honoree would be Jesus because He is the most valuable player in my life.

Jesus doesn't have to shoot the ball from beyond the three point line nor does He have to run the fastest leg in a relay to get my praise and worship. I don't praise Him just for what He has done but for what He can do. His ability extends far beyond menial accomplishments into things man could never do. Jesus wakes me up everyday, guides my steps, heart and mind. He makes the sun rise and set. He makes the rain fall, the sky blue and the snow stick. Jesus does more than what any rapper, singer, dancer, athlete or human being can do for me. Is Jesus afforded the same praise daily for His performance or is all the praise and worship left to singers or actors as they stroll across the stage? Maybe His praise is given to the athletes that score the winning goal or throws the fastest pitch.

God has given these people the talent that has made them who they are just as he gave me talent to sing His praises. However, "they" should not be honored or praised more often than He. Some people worship these idols and when they let them down, they become angered and upset. What do they expect when they idolize man and not God? The scripture reminds us not to worship any man. After all, they can catch a ball that hangs over a fence or throw a football from one end zone to the next, but they can't--provide you with an endless amount of miracles, take the sickness out of your mind and body or strengthen your spirit and provide all of your needs.

My MVP, the only recipient of my Grammy, Stellar and Oscar will always be Jesus. No one can compare to Him despite anything they do that might appear to be supernatural. It is just an ability that will allow me to cheer for them in the moment. Afterwards I offer up my praise to the one deserving all of my praise-- Jesus, He is my MVP.

When it all comes full circle...

When you work hard and things finally come full circle, do you embrace the things God has given you or do you walk away dismayed? Minister Steve's life has been busy with performance after performance and in the depths of his soul he feels his breakthrough is on the way. Things are finally coming full circle for him.

When you're taking a leisurely stroll in NYC and you bump into a friend after ten years or a friend in the music industry who you lost contact with, that is not a chance meeting. That is God interceding on your behalf. That is God making sure that you know He is ready for you to take your dreams to the next level. Minister Steve has been working everyday living the life that God has desired him to live and now as each day passes things are all coming together.

As the people he trusts embrace him while helping create his vision, Minister Steve is prepared and has accepted his victory. It has all come full circle and he is beyond ready to make this happen. Sometimes it makes you wonder how it has all come together and then you remember, it is all God...

Minister Steve's professional career may just be getting started but he is familiar with praise and its power. He stands tall as the circle encloses around him encompassing all that he has planned to do. It goes beyond the crisp melodies that he'll share as his voice and spirit reflect his faith and love for God. His wish is for listeners to embrace his music and allow it to be apart of their life whether a relationsip with God exists or a desire to have one is present or not. You will be moved and if that is so, then Minister Steve has succeeded as you complete his circle...