Are you ready for 2012?

Yesterday I went to Warwick, New York for a studio session with Martin Dominguez Ball. We were working on completing my Acoustically Anointed album. While we were working on the project new ideas quickly emerged taking us in an entirely different direction. When you surround yourself with likeminded people ideas come from every angle. God placed Martin and I together so that we could bring you the very best. We are working to do just that.

I hope that everyone has remained focused on their goals and plans for 2012. We are each given a life that some say is just “a dress rehearsal.” It isn’t. The lives we were each given are precious and very real. God provides opportunities for us to rise or fall. We have to make decisions that are best for us. I make the decision to rise out of every dark moment in my life a better person. It is very easy to give up and walk away. Standing tall is much harder, but it’s important to our growth. It’s imperative that we rise above in order to have a peaceful life.

Don’t be dismayed when the road is dark. In even your darkest hour you can grow. You are able to rise out of every storm stronger than when you went in. How do I know this? I know this because I know you. I know that each and everyone of you are winners. Look in the mirror everyday and remind yourself that you believe in you. When you do, growth occurs and you make room for the blessings that are on the way. People are facing hard times but I know they will get through. Our faith and belief in ourselves guides us along our most difficult steps. Out of every storm comes a rainbow. Make sure you’re ready for yours…
Make 2012 your best year! Believe in your ability to be whatever it is that you desire. God sees your efforts and diligence, and His favor will reign upon you. Get ready for your blessings…

(The above photo was from our last session in 2011 but I wanted to share it again!)

Minister Steve | Tis So Sweet... (To Trust In Jesus) | CD Baby

Minister Steve | Tis So Sweet... (To Trust In Jesus) | CD Baby

I'm still working on the completion of my Acoustically Anointed album but wanted to offer my single half off on CD Baby. The link is above. I will be releasing "I Surrender All" in a few weeks and enjoy sharing my ministry with everyone. We just celebrated Thanksgiving which was truly a blessing. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday feast with family and friends. I have so many things to be thankful for in 2011 that I couldn't possibly list them here. However, I can say how thankful I am to be able to bless you with my music ministry. I am forever grateful for your continuous support. I pray that everyone, including myself, has a wonderfully blessed holiday season. It's not about the gifts it is about Jesus! Happy Holidays everyone!!

Forever grateful...

Tonight I will be ministering at the Gospel House Cafe in Newark, NJ. We've changed locations but the praise is the same. I hope to see you there dancing for the Lord. We also celebrating the move to our new location! We are now at Visions Academy Charter High School on 88-108 Shipman Street. It's located behind St James AME Church. Tickets are $15.00. The price includes a free buffet prepared by Divinely Delicious Catering. Tickets are still on sale. Call (908) 397-3055(DJ D-Real), (201) 207- 1262 (DJ OfTheWay), (908) 455-2582 (DJ Will Gee) and (973) 332-4125 (Troy from AfraKuts). You can also email djdreal1@aol.com or djoftheway@yahoo.com $20.00 at the door or Facebook RSVP pays ticket price $18.00.

Life has been good. God has been blessing me staying true to His word. I never had a doubt that He would keep His promises. I am looking forward to the things to come both seen and unseen. I sing to express the joy in my heart for Jesus. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share my music ministry.

I hope you've had an opportunity to visit my Facebook page staying abreast of my events. Next weekend I will be in Warwick, NY at Union AME Church. I will be ministering at the Gospel Explosion. It's on October 1st at 6 pm. What a time we are going to have. I am looking forward to ministering at this event.

My single, "Tis so Sweet, is available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, etc. It was released on the indie label Soulful Soundz Music Group, LLC, of which I am a co-owner. I will releasing another single, "I Surrender All," shortly. My album, "Acoustically Anointed," is due out this Fall. I thank everyone for your continued support. I have a new Facebook page where you can buy my music. Go to Soulful Soundz Music Group, LLC on Facebook to do so. There will be more songs added to the widget as they are released.

I am already focused on my next project which will be contemporary. I thank God for giving me the strength to be steadfast. I am forever grateful.

Lets stay connected in 2011...

I wanted to extend my wishes to everyone for a wonderfully blessed new year. I wanted to reach out before too much time got away from me and apologize for not writing sooner. My life has been a little busy and I want everyone to know you’ve been on my heart and mind despite the fact I haven’t blogged in a few weeks.

I am preparing for the Gospel House Cafe in South Orange on January 22, 2011 from 6-10 p.m. featuring myself, legendary artist Stephanie Cooke and a special performance from Shannon Renee. I hope the snow and ice stay away so we can have a great night at the IRBY Dance Center. In addition, I am working with my manager in an effort to acquire label representation while creatively pulling together ideas for my CD.

My 2010 ended the way my 2011 began… blessed! I am still working diligently to bring my music ministry to another level. I trust that God is guiding my path where He thinks I need to be. I stand tall prepared for whatever this year brings. I have an idea of where I’m going but will keep that close to my for heart now. When the time is right you will know too. I do anticipate big things and know God doesn’t bring any less to people who work hard to acquire their goals and dreams. I hope you are working as hard at reaching your goals as I am. Putting words into actions breeds success!

Feel free to follow me on Twitter (@ministersteve), Facebook and peruse my website at www.ministersteve.com. I am looking forward to the connections and friendship. I also hope to see you in South Orange on 1/22/11. Come out and praise His name with us. Its a great experience... We'll be at the IRBY Dance Theater 128 Irvington Avenue, South Orange, NJ. Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets are $15.00 which includes a free buffet prepared by Divine Delicious Catering! $20.00 at the door and Facebook RSVP price is $18.00 at the door! For tickets contact: (908)397-3055(DJ D-Real), (201)207-1262 (DJ OfTheWay) and (973)332-4125 (Troy from AfraKuts).
You can also email djdreal1@aol.com or djoftheway@yahoo.com for tickets!

There's nothing wrong with dancing for the Lord!!

Gospel House Cafe is Christmas weekend!

A week ago I was the featured artist at the Gospel House Cafe in South Orange, New Jersey at the IRBY Dance Center. It was a night when everyone in the room was on their feet dancing for the Lord. A friend of mine who has some physical disabilities related to MS was dancing which confirmed that God was in the room. It was an amazing sight to see! I mentioned in my previous blog that it was an extension of Thanksgiving praise and thats exactly what kind of night it was.

This month we will be in South Orange again but Stephanie Cooke will be there as well. The event occurs on Sunday, December 26, 2010, due to Christmas being on Saturday. For future months please note that it will be every fourth Saturday! There will be DJs spinning records that won't allow you to praise quietly sitting down. The beat and the message will have you on your feet! Come out and support the last Gospel House Cafe for 2010... Tickets are on sale NOW!!

Tickets are $15.00 which includes a buffet prepared by Divine Delicious Catering!
Call 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
$20.00 at the door
Facebook RSVP pay ticket price $18.00 at the Door!

THANKS for your continued support!

Gospel pioneer Bishop Walter Hawkins...

Yesterday the legendary Hawkins family lost a brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and son. The gospel music industry lost an amazing talent, voice and spirit. Bishop Walter Hawkins was sixty-one years young when he lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a Grammy and Stellar Award winning artist, producer, songwriter and dynamic pastor. Bishop Hawkins had a great influence on gospel music and ministered to millions through song. His work here on earth might be done but his contributions will live on forever.

Bishop Hawkins had a profound affect on my music ministry's direction. He sparked my passion for gospel music while providing a stellar example of how I desire my ministry to be. His contributions to gospel music and its delivery are instrumental in how my ministry has evolved thus far. With humility and an anointing easily detected, he touched my life and who I have become musically. The lessons I learned from his examples will be held close to my heart as I strive to reach followers and seekers with my music ministry.

I will be ministering at the noonday service at St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, NJ on Wednesday and again on Sunday at their South Orange site. It is there that I will celebrate the life of Bishop Hawkins who was a friend to many. I will minister a few of his songs as a tribute to this gentle soul who affected my life greatly. He will be missed by many but forgotten by none.

I pray that God embraces his family comforting them at this time. I am certain that God welcomed him home and know he is safe from illness and harm. Thank you Bishop Walker Hawkins for simply being.