It was now my sophomore year, and the band was growing. I was writing many songs and the Lord allowed me to minister them in PFC. The students grew to love the songs and it was suggested that we try to record. I knew absolutely nothing about doing that. Fortunately, our sound man was involved with audio and stage at the Dixon Center (the theater at Lee). He scheduled us and the band got together and pulled an all nighter, recording several songs. We wanted the style to be more spontaneous worship during some of the songs. It was great evening. It was not a stellar recording, but I was very thrilled with the experience! I had never done it before and the group was a joy to work with. They each were incredible in their gifts (much more skilled than I was). It was a joy to have them be so committed and join their talents to this little project. My roommate at the time took great pleasure in the evening and surprised us with a cake a plaque to commemorate the evening. It was truly one evening I will never forget and could not be more appreciative of the group and all those that contributed with their talent. Keep Reading

My biggest fear going to college was that I would not find a place to turn my gift as a worshipper or find a place to minister. Coming from a supportive church and family, I never hesitated to speak up. In fact, it was expected. I just joined in and flowed as God lead me. Case in point, the first night when everyone got on campus, I remember walking by the gazebo. The gazebo was in the middle of a great grassy area and it was a beautiful place to hangout. This night a bunch of people were playing guitar and worshipping. Everyone at Lee seemed to be able to sing (and sing well), so it sounded amazing. I joined in with the group. After a while, it was opened up if anyone had something to speak from the Lord. Well, naturally, I did. The Lord had me speak up and encourage the people with a message. I ended up making friends with people from that night that shared life with me during the next four years. Keep Reading

I was pretty active in the pro-life movement as a high schooler. Several of us from the church would stand on the streets in Atlanta and display signs. We never engaged with people and it was always a silent protest with posters. I remember standing outside the biggest abortion clinic in the state of Georgia. I will never forget witnessing a young girl arrive with her mother (or guardian). Both were in the front seats. A few hours later, I noticed the same car pass leave. This time, the mother was in the front and the girl was curled up in the back crying. I knew what had just transpired and my heart broke. This was my first real experience with the real effects of abortion. Keep Reading

I took my first piano lesson around 8th grade. My teacher was the worship leader and piano player for our church. The great thing is he knew I wanted to play worship music. So at our first lesson he taught me the easiest way to play and create a chord. Then he gave me the chords for “O, Lord, You’re Beautiful”. He literally taught and equipped me in that very first lesson. I went home that evening able to play my first worship song. I was thrilled! Keep Reading

Church was the one place I always longed to be. Our senior pastor taught seminary style classes and I was a sponge soaking up all that knowledge. The youth group was the place to be back in the day. It was probably the most dynamic group in Gwinnett at the time. Our youth pastor was an excellent musician and worshipper. He used a computer to sequence songs and taught me how to do the same thing. He helped compose my first song and supported me with his presence and time during my middle school years. I soon developed a similar passion for music, leading worship, and passion for God’s presence that has essentially been a major part of my life (even to this day). Keep Reading

Once I entered high school, I could not wait to tryout for the school team. I played JV my freshman year and was always one of the first to sub in. I started my sophomore year and had a really good year and scored a few times. I moved up to Varsity my junior year and once again I was one of the first subs to enter the game. I was a very fast player and played one of two forwards. Our Varsity team was outstanding. Parkview had won back-to-back state championship and we were seeking our third. Expectations were high for us and really our team matched it. I played with superstars Jason Moore and Josh Wolfe who went on to Olympic and MLS careers. The team was stacked with some really great players who went on to compete at the collegiate level. Keep Reading

I began my high school years with lots of optimism. I was growing in my relationship with Christ and was looking for an opportunity to share my faith. During my freshman year, I made several friends in the faith and we had a few small gatherings. By my sophomore year, more people of faith were interested in meeting together and, with a group of likeminded believers, we started Christians in Action (CIA) and began planning for the upcoming “See You At The Pole”. Keep Reading

I was in eighth grade and pursuing God with all of my heart. It was not uncommon for my parents to come in at night before bed and find me studying the scriptures. I was waking up an hour before school to pray. I was preparing myself for whatever ministry He had for me. Little did I know, God was working to have me begin something my middle school never had. Keep Reading

During my middle school years, I was starting to develop my core passions: Jesus and music. I started writing my own songs (though I didn’t know how to play any instrument). It was also during these years that my Dad took me to my first concert, a Carman concert. We drove about an hour or so to attend, but when we arrived the place was packed and the church could no longer fit anyone else. I remember being turned away, and though I was bummed, that episode struck me as fascinating. I began to study the life of Carman and follow his ministry. It was after this night that I began to realize what I wanted to do with my life. Keep Reading

I was in seventh grade. I was getting a reputation for being a Christian, which also somehow silently meant students could pick on me without recourse. I would randomly get punched in the hallway and boys (trying to get a name for themselves) would challenge me to fight because I would not fight back. It got to the point that teachers were starting to notice and were trying to keep a watchful eye for me. Keep Reading