HIS HOUSE IS PACKED!!

Hello, seasons greetings from a house that's leaking with people
I don't fully understand it why today the steeple
Seems to be on overload
Grown to max capacity
Is it inspired from a hunger inside?
That all these children want to be close to Christ
Maybe maybe not
Possibly God's in luck to have their attention for the night
But faith is a little more than one time at church
I'm not one to judge so I'll use kind words
Why just now... Why not always?
Sure it's a birthday celebration
But look God gave

his body to remember his invitation
to do as he did & pursue
Not leave him
If we are in pursuit
Then why don't we please him
The church was made to bring us closer to him
Unite us to commune in
Sacred space to consume him
Through communion
Praise him with song
A sound that truly goes on and on

But okay i'm excited God's home is packed

but I really hope we are on the right path
When the end comes there could be aftermath
Jesus might say, "why didn't you come back?

It was my birthday and yeah that's that...

But i'm here every week and You i'd really love to see...

You are special to me more than you can even think...

Please know that as you sit on your seat...

Pondering the next time we will pray and meet...

I am in your heart and activated with peace...

Surrender with ease... I'll take care of you... But please don't freeze.

The world is cold and you can lose control.

But if you reach out I have a strong hold and I won't let you go...

So you can't go far.. I am with the shinning star.

Now You know how to find me whereever you are!

Okay we good? Sure hope so...

If you didn't then now you know. Hope to see you around my beautiful child!"

There you have it
These are the matters
that are hopeful but distractin
What is the driving force behind the action of coming to church on Christmas is what i'm askin
Is really Jesus? Tradition? Or a mark to your checklist? All glory to God everyday is a lesson!

Peace!

JM

Frantastic!

Okay okay okay... cool night tonight. Starts off at St. Bernadine's Parish in Woodland Hills. I was able to speak and rap with about 60 amazing teenagers in 2nd year of confirmation classes. Today's theme was Mary! My speech was on 3 things:

1) How saying "yes" essentially changed to course of humanity! (when Mary said Yes to bear Christ)

2) Developing a "why not?" faith mentality. If we limit our belief we aren't thinking "why not?". This way of thought allows anything to be possible. You can be the best, get a promotion, heal your family, date a really attractive girl... whatever it may be. We need to go into situations with a "why not?" outlook.

3) I taught them to to be official Rosary Rappers.

So as soon as that ended I flew down to the Million Dollar Theatre in Los Angeles in the Batmobile (my car). I found out about Fran Drescher's Charity Benefit concert thanks to my talented friend Caitlin Crosby who was performing in the show. So, I'm always down to show support especially if it's benefiting a good cause.

When I arrived I saw these people standing out interviewing celebs and others about the event. So I was like hmmm.... how could I get to interview... I went to use the bano and as I was walking there it came to me. Write a quick little rap for Fran about Cancer. So I did. I wrote it in like 5 mins. I told the woman doing the interviews that I rap and wrote a cancer rap... she was interested. Then FRAN shows up with ROSIE O'DONNELL. Camera's are flashin all over the place. Then it hit's me RAP to FRAN! I thought to myself "why not?" So as soon as she was done with the pics I got her attention and Bam! The camera was rolling and I introduced myself told her I wrote her a rap and started goin! Following the rap she told her Personal Assistant to get my # because she liked it and may want to use it. Cool!

Yep that happened... lol to me funny but surely possible! Well the show continued and was great. So many talented acts Olivia Newton John, Caitlin Crosby, Jackson Brown, Rosie, and More. The moral of the story is... "why not?" =)

Here's the Rap

Dang she did it
Fran is a winner
Better check yourself
cuz cancer could get ya
But don't be trippin
Pray for the livin
We can find a cure
In a day were given
So Ima keep givin
Money to the cause
Oh my God...
I think He's the answer
To helping us with cancer
Schmancer
I have hope to be fully frantastic
Let's make this happen
Call (818) 4 AN EXAM
Yeah!!

Here are some pics and links to her website!

http://www.cancerschmancer.org/

PEACE,

JM

To everyone

Recently

I've come to realize

the real lies

come out

around this season

sad but what I'm feelin

I see everybody beggin and pleadin

hoping for a chance to fill their greed with

an overload of material things

it's like an animal is unleashed

when the doors are released

and everyone makes a mad dash

so they can save and have that

Yeah it feels good to save

but even better to be saved

knowing that all your riches and fulfillment

are found right here today

if you take a chance

listen to the fans

no need to wait in line

to race to your product

grace awaits you and so does a promise

Welcome to the table of plenty

no need to miss fill your heart, but feel empty

we are designed to love and be loved

to be honest God's love is the purest truest

so re-examine your wish list,

maybe what you really want is to feel happy

Jesus brought Joy to the World 2000 yrs ago but who's counting

I find myself more content with nothing

but the blood of the lamb

I'm covered with sacrifice

Yes, it's friday but you won't see me in Black

I'm a light in the dark

I'm White with sin gone

Not better than anyone

just trying to share

my revelation to everyone...

love is all you need

Give Me Your Heart

If you get lost

I got a cross

You can find me

I’ll try to take away

The pain inside thee

The pain inside me

Is due to the finding

Of you who winding

Down and denying

Me you maker

Please just stay here

Freeze for a moment (pause)

I love you....

Your heart I’m molding

But you let go when

You say no with

Choices, annoying

You can avoid it

See… sin is bound to invade

it’s never too late

I don’t hate

Instead pray, stay, and wait for you

No one, said it’d be easy

Please don’t tease me

But stop the bleeding

These nails are really

Hurting me being

Why not start believing

Receiving, Seeing

You will be persecuted

For my names sake

But, I’ll help you through it

No time to waste

Yep you can do it

And start today

Give me your heart

And I’ll renew your faith….

Find

Gone like

on foot

deep root

see you

think too

instead

of

I see you

more like

I'm seeing you

and

you are

so still

fra-gile

heart guard

turned on

flipped switch

go hard

or go home

doesn't matter

you know

I'll visit

stop by

at times

pray by

pool side

eat in

kitchen light

sounds a

bout right

this is

realized

as I

exercise

my mind

and spirit

run-ning

outside

I hope

you don't

mind you're

on my

mind for

I hope

to find

God through

your life!

Clear

I'm not you
But I see you
A tear streams
As you review
The past pains in the rearview
You just hope they will leave you
But it seems like their tatooed
So hArd to remove
Forgive to free you
But how can this be true?
How can you possibly,
HumAnly, stop the scene?
You can't...

So we, call upon, God to be
Our hero and saftey
He's in no maybe
He'll wash your plate clean
Ask him, "God Save Me!"
That's what he does best
I'm here to witness
Comfort in distress
Know you're a princess

no one can take that, away

the beauty, that seemed to fade

is simply a fake escape

now it'll disintegrate

God will just re-create

a new you right here Today

you just have to keep the faith

exercise amazing grace

I believe you'll be healed

forgiveness, revealed

but for now, be still

your season is here

Christ will appear

please don't have fear

He got the steer

No Icebergs

You're clear!

For Me

I won't stand for it

If your not for me

You are not helping

All my glory is God's, I'm yelling

Inside cuz I'm frustrated

ticked off, I'm sick of always being

picked on

I neglect negativity

but you project negativity

I don't want to balance

I want to proceed

I want to move with speed

continue to believe

but the way you treat me

lacks in feelings

mine at least are ignored

like I am just a board

not human and more..

well... for me it's no more

like I said before

I won't stand for it

open is my door and... I'm walking with caution

but something is obvious

I am being challenged

I can accept it... move on and bless it

or I can reject it... let go and bless it

either way there will most def be blessings

but right now I don't deserve this

I'm through being nice at least until I can re-word this

please stand behind me

you don't know me

I'll see you when your for me

God please transform me!

Amen

His name is...

Looks like he is still breathin

it's good but the reason

for his absence is still not pleasin

I don't know either

if and when he'll be there

but I pray for you two

and I know you'll need it

we all do because were broken and feedin

on the love of God until we can be it

not an easy task when our will is decievin

but it's part of the walk

we can't sit where he's seated

but wait I'm still pleading

that your heart... will be strong and beatin

but not beat-in

healed in a season

fluent your speakin

to the sound of love

while in spanish your reading

don't stop believing

we don't know why...

the times not right...

I'm sorry your sad

I am with you grieving

present when your eatin

away when your sleepin

cleaning when your dreamin

and prayin on the weekend

I have faith that he his not mean and

this will be settled in a couple weeks and

you will be better sheltered from your weakness

your heart made new and fresh as the spring is

mmmm I can smell it

but only God can tell it

I just try to capture it

say it not yell it

relay it not sell it

delay but dwell it

into real life because only Chirst can tell it

the way he want's to

rewrite as many times as he pleases

Just trust in him, his name is Jesus

Amen

...I had

Wait
Let's see who will arrive
Will they come with a smile or pain inside
Hmm... How are you looking?
Down at the ground?
Or up all around?
Do you care who you'll meet
Are we community?
One family with a God who's happy
When we praise him
Glorify his name with
Music, voices, choices
... Oh it's almost time to start
I think i'm ready At least

I really want to be

God you can go ahead

right in front of me

we are mid-way through

the gospel says,

Jesus asks, "who i am?"

they reply

"you are christ."

he says shh.....

don't be loud about it

I will suffer greatly

rejected, they'll hate me

but i will undoubted

be killed

then rise and thrill

after 3 days cuz all in His Will

still keep in faith

Pete if you got beef

stand behind me

Right like it's that easy

but he was God

and when he said "believe me"

I'm sure some did, most at least

and the words did speak

because I say, Jesus is my best friend

one who's there always till the end

so I'll keep bloggin even about mass

this was the experience today that I had

(St. Bernadine Church What uP!)

God Made

Too much too soon
Maybe... Might have to phase out
Have to pace down
Times have changed now
No i'm not worried
Gods reasons aren't blurry
I'll walk by faith in the direction I'm going
I am no longer floating
More like wording... this carefully
Cuz I care fully
It's okay... I can take it
Don't worry about me
It's how God made me
Yes i'm gonna make it

See I completely understand

well actually I can't

cuz I'm not you... but I really am

just a different vers-ian

confused? nah it's truth, laugh

I'm glad things aren't perfect

but not that bad

take some time to rejuice

and when you come to

we can kick it

and I can go back to

the season of givin

so now I'll remain in my domain

otherwise know as the batcave

rapping and expressin these thoughts God made.

Amen

...way back

We all go through seasons

some dry some bleeding

it's the unknown that's thrown

you to search for a beacon

of light so you can sit with Him and reside

watch the stars fly across the deep blue sky

but this dream seems to freeze

paused for a second until it falls into place

it's up to God's grace....

and mercy even though your hurting

things will get better although we are unworthy

humility will become you

be careful what you wish for

and all the others unlike you

you will have to fish for

no, it's not over

every detail's on a list for

how to be happy

don't drink tap water that's crappy

seek the true fountain

wait for the wisdom to pour out

probably the visions while your snore

will lead you to the source

lead you on your course

work hard but get comfy

because salvation coming

smile and relax

Jesus is on his way back!

Hatred gets you

yeah... so if hatred gets in your way

then a disappointing taste comes into play

how to react is the question of the day

what move to make

do I ignore or fake

can't because it's still affecting me

so I have to take it, remind myself I didn't make it

the opposite of unity reclaims human dignity

don't let Him into your house

protect yourself with the might Name of....

I hope they repeat do it even more.

score I just found a clue that reminds me 9 days is through....

Intense prayer matters

It's a best friend connection

it helps to have a strong faith community

no mater what you do.... you can't give up

get back in it... If you don't.... who will

now go ahead the day is almost over

New again

All good things work together to glorify God FOREVER

Better in a sense... a way that requires us to wait

it's going to be okay if we can be patient

the work is hard but the pleasure will be greater

I long to serve God like an angel

believe as long as the days go

we are in HIS Hand placed and made new

renewal is a great feeling too

so find that newness let God's love speak fluent

Remain in faith at the best level you can

that's what God asks

Don't settle be on the prowl to find, catch, and give praise to the LORD our GOD

Activate and turn Him on... you are loved... and there's more to come!

AmEN

sorry I haven't blogged for a while... I'm back and will be posting and sharing the goodness God is providing in my life. pEACE

3Gs Launch King

I sometimes think humans like to challenge their own humanity. Push themselves as a way of displaying strength and endurance. Today, I challenged my own humanity, in fact many did across the U.S. What did we do? Stay up all night in order to purchase the new iPhone 3Gs!! Stores opened at 7am.

Here's the rundown. I left Apple work thursday night @ 9pm and spoke to some nice High School Students already camping out for the phone. I talked to them and told them I'd be back in the early morning after hanging in Hollywood with some friends. They said, "Hey we'll save you a spot!"... I didn't argue.

After an eventful LA evening and early morning I arrived in the Apple Parking Structure at 5am. Walked to the front of the line. And made friendly conversation with the dedicated iPhone Fans. Somehow we got on the topic of Confirmation.. and had a little Holy Spirit Lesson. ha ha

6:30am arrives and it was time to line up outside the store. The minutes are counting down and bam they start taking customers in one by one. I was number 5 in the store... However, I was the first one to complete the purchase process!! I made history! Very happy and some what delirious due to lack of sleep. First iPhone Phone call... MOM!

So, what I forgot to mention was that I was also scheduled to work from 1-10pm at Apple!! When home for about 3 hrs of sleep and got in the iPhone 3Gs Selling Zone! Met a bunch of great people. Some found it odd how I was more excited about the phone than the customers! One woman was named Lindy (funny because that's what I call my mother) was so kind and we really bonded over two iPhones. I was thankful for her kindness and she appreciated my Apple hospitality. I told her I'd blog about her and her new 3Gs! =)

The rest of the day was great, but really busy! Toward the end of the night I started running on reserve energy! It was like retreat style... fueled with positivity. My goal was to finish strong and I did just that. Due to my iPhone performance today my manager Toby deemed me the "Launch King". That meant a lot. Let's see what tomorrow will bring.

Going to sleep to refuel.

Attached pics: the Line (notice the dedication)/ Joe and Apple Specialist tommy after the first phone was sold! / Lindy and her Phone /

Rosary Rap is Spreading!

So Check this! 

I flew into San Antonio on Saturday to teach these amazing ACTS retreatants to pray/rap the Rosary.  It was sweet!! I think they liked it. However, tonight MONDAY JUNE 15 was the night of the UPPER ROOM ROSARY RAP CONCERT! (get it like the disciples in the Upper Room!) Okay, so I was praying it would go well and it went wayyyyy better!!

It all started about 40 mins before the show when this little girl Naomi and her bro Brian came in. They were siting in the front row. So I started talkin with them. Naomi said, "you're CD is in DVD # 4 in Our Car.. and I always tell my mom put on DVD #4." Then she starts bustin out "Hail Mary full of grace...!" I was like dang she's good!! She then says, "Yeah I can do it real fast!" I was amazed. Then I proceed to ask what music she likes... Hannah Montana? Jonas Brothers? She says, "You're better than them!" I start laughing... because the Jonas Brothers are good. Well, I told her I'd bring her up during the concert.... and I did!

So the show begins and we covered 3 main topics.

1) Going Further: not getting comfortable in your faith but going further. Pushing yourself to own your faith. Constantly grow and go further.

2) Lock IN on God: the become focused on God and Lock into your hearts desires. Let faith take you and work to dedicate your energy to one thing at a time. For example I'm going to Lock IN to service work. So I work tirelessly to serve in every way I know not slacking off but using all my resources to make it happen! 

3) Divine Connections: Knowing that God goes before you and makes crooked places straight and rough edges smooth. God will provide you with divine connections if you believe. I told my American Idol (full story found in blog "Idolize") story and how God continues to provide divine connections. 

Not to mention we rapped the Rosary. I debuted a new song "WOMAN LIKE YOU"... I had about 5 back up dancers doing a little 2 step during the song. It made the song really cool. I also played couple remixes too! I think they were vibe-N.  However, I still hadn't fully used my secret weapon "Naomi"!! So I said, "I need two volunteers to close the show... Naomi (age 6) of course jumped up and so did my good friend Michelle Dieasi (age 25). The first question I ask Naomi is "What is your favorite track on the CD?" She responds with the incredible phrase, "All of them!" LOL (what a perfect answer).  So she rapped the Ascension rap with Michelle.... she actually out Rapped Michelle to a degree (michelle- I think you are still very talented) ... everyone was in such awe of her ability to rap every lyric perfectly!!! I was so thankful and jammin and laughin! Soo... I came to the conclusion that Rosary Rap is spreading! By the way guess what Naomi's last name was... ROSARIO (Spanish for Rosary) Coincidence? 

Stay blessed! 

Here's a Pic of Naomi and I! (I'm diggin the Hello Kitty Shirt)

ENERGY NEVER DIES

Not created or destroyed 

Never made or void

a voice lives on

it carries on long....

forever and it's a blessing

a presences not resting 

on anything but every one 

this energy is nevergone

it never dies 

realize

use it 

please don't abuse it 

smile this time with a positive stride 

get that energy moving 

we are the movement! 

This blog was inspired by the Black Eyed Peas New Album THE E.N.D.

Paid in Full

retail can fail 

to be a proper portrayal 

of how the world should be 

we lose focus you and focus on me 

"this is what I want.." 

possessing it seems 

but see the real blessing 

is when we give to receive 

everything we have is given to bring

happiness to those who have nothing 

and that's when I real-ized  one thing 

right, teaching into students' lives 

is just what that requires 

a selfless step into into nur-tur-ing 

assisting on the mission 

learning with a vision 

every class is different 

but you know we gotta get it!

LOCKED... to a focused mind frame 

IN... to the reason I came  

To...  dreams to attain 

The... path's a blazed 

Journey...  don't worry bout a thing!

with all that I have I want them to see 

that unfinished works are revealed slowly

but the lessons have begun to take root surely 

for much trust lingered in that room early 

eager to consume hope to improve 

gone is doom 

we are way past that 

so far in fact 

that we react with 

an attitude to passion 

we are alive and fine! 

Wait I got caught up in the experience

see when I think about my students 

I have no fear but cheer for them

and they support me

the harvest is coming and we will all feast 

price doesn't matter no time to even ask

money isn't an issue when you receive the commands 

love you neighbor as your self 

and God with your whole self 

then you are paid with a grace that's felt 

and then you are made to embrace HIS wealth 

I am paid in full when and got a story to tell... 

you reap what you sow in a spiritual realm 

I'm a lucky COJO(1) cuz my kids did well!

The crossed the stage and not one of them fell. 

But if they did I'm here to help 

Work to serve... then you will learn 

there's no greater feeling of having purpose and worth

(1)COJO- companion on the journey

(this poem is dedicated to the Journey into Adult Faith Graduates of 2009)

Idolize

Look the lights are bright as the stars in the sky
and the talent here is somewhat divine
and the hype isn't light
in fact millions watch every night!
and I scratch my head and think
and the voices scream all around me
they sing and it's sounding
good but not quite Godly
We are all of God but human
and doin our best, blessed
However, when we we can't get lost
or consumed inside, begin to idolize
someone who is not God
Yeah I'm a fan but have balance in my plan
So realize the blessings God provides
and give praise for his grace
but watch out and don't fade
into a fanatic overreaction
realize you are made
good and you should continue to grow into
your into your potential... now that's a show!

I apologize for not blogging more often. However, great things are happening and I'd like to share and testify a bit. First, this past weekend I helped out on a music video for and upcoming rapper, Benny Cassette. It was a lot of fun and exciting to see the ideas and concepts behind a music vid. Then there was Chaminade Prom. I was chaperoning and dance patrol. I made sure people were dancing and if they weren't I'd give them some pointers. Incredible night and the Post Prom was insane! The school invested so much into this after prom party were they had everything from poker tables, to a money tank, but life size bowling, and of course pop a shot. (I won 30 games in a row!) On Sunday I worked at Apple. Met a woman named Hope. Gave me a boost knowing Hope exists... I knew it did. After Apple work I went to a Confirmation for a Middle School Student I was sponsoring. Beautiful to see God grace in action.

This morning I woke up to the news of a death rapper "Dolla" he was signed to AKON's Label. Didn't know him too well but listened to a track where he prophesied about his death. He said it... and it happened. Well, I said something that happened as well. Last week I said, "I was going to be at the American Idol finale." Today in class I found out that my student, Sam, had 4 tickets to tonight idol finale show!... We left school a bit early with permission from parents and drove down to the Nokia theatre. It was Me, Sam Leon, Colby Hurst, and Amir Farry (all three are my students). We get our tickets and we are IN! Wow... just to see the sights of the massive Nokia Theatre and the amazing American Idol set up.

Once we arrived at our seats Sam disappeared. 5 mins later he's by the stage!! We take off weaving in and out of security and make it to the front. I started talking to a woman in charge to see if it was possible to stand in the pit area right in front of the stage. She said no... As I continued talking to some of the fans. She walks up to me and says I felt like being nice today and hands me a pass! I'm In!! Watched the entire show 3 feet from the stage. The judges were right behind me. I spoke to Randy Jackson and asked if he turned his swagg on this morning... he said yeah dawg! Meanwhile, Sam became a seat filler in the front seating area, and Colby and Amir had to go back to our original seats. The hype was crazy and both Kris and Adam did a swell Job. Carrie Underwood rocked as well.

However, I came to a realization while being there. The whole Idol concept really came to life. I noticed people were so consumed by these performers. The truly idolized them! It made me think about idols... we aren't supposed to have any... except God. I almost felt as though some of these fans around me in the pit lost themselves in their desire to scream and connect with the artist. It would be soooo amazing if we gave God praise just like they praise the Idol Finalists. As much as I love the spotlight and performing... I don't want to be an Idol. I want what I do to give God glory only!

Overcome the Silence

"Shhh... be quiet
Don't move me I'm silent
I will praise you lord
but not if it requires 

me to sing out
Sing loud
Ahhhhh I'm get uncomfortable
Anyway God loves me now
I came to listen and receive
But am I a vessel of his peace?

I only shake hand when we give the sign of peace 

I have a fake smile 

I judge people quietly 

When the priest speaks... it's just so tiring

I want to believe 

I think I do.. What's my favorite scripture... 

I'm really not sure 

I like this

one hr a week and I'm a disciple 

yes... I know what I might do

nothing.. unless I have to 

oh it's time to eat I really am hungry... "

No longer can I stand it
Vocally we are weak
We don't speak
How do we contribute to a world in need?
Financially... Okay
But where's the community?
Where's the excitement
Right now I see a frightening future
If the end us coming
Would Jesus want to celebrate in a home that lacks so much life?
Would he appreciate our refrain?

Don't know but I have a recommendation
Step outside your box
Praise to unlock
Who you are
Who you were made to be
Now do you want to be silent I'd sing?

This blog was written as I sat in Mass this morning... It was Mother's Day and the entire congregation seemed lifeless. No one sang, it was boring, and somewhat dull. Church isn't supposed to be entertaining, but it helps when you try to make it an enjoyable experience. I was thinking "Would God even want to go to church here?" Honestly, If we are trying to build His kingdom everyday show some enthusiasm.  We need to bring energy to the Lord and inspire his people. Today, the pastor at the Hip Hop Service, I went to (post mass) spoke on "Where are all the Christians?". Church isn't packed, some people aren't dedicated, they fall away, and it's because they can't say, "Yes" and be all in! It's not follow me sometimes.. it's all the time.  I want so badly for people who have never experienced God to get connected and follow through as a disciple. That's what's on my heart right now. 

Delight

Oh Father I am thankful for your ability to provide joy while I embrace your holy noise

See.. my heart is open wide... enough to sense you through my sickness

to experience your gifts through my weakness and realize it's realness 

It's realness that grows us... it is our born nature

yes we stray due to misunderstood behavior 

Uhh... huh we get distracted 

but let's slow it down a bit 

let's go back to basics 

take out a mirror

tell me what you see 

without your style, haircut, or jewelry 

do you see you are a child

of the most high king? 

Forget the hype 

He likes the raw kind 

kids that are straight up walking truth 

that bleed love 

and they listen good 

their talents are outstanding 

but the only reason they are standing 

is because the hand of God surrounds them

Find union in the divided 

don't give up on trying 

detoxify your mind 

and release positive thoughts, kind

See we are who we are because God is who He is

so let us see each other be honest and live 

yeah, it's a journey... for me it's letting go 

it's using worship as my fuel 

I want to be raw... to the core of my being 

reaching a peak where God and I can be 

I will work in Him and He will work in me 

we will be a team and proceed on our journey 

I will get there... I want to 

God I'm thankful for all that you are... 

Cleanse my heart 

Lead me to your kingdom

You are my Delight.

-Amen

This week has been a rough week... mostly because I've been a bit sick. When your half a person... it's hard to act like you have full life. Anyhow, today was a great day.  There are times in my life when I really feel God delighting in my joy. He does certain things that may be small... but are huge in my mind.  Today, he brought one of my favorite female Christian Artists to Moorpark (30 mins from me!). Bethany Dillon released her first album at age 16. God has touched me through Bethany's music in some interesting ways. Allow me to explain:

1) I first saw her open for Matthew West, also a Christian Artist,  in San Antonio 5 years ago. The concert was sold out, packed, and they locked the doors. I asked to get in to use the restroom... I did... and all of a sudden this really young usher says to me, "Are you looking for a seat?... Follow me". He brought me right to the front and BAM! there I was!! Bethany was playing and I was thinking "who is this girl?... Her voice is incredible!! Her lyrics deep and full of faith." I became a fan instantly. I'd pray her music on the way to school and started incorporating tracks into our youth retreats. Bethany lyrics touched a lot of people....

2) Flash foward 2 years. I'm a sophomore in college at Chaminade University in Hawaii.  My roommate and I had devised this plan to run around the island in 6 days to raise money for impoverished children and spread awareness for physical fitness. It was a couple days before we were scheduled to begin our run and everything seemed to be going wrong. I was in desperate need of a sign to keep going. I remember sitting in my friends car praying "God do you really want us to do this?".  I had just purchased Bethany's 2nd CD Imagination and it was playing in the background as I prayed. Then these lyrics jumped out at me and I had to replay the song.... they said 

When there's nothing to believe in, I belive in you

Forget the past and let my hand in yours be the proof
Though the strong could be my company, you're the one I choose
So remember, I believe in you

I immediately knew that God believed in me and that's what mattered. I could doubt myself all I wanted... but God believed in me! We completed the run, but it was that song that gave me confirmation!

3) I use Pandora (www.pandora.com) it's a website where you can create your own radio station based on a song or artist you like. I was listening to my Bethany Dillon station... good stuff as usual... I thought to myself "I wonder what Bethany is up to?" I pulled up her home page and BAM! I found out she was performing in California this Friday!  What are the chances... she could be anywhere in the world and she was 30 mins from where I live!  Even though that my not seem like the most exciting story I knew God wanted to delight in my joy of praising Him at Bethany's Concert. 

She had a lot of great things to say and please continue to pray for her and her ministry. The pic above is me and Bethany... I told her to strike her rapper pose... not bad.