While I Was Waiting

I'm finally starting my blog that I've had parked for the last several months. There have been a lot of things happening in my life recently. I am currently looking for a new church to call home and to lead worship in. During my time of 'waiting', I have been exploring where I am in my growth process as a leader, as a musician, and as Christ follower.

Over the last couple of years, I have learned a tremendous amount about leadership from my friend Chris Bell (check out his blog if you haven't already). I have also been reading and checking out podcasts of some great leaders across the country like Ed Young, Erwin McManus, Andy Stanley, and John Maxwell to name a few. I've basically learned that I have a long way to go to be the leader that I know God has called me to be, though as I look back through the years I can see how God has grown me through various situations and opportunities.

Since the beginning of the year, I have been taking piano lessons from Karen Kulzer, owner of the Fox River Academy of Music and Art. Not only is Karen one of the most incredible pianists I've ever met, but she's also an excellent teacher. I used to write all of my songs on guitar but lately I've been spending a lot of time just sitting at the piano, talking to God and playing from my heart. It seems like I have written some of my best songs ever (at least to this point) on the piano. I find myself figuring out tunes and learning new songs on the piano first. Don't get me wrong, I'm still playing my guitar a lot but haven't been writing from it as much. In the waiting, I am striving to become better at my craft. I want to be able to give God my very best and all that I have.

As a Christ follower, I've been asking a lot of hard questions. I grew up thinking that it was disrespectful and irreverent to question God, I mean look how God responded to Job... Job was going through some tough times and he started asking God a lot of questions. I don't think that God minds us asking Him questions. He knows the questions and concerns I have in my heart and I think coming to Him with them is just a normal part of our relationship. I continue to look for answers from Him and to thank Him for all that He is doing in my life. I know that He has my best interest in mind, not that everything in my life is about me, but that I am looking to see how God can grow me through this life stage.

I guess that's kind of where I am now... waiting, but having a hard time standing still. So I'll just keep moving forward with what I have until God shows me the next step.

Peace.