Lookin back on the last twelve months I can see almost nothing that was business as usual. I text my sons if I wanna talk to them! My “touch screen” phone sends me email and tells me where I am currently and how cold it is and shows me pictures of places I won’t be today and where the nearest Starbucks can be found. Of course I don’t go there these days cause I don’t have the budget to cover a cup of coffee.
I’m a newlywed at Fifty Six! Raising two teenage daughters! Well I’m throwing money at the problems anyway. I wrote two books and had one published. My first acknowledgement that music might not be a sustainable compensation. My fingerprints are on file at the police station too. A true sign that I’m still not above the law and spiritual insights don’t always translate to appropriate behavior.
It feels like I’m changing horses in the middle of a stream. It’s uncomfortable sometimes but then there is a real sense of adventure again that I didn’t see coming.
I’m not sure the new Social Media circus I’ve joined is not corrupting my writing skills. The punch line has to come before the joke can be told. It comes with a realization that nobody pays attention to anything for more than a few seconds. I signed up for FaceBook and Twitter, posting everyday in hopes of rebuilding visibility for my work.
I tend to judge my worth by number of comments on my sites. Still lookin for validation in the wrong places perhaps. I read more books this year than ever but missed my goals by half.
I bought a car that I don’t drive. Lost all my back memory on Computer to a theft. “old things are passed away because I didn’t back it up”. I’ve tripled the list of co laborers I know by first and last name.
I book most of my own shows and handle my own travel. I write and produce and look for true synergy. I started a non profit public charity for Radio Rehab. I’ve gone from “Singer/songwriter” to “content provider” in a single year.
The good news is, no body I know well died this year! (though a couple of friends tried). I’m still reasonably functional too, still walkin which became a problem several months back. I’m old enough to worry about not recovering from a health set back. I only got sick once. which is still once more than usual for me. But I watched my dad suffer a stroke and fight with Alzheimer’s at the same time. A not too subtle message of preparation for what comes before eternal life!
Amazing Grace continues to be my favorite song. I’m discouraged about my sphere of influence though it might be greater in a tighter arena. Most of the things I worried about this year didn’t happen. I still live in a spectacular home even though it is rented. And that is something to thank God for in this world of foreclosures.
I hope that I appreciate what others do for me, more than I have in the past. That success truly does have many fathers. “It’s a Wonderful Life” continues to remind me that friends are where the real wealth is. And the strength of family should not be discounted. And it all comes as a result of sacrificial giving first and placing the needs of others above our own is the only true way to survive.
I’m old enough to dream dreams that I might not realize but young enough to crave a vision for what I still might do that is a contribution to sanity in this life.
Disaster’s have a way of clearing a path for a new way of seeing the world. Hardship really is the pathway to peace. Thank God for a little more time: A new year with a new agenda is on the horizon. Seize the moment.
Brother Duncan, you were the artist at our first ever Christian concert in Nutley, N.J. where you commented
What’s the town mascot- the squirrel?’ We immediately bought “Quiet Prayers” and were blessed that you glorified Jesus’ name
and edified our souls.
Anyway, we’ve sent an email or two and a cd gift to either Street Level or Ray ware in the last two or so years. It was right after I ran into you and another NehoSoul bandsman on Broadway after the “Dove” awards were you got mad at them and told me about
it.
I totally embraced you and commented on Bernard Harris who was gigging on Second just across from the “Wildhorse”.
I gave you your space even though you told me your were humbled by my admiration of your anointed work.
I later worked in Memphs and worshipped Easter at a chruch where a sister there new you from ealier days I have to recall who she is another time.
Anyway, we are blessed to read of your newest endeavors and hpe to buy some music soon.
I also was totally blessed at a Street Level event at a venue just down a bit from the Wildhorse when you and the other musicians were so amazing. I HOPE THIS TIME we can hear back from you.
You and your website did make it on one of record liners… for God’s glory always.
I have so fortunate to work with many artists as I volunteer at a N.Y. area FM station- STAR 99.1.
I’ll close here prayerful that you will receive this message, be blessed buy it and receptive for all that He has in store for yuo in ’10.
Know, Bryan, that you have inspired me to travel the world, to praise and worship with many believers, write and record… all after praying for you after we met you in Nutley. HOPE YOU DON’T think we’re nuts.
Here’s a voicemail number if you’d like 888-354-2755.
I will try again to reach out through Street Level / Ray Ware.
Pls. reply ?
THE LORD’S WILL BE DONE, HIS LOVE BE WITH YOU ALWAYS, Al and Norma.
Bryan, my brother so sorry for my typos.
It is New Years and I’m working 12 mid- 08:00 and can barely see the screen.
Hope your readers will understand what I was saying with all the errors.
Stay blessed in ’10.
PLEASE REPLY. It would encourage us during our real trying time right now with the economy down and us barely holding on.
Still, we wouldn’t want to do this without Our Jesus- Our Confidence.
Peace, bro.
Al 888-354-2755
Hey Bryan, give me a call or drop me an email if you get the time. You need to get up here to Hume Lake and try out our new recording studio. It’s for real. Pretty nice and you can’t beat the location. It would be a nice ride up here on your bike.
don west
559.305.7622
dwest@humelake.org
C’grats on the new marriage. Two teenage daughters must make for interesting times. Our oldest will reach the teenage milestone this month, and I”m not ready. After reading your post a Ferris Bueller quote came to mind, “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. ” Social media and our dwindling attention spans just might contribute, but I must say…it is great to keep up with people I rarely see and wouldn’t talk to if it wasn’t for social media.
I have to tell you that your music is beautiful to me. I listen to it quite often and have for years. Please keep your faith in God. He loves you so very much. I will pray for you.
Type your message here …
i messed up the first one, now i’m replying to myself:)) Brian love your ministry, it has been a blessing, even all the way back to the Sweet Comfort Band! Your songs are very encouraging, presenting real life and the word together with blue-eyed soul is a good mixture. keep it up, we are listening! prayin for you bro, keep ridin! mahalo:)
AT LAST!!! I’ve been wanting to write you for Y E A R S. Finally did via snail mail last year hoping I could arrange for you to appear here in Ventura. You continue to be my favorite song writer and singer. Because I so often play your cd’s you are thought of often. I appreciate you and hope to some day bring you up here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Bryan,
Your music summarizes my spiritual life so closely that it is almost scary. From “Anonymous Confessions” through “Blue Skies” you hit the nail on the head. God has used you so much in my life, as well as those who have heard the messages I have had the honor to share with others. I have used your music to close my messages more times then I can remember and people always ask where they can buy your music.
Congratulations on your recent marriage and I will pray for your new endeavor with raising teenage girls. I can tell you from experience they will rip your heart out one moment and have you like putty in their hands the next. Gotta love “em.
You might remember me, I had you in concert 1997 in Gilbert, AZ. Hotter then blue blazes that day. And we (my wife and I) had dinner with you when you were in Elkhart, IN. after a horrendous battle to get into South Bend, IN. We dropped you off at your motel after eating a Olive Garden. Anyway I encourage you to remember the words you wrote in ” Take Heart” “God’s brought us to far He won’t let us down.”
Brad Barnard
Hi Bryan! It is so great to find your website and find that you are still makin music. Many years ago my husband and I went to a Russ Taff concert in Fresno and you were the opening act. Wow, you stole the show and we have been fans all these years. We have seen you many times in concert in CA, Seattle and somewhere in Illinois with Annointed too. We even saw you one time when you had hurt your foot jumping over a car on your rollerblades!!! We love your music and I have spent much of this afternoon downloading your old songs! Also, on a funny note – I looked out this weekend to see my husband mowing the lawn in your “Lunatics Anonymous” shirt from back in the day (remember those shirts, they were black with hot pink and green lettering) and had to chuckle to myself. Take care Bryan and keep on doing what you do so well. Your friend, Diana
Dear Bryan, your music plays everyday on Moody Radio online (and frequently on WMBI Chicago as well.) I had to look you up as I heard you sing just now- wondering what you have been up to. Reading several blog postings has shown me your recent struggles as well as your ongoing dependence on God. My dad died earlier this morning and seeing your loving tribute to your dad on this eve of Father’s Day was a challenge for me to see my dad in a better way, not so distant, to be more forgiving and accepting in retrospect.
Be encouraged, keep making music,serve God, enjoy your marriage and teen daughters, riding with the wind in your face.
Thankyou for your continuing gift of song,-Ken