March 8, 2010

Are you overwhelmed? It seems more often than not, I'm over-taxed, too busy, and exhausted. I often feel like I'm chasing my life, but my life is moving at a pace similar to Usain Bolt (world's fastest human) from Jamaica and I'll never catch it. Maybe it's time to accept that fact, that I'll never catch my life and just resolve the fact that I need to try and better manage it. Even more, realize that I can't even manage my life without Christ. In Jeremiah 10:23, God said It is not in man to direct his own steps, so If I don't even have the ability to know where to place my feet, how can I expect to to catch up with my life....NOT GONNA HAPPEN...So, today, I'm going to ask my track coach (God) what's next and then follow. It's time to be concerned more about trying to save my life/soul instead of catch it...WD

January 18th 2010

Just thinking about the Haiti earthquake and all the people who are affected by it. I can't even begin to imagine the physical and emotional pain of the people over there. Life one minute and death the next for thousands. It's difficult to watch the news and see the devastation everywhere. I have been praying fervently for the people of Haiti. One thing is for sure, we just don't have a guarantee on life, which is why we have to live for Him every waking moment. Help me Lord to be compassionate, giving and most of all true to you and your word. There is pain and suffering in Haiti today...Grant them your peace...WD

January 13th 2010

My beautiful daughter Rhea reminded me that I haven't blogged in quite some time, so here ya go Rhea...Wow! It's a new year. I don't know about you but I can't even type the new year smoothly without making a mistake. Anyway, I hope you're thankful to God that he's allowed you to see another year. I certainly am. Janae and I are conceptually preparing for a new record this month. The process of recording an album at this stage is so exciting. Writing, praying, thinking of melodies, the rhythms, the rhymes, the needs of God's people etc. It also can be a little overwhelming, much like life. As Christians, we have to constantly think of the bigger picture "Heaven" and be reminded of God's command for us to remain focused. "Fear God and keep his commandments" As I think about writing songs, rhythms and rhymes I have to know that; LIFE IS NOT ABOUT RHYME OR REASON, IT'S ABOUT HAVING A REASON TO RHYME... AND WE GOT THAT!!! WD

October 12th

Been a while since I've blogged but, I wanted to share some good news. When I think about the great battles of the past, whether in war or something as simple as an NFL football game (which I love) all of us who are involved in any kind of battle or competition on this side of life as it were, are seeking victory, and not sure of the outcome. We don't know whether we will win or loose. Whether the bank will approve the loan or not, whether your loved one will live or die....OK, as Christians, we are in this battle, but we have already won. The victory is ours to claim. We know the outcome, and we are the winners. What an awesome thought. This puts all the other small battles that we face into perspective... We have to know that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us. But be reminded, we're not winners or victors of our own accord. IT'S THROUGH JESUS CHRIST....So the good news is...even though you have to finish playing the game, and during the course of the game, you will be injured and have many disappointments...YOU HAVE WON... SO...PRAISE GOD FOR THAT!....WD

August 28th

I'm reminded today of how short life is and why we must be vigilant and thankful for every waking moment. The bible in James 4 :14 asks us a very intriguing question. For what is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Whoa...a mist is not here very long, a blip on the screen. In the whole vast configuration, we have a window of time to make a difference for God. We have lost many well known figures this year, Michael Jackson, Ted Kennedy, Robert Novak, among others. They're Now Gone...Our latest single has leaped to #1 in the nation "What Will Be Your Legacy" I believe our nation is internally inquisitive, realizing, once our life is ended...it's over. We need to make the case for God while we can. Find someone today, bring them to Jesus...we've gotta maximize this time God has given us...Time is ticking and remember, we're only a vapor....WD

August 10th

It's Monday morning, I've had my coffee and still can't get going. We had a big rain here in Grand Rapids yesterday and last night. There's probably no real excuse for this but, I just feel lousy today. It must be the rain, gloomy, you know. (Perhaps I need to listen to our own record Through The Rain)...The truth is, there's no real excuse for me to feel the way I'm feeling, but I just want to...you know what I mean? Sometimes a guy just wants to "not be happy all the time"...OK, I'm going to try and change my attitude, You pray for me, cause today I'm just feeling very...human....WD

August 6th

One of the greatest weapons of Satan is complacency. Another of his powerful tools is getting us to settle for mediocracy. When he has these two components working for him, he knows that there will be nothing done for God, and if something is done, the chances of it being effectivene is slim to none. We live in a world where real...hard...work is all but avoided. In fact many work harder at getting out of work than just doing it. We are seeing things in our country that we've never seen before that really require us to act. In Silverton Oregon, Stu Rasmussen is a transgender mayor of that city. God cannot be pleased with this. But are we settling for mediocracy or are we being complacent on these important issues that affect our children and communities?...I'm just sayin...WD

July 27th

There are those in life who simply depend on prayer. They pray in the morning, noon and at night. The power of prayer is under-utilized and over-looked as the tool that connects us with God and offers the answers that we need in life. (James 5:16) Those who pray continually, know this and that is where their dependence or I would even dare to say their co-dependence lies. I need to pray more in my own life. Many of us pray when we are in trouble or really need God for a difficulty in life. Sometimes, we should thank Him... thank Him when we're riding down the street, vacuuming, shopping and doing the everyday things in life. Not only should we thank him for what we have, we need to reverence Him for who he is. Master, Savior, Father, Ruler, King, Lord...Maybe the next time you pray, don't ask for anything...just say Thanks...and a lot more often...WD

July 21st

Janae and I just returned home from a five day trip in Texas and New Mexico. My parents celebrated their 55th anniversary with all five of my siblings. Beautiful time with all of them. You have to know my family to know that when we get together, the whole neighborhood knows it because, if you live within 4 blocks...you can hear us...even with your door closed. That same weekend, a friend and great personality of AFR Radio, JJ Jasper lost his 4 year old son in a four wheel accident. I think of how fragile life is, and how often we take it for granted. I have been praying for his family, I can't imagine what they're going through today. Although, I am very grateful for my family, thankful for my Mom & Dad and the unbelievable time we had this past weekend...my heart breaks for a family who needs God today...Pray for them with me. I was told JJ (The father) was quoted as saying..."The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. WOW!!!  WD

July 14th

I have a thought for you to ponder today. We are anxiously and eagerly traveling toward a city called "contentment" when we arrive, the city disappears...So, just enjoy the journey....WD

 July 13th

Whoa!...Where has this month gone already...This past weekend, I had a concert in Lake Havasu City Arizona. Great concert, but let me tell you something...IT WAS HOT THERE...the temperature reached 120 degrees while we were there. You haven't felt hot until you've been in 120 degrees. It felt like the sun was about eight feet from us. Now I know what a rotissere chicken feels like. Janae and I had a wonderful time with the great people at KNLB Radio who truly have heart for sharing Jesus. We had a few hours to spare so we jetted up to the Grand Canyon...When we arrived and parked, we walked over to the look out site, and it was as if God himself spoke through the vastness of the canyon and said...Are There Any Doubters Among You Now?  I wonder if Rich Mullins was standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon when he wrote "Our God Is An Awesome God". Whoa!...what beauty, what majesty, what incredible power. You know those times in your life when you wonder if God is there? Maybe for some, if he even exists...I have a great suggestion...VISIT THE GRAND CANYON...WD

July 8th 2009

 Summer time,  It is truly beautiful in Michigan in the summer time. Winter...now that's another story that we won't discuss at this point. But, I was thinking how easy it is to see God's artistry, and handy work in summer. The trees and grass are beautiful shades of green, sky  is blue, the air is fresh. AWESOME...When I was with the group Acappella, I sang a song called, "We Have Seen His Glory"...and truly we have, we just don't always acknowledge it. Would you along with me today, look around see God in your own environment and let him know that you recognize Him as the master artist, and tell him that you have seen His glory today....WD

July 7th 2009

Today, they will have the memorial service for Michael Jackson. As a youg boy, I sang along with many of his songs. I thought his talent was phenomenal. I never dreamed he would have the insurmountable impact on the world that he has. As the world mourns, I can't help but to think, what if Michael Jackson, garnered that much attention for Jesus Christ. What if MJ sang for Jesus, and people clammered after the words that would glorify the Father. After all it was God who gave him the gift he had. I can only imagine that the heart of God is breaking today at such a collosal missed opportunity to win millions to Christ. Our latest single released to radio is "What Will Be Your Legacy" As we look at the legacy of MJ, we can really see the the prophecies of the bible come to life. There are consequences to certain lifestyles. Maybe, just maybe we can learn from this and earnestly, seek God, and not our own agendas, because in the end they will truly fail us...WD

May 4th 2009

Mother's Day is coming this Sunday. I was just reminiscing in my mind today about my mother. I can't believe sometimes how fortunate I am (and anyone who has a wonderful mother) to have a Godly mother. All the many nights she'd stay up with all us kids (I have 5 siblings) and never complain. She would spend many days and nights  talking to us about the love of Jesus. The fact that "if you live for him, you'd have peace and you can't put a value on peace". I can still hear her say that. This mother's day, let your mom know how much you appreciate her, make sure she hears your heart, for she is largely responsible for the beating of yours...WD

May 3rd 2009

Well today's my birthday and I feel younger than I did...uh...yesterday. Who ever said, you're as old as you feel? The person who coined that phrase must have been about 22 yrs old at the time. Because...well...you fill in the blanks. Anyway, I'm thankful to God that he's allowed me to live as long as I have and I never want to take for granted the blessing of life. For my birthday, Janae took me to see the movie EARTH. It was unbelievable...at first I thought, you know I really don't want to sit for 2hrs and watch animals and stuff. Also, I've traveled alot, I've seen some cool sites...Nothing even compares. If you get a chance, go see it. Even though the creators may hint at evolution... You see God in a very real way. So, I had a great birthday, I saw the awesome work of my Father's hands...WD

May 1st 2009

In my men's bible study this morning we went all the way back to the beginning, Genesis. The interesting thing about the bible is, it doesn't matter how many times you read over a certain book. And it doesn't matter how much you think you know about that book, there is always something there that you didn't see or get before. We talked about the specific days back then. Were they were 24 hours like we know them to be, were they longer...Who knows? One thing that simply amazes me about God and is, when he breathed into Adam, he gave him and mankind a part of himself, ETERNITY. God gave man an eternal existence just like him. Incredible...we will live forever just like God...Again, you know these things in your head, but when one dares to think deeper...God is truly Immeasurable...WD

April 30th 2009

"Let the earth resound and everything in it praise the Lord". Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Sounds simple but praise begins with us. Did you praise God today? Did you thank Him for all your many blessings. Let's not forget to appreciate the majesty of this incredible world that God created. On my back deck this morning, I hear the birds singing, the trees rustling, it seems everything is praising God but me.  So, I feel like singing, how about...Thank You Lord...Yea, I think I'll sing that today....

 April 28th 2009

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands...Remember that song from vacation bible school? What a carefree song that conjures up some wonderful memories of childhood for many of us. But then we have to grow up and change things. On my soapbox today I stand and say we should be able to clap our hands in church. So many places we go and churches we attend, that is a no no. Unstated, but still a no no. The problem is many of those churches are still doing vacation bible school and teaching the kids to clap their hands if their happy, to even stomp their feet, and say amen...hmmm...I'm not sure what the message is there...I guess it's...don't grow up...like Peter Pan. WD

April 27th 2009

My prayer for our country today is to return to God. It seems that each day that goes by, we get further away from God and his purpose for us as a people. We should pray sincerely for the leaders of our country, the plan of God, the will of God, even the presence of God in our nation is getting pushed to the back. We are using conventional/political wisdom to govern a nation. That is simply not enough...when we use our own wisdom and neglect to refer to the word of God, we're in a dangerous place. I think our forefathers in government would be appaulled. God says "It is not in man to direct his own footsteps" Jer. 10:23. Furthermore, God says in I Cor. 1:19, " I will destroy the wisdom of the wise".  Pray today, that we return...WD

April 23rd 2009

We have a dog, actually Janae has a dog named Cody. As far as dogs go, Cody is really a good dog. He is a Shitzu breed and doesn't bark much except at the vacuum sweeper. He's obeidient for the most part, but most of all he's loyal. It doesn't matter how long we're gone on the road, we can always expect Cody to be happy, jumping and excited to see us. Always greets us with uncontrollable joy...I think we can learn from Cody...Maybe the young people have something in calling each other dog...Whus up dog!~~ know what I mean? I guess calling someone dog doesn't mean what it used to. In reference to Cody, and how he treats us...not so bad...So the next time someone does something to you that you don't really appreciate or calls you a dog...Just love them uncontrollably...WD

April  22nd 2009

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Scripture from Romans 5:3-5. HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US...In the midst of challenge and trouble today, Remember the words of Paul that if we persevere, there is hope...Note however, scripture did not say we will not be disappointed in life...we certainly will. What we can learn from these passages is, our continuance in God builds a strong character and that character leads us to a greater understanding of God's plan for our lives...It's called hope.  WD

April 21st 2009

I was reminded today of the 90/10 rule. "Ten percent is what really happens and 90 percent is how we respond to what happens". Great rule and probably true. If and when we focus too greatly on what happens good or bad, then this gives an advantage to circumstance. If we allow circumstance to determine our position, then we choke out the FAITH component in our lives. God wants our faith to determine our perception. Then and only then can we be pleasing to Him, whether 90 or 10... WD

 April 20th 2009

Janae and I had an opportunity to minister at a fundraising banquet for Lenawee County Mission in Adrian Michigan this past weekend. This is a mission ministry for homeless and drug addicted men. Although we were asked to perfom and share our ministry of music, (which we did) we were blessed much more that we could ever give. We heard stories from the men in the recovery program that simply brought us back to why we do this in the first place. As we listened to the hearts and the unbelievable stories of desperation, (all four men were to the point of taking their own lives) devastation, and how the enemy can totally destroy lives, we were drawn to the heart of Jesus. Our hearts were broken for them. Thankfully, there are organizations like the Lenawee County Mission all across America that are making a difference in the lives of hopeless men, women and children. Oh but for the grace of God, there go I. Janae's great grandparents founded the Lansing City Rescue Mission in Lansing Michigan and we have a heart for these type of ministries. Jesus is our ultimate example of how we need to respond to the down and out...He loved them, how much more should we love them...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR THE LEAST OF THESE?  WD

April 3rd 2009

This morning in my men's bible class. We talked about some of the characteristics of God. Man, I'm just blown away daily at His unbelievable nature. There are simply no words to define God, and any attempt to do so underserves his majesty, power, and love. The more I learn of Him, the more I'm in awe...Everyday we live, we've got to thank Him and not take for granted what he has done for us. So, Lord..On behalf of everyone who reads this today...THANK YOU & WE LOVE YOU!  WD

 March 31st 2009

We are gearing up for our next national single release. The title of the song is "What Will Be Your Legacy". The message of the song is that we should be taking an introspective look at our lives on a daily basis. That we are actually writing our legacy even today. Also, that we should be mindful of what we're writing because others are currently reading and will continue to read our legacy even after we're gone. More importantly, we have a Father that we should want to please throughout our lives. The song also reminds us that God is standing by watching and desiring that we live a life worthy of our calling. Check out the song when you get a chance in the media section or Itunes. I just want to ask you...Are you happy with what your life reflects? Will they say that it was God you adored?...WD

March 30th 2009

 Have you thought about the power of music lately. I have resolved in my own mind that we serve a musical God and we are created in His image. I don't know about you, but in all my years of living, I have never met a person who says "I don't like music". I have met those who don't necessarily love it or place a lot of emphasis on it's importance, but even those people are hard to find. Music is in every fiber of what we do on a daily basis. You would be hard pressed to go through a complete day and not hear some form of music. Television, in the stores, on your computer or for those of us who love music, in our cars, our ipods etc. The power of music influences and makes a difference wherever it is heard either for good, enjoyment or for bad. There are those who listen to music that has a negative inluence in lyric, style or message who often find themselves either serving or living out the message of that music. Let me be clear, Music has incredible power. Therefore we should be careful of what we listen to. Janae and I have committed to writing songs that glorify God and encourage us as Christians to live for Him...Most all contemporary artists have done the same. I would like to encourage you today, to find those Christian artist who have that message and MUSIC that you like and just enjoy it fully today...WD

March 28th 2009

I found myself unhappy about the weather today. It's freezing and it's almost April for Pete's sake. (have you ever wondered who Pete is?) Anyway, I went outside this morning and it was 27 degrees. Unbelievable... unless you consider that I woke up this morning not of my own power but of God's.  I'm healthy today, my family is healthy today... I'm not starving..etc. Now, all of a sudden the weather is not as bad as I first thought today, in fact it's kinda nice, the sun is even shinning. What was I thinking? You know, we too often think life is about our comfort. if we're not careful, everything we do will be to satisfy that desire for comfort. God did not call us to comfort, in fact He said in I Peter 4:14 for us to rejoice even when we suffer, so uh..27 degrees in March, not bad... WD