Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 25

July 23, 2017

I Am Joseph

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Some dreams that God lay on one’s heart may initially appear too daunting and impossible, even to the dreamer who seemingly wants it the most. The road that leads to such a dream becoming a reality appears unmade. Clearly, such a feat will require a miracle from God’s hand, as nothing else will suffice.

It is not uncommon to find many Christians, if they choose to admit, who in their secret place, struggle with believing a Word or promise given to them by God. In Joseph’s case, Joseph didn’t appear to have a problem accepting God’s promise, but one would wonder if he often doubted it as he many troubles began—troubles which God used to refine and prepare him for the greatness that was ahead. And, it wasn’t until after the fullness of time that God plucked him out of Pharaoh’s prison and installed him as governor over Egypt with such power that was second only to Pharaoh’s.

Like Joseph, you may have received a specific word or promise from God, and even accepted it with a heart full of faith. But as God takes you through the rigors of life to prepare, discipline and strengthen you for what is to come, don’t, in the dark times, forget what God told you in the day. Trust that the impossible, as your case may be, is possible with God on your side; He’ll make a way where there ordinarily isn’t any. As you wait for the fulfillment of His promise in your life, remember that God doesn’t want you to hold your breath. Continue to live life gratefully and to the fullest, making sure to always do what is right in front for you.

The article, I Am Joseph, first appeared on To Be A Person (TBAP), and is part of the I Am Series on TBAP.

[image error]About the Editor

Miranda A. Uyeh is the founder and editor of To Be A Person (TBAP), the author of Christian Romance/Suspense fiction, To Die Once: Child of Grace #1, a Mogul Global Ambassador, and a copywriter. She was a one-time shortlisted judge for the Inspy Awards in 2014 in the Contemporary Romance & Romance/Suspense Category.

When Miranda isn’t reviewing books/entertainment or hosting interviews on TBAP, she’s writing, reading for fun or relaxing with a good movie! When she gets bored with the world, she talks to God about it! To learn more about her book, To Die Once, her journey as an author and her other activities, you can follow her personal website. You can also connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+.

Filed under: Article, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Personal Development, Spirituality Tagged: Christian Article, I Am Joseph Article, Inspirational Article, TBAP Article

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Published on July 23, 2017 23:00

July 21, 2017

Artist Scoop ~ Interview with Kenan Stephenson, Creative Director & Songwriter for Equippers Revolution

[image error]Equippers Revolution released the Hands High album this July 14th (read the TBAP review here), which was pleasantly pop with a healthy persuasion that could lead a listener into worship mode. The young, bright, and hopeful Equippers are from Auckland, New Zealand, and their Creative Director and songwriter, Kenan Stephenson, took some time to talk to TBAP on behalf of the group. Follow our conversation and learn more about them!

Miranda ~ Hello! Happy to have you here on TBAP today. Could you please tell us a bit about Equippers Revolution?

Kenan: Thanks very much for having us, we’re glad to be talking with you. Equippers Revolution is the sound of our youth movement here at Equippers Church. We’re a creative collective made up of youth leaders and high school students, from Auckland, New Zealand.

Miranda ~ What events led Equippers to become professional music artist?

Kenan: We made an album a few years ago, and somehow that music spread further than we thought. We started out just making music that would encourage our own youth, and so the fact that other people connect with the music is really cool for us.

Miranda ~ Who would you say you sing for—the broken hearted, lost etc.? Why do you believe you’ve been called to this particular group of people?

Kenan: We just make music to help and encourage the young people we do life with here in our youth movement. We write for a specific group of people, and it’s really awesome that the music is relatable to others outside of our immediate world. I guess that’s the power of music, and we’re very honoured that our music helps people connect to God.

Miranda ~ The album you recently released with Dream Label is titled Hands High. Why so?

Kenan: Hands High Is all about making statements of faith. Throwing your hands in the air is a universal sign for making a statement, and we liked that we do that for God, in acts surrender, and, so, that’s why the album is called Hands High. It’s a bold declaration of faith, and has helped us in our walk with God.

Miranda ~ What does Equippers Revolution hope to offer the world and the Body of Christ through music?

Kenan: We just want to stay true to ourselves, and to keep making music that encourages the young people we do life with. Anything other than that, is an amazing honour. We’re just a young crew from the end of the world (New Zealand) that love God, and love to use our gifts to lift Him up, and help people connect with Him.

About Equippers Revolution

Equippers Revolution is the sound of the Revolution Youth Movement, and a musical expression of Equippers Church. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, it’s core members have grown up in the church, and have been a part of the youth worship team for over 10 years.

Filed under: Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music Artist Interview, Personality, Songwriter, Spirituality Tagged: Christian Music, Equippers Church, Equippers Revolution Artist, Hands High Album, Inspirational Music, Pop Music, TBAP Interview

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Published on July 21, 2017 14:40

July 18, 2017

Album Review ~ Upside Down By Long Hollow WAVE

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July 16, 2017

God Doesn’t Want You To Hold Your Breath

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When you make a request to God, as you wait for an answer or the manifestation of the answer that you’ve received, there’s the tendency to want to put life on hold as you plan the rest of your “living” around this answer that you’re waiting for “to happen.” Many times, this approach leads to much disappointment, and makes the child of God raise questions that s/he ordinarily wouldn’t.

It’s important to come to know God as a person, as you would anyone else. In my experience, it is in God’s nature to:

Grant a request, but not always, specifically, within the time frame that you want, but rather, in the fullness of time as His wisdom sees fit. Within this period, certain events that He has set to happen, will. Only then will His finished work be revealed.
Grant a request, but not necessarily have it come to you in the manner that you hoped or expected. Rather, His answer will manifest in a fashion tailored to suit the good work He is doing in you, fine-tuning and leading you to become the person that He’s called you to be.

In the end, the waiting period, most times, as most Christians would confess, turn out to be much longer than one expected, and during this period, there are usually good lessons to glean. You learn perseverance, which will finish God’s good work in you (James 1:4), leading to a harvest of peace, righteousness, and other blessings (Hebrews 12:11). You learn that your life moving forward truly doesn’t hang upon the manifestation of that requested desire, but instead, upon God holding you, and more importantly, upon His Word. You learn that God is control. And, eventually, when you’ve received the blessing, you’re able do so with a grateful heart and with an attitude different than the one you had when you initially sought Him for that particular blessing.

Also, within this period, as you wait, know that God wants you to live—truly live and enjoy living, slowing down to pay attention to the little details of life that once seemed unimportant. God doesn’t want you to hold your breath and put life on hold while you await His answer. He wants you to experience life with the full joy that emanates from His goodness and faithfulness, and to do so with much humility and gratitude. He wants you to see life through His eyes and His heart. So don’t hold your breath because, God doesn’t want you to. Be convinced rather, that in the fullness of time you’ll receive God’s blessing, and not before. It would be a gross mistake to let life pass you by while you wait on God.

The article, God Doesn’t Want You To Hold Your Breath, first appeared on To Be A Person (TBAP).

[image error]About the Editor

Filed under: Article, Christianity, Inspirational, Personal Development, Spirituality Tagged: Christianity, God Doesn't Want You To Hold Your Breath, Inspirational Personal development, Spiritual Development, TBAP Article

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Published on July 16, 2017 23:00

July 13, 2017

Artist Scoop ~ Interview With We Are Leo’s David Duffield

L-R: Josh Sentner, David Duffield, Doug Weier

We Are Leo recently released an album, The Rush & The Roar (read the TBAP review here) to much acclaim and garnering a lot of attention, and for good reason! Their amazing song, 61/Twenty-three, as well as the others on the album (like Dimension!) resonates on a level so deep, it’s [nearly] impossible not to be impressed by it. The band’s founder, David Duffield took some time to chat with us on TBAP today, offering some amazing words of wisdom that would leave anyone inspired to slow down, see life through God’s eyes, and enjoy it. Follow our chat below!

Miranda ~ Hello! Delighted to have you visit TBAP today! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

David: Hey, my name’s David Duffield. I love Jesus, my wife, music, football & STAR WARS…in that order. I love connecting with people who share my passion for ministry & music. For me, life is about worship and making connections. I believe that God placed us here to do amazing things and I’m excited to walk that out in 2017 with our new record. I’m excited for the people and ministries that God is connecting me with.

Miranda ~ How did you become a Christian? Tell us your story!

David: I was brought up by an awesome mom & dad who loved Jesus very much. But like every family, we had our issues. As I progressed into my teen years, I was dealing with a lot of emotional pain. Classic perfectionist, I was feeling that nothing I ever did was good enough. I was really searching for love and significance. My insecurities led me down some pretty dark paths. I was at the end of my rope. I remember praying, “God if you’re there, will you save me?” And He did. In the midst of that brokenness, Jesus found me and saved me. He’s been finding and saving me ever since.

Miranda ~ What events led you all to come together and form a band and, how long have you been together?

David: I started We Are Leo over 9 years ago in Kenosha, WI. When I started the band, I was a recent graduate from the Living Light School of Worship and working at Starbucks. No one was investing money into us. No one knew who we were. We just were making coffee all day and working on music all night. Learning how to self-produce records by watching tutorial videos on the internet, we made our first record in our garage. And we’ve been making music ever since.

Before that, I had toured as a worship leader with Acquire the Fire and Teen Mania Missions, going to 8 or 9 countries and almost every state. I graduated from both the TMH Academy and the TMH Academy ministry internship. I also studied at Santa Barbara City College. The period for me before the band was pretty intense. Lots of preparation, lots of training, lots of connects and I feel like it gave me a really solid foundation to build on. Coming out of high school, I had wanted to be a college athlete, but I felt God leading me to give that dream up. As I gave up my dream, He began to bless me with music.

Miranda ~ How would you describe your songwriting/music-making process as a band?

David: For me, songwriting is more of a way of life. It’s about eliminating distraction and realizing that you only have so many hours in a day. I used to be on my phone all the time—Facebook. Instagram. Etc. I was always distracted and stressed out. I started turning my phone off a lot. I started realizing that I can’t fix everything. I started taking walks and making time to just be. Creativity really thrives when you give yourself space like that. I keep a lot of lists and notebooks. Anytime I hear a good phrase from a friend or sermon, podcast, movie or whatever, I write it down immediately. Then when I’m ready with a piece of music that needs a good title or line, I look through old notes. If I come up with a melody or riff in band practice, I immediately record it on my iPhone voice memo app.

Also, I study the music I like, and try to make drums or synths sound similar to some of my all times fav. I definitely pick up elements musically from stuff I love. For me, it’s all about just making music because I love it, and because it’s inside of me. I try not to think too hard. You can question yourself or wonder if it’s good enough or if people will like it. I’m learning to kinda sidestep that way of thinking and just make music that I love, and that glorifies God.

Miranda ~ What lessons/principles have you picked up along the way in the industry so far?

David: Haha! Umm, well that most millennials, like me, usually have unrealistic expectations. Good things often take a lot longer than you think they will. And that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. My faith has been refined through fire. You gotta work hard. Make good music. Rest. Work out. Trust God. Be patient. Take time for the people in your life. Don’t take it personally if people don’t like your music, and don’t let it go to your head when people love you. Just do your thing because it matters.

Miranda ~ Songwriting that tells one’s story requires a degree of vulnerability. With this in mind, when do you know you’re ready to tell your story and write it into a song?

David: This one is hard. It’s hard to know if people can handle the “real you.” It’s something you have to pray about because, sometimes, what’s popular seems a bit neat and tidy. Resolved. I’ve found that something “faith” is a fight. Sometimes life is painful and there’s something hard that you’re walking through. Doesn’t mean that God isn’t there. Doesn’t mean that He isn’t good. He carries our burdens. He will wipe away every tear one day, because, there will be tears.

To really share something vulnerable, you have to have processed a thing to the point where you’re sharing it from a place of resolve. You have to have found God and faith and hope in the midst of that particular thing, and know what you think about it. 61/23 is a bit like for me. I’ve definitely been through the experience of being very broken. So finding healing, it’s pretty incredible for me to stand on stage and sing a song about how God’s healing my heart.

Miranda ~ How has your perspective changed since joining the industry—any particular mind-shifting experience? How has this experience affected you personally?

David: I think that things change a lot in 5 years, and that you have to be yourself. I think the temptation is to try to be better or cooler or more spiritual or less spiritual. The best thing you can do is walk with Jesus and let Him lead you into who He wants you to be. I think there was a perception that Christian music was lame or old fashioned, but actually things have changed a lot, and some incredibly cool things, with some incredibly talented and cool people, are happening in the Christian music world. I mean, Spotify has a Playlist called Christian Dance Party. Awesome, right? I’m encouraged that Christians are beginning to embrace sounds like We Are Leo, Capital Kings, Hollyn, and Hillsong Young & Free. Very cool.

Miranda ~ As artists in the Christian Music industry, what would you say guides an artist in choosing to collaborate with another artist?

David: In an ideal world, it would be, because, God is bringing people together to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Collabs are definitely something that I love to do. It’s all about finding people you vibe with. It’s just something special that happens when you’re on the same page with somebody.

Miranda ~ As artists, you’re used to giving music to others. What would you say other artists’ music give to you, personally?

David: I listen to an absolute ton of music. I dance a lot. I cry a lot. It’s very spiritual and intimate. I definitely feel God through music.

Miranda ~ At a time when there’s the tendency to want to be like—or compete with—the mainstream, how do you stay grounded and continue to preach God’s Word and truth through music?

David: Staying grounded, having spiritual depth in 2017 when you have an iPhone and an instagram account and Netflix, I mean, that’s tough. Jesus talked about the kingdom being like a seed that grows into a tree. Like a vine that bears fruit. These are metaphors about things that take a long time to grow. So I have to slow down. Prayer isn’t like going through the Starbucks drive through. I turn off my phone a lot. I take hikes. I remember that I can’t get everything done, and that I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. I usually try to take an hour and half to pray in the mornings. Not being in a hurry really helps me. I see God in Nature, and I listen to podcasts of preachers.

Comparison is a killer. And it’s not just competing with “mainstream” like you’re asking about. I mean, you can be competing with other people in Christian music too. For me, it’s about learning to be content with the life God has given me. When He’s truly the center of my world, I’m not trying to be someone else. When I get insecure or worried, and I lose sight of Him, then that’s when the temptation to compare myself with others comes in. For me, it’s about learning to be inspired by other people, but not trying to prove that you’re better than them or be them—taking small elements from them that you can learn or improve—because that’s who you are, rather than trying to just be something you’re not.

I do think that good music can’t be forced, especially if you’re trying to say something meaningful. People these days are very aware of stuff that feels fake or insincere. Ain’t nobody got time for that. I know I don’t. I think people should make great music that is original to them. But finding an original sound takes time and lots of hard work.

Miranda ~ What are you most grateful for right now and generally?

David: My wife. Friends and family who love Jesus. Great food. Time to rest and have fun. Music. Wisconsin in the Summer. Oceans and waves and stars and sunshine. That I am loved unconditionally by Jesus.

Miranda ~ What would you like to see change in the Christian music industry?

David: I try not to worry about the industry in general. That’s a bit more than I have time to figure out. All I know is that I wanna connect with likeminded followers of Jesus across the world and share life, joy and music with them. I think if you know what you’re called to do and work hard, the money side of it will take care of itself.

Miranda ~ What advice would you offer to a person who wants to go into the songwriting/music business? Would you say the rules are different for each?

David: Yeah, I mean, I think more people should live musically whether you make money from it or not. Too many people are looking for some outside confirmation that they should make music (Don’t believe me? watch a season of THE VOICE). I’m not saying quit your job. In fact, quite, the opposite. But make music. Make it because you want to and because you wanna honor God, and because you wanna bless other people. Money shouldn’t be such a determining factor. People are musical. It’s not about doing music or not doing it. Just make it with however much time you have. We need music: playing the piano at family Christmas to acoustic sets in house churches, small groups, and around campfires at camps and retreats.

THIS or THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Coffee or Tea? Tea. Yerba Mate is my fav, but the guys in the band are definitely into, like, small local coffee roasters and stuff—Collectivo in Milwaukee, Hanza in Illinois.

Gym or Outdoor? Lol. Outdoor, definitely. I get up and take a walk and/or hike, depending on where we are, almost every day.

Sneakers or Boots? Nikes. Every day.

Running or Walking? Both

Cereal or Fruit? Probably fruit, with toast. And eggs.

Music or Books? Both. Gotta be both.

TV or Magazine? Hmmm. TV.

Summer or Spring? Both.

Rain or Snow? Snow.

Blazer or Leather Jacket? Leather Jacket.

[image error]About We Are Leo

Hopeful & fun, WE ARE LEO is the latest in heartfelt, creative, cutting-edge Christian music. With a lyrical depth and refreshing originality, WE ARE LEO sings about God’s love and finding hope in the everyday. Their unique way of expressing their faith inspires teens and young adults around the world, helping them find emotional healing, overcome depression, and come to a stronger faith in Christ. WE ARE LEO started seven years ago in Kenosha, WI when Starbucks barista & part-time missionary, David Duffield, and his brother, graphic designer & youth leader, Jonny Duffield, built a make-shift recording studio and started cranking out rough, but passionate demos. They soon teamed up with worship leader/guitarist, Doug Weier, and eventually, guitarist, John Panzer, to meld their music, style and message into a synth-driven, pop-rock band with up-front guitars & contagious, upbeat hooks. WE ARE LEO states: “We believe that through these songs, young people will find hope, life and joy. We believe chains will be broken. We’re fighting back against depression, doubt, apathy & addiction with the truth and love of Christ. We know that we live in a broken world but we know we don’t have to let the failures and lies keep us down. This is music for those who want to live life to the fullest. It’s for the dreamers, the believers; it’s for the broken and the lonely who want to believe that broken hearts can find healing, and it’s music for everyone who refuses to give up despite overwhelming odds.”

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music Artist Interview, Personality, Talent Tagged: 61/Twenty-three Song, David Duffield Artist, Dimension Song, Inspirational, TBAP Interview, The Rush & The Roar Album, We Are Leo Band

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Published on July 13, 2017 23:00

July 11, 2017

Book Review ~ Simplify Your Life From The Inside Out by Mark Wayne Smith

[image error]About the Book

Simplify Your Life from the INSIDE OUT: The 7 Keys to Finding Inner Peace

“I just wish things could be simpler!” If that has been your lament, and if you still haven’t found anything that really helps…or lasts…you are not alone.

As the world gets busier and faster, your life can easily become more complicated, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In Simplify Your Life from THE INSIDE OUT: The 7 Keys to Finding Inner Peace, you will find the practical and effective advice that you’ve been seeking:

✔ How to rediscover the peaceful way to live.

✔ How to recognize and overcome the barriers to a life of simplicity.

✔ The 7 Keys that will guide you in your journey and help you stay on your path.

July 9, 2017

I Am David

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It is not uncommon for God to call a person to start something that has never existed before. As was with Abraham, it may require a new foundation to be laid for this new beginning—a slate wiped clean.

This was David’s story.

At the beginning, it appeared that Israel having a king was originally the people’s idea, but, in fact, God had installed this in His plan for Israel from the beginning, even revealing it to one of the patriarchs—Jacob—who prophesied it while on his deathbed as he blessed his son, Judah, and told him that his brother’s sons will bow down to him and that the ruling staff would never depart from his hand until it came to the one to whom it belonged (Genesis 49:8-12). Israel forcefully demanded for a king, and they were given one from the Tribe of Benjamin. But when God was ready to begin the dynasty that would produce Jesus, God wiped the slate clean and anointed David from the Tribe of Judah, as the prophecy had indicated.

As is with a case like this, for a new foundation to be laid, the rigors that God may pass one through are usually not simple or easy—the one who goes through the wall first gets hit the hardest. David fought many wars and battles, slept in countless caves, cried many tears, sang many psalms, whispered many prayers, employed maddening tactics, and devised astounding battle strategies under the wisdom, instruction, and tutelage of God before emerging as the first king of Israel that would produce the Christ.

If you find yourself in a similar place as David was—where God has called you to start something that has never been done before, always remember that God will protect, provide and keep you. In the sum of the days that follow, most may appear dark, evil, and gloomy; know that you’re not alone. God has already mapped out your course, and so you will not fail (Proverbs 21:30-31). In the fullness of time after God is done, He will produce the new and improved you—like He did with David—prepared to take your place and lead in the manner that God has called you to.

Like David did, hold unto God and draw nearer to Him so that He can draw nearer to you. Delight in Him more than ever before (Psalm 37:4), and lead your soul to pant for God more than a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). Take courage, and make sure that His Word never departs from your mouth (Joshua 1:6-9). If you continue on the path that He’s leading you on, you will never fail (Psalm 37:5-6).

More importantly, do not despair and begin to believe the lie that God has abandoned you, because the journey is taking too long. Remember His Word, instead, “Though sorrow abides through the night, joy shows up in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Some days will be more difficult than others because you’re doing a new thing and there’s no instruction manual anywhere to tell you what to do to make it easier; all you can do is look up to God, like David did, for wisdom. In the event that you sin, repent and turn back to God; He will be happy to forgive and reinstate you, and continue leading you on your journey.

The article, I Am David, first appeared on To Be A Person (TBAP), and is part of the I Am Series on TBAP.

[image error]About the Editor

Filed under: Article, Christianity, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Personal Development, Personality, Spirituality Tagged: Christian Article, I Am David, Inspirational Article, TBAP Article

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Published on July 09, 2017 23:00

July 6, 2017

Artist Scoop ~ Interview With Music Artist Matthew Parker

Matthew Parker, a brilliant artist, released his debut album, Adventure, on May 10th (read the TBAP review here). Adventure is full of many stories and God’s Word so that altogether, the album is a thrilling combo of encouragement and entertainment. The generally pop album reveals some of Parker’s experiences and his interesting views of life as a Christian who serves and sings for God. Matthew Parker graciously took the time to answer some questions on TBAP today. Follow our interesting conversation below.

Miranda ~ Hello Matthew! Good to have you on TBAP today! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Matthew: Hey! Good to be here! So here’s me in a nutshell: I grew up in Michigan in a large family. My parents had 8 kids, and yes, it was always a party with that many kids in the house. When I was about 12, I started learning to play guitar and drums, and soon my brothers and I began “jamming” in our attic almost every day. We even tried writing a few songs, which were very amateur and kinda terrible, but hey, we tried. From there, I began getting into writing my own songs by myself and recording them on the family computer. It really took off. I just couldn’t stop, and I learned the art of studio recording and mixing, and even electronic music production with synthesizers and all that good stuff. I’ve been making music now for about 10 years, and there are no signs that I’ll be stopping anytime soon. I love making music that will make people feel something.

Miranda ~ How did you become a Christian? What’s your story?

Matthew: Growing up, my family was a Christian, church-going family, and I was immersed in the Bible stories and theology all the time…soon enough, I had to decide if I was really going to “own” these truths I’d been taught, or if they were just the things my parents believed. I don’t really know for sure when it was that I believed and trusted in God and Jesus’ death for my forgiveness, but I know that I was a young teenager when I began to take it all more seriously.

Miranda ~ When did you realize you would go into music professionally? Is there an event that led to that particular decision?

Matthew: When I first began making music on my own, music was just a serious hobby. But as I kept on doing it for years, I knew it was my passion and I didn’t want to do anything else. I also knew that I’m a creative person, and if I had to do a nine-to-five job for the rest of my life, I’d go absolutely insane. So at some point, it really wasn’t even a decision I had to make…it was just the thing I was doing and wasn’t going to stop doing.

Miranda ~ Your lyrics are deeply metaphorical—why this style of songwriting?

Matthew: I’ve always been intrigued by things shrouded in mystery and wonder, like something out of a dream. I just get bored sometimes with things that are tangible and basic. And lyrics sometimes give me some fascinating mental pictures. So I’ve always loved writing lyrics that are metaphoric and really play on your imagination instead of just saying exactly what I mean. You gotta have that element of wonder and awe in music, or it’s just some more words and sounds.

Miranda ~ Who are the people that have inspired your choice of music, and, particularly, your style of songwriting?

Matthew: Musically, I’ve been very influenced by artists like Michael W. Smith, Chris Rice, Imogen Heap, Zedd, Skrillex, Owl City, and many others, but in the realm of songwriting, I’d have to say I owe the most to Adam Young of Owl City and Chris Rice. Although they’re very different artists, they both have that sense of dreaming, imagination, wonder, and awe that I mentioned before. They paint word pictures and they’re very positive and hopeful in their songs. Of course, you can’t forget the emotions and “the feels” that they write into their tunes. I’m very thankful for all of the artists who have influenced me, but these ones especially.

Miranda ~ Who are the people/audience you believe you’re called to write/sing to—those in despair, the general Christian audience, the lost etc.?

Matthew: To be honest, I’m still kind of figuring this out. I guess I’ve come from a place where I was writing to Christians, because that’s what Christian music basically is (For the most part, the secular crowd doesn’t listen to Christian music). But in the past few years, I’ve been thinking that I don’t want to make music just for Christians to listen to, because…well, what about non-Christians? So my philosophy in the past few years has been to make good music that both Christians and a secular audience can appreciate. C.S. Lewis said “The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” I think this applies to music as well. I’m doing what I can.

Miranda ~ In what way has your perspective of the industry changed since you became a professional? How has this affected you personally?

Matthew: When you’ve been an active artist yourself for a while and meet some other artists who are well-known, you realize that these people, who most would look up to as very extraordinary, are really just normal people. People put famous people on this pedestal where they think something is fundamentally different about them compared to the average person. These people are actually like you, with emotions, fears, their own personal challenges, etc. Realizing this has helped me to not be shy or freaked out about connecting with other artists because “they’re too famous.”

Miranda ~ What do you hope to achieve with music?

Matthew: Big picture, my personal goals are to have my music heard and appreciated by as many people as possible and to tour around the country and meet a lot of people. On a more personal level, I hope that my music will really connect with people, that it will help them to feel and dream and think much more deeply, and that through my character and words, they’ll see that God is great and that Christians are not always whacky.

Miranda ~ What are you most grateful for generally and right now?

Matthew: I’m very grateful for the place God has put me in life. All these people who care about me and want the best for me—it’s the best thing anyone could ask for, and He just gave it to me. Right now I’d have to say I’m thankful for internet and fresh red raspberries, because those things are the best!

Miranda ~ What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the music business?

Matthew: My advice to a new artist is first of all, to forget all the marketing advice and the extra busy work of being an artist and FOCUS ON THE MUSIC. You gotta make incredible music if you want to make it. The passion and the art have got to come first. After all, good music markets itself. If your music is something that people will freak out about and tell their friends, it will organically climb to the top on its own. If your passion is not in the music itself, in the lyrics, the beats, the guitar parts or whatever, then you belong somewhere else. So my advice is to make really awesome music. The rest has a way of taking care of itself.

THIS or THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Coffee or Tea? Coffee! But sugar and cream please, because I don’t want to drink dirt water.

Gym or Outdoor? Outdoor! Al naturale for me, please.

T-shirt or Collar shirt? T-shirts for every day, collared shirt, sometimes, for dress-uppy occasions.

Sneakers or Boots? Boots? I’m not a superhero or a farmer…or a superhero farmer. Sneakers all the way!

Running or Walking? Running. Because you’ll get there much faster.

Cereal or Fruit? Fruit. It’s just so good, and so healthy, and so tasty.

Music or Books? I’d like to pretend I’m a bookworm because bookworms are all so cool and hipster, but realistically, I listen to music much more often than I read a book.

TV or Magazine?…Neither. Unless Netflix counts as TV.

Summer or Spring? A couple years ago I would’ve said summer. But it’s just so crazy hot right now. So, I say, spring.

Rain or Snow? Not a huge fan of either (I know, I know, you’re mad at me for that), but I’d take rain over snow. I’ve become a real Scrooge about snow and winter.

Blazer or Leather Jacket? Leather jacket all the way!

Thank you, Matthew, for visiting today!

[image error]Matthew Parker’s Story

I grew up in a small town in Michigan. I wasn’t especially interested in music as a kid, but that all changed at age 12 after learning guitar and jamming with my brothers for a while, when music really “clicked” for me. I began writing and recording my own songs on the family computer, and slowly got into making electronic music. Fast forward 10 years, and I’ve released a good plethora of many styles of music and garnered attention not only for my original music, but also for my remixes of Capital Kings, Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Jonathan Thulin, and more. With a growing number of fans in the States and a small army of fans worldwide, things are looking up and I’m enjoying every little bit of this crazy adventure (from official website).

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music Artist Interview, Songwriting, Talent Tagged: Adventure Album, Matthew Parker Artist, TBAP Interview

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Published on July 06, 2017 23:00

July 3, 2017

Woman In Film: No Producer? Produce Your Comedy Yourself! That’s What She Said!

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What do you see in humanity? What is it you look for in a person? How do you help them achieve the best version of themselves?

These are EPIC philosophical questions true to life reflected upon daily, minute by minute, for a Director, Writer, and Producer of a film and/or play.

For me, stories that make the biggest impact and impression are those that exhibit the truthful struggle and success of living an authentic life. And, if the journey makes me laugh along the way, that joy seals the deal. The experience lives within me beyond and off the screen. What more can you ask for? Although, it is a lot to ask! (Laughs)

How did I come to be chosen and accept dual responsibility as Assistant Director and Actress, portraying the supporting character of NANCY, for the new original web series Brooks Family Affairs? Well, I’m glad you asked! (Laughs) I’m all too excited to elaborate!

When good things happen, they tend to occur all at once. Would you agree?

On the evening of Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 6 pm, I attended the table reading for a new sci-fi short film entitled The Key that I had been hired to assistant direct as the actor’s director in Nashville, TN. That night I was re-introduced to Lance Ogren who jumped on board as my 2nd AD. This was my second-time meeting Lance.

Our first encounter was on Sunday, April 8th of this year (just a month prior) in Bowling Green, KY for an Audition Prep and Cold Reading Workshop I taught for V and C Talent Agency. Lance attended as an actor and I was inspired by the script work and actor’s journey we accomplished in such a short amount of time. I will never forget his riveting and thought-provoking performance.

As I always say, “As artists and people, we are destined to, and capable of being MORE than one thing!”

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Photo Courtesy: Thom King

Fast forward back to the close of the table reading on May 11th, Lance hands me the full script for his entire new Directorial endeavor Brooks Family Affairs. He informs me that he wants me on board as Assistant Director and he needs an answer ASAP because shooting commences in just three weeks.

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Photo Courtesy: Thom King

I leave the rehearsal with script in hand thinking and praying about his proposal. That very same night, I get home late, nearly an hour has gone by, and I see a missed phone call. I listen to a voicemail from Lance who is also offering me the role of NANCY.

WOW! TWO offers in ONE night! What more could a woman in film ask for?! (Laughs)

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Screenshot from Brooks Family Affairs (Director, Lance Ogren)

The early morning of Friday, May 12th, the very next day, on a long commute back into Nashville I began to read aloud for myself and commuter copilot the full series, the characters and all, and I could not put the script down! En suite, laughter accompanied our discovery of every new introduction and scenario on each turn of every page. I instantly fell in love with Brooks Family Affairs, co-written by female Screenwriter/Producer Bridget Vaughan. On top of that, I also fell in love with the character of NANCY. I had to play her!

By noon, same day, I submitted my signed contract to join this fearless film family. With a follow-up email to Bridget, the Writer/Producer, and to Lance, the Director, I spoke of how much I relished the audacious and dynamic humor within this new creation and how honored I was to be invited to join the ranks!

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Photo Courtesy: Thom King

On Sunday, May 28th, we dove into our very own table reading of the full series with the cast. The eager energy of all involved was and remains positively contagious!

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Photo Courtesy: Thom King

Then, the following Sunday, June 4th, began DAY-1 of shooting.

The last scheduled shoot date is Sunday, July 23rd.

The teamwork of Lance Ogren and Bridget Vaughan is inspiring! How did these two find each other? That’s a story for another day! (Laughs) I commend them for the array of talent, both cast and crew alike, that they have envisioned and united to conduct and share laughter within people’s homes.

It is my prayer that Brooks Family Affairs, a comedy about a family launching a brand-new restaurant and all the hilarity that ensues when working with family, becomes a mainstay and household name. Structured with a solid ensemble cast, get ready to fall in love with LYDIA, the matriarch, FRANK, the patriarch, their children, DEXTER and SIMONE, UNCLE DANIEL, and all the people in-between!

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Screenshot from Brooks Family Affairs (Director, Lance Ogren)

You can subscribe to Apolonia’s Arts Newsletter for future updates on Brooks Family Affairs here.

About This Contributor

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Photo courtesy: Modifi

Apolonia Davalos (AEA/ WIFT-Nashville and TWIFM Member) is a film and Off-Broadway theater director and actress. She is named after APPOLLONIA, an ancient, biblical town, in Macedonia, Greece, south of Lake Bolbe, known today as Nea Apollonia. Hence, she was born with a passion for God and love of history! Her short, modern-western film, Children of War, screened through the film festival circuit 2016 – 2017. As an actor, her feature film credits include: “Summer of ‘67” (in post-production), “The Good Book” (on DVD), “Providence” (on DVD), “The Perfect Wedding” (on DVD), etc. In theater, she received great acclaim for the originated role of LYNN CORDERO in the Off-Broadway production of Looking for Billy Haines in Times Square (NYC). Other theater credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Nashville Shakespeare Festival); Metamorphoses (The Boston Actors Theater): The Crucible (Salem Theatre Company); and Sisters of the Church (Afrikan Women’s Repertory Theatre). She is further recognized as a producer, director, writer, as well as an inspiring advocate for classical Greek theater through her production company APOLONIAD Productions. Known for her hearty laugh, talent for accents, love for martial arts, and singing classic 1930’s tunes! “Apolonia Davalos is a passionate, young director dedicated to exploring the plays of Euripides. As a member of a generation used to reading no more than 140 characters at a time, her devotion to a classical poet is worthy of tremendous admiration.” – Show Business Weekly.

Follow Apolonia on twitter and instagram and learn more about her on her movie production website, APOLONIAD Productions!

The article, Woman In Film: No Producer? Produce Your Comedy Yourself! That’s What She Said!, first appeared on TBAP.

Filed under: Actors, Article, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Movie Promo, Personality, Stories, Talent Tagged: Apolonia Davalos Actor, Inspirational Article, TBAP Article, Woman In Film: No Producer? Produce Your Comedy Yourself! That's What She Said!

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Published on July 03, 2017 13:26

July 1, 2017

NEW MUSIC: The Potter’s House + The Planetshakers + The Case For Christ Album

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Bishop T.D. Jakes’ The Potter’s House and Planetshakers Partner To Release We Are One (The Live Experience) with a new album coming this fall.

The Potter’s House, one of the leading churches in the world, has teamed up with Planetshakers, the global evangelical movement to release their first track together We Are One (The Live Experience). The song, which focuses on the message of bringing unity to humanity in a divided world, was recorded live at The Potter’s House in Dallas, TX.

“I love the fact that people from different cultures, upbringings and nations come together to worship. The thing that unites us is Jesus. My prayer is people will encounter His presence and come together to change their world for good. In the end we all are God’s children.” – Ps Russell Evans, Founder and Senior Pastor, Planetshakers
“…It is the mission of the Potters House church and the goal of our Potters House Music ministry to align ourselves with the heart of Christ and build bridges toward unity. With our brothers and sisters of Planetshakers, we are creating music that transcends cultures, denominations and labels to present to the world music that makes us ONE…..” – Oscar Williams, Executive Director of Music and Fine Arts, The Potter’s House

The two organizations recorded a live album together that will be released on Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Dexterity Sounds and DREAM this fall with guest appearances from Grammy Award winner Fred Hammond. Check out the first track:

About The Potter’s House

Located in Dallas, The Potter’s House is a 30,000-member nondenominational, multicultural church and humanitarian organization led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as “America’s Best Preacher” and as one of the nation’s “25 most influential evangelicals.” The Potter’s House has four locations, The Potter’s House of Dallas, The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, The Potter’s House of North Dallas, and The Potter’s House of Denver.

About Planetshakers

Planetshakers is a worldwide movement driven by the desire to empower generations to win generations, and providing an atmosphere where people can encounter God. Based out of Melbourne’s Planetshakers Church, one of Australia’s fastest growing churches in history, the movement’s priority and passion is to reach and impact people, seeing them transformed by the power of God and the love of God’s people.

The Case For Christ DVD + CD Coming Out August 15th

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Songs Inspired CD Featuring 11 Brand New Exclusive Songs Featured From Some Of The Worship Teams, Worship Leaders, And Artists From the Largest Churches in The World, Including NewSpring Worship, Lakewood, Seacoast Worship, New Hope Oahu, G12 and many more.

Pure Flix Presents THE CASE FOR CHRIST Blu-ray™ combo pack, DVD, and Digital HD available Friday, August 15th with pre-orders starting now. Based on Lee Strobel’s bestselling book that stars Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen, Faye Dunaway, and Robert Forster.

After a successful digital debut of The Case For Christ: Songs Inspired By the Original Motion Picture album, DREAM Records has partnered with Pure Flix Home Entertainment to release the CD as part of DVD release in all Christian Book retailers along with 11 exclusive behind the scene videos from the artists on the album to all retailers.

The album features unreleased music from a wide range of worship teams including the powerful, The Evidence by New Hope Oahu, the hopeful, Believe by Seacoast Worship, the infectious, Our Great God by NewSpring Worship, the beautiful, Your Love Is Chasing Me by Soulfire Revolution, the glorious I Believe by Dove Award winning singer-songwriter Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, and many more.

In April, DREAM Records released the songs inspired album as an accompaniment to the national theatrical release. The digital album received critical praise from NewReleaseToday.com, Hallels.com, and CCM Magazine and the movie earned a “fresh” rating from critics at Rotten Tomatoes and a rare A+ from Cinemascore, the industry standard for measuring audience opinion of a film. The film also received the K-LOVE Fan Award for Film/Television Impact.

THE CASE FOR CHRIST is based on the 1980’s true story of a hard-driving journalist and atheist, Lee Strobel, who is exactly where he expected to be at work: on top. His award-winning investigative reporting has earned him a promotion to legal editor at the Chicago Tribune. But things aren’t going nearly as well at home, where his wife Leslie’s newfound Christian faith put a strain on their marriage. Lee sets a plan to use his investigative skills to disprove Christianity, which goes against everything Lee believes—or doesn’t believe—as an avowed atheist.

Utilizing his journalistic and legal training, Lee begins a quest to debunk the claims of Christianity in order to save his crumbling marriage. Chasing down the biggest story of his career, Lee comes face-to-face with unexpected results that could change everything he knows to be true.

Based on Lee Strobel’s award-winning bestselling book and starring Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen, Academy Award® winner Faye Dunaway and Academy Award® nominee Robert Forster. THE CASE FOR CHRIST was applauded by critics including Christianity Today, which declared that it ““stands among the best films produced yet by the Christian film industry.”

THE CASE FOR CHRIST is rated PG and directed by Jon Gunn (DO YOU BELIEVE?) from a script by Brian Bird (CAPTIVE, TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL). The film is produced by Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Russell Wolfe, Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis, Brittany Lefebvre, Karl Horstmann and Alysoun Wolfe.

For additional information about the film and the music log on to www.caseforchristmovie.com and www.dreamlabelgroup.com

Track Listing

1. JT Murrell – The Case For Christ

2. Seacoast Worship – Believe

3. New Hope Oahu – The Evidence

4. Justin Land of Stonecreek Worship – Great and Mighty

5. Cindy Cruse Ratcliff – I Believe

6. NewSpring Worship – Our Great God

7. Faith Life Church (feat. Open Heaven) – I Believe You Are Christ

8. The Church Vessel – Draw Near

9. Soulfire Revolution – Your Love Is Chasing Me

10. Heríam – Your Moment Has Come

11. The Church Vessel – Your Love

ABOUT PURE FLIX ENTERTAINMENT LLC

Founded in 2005 by Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Russell Wolfe and Elizabeth Travis, Pure Flix has become the largest independent faith and family studio in the world. Their recent releases include The Case for Christ, I’m Not Ashamed, God’s Not Dead 2, God’s Not Dead, Do You Believe?, Woodlawn and the upcoming Same Kind of Different as Me.

With offices in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Pure Flix has produced, acquired, marketed and distributed nearly 100 faith and family-friendly films. Aligned with their mission to transform the human spirit through values-based entertainment, Pure Flix is the industry leader in creating high-quality inspirational feature film content. Visit their official website.

ABOUT DREAM LABEL GROUP

DREAM was founded in 2008 to provide artists with a genuine approach to how real artist development should be done. By allowing for a partnership as a business model, DREAM’s artists empower themselves to develop and carry out a real vision for their lives as they affect other people’s lives with their music and message.

Incorporating social media, press, radio and touring, this allows the artists to grow together as a family.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios. Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Movie Promo, Music, Spirituality Tagged: Planetshakers, Potters House, TBAP News, We Are One - The Live Experience Album

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Published on July 01, 2017 23:00

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