I Want to Thank You

Yes folks, it's that time of the year. Time for me to share what I am thankful for - both the silly and sincere. Whatever it is, these things or people have somehow touched my life this year. So, in the immortal words of Karen Peck & New River - "I Want to Thank You..."

Thank you to everyone in the music industry who has been an encouragement to me this year. You guys have at times given me the boost to keep plugging along. You're quick to give an ear if advice is needed and also a great confidant. Thank you to people like Steve Allen, Rod & Kelly Burton, Crystal Burchette-Johnson, Kathy Hannah, Glen & Beckie (Simmons) Bates, Melissa Brady, Donna Beavuais, Kimberly Allen, Darrell & Chris Freeman, Misty Calloway, Kyle & Tara Jackson, Scott & Joni Robinson, Tony & Wendy Word, Brenda, Elaine, & Jimmy, Adam & Kathy Glover, Sharron Kay King, Holly & Eddie Carden, Tony & Pam Hensley, and Betty Jo & Johnny Hensley. You all are great!

Thanks to Twitter for being a great place to build and cultivate relationships that I wouldn't otherwise have built. It's been great getting to know people like @emilysutherland, @smsutherland, @maddyfatty, @lizmcmillan, @jimimacc, @kenebop, @menglish001, @joebonsall, @brandon_andrews, @josephhabedank, @libbistuffle, @unmarketing, @shannonmnorman, @christabanister, @drock777, @MikeEnglishFan, and many many more! Thanks for giving me another way to avoid doing my work! HA!

I'm thankful for the artists who have trusted me with their ministry. I love my job, and I can't imagine doing anything else right now. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of what you do!

I want to thank artists for continuing to make music that touches not only those that listen to it, but themselves as well. This year was a great year for me to talk with artists who are all about making music that satisfies their own spiritual hunger as well as the needs of those who hear their music. I stand in awe of your brilliance and the way you allow God to use you from a stage. Some of you have had to push through some major trials and heartbreaks in order to reach me, the listener. For that - I am thankful. So, major thanks to acts like Downhere, Karen Peck & New River, Leeland, Brandon Heath, Hawk Nelson, The Isaacs, The Perrys, David Crowder Band, Avalon, B,Reith, Sisters, Shane & Shane, Sara Groves, Matthew West, Priority, The Bowling Family, Crabb Revival, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Mark Schultz, Crystal River, The Freemans, Andrew Peterson, John Waller, Phil Wickham, and Greg Sczebel.

I have to give a special thanks to Steven Curtis Chapman who was willing to bear his soul on one of the most heartwrenching and inspiring records I have ever heard - Beauty Will Rise. Thank you for your sincerity, honesty, and obedience to the call of God on your life.

I'm thankful for friends and family who are my constant support system - Mom, Dad, Amy, Scott, Noel, Leah, Pastor, Mrs. Pastor, Steve, and theTRu! You guys are awesome!

I'm thankful for those zone-out moments where I can get away and not think about the cares of this world. Thank you to TV execs for making some of the best programming out there. I think I've enjoyed television more this year than movies - and that is a pretty big shocker. I'm especially thankful for The Office, 30 Rock, and Survivor.

Oh yeah, and I have to give a shout out to The Muppets! I still love you after all these years!

Most importantly, thank you to God who has continued to absolutely blow my mind this year. His faithfulness is unmatched, and His wonders never cease to amaze me. I'm thankful that he has allowed me to write anointed songs and sing anointed music. He's the most important thing in my life.

Thank you.

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