11/3 Checking In: Random Thoughts

We just completed an incredible tour. Being with Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, Toby Mac, Diverse City, and Jason Gray was a true honor. In just a few short weeks, over 13,000 fans were sponsored with World Vision as a result of the fans and pastors who came out to the show. How cool is that!

It's now been a couple of days since the end of the tour, and I'm starting to feel re-acclamaited to home life. I'm trying to eat well, exercise, carpool my kids around to their various activities, and do some planning for the spring. The ideas have been flowing from everything to merchandise, production, and a new initiative for the Come Together Fund.

Oh yea, and we have a new record. MOVE. This is our 11th studio project. We've kind of laughed through the years at all the artists who always tell you their latest project is their best. We really try to not do that. We always put our best effort into the music we make, and hope the result is reflective of where we are musically and spiritually. What has been cool with this project is we haven't had to tell anyone it's our best record. You guys are saying it for us, and it feels awesome. After so many years and projects, to have you guys responding to the music with so much enthusiasm is really exciting for us. I can not wait to start playing more of these songs live, especially Surrender, but that's just me.

One part of the MAD Tour I really enjoyed was the Q&A Time for the VIP ticket holders. It was sort of some daily therapy as all the artists got on the couch and talked about their lives and artistry. Through that time, I was better able to think through and articulate what I'm feeling for this MOVE season. The song Revelation really hit a sweet spot for so many people. The song is basically a prayer to God asking for direction. "Tell me should I stay here, or do I need to move?" Well, after a couple years to let that prayer marinate, we're feeling a pretty clear call to MOVE.

Have you ever tried to steer you car when you're in Park? The tires grind on the asphalt and your car stays pointed in the same direction. However, when you step on the accelerator, even just a little bit, you can steer the car with ease and the whole car turns. I think that sometimes as Christians, we are asking God for direction, and God may very well be turning our wheels, but until we get out of park and step on the gas, it's pretty hard to feel the effects of God's steering. Maybe this a season to start moving forward, and trust that as we do God will give us the direction we need. Psallm 119:105 says, "your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path."

What does that mean? Maybe it's time to go across the world to respond to the calling God's placed on your life. Maybe it's time to go across the street. Maybe it's time to finish that degree and go for your potential at work. Maybe it's time to step away something destructive in your life, and embrace the freedom we have in Christ.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this new season brings. It's your move.

Tai