At heart, I am an entrepreneur, worshiper, and singer/songwriter. As a songwriter, thats just what I do. Its kinda like breathing for me. I generally cant sit down with an instrument for too long without writing something.

As a kid growing up, I always loved music. I remember playing Radio DJ all the time. Id get a tape and then record songs off the radio, and then edit myself in as the DJ. I look back and laugh now, but it was a blast as a kid. I always thought that I would be a Radio DJ, or something like that.

I accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at the age of 7. Looking back, I knew what I was doing, but it was done more out of a religious responsibility.

It was also around age 7 that I started taking piano lessons. (Ironically, it was against my will.) I never succeeded with the piano lessons. During my practice time, I was too busy experimenting with my own ideas, and never actually learned what I was supposed to.

Going into my teen years, I began to question what it was that I was really meant to do. I was beginning to develop an eternal mindset. Everything that I wanted to do or thought I would be good at no longer seemed to be of any true value for me. Those things no longer seemed to have any lasting value beyond my own life.

I then began to realize that the only thing we can actually take with us when we leave this life, are the people and relationships weve developed along the way. Impacting others became a real priority for me. But I still was lost as to how I was going to be used and what it was that I was meant to do.

At this point, at about age 13, a major turning point took place. I was watching a program featuring Christian/Gospel music. The program featured various testimonies from those that were impacted by the music featured in this specific CD collection. One particular testimony impacted me in a very profound way and has given undeniable direction to my life ever since.

A woman began to tell her story of a life filled with drugs, depression, abuse, and hopelessness. She said that she got to a point in her journey where life no longer mattered and that she felt no reason to continue living. She decided that she was going to take her own life. Well, the night this decision was to be acted upon, she heard a song that changed her course. That song was Place In This World by Michael W Smith.

She said that she felt the presence of the Lord during that song. It gave her hope to hang on for one more day. If it hadnt been for the Lord using that song, at that specific time, she said she would have ended her life. The song was a precious tool in the hand of the Almighty!

I can remember it like it was today. I said to myself (and to my grandparents who were watching along) Thats it! Thats what I want to do! I want to write music that can be used by God to impact someones life like that. That has eternal value! And the rest will soon be history. That moment ignited the lamp that has lead me to this moment in time.

I have begun producing and recording my first record. Its a very exciting time! Challenging, but very exciting. Im doing my very best to be obedient to the voice of God and follow His lead in all that I do. Hes given me songs that I know will be used for His purposes and His glory. I have no idea or notion of how He will use them. But I know He will.

The journey has just begun!

-JGM