It was Easter 2005 that my wife and I decided to take our 1 year old to church for the very first time. We slinked in hoping that no one would realize we were new. The first person we met was Pastor Dan... "Hey, how ya doin' I'm Dan. First time here? Who are you? Can I take your picture?" This is no exageration and I could NOT WAIT to get out of there.
But by the end of the service, my tune changed. He gave a great sermon and the music was awesome. And finally he announced that on the following Sunday he was starting a four-part sermon series based on Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying." I looked at my wife and said "Well, we at least have to come back for the next four weeks." We never stopped after that 4 weeks and little did I know that a year and a half later, on September 24th, 2006, God was going to use this wonderful, goofy but lovable pastor to change my life forever. He wasn't the first one to present me with the prayer of salvation but he was the one to get me to read it and commit my life to God!
I have always been into music but up until that day it was just listening, an occasional Karaoke performance, and turning up the stereo really loud when no one was around and pretending I was on an enormous stage (admit it, you've done it) :). Since then though, I have been singing on my worship team, learned to play guitar and keys (a little), have written several songs that have been fairly well accepted and I plan on recording professionally.
What a difference God makes, huh?
So... here I am, a 43 year old guy who feels the call to sing for Him and help others come a little bit closer through music! Through prayer and perseverence this will happen on His time. It is Him who gives me strength.
I have a wonderful wife and two great kids that are extremely supportive of this ministry. I love them with all my heart because they pray for me daily and love me unconditionally. I also have an older brother and sister who live in Arizona near my mom, and my in-law family, with only a couple of "out-laws, in Nebraska. I have been so blessed to have grown up in, and married into families that are just completely wonderful.
Thanks for visiting my page. I hope to have some more music up here soon.
God bless and Keep Livin' Out Loud!
Stan
"My soul will be satisfed with the richest foods. With singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalm 63:5