“You will fill me with your joy in Your presence.” -Psalm 16:11 This has never been more real in my life and heart. From Nashville, TN all the way home, and then to school, the Lord has been filling me with joy! In His presence, because He is always with me! And I have so much to write about!

Nashville for 3 months was AMAZING.  Not that I can really put it into words, but I will try! Picture going someplace with beautiful weather all the time, spending time doing something you absolutely LOVE, and being free to do it as much as you want, and that was Nashville for me! I spent 24-7 writing, recording, performing, practicing, and being surrounded with music! It was so much fun, and exactly what I was hoping for and more. We lived right across from CMC (contemporary music center) in apartments, and ours overlooked this beautiful hilly range. 

 

 

There were 28 of us in the program, from all over the US. And there were 3 different tracks. Artist, Business, and Technical. So I was an artist track, so I took songwriting classes, and focused on recording, and singing my butt off, and writing every chance I got. The Lord really used some tough times while I was down there, to help me write some pretty cool songs, and I’m so excited to release my CD next month! :) 4 brand new songs, and 1 new version of my song “Fly”. I learned so much, and grew so much as a musician, writer, and as a person. And I made some amazing relationships, that have changed me and that I will have for a long time! I definitely missed my family, and friends while I was gone though!

Sometimes, it takes leaving somewhere, to realize how sweet it is. Leaving Houghton College was a nice thing, but coming back was even better! The love and community in this place is amazing, and theres not many places in the world that are like that! I think it took leaving for a while to open my eyes to the wonder and the beauty of a place like Houghton. The amazing professors, the incredible friends, wonderful classes, caring community of believers, challenging courses, and great fun times! CMC was amazing too, don’t get me wrong. I learned SO SO much there, and the instructors, and really great. But Houghton is amazing too, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be here, as a student on such an amazing campus.

The Lord has provided through it all, and coming home and reuniting with my family, and friends has been sweeter than anything! The joy of the Lord’s presence is overwhelming, and a breath of completely satisfying life. I can’t wait to see where my path leads these next 6 months!