Today, my husband, Adam, is the author of this post!
As this year is coming to a close, I thought I’d take a moment to share what has been going on with my music, but more importantly with my heart.
I unofficially declared this year as a year of reflection and growth last January, and it has changed me in so many ways. I decided that in order for me to listen to God, I needed to eliminate some distractions in my life, starting with Facebook. Now I realize that to some, that may be the end of the world as they know, it but I can’t tell you how liberating it has been to not be a slave to the never-ending updates. I do think that Facebook is a very effective way to connect with family, friends, and fans and share so many great things with the people we care about, so I’ll probably be more active as 2013 approaches.
For so many years, my life and worth as a man has centered around, and been measured by, the amount of “success” I have in my music career. Nashville does a really great job of fostering that feeling of “if I only had a record deal, I’d be happy” or “if Rascal Flatts would just cut one of my songs, I’d have money”. But something happens when you have an amazing, loving, supportive wife and two wonderful daughters that can make you smile so much your cheeks hurt. You begin to realize that life is so much more than what you do. So, I’ve stripped myself of all the pretenses, self-fulfilling prophecies, and expectations, and I must say I’m happier, healthier and more blessed than I’ve ever been. I may not have a producer, manager, publishing deal or a platinum album, but God has revealed to me that I’m loved no matter what. My worth is not found on a tour bus or within the pages of a recording contract. And guess what, you are loved no matter what, too.
Now, in no way have I “given up”. Stef and I have decided that I’m going to continue to write, record, and share my songs to any and all who will listen. If I can make a living in the process, that would be awesome, but we refuse to let money, and the prospects of money, drive our decisions when it comes to sharing music that I pray can put a smile on someone’s face or make them look to God. I truly feel like I am finally doing music for the right reason. I still have dreams. I still have hopes. But most importantly, I still have love. I look forward to sharing my music and journey with you all. If you have an inspirational story, please share. God bless and Merry Christmas!
A Dreamer's Wife 
I loved reading this! I spent about 9 months being unemployed after I got married, and I constantly felt like who I was was defined by what I did. You’re so right that we’re so much more than our work…hindsight is 20/20, of course, but as my husband and I discern moving this summer and starting a family, those temptations to cling to work for identity are creeping in again. This is exactly what I needed to hear, and I enjoyed this peek into your outlook, Adam!
Thanks, Stephanie. This year has been quite a growing experience! God has been revealing a lot to Adam and I’m so proud of him! Good luck with your move and starting a family! I find myself struggling to balance everything the best that I can, but try to take it day by day!