Remember!

There are some things we don’t want to forget. We have symbols to remind us of important occasions like a wedding ring (this summer marks Sherri’s and my 30th Wedding Anniversary). This weekend also marks our 20th year of living in Mount Hermon. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and it’s a special day for me. My dad was one of the 1,200 civilians on Wake Island (an architect in charge of the blueprints to build up the island). As WWII began, my dad was taken as a POW for all four years [a “good read” from my dad’s friend who was with him during that time is Jim’s Journey – A Wake Island Civilian POW’s Story].

When it comes to important things to remember, the Bible tells us to remember the Lord Jesus Christ: His life, His death, His resurrection, and His coming again (Matthew 26:26-29). Remember how deeply Jesus loves you! May He consume your life.

Thank you for your interest in what God is doing through Heartfelt Music Ministry. We’d like to give you the gift of a free digital download of my song “Remember” on the album Instrumental Guitar Volume 1 (CLICK HERE to download or just check out).

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Free Guitar Clinic at Bayside Church Woodland

Sunday, June 1, I’ll will be performing a worship concert at Bayside Church in Woodland during their 10:00am service. They meet at Pioneer High School in the morning. Then, at 1:00, I’ll be teaching a free Guitar Clinic at their office location. CLICK HERE to register. This free Guitar Clinic is an opportunity to invest in your talent on guitar. Recommended for intermediate and advanced guitarists, Reggie will share fun techniques which will enhance your playing expression and live performance. Invite your friends!

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Albums

Enjoy the free song “Remember” by clicking HERE. Both of my latest albums, Here & Now and Instrumental Guitar Volume 1, are available on our website, CDbaby, iTunes, Rhapsody, Spotify, and others  The lyrics and the stories behind the songs on Here & Now are on the Heartfelt Music Blog HERE. The stories behind the songs on Instrumental Guitar Volume 1 are on the Heartfelt Music Blog HERE.

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Worship at Valley Christian High School

The Valley Christian School year is wrapping up the end of this month and it has been such a blessing! The two High School bands have led the 1,400 students in worship during chapels every week. It’s been a delight to work with the groups, learn new songs, and see significant spiritual growth in the lives of the student body. you can hear and see a song called You Are Good by one of the worship teams at the BASS Convention in March [CLICK HERE to view].

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Life More Abundantly

In the wake of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, His words echo even today reminding us that He brings life more abundantly, “The thief comes in order to steal, kill, and destroy; but I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). We don’t have to look very far to see how the evil one, the thief, daily works to steal, kill, and destroy. But, thank God, Jesus takes dead things and brings them back to life. He takes wounded people and brings restoration and healing. Not only does he bring abundant life, He brings life more abundantly than anything else! Feel lost? He is the Savior! Feel broken? He brings wholeness! Feel fear and unrest? He is the peace-giver! Feel depressed? He brings a deeper joy!

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Turn to Jesus. Draw close to Him. Let Him put life back into your moment-by-moment experiences. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:4 & 5). Such a great reminder! [CLICK HERE to watch uplifting music videos]

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Thank you for your support both prayerfully and financially. Your involvement is so encouraging and propels us forward toward effective ministry.

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April Ministry

On April 12 & 13, I led worship with a great crew of musicians at Community Presbyterian Church‘s Video Cafe for Palm Sunday. It was a rich time of worship over three Palm Sunday services and fellowship as some of the musicians were friends going back 30 years. Private guitar lessons continue to flourish (a new student begins this week!). Valley Christian School has kept me so busy with classes both current and future which I love. They are adding a Guitar 2 class that I am developing the curriculum for. This week has been spring break and it’s so nice having free time!

July One-Time Guitar Lessons

I’m taking a break this summer from the regularly scheduled lessons, but will be teaching one-time discounted lessons throughout the S.F. Bay Area July 7-13 (Mon-Sun). All the available lessons are found on the Heartfelt Music Smart Events site. Right now, only the lessons in Los Altos and Mount Hermon are listed. The others will be listed soon. Sign up soon to spur you on to greater ability and skill. I will be performing a series of concerts as well that same week. The first one will be at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos, July 7 (Mon), 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!

Download products at Gumroad.com

You can now download 7 of my albums, 1 music book, and a Special Report on Music and Worship in the Santa Clara Valley at Gumroad.com. You can even download the song Flame for FREE, off the new Here & Now album! Gumroad.com products are slightly discounted. My two latest albums are still available on iTunes, CD Baby, Rapsody, Amazon, as well as the Heartfelt Music Product Page. Check them out and may the music encourage you and give you hope!

Coming Events

• May 4 (Sun)  Teaching a workshop called Leading Worship Effectively & Team Building at Santa Clara Alliance Church in San Jose, CA.
• June 1 (Sun)  Leading worship and teaching a guitar clinic at Bayside Church in Woodland, CA.
• June 23-27  (Mon-Fri)  Leading music with band for Vacation Bible School, Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, CA
• July 7  (Mon)  Concert at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos, 7:00pm-8:15pm.
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More events on the Heartfelt Music Calendar

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Lead Like Jesus

The way Jesus led his disciples and influenced others throughout his life is the best example for us in leading today! The principles He demonstrated were powerful and relevant. A month ago, Scott Farmer, the pastor from Community Presbyterian Church, taught on Leading Like Jesus which really captured my attention. I learned Lead Like Jesus is a book by Ken Blanchard which is also available as a CD audiobook, so I picked one up from Amazon.com and just finished it. Rick Warren and Bill Hybels helped host it. The concepts of being a servant leader and using Jesus as our prime example of how to lead has been so encouraging. Look to Jesus as you follow Him and lead others!

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Thank you for continuing to pray for me and Heartfelt Music Ministry! If God leads, join a special generous group of folks who support us financially.

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BASS Conference Reflection

The BASS Church Workers Conference was a huge success. I held three workshops on Friday, Creative Songwriting, Worship Infusion, and Dynamic Guitar in Worship at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley. On Saturday, I led a special workshop with one of the Valley Christian High School Worship Teams called Worship Band Interactive at First Baptist Church of Castro Valley. We had a great response with a lot of interaction and participation! Click on the picture above or HERE to see our opening song It Is Good.

March Ministry Update

The Santa Cruz lighthouse, pictured here last weekend with beautiful weather, is a superb example of what I want myself and Heartfelt Music to be: A guiding light to all we encounter! Besides The BASS Conference and guitar lessons, there’s been a ton of significant ministry happening at Valley Christian School. We just had the Visual and Performing Arts assembly which highlighted the Conservatory of the Arts there. It represented Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, Strings Ensemble, Ceramics, Photography, Art, and more. Teaching 3 Worship Teams, the Music Technology class, and the Intro to Guitar and Electric Bass class has been so fulfilling.

Exciting Guitar Lessons

I just added two new guitar students (welcome Kenna in Los Altos and Josiah in Mount Hermon). This makes 27 guitar students. Some have lessons every week, some have lessons every other week, and some have lessons once a month.  Each lesson is tailored to each individual to get them excited about guitar in the timing and schedule they can handle. There are more openings in Los Altos and Mount Hermon if you know someone who wants to learn guitar.

Coming Events

April 12 & 13  Helping lead music and worship with Community Presbyterian Church in Danville for their Video Cafe, Palm Sunday. More events on the Heartfelt Music Calendar

Equipping Others

Most of what Heartfelt Music Ministry does is encourage others to draw near to God (Heb. 12:2), empower them to live life to the full (Jn. 10:10), and equip them for ministry (Eph. 4;12):  Lessons, workshops, worship leading, concerts, motivational speaking…all to encourage, empower, and equip.

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BASS Conference March 7 & 8

The BASS Church Workers Conference is an affordable way to train all volunteer church workers for effective ministry. It will be at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley with one workshop up the street at First Baptist Church of Castro Valley.  They have workshops and general sessions for all volunteers: greeters, children’s workers, youth workers, pastors, music & worship, etc. I’ll be leading three workshops on Friday, Creative Songwriting (9:00 AM), Worship Infusion (10:45 AM), and Dynamic Guitar in Worship [Intermediate – Advanced] (1:30 AM). On Saturday, I’ll be leading a special workshop with the Valley Christian High School Worship Team called Worship Band Interactive (12:45 PM). This one will be at First Baptist Church so we can use the whole stage. Come by yourself or bring your whole worship team. You will be truly enriched!

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February Ministry Recap

I’ve been leading worship for 4 weekends at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville in their contemporary Video Cafe.  They have a service on Saturday afternoon and two services on Sunday morning. The people are so fun to work with. It is one of those churches where the musicians and technicians are so skillful, it takes no time at all to create outstanding arrangements to bless the Lord and the congregation. I’ll be helping again for Palm Sunday in April.

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I have 25 private students who began a new season for the new year and we’re going strong. I love working with these guitarists and love watching them improve. It challenges me to have students want to learn particular popular or classic songs as well as learn my own songs which can be pretty challenging. I am keeping my own skill level fresh by learning new songs (Drifting by Andy McKee and Smiles and Smiles to Go by Larry Carlton) and writing new songs. I’m on my way to putting together a new instrumental album…Instrumental Guitar Volume 2!

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“Carpe Diem” means “seize the day” (or, like ripe fruit, “pluck the day”). I’ve been taking advantage of the time I have each day, filling-out my life with the things that matter to God and to me. This week is Winter Break for Valley Christian Schools and has allowed me a good balance of relaxing, starting new things, and catching up with ministry as well as personal things.

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I’ve started a new instrumental album called Instrumental Guitar Volume 2. I’m learning cool songs by contemporary guitarists such as Andy McKee (Drifting) and Larry Carlton (Smiles and Smiles to Go). Plus, I’m writing new songs with lots of advanced guitar techniques. It’s very fun creating songs and being challenged while learning other artist’s songs.

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I’m keeping in shape physically through daily exercise (like jogging, crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks, and kicking). Keeping in shape mentally through learning French (The Duo Lingo APP for iPhone). Keeping in shape spiritually through daily Bible reading (I just finished reading through the Bible again and today I’m on Genesis 10), listening to audio books (Lead Like Jesus and RC Sproul’s Systematic Theology) which is a good way to use time in the car as I travel, currently memorizing Romans 12:1-5, and lots of prayer.

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My family is doing well. The boys are enjoying majoring in Animation/Illustration at SJSU (check out one of Brandon’s paintings above). We’ve been playing some Halo 4 recently which is a fun bonding time. Sherri continues to take care of us boys and is busy creating center-pieces for Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Women’s Retreat. Earlier this week, we went out to dinner for a “date night” in Santa Cruz.

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Please, continue to pray for balance in my life, protection and health for my family, and God’s favor in all we do. May God enrich your personal life as you stay close to Him in all you do.

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Moving Forward in 2014!

Vacation was so relaxing, but now I’m back in the fast lane. I can’t complain because I’m doing what I love. I feel so blessed to be teaching, leading worship, and spending most of my days in music and ministry. I’m playing guitar at least an hour everyday. This year will hold more training, concerts, and worship leading.  Thank you for your interest in what God is doing through Heartfelt Music Ministry.
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Concert-Worship Leading-VCS
Check out what’s happening in the columns below which are significant events for the next couple of weeks.  I’ll be performing a benefit concert at The King’s Academy this Friday night at 7:00pm. I’ve been leading worship at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville and will be leading for two more weekends in the Video Cafe. I’m training and leading three worship bands at Valley Christian School as well as teach a Guitar for Fun class at the elementary school. We will have a week long Spiritual Emphasis Week in a couple of weeks using all three worship bands.
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Accelerate the Impact
The Accelerate the Impact support opportunity, over November and December, was a tremendous blessing. We received $4,100.00 which will help Heartfelt Music Ministry to do more ministry…sooner.  It will still take just over a year to pay off this debt we’re carrying.  Thank you for praying for us and for your generous donations. Please, CLICK HERE to make a donation or sign up to support us monthly.
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Albums
Both of my latest albums, Here & Now and Instrumental Guitar Volume 1, are available on our website, CDbaby, iTunes, Rhapsody, Spotify, and others  The lyrics and the stories behind the songs on Here & Now are on the Heartfelt Music Blog HERE. The stories behind the songs on Instrumental Guitar Volume 1 are on the Heartfelt Music Blog HERE.

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Benefit Concert at the King’s Academy

This Friday, I’ll will be performing a concert at The King’s Academy in Sunnyvale as a fundraiser to benefit their Guadalajara Service Trip and Hope House in Ixtlahuacan, Mexico. The cost is $8.00 in The King’s Academy Theater. I’ll be sharing songs from my two latest albums and leading worship with familiar songs.  Come join us!

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Worship at CPC in Danville

This weekend, February 1 & 2, I will be leading worship with Community Presbyterian Church in Danville making beautiful music joining with their excellent musicians. Come join the great worship and teaching for 5:00pm service for the Gathering in the Multi Purpose Room and on Sunday for the Video Cafe in the same place.

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Chapels at VCS

I am leading three worship bands at Valley Christian Schools.  We just finished studying a book called Becoming a True Worshiper by Tom Kreauter. The bands lead the 2,000 students in worship during chapels every week. It’s a delight to work with the groups, learn new songs, and see significant spiritual growth in the lives of the student body.

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Coming Events

Jan 31 (Friday)

Performing a concert for The King’s Academy in Sunnyvale as a fundraiser to benefit their Guadalajara Service Trip and Hope House in Ixtlahuacan, Mexico. The cost is $8.00 in The King’s Academy Theater. It will be from 7:00-8:30.

Feb 1 & 2 (Saturday & Sunday)

Leading Worship at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville on Saturday night for The Gathering (6:00pm) and on Sunday for the Video Cafe (9:00pm & 10:45pm).

Feb 7 & 8 (Saturday & Sunday)

Leading Worship at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville on Saturday night for The Gathering (6:00pm) and on Sunday for the Video Cafe (9:00pm & 10:45pm).

Mar 7 & 8 (Friday & Saturday)

Teaching Workshops at BASS (Church Workers Convention in Castro Valley: Teaching four workshops: Creative Songwriting, Worship Infusion, Dynamic Guitar in Worship, and Worship Band Interactive.

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Happy New Year!

May this coming year make you stronger than ever

2013 is almost over and 2014 is almost here. Now is a good time to reflect on the “sweet and sour” times over the last year, but ending with thankfulness knowing God works all things out for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). It’s also a great time to look ahead and set goals. God has plans for you to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Stay close to God and He will make a way for you. On behalf of the Heartfelt Music & Ministry crew, Happy New Year! May you enjoy this video of me performing the song Getting Stronger.

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Accelerate the Impact
There’s only one day left to help fund Heartfelt Music & Ministry’s Accelerate the Impact.  So far we’ve raised over $4,000.00 and we shout a grateful “Thank you!” to all who have contributed. Please, consider helping us with a donation of any size.  We appreciate your support!

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Get the New Album
Check out the new album Here & Now on iTunes, CD Baby, Rapsody, Amazon or at our website’s Product Page. You can find all the lyrics and stories on our blog by clicking HERE. As a special gift, we’d like you to enjoy a free MP3 Download of the song “Flame” from the new album by clicking HERE.

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Accelerate the Impact is a one-time support opportunity through December 31, 2013, to relieve the financial burden we have incurred over the years from ministry events like the Christian Guitar & Bass Conferences. These events have had exponential impact on thousands of lives, but they have left us with a financial burden that inhibits us from certain ministry possibilities. Though powerful ministry continues today through private lessons and worship leading in churches throughout the Bay Area, we are limited in some ways because of this current weight of debt.

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Your gift will propel Heartfelt Music Ministry to touch more lives and encourage more people toward a greater faith in Jesus Christ. The sooner this is paid off, the sooner more enhanced ministry opportunities can take place.  CLICK HERE to get started!

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The total below represents what has been given directly through Indiegogo.com.  However, some have chosen to give cash or checks directly to Heartfelt and some have contributed through PayPal.com making the total almost $4,000.00 by Christmas day.  We are so grateful!

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I hope this Christmas is filled with meaningful moments with family and a strong sense of “making room” for Jesus.  As the Christmas carol Joy to the World exhorts, “Let every heart prepare Him room!”  Though times are tough and we wish things could be different, let’s turn to the One who is in control and worship Him.  This Christmas, may you have a “Mary Christmas!”

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A Season of Giving!

Christmas is coming and there are reminders everywhere, all over the world!  Jesus is the center of our celebration and relationships are what He’s about.  More than “loving things,” Jesus has demonstrated His deep “love for us” by becoming one of us, giving His very life, and making a way for us to be with Him forever.  This is a season of giving as we recognize and value the relationships God has brought into our lives.  May this be a most meaningful Christmas for you, your family, and your friends.

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As a special gift, we’d like you to enjoy a free MP3 Download of the song “Flame” from the new album Here & Now (CLICK HERE).

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We are holding a one-time opportunity for you to give to Heartfelt Music Ministry called Accelerate the Impact.  We have never done something like this before and will not be doing it again.  Unlike most non-profit ministries who hold yearly giving campaigns, we have not chosen to do that. People have volunteered one-time donations and some give monthly or bi-monthly. This is how we thrive.  The Accelerate the Impact opportunity is a way to help Heartfelt Music Ministry start fresh by paying off the $21,000 debt from the past Christian Guitar and Bass Conferences.  See details below and visit the Indiegogo site for more information.

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My new album, Here & Now, just came out last week!  You can hear excerpts at iTunes, CD Baby, Rapsody, Amazon, and you can order physical CDs at our product page or CD Baby.  I continue to teach about 30 guitar students, lead worship at various churches, and train through workshops.  I’m setting up January events now, so let me know if I can join you or your church in some way.  Wrapping up a semester at Valley Christian School which has been a rewarding ministry experience.  Our Christmas concerts will be all next week, Tuesday through Friday at the California Theatre in San Jose.

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