Building Relationships

Last month, I highlighted Living a Balanced life with the idea of making choices to enjoy all you do and not get burned out. This month, I’d like to touch on how to build and maintain relationships that are positive and mutually beneficial. God wants us to love everyone as He loves them. But, Jesus demonstrated that it’s only natural to be closer to some people (such as the 12 disciples) and recognize some people are toxic and should be handled carefully (such a some Pharisees). In general, it’s best to be inclusive and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Maneuvering through the world of relationships can be complicated and frustrating as well as rewarding and encouraging. Stephen Covey, in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (and his book on the added 8th Habit) gives 4 interpersonal habits for us to keep in mind to help us nurture our relationships with others. These have been very inspiring for me. Building relationships is not something we arrive at. It’s ongoing and must be intentional. We make plenty of mistakes along the way. May the following principles help you on your journey.

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1)  Think Win-Win [Habit 4]
Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a “win” for all.

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2)  Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood [Habit 5]
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you.

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3)  Synergize [Habit 6]
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could do alone.

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4)  Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs [Habit 8]
Out of your uniqueness and strengths, find your influence.  Then help others find theirs. Watch out for the 5 cancerous behaviors:  criticism, complaining, comparing, competing, & contending.

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Thank you so much for being a part of the Heartfelt Music Ministry community. It’s because of your prayers and support that we are able to continue to lead others toward intimacy with God and toward excellence in artistry.

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Since it’s still summer, you may want to watch my Summer Home Concert on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/dpx16y_XN6o. I played all the songs on my latest album, Encore, and wrapped it up with My Prayer for You. I hope it encourages you!

Valley Christian School Begins

I’m continuing to teach music, guitar, worship and video at Valley Christian Schools with both junior high and high school. Last week, I played bass guitar for our first worshipful Convocation.

Summer Concert Series Recap

The Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series was such a blessing. Each concert brought in more people than ever! The last concert with Phillips, Craig & Dean had almost 700 attending.

Encore Summer Concert

Watch last month’s Summer Home Concert on my YouTube channel, with songs from the new album, Encore, (and My Prayer for You). You can hear clips of each song on the album Encore at HearNow.com.

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Living a Balanced Life

Here we are in the middle of summer and it sure is flying by. I’m continuing to lead worship at various churches in the Bay Area and weekly train musicians and worship leaders in-person and through Zoom. I’m so grateful to help others excel in their musical and ministry endeavors.
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There are four Saturdays left of the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series. All the concerts are free, but you must register through iTickets. Veritas had to move to July 29, with Michael O’Brien, because of a family emergency. Here’s the new line-up:

• 7/15 – Nicole Nordeman
• 7/22 – The King’s Brass
• 7/29 – Michael O’Brien & Veritas
• 8/5 – Phillips, Craig & Dean (sold out)
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I did a Summer Home Concert through Facebook Live which is now available on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/dpx16y_XN6o. I played all the songs on my latest album, Encore, and wrapped it up with My Prayer for You. I hope it encourages you!
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I’ve been hearing recently that more and more people are experiencing anxiety, emptiness, and despair. More pastors are feeling lonely; care workers are feeling discouraged; and teachers are feeling less valued. One way to personally work through this disheartening trend is by living a balanced life. How are we doing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Stephen Covey, in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, gives 4 personal habits for us to keep in mind to help us stay balanced and victorious in life. These have been very inspiring for me.
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1)  Be Proactive [Habit 1]
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.
2)  Begin with the End in Mind [Habit 2]
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life.
3)  Put First Things First [Habit 3]
Prioritize your life. Make sure you put the important things in your life before the many little things that can keep you from what matters most.
4)  Sharpen the Saw [Habit 7]
Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. Make regular time to reload physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Our relationship with God is vital in maintaining a balanced life: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). God loves us deeply and wants us to enjoy an abundant life! May you experience intimacy with Jesus in a fresh way this summer!
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Thank you so much for your ongoing prayers and support for Heartfelt Music® Ministry. We couldn’t do this ministry without you.

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Upcoming Events

• July 16 & 30 (Sundays)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
• July 23 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
• August 3 (Thursday)
  I’ll be playing instrumental guitar music during an Ice Cream Social at Saratoga Retirement Community, 14500 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA  95070, 6:30pm-8:00pm.

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Joy and Hope through Music

I pray your summer is off to good start! This Saturday begins the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, June 24, at 6:30pm, with Buddy Greene and two of his talented friends Jeff Taylor and Dave Dillard. All the concerts are free, but you must register through iTickets. Here’s the line-up:

• 6/24 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor and Dave Dillard
• 7/1 – Southern Raised
• 7/8 – Veritas
• 7/15 – Nicole Nordeman
• 7/22 – The King’s Brass
• 7/29 – Michael O’Brien
• 8/5 – Phillips, Craig & Dean
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This Sunday, June 25, I will be performing live online with a Summer Home Concert at 5:00pm, through Facebook Live. I’ll be doing songs from my new album, Encore, and special requests. Let me know what songs you’d like to hear beforehand so I can be ready (email me at [email protected]. Visit the HearNow.com website to hear the songs on Encore. All my products are available at the Heartfelt Music Ministry website. Hope you can join me on Sunday.
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Summer Begins

Fortunately, I’ve had a break for a couple of weeks between Valley Christian School and the Summer Concert Series with Mount Hermon. Lessons and worship leading are continuing throughout the summer.

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MH Concert Series

Buddy’s beautiful songwriting, singing, guitar playing, and harmonica playing will be enhanced by his multi-talented friends Jeff Taylor and Dave Dillard. They are an incredibly talented and hilarious trio.

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Encore Concert

Join me for a Summer Home Concert Sunday, June 25, at 5:00pm, with songs from my new album, Encore, and special requests. You can hear clips of each song on the album Encore at HearNow.com.

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Upcoming Events

• June 25 (Sunday)
  I’ll be doing a Home Concert June 25 at 5:00pm through Facebook Live sharing songs from the new album Encore and playing some songs by special request.
• July 2, 16, 30 (Sundays)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
• July 23 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.

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Jesus Has Risen!

I hope you have been enjoying the build-up to tomorrow’s celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Join me at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle at 6:30am for their Sunrise Service (our usual gathering at the Ponderosa Lodge Cross is closed for reconstruction). This week has been a reflection on what drove Jesus to the cross, our seperation from God. We need a Savior. I led worship for a gathering of four churches last night in Santa Clara during Good Friday and it was sobering to share communion as Jesus did before he went to the cross. “Remember me, my life given for you, and the New Covenant of my life in you.” On Easter, Jesus conquered death and, not only completely forgave us of our sin, but empowers us to live in His resurrection victory. May you experience His life in you today and everyday!

The ministry momentum for Heartfelt Music Ministry is creating an astounding influence in keeping with our Mission Statement: Leading others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry. We have just selected the worship team for next year at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose. What a joy to train these students to encourage 2300 students in worship during chapels. This winter and spring, I have been training musicians and leading worship for San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church. I’m continuing to mentor through private lessons in-person and through Zoom. I’ve been preparing and producing the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, which is shaping up to be an inspiration for those who attend. We’ll have seven concerts this summer. Mark your calendars and join in the fun!

• 6/24 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor and Ron Block
• 7/1 – Southern Raised
• 7/8 – Veritas
• 7/15 – Nicole Nordeman
• 7/22 – The King’s Brass
• 7/29 – Michael O’Brien
• 8/5 – Phillips, Craig & Dean

I hope you have been able to enjoy my new album, Encore. Visit the HearNow.com website to access links to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, etc. Check out all my products available at the Heartfelt Music website.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Family Time

I was able to spend a few day in Oregon visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and grand-daughter a couple of weeks ago. It was fun being together amidst the combination of snow, rain, and sunny days. They are so precious. I was able to be a handyman for a few days.

Private Lessons

If you are interested in private lessons/ coaching this summer, email me at [email protected]. “Reggie is an amazing teacher with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and love for music and the guitar. His knowledge is vast. My son loves Reggie and waits for his lesson.” ~ Nadiya

Encore Album

Listen to my newest album Encore at HearNow.com as well as my other 7 available albums: Heartfelt Worship, Heartfelt Celebration, Instrumental Guitar – Volume I, Instrumental Guitar – Volume II, Here & Now, Intimacy, and I Wish You a Mary Christmas.

Upcoming Events

• April 9 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle. [It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa Lodge being temporarily closed for remodeling.]
• April 16 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
• April 23 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.

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Designing Ministry for 2023

I hope you are healthy and enjoying the start of a new year. Heartfelt Music Ministry is beginning 2023 with a great sense of anticipation! Ministry is continuing through mentoring young musicians at Valley Christian Schools, teaching private lessons, helping churches with their worship ministries, doing concerts, and organizing summer concerts for Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. I’m specifically working with San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church in leading worship and encouraging their musicians.

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My new album, Encore, is out with new songs to inspire your faith in Christ. There was a delay in getting the album out because my voice wasn’t very strong in November and December, but finally it’s ready. It is now available to stream through Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and many more. Check out this page: https://reggiecoates.hearnow.com/encore.

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The music notation and guitar tablature is available for the first song on the album I’ll Worship with My Life. Visit my Gumroad page at https://reggie.gumroad.com/l/worshipwithmylife.

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Heartfelt Music Ministry is looking ahead to do more concerts both live and online, more training both individually and in groups, and more ministry with churches to lead others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry.

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Thank you for your encouragement for me to continue creating uplifting music and investing in others. It’s exciting to see how music can touch people’s lives. I appreciate your prayers!

Encore is Here!

The new album is out! Relationships are at the center of this new musical expression. It is now available to stream through Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and many more.

Generous Support

A huge “Thank you!” to those who gave so generously to help the new album come to fruition. Your gifts totalled $500, which was the goal! It’s so fulfilling to serve the Lord with you!

Music & Tab

My song I’ll Worship with My Life, from the new album Encore is now available digitally to purchase for only $2.99. It’s fully written out in music notation and guitar tablature.Go to my Gumroad.

Upcoming Events

• March 5, 19 (Sundays)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.
• March 12 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
• April 9 (Sun)
  I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at Mount Hermon, CA 95041. It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa being temporarily closed for remodeling, but will be located either at Victory Circle (Conference Center) or the Pavilion (Redwood Camp).

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Merry Christmas!

On behalf of me, my family, and the Heartfelt Music® Ministry Board of Directors, we wish you a Merry Christmas and meaningful New Year celebration! May you feel refreshed and de-stressed during this holiday season.

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Two years ago, I did a Home Christmas Concert and created a Christmas album for you to enjoy. This Christmas, may the songs lift you up and remind you of what this season is all about.

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If you would like to watch it, here’s the link – https://youtu.be/MrUfoSszURM

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As some of you know, I wrote a Christmas song with a unique slant, I Wish You a Mary Christmas. The song refers to Martha in Luke 10 who was so busy with her preparations that she missed the most important thing. Her sister Mary understood that worshiping Jesus is more valuable to Him than serving. God’s priority is to be intimate with us in a loving relationship, so let’s slow down and worship Him through all we do, in good times and bad.

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• Hear how it sounds and where it’s available – https://reggiecoates.hearnow.com/i-wish-you-a-mary-christmas
• You can purchase it digitally through Gumroad – https://reggie.gumroad.com/l/GihjX
• You can purchase it physically though our website – https://heartfeltmusic.org/products/#Physical_Products
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I am almost done creating a new album called Encore, which will be released soon. This is a collection of six new songs and two medleys of my songs on the themes of God’s Love and Jesus in Me. I’ve finished recording all the songs and now I’m mastering them. What a joy to have new songs to share!

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This year has been full of ministry. The first semester of Valley Christian School has come to completion. The Worship Teams, Guitar classes and video classes that I teach have been so fun! I am also leading worship and training twice a month with San Jose Christian Reformed Church. I’m continuing to teach private music lessons (guitar, bass guitar, and voice), some in-person and some through Zoom.

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Thank you to those who generously donated to Heartfelt Music Ministry this last year! We appreciate you so much and definitely couldn’t do this ministry without you! Would you consider a year-end gift to enhance the impact or our ministry? You can donate to Heartfelt Music through Pay Pal Giving Fund with no fees taken out. If you buy anything on Amazon.com and go through Amazon Smile with Heartfelt Music Ministry as your cherity, we receive a percentage of your purchase without costing you anything extra. Same with eBay.com with eBay GivingWorks (listing Heartfelt Music as your Charity), we receive a contribution at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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Upcoming Events

Jan 1 & 15 (Sundays)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come. You can enjoy the service at home online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos.

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I’ll Worship with My Life

Since the beginning of August, I’ve hit the road running! This summer has been a respite and refresher in many ways, but now life and ministry gets pretty full. It’s a joy serving the Lord through Valley Christian Schools and the worship teams are gearing up to lead worship in more Chapels this year. Mount Hermon summer concerts went very well and I’m meeting with leaders this week to select next year’s artists. I’ll be leading worship once a month at San Jose Christian Reformed Church and you can join the service online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos. I’m continuing to teach private lessons through Zoom and in person this Fall, which is very fulfilling to invest in their growth skillfully and spiritually. I’ll continue helping with the leadership of the Mount Hermon Community group.

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This summer, I’ve been working on a new album and the opening song is an upbeat proclamation of my resolve to worship God with my whole life. The chorus is:

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I’ll worship with my life
To be a living sacrifice
An instrument to magnify You
I’ll worship with my life
More than all the words I say
I’ll follow You in every way
And love You with my life.

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Romans 12:1 is my inspiration: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

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God deserves our worship and love! May we fully take on our spiritual service of worship and completely surrender our lives to Him. I pray that God would bless you this Fall, bringing encouragement and a sense of newness to everything that comes your way.
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Resurrection Transformation

I hope you are enjoying this Easter season and enjoying a break! I’ll be leading music at Mount Hermon’s Sunrise Service this Sunday and hope you can join the celebration.

Reflecting on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we know the crucifixion of Christ and his resurrection took place…it’s a part of history. Jesus was crucified in a horrific way and truly paid for the price for sin on our behalf. And Jesus did raise from the dead, conquering death and reigns in heaven.

But, these events didn’t end there. Unfortunately, there is a crucifixion mind-set that permeates our world today. Some people reveal a mind-set determined to be destructive and hurt others. Fortunately, because Jesus rose from the dead, there is an ongoing resurrection transformation available to anyone giving their life to Christ. This resurrection transformation empowers us to have a supernatural love, joy, and peace that transcends the crucifixion mind-set. As Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

This abundant life in Christ is what has given me the strength to get through my parents passing when I was young, a damaged nerve in high school, spiritual abuse by church leaders, the complexity of adopting an orphan, and experiencing neighborhood bullies. God has taught me not to fear, but trust that he will work all things out for good (Romans 8:28). I hope you are encouraged by this and allow God to give you a lifestyle of resurrection transformation.

March Hartland Men’s Retreat

Hartland Christian Camp’s “Man Camp” was a blast! It was great speaking with the guys over meals and being uplifted as we worshiped the Lord together. I even had four of them help me lead the worship during the last two sessions. I put together a devotional with the guys called “Getting Back to Joy.” You can watch it on YouTube HERE.

VCHS Worship Team in Los Altos

The Valley Christian high school Worship Team led two chapels at the Los Altos Christian Schools’ elementary and junior high/high school. I was proud of how they skillfully led the music and shared encouraging introductions before each song. Our drummer, Ashton, even gave a meaningful message on Forgiveness.

Easter Sunrise at the Cross

Join me for this resurrection celebration at the summit of Mount Hermon. A 24-foot-high cross marks the location for the Easter Sunrise Service, just up the hill from Mount Hermon’s Ponderosa Lodge. The view over Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley is spectacular! I’ll be leading worship, pastor Ed Snedeker is the speaker, and Ron Taylor is the host.

Upcoming Events

April 17 (Sun)
Reggie will be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service at the Cross. It is located at Ponderosa Lodge, Mount Hermon, CA 95041.

June 18 – July 30 (Sat)
The Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Summer Concert Series begins Saturday, June 18. It is located at the Conference Center, Mount Hermon, CA 95041.

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In-Person Worship and Gifts

This Sunday, October 24, at 9:30am, I’ll be leading worship at Grace Hill Church in Morgan Hill (16970 Dewitt Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037), formerly known as Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church. They are an encouraging and loving group. “We’re Grace Hill Church. A place of fun, laughter, growth and excitement in South Santa Clara Valley right here in Morgan Hill, CA.” If you’re not attending another church fellowship, come join me for the morning!

It’s not too early to think about Christmas gifts for your friends, family and loved ones. Go to our products page and order physical products or digital products. There are CDs and music fully written out in music notation and tab. You can hear how each song sounds at a special page with HearNow.com and these pages will point you to a number of streaming platforms that carry my albums.

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Worship Leading this Sunday

It’s been over a year since I have led worship in-person at a church. This Sunday, October 24, at 9:30am, I’ll be leading worship at Grace Hill Church in Morgan Hill. I’ll be doing some favorite worship songs and an upbeat hymn to celebrate the power in Jesus’ name. The message is Prayer, so it’s appropriate for me to share Keith & Melody Green’s song Make My Life a Prayer to You.

Hear the songs on each album

You can hear what’s on each album at the special HearNow.com pages:

– Instrumental Guitar – Vol. II – 10 instrumental songs
– Heartfelt Worship – 17 of Reggie’s worship songs with band
– I Wish You a Mary Christmas – 10 Christmas songs, originals and familiar carols
– Here & Now – 10 songs both new and familiar with 2 meaningful cover songs
– Instrumental Guitar – Vol. I – 10 instrumental songs
– Intimacy – 20 original songs on relationships
– Heartfelt Celebration – 20 of Reggie’s popular original songs

Nurturing Faith, Hope and Love

God gives us such a positive perspective through His words. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” We daily need faith, hope and love to give us the strength to overcome our difficulties. Faith is such a strong resolve. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Faith is believing, without a doubt, what God says is true. Hope is a confidence in God having His way, no matter how bleak it looks right now. The opposite of hope is despair. When we trust God and are filled with hope, there is no room for despair. But, the greatest thing we possess as Christians is God’s love. In fact, it’s because of his deep love for us that we can have faith and hope. God is love and those who know God experience a profound and immeasurable care and commitment unequal to anything else. May you feel His love for you at this moment! May faith, hope and love remain in your heart throughout each day!

Valley Christian Worship Team

This school year has been quite a challenge for the VCS Worship Team, which I direct and teach. We have not been able to lead worship at chapels because of COVID19. But, we have been offering worship through recording songs. Fortunately, next week, we are having our first performances for the school year!

New Songs & New Albums

Having more time at home means more time to write songs. I’m working on an Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 2 album and hope to get it out early May. Also, I’m working on a new vocal album with new songs. I’m excited, my son, Brandon, is creating the art for the instrumental album and my other son, Austin, will be working on the vocal album.

Concert with Reggie on FB Live

This Sunday, March 7 – 5:00pm PST, I’ll be doing another online concert sharing songs and stories to inspire faith, hope and love. I’ll be doing solo songs, worship songs, and taking requests as well. It will be on the Heartfelt Music® Facebook page. You can view my last concert by clicking here.

Upcoming Events

March 7 (Sunday) – 5:00pm
Online concert. Join me as I share songs, stories and take requests on Facebook LIVE. Click here to check out our Heartfelt Music Page on Facebook.

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