tag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:/blogs/make-something-happen?p=1Make Something Happen!2023-05-04T10:45:33-04:00Kristin King Musicfalsetag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/72028322023-05-04T10:45:33-04:002023-12-22T17:30:47-05:00Something New!<p>I'm just going to leave this little announcement right here: </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/187413/7209774b44ec7915e6c978881d58468bfcf06a08/original/new-music-instagram-post.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I will let you know when my new single is live and available for streaming and download. This song is special to me for many reasons, but I can't wait to share with you the story of this song!</p><p>I think you're going to love it! See ya next week.</p><p>Kristin</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/71348682023-01-08T18:19:25-05:002023-04-09T03:54:47-04:00Back in the Saddle (And it Feels Good!)<p>I'm writing this post after a long, but rewarding day. </p>
<p>My youngest child is currently crying at my feet, trying her hardest to keep me from doing anything productive. </p>
<p>But I wanted to take a minute a write this quick post to tell you about what I did today. It's something I haven't done in several years. Definitely not since the pandemic began. </p>
<p><strong>Today, I was a guest worship leader at a local church in KY. </strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d96c7cdf076400d7c7b53da8ca898a7ebd776b31/original/df427100-ca49-4b30-9189-973821fb2a0d-1-201-a.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p>I used to do this all the time years ago. It's a passion of mine to help other ministries when their normal music ministers are away for whatever reason. </p>
<p>So, when I was asked earlier this week to fill in for a worship leader who would be at a conference today, I was excited and quickly agreed. </p>
<p>I felt rusty and out of the habit of both playing piano and singing at the same time. And today, it was only me on stage. So every wrong note was surely noticeable. But I asked God to bless my offering of worship to Him anyway, and I believe He did. </p>
<p>It felt really good to use one of the gifts I know the Lord has placed in me. </p>
<p>I hope to do more of this in the future. So, I'm going to put this out there: <strong>If you attend a church that could use a guest worship leader for a Sunday or two, we should talk!</strong> You can send me an email at kristin@kristinkingmusic.com and I'll get back with you. And yes, I am willing to travel within the states! </p>
<p>Here is the set list I chose today:</p>
<ol> <li>This is Amazing Grace</li> <li>Goodness of God</li> <li>It is Well with My Soul</li> <li>Build My Life</li>
</ol>
<p>It was an amazing day and just the confirmation I needed to realize that God is not done with my music ministry yet!</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/71286032022-12-26T14:14:56-05:002023-01-08T17:43:55-05:00I'm Still Here! (Merry Christmas 2022)<p>Hey Friends!</p>
<p>Yes, it's me, Kristin. I am still HERE. Although I seemingly dropped off the face of the earth when it came to this music site, I'm still creating music. The music is in me and will be all my life. I simply have to let it out. </p>
<p>Where to start? So much has happened in the past two years. To summarize:</p>
<ul> <li>2020 looked to be a banner year for my music and my teaching career. One week before I was scheduled to take my choir groups to competition at Disney World, COVID shut the entire world down. My world rolled to a grinding halt just like everyone else's. </li> <li>After limping through the rest of the school year as an "online choir teacher" (<---yuck!), I was relieved to enjoy the summer and figure out "life". Then, I found out I was expecting baby number 3- a complete surprise!</li> <li>Baby girl King was born in March 2021, and she is everything I never knew I needed! </li> <li>While learning to be a mom to 3 wonderful kiddos, I realized that teaching full time didn't really allow me to be the full time mom I wanted to be. My husband and I made the decision that I would leave my teaching position after the 2021-2022 school year. </li> <li>I am now a full time mom and have recently started freelancing music and writing projects and I absolutely LOVE it! I can't wait to see how my business takes off in 2023. </li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/49bb42407060651f12f956ace19800fc2ccfc13a/original/baby-girl-julie.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So yeah...a lot of things have taken place while I've been silent on this site. I'm ready to revisit my commitment to my music-creation and performances next year. I'm sure that includes more upgrades/ changes to this site, but I'm gonna take it one step at a time for now. Today's step is publishing this update. </p>
<p>I did something fun yesterday: I released a simple video of me singing my newest song, "Christmas with You". I want to share it with you today. I hope you enjoy this holiday song (even though Christmas was yesterday). Here is "Christmas with You": <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VKnP9bsMNxs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VKnP9bsMNxs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VKnP9bsMNxs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Stay tuned for more! </p>
<p>Musically Yours,</p>
<p>Kristin</p>
<p> </p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/60599882020-01-12T12:32:35-05:002023-12-10T11:59:16-05:00Your Gift is Enough<p>2020 is here! Can you believe it? Welcome to a beautiful, new decade! </p>
<p>Two weeks ago, I celebrated Christmas with my favorite three this year- my husband, my son, and my daughter. As I posted on social media, this Christmas can really only be described as “different”. Three out of four of us were extremely sick on Christmas Day, myself included. But, it wasn’t a total loss because we still had each other, germs and all. I’d rather have them with the germs than not at all. </p>
<p>My husband gave me a very meaningful gift this year, which happened to make me cry. Instead of describing it to you, I’ll just show you a picture. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/2b2cefa74530829e2b2cb9abb7bf30dabc9e156e/original/msh-pic-frame.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Those of you who’ve been on this musical journey with me any length of time know that <em>Make Something Happen </em>is the only album I’ve officially released to date. It wasn’t so much the beautiful tribute my husband created that made me cry as much as the handwritten note he wrote on bright, hot pink paper. </p>
<p>It said, “I’ve always believed in you, and I always will. Merry Christmas.” </p>
<p>To have a spouse who believes in you is already a pretty amazing gift, but it is especially meaningful to me because I’ve had a lot of trouble believing in myself lately. </p>
<p>Somewhere in the years after making the album, testing the Christian radio market (whatever that really is), applying for jobs in Nashville that never panned out, hearing from the “experts” of the music industry that I was too vanilla for their tastes, and stopping my songwriting because I just couldn’t seem to get it right, gradually I just bought into the lie. </p>
<p><strong>I bought into the lie that my gift is not enough. </strong></p>
<p>Ouch, that’s painful to write, but I’m doing it anyway because I have a feeling I’m not the only one who’s struggled with this. </p>
<p>Everyone else around me was looking at my gift, whether that be my songwriting, or singing, or piano playing and telling me that it didn’t measure up to their standard. And after hearing that so many times in many different ways, I eventually accepted it as truth. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, the truth is that God was up in heaven, grieving over His child here on earth because I stopped using the very gifts He gave me because I didn’t believe they were enough. </p>
<p>Here’s the real truth bomb, and it’s found in the ultimate Book of truth, in Romans 8:31- </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><em><span class="font_large">“If God be for us, who can be against us?” </span></em></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d1c4d15ce2b406a7485ec178d41b743a4cc87f48/original/ifgodverse.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Some of us, myself included, have forgotten this very basic truth: God is for us.</strong> God is for you! </p>
<p>You don’t need other people to accept or approve your gift when it didn’t come from them, and it’s not to be used for their glory anyway! </p>
<p>Let me say it a different way. Your gift, my friend, is enough. That thing inside you that lights you up, is enough. I know it without even have met you because I know the God who gave it to you. And He is always enough. </p>
<p><strong>The challenge for those of us who have let the world dictate the use of our gifts is to start living our lives as though God is the only applause that matters. </strong>Because in the end, His is really the only one that does. </p>
<p>Remember at the end of our lives, He’ll say one of two things to us. It’s either, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” or “Get away from me because I never knew you.” </p>
<p>I want to hear Him say the first statement of me, don’t you? </p>
<p>My prayer for you today is that as you face a new year and a new decade, you embrace the gift you’ve been given and start stepping out on it in the coming days, weeks, and years. No matter who’s watching (or not) and no matter what other people have to say about it. </p>
<p>For me, that looks like getting back to my songwriting in a major way. It involves me showing up daily to my notebook with pencil in hand, ready to jot down the inspiration God breathes into me. </p>
<p>May 2020 be the year that we stop buying the lie that our gifts bestowed on us by the very Creator of the Universe are not enough. Child of God, your gift is MORE than enough. </p>
<p>Now it’s time for you to truly start using it. </p>
<p>Blessings, </p>
<p>Kristin </p>
<p>Ps. I’m taking my own message to heart and planning a lot of exciting things here at Kristin King Music! I’m happy to announce that I’ve picked up my songwriting again and hope to have some new material to share with you very soon! Also, I’m working on some exciting projects that will be available later this year. Stay tuned!</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/58420492019-07-30T16:34:40-04:002023-12-10T11:44:03-05:00The Surrendered Life<p>Do you ever look at your life and wonder how it got to be what it is? Maybe you’re not working where you thought you’d work, or doing that thing you knew you’d be doing by now. Or maybe you don’t live where you envisioned yourself living. Maybe you planned for kids, and have none. Or planned for a couple of kids, and have tons. </p>
<p>My life is looking a lot different than I envisioned it would even 5 years ago. I’m not living where I thought I would be. I’m still working a day job in music, but I didn’t realize I’d still be teaching. I enjoy teaching, I just didn’t see myself doing it long-term. </p>
<p>I’m constantly learning to let go of my carefully conceived dreams of what my life was supposed to look like in favor of what it actually is. <strong>I believe God has me where I am, doing what I’m doing for a reason. </strong></p>
<p>I’m learning to embrace the surrendered life. </p>
<p>It’s definitely not easy. And it’s a daily learning process. Some days are easier than others, but I have an amazing example to look to. </p>
<p>Jesus gives us a perfect example of the surrendered life. It’s amazing to me that He knew that He had been sent to earth to eventually give up His life for all mankind, and yet He still willingly allowed Himself to be sacrificed. He walked toward His destiny fully surrendered to the impending ultimate sacrifice. </p>
<p>How do we know He didn’t want to die, but was still willing? Read through His conversation with God in Matthew 26. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><em><span class="font_large">“…He became anguished and distressed. He told [the disciples], ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ </span></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#3498db;"><em>He went on a little farther and bowed his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’”</em>- Matthew 26:38-40 </span></span></p>
<p>The passage goes on to say Jesus continued to pray this same prayer twice more before he was ultimately arrested and tried. </p>
<p>It jumped out at me that Jesus struggled with the thought of dying such a cruel death. God-incarnate struggled! Imagine that. Elsewhere the Bible says that “He endured the cross for the joy set before him. “(see Hebrews 12:2) But that doesn’t mean he wanted to die. </p>
<p>His grief crushed him. Sound familiar? </p>
<p>Three times, he asked God to make another way. And three times he reconciled himself to the surrendered life. No matter what. </p>
<p>Do you struggle to live the surrendered life? </p>
<p>Please know that you are not alone. Life can be so tough. <strong>You can get weighed down with grief, to the point of feeling crushed by it</strong>. </p>
<p>And like Jesus, you can run to the arms of the Father as much as you need, multiple times and tell Him you’re struggling. <strong>He can handle your pain. He can also handle your questions.</strong></p>
<p>And then comes the hardest part: walking away and leaving your burden with Him. Living the surrendered life. It’s not easy to do, but it is so very worth it. </p>
<p>What do you need to surrender to your Heavenly Father today? Don’t let another moment pass before you bring your burden, your worry, your distress to Him. Ask Him to help you surrender your life. And walk in the freedom that this sort of living brings. </p>
<p><em>All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give… (</em>Lyrics from <em>"I Surrender All")</em></p>
<p>Blessings, </p>
<p><em><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large">Kristin</span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/97b3adce7d704b746fcf169248396efae26ff405/original/the-surrendered-life.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></span></em></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/57367762019-04-29T20:04:37-04:002023-12-10T11:56:26-05:00Prune & Pivot<p>Hi there! Welcome to my music home on the web! </p>
<p>Maybe you’ve been around this space since its launch in 2016, or maybe you’re a newcomer to me and my music. Either way, I thank you for stopping by and I hope before you click over to some other site you leave just a little encouraged by something you hear or read here. That’s my goal with my music and writing: to give hope to whatever audience God entrusts me with. </p>
<p>As I sit here writing this post, I’m shaking my head that it’s already the second quarter of the year. How did April get here so fast? 2019 has been a weird, but wonderful year for me so far. Here’s just a sampling of stuff that’s happened: </p>
<ul> <li>I was invited to perform at a songwriting conference in Nashville. It was an amazing experience! </li> <li>I wrote a proposal for a new piano class at the high school where I teach and it was accepted for the upcoming school year. So many students signed up, we're having to split the class into two!</li> <li>I finally, finally wrote a new song and I’m very proud of it. (Hope to share soon!) </li> <li>I registered my oldest child for kindergarten in the fall. Cue the tears. I’m not ready… </li> <li>I played piano for the funeral of my friend’s baby boy of only 4 months. </li> <li>I directed a well-known musical at my school and it went better than I anticipated. </li>
</ul>
<p>There have been many more ups and downs throughout the first 4 months of the year, but I won’t drone on with details. Honestly, I feel like I’ve done a lot of pivoting in 2019. Meaning, <strong>the direction I thought I was headed at the beginning of the year has ended up not being the direction I’ve gone at all</strong>. So I pivot, take a few more steps, look around, and adjust my course as I go. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/4653c18ed418710ec31b4275ed4245f51d4dc433/original/pivot.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It’s been a little confusing. I feel a bit blinded about my path at the moment. That doesn’t mean that my purpose has changed. I still feel called to create music and to write to the glory of God. It’s just that I’m considering the most effective vehicle for my message. And I’m also considering what I need to remove because it is no longer serving me in my life. </p>
<p>The purpose of this post is to encourage you if you should also find yourself needing to change directions in your life. I think it’s important for you to know that <strong>you don’t need permission to make a course correction.</strong> If you’re involved in something in your life, be it a hobby, a business, a relationship, even a ministry (gasp, yeah, I went there!), and it’s just not working, it’s okay to go a different direction. It’s okay, and even healthy to learn to pivot. </p>
<p>However, the first step before pivoting into bigger and better things is admitting that you need to cut some things in your life in the first place. I’m so tired of the lie that we humans can “do it all”. That’s just not true unless you want to burn yourself out really quickly. And then you really won’t be doing it all because you’ll be doing none of it. </p>
<p>Cutting the dead weight is even a Biblical concept. Don’t believe me? Check this out: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large"><em>“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” </em>-John 15:2 </span></span></p>
<p>What do you need to prune in your life in order to pivot? Spring is here, which is the perfect time to <strong>consider what needs to be cut out of your life </strong>in order to help you move forward in the direction of God’s plan for you. </p>
<p>If it’s not too personal, feel free to share how you’re pivoting in this season and what you’re cutting from your life to make room for a new direction. I’ll be doing the same in my own life.</p>
<p>Blessings, </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Kristin</span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/56214612019-01-31T13:49:59-05:002023-12-10T11:30:35-05:00Details<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/23fe0a167f75cec1945de41cc35174acde965d5f/original/details.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, providing me with a small commission if you purchase a product through this page at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!)</p>
<p>Most people who know me know that I've been following Christ for most of my life. I feel blessed to have been raised by God-fearing parents who took me to church and answered my many questions about God when I was a preschooler. </p>
<p>You might thing that following God for decades would become, well, boring at some point. But that's the cool thing about God. Because He is omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing), I believe He has never-ending ways of revealing Himself to His children. I love it when He reveals Himself to me in a new way. </p>
<p>Most recently, <strong>He's made Himself known to me in life's little details. </strong></p>
<p>I was reading <a contents="this book by prolific Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://amzn.to/2WAe2uX" target="_blank">this book by prolific Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer</a>, and in it, she reasoned that much of our stress would be eliminated or greatly lowered if we went to God at the onslaught of a problem, not after we've exhausted every other resource we can think to solve it. In other words, God should be our first choice, not our last resort. </p>
<p>That concept immediately convicted me when I read it because I am so guilty of carrying the giant burden of worry when God is constantly beckoning me to simply come to Him. How much of that worry would be gone if I only listened! </p>
<p>I decided to try out bringing God my concerns with one that seemed to be affecting all areas of my life: my daughter's sleep. Rather, I should rephrase that and call it my daughter's lack of sleep. </p>
<p>She turned one in October, and I really believed that our sleep problems would be a distant memory by the time her birthday rolled around. Unfortunately, that's not what happened. In fact, she almost seemed to be getting worse at the beginning of this month, getting up 3-4 times a night and leaving both mommy and daddy completely exhausted when it was time for us to get up for work. </p>
<p>Her lack of sleep was starting to affect my attitude in a major way. I became irritable at silly things. I screamed at myself. I screamed at my kids. I'm sure I had some words with God as well. (Please tell me you've been there!)</p>
<p>After reading this book, I decided that God was big enough to handle this problem and to help us figure something out. I came before Him, broken and bone-tired, and after repenting for my unrestrained anger, asked Him to show me a solution for getting our little girl to sleep better.</p>
<p>And then, I waited and listened. </p>
<p>What I felt like He spoke to me wasn't anything earth-shattering. In fact, you'll probably read it, and think, "Duh, why didn't you figure that out yourself?" But I wasn't in any position to receive it, until I humbled myself and admitted to God that I needed His help in this area. He told me, "Follow your daughter's patterns. Stop trying to make her conform to your schedule or some schedule from a sleep book, and study her. When she's tired, put her to bed." </p>
<p>So that's what I started doing. And, get this: It works!</p>
<p>I barely recognize the end of this month from the start of it. My daughter is sleeping through the night, most nights. It's amazing how great sleep has helped the entire household. One day I exclaimed in my prayer time, "Thank You, God. It's working!" His gentle answer back to me made me giggle. He said, "I know; I created her." </p>
<p>Friend, <strong>God cares about the details of your life.</strong> Even those silly little things that you think are too petty to bring before God in prayer. He wants to hear about them. </p>
<p>Do you ever have a day when your to-do list seems overwhelming? Here's a crazy thought: Why not pray over that list? It sounds silly, but if God cares about all of the little details, don't you think He cares about your to-do list? He's a prayer away, waiting to help you with the details. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/05cc0985190de4253fefcb80f45bcaf510fe3f8a/original/todohand.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>To close, here's some encouragement straight from the Word: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><em>"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." </em></span>-James 1:5</span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/55867802019-01-08T21:33:33-05:002023-01-08T17:42:33-05:00My Word for 2019<p>Happy New Year, Friends!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/fbf81a4b979b652865c4f5850b6b2e1c70d3b43d/original/fireworks2019.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I'm excited for the possibilities that exist at the beginning of a new year, and if I'm being totally honest, I'm happy to see 2018 in the rearview mirror. </p>
<p>Back in 2017, I started getting into the whole "choose a word to frame your year" idea. In 2017, I chose the word "Harvest". That year, we moved to KY to be closer to my family. I also unexpectedly landed a great teaching job that I really enjoy. And I gave birth to my daughter toward the close of the year. Last year's word was "Rooted". Since I still felt new to my location, I sought to establish connections and community here. I got involved in my church by volunteering on the worship team. I started to get to know my coworkers better. I took on a handful of new students for music lessons. I got rooted in the Word by choosing an online plan and reading through the entire Bible in a year.</p>
<p>Looking back on these two years, it seems like choosing a word at the start of the year did actually help frame the events to come. Pretty cool how that worked.</p>
<p>For 2019, I landed upon the word: Steadfast</p>
<p><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large"><em>"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."</em> - 1 Corinthians 15:58</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">I chose this word originally because it reminds me of the word "consistent", but sounds a lot nicer to say. Then when I began researching Scripture, I stumbled upon the verse above and knew "steadfast" was the right choice.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">Here is how I hope this word will frame my year:</span></span></p>
<ul> <li><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">I am focusing on prayer this year by using a weekly guided prayer journal to help. I hope to grow more consistent in my prayer life as I work through the journal and pour out my heart to God.</span></span></li> <li><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">I am aching to get back to writing new music, but I feel a pull toward worship music. I will need to dedicate myself to the craft as I don't always feel inspired to put pen to paper and write.</span></span></li> <li><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">I have started a new blog for moms (<a contents="creativemommyhood.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.creativemommyhood.com" target="_blank">creativemommyhood.com</a> in case you're wondering) and plan to consistently post to that website and grow my audience so I can help moms stay creative on their parenting journey</span></span></li> <li><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">My family means so much to me and I want to show them how much I care by spending quality time with my husband and kids</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">I can't wait to see how the Lord works in 2019! There are exciting plans for Kristin King Music in the works as well. </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">Did you choose a word for this year? If so, will you share it in the comments below? </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:null;">Blessings!</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em><span style="color:null;">Kristin</span></em></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/55206232018-11-19T20:40:00-05:002023-01-08T17:43:55-05:00Talking Out of Both Sides<h2>Talking Out of Both Sides</h2>
<p>The official week of gratitude is upon us. And I just have one question: How is it Thanksgiving already? Wow, 2018 is on its way out in a hurry.</p>
<p>Being that it's Turkey Week, I'll keep my post brief. I was driving to my day job today and began reflecting on all gratitude challenges going on during the month of November. You know the ones...you have to say or write down something you're grateful for each day. I'm all for these types of challenges, so much so that I'm even doing one myself. I'm writing down one thing I'm grateful for each day of November in my planner. It's wonderful to realize how very many blessings I have in my life at any given moment. That's all due to an amazing Father who has blessed me far beyond anything I deserve.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/f27e412317ad84bc8e93121da293d076acf55f1e/original/kristinkingmusic-com.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And yet...as I was driving and thinking about gratitude today, suddenly a Scripture came to mind that I just read in my devotional study early this morning:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><em><span class="font_large"> "But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. </span></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><em><span class="font_large">With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. </span></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#3498db;"><em>Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." </em></span>-James 3:8-10</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">It was the last verse that stood out to me today: Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. Ouch. You see, I have to confess that this has definitely been true of my mouth within the past 5 days.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Around 3am Thursday morning, our electricity unexpectedly went out during an ice storm. When it happened I thought, <em>no biggie</em>, simply because in the past when our electricity has gone out, it tends to come back on in a matter of minutes. This time, it was 3 whole days. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Once we finally moved back in from our 3 day mini "vacation" (my parents were gracious enough to house 4 humans and our dog), I thought the trouble was over. Wrong. Yesterday, we discovered that a rodent decided our vacant/ powerless house during the days we were gone would make a nice home for him/ her and has taken up residency in our pantry, feasting on our bread, tortillas, and leaving his/ her "presents" all over the place. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Here I am in the middle of a Gratitude Challenge, and yet, I can assure you, blessings have not been the only things spilling from my lips these past few days. I am so guilty of James 3:10. One minute, I'm praising God for a reliable vehicle with new tires just in time for winter. The next minute, I'm lamenting all of the ruined freezer food we lost in the power outage. One mouth->two sides->blessings and curses.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Today's reminder of James 3:8-10 was just what I needed to be convicted of my double-sided words. Isn't that just like the Lord to so gently convict with His timeless wisdom by impressing it upon my heart at the right time?</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">This year at my Thanksgiving table, I pray that the Lord will give me wisdom to speak only blessings and hold back the curses. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/53517042018-07-18T09:19:18-04:002022-07-20T08:09:51-04:00When is the Right Time?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/861c42a95981dec4e924b072e62a6eb7bdfc0432/original/humble-yourselves.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Image from Bible.com)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>This popped up as the daily verse in You Version today and it got me thinking, <strong>“When is the right time?” </strong></p>
<p>Today’s post will probably highlight a less than flattering side of me, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts in hopes that they help someone else who struggles like me. </p>
<p>You see, sometimes (ok, most of the time) when I get on social media, I get a little discouraged watching other people living my dream. Ugh, that looks so ugly written out, but it’s the truth. </p>
<p>For example, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve “watched” announce excitedly that all the doors have opened up for them to move to Nashville. Every time I see that announcement, it feels like my heart is being pinched just a little. Nashville was my dream for so long. Both my husband and I did everything in our power to make it happen, and I got really close to landing a great job there, but in the end, it just didn’t work out. And even though I am very happy in KY and only three hours away from my beloved Music City, sometimes I still get sad that it never happened for me. </p>
<p>Can you relate? <em><strong>Do you ever look at someone else’s life and think, “They’ve got what I want”? </strong></em> They have the baby you’ve longed for, the successful business, the new house, etc. </p>
<p>I could write a whole other post on not falling into the comparison trap, but that’s not the point of today’s post. Because let’s face it, <span class="font_large"><strong>sometimes it stings to watch others accomplish what you’ve been striving and struggling to accomplish yourself. </strong></span></p>
<p>To return to the theme verse today, I think it offers some hope for those of us who struggle with this. “Humble yourselves,” it says. What does that mean? Does it mean just shrinking down and tossing your dreams aside because they aren’t happening on your timetable? I don’t think so. I think it means to continue working on your dreams that more than likely God placed in you from the beginning, but <strong>surrendering the timetable to Him</strong>. The timing is not in your hands. </p>
<p>When is the right time? When God says it is. <span class="font_large"><strong> And when He exalts you, as this verse promises, there is nothing on earth, above or below, that can stop you! </strong></span>That’s the very best part. Your only job is to keeping working at it and stay humble. Your time is coming, friend. </p>
<p>Blessings, <br>Kristin </p>
<hr><p><span class="font_large">Ps. A few years ago, I wrote a song that speaks to this very subject. <a contents="&nbsp;Listen to it here, and may it encourage you that God has not forgotten you!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/2Q_Xgb20MpQ" target="_self"> Listen to it here, and may it encourage you that God has not forgotten you!</a></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/53030352018-06-18T21:46:59-04:002023-12-10T14:50:48-05:00It's Always Plan B<p><em><span class="font_large">"It's Always Plan B". </span></em></p>
<p>If you were to pull back the curtain and take a peek into my household, you'd probably hear this saying on a daily basis. I'm pretty sure it comes out of my mouth at least once a day. </p>
<p>Lately, I'd actually started to get pretty frustrated about life always being different from my plan. And I have no qualms about letting you know that I am a planner. In fact, I own and use three different paper planners currently. One is on summer vacation since I use it for my teaching job only. I also have a Happy Planner in which I write everything and my beloved Lilly Pulitzer planner which lives in my music room. Ya'll, I am never without a plan.</p>
<p>And yet, most days my plans don't actually become my reality. Inevitably, a kiddo interrupts the tackling of my to-do list or the dog needs to go outside, or I happen to glance at the clock and realize I'd better get my tail to bed before my 8-month old sporadic sleeper decides to wake up in the middle of the night...multiple times. Usually by the end of the night, I take a look at my "best laid" plans and feel disappointed that I haven't accomplished what I'd hoped. Or wish I could just get more done in a twenty-four hour period. </p>
<p>The other day, as I spent the first part of my morning in the Word (it's really the only thing that keeps me sane by setting the tone of the rest of my crazy day to come), I stumbled across a verse in Proverbs I've probably read many times, but this time it stuck with me:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large">"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."- Proverbs 16:9</span></span></p>
<p>And then there's this one, which really made me think:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large">"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." -Proverbs 16:33</span></span></p>
<p>These two verses are both saying the same thing. We can make our plans. In fact, notice that these verses are not telling us to NOT make plans. But the ultimate outcome, or whether or not those plans succeed is not up to us. The outcome is up to God.</p>
<p>After reading and meditating on these verses, it occurs to me that <em>maybe my Plan B was the Lord's original plan after all. </em> When my kid interrupts my chores for the hundredth time; that's my Plan B, but maybe God's plan to spend an extra moment loving on my boy who won't be a kid forever. When a stranger starts up a conversation, making me late to a much-needed coffee date with a friend; that's my Plan B, but maybe God's plan for me to provide some encouragement during a difficult time. </p>
<p>My life is no longer my own anyway. When I surrendered to Christ, I turned over the reigns to Him. Even though I'm going to continue to plan my days and make my cute little to-do lists, from now on, I'm going to leave extra space for God's plan. It's way better than anything I could come up with. </p>
<p>Let the dice fall where they may. God's got me and that's what counts. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/6891f6a1ee7003f699e5e0722f8dc6b4c1380599/original/cube-765526-1280.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Blessings, </p>
<p><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/52083842018-04-30T15:36:13-04:002022-05-17T06:17:16-04:00Musings from a Broken Heart<p>Oh, month of April, where have you gone?</p>
<p>Let me tell you, I had all of these grandiose plans for this past month. I've been very diligent about mapping out my months and goals for each of them this year. My best month of actually reaching many of those goals was in March. So I assumed that April would go much the same and I plotted out some great goals, including posting on this site three times. </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>And then, Life happened. </strong></span></p>
<p>My father-in-law was admitted to the hospital in early March for extreme pancreatitis. And as the days turned into weeks, the doctors could not figure out why he wasn't improving. All they could say was it was the worst case of pancreatitis they'd seen. Then on Friday, April 13th, my husband and I received the devastating phone call that it was not actually pancreatitis, but late stage cancer and a prognosis of days to weeks to live. </p>
<p>We went to bed in shock that night, but nothing could have knocked me over more than the phone call from my mother-in-law at 2:20am that Saturday morning.</p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">"He's gone."</span></strong></p>
<p>Grief literally bent me over with the weight of those words. My father-in-law was breathing one minute and gone the next. He died peacefully in his sleep with his wife right next to him. He never even knew he had cancer. All he knew was that he was getting to "go home" the next morning. </p>
<p>He did get to go Home. </p>
<p>Our family has been driven to its knees with this loss of our patriarch. This man was so full of life, so rich in love for his family. And he loved my children fiercely.</p>
<p>The kids and I got to Florida last week to join my husband who had previously flown down upon the news of his dad's death. Somehow, we made it through the funeral (celebration service is a much better term), and I'm still trying to figure out how I was able to sing "I Can Only Imagine" that day. It was only in God's strength- that's all I can come up with.</p>
<p>Now we are back home and trying to figure out our "new normal". And still grieving as we've never grieved before. But God impressed a Scripture on my heart that has become the bedrock of my faith right now. I speak it and cling to it multiple times a day. It is Psalm 34:18:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><span class="font_large"><em>"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."</em></span></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/5e6d114711fe5ea40ccee750c81a4503b67f715b/original/bible-verse-psalm-34-18-sunset-print-rc7ac6e09d38a48718a90224a08a07927-wvp-8byvr-512.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I can't think of a better way to describe this family right now than brokenhearted and crushed. I think any family who experiences the loss of a loved one can attest to this as well. </p>
<p>And yet, the first part of this Scripture is so true. The Lord has been close. I can feel Him. I don't know how else to describe it other than I know <em>that I know </em>His Presence is near. </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>He knows I'm angry and sad. </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>He knows I'm fragile. </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>And He's bigger than all of my unanswered questions.</strong></span></p>
<p>As a result of this death, my mind and heart have been turned toward Heaven like never before. <strong>I have an insatiable appetite to know what my future home will be like</strong>. After all, it's starting to get filled with people I love dearly. </p>
<p>If you are facing a loss today or just going through a difficult season in general, I hope this post will encourage you. I challenge you to cry out to the Lord and entrust him with the pieces of your broken heart. Allow His Presence to soothe you as no one and nothing on this earth can do. Cry, grieve, fall to your knees, and allow God to hold you through it all. <strong>He is near, friend.</strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/4aeeb751bccb8e2312f77dd79eeaea37b48cbe2a/original/dsc00295.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Always in our Hearts! Rest in Heaven)</p>
<p> </p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/51347512018-03-18T15:07:11-04:002023-12-22T17:30:47-05:00When Creativity is Lacking<p>Hi All!</p>
<p>Can you believe we're already knee-deep into the third month of the year? I'm sure having trouble believing it. This month of March seems to be in a hurry. I think part of the issue is that I am in a hurry- a hurry to get to spring here in beautiful KY where we've experienced quite a bit of winter in the past few months. The snow is beautiful, but I am ALWAYS COLD.</p>
<p>Anyway, I digress. Today, I wanted to write a short post on three things to do when you feel less than creative. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/ebc5231353ebd46502e5c5e548d1941472776b78/original/maya-angelou-quotes-sayings-life-witty-creativity.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>You see, to be honest, this is the exact head space I'm finding myself in these days. In case you didn't know, I have an infant girl. I could list a bunch of other things going on in my life as well, but those of you who have ever raised a newborn don't need me to go on because you get how stinking busy a new baby can keep a parent. (Case in point: I'm currently banging these keys as fast as my fingers will fly while my C-girl naps. Sometimes her naps are hours; sometimes they're minutes. I'm typing like today's nap will end any time.)</p>
<p>All of that to say, my creativity seems to be far, far away these days. I'd love to tell you I've been working on new music, but I can't seem to get past one stubborn Chorus of a song that doesn't seem to want to develop beyond that. I should have three new songs under my belt by this point in the year, and yet I can't finish the first one. <em>Sigh. </em> </p>
<p>For much of this year, I've been having a meltdown that my creative side is not in its finest form. But, one day recently, I decided to slow down the not-so-nice thoughts in my head and think rationally about my apparent lack of creativity. And I came up with 3 things to do when creativity is lacking. </p>
<p>Just in case you might be dealing with a similar dip in creativity, I'll share them with you:</p>
<p><strong>1. Give myself permission to just be. </strong>Breathe and realize this is a season! Seasons change all the time. I've gone through seasons like this before when I thought I would never have another creative idea or write another song. And then one day, out of the blue, an idea came knocking and suddenly I was back in the game. But for now, it's ok NOT to create and just give myself extra space to inhale...and exhale. </p>
<p><strong>2. Consume (and enjoy) other people's creativity.</strong> So I may not be producing anything myself, but I can intentionally choose this time to consume other's creative projects. Currently, I'm enjoying reading Elizabeth Gilbert's book <em>Big Magic</em>, which I can practically feel stoking the fires of my imagination. I'm also listening to podcasts I find interesting and listening to new music and learning some new to me classical pieces on piano. </p>
<p><strong>3. Consult with the Ultimate Creator.</strong> I often forget that God has set the standard for creativity, being that He created the heavens and the earth and all. If I think He doesn't care about my creativity, I'm wrong. Of course He wants me to be creative! Perhaps He's just waiting on me to spend some time basking in His Presence and asking for His inspiration to seep into my heart. I've never asked God for help and He refused. And often His answers are creative in their own form. What a wonderful God we serve who cares about all of our problems, big and small! </p>
<p>Hopefully you'll catch me back on the creative bandwagon again soon, but in the meantime, I'll be doing one of these three things above, all the while relishing this precious and fleeting time with my baby girl while she's still so little. </p>
<p>What do you do when you're feeling a lack of creativity? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments below!</p>
<p>Thanks for reading!</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/50343532018-01-20T15:14:07-05:002021-10-28T16:55:47-04:00Goals and Promises<p>This is a challenging post for me to write-- in a good way. It is the first time I can think of where I’m sharing my business goals publicly for all the world to see. It reminds me of that common dream of being on a stage and realizing you’re naked in front of the audience. Come on, I know you’ve had that dream too! Don’t even deny it. </p>
<p>After looking back over 2017 and realizing how much I’d missed the mark on some of my goals, I decided 2018 has to be different. My life and family need these goals to work. And that means I need extra accountability to ensure I don’t give up halfway through. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/c02d2a8b0a3f13340cf90b16c41874bad5dfceb1/original/2018-01-17.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>So, here are my 2018 goals for Kristin King Music and my other creative outlets: </p>
<ol> <li>I will write 12 new songs this year- one song per month, with the ultimate goal of some of these songs making it on a new music project. </li> <li>I will write and release two new books in 2018- one fiction and one nonfiction. One of my long term goals has been to release a new book every year of my 30’s. I missed that goal in 2017, so I’m planning to make up for it this year. And yes, this is a realistic goal for me because I always end up getting into a great workflow once I get started on a new writing project and have no problem working on it 5+ days per week. </li> <li>I will release my new vocal warmups project as a digital product and market it to local churches and schools. This project is currently a huge focus for me during the month of January! </li> <li>I will earn an average of $xxxx per month to show that my business is profitable. While I'm not sharing the specific number, just know that the amount I’ve chosen is realistic for my business to make and will help me run my business, manage expenses, and provide for my family as well. </li>
</ol>
<p>Now that I’ve shared these goals with you, the next level in staying accountable is to give you updates from time to time on how each goal is coming along. </p>
<p>I recently listened to a podcast where a man talked about goal setting in a way I hadn’t thought of before. He said that instead of “setting goals”, he makes promises to himself. That caught my attention because it sounds a lot more intense than just a plain ‘ole goal. </p>
<p>So, <strong>I am making a promise to myself that I will focus on these few projects over the course of this year and allow God to do with them what He desires.</strong> After all, it’s all for His glory anyway! </p>
<p>Have any goals you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!</p>
<hr><p><a contents="Keep up with my musical journey and snag your FREE song download today!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD"><span class="font_large">Keep up with my musical journey and snag your FREE song download today!</span></a></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/50204672018-01-12T11:37:02-05:002021-12-14T14:26:39-05:00My Word for 2018<p>A couple of years ago, I started getting into the whole “set a word for the year” thing. I had read about other people describing their upcoming year in a word and I thought it sounded like something I should try. </p>
<p>In 2017, I declared my word of the year to be “Harvest”. There were many things I was believing the Lord to bring to pass. In reflection, it did turn out to be a year of "harvest", although it was different from what I'd originally envisioned.</p>
<p>As I took some time to reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming one, my new word came to me pretty quickly. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/7bc93163a67b45f84bd8e184ddc5103ea502fe84/original/rooted-2018.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>For 2018, my word of the year is “Rooted”. </strong></span></p>
<p>Here is what this word means to me and how it will shape my year: </p>
<ol> <li>
<strong>Rooted in my local community.</strong> We’ve only lived in our new city and state for about 6 months. To be honest, I still feel displaced at times and homesick for the familiar creature comforts of Florida. ButI believe that if I start laying down some “roots” here, getting involved in my local community and church, making some new friends, I’ll start to feel more at home in my new home. </li> <li>
<strong>Rooted in my business. For Kristin King Music, I plan to do fewer things but to do them well.</strong> I want to “go deep” with the projects I’m working on. Better to have fewer projects completed that I’ve done really well than a boatload of half-finished ideas. This is how I will grow roots in my business. Everything I do will be centered around my “why”. </li> <li>
<strong>Rooted in my relationships. </strong>I want to go deeper in my relationships. <strong>I want to truly listen to the people in my life,</strong> starting with my husband and children. As the famous habit says, I will “seek first to understand before being understood”. I want to develop more than just surface relationships with my friends and colleagues. I want to be the first one to reach out to those who are important to me, instead of waiting for them to reach out to me. </li>
</ol>
<p>2018 has barely begun and already my word is shaping my year. I’m thinking about it as I go about my days and being intentional about seeking out ways to become “rooted”. </p>
<p>Along with my word of the year, I have chosen this Scripture as my anchor:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large">"That person is like a tree planted [<em>rooted!</em>] by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1:3</span></span></p>
<p>Do you have a word or phrase for this year? If so, drop it in the comments below! I love reading about others’ inspiration for the new year.</p>
<hr><p><span class="font_large">=====><a contents="Don't miss a single post! &nbsp;Subscribe to my blog posts&nbsp;and get a FREE song download." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Don't miss a single post! Subscribe to my blog posts and get a FREE song download.</a><=====</span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/49860682017-12-20T11:14:09-05:002022-04-15T15:00:37-04:00A Not So Silent Night<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d5b840756fa9faf44f1964cd89dc42f9140e546b/original/img-1977.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em>“Silent night, Holy night, <br>All is calm, all is bright...” </em></span></p>
<p>Wait a minute. </p>
<p>Though I love this song and it happens to be one of my favorite Christmas carols, it totally does not describe my life right now. Not since this precious girl came into the world... </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/130c51f9b19d5ade692a3e53c1be49538c72c2ff/original/introducingcadence.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The Kings have officially gone from a family of 3 to a family of 4. My sweet Cadence is a really good baby. But, she’s still just that- a baby. And babies are known for crying when they need something. Fresh diaper, warm milk, or just a cuddle with Mamma. She has definitely found her voice! </p>
<p>So my husband and I are doing what any parents of a newborn do- adjusting to life as we now know it. The nights are long and my husband has to get up way too early. That will be me in a couple of weeks when I return to my work as a high school choral director. </p>
<p>Life is hard. But boy, is it beautiful. <strong>And I wouldn’t trade this noisy night for a silent night without my beautiful family!</strong> Family is what makes the holidays so special. I hope you’ll go cuddle up with yours and love on them this season. </p>
<p><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Merry Christmas to you and yours! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>
<hr><p>Ps. 2018 is going to be a crazy-exciting year for Kristin King Music! I have a special surprise I'm working on for all of my email subscribers. Look for that in early 2018. <a contents="For now, sign up and get a FREE song download! &nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">For now, sign up and get a FREE song download! </a></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/48765912017-10-04T07:19:43-04:002022-04-20T14:30:25-04:00While Waiting<p>I am three weeks from my due date at this point! Ya’ll- 3 WEEKS! Let’s just sit back and ponder the magnitude of that for a moment. <strong>In three weeks or less, the Kings will go from being a family of 3 to a family of 4.</strong> This slightly blows my mind. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I’m not doing well with the waiting process. Yesterday, I had a doctors appointment, and besides my blood pressure climbing, my body is not yet doing much to prepare for labor. I really thought with my second child, it would be a quicker and easier process at the end. Not true. </p>
<p>The truth is, I’m not sleeping well, I don’t breathe well, and even eating is not the most pleasurable activity because I will pay for it later on in the form of fire-like heartburn. My four -year old son has demonstrated my “new walk” multiple times, and it definitely resembles that of a waddling duck. </p>
<p><strong>What is it about the waiting process that is so hard? </strong> The good Lord knows that I’ve always struggled with patience. Please tell me I’m not the only one! </p>
<p>We know that Galatians says that patience is a “fruit of the Spirit”, so as a Christian believer, it is something that I need to continue to cultivate in my life. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/12850f8963f1f81afb213e4907472a2688fbdb45/original/2017-10-03.jpeg?1507115949" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>During this time of waiting, I am doing three things to help me cultivate my patience: </p>
<p><strong>1. I am asking God for His help and strength on a daily, sometimes hourly basis.</strong> I believe that God is always ready to help when one of His children calls on Him. He has never failed to provide me with the strength I need in the moment I most need it. </p>
<p><strong>2. I am savoring little moments with my son. </strong> He knows he’s about to have a new sister, but I don’t think he realizes the magnitude of how his life is about to change. I don’t think any of us really do. For now, while baby Girl King is still growing in my belly, I’m enjoying the moments I have with just Landon and me. He recently got a set of plastic pirate figures and we’ve been “playing pirates”on a daily basis. I never knew boy stuff could be so fun! </p>
<p><strong>3. I am preparing for the next season of life.</strong> In just a couple of weeks, it will be here whether I’m ready or not. Just as weather seasons change, life seasons change too. My household has been in a season of getting used to our new life in KY. Our next season will be getting used to our new life in KY and the new member of our family. </p>
<p><strong>What do you do in a season of waiting? </strong> I’d love to hear from you and learn that I’m not the only one who struggles with being patient! </p>
<p>In the meantime, you’ll find me waddling around slowly, preparing for the arrival of baby Girl King! I’ll be sure to let you all know when she gets here! </p>
<p>Blessings in the waiting! </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>
<hr><p><span class="font_large">Ps. I am doing some revamping of Kristin King Music and would love to have you along for the journey! <a contents="Join the fun here with your email address! &nbsp;It's easy, fast, and FREE, and I'll send you a free song download." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Join the fun here with your email address! It's easy, fast, and FREE, and I'll send you a free song download.</a></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/48436082017-09-09T14:13:25-04:002022-04-20T14:55:09-04:00On the Eve of Irma<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/94f6be0dcfe05b2ee51ca142e3354023f6b93e25/original/psalm46and1.jpeg?1504980622" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It feels so strange to not be prepping my house and gathering supplies for the hurricane that is supposed to hit Florida in about 24 hours. </p>
<p>You see, I'm sitting in my new house in KY where we moved about two months ago. Meanwhile, my heart is with my friends and family getting ready to weather the storm. </p>
<p>It wasn't even a year ago when we found out that Hurricane Matthew was headed our way. Even though I'd lived in Florida for ten years at that point, it was the first hurricane I'd ever had to prepare for. My husband immediately began buying supplies like candles and bottled water. I used my bread machine to bake a loaf of bread for sandwiches. In the end, we decided to board up our FL home, which was about 5 miles from the coastline and drive here to KY to visit my family. Ironically, the same place where we now live. </p>
<p>Before we evacuated our home, I left a Scripture printout on the kitchen counter. In times of trouble and especially natural disasters, God's Word never fails to comfort me. </p>
<p>For all of my friends and family in Florida on the eve of Hurricane Irma, I'd like to offer you the same Scripture passage that brought our family so much comfort last year: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><em><span class="font_large">"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. <br>Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." -</span></em><span class="font_large">Psalm 46:1-3 </span></span></p>
<p>I<strong>f we look to God, the very Creator of heaven and earth as our source of strength, it doesn't matter how big the natural disaster is. God is still bigger! </strong> I stand with my Florida community in faith and prayer that God will bring you literally through the storm. </p>
<p>Blessings, <br><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin </em></span></p>
<p><a contents="Ps. Check out this song from my album that is sure to bring you comfort." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/fdHZI385sC0">Ps. Check out this song from my album that is sure to bring you comfort.</a></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/48221512017-08-22T18:17:25-04:002017-08-28T16:19:53-04:00Two Years Ago<p>I was scrolling social media this morning and this picture popped up as a time hop from two years ago:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/145591555441afb614b70a6be00bb45052c3a9b3/original/recordingmsh.jpg?1503439441" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Seeing this image brought back such good memories of what I was doing roughly two years ago: recording the vocals for my album, <span style="color:#2980b9;"><em>Make Something Happen</em></span>. 2015 was such an exciting year because of that project. I had dreamed of recording an original album for as long as I can remember, and God finally opened the doors for it to happen that year. I ended up making 4 trips to Nashville that year alone just to work on the project and speak with industry professionals. It was like watching my dreams unfold into reality before my eyes. </p>
<p>Now I sit here two years later and reflect on what an amazing journey it's been so far. When the album came out at the beginning of 2016, I was a virtually unknown independent Christian artist. Slowly and surely, I have met and connected with some amazing people around the globe as a result of the songs on that album. </p>
<p>I've learned just a little bit more about the music business side of things since this picture was taken, and I know I have much more to learn. I've had a chance to minister in many different churches and at events using my original music. And I'm just so thankful to God for allowing me to live my dream. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em>“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” -1 Peter 4:10</em></span></p>
<p>I believe the best is yet to come for Kristin King Music! I've got some new songs up my sleeve, not to mention, the three projects I wrote about a while back on this blog. </p>
<p><a contents="If you have yet to check out my album, Make Something Happen, here is the link that will take you to CD Baby, where you can listen to clips of each song. &nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/kristinking1">If you have yet to check out my album, <em><span style="color:#2980b9;">Make Something Happen</span></em>, here is the link that will take you to CD Baby, where you can listen to clips of each song and purchase physical or digital products. </a></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Giveaway Alert!!! </strong>If you have heard the album, comment below with your favorite song and why, and you will be entered into a giveaway for a FREE physical album (US addresses only) that you can share with a friend or keep for yourself! The drawing for the giveaway will be Thursday, August 31st. Deadline to comment in order to be eligible is <strong>Wednesday, August 30th</strong>.</span></p>
<hr><p><a contents="Snag a FREE digital song download now by joining my VIP email list here!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD"><span class="font_large">Snag a FREE digital song download now by joining my VIP email list here!</span></a></p>
<hr><p> </p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/47940962017-07-27T11:55:15-04:002017-07-28T06:21:23-04:00In the Middle<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/70c82ba78762ee5b461968322ef28a63605aecfd/original/middle.jpeg?1501170623" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>What do you do when you're smack-dab in the middle of a frustrating situation that you have little to no control over? </strong></p>
<p>This is the question I've been asking myself for several weeks, pretty much ever since my family made the big decision of moving 800 miles out of our comfort zone. </p>
<p>Disclaimer: we had great reasons for moving. Jamie and I both needed a fresh change, not to mention, I have a large network of family and lifelong friends here in KY. Still, I hadn't realized how comfortable I had grown in my little FL world until coming here. </p>
<p>There have been some extreme emotions coming out of this pregnant gal. One day I'm fine, and then the next I'm a blubbering mess who doesn't bother putting on makeup because I would just cry it off anyway. </p>
<p>Our home that we closed on almost a month ago has had some unexpected (read: expensive) issues that must be resolved before we can even hope to move in. Everything that we've hired to get done has taken an average of double the time we estimated to accomplish. We are still waiting on blinds so people can't see our every move from outside the house (creepy!) and our couch that we ordered a month ago still has no set delivery date. There's much more but I'll spare you the details. </p>
<p>On top of the house stuff, I've had some issues getting ready to start my new music teacher position here. Basically, I'm in need of several signatures from important organizations in FL, verifying that I did, indeed, teach there, and I've been told that those could take weeks to months. My job starts next week, and if I'm not certified to teach in this great state of KY, I will have to take a lesser position and less pay than I trained for and attended school for. </p>
<p>Let's just say, life is throwing me some curveballs right now. There have been several times I've wanted to call off the whole gig, turn my ever-widening body around and hightail it back to my comfort zone in FL, but I can't. We are past the point of no return. Some days I think, "This was such a big mistake." But, I'm realizing that <strong>we are simply stuck in the "middle" right now and I can't make a judgment call on the outcome when I'm only in the middle</strong>. </p>
<p>I know God ordained this move. That doesn't mean we're exempt from hardship, although wouldn't it be nice if God's will gave us a free pass around the mucky middle? Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. </p>
<p>Maybe the middle is simply <strong>God's way of drawing us into deeper dependence on Him</strong>. I can tell you, my morning devotional time has become so sweet. Meeting with God each day is my lifeline, my coffee with extra sweet creamer. It's in those precious moments with Him that I'm reminded that I don't have to do any of this in my own strength. </p>
<p>Yesterday, when I was feeling especially overwhelmed, God directed me to this awesome passage in Philippians 4: </p>
<p><span style="color:#4e5f70;"><span class="font_large"><em>"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus Christ."</em> -Philippians 4:6-7 </span></span></p>
<p>That passage is so good, I could just swim in it. And that's pretty much what I did yesterday. I pulled out a piece of paper and listed each of my pressing worries on it. Then I presented them to God, folded the paper up, and tucked it in my Bible next to Philippians chapter 4. <strong>There is no problem or circumstance that can stand against the Word of God.</strong> Even my messy middles. I'm going to keep that list and cross off the items as I see God work. And I have no doubt that He will work. Once I've surrendered my problems to Him, they are no longer my concern. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/5f919e13b67b2007c39b580ae2163d0dd5d09023/original/img-2338.jpg?1501170729" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Are you facing a messy middle today? If so, I would love to lift you up in prayer. Simply comment below and leave as much or as little detail as you'd like and I will commit to praying for you. </p>
<p>Friend, we are going to make it through the middle. <strong>We just have to be careful not to judge the outcome by the middle.</strong> And eventually, we will see each other on the other side. </p>
<p>Blessings, </p>
<p>Kristin</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/47860492017-07-20T11:26:11-04:002022-05-23T06:18:54-04:00Missing My Voice<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_large">"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His Presence with singing." </span></em><span class="font_large">-Psalm 100:1-2 </span></p>
<p>Lately, I have really been missing my voice. I don't mean that in some philosophical, hypothetical way. I mean, that in the three weeks that I've lived in KY, I have not had my normal singing voice. And I miss it. </p>
<p>As soon as I arrived here, I started to feel sick. I know many people experience allergies here in the Ohio Valley, but I think for me, the sickness (later diagnosed as an upper respiratory infection) came from a variety of factors: 1. Pregnancy can weaken the immune system, 2. We had just made a very stressful 800 mile move and 3. My son was also sick and toddlers are notorious for spreading their germs. </p>
<p>After enduring the runny nose, cough, and headache thing for about a week and feeling no improvement, I finally caved and went to an urgent care since I don't yet have a primary care doctor here. The physician I saw prescribed me an antibiotic, and it did really help me get over the roughness of the illness. But I still am struggling with not having my usual singing voice. </p>
<p>I was in the car the other day, singing along with the new Elevation Worship album (it's really great, check it out if you haven't already!) and noticed I kept singing below the tenor lead because even his part was causing my voice to crack! Then I started laughing at myself, because normally, I love to sing the highest part I can come up with. Not so lately! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/166060777ec20ce9e9166759a608d69d5a4d32bc/original/psalm-100.jpeg?1500563860" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>So, since I am a singer and can't exactly sing to the best of my ability right now, here is my plan of action: </p>
<p><br>- <strong>I'm going to rest my voice.</strong> There's no reason I absolutely have to be singing right now so I'm not going to force it. It's funny how when I'm serving in a church worship department, I rarely if ever, lose my voice. Right now, I'm not involved in a music department, and I don't have a voice. At least the timing works. </p>
<p>- When I am ready to start practicing again, <strong>I will employ vocal warm-ups before doing any "heavy" (aka. normal) singing</strong>. If you're a singer but have never used vocal warm-ups in your singing practice before, you are doing yourself a disservice! They are game changers! </p>
<p>- I'm going to reread my book, <strong><em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice,</em></strong> as I'm regaining my regular singing voice. <strong>I return to this guide again and again because it has helped me so much with honing the singing voice that I want</strong>. And I'm not the only person it's helped. Here's an Amazon review from one of my customers: </p>
<p><span style="color:#2980b9;"><em><span class="font_large">"This book summed up 6 years of voice lessons in ten chapters. As a professional vocalist, I recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn to sing correctly and to protect their voice for years to come. I now recommend this book to all the vocalists on my worship team. It is easy to understand and the steps are easy to do at home. I wasn't sure if vocal training would work through a book, but this book proved me wrong. Anyone can read this book and learn to sing correctly."</span></em></span></p>
<p>If you're a singer and need a little inspiration to build your best singing voice of your life, you need to read this book! <a contents="Get it here in ebook or paperback.&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/hRYLMz5">Get it here in ebook or paperback. </a></p>
<p>I know eventually my voice and body will get used to this new climate and the joyful noise I make will be more than a hoarse whisper! Until then, I'll just have to be content singing below the tenor part, lol!</p>
<p>Blessings, </p>
<p>Kristin</p>
<hr><p><span class="font_large">Stay in the know with all things Kristin King Music. <a contents="Sign up for email updates here and be the first to know about our new products and services. &nbsp;As a thank-you, I'll send you a FREE song download from my album today!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up for email updates here and be the first to know about our new products and services. As a thank-you, I'll send you a FREE song download from my album today!</a></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/47645112017-07-03T12:31:23-04:002022-04-13T09:40:58-04:00Let God Build It<p><span class="font_large"><em>"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."</em></span> <span class="font_large">-Psalm 127:1</span></p>
<p>Lately, I've been getting into the whole Bible journaling trend that you've probably seen all over the Internet. I had originally purchased a journaling Bible for the purpose of writing in it only, and then I started seeing other people's amazing artwork throughout their Bibles and decided I wanted to try it out. My entries are nothing spectacular, but they hold a lot of meaning to me. I've already begun to see answered prayer as I've documented bits and pieces of my life in my Bible.</p>
<p>As we were gearing up for this move to Kentucky, I stumbled upon this great verse in Psalm (see above). I had read the verse before, but it took on new meaning when we were in the process of purchasing our home.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/e5af05cf2c8a47028b14cac6a1ab75e220784829/original/img-2285.jpg?1499098920" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> Our home was built earlier this year as a "spec home", meaning the home builder company built it to showcase a new model they had designed. So, it's never been considered a model home, but still has a ton of amazing upgrades you would find in a model. When we found it and walked through it the first time, I felt like it was ours. After reading and meditating on Psalm 127:1, I firmly believe that when our new home was under construction earlier this year, <strong>God had our name on it all along</strong>. Yes, the "builders" put it together, but it was really God who built our home with us in mind!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/43f6aebf028824f571bec3e0f6521622cd5c00ca/original/img-2284.jpg?1499098643" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We are officially living in KY, but not yet living in our new home. My parents have been gracious enough to let us stay with them while we're adding our own touches to the home. <strong>Though I know this move was Divinely orchestrated, it's not been without its challenges. </strong> Ya'll (I'm practicing my KY vernacular), this journey has been downright hard!!</p>
<ul> <li>I had to say goodbye to the most amazing church and a music ministry that I absolutely loved serving in (back in FL)</li> <li>Before making the 15+ hour drive with my car, my dad, and my dog, I flew my son to KY to get him settled in with his grandma ahead of time. We had a layover in Atlanta, which turned into an all-day affair, and I was absolutely exhausted, emotional, and ready to turn around and head back to FL and call the whole thing off (blame it on the pregnancy hormones). I may or may not have cried at the airport</li> <li>During the drive to KY, my husband and I found out that there were some unexpected issues and we may not get to close on our new home on the 30th (we did though!)</li> <li>Once we did arrive in KY, I started to feel a little under the weather. It has turned into a full-fledged head cold with one of the worst hacking coughs I've ever had. I have to sleep on the couch every night to avoid waking everyone in the household. I finally broke down and had my husband get some medicine, approved by a pharmacist for being safe during pregnancy. Since I've been here, I've been sick every day. Oh, and did I mention the temperature has been in the 90's? Pregnant, sick, and hot very much describes this gal right now. Today, I'm headed to an immediate care to get on antibiotics because I'm just not getting better on my own.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Of course, I realize that <strong>no journey is without its valleys and mountaintops</strong>. You have to take the bad with the good in any circumstance. When I walk the rooms of our new house, I know that this was God's plan, despite the rough parts. </p>
<p>One of my favorite worship songs right now has some great lyrics that seem very appropriate in this season of my life: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em>"I will build my life upon Your love, it is a firm foundation."</em></span></p>
<p>My challenge to you today is to <strong>allow God to build your house,</strong> whatever that "house" is. It may not be a physical dwelling. Maybe it's a relationship or a new job opportunity. Built upon God, you can know for sure that your labors are never in vain because He is <em>always</em> a firm foundation!</p>
<p>Blessings,</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>
<hr><p><span class="font_large">Ps. Would you do me a HUGE favor? <a contents="If you haven't already signed up for email updates, I would love to have you sign up here. &nbsp;You become a VIP of Kristin King Music (first to get updates, new product offerings, special discounts, etc.) and I'll send you a FREE song download! &nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">If you haven't already signed up for email updates, I would love to have you sign up here. You become a VIP of Kristin King Music (first to get updates, new product offerings, special discounts, etc.) and I'll send you a FREE song download! </a></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/47440382017-06-14T10:26:34-04:002017-07-02T13:03:57-04:00Future K King Products (I Need Your Help)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/f6bd7b0d2dced31583600626e58b798b74eebfc9/original/img-2260.jpg?1497450325" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>If you're reading this post, I hope that you are no stranger to Kristin King Music at this point. (If you are new around here, welcome! I hope to get to know you and I hope you'll take the time to look around and stay awhile!) </p>
<p>Many of you reading this are probably familiar with me and what I do. My company that I formed two years ago has the following mission statement (which I don't think I've ever shared publicly!):</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>"K L J Creative and Kristin King Music exist to produce high quality products and services from a Christian worldview that inspire people in their every day lives to become better, stronger, and more equipped to live their authentic callings and dreams."</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">This statement is truly the heartbeat of my business. It's why I do what I do. Every product and every service my business provides aims to help people live and walk in their callings and dreams.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">So far, I've experienced the excitement of releasing several different products and services to help people, from a singing manual to a savings book to a comprehensive menu of lessons and church music consultation services. I love creating products, but even more, I love hearing how those products enhance your lives and inspire you!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">That being said, <strong>I currently have three products on the "drawing board" at this point</strong>. My goal is to release each of them within the next year, but here is where I need your help!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/c689f353094ebed6e6a66dfbcf528405646ca28c/original/icon-1714998-1280.jpg?1497449041" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Since I am not only running a business, but raising a toddler son, and growing a baby girl who will arrive at the end of October, the time I can spend on my projects is slightly limited. (Just slightly!) It's in my best interest to <span style="color:#c0392b;">FOCUS</span> on one product at time. So, I need your help to determine which product I should work on between now and when the baby comes. I plan on releasing that product before she is born, sometime in October of this year. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>I want to hear from you.</strong> </span><span class="font_regular"> Here's how you can help. Below, I have a description of the three products I'm working on. Each of them is in the middle stage of development, but I would like to finish them all in the next year. Read through the descriptions below and decide which one you like the best. Then respond in one of the following ways: 1. Leave a comment below on this blog, 2. Leave a comment on one of my social media platforms (i.e.. <a contents="www.facebook.com/KristinKingMusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/KristinKingMusic">www.facebook.com/KristinKingMusic</a>) or 3. Shoot me an email at kristin@kristinkingmusic.com. I will read and respond to EACH comment I get. And I will use your input to plan my next product release! How exciting!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>Products to be released</strong> (Which one would help YOU the most, now?):</span></p>
<ol> <li><span class="font_regular"><em>Voice Savers</em> is a comprehensive vocal warm-up program in the form of MP3 tracks that will guide singers through warming up their voices so they can sing to the best of their ability. This warm-up program includes 10 unique warm-ups that I composed and recorded to strengthen specific ranges of the voice. I have used many of them successfully with my own voice students. This program is the perfect companion to my book <a contents="Ten Weeks to a Better Voice" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/8CIUMbm"><span style="color:#3498db;">Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</span></a> (click the link to get the book or ebook on Amazon). </span></li> <li>What is that ONE goal or project that you're just itching to start (or complete), but you can't quite get motivated enough to do it? On my album is a song titled "Make Something Happen" and it's meant to be an encouraging jump-start to go after your wildest dreams and goals. I've created a 10-day online course to go along with that song called <em>Ten Ways to Make Something Happen</em>. The course will include a downloadable workbook, interactive videos, and will be <em>extremely</em> affordable! I can't wait to help you Make Something Happen through this course!</li> <li>
<em>The Thriving Musician</em> is a new book I am currently writing that will help the budding musician not only survive this crazy business, but thrive. This book features advice and stories from professionals in the music field who are living authentically while creating and performing music. This book also chronicles my own journey into the music business and what I am still learning on a daily basis. If you want to "break" into the music business, you need to read this book!</li>
</ol>
<p>Each of these products have my heart, and I really can't wait until all three of them are available to the public! But, for now, PLEASE help me decide which one to focus on! Tell me which of these three ideas is your favorite and why. I can't wait to hear from and respond to you!</p>
<p>Thanks so much,</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>
<hr><p>Grab a free song download while you're here! <span class="font_large"><a contents="Sign up for email updates and you will be sent a FREE song from my album Make Something Happen." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up for email updates and you will be sent a FREE song from my album <em>Make Something Happen</em>.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/47260102017-05-29T23:00:00-04:002017-05-31T09:44:47-04:00Unexpected Moves<p><strong>This blog post may come as a surprise to many of you. We've been keeping this news VERY quiet until we absolutely knew it was happening. But, today is the day I spill the beans. Read on, friend...</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em> " 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.' " </em>- Isaiah 55:8-9</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em>"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will direct your paths." -</em>Proverbs 3:5-6</span></p>
<p>This is an emotional post to write. Even though I'm excited about the upcoming season, there's also an aspect of it that's bittersweet. </p>
<p>I have lived in Florida for over a decade. When I first arrived, I was a bright-eyed, fresh out-of-college, 22 year-old, just praying that God would direct me to what I should be doing with my life. <strong>Moving to Florida was an act of trust.</strong> I had no family there, but I made the move anyway. </p>
<p>Now that I've lived there for much longer than I ever anticipated, I've been sensing that our season in FL is almost up. Yes, my family has grown since I first arrived! I now have a wonderful husband of nine years, a son who will be four in the fall, and a baby on the way, due in October! <strong>God has truly enlarged my little life since I took that leap of faith. </strong></p>
<p>As I've been sensing that the season was changing, I've continually sought God for insight on what comes next. <strong> As we know, He won't always give us all of the information we're hoping for, but often only little glimpses into our new season</strong>. For the longest time, Jamie (my husband) and I thought we would be moving to Nashville. As a Christian artist, there's really no better place for me to be. Over the years, I've made so many connections there, not to mention, I went to college there and fell in love with Music City. I always said when I had a family of my own, I wanted to raise them there. </p>
<p>Jamie and I sought opportunities in Nashville over and over. Often, it would seem like a door would open, but just as quickly, close again. I couldn't understand why it was happening that way. I continually asked God to direct my steps and open the right doors. So, <strong>why weren't they opening? </strong></p>
<p>At the beginning of this year, I felt the tugging in my heart to lay down my Nashville dream. Around the same time, God was impressing upon me to be still and wait for Him to act (<strong>Psalm 37:7</strong>). So that's what I did. I allowed my Nashville dream to die, as painful as that was. And I got as still as possible in God's presence, waiting on HIs direction. </p>
<p>Then in February, we found out we were expecting baby #2. I knew this had to be a part of God's plan for my life, but I wondered if we would be raising the baby in Florida or somewhere else. </p>
<p>Soon after learning of our pregnancy, God impressed a place on my heart. It's a place that's always been dear to me, but I honestly never considered moving there. Moving back there. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/fb6529f7690cd356a5e6b0bdf701846dd9215ef3/original/moving-1468972-1280.png?1496069777" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>God threw open the doors for our family to relocate to Louisville, KY this summer. What's amazing about that is my entire family lives there. My parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. I grew up there and left when I was 18 for college. I never dreamed I would be moving back, with a family in tow. </p>
<p>So much has happened to convince us that this is the right move for the next season. Our home in FL sold within 24 hours of being on the market. We close on our new home in KY on June 30th. So, in a little over a month, we will be moved there and settling into our new life before this baby comes in October. </p>
<p><strong>What does this mean for Kristin King Music? </strong> At the moment, I don't even know. I have been working on revamping my business plan and model to make my services and products even more accessible in my new market. I am excited to work with local churches in the area and offer my music consultation services. I am planning on releasing a new non-fiction book by the end of 2017. I am also working on a long-anticipated vocal warm-up program. Just because we are relocating doesn't mean the work is ending. In fact, I feel that God is increasing the workload and giving me so many new ideas. There are many exciting things going on all at once. </p>
<p>I did NOT expect this move. But I have incredible peace about it because I know I did my part. <strong>I allowed God to direct my steps by seeking Him first instead of trying to insist on my own plan</strong> (it wouldn't have worked out anyway). </p>
<p>I do believe the best is yet to come for Kristin King Music and my growing family. God has been so faithful! Stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on our journey along the way!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/e320557ab03e973af658b7d937f29fcaacaff0ba/original/kentucky-890615-1280.png?1496070011" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/47017482017-05-09T10:59:44-04:002017-05-29T10:28:27-04:00For Such a TimeIf someone asked me to choose a favorite heroine from the Bible, I would probably say Esther. If you're not familiar with her story, I encourage you to read it. She's got her very own book in the Old Testament, sandwiched between Nehemiah and Job. In a nutshell, the book is all about the story of how Esther embraces her destiny by becoming a queen (pretty cool destiny!), and simultaneously, has the boldness to save her entire nation from destruction. It's an EPIC story, an Old Testament fairytale, really.<br><br>I started thinking about Esther because of a beautiful wooden sign I was given a few days ago. I had the absolute pleasure of leading worship all weekend for a women's conference. It just so happened to be about 20 minutes from my house, but I was offered a room at the resort where the conference was held. The resort is right on the ocean, so I couldn't pass it up! I stayed overnight and enjoyed a mini vacation while I was working.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/5b02dac5fe7704ac67da697e79a919c392605c61/original/img-2203.jpg?1494341823" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> <br><br>The three of us ladies who led worship were given these adorable gift baskets, overflowing with yummy snacks and gifts. But my favorite gift was this sign:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/2b1b579a8f6231d549744125d75a6692e3f6c095/original/img-2206.jpg?1494341828" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong><span style="color:#9b59b6;">"Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." (Esther 4:14)</span></strong></span></div><br>This sign resonated with me not only because I love the redemptive story of Esther, but also because <strong>I feel like I have been created for this season of my life</strong> and my business. <br><br>As I've said in past posts, 2017 has been a very surprising year. So many unexpected twists and turns, and we're not even at the halfway point yet! But along with all of the surprises, <strong>God has been blessing my music and my business like crazy:</strong>
<ul> <li>I have a music studio full of wonderful voice and piano students that I see each week. </li> <li>I serve at a wonderful church that allows me to worship fully and lead others into the presence of God. </li> <li>I'm receiving more and more opportunities to use my gifts in worship leading as a consultant. </li> <li>I've made some great connections with some professional songwriters, which in turn has helped me hone and write some great new songs (hope you'll get to hear them soon!) </li>
</ul>Overall, I feel like<strong> I was made for this! </strong> Walking in my calling has been so fulfilling. I absolutely love the work I get to do every day.<br><br>I've been working on some projects I can't wait to share with you. And, very soon, I will be sharing some exciting news! This has turned out to be one of the most thrilling times of my life. And I can't wait to see what God has in store next! <strong>As long as He remains in the driver's seat of my life, I know my future is completely secure and the best is yet to come!</strong>
<hr><br><br><span class="font_large">I hope you'll stay tuned and keep a look out for the upcoming projects and news I have to share. The absolute best way to keep up with me, get in contact with me, and be in the know with all things Kristin King Music is to <a contents="sign up for email updates" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">sign up for email updates</a>. I promise, I don't overwhelm my clients with emails. <a contents="And you will also receive a FREE SONG download when you sign up!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">And you will also receive a FREE SONG download when you sign up!</a></span>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/46841102017-04-26T10:05:25-04:002022-05-08T04:09:09-04:00My Favorite Part of the DayToday I jumped out of bed, intent on getting a shower and getting dressed and made up before my three year-old son woke up. These days, he's pretty good at entertaining himself while mommy gets ready for the day (he doesn't really have a choice!), but there's just something about being all showered and fresh when I go in to say "good morning" to him and thus officially start our day. We're off to the races at that point.<br><br>My favorite mornings, though, are the ones like yesterday when I wake up about an hour earlier than Landon and have time to sit in my living room and slowly ease into the day. This is when I have my quiet time with God. I've found myself asking Him, "How are You today, God?" and then I giggle at myself when I realize that He's never once seen a bad day! I'm sure the Lord can handle my humor; in fact, I think He has quite a sense of humor Himself. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/3d1b35bafe576f26f8ad15b39dd8a4b558c598df/original/img-2154.jpg?1493169051" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>It's in these quiet, unhurried moments alone with my Savior, drinking in His presence and soaking up inspiration from His Word, that my soul is nourished and I receive strength for the day. I know it's no coincidence that<strong> on days when I have a solid quiet time with God that everything else just flows smoother</strong>. I get more accomplished, feel more productive and happier as well.<br><br>I'm reminded of the beautiful hymn that says these words:<div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Holy, Holy, Holy!<br>Lord, God Almighty<br>Early in the the morning<br>My soul shall rise to Thee."</em></div>
<div>
<br><strong>I believe there's a special blessing when we devote the very first part of our day to the One who made it</strong>. He calls us to "rejoice in the day the Lord has made", but how can we rejoice if we jump out of bed and immediately go from zero to sixty? <br><br>My wish for you, friend, is whether it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening, you get a few unhurried minutes each day to connect with your Savior. Pour out your heart to Him. If you're having a rough day, tell Him. <strong>He can handle rough days, much, much better than we can.</strong> Open your Bible and allow God to refresh your spirit as you glean unfiltered truth from His Word. <br><br>What is your favorite part of each day? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!<br> <hr>
<span class="font_large">Hey, have you downloaded your <a contents="FREE SONG" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">FREE SONG</a> from my <em>Make Something Happen</em> album yet? If not, what are you waiting for? <a contents="Get it here by signing up for email updates from Kristin King Music." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Get it here by signing up for email updates from Kristin King Music.</a></span>
</div>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/46476052017-03-27T17:12:45-04:002022-01-05T11:07:25-05:00When God Has Other Plans (+Brand New Song Lyrics!)Wow, what a <i>Year</i> 2017 is turning out to be!<br><br>I knew 2017 would be different, but God has been totally blowing my expectations out of the water. At the beginning of each year, I always come up with a theme word to frame my year. For 2017, my word is "Harvest". There are many things I've been believing God to do, and <strong>I truly believe that this is the year that the seeds I've sown will bring forth my harvest</strong>. Hey, there might even be a song in that somewhere! I'll have to explore this!<br><br>I recently stumbled upon a verse that I've read so often, but it's become a guiding principle in my life, especially these past couple of months.<br><br><span class="font_large"><em>"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." </em></span>-Proverbs 19:21<br><br>You know, just reading that now, I realized there are a lot of "P" words in that verse! <br><br>Plans<br>Person's<br>Purpose<br>Prevails<br>(Proverbs)<br><br>This verse is so true of my life. I am definitely a planner. In fact, I'm a part of this fabulous group of young ladies that meet once a month to discuss and plan out goals for ourselves. Nothing gets me more excited than to write a goal down on paper and mark it complete at the end of the month. <strong>I love setting goals; I love achieving goals.</strong><br><br>And yet, at the beginning of February, I found myself having a really hard time gathering up the resolve to work on my goals. Things in my life were going sideways. Not at all like I pictured my life at this point! Dreams that I'd had for years were practically drying up before my eyes.<br><br>Speaking of my eyes, I had one really exciting thing to look forward to! After nearly 20 years of bad vision, along with the never-ending expense of glasses and contacts, I decided to have LASIK surgery. I had been diligently saving and was ready to write a check for the procedure, which was scheduled at the end of February. I couldn't wait!<br><br><span class="font_large"><em>"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."</em></span> -Proverbs 19:21<br><br>I had a plan: getting my LASIK. <strong>But God had a different purpose</strong>. <br><br>February 15th, we found out we were expecting our second child. As I called and canceled my vision surgery (they will not perform it on pregnant women; trust me, I asked!),<strong> I watched my plan die and be replaced with God's purpose for THIS season</strong>. It was a bittersweet moment.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/ca6c08eb3fbf3091dc901d2b7dd1423cff39d2b1/medium/img-2114.jpg?1490648471" class="size_m justify_center border_" /> <br><br>As I've become used to being pregnant again, I've struggled with many things. First, this pregnancy has been so different from my first one because I've been sick off and on since I found out. Simple things that most anyone can do with ease, I've struggled to muster up the slightest bit of energy to complete. The first time I sang in church after learning I was pregnant, I wore myself out to the point where I took three naps the rest of the day and woke up sobbing from a debilitating headache.<br><br>Those of you who follow my artist page on Facebook know I've started doing "Wednesday in the Word" sessions. After I found out I was pregnant, I had the hardest time getting my face washed and make-up on, much less completing the "Wednesday in the Word", something I love doing. <br><br>So, during this season of unexpected blessing,<strong> I am extending myself grace</strong>. Grace to rest when I need it. Grace to cry when I'm feeling emotional and overwhelmed. Because <strong>I know that's what my Heavenly Father is all about: giving grace when we need it the most</strong>.<br><br>A couple of weeks ago, I penned a new song that I can't wait to share with you all! For now, I wanted to leave you with the last chorus of the song, because it describes my life so perfectly right now. I bet you can relate too.<br><br><em>"When there's a detour<br>And I can't seem to find my way,<br>I close my eyes and<br>Thank You as I lift my hands in praise.<br>You never left me<br>And You won't fail me now.<br>You guide me, Jesus, <br>Right here, through the detour."</em><br><br>Friends, when God has other plans, trust that He knows what He's doing. Trust that He's right there beside you as you navigate the detour together!<br><br>Blessings, <br><br><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span><br> <hr><a contents="I would love to give you a FREE music download of one of my songs! &nbsp;Get it here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD"><span class="font_large">I would love to give you a FREE music download of one of my songs! Get it here.</span></a>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/46283082017-03-13T22:16:06-04:002017-03-13T22:16:06-04:00You're Not Strong EnoughIf you're reading this post, you're a step ahead, in a good way!<br><br>You see, I've been doing something really fun over on <a contents="my Facebook artist page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/kristinkingmusic/">my Facebook artist page</a>. On Wednesdays, I've been jumping on Facebook Live in the morning and doing a short devotional. It's called "Wednesday in the Word" and it's been an absolute blast! I try to take 5 minutes to inspire and encourage my viewers. The feedback I've received has been so encouraging to me, so I know this is something I want to keep up!<br><br>That being said, I know the day this post will release is Tuesday, and that's intentional. I wanted to give you a sneak peek of this week's Wednesday in the Word, before Wednesday! Below is the transcript of my devotion. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it and be encouraged.<div style="text-align: center;">
<br><span class="font_large">You're Not Strong Enough</span>
</div><br><span class="font_regular">I had a huge revelation as I was getting dressed and ready for the day today. I felt like God whispered into my very soul, "You're not strong enough." Now, before you call me a heretic and tell me I need to check my theology in a major way, hear me out. Usually when God speaks to me, he talks in a way that makes me say, "Huh?" at first until I slowly begin to "get" what he was trying to get me to see the whole time. So, I immediately began questioning that line, "you're not strong enough" until I remembered a Scripture that I think perfectly supports this.<br><br><em>"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."</em> Ephesians 6:10<br><br>If you tuned in to the last Wednesday in the Word, we talked about the passage in Isaiah where God is described as never tired or weary. In turn, he can supply the strength that we need, since we as humans will at some point experience tiredness and weariness. We can only draw true and lasting strength from a Source who does not experience these things.<br><br>I've been reflecting on drawing from God's strength for a while now, and today when I heard him say, "You're not strong enough," I suddenly understood. Read the verse from Ephesians again: "Be strong <strong>in the Lord</strong> and in the power of <strong>His might</strong>." (emphasis mine)<br><br>Here's what dawned on me: <em>God has never called me to walk in my own strength! </em> The truth is, I'm not strong enough to handle what life throws at me. It's too much. That's why I can't ask God to give me the strength to face it. Instead, I should be asking God to lend me <strong>his strength</strong> so he and I can face it together. Remember that verse about God's yoke being easy and his burden light? That only works if I walk in his strength, not my own. So, I've come up with a good litmus test: if something I'm dealing with feels too heavy, I'm leaning too much on my own strength and not enough on his. Every promise in His word is true. To lighten the burden, I must relinquish control. I can't handle it. I'm not strong enough.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/15a2bae425ae155640f026f034b6ba4c6aadda85/original/boy-1666611-1280.jpg?1489453003" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span><br>Likewise, you're not strong enough either. I'm not sure what you're facing today. But <strong>I understand the feeling of a burden getting so heavy you think you can't take another step</strong>. Here's the good news: You don't have to. Whatever that heavy, heavy burden is, I challenge you to drop to your knees and ask God to help you walk out Ephesians 6:10 right now, today. I believe that if you do that, you're going to come away from that prayer feeling stronger than when you started, simply because you're no longer walking in your own strength. Don't you think our Savior is more than willing to help us when we ask? <br><br>The most amazing thing is that God is available at all times. He's just waiting for you to hand over your issue, your burden, your struggle to Him. <br><br>Walk in his strength this time. You'll be lighter on your feet!<br> <hr><br>I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek at Wednesday in the Word! If you're not hanging out with us on Facebook, <a contents='please head over to this link and "like" my page' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/kristinkingmusic/">please head over to this link and "like" my page</a>. You can watch me share this very Wednesday in the Word on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017.<br><br>Also, I want to give you a FREE song download! When you sign up for email updates (I promise, I won't bombard you with information), you'll get a link to a song from my album, Make Something Happen. <span class="font_large"><a contents="Sign up here to get your FREE song download." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up here to get your FREE song download.</a></span>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/45627282017-01-24T21:13:42-05:002017-01-24T21:13:42-05:00How Can I Serve You?Hi friends!<br><br>I'll be brief because I've got a really cool post coming your way soon that tells my story of how I landed in this crazy thing we call "ministry". <br><br>As I told you before, I am so excited for 2017! Because of planning and execution of that planning, I know this is going to be a banner year for Kristin King Music. <br><br>Here's where you come in. <strong>I am excited to announce that I am now booking ministry engagements for 2017! </strong> <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/66e1fc7789bfd9d4f967df34dc8e4d92f1509321/original/www-kristinkingmusic-com.jpg?1485310217" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Last year, I was able to help churches around the country with their music ministries. I'd like to help yours too! <br><br><strong>What can I do for you? How can I best serve you and your ministry?</strong> It doesn't matter if your congregation is big or small. I will tailor my musical services to fit your ministry needs and budget size. <br><br>Interested? The calendar always fills up quickly, so here's what you need to do. <strong><span class="font_large"> Email me today at: kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com to schedule a phone or Skype consultation (absolutely FREE). </span></strong> I can't wait to hear from YOU!<br> Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/45344442017-01-03T00:00:00-05:002017-01-03T00:05:23-05:00Looking Back, Looking Forward<p>2016 was quite the year for me. I didn't realize it until I was reading through my journal of the past year, and that's when it hit me that a lot has happened in the past 365 days. </p>
<p>The most major thing that happened at the beginning of the year was the release of my first album, <span style="color:#0000CD;"><em>Make Something Happen</em></span> <a contents="(if you want to check it out, click here)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kristinkingmusic.com/store">(if you want to check it out, click here)</a>. When I released this project, which I'm still very proud of by the way, I had no idea how to market it. So even though it was mildly successful by word of mouth, I think there could have been much more I could have done to get the word out. Still, releasing an album is definitely a bucket-list item, so no regrets! Sometimes I still can't believe I wrote the songs on that album. Such a dream come true!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/18eab5ca3b9b94a818496073901ea8d64be9cdeb/original/img-1229.jpg?1483402866" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Once I started working with a publicist, she got my songs distributed to radio stations across the US. That was also super-cool and very surreal. Being on radio was another bucket-list item. </p>
<p>In the middle of the year, my husband and I made a BIG decision, that I wouldn't return to the public school system as a teacher, but would stay home with our son and run my creative business instead. That last day of work was really hard for me. I seriously worked with the best team of teachers and administration, not to mention, pretty cool kiddos to teach. Giving all that up for a dream (and a much more sporadic paycheck) was hard. But it was the right decision, which I now know when looking back on that time. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/32b33c0d08f0ab6beb544f156f7fb2b33d9700cb/original/img-1424.jpg?1483402989" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And then there was the project that I picked up again after being incomplete for the past two years. I've always wanted to release a novel, and have actually written several of them that I never finished, but I couldn't get this particular story our of my head. So, I returned to a regimented writing schedule and actually completed the first draft of Sandals for Christmas. Then I edited it, turned it over to my professional editor and actually released it before Christmas! The response from readers floored me. When they started asking about a sequel, I knew I was on to something.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/859f490799f13b267328f352c7373b7cc462bf8a/medium/sandals-for-christmas-for-kindle.jpg?1478979724" class="size_m justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>So yeah, 2016 was a year of a lot of firsts. In fact, reflecting back on it, I'm sure it will be hard to top. </p>
<p>But I am incredibly excited about this year. Last week, I went to the beach for the sole purpose of setting some goals for my personal and professional life. Some of them seem big, but <strong>I've found that even if I don't know quite how I will arrive at the completion of a goal in the beginning, writing it down seems to magically summon the resources to get there</strong>. Funny how that works. It's magic, I say! </p>
<p>And then, there's this interesting twist to my life now that I'm no longer a teacher. It seems I needed to quit my teaching job so I could become a student again. Even though it's not a formal education, I have invested in three different courses this year, and I'm passionate about each of them. One of them is a book marketing course, one is a business success course, and the third is a fifteen day course on self-care. I really love to learn and I am so excited to implement my learning into every day life. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/633dd312f10d15c1796716c5b519459a51f1ebf8/original/new-year-1940308-1280.jpg?1483403543" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Only time will tell how this year will go, but I think it's going to be incredible. I hope you will stick around for the ride! </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span> </p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/45123612016-12-21T16:29:57-05:002016-12-21T16:29:57-05:00Practicing Peace on Earth<br><strong><em>"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests'." </em></strong>-Luke 2:13-14<br><br>This is Luke's account of the angels visit to the shepherds on the evening of Christ's birth. Can you imagine being a shepherd and watching the night sky light up with majestic heavenly beings all praising God? Wow, that would have been something to experience, an experience that would stick with a person the rest of his life. <br><br>The phrase that sticks out to me the most is <strong>"on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests"</strong>. Peace on earth. This is a promise given to us with the birth of Christ. Not a promise just for the shepherds or the wise men. It's a promise for all of us who claim Christ as our Lord and Savior.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d5b840756fa9faf44f1964cd89dc42f9140e546b/original/img-1977.jpg?1482355608" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>What I've been contemplating lately is how to experience that peace. This season has been one of unexpected peace for me. Unexpected because circumstances are not what I planned, but nonetheless, I am so content. I talked about this in my last post. God has really opened my eyes to the seemingly small wonders all around me. When I add them up, they're not so small at all.<br><br>Throughout the holiday season, it's so easy to get bogged down with everything there is to do. Office parties, presents to buy, presents to wrap, cookies to bake, special programs to attend, family dinners to enjoy, and on and on it goes. Tell me, how are we supposed to find peace on earth in the midst of all of that?<br><br>Today, I offer you one of my favorite ways to recharge, reflect, and spend some much-needed time thanking God for His blessings and provision. If you live north of me (most of you do), please don't hate me for what I'm about to say. You too, can try this technique. You're just going to have to get a little creative. <br><br><strong>One of my favorite ways to practice "peace on earth" is by taking a nightly walk around my neighborhood.</strong> Especially during this time of year because many of the houses are decked out in their finest Christmas costumes (aka. sparkly lights and more!). I bring my headphones and tune into an all-Christmas internet radio channel and simply enjoy the walk. I can practically feel the stress fall off with each step that I take. <br><br>Now, if you do live north of Florida, I realize that winter is typically cold for you. But, what if you bundled up in your coziest outdoor attire and took a ten minute walk outside to enjoy the lights? People play in snow all the time, so don't tell me it can't be done. Even ten minutes of practicing peace on earth can make all the difference in the world.<br><br>By the way, we just got the forecast for Christmas Day here in my area of Florida; it's supposed to be a high of 80. Guess where you'll find me on Christmas night after all the gifts have been opened and the festivities have ended? Feel free to join me as I pound the pavement practicing some more peace on earth!<br><br>Merry Christmas to you and yours!<br><br><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Kristin </em></span> Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44893042016-12-06T17:11:38-05:002021-12-23T18:03:32-05:00Obedience and BlessingOne of my favorite parts about being home in the mornings now (as opposed to going to work early for my previous teaching job) is starting off my morning with a practice of meaningful habits. I don't always get to them, but more often than not, you'll find me practicing these habits as soon as I'm awake enough to begin.<br><br>They look something like this:<br><br>1. Prayer/ Thanksgiving/ Devotion with God <br>2. Daily Affirmations (I have 14 of them, tailored for my specific season of life)<br>3. Visualization of my goals<br>4. Reading time<br>5. Writing time<br>6. Walking Exercise<br><br>I try to complete this cycle before my son gets up. And somehow, <strong>getting these things done just really sets my day up for success</strong>. I started this practice after reading <a contents="The Miracle Morning" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/92Dn3kl"><em>The Miracle Morning</em></a> by Hal Elrod. It's a book I highly recommend! <br><br>One of my affirmations that I'd like to share with you says this: <strong>"I experience Divine appointments and the favor of God on a daily basis."</strong> Yes, I say this aloud, just as I do the other affirmations. Now, that's all well and good, but those are simply words unless I give them meaning. I decided to start tracking my Divine appointments and moments of favor. And let me tell you, I am blown away by the goodness of God! <br><br>You see, I've been believing God for some BIG THINGS lately. And a door I was counting on opening didn't turn out how I'd planned. God basically said, "Not yet." (I don't feel He said "no", just "not right now.") I was blind- sighted because this was an opportunity that is truly a heart's desire, that I've literally laid on the floor and travailed in prayer and tears over. When it didn't happen, I was just...numb.<br><br>I eventually dusted myself off and said, "Ok, God, if not that, then what?" I felt His answer come in many different forms but the most obvious was through Scripture. Here's the verse, and it has very clear direction on what I'm to do right now: <br><br><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em><strong>"Be still and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10</strong></em></span><br><br>I love it when God speaks to me so clearly through His word. There are times when He speaks directly to my heart in prayer and other times when a Scripture practically stands up off the page in my Bible. That's what happened this time around.<br><br>So, I've taken Him at His word. I'm being still. Another verse that speaks along the same lines says this: <br><br><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em><strong>"Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act." Psalm 37:7</strong></em></span><br><br>As a result of listening to God, rather than trying to "make a plan" (I'm notorious for bulldozing through and coming up with my own way; stubborn, I know), I have experienced the most incredible JOY. I can't even explain it because I know <strong>it's not of this earth</strong>. <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> It's a joy that comes from being completely obedient to His voice and waiting on the Lord to move instead of trying to accomplish things in my own strength</strong></span>. And the blessings that have resulted from that obedience are incredible. <br><br>Are you facing a situation in your own life where you need some guidance? <strong>Do you feel God calling you to quiet your mind, lay down your plans, and just be still?</strong> I promise you, friend, if you heed God's word, your blessings from that obedience will far outweigh the sacrifice you make! It's worth it; trust me.<br><br>Wishing you a supernatural, unexplainable JOY this holiday season and beyond,<br><br><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Kristin</em></span><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/92227f01c2f52c08699e31f367005c4d5e911bf3/original/joy-1823939-1280.jpg?1481061597" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44836102016-11-25T21:49:59-05:002016-11-26T15:07:51-05:00My Holiday Gift Guide!<strong>Happy Small Business Saturday! </strong><br><br>I am overjoyed to bring you this special post, which is my official <span style="color:#FF0000;">HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</span>. There's lots of gift ideas in here and pics to go along so stick with me! I hope you'll find at least one idea for someone on your shopping list--and it's ok if that someone ends up being you! Treat yo'self! It's ok, I won't tell.<br><br>Let's start with some pairings. These are items paired with my products that I think you are going to love. You can find these items pretty much anywhere you shop. Pair them with one of my products and you've got a great gift! <br><br><em><strong>For your Friend who's a Singer:</strong></em><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/c171028fc642b5de171fb05891cda63926609a04/original/img-1924.jpg?1480093384" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Pair my vocal book, <span style="color:#0000CD;"><em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em></span> <a contents="(purchase here)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/4QLBzRq">(purchase here)</a> with a box of tea and a nice mug. You've got a great gift that any singer would love to have!<br><br><br><em><strong>For your Money-conscious Friend (or pretty much any College Student):</strong></em><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/4fd31e488070a4d07e722aaa54e17f6fbf43c3b1/original/img-1925.jpg?1480093478" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Pair a copy of my book <span style="color:#FF8C00;"><em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save</em></span> <a contents="(purchase here)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/g3GusSv">(purchase here)</a> with a cute piggy bank! Or, here's another idea that I love: <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/4474347b758f52dec2454730c9767f04420d4df2/original/img-1927.jpg?1480093818" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Pair the <a contents="same book" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/g3GusSv">same book</a> with a lovely glass jar <em>with</em> some cash already included! I guarantee this gift will be an absolute hit!<br><br><em><strong>For your Vacation-Loving Friend:</strong></em><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/1efa8ff3fef91c2270ba9760b49e39fd53e88aef/original/img-1929.jpg?1480094045" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I love this gift pairing! Pair my newest book and first novel, <em><span style="color:#FF0000;">Sandals for Christmas</span></em> <a contents="(purchase here)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/hEKWXps">(purchase here)</a> with a 2017 tropical pictures calendar. Another cute idea would be to pair a pair (haha!) of sandals with the book. Good luck finding those this time of year though, unless you already live somewhere tropical!<br><strong>Note:</strong> As of this posting, Amazon still does not have this title listed in paperback form, only ebook. That should change at any time, possibly even by the time you're reading this. <br><br><strong><em>For your Friend who loves Music (or anyone really!):<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/79322caffa9d6bf3662b01925b5db25384ef96b2/original/img-1931.jpg?1480094303" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></em></strong>How about a copy of my album <span style="color:#008080;"><em>Make Something Happen</em></span> <a contents="(purchase here)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kristinking1">(purchase here)</a>, paired with a blank journal or notebook?<br><br>Those are my pairing ideas! I hope they give you great ideas for your Christmas list!<br> <hr><br><br>Now, I'm not quite done! You see, <strong>I have some combo packages that I'm offering exclusively when you purchase from me</strong>. I think you are going to absolutely love these! And they are great value too because you're getting multiple items with each deal. To purchase a combo package from me, simply email me at kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com and tell me which combo you're interested in. I will respond with an invoice and shipping details. <strong>UPDATE:</strong> My website store is now LIVE! That means you can purchase any of these package deals right from my store tab. Payment is made through PayPal.<br><br><em><strong>Make Something Happen Package ($24)-<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/5ca8a30caf05a04c54f19d3b8649a8256af93616/original/img-1932.jpg?1480094660" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></em>This package includes 1 each of: <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice </em>book, <em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save </em>book, and <em>Make Something Happen</em> CD. Email kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com to order the Make Something Happen Package OR order from my "Store" page on this site.<br><br><em><strong>Make Something Happen Plus Package ($30)-<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/e3f9c7295307bb52ca010094939b38e2b19b9721/original/img-1933.jpg?1480094985" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></em>This package includes 1 each of: <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em> book, <em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save</em> book, <em>Sandals for Christmas</em> book, and <em>Make Something Happen</em> CD. Email kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com to purchase the Make Something Happen Plus Package OR order from my "Store" page on this site.<br><br><em><strong>Book Lover's Bundle ($28 + ONE FREE book of your choice!)-<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/2775c32ed758f721afa15aabac7679f5f5b94df7/original/img-1935.jpg?1480095243" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></em>This package includes 1 each of: <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em> book, <em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save</em> book, <em>Sandals for Christmas</em> book. With the purchase of this package, you will receive an additional book of your choice for FREE! Email kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com to purchase the Book Lover's Bundle Package and be sure to specify which title you'd like as your FREE book. You can also order from my "Store" page on this site.<br><br><strong><em>CD + Book Bundle ($18)-<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/7e2627ecb03d2d7e17f41a8e7786a1e9a475bdbe/original/img-1938.jpg?1480095520" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></em></strong>This package includes 1 <em>Make Something Happen</em> CD and one book of your choice (Choices are: <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em>, <em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save</em>, OR <em>Sandals for Christmas</em>). Please indicate your book choice in your email. To order the CD + Book Bundle, email kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com OR order from my "Store" page on this site.<br><br><strong>Please note: shipping is NOT included in these packages and will be calculated with your order total.</strong><br><br>There you have it! My 2016 <span style="color:#FF0000;">HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</span>! If you have questions about any of these products or package offerings, feel free to comment below or email me at kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com and I'll be happy to help you!<br><br>And thank you, for your amazing support of Kristin King Music this holiday season! If there's any way I can serve you, please let me know!Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44819472016-11-25T00:00:00-05:002016-11-25T11:22:44-05:00How to Support Your Favorite Small Businesses!Are you surviving Black Friday? Are you out there in the trenches, I mean the mall, scoring all the deals you can after a day of spending time with your family? Or are you like me and staying warm and cozy at home in your sweatpants after a day of too much eating? (Guilty as charged!)<br><br>It's amazing to me that, here we are, almost at the end of another year!<br><br><strong>2016 has been a year of firsts for me.</strong> In January, I released my first album, <em>Make Something Happen</em>, which includes 5 of my newest original contemporary Christian songs. In the middle of the year, my husband and I made the decision that I wouldn't return to work as a teacher for the new school year so I could be at home with our son and work primarily on my business. Then, just a week ago, I released my first novel, <em>Sandals for Christmas</em>, that I've actually been writing for the past two years. This is the year I finally finished it!<br><br>All of those things have been major developments for me, as far as my business is concerned. But the year has not been without its challenges. <strong> Being a small business owner can be lonely at times</strong>. When there's no one around but my toddler, and I desperately need to write a blog post. Or pay an invoice. Or record a new song. Or create new material. When I pour my heart and soul into products, and they flop. When I work on social media posts, and no one responds. When I watch my hard-earned profits go bye-bye to pay my accountant fee. <br><br>Overall, I wouldn't trade being a small business owner for anything. <strong>I just love business, and I love helping people</strong>. I love getting a message from someone telling me how that song on my album got them through a hard time. Or having someone give a five star review on my novel and say they can't wait for the sequel. These are the moments I live for!<br><br>The title of my post today is "how to support your favorite small businesses". I'm about to tell you the answer========><strong> You can best support your favorite small businesses by buying products or services from them!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/14aab6021f9767e7393ac5ba2dbe983186a1de34/original/white-male-1754278-1280.jpg?1480090948" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong><br><br>There it is. If you were expecting some very philosophical response, you might want to check out another blog. It really is that simple! When you invest your dollars into someone's small business, you are, whether you realize it or not,<strong> giving your stamp of approval and encouraging that business to create more products or services that help you in some way. </strong><br><br>In the last couple of years, American Express has promoted "Small Business Saturday" and encouraged people to "shop small". Even though I don't necessarily support AMEX, I think their marketing is pretty brilliant. And, I have in the past few years tried to do my own "small biz shopping" on that Saturday that falls after Thanksgiving. <br><br>What's cool is that this year, I have two new products of my own and can participate in Small Business Saturday as a small business!<br><br>Tomorrow, which just happens to be Small Business Saturday, I'll be releasing a pretty cool holiday shopping guide to my own product offerings. My sincere hope is that you'll consider "stopping by" my website tomorrow and checking out my gift-giving guide and maybe purchasing a few gifts for the people on your holiday shopping list. It would mean the world to me!<br><br>Until tomorrow!<br><br><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em><br><br>Ps. You know what else would mean the world to me? <a contents="Signing up for my email list, which is both SIMPLE and FREE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Signing up for my email list, which is both SIMPLE and FREE.</a> Two things we need more of in our consumer-driven world!</span>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44774162016-11-21T16:08:14-05:002016-11-22T11:16:00-05:00Things I Miss About You<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/f3a5d0fe265ed4fc9d66dbe302e63ba7dc62251a/original/dsc01612.jpg?1479762317" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It's been a year since my Nanny went to heaven. It's been a hard year since she left earth. I often wonder what her reactions would have been to things that are currently going on in our world. As my dad pointed out, ever the volunteer, Nanny would have been proudly working the voter polls on Election Day had she been alive. That's just who she was. She loved to serve. <br><br>I miss her every day, some days more than others. So, as a tribute to her 1st Birthday in heaven, with an eternity to come, I wanted to list the things that I miss about her most. <br><br><strong>Things I Miss About You:</strong><br><br>1. I miss hearing your voice and your distinctive laugh. I could always count on your positivity in a world gone mad, especially since you had such deep-rooted faith.<br><br>2. I miss your feedback and support of my music and writing. You would have been one of the first people to read my new book <a contents="Sandals for Christmas" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/eZ8Jgzw"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Sandals for Christmas</em></span></a> and tell me how much you enjoyed the storyline. <br><br>3. I miss your mac n' cheese. I can fix that a little easier because I just bought the ingredients to make it for Thanksgiving on Thursday. You can bet that I'll be thinking of you as I bite into that gooey deliciousness in a few days.<br><br>4. I miss your piano playing-- such a distinctive style that I won't hear again this side of heaven. Your devotion to practice has always inspired me, but now I feel like I practice my instrument with even more fervor, just in case you choose to peel back a cloud and take a listen. I hope you're proud of what you hear.<br><br>5. I miss a million more things that I don't have time to list. I just miss you, but I know you wouldn't come back, even if you had the chance. You live in the presence of God at all times. I can't even fathom how wonderful that must be.<br><br>Missing you,<br>Kristin<br><br>* * * *<br><br>Before she passed, my Nanny had the chance to listen to some of the songs from my album, <span style="color:#0000CD;"><em>Make Something Happen</em></span>. One of her favorites was "I Am the Lord's". To listen to the song, go to this YouTube link: <a contents=""I Am the Lord's" by Kristin King" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/fdHZI385sC0">"I Am the Lord's" by Kristin King</a>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44740602016-11-18T17:45:54-05:002016-11-18T17:45:54-05:00The Naked AuthorHave you ever had that dream where you walk proudly into work or school or church, only to look down and realize you're completely NAKED?<br><br>You wake up, drenched in sweat, before you peek under the covers and realize you are actually clothed. Phew, it was just a dream!<br><br>I think this is a pretty common dream for people to have. I know I've had it a time or two, but it usually has me on a stage performing somewhere.<br><br>Yesterday, after much fanfare and shameless plugs (yeah, I know you saw them!), my newest book, <span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Sandals for Christmas</em></span>, released in ebook format. I say newest because you might not know that this is the 3rd book I've released to the public. The other two books are very near and dear to my heart, and I'll include links to them at the bottom of this post, but, let's be honest and say that I had no idea what I was doing when I released those books. I was really just getting my feet wet in the self-publishing world, and I think I may have written a Facebook post that was something along the lines of "Hey, I just released a book! Proud of it, and hope you'll get a copy." Sad, just sad. <br><br>This time around, not only because it's a fiction book, but also because I've got just a tad more experience under my belt, I did some pre-marketing stuff in hopes to get people excited about the release.<br><br>And then yesterday morning, I woke up in a foul mood. I'll tell you why: I felt exactly like that naked dream, only I felt like the "naked author". I had lots of thoughts swirling through my head such as, <em>Who is going to read this book anyway? I should have done more to promote it. Never schedule a dentist appointment on the same day as a book release! I'm in such a bad mood. People aren't going to like the characters. </em>Ok, the third one really happened! I had actually had my dentist appointment scheduled for the past six months, and it happened to coincide on book release day. Never again, Kristin. <br><br>After I had my little pity-party, I reminded myself that I get to choose my mood, and even if I wake up feeling one way, I don't have to <em>choose</em> to stay that way. So, I did my little social media thing, letting people know that the book was available, still feeling very much like the naked author.<br><br>Something amazing happened: people overwhelmed me with support. People <em>I didn't even know</em> told me how cool they thought it was that I was releasing a novel and that they bought it to show their support. People shared my posts and encouraged their friends to check out the book. I was dumbfounded.<br><br><strong>There is something about releasing a BIG dream such as a novel or album or even a blog post. It feels exposing.</strong> Because what if someone doesn't like what you created? Ok, the more honest question is, how many people are not going to like what you've created? Because inevitably, someone is not going to like it. <br><br>But you know what? That's ok. If they don't like it, I'll live. Because I found out yesterday that there are a whole lot of people out there rooting for me and my little dream. Naked author and all. If you had a part in yesterday's book launch, I can't thank you enough. Truly, I can't. I'm still on cloud nine. <br><br>If you missed the link to my new book, <span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Sandals for Christmas</em></span>, here it is:
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="Sandals for Christmas ebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/86scCIT">Sandals for Christmas ebook</a></span></p> <br><br>Wanna try it out before you buy? <span class="font_large"> <a contents="Sign up for email updates and get the first chapter absolutely FREE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up for email updates and get the first chapter absolutely FREE.</a></span><br><br>To check out my other two books: <a contents="Ten Weeks to a Better Voice" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/if6C10v">Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</a> and <a contents="8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/1fNFYor">8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save</a>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44696582016-11-16T11:25:57-05:002016-11-16T11:29:37-05:00Read a Chapter from My New Book FREE<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="Link:%20http://a.co/9XFzjFZ"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/859f490799f13b267328f352c7373b7cc462bf8a/medium/sandals-for-christmas-for-kindle.jpg?1478979724" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a><br>Hello and Happy Wednesday to you!<br><br>As I wrote in an earlier email, this day feels a bit like Christmas Eve to me. That's because my new novel, <span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Sandals for Christmas</em></span>, will release in ebook format tomorrow on Amazon! I couldn't be more excited for everyone to read this story and to meet Charlotte Anderson, the main character.<br><br>Here's the really cool thing. I'd like to get the news out to as many people as possible that this book is available. So, I've decided to release the first chapter of the book, absolutely FREE!<br><br>That's right! No gimmicks or money down. I want people to get a taste of the book before they commit to buying (even though it doesn't cost much at all).<br><br>I hope you'll consider reading the first chapter and then giving me your feedback, whether here on this blog or on one of my social media pages.<br><br><span class="font_large"><a contents="Click here to gain access to the first chapter of Sandals for Christmas." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Click here to gain access to the first chapter of <span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>Sandals for Christmas</em></span>.</a></span><br><br>Here's how it works:<br><br>1. Click the link above. You'll be taken to my email updates page. Sign up for email updates (also FREE, btw). <br>2. Put in your information to sign up.<br>3. Your confirmation/ welcome email will have the link to my free chapter of <em>Sandals for Christmas.</em><br>4. Download and enjoy!<br><br>By the way, by signing up for email updates, you'll be the first to know about all the exciting things happening here at Kristin King Music. And trust me, there are a lot of exciting things to come in 2017! I'm so happy to have you along for the journey! <br><br>Much love,<br><br><em>Kristin</em>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44656322016-11-14T10:10:26-05:002016-11-14T10:10:26-05:00Sandals for Christmas is Almost Here!Good morning!<br><br>I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Monday morning!<br><br>I hope the kids got off to school peaceably, beautifully dressed, and without incident.<br><br>I hope all of your laundry is clean and put away, and your kitchen is sparkling and shiny, no dirty dishes in sight.<br><br>I hope you're enjoying a cup of delicious hot coffee, leisurely reading a book or magazine as you contemplate your beautiful life.<br><br><span style="color:#FF0000;">Ok...enough of that!</span><br><br>Most likely, your Monday morning has looked nothing like that silly, made-up scenario above. I don't think my life has ever looked like that. In fact, first thing this morning, my son surprised me with soggy, wet sheets from an overnight accident. Oh joy!<br><br>What I could really use is another vacation. Never mind that I just came back from one last week.<br><br>Do you need a vacation? An escape this holiday season? Because, let's face it: as wonderful as the holidays are, they can also be very draining as well. You feel pulled in a million different directions. All the food and the decorations and the presents and over-stimulated children. It's enough to make you go postal! <br><br>This Christmas, I invite you to escape for just a couple of hours, with my new book, <em>Sandals for Christmas</em>. I've described it as being like <span style="color:#0000CD;">"taking a vacation without the expense of the vacation".</span> This novel takes place at the beach in Florida, and even if you can't afford to visit the beach this Christmas, you can enjoy a love story that takes place there!<br><br><em>Sandals for Christmas </em>will release as an ebook this Thursday, November17th. But the really cool thing is that you can pre-order it now and it will be waiting for you on Thursday morning on your Kindle device! The other cool thing is that it won't break your holiday budget. The ebook is just $4.99. I wanted to make sure as many people get to read it as possible.<br><br><span class="font_large"><a contents="To pre-order Sandals for Christmas (you will be able to read it this Thursday), click here to go to the Amazon listing." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/hZtEX2r">To pre-order Sandals for Christmas (you will be able to read it this Thursday), click here to go to the Amazon listing.</a></span><br><br>I sincerely hope you have a great week! Now quit reading this and go drink that cup of coffee. Even if it's cold by now.<br><br>Kristin <br><br>Ps. Not crazy about ebooks? No worries! The paperback version of this book will also be available very soon. I'll keep you posted!<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/hZtEX2r"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/859f490799f13b267328f352c7373b7cc462bf8a/medium/sandals-for-christmas-for-kindle.jpg?1478979724" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44637752016-11-12T14:43:51-05:002016-11-13T14:01:41-05:00Sandals for Christmas Book Cover Reveal!Guys, we are getting so close to the release of my new Christmas novella!<br><br>In fact, the release date for the eBook is set for <span style="color:#0000CD;">Thursday, November 17th!</span> Less than a week away! The paperback will also be available very soon.<br><br>Today, I am beyond thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover for this book.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/859f490799f13b267328f352c7373b7cc462bf8a/medium/sandals-for-christmas-for-kindle.jpg?1478979724" class="size_m justify_center border_" /> <br><br>If this doesn't make you want to celebrate Christmas at the beach (or at least read about it), I don't know what will!<br><br>Please, let me know what you think in the comments below!Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44604282016-11-10T09:25:17-05:002016-11-10T09:25:17-05:00Announcing...Sandals for ChristmasYesterday, I did something kind of mean. I put a teaser on all of my social media sites as well as this blog.<br><br>In case you missed it, it looks like this:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d0011a00a63fe2b93adc8cfafcb3f3400fdc60fa/large/this-christmas-2.jpg?1478657898" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I know it made many people curious, and that was the intent. But today, I'm going to reveal all the answers to your burning questions!<br><br>I am incredibly proud to announce that this Holiday season, my first novel will be released.<div style="text-align: center;">
<br><span class="font_large"><strong><em>Sandals for Christmas</em>, a novella by Kristin King</strong></span>
</div>
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<span class="font_regular">There are probably millions of different Christmas novels available for you to read anytime at your disposal. So why choose this one?<br>Well, first of all, I think those of you who live up north will appreciate this story. It's all about Christmas, and family, and good food, and falling in love, and the beach! Wait, one of those things doesn't seem to belong. <em>The beach?</em> Yes, the beach!<br><br>You see, I have lived close to the beach (approximately 5 miles from the ocean) for ten years. And I've celebrated some really great Christmases here in Florida where it's definitely been warm enough at times to wear short-sleeves and sandals on December 25th. Hence the title! I guess if I had to sum up the book in one phrase, I would say it's a "Christmastime, at- the- beach love story."<br><br>Lucky for you, I thought I would give you a better description of the book today. Here you go:</span><br> <p><em>Charlotte Anderson has just experienced her first great success as a young professional in big-city Atlanta. She loves everything about her independent life that includes no room for romance. <br><br>Then a trip to visit her parents’ new home in a charming seaside community in Florida begins to challenge her perspective—on many things. <br><br>Will her mother’s famous Southern cooking, a meddling old woman, a handsome carpenter, and a pair of shoes change her mind about love? Or will a dark secret, that threatens to ruin her family, send Charlotte running back to Atlanta and her life of comfort? <br><br>You’re invited to travel south this holiday season! Trade your coat and the chance of snow for a T-shirt and the ocean breeze with a cozy love story that will have you wishing for your own pair of sandals for Christmas.<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~</em><br><br>There you have it! I don't have my release date yet, but I will very, very soon. I would love for you to read my first novel and celebrate Christmas along with me.<br><br>And guess what? You don't even have to live near the beach to enjoy it!<br><br>Stay tuned for more information on pre-orders, as well as special content included in the book. I can't wait to share this story with you!<br><br><span class="font_large"><em>Kristin</em></span></p>
<br> </div>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44583412016-11-08T21:20:08-05:002016-11-08T21:20:08-05:00New Book Teaser<span class="font_large">Because I just couldn't resist...</span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d0011a00a63fe2b93adc8cfafcb3f3400fdc60fa/original/this-christmas-2.jpg?1478657898" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">I'm getting so excited for the upcoming release of my newest book, my first novella,<em> Sandals for Christmas</em>!<br><br>Stay tuned! More to come.</span>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44554962016-11-07T09:26:37-05:002016-11-07T09:26:37-05:00I'm Done Apologizing<em>"For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.</em>"--Romans 11:29<br> <p> </p>
<p>I just finished attending the most amazing business conference for women: Christy Wright's <em>Business Boutique</em>. Let me start by saying, if you're a woman and interested in business in any shape or form, run, don't walk, to get a ticket for this event. It. Will. Change. Your. Life. </p>
<p>It did mine. </p>
<p>I haven't even had time to digest the information yet. I actually left a little early so I can get back to my son before he goes to bed, but I can already tell this conference has set me on fire! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/9c0b93fd030993ee4d94e2e7dd5fa7cc6204484b/original/bizboutique.jpg?1478528507" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Those who know me know I am a passionate person. But now I feel like I'm about to explode with renewed passion for my company and Kristin King Music. </p>
<p>So get ready! If you followed my journey before this conference, you may not recognize me afterward. In a good way. </p>
<p>While I was sitting in an incredible talk yesterday, Christy Wright said something that practically punched me in the stomach. She said, “Quit apologizing for your business, for what you do.” </p>
<p>I thought, <em>Bingo, that is me. </em>I'm a little different, I get that. Not everyone around me understands my passion for writing, creating, and being an artist in its many forms. But too often, I apologize for who I am. <strong>I second guess the gifts and talents God has placed inside of me</strong> and by doing that, it's almost like I'm trying to diminish them. What ends up happening is that I diminish my impact. </p>
<p>Well, no more. I am here to declare that <strong>I am done apologizing for who I am</strong>. From this day forward, I'm going to be as authentic as I can be. </p>
<p>So allow me to introduce myself: </p>
<p>I am Kristin King, <strong>proud wife and momma and daughter of the Most High</strong>. I own Kristin King Music, a company that I'm passionate about. <strong>I create products that help others be authentic and live their dreams</strong>. I love serving God through the avenue of entrepreneurship. I hope to serve as an inspiration to women around the globe so they too will stop apologizing and rise up to be the person they've been created to be. </p>
<p><strong>I'm finished seeking the approval of others when I've already received approval from the One who created me</strong>. </p>
<p>I am done apologizing for my gifts from God. As the verse above says, they're “irrevocable.” I can't give them back, and why would I want to when they bring me so much joy to walk in? Instead I'm going to start living them out, day by day, post by post, interaction by interaction so that the real me comes shining through. <br><br>Cheers to being the people God created us to be, using the gifts He so generously bestowed upon us!</p>
<p>#sorrynotsorry!<br><br><br><strong>Did you like what you read? For more like it, plus a FREE song download, <a contents="sign up for my email list today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">sign up for my email list today</a>!</strong></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/44198182016-10-14T17:23:46-04:002017-01-13T09:27:02-05:00New Book Update!!Happy Friday Friends!<br><br>I am going to try to keep this post brief, mainly because I'm sure you have much to do during your weekend besides read my blog, and also because I'm so tired. <br><br>This week has kicked my tail. I don't know what about it was so hard. Maybe it was cleaning up after the hurricane, which left my home and property untouched (Praise the Lord!), or maybe it was the slew of places I had to be this week. I figured out last night that I've done four different things to earn money this week: I've watched children, taught music lessons, sold a few books, and worked as a substitute teacher. Wow, I'm feeling all that work!<br><br>Ok, let's get to the main reason for this post. A few months ago when I wrote a post to update you, I mentioned that I was writing a novel. Fast forward to now and I am happy to say I just finished the third version of that novel! It's really special to me for several reasons:<ul> <li>It's the first fiction book I've written that I'm releasing to the public (I've written several other novels that will probably never see the light of day)</li> <li>It takes place where I live, at the beach in Florida</li> <li>It's a sweet Christmas story</li>
</ul>I am very excited to announce that <em>Sandals for Christmas </em>will be releasing sometime in the next two months. In the meantime, I will be releasing quotes, tidbits, teasers, and even recipes that come from the book.<br><br>One of the strategies I am using to get the word out is forming a pre-release book launch team. People on the team will have the opportunity to read an advance digital copy of the book and submit their opinions of it. I already have a small group of people who have been added to my book launch team, but I'd love to have a few more!<br><br>That's where you come in. <strong>If you are interested in being part of the launch team, there's two things I need you to do,</strong> as soon as you can:
<ol> <li>
<a contents="Sign up for my email list here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up for my email list here</a>. Even though this is for Kristin King Music, you will receive the digital product from this email campaign when I release it sometime in the next few weeks.</li> <li>Leave a comment below this post that you would like to be a part of the book launch team. That way I can add you to the group.</li>
</ol>That's it! Pretty simple, right? If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below as well. I am so excited for people to read this book. I have fallen in love with the characters and hope you will too.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/17bcb52927f55a7c86fe7bf52713af6e1047252a/original/accessories-84528-1280.jpg?1476479942" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/43995112016-10-01T15:11:54-04:002022-01-04T07:59:14-05:00A Decade of God's Faithfulness<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/c8482cf2d9ec67077650694e3cd96309d2e5fe2c/medium/florida-43781-1280.png?1475349069" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>I wasn't planning on writing this post until I realized that exactly 10 years ago, I moved to Florida. Wow, a decade. It's a little heady to think about. Let me give you some background:<br><br>In the fall of 2006, I had just graduated with my Bachelor of Music. Most people would have told me that degree was a waste of time and money, but I enjoyed every moment of earning it. And I had an amazing family who supported my dream of becoming a professional musician, whatever that looked like.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/151cc3ffaec693926271c82ace0ebb4f64e281ee/medium/dsc00035.jpg?1475345109" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>I was currently living in Kentucky with my parents, trying to figure out what came next for me. I knew I needed a little adventure; after all, I was young, single, and ready to start my life. An opportunity presented itself when I suddenly reconnected with an old friend. She had married a Pastor and together they were running a church that needed a Music Director. The best part was that the job was in sunny Florida. For years, as a child and teenager, I told myself I would live in Florida someday. My someday had come. I packed up my car, my precious little '95 red Honda Civic with failing A/C, and my dad and I set out on the 800 mile journey south. <br><br>Those Pastors were gracious enough to allow me to live in their house. I had my own room and bathroom. Since the music job was only part-time, I decided I would continue my work as a barista for Starbucks. Between those two jobs, I was able to start saving and begin paying back those glorious student loans. The Pastors asked me what I was believing for God to do in my life. <strong>I told them, very seriously, "I want a house, a husband, and a car." </strong><br><br>In 2007, I started dating my future husband. I met him in church. He was on the second row and I sat on the first. It was if God was telling me, "Here he is, you just had to get here to find him." We dated for about 5 months before getting engaged. While we were engaged, he got me a new car. Yet another answered prayer.<br><br>In the spring of 2008, Jamie and I were married on the most glorious sunny day in Florida. I couldn't imagine the wedding anywhere else because that's where my life was now. I also hoped much of my family would get a chance to vacation and enjoy the destination wedding, which they did. Two months later, Jamie and I moved into our new home. <strong> Blessing upon blessing.</strong><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/617b1a41e0129b1ef9a4f7ce10917c62ce14fdfa/medium/dsc-0046.jpg?1475345257" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>I had started to have the desire to become a teacher. Although I enjoyed my church music job, I thought I would really enjoy being in a classroom and teaching kids how powerful making music can be. I applied to the county to become a substitute. I would start there and figure out what I needed to do to become a certified teacher. From 2008-2011, I worked as a substitute teacher, applying for any open teaching positions while also going back to school to earn my professional teaching certification. I was always devastated when I applied for a job, interviewed giving it 110%, only to find out I wasn't hired. <br><br>I was just about to give up and focus on teaching private music lessons when I landed two interviews on the same day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. I don't know what made that day different, but I was on fire! I was offered both jobs and chose the second position as a high school Choral Director. I had been living in Florida for 5 years by that time and had finally, finally landed my first full-time position utilizing my degree.<br><br>Three months into teaching, another veteran teacher chose me to receive the golden apple Teacher of the Month award. That moment my name was announced still brings tears to my eyes because I remember the kindness of this man who saw some potential in a new teacher and made sure to recognize it. That man has since gone to heaven, but his deed stays with me always. Rest in Heaven, CL.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/762027ca253d427998115542d34f1f37c94ec30f/original/dsc01056.jpg?1475345372" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I enjoyed that first teaching job for two wonderful years. At the end of 2012, I found out I was pregnant. I finished out the school year and wasn't sure how I was going to return to work once my son was born. He was due right when the 2013 school year was set to begin, and though I loved my job, it was not only full-time but a daily hour commute there and back. I just didn't know how I was going to accomplish being away from my son that long. I sat on the very couch where I am now and prayed to God for help. I kid you not, 20 minutes later, I got a phone call from the elementary school down the street from my house asking if I would be interested in a part-time music teacher position. <strong>Yet another prayer answered.</strong><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/3e547acba877ddf170765eb7ef43efd521781bd8/medium/img-0142.jpg?1475345780" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p>In September 2013, my Landon was born. He stole both mine and my husband's hearts from the moment he entered the world. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/a94a9fce63c9d9403f2b0f47dd2c5c5f30934455/original/dsc01996.jpg?1475345954" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It was amazing to be able to raise Landon and still be able to keep up a teaching career. I taught four hours a day and then I was home with my sweet boy the rest of the time. <br><br>I began to feel a tug towards realizing the dream of publishing a book. It was something I'd always wanted to do, but I felt like the time had come to take a leap of faith. After working on a manuscript for 3 years, I got over my fear of rejection, hired an editor, and self-published my book on singing. The day I opened that proof was like holding an actual dream in my hands. It was magic, but more than that, further evidence that <em>"He who began a good work in me would be faithful to complete it." </em>(Philippians 1:6)<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/bb3fad06a2eb4910cfc6f413a673a55e455fa82a/medium/img-0699.jpg?1475346434" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>After releasing that book, I caught the writing bug and started work on my next book, a book on savings. In the middle of that, I was busy trying to pay off my student loan (that thing was still hanging around!) and my car, which is why I wrote the book. I published <em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save</em> in 2015, right about the time I started dreaming about creating an album of original music. <br><br>Jamie was completely supportive of that dream and helped me find a producer in Nashville. I ended up traveling to Nashville four times last year to work on my album. I enjoyed every minute of the process as I met with musicians, had my hair and makeup done for the album photo shoot, and recorded my vocals (hands down, hardest work I've ever done). <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/280fbf15a3010372c45aec72647dab0bcaecf1c3/original/recording.jpg?1475347117" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/9685bcfa16f6e0b4057976dc9f862ee4e3c50c32/medium/photoshoot.jpg?1475347174" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>At the beginning of this year, <em>Make Something Happen</em> released to the world. Sometimes I still can't even believe that I have an album and that each of the five songs on it are mine. <strong>Yet another sign of God's faithfulness.</strong><br><br>And that brings us to now, on October 1st of 2016, and I've lived here in Florida for a decade. Unbelievable! The past ten years have been beyond wonderful, and it's all due to God. I don't know what else to say besides <strong>His fingerprints have been all over my life. In every story; in every season. </strong> Thank you, Lord for Your blessings, big and small.<br><br>These days, I'm dreaming up some new dreams and facing a season as an entrepreneur and musician. God continues to be faithful and lead me each step of the way. If you stuck with me to the end of this post, thank you! I hope you've caught the glimpses of God's goodness and answered prayer all throughout this post. Reflecting upon the things He's done in the past ten years has brought me to tears several times today. So I leave you with this because I can't say it any better:<br><br><em>"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord's loving kindnesses never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness..." </em>(Lamentations 3:21-23 NASB)<br><br>*************<br><br><span class="font_large">Want more from Kristin King Music? Sign up for my email list to get exclusive content and notification of new blog posts plus much more! It's fun, fast, and FREE. <a contents="Sign up here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up here.</a></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/43632302016-09-12T09:35:00-04:002022-01-04T08:06:54-05:00Staying Content in This Season"<em>But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.</em>" -1 Timothy 6:6-7<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/605e8ff722a30f671c9b98c9dab99a5a46f21e16/original/bench-560435-1280.jpg?1473542771" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>I am in a strange season of my life. I guess I would call it the land of in-between. Since students have returned to school, but I didn't return to work as a teacher this year, I am definitely feeling a little...well, out of place. Especially since I work as a substitute teacher once in a while. It's weird that the kids are not "mine" anymore and that I'm just in a classroom for the day. I'm not by any means, regretting my decision to step out on faith and become a full-time entrepreneur, but not having a set schedule can be a little unsettling at times.<br><br>I was reflecting on my adult life up to now and I realized that in the past ten years that I've lived in Florida, I've always been actively pursuing "the next thing". You know what I mean: the next job, the next dream, or the next big ticket item. In fact, I couldn't recall the last time I was decidedly content with my current situation. Now, I've had a lot of good things happen to me over the past decade. I've married an incredible man, we've moved into a new home, I've served in several wonderful churches, I've gotten new, exciting jobs, we've paid off consumer debt, we've started our family, and I've released my first album. As amazing as all those things were, I've realized I missed a lot of opportunities to be content during those moments.<br><br>This verse from Timothy has been convicting me lately. <em>Godliness with contentment is great gain.</em> I always seek to serve God, to pray and to read His Word on a daily basis. But mixing that ingredient with contentment for whatever season I'm in has been lacking from my life. That's tough to admit, but true. So, I've decided to practice contentment in this in-between season of my life. Here are five ways I'm doing so:<br><br><strong>1. Outlining my purposes for this season.</strong> I had to dig deep to find my purpose for this time in my life. In the past, I just tied it into working, but that was more of an easy scapegoat than a true purpose. Eventually, I came up with a list of purposes, starting with the fact that <strong>I find my true purpose in Christ, not in a job, another person, or a big dream</strong>. Another purpose I realized I've been called to for this season is to be a blessing to those around me. I've had a lot of fun coming up with ways to help those in my life right now. <br><br><strong>2. Counting my blessings in prayer. </strong> It's amazing what a healthy dose of gratitude will do! A couple of years ago, I wrote in a gratitude journal and came up with five things a day I was grateful for in my life. I've since finished that journal, but I try to continue the practice when I'm feeling down. Recently, I started incorporating my gratitude list into my daily prayer time. I want God to know how grateful I am for the blessings He's bestowed in my life right now. <br><br><strong>3. Allowing God to convict and change my attitude. </strong> At times, my attitude has been way too much like a child's. I've shaken my fist at God and said, "I don't want this. Why don't you just give me what I want?" Once I enter the land of adulthood again (usually after a good pout), I remind myself that God knows how to run my life a lot better than I do. So, I pray and ask for His help on changing my attitude. And He doesn't disappoint. I'm so thankful to serve a God who can handle my many emotions each day!<br><br><strong>4. Staying positive by monitoring my thoughts. </strong> We all have that self-talk that cycles through our brains. Have you ever stopped to listen? When I started to do that, I realized why I struggle with a sour attitude at times. Some of the stuff that goes through my brain, especially in regard to myself, is downright mean. <em>You're not good enough to run a business. What made you think you could be a successful musician? You might as well give up; you're never going to make it to where you want to be.</em> Please tell me I'm not the only one who has "heard" these kinds of thoughts cycling through my brain! What I realized is that these thoughts <em>are</em> going to come, but if I make myself aware of them I can combat them with positive statements. So when I get the message that says, <em>You're not good enough to run a business, </em>I can turn it around and say back to myself, <em>I may not be experienced yet, but I'm willing to learn from my mistakes and reach out to those around me who do know how to run a business so I can get better at this. </em>I've noticed a huge difference in my internal dialogue since working to combat those negative thoughts with positive ones.<br><br><strong>5. Realizing that this season is only temporary and my state of mind will follow me into the next season. </strong> Fall is my favorite season. It's beautiful outside and there are vibrant colors all around and everything is pumpkin-flavored. Yes, I am <em>that </em>gal. I like my coffee orange. But fall is only a small sliver of time in a year. Just like this season is only one small sliver in my life. I'm sure at this time next year, I'll be dealing with a completely different set of circumstances. My mom has always said, "Change is hear to stay." She's right. I've realized that whether I'm actively practicing contentment or allowing discontentment to throw me into a tailspin, that mindset is going to follow me into the next season. Maybe I'll knock out every goal on my bucket list. I'll move to the city of my dreams and live and work where I want to, but if I leave my former season with the wrong attitude, I'll just carry it over into the next one. That's scary, and not something I want to do. I want to walk into my next season excited for having made it, but appreciative of all that I had to endure to get there. <strong>I want to enjoy the journey, not just the arrival to my dreams.</strong><br><br>Since I've been practicing these five principles, I've noticed a huge difference in my state of contentedness. I am finding joy all around me, in little things I wouldn't have noticed before. Today before his nap, my precious three-year old laid on my lap and snuggled with me on the couch. It filled me with such a sense of peace and purpose. If nothing else, right now, Landon needs me to be his mama. His joy-filled, content-with-this-season mama. So that's what I'll be.<br><br>I hope whatever season of life you find yourself in, you'll take time to appreciate the many blessings around you today. Being content is not going to happen automatically, but working on that mindset is a worthy pursuit that is sure to fill you with joy in every season.Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/43414662016-08-25T11:53:10-04:002017-01-13T09:27:01-05:00Blessings Inside (A Guide to My Products)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/5d93d3d527773f6664760d9ca1a4c8ab20129585/large/img-1394.jpg?1472140329" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Hi there! If you haven't known much about me or if you just stumbled upon my website on accident (please stay!), you probably only know that I'm some chick who likes to sing and write. And while that would be totally true, people who get to know me are often surprised to know that I've released several products that I'm really excited about. So, I wanted to write a post detailing those offerings so that the person who doesn't know that much about me can get a snapshot at the products and services I offer.<br><br><span class="font_large">Recently, I came up with my core purpose for my company as well as my life: I want to strive to be a blessing to someone every day.</span> Whether that's a face to face experience or it comes through interaction with one of my products, that is what I'm trying to keep in focus at all times. I want to be a blessing. If you need a blessing today in one of the following areas, read on.<br><br><strong>If you need encouragement in your faith walk:</strong><br>Check out my 5 song EP, <em>Make Something Happen</em>. You can listen to clips of each of the songs right on my website (just go to the "Store" tab), and you can buy them from the same page or head over to your favorite digital music service (iTunes, GooglePlay, etc.). You can also read about the stories behind the songs under the "Blogs" tab and select the "Make Something Happen!" blog. My favorite pick-me-up songs from the album are "I Am the Lord's" and "You Have Not Forgotten Me". I hope you like them too!<br><br><strong>If you want to be a better singer:</strong><br>Have a peek at my book <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em>, sold exclusively on Amazon. Available in both eBook and paperback, this resource has received rave reviews, including one from a Top 50 Amazon Reviewer! If you want to discover how you can hone your singing voice into what you've always dreamed it could be, you need to read this book. It also makes a great gift for singers on your music team! I offer a bulk discount for orders of 10 or more copies. If you are interested in that, email me at kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com. <a contents="This link takes you to the book." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/bSZgwVw">This link takes you to the book.</a><br><br><strong>If you want to improve your finances through better saving skills:</strong><br>You need to read my book <em>8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save, </em>sold exclusively on Amazon. I guarantee that you will pick up at least one new savings tip that will more than pay for the cost of the book. It is also available in eBook and paperback for your convenience. I wrote this book after I gave birth to my son and felt the need to challenge myself to come up with creative ways to save for my dreams and goals (the above EP is one of them). If you like Dave Ramsey and his financial principles, you will enjoy this book! <a contents="This link takes you to the book." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/dHXUbqU">This link takes you to the book.</a><br><br><strong>If you have a worship ministry need:</strong><br>One of the areas I've really focused on this year has been helping church worship ministries around the US with their music. Of course, I'll always welcome the opportunity to come and perform songs from <em>Make Something Happen</em>, but where I'm really seeing a need is in the area of worship. <strong>What happens when your music minister needs to be out on a Sunday and you have no one to fill in?</strong> This is one of the things I love to do! I am passionate about worship and pouring into the faithful volunteers in your ministry. I work with churches on an individual basis so I can tailor a budget and worship experience to fit your needs. Maybe you don't need a fill-in music minister but want to boost the morale of your team. I offer a variety of workshops and consultations that are guaranteed to spur your team to excellence in music ministry. If you are interested in this service, simply email me today at kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com and request your free brochure on booking Kristin King Music at your event or service. I book dates on a first come, first served basis. I love to travel and can't wait to work with you!<br><br>I hope this post gives you a better idea of what I'm all about. Yes, I'm passionate about music and writing. But I'm also passionate about being a blessing to you! <br>How can I do that today?<br><br><br>Ps. I have more exciting products on the way! If you would like to be "in the know" on all the latest news, sign up for my email list by <a contents="clicking this link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">clicking this link</a>. Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/43291082016-08-18T11:06:01-04:002021-06-29T12:40:51-04:00[Free Song]+ How to Make Something Happen!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/73a165cddbd860c3b50616539abd305f8502a33e/medium/csrkk15-cover-15.jpg?1471532696" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Hey guys! Happy Thursday!<br><br>I hope you are enjoying your week. <br><br>I have a favor to ask. You see, I am building my email list because it has proven to be the best way around to connect to my friends, family, and fans and keep you updated on what is happening with Kristin King Music as well as give you lots of FREE content and goodies.<br><br><a contents="Sign up for email updates here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD"><span class="font_large">Sign up for email updates here.</span></a><br><br>So, would you mind taking a moment to sign up for emails from Kristin King Music? In return, you will receive a monthly newsletter about all that's happening around here as well as a FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD from the <em>Make Something Happen</em> project!<br><br>In addition to receiving your free song, here are some of the perks of joining my email list:<ul> <li><span style="color:#0000CD;">Be "in the know" with everything that's happening with Kristin King Music</span></li> <li><span style="color:#0000CD;">Receive exclusive opportunities to join the Launch Team for new products as they are released</span></li> <li><span style="color:#0000CD;">Hear Kristin's new music before anyone else!</span></li> <li><span style="color:#0000CD;">Receive encouragement to "make something happen" in your own life</span></li> <li><span style="color:#0000CD;">Preview products and services offered by Kristin King Music</span></li>
</ul>I promise to keep your information private, and of course, if at anytime you wish to unsubscribe, you can do so easily.<br><br>You can also respond directly to the emails so we can have a conversation.<br><br>Thank you so much for your support! I couldn't live this dream without you!<br><br><span class="font_large"><a contents="Sign up for email updates here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">Sign up for email updates here.</a></span><br><br>Blessings,<br><br>Kristin<br><br> Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/43247322016-08-15T09:45:00-04:002020-01-04T09:49:35-05:00A Reminder to Look Up<p>Those who know me or have ever seen me in person know that I am "vertically challenged." That's the nice way of saying I'm short. </p>
<p>Most of the time this doesn't bother me, probably because I don't think about it too much. I do tend to get aggravated though when I'm trying to reach for my clean laundry on the pole in our garage that is just a little too high for the vertically challenged. Just today, I asked my husband first thing when he walked in the door from work if he would help me grab some clean clothes I wasn't about to try to reach myself. </p>
<p>Another instance that reminded me of my shortness happened recently when I ran a quick errand to the store to pick up a box of pasta we needed for dinner. It was actually dinner time, and I needed those jumbo shells ASAP. The only problem was, I couldn't find them. Anywhere. I checked the regular pasta and the multigrain pasta and even those cool tri-colored ones that claim to be made of spinach and tomatoes and stuff. Nowhere. I must have stood there for at least two minutes reading every pasta name I knew and learning some I'd never even heard before. Finally, ready to admit defeat, I texted my husband, "Believe it or not, there are no jumbo shells here." I started walking towards the end of the aisle, formulating a plan for the next grocery store I would have to visit, still baffled that this store which always had what I was looking for did not carry jumbo shells. Just before I left, my stubborn side kicked in and I decided to go back and look one more time. </p>
<p>Lo and behold, I found those jumbo shells, stocked neatly next to the manicotti. The difference was, <strong>this time I looked up</strong>. They were way above my line of vision on the shelf which is why I'd missed them before. The amusing thing is that they hadn't moved. I just adjusted my vision by looking up. </p>
<p>You know where I'm going with this, don't you? </p>
<p>So often, we get so hyper-focused on everything that's going on around us, the good, the bad, and the ugly that we forget to <strong>look up</strong> to see where our help comes from. <br><br><em>Whom our help comes from. </em></p>
<p>I decided to do some research to see if the concept of "looking up" was in the Bible, and I wasn't disappointed! There are quite a few places where the Bible refers to looking up to find help. I'll quote my two favorites here. </p>
<p><em>"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." </em>-Isaiah 40:26<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/3529867b5c09e4ea3069735cce646f73a7de9236/original/universe-1044106-1280.jpg?1471207056" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>What a beautiful picture is being painted here reminding us that if we look up at nighttime, we'll see the multitude of stars created by the God we serve. He not only created them, but he knows each one by name. <br><br>Here's another one that I love:<br><br><em>"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."</em>-Psalm 121:1-2<br><br>It's cool that the Psalmist asks himself the question of where his help comes from and then answers it in the very next verse. I find that I need this reminder so often.<br><br>When I can't find the box of pasta I'm looking for, <em>Look up!</em><br><br>When I get stuck in the details of a cruddy day, <em>Look up!</em><br><br>When the medical report doesn't look good,<em> Look up!</em><br><br>When I can't figure out God's will for my life<em>, Look up!</em></p>
<p>I hope that this week, whatever you're facing in your own life, you'll remember where your help comes from. It's so easy to get bogged down in the details that you forget to look up. If you need a reminder to do so, just step outside on a clear night and take a nice, long look at the stars, which will force your gaze in the right place. <br><br>Or you could always go hunt down some jumbo shells for me! <br><br><br><br><br><span class="font_large">To keep up with Kristin King Music and receive more posts like this, straight to your inbox, <a contents="sign up for email updates by clicking here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">sign up for email updates by clicking here</a>. I promise to keep your information private. Thanks so much!</span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/43094962016-08-04T09:57:43-04:002017-01-13T09:27:01-05:00Updates from Kristin King Music<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/1747b79d10822e8419108f65bf24b1e29d9c8c09/medium/forgotten.jpg?1454563967" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Hi Everyone! I wanted to spend a blog post giving you some updates on Kristin King Music<br><br>Looking back over the past 7 months, it's crazy to watch the evolution of this journey of stepping into my music dream. Next week, all of the teachers in my county go back to work. Normally, that would be me. But this year it's not! It was one of the hardest conversations I've had when I told my principal I would not be returning in the fall. He was so gracious and even told me he was excited to watch my story and new career unfold. <br><br>Giving up that job was a definite step of faith, as I talked about in a previous post, but it has allowed me to say "yes" to some really cool opportunities. <br><br>I have a cousin about 800 miles away who is getting ready to have her second child. I was not around when she had her first daughter and it's always bothered me. So, I am making sure I will be in town when she has her newest daughter. Because I don't have the structure of a "normal" job (whatever that is!), I can hop on a plane when I please and travel a little more this year.<br><br>Recently, I spoke to a music director at a church in my hometown and he asked if I'd be willing to come for a week and a half to two weeks to hang out and perform during a church conference. I was able to say "yes" without hesitation because Kristin King Music is now my full-time work.<br><br><br>Over the summer, I've been brainstorming the next projects I'd like to focus on and am really excited to tell you about several of those that should debut before the end of the year!<br><br>The first is a NOVEL! Oh my goodness, just writing that word sends chills down my spine! Probably because, writing and releasing a novel to the public has always been a dream of mine. Well, this year, I'm going to make it happen with a Christian novel set in Daytona Beach, FL at Christmastime! I am almost finished with the first draft and have loved watching the characters come to life and teach me a thing or two. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/8dfae03918804397312813e7736d302ee6ce4ef8/original/bench-1289528-1280.jpg?1470318940" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>I am also working on a vocal warm-up CD. I have had so many singers ask me for this resource over the years that I've run out of excuses as to why I shouldn't create one. So, I'm busy writing and recording the warm-ups that are going to go on that project and serve as a companion to my book <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em>. <span class="font_large">By the way, if you'd like to pick up <em>Ten Weeks to a Better Voice</em> from Amazon, <a contents="click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://a.co/aRxVxv9">click here</a></span>.<br><br>The other thing that I've been concentrating on is developing a way to keep my friends and fans in the loop on everything that's going on with Kristin King Music. As you can see, there's a lot more going on than just music! So, I've been working on an email system that will allow you to receive monthly updates on Kristin King Music. I am so excited to begin building my list of subscribers and I promise to respect your privacy and not sell your info to any third parties. <span class="font_large"> To sign up for monthly updates for Kristin King Music, <a contents="click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">click here</a></span>. If you sign up, I will send you a song download from my latest project, <em>Make Something Happen</em>.<br><br>I hope you've enjoyed this update! Thank you to all of my friends and fans for your amazing support. I couldn't live this dream without each of you.<br><br><span class="font_large">Once again, if you'd like to sign up for Kristin King Music updates, <a contents="click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">click here</a></span>.Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/42717632016-07-19T10:57:16-04:002022-01-04T08:11:43-05:00Life of a Creative<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/d068cb195a761d1c15fe95884cb1b1d0e18e8969/original/keyboard-1395316-1280.jpg?1468940043" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>People always seem surprised when they find out for the first time that I have self-published two books and have also released an album. All of these things have happened very quickly in the past three years. People who know me usually cock their heads before asking the question, <strong>"Where do you find the time?" </strong> And I always answer with, "I work on my creative projects while my son naps." That really is the truth. I guess that means I get another year or so of working on my creative projects before my son stops taking his afternoon naps. Then I'll have to carve out another time for being creative. <br><br>Being creative is not a cut and dried process. <strong>Some days feel more productive than others. Some days, I feel like the most boring person in the entire world.</strong> I go to type a plot line for a manuscript I'm working on and...nothing. I sit down to work on some lyrics to a new song and my mind and pen are dry. Other days, I wake up with an idea, a plot or a lyric swirling through my brain, just begging to get out of my head and onto paper. The truth is that I don't always feel creative, but I do it because I have to. If I go too long without exercising my creative thought, I feel like something is sorely missing from my life.<br><br>I find inspiration in different places. I have a really cool journaling Bible that I use for personal study and to flesh out new song ideas as the inspiration strikes. I keep a small notebook in my purse so if I'm out and an idea pops up, I can quickly jot it down. I use Pinterest to gather quotes and give me a jumping off point for creativity. <br><br>When it's time to actually flesh out an idea, it's time to use one of my favorite things: Post-Its! I am the self-appointed Post-It Queen and use them for everything from to-do lists, goal charts, and book chapter outlines. Just the act of getting my thoughts on those cute little colored squares of paper is very therapeutic and helps me feel much more creative. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/416f621eebed630bd2ac196f1294b7f59d384398/original/img-1260.jpg?1468939819" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Since I've made it a priority to dedicate time each day to being creative, it's been amazing to see certain ideas grow and blossom into songs, books, and music projects. <strong>Making time daily to practice creativity has turned into a habit,</strong> sort of like brushing my teeth. If I miss a session, something just feels off.<br> <br>In conclusion, the life of a creative is anything but neat. Just like the paycheck of an entrepreneur, it comes and goes. It ebbs and flows. But if I show up around the same time every day, my creativity has a way of coming out. Showing up is after all, half the battle.<br><br>I like what Henri Matisse once said: "Creativity takes courage". Indeed. Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/42453062016-06-23T16:43:10-04:002017-01-13T09:27:01-05:00So, This is Faith?One of my songs, "Make Something Happen" says<br><br><em>Make something happen,<br>Take a little leap of faith<br>You never know<br>What's on the other side<br>Until you try<br>Make something happen<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/b9fa6cc16b9efc73c3e8a3e05adcfa74b6304689/original/sea-488836-1280.jpg?1466714379" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></em><br><br>Well, I'm happy to say, I took that leap of faith a few weeks ago. I resigned from my teaching job of five years. I know that doesn't sound like a long time to be at a profession, but with the average length of a job these days being just over 4 years (and that statistic sounds high to me), I feel like I've been there a while. Not to mention, it took me 3 years to get the job since I decided to become a teacher smack dab at the beginning of the recession! <br><br>So, why did I give up such a good gig? I took my leap of faith and left teaching to pursue my music dream. Here I am, two weeks in, and sometimes I ask myself, "What on earth were you thinking?"<br><br>I suppose I expected the phone to ring off the hook with boundless opportunities. It hasn't. Or my email inbox to be flooded with requests to perform all over the States. I've yet to see that happen. Most of the time, I feel like I'm just existing on a prayer and a song.<br><br>See, that's the thing about faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith isn't always pretty. Sometimes it even resembles the ocean during a storm. I'm hoping that my music career will get off the ground. Every once in a while I see signs here and there that let me know things are happening, but so often, the evidence is not there. It's not all sunshine and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. The faith walk is so much like Peter trying to walk on the water. You have to keep your eyes on Jesus who's standing in front of you and off the water that's all around you threatening to pull you under. <br><br>Even though I haven't <em>yet</em> seen the rewards of stepping out of my comfort zone of teaching and into the treacherous and sometimes choppy waters of a music career, I know one day, I'll look back and be glad I took my leap of faith. <br><br>Just gotta keep my eyes on Him.Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/42047372016-06-01T15:59:29-04:002021-12-23T17:57:10-05:00Trust AND Fear?God is showing me a very interesting lesson in this season of life: trust AND fear go hand in hand.<br><br>Yep, that's right, even though it doesn't sound like it. Even I puzzled over that when God dropped it in my spirit.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/e9da995500f78b36a8b7f97275f7ffdab55b6b6f/original/hands-1044882-1280.jpg?1464811115" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>I've been really diving into the Proverbs, which are so incredibly useful for life application. Those Proverbs are <em>packed </em>with wisdom; more wisdom than any of us can handle in a lifetime. So I've enjoyed digging around in the 31 chapters and pulling out the verses that speak to me and apply to my current situation. Here's the most recent verse I've been meditating on:<br><br>"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)<br><br>I know most of us who have been Christians for any amount of time are familiar with that verse. Familiar, yes. But do we really know what it means?<br><br>God does not desire us to "cower" in fear at Him, but rather to stand in holy adoration or reverence of Him. I have to be honest: I don't always fear the Lord the way I should. Much of the time, I forget how mighty, awesome, powerful, omnipotent, holy (I could go on and on) He is. I bring Him down to my level and confine Him in this teeny tiny box of human thinking. I forget that the One who created the seas can handle the most minuscule details of my life.<br><br>That's where the trust issue comes into play. If I don't fully fear the Lord, how can I fully trust Him?<br><br>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)<br><br>I love this verse and always have, but that doesn't make it any easier for me to trust God at times. I like to know what's going to happen ahead of time, and let's face it: much of life we don't have a clue what's on the horizon. We simply have to <em>trust</em>.<br><br>I am finding it so much easier to trust God when I get the fear part right first. <br><br>Today, I'd like to challenge you: the next time you are struggling to trust the Lord with ALL your heart, ask yourself if you're really fearing the Lord as you should. Get a healthy dose of reverential awe and see if that doesn't help you trust Him as you need to. <br><br>"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word..."Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/41898462016-05-20T13:51:03-04:002021-12-23T17:58:15-05:00Stop Trying to Force the Door Open<p>This week has been an interesting week of God teaching me the same lesson over and over again but in many different ways. I guess He wants to make sure I'm getting it. </p>
<p>Anyone who knows me personally knows I have a bull-dog personality when it comes to getting things done. Basically, I see a task that needs to be done and I plough right through it. Yeah, I consider myself a go-getter and it has helped me a lot in life. But it can also be a hindrance. </p>
<p>I've been trying to book more singing engagements for the summer and have met up with a lot of opposition. People love my music and my ministry but for some reason, seem reluctant to close the deal and set a date for having me visit their churches. The bull dog in me would like to just bug them until they give in. </p>
<p>But this is not the lesson God wants me to learn. I was speaking to a cherished music mentor earlier this week about my frustrations. She gave me some advice that pretty much smacked me upside the head. “If you can't get them to commit, you've got to let it go and move on. <strong>Stop trying to force the door open</strong>. If God promised He'd take care of your ministry, He'll do it through other people.” </p>
<p>Obvious to most, and yet profound enough for me that I've been chewing on that bit of wisdom for several days. Is it actually ok to…give up sometimes? Gulp. </p>
<p>I think my devotion today sealed the deal. </p>
<p>“Stop all your striving and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord.” </p>
<p>Ok, point taken, God. I've come to believe it's in my best interest to lay some things, people and dreams down at the altar. I've been guilty of striving too hard to “make something happen” and even though there's a time and a place for that, <em>for now</em> I'm supposed to wait on the Lord. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/08bd07adf0d43aaa0f28098e98f60a04255115bc/medium/lock-1072650-1280.jpg?1463766498" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Is there a door in your life you're trying so hard to force open? Perhaps it's time to stop working so hard and turn your attention to the One who can and will open the right door in His perfect timing. And the best part of it is, when He opens it, it will be easy. No striving involved at all. </p>
<p>Consider these verses the next time you're tempted to strive: </p>
<p>“Unless the Lord builds the house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for the Lord gives rest to His loved ones.” </p>
<p>-Psalm 127:1-2 </p>
<p>Be encouraged. We're all works in progress. God has not called us to strive but to rest and be renewed in His presence as He opens the best doors for our lives.</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/41666632016-05-05T02:45:55-04:002022-01-04T07:27:09-05:00The Power of Thank You <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/fe7c2d91429e9f5c3971c8691945276827946557/medium/thankyou.jpg?1462430822" class="size_m justify_right border_" />My mom raised me well. And since Mother's Day is coming up next weekend, I think it's important to pay homage to her with this post today. </p>
<p>It didn't matter how big or small the gift, my mom raised me to write thank you notes. For every gift I got. She always told me, “if you thank people for their generosity, they're more likely to think of you again.” So, even at times when I didn't want to, I sat down and wrote another blasted thank you note. </p>
<p>Turns out she was right. About more than just saying thank you, but especially about that. </p>
<p>Now that I'm launching my music career, I am overwhelmed by the support of people like you: </p>
<p>People who bought my CD. <br>People who liked my Facebook artist page (450 and counting as of this post). <br>People who sent me encouraging messages to let me know how my music has touched them in some way. <br>People who let me cry on them when things weren't going exactly the way I'd hoped or planned. <br>People who mentored me and told me what I needed to hear even when I didn't want to hear it. <br>People who gave me an unmerited chance to perform my music. <br>People who shared my artist page, blog, book, or music with someone else. </p>
<p>If you happen to fall into any of the above categories, I have just two words to say to you: thank you! </p>
<p>I would not be where I am today or have the opportunities I have with Kristin King Music were it not for you- the greatest fans anyone could ask for. You have gone over and above and I am truly grateful! </p>
<p>I hope to keep making music and other products that inspire you to go after your dreams and live the life God has purposed for you. </p>
<p>And to all those moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! As President Abraham Lincoln once said, <em>“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”</em></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/41448892016-04-20T01:12:40-04:002022-01-04T07:18:46-05:00Living the Call <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/147ab307ee63a98fc3ea91570dfeaa4991a3ab95/original/perf2.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_right border_" height="216" style="width: 417px;" />A couple Sundays ago, I had the absolute privilege of working with a small, but vibrant ministry in Cocoa, Florida. From the moment I met Pastors Darren and Constance Cole of Mercy Church, I knew they were the real deal. They are passionate to reach their community with the love of Christ. And it shines through them. </p>
<p>They allowed me to come and be their guest worship leader while their worship minister was out of town. It was such a wonderful time because the congregation was very receptive to the music and seemed to enjoy participating throughout the worship service. </p>
<p>Then, it was time for the offertory song and Pastor Constance had requested that I sing "You Have Not Forgotten Me", which is on my latest project Make Something Happen. I was a little nervous about singing it because it is a vocally challenging piece (why do I do this to myself?), but I wanted to please, so I determined to sing it the best I could. As I began to sing and get into the song, something began to happen. The mood changed. People began standing. Some were sobbing. It was an indescribable moment that I will never forget. It was a moment of connection, the one that every musician hopes they will experience with their audience. </p>
<p>It was in this moment that I realized that I was and am beginning to walk in "my calling". That moment brought about the most pure form of joy because I knew I was doing exactly what God had created me to do. </p>
<p>Now I am searching for more ways to walk in that call. It's more than a dream to me. Dreams can be vague and they come and go like the wind. But a calling is something deeply engrained within that reveals itself little by little as we attempt to live lives authentic to ourselves. </p>
<p>I realize that living my call requires me to serve people, in the best way that I know how and that happens to be through music. Isn't servanthood really what the Christian life is all about? Galatians 5:13 says,<em> "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another." </em></p>
<p>Through love, serve one another. </p>
<p>That, my friends, is living the ultimate call. </p>
<p>As I step into my new season, I am hopeful for more opportunities to serve the body of Christ. I would love to come to your church or ministry this summer. Please contact me at <a contents="kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com">kristinlkingmusic@gmail.com</a> to discuss available dates and ministry options. </p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/41191042016-04-04T02:02:33-04:002022-01-04T07:47:27-05:00Sometimes Faith is the Bridge <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/ea462f156339e63e7722f9fd32f8cacbda6f251d/original/44633520-m.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_right border_" height="229" style="width: 378px;" />I am starting to see a reoccurring pattern in my life. </p>
<p>Often, when I'm looking at a major change like making a leap from one job to another or working on a new book or music album, I see no possible way to get from where I am currently to where I want to be. </p>
<p>God is teaching me that sometimes faith is the only bridge from one place to another. And once I take a step of faith, things begin to fall into place to get me where I need to be. </p>
<p>For instance, about 6 years ago, I was three years into trying and failing to get a teaching job in my county. I was just nannying part time to bring in some income to help our family. I felt the strong call to launch my own music studio and stop nannying completely. Naturally, I had no way of knowing whether I could make up the income I was losing. But I still stepped out in faith. And within a few months, I was not only running my music studio, but I also got hired as a music teacher. </p>
<p>I feel that there are big, big changes on the horizon and once again, I'm not sure how I'm going to get to where I want to be. </p>
<p>Until I remember that sometimes faith is the only bridge. And God doesn't ask me to have all the answers (thank goodness!); He just asks that I trust Him to work it out. </p>
<p>Are there things God has called you to do that scare you? Good, you must be on the right track. God's dreams for us are always bigger than our own. Maybe there's a step of faith you know you need to take but have been too frightened to do so. I encourage you to remember that sometimes faith is the bridge from one place to the next. Remember, we serve a faithful Father who is sure to catch you and hold you steady if you stumble along the way. </p>
<p><em>“Faithful Father, <br>You are the one I run to, <br>Arms wide open, <br>You take me as I am”- from the chorus of a new song, “Faithful Father”</em></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/40533062016-02-22T02:10:34-05:002022-01-04T07:28:48-05:00Story Behind the Song: Make Something Happen <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/7918340f033ad98031f154edacf65aae06d70458/medium/cover.jpg?1450804307" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Three little words. One song. Responsible for revolutionizing my life and the way I think about it. </p>
<p>I promise I'm not over-dramatizing it for a good read (well, maybe just a smidgen). I truly believe that "Make Something Happen" was divinely dropped into my spirit for such a time as this. </p>
<p>We live in a world of victims. Every little thing is made into something big. Think about it: how many articles have you seen spouting negativity about some politician, some celebrity, or some family? We are a culture that thrives on whining and taking little to no responsibility for our lives. Just letting ourselves be tossed about so we can play the victim card. </p>
<p>It's time to WAKE UP, people! God has called us to so much more than being victims and taking no responsibility to better our lives. </p>
<p><em>"The thief does not come but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." </em>- John 10:10 </p>
<p>This was the verse I found myself reflecting on a year ago. I wanted to experience the abundant life that Jesus talked about in this passage. My life, my music, my sense of adventure had all grown kind of...stale. I longed for more and knew it was out there somewhere. </p>
<p>But I wasn't really taking responsibility for my life. In truth, I was playing the victim because of my location and bemoaning the fact that my dreams weren't coming true on my timetable. </p>
<p>And then I started telling myself to make something happen. I realized that as nice as it would be, no one was going to show up at my door and say, "Hey, Kristin, that music dream you've got there, how can I make it come true?" No, that was actually my job, and I had been shirking the responsibility for a while. </p>
<p>Finally on January 3rd, I got a revelation and started playing the lead role in my life. I know it was that date because I wrote it down. And sometime in between that day and January 18th, I woke up one morning at 5:30am singing the words to "Make Something Happen". </p>
<p><em>"Make something happen, <br>Dare to live your wildest dream. <br>Make something happen, <br>Take a little leap of faith. <br>You never know what's on the other side <br>Until you try. <br>Make something happen." </em><br> </p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ARLZtvZ0Sp4" width="560"></iframe>
<p>I remember being irritated that I was inspired right out of a dead sleep, especially since I had to get up for work in just a little while. Still, I grabbed my phone and slowly trudged to the bathroom, closing the door so I wouldn't wake my 16 month old son. </p>
<p>In a sleepy voice, I recorded the crude beginnings of the song and then got back in bed. </p>
<p>In the days to come, I wrote verses to the song and started imagining a music project built from it. </p>
<p>As you know by now, Make Something Happen, the project, has been released and I couldn't be happier. I stuck the theme song in the middle as a sort of an anchor for the rest of the songs. </p>
<p>Any time I am feeling discouraged or even lazy, I listen to this song. And then I go and do exactly what it says: I make something happen. Even if that something is little, it's still something and it counts. </p>
<p>This song has taught me that I am responsible for turning my life into what I want it to be. And no, I'm not belittling help from God because sometimes only a divine touch from heaven can right our situation. But God revealed to me a long time ago that I need to do all I can first, and then allow Him to step in and complete it. </p>
<p>Is there anything in your life that you've been playing the victim card about? Ask yourself if it truly feels good to whine about what you're unhappy with in your life. </p>
<p>Then I hope you'll download the song "Make Something Happen" and listen to it. Then the next thing to do is take a small action on something. Now think about how you feel. Action always makes you feel much more empowered than inaction. </p>
<p>Just remember, if fear tries to rear its ugly head when you're making something happen, you know you're on the right path! </p>
<p><em>"Fear will always try to tell you you're not good enough, smart enough, or strong enough, <br>But sometimes you have to do the thing that scares you the most, <br>So you can truly fly."</em> - from "Make Something Happen"</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/40358892016-02-11T02:12:13-05:002021-12-23T18:00:40-05:00Story Behind the Song: More of You <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/539943408054318236f6a736bf8a5b8487ea18df/original/5504593-s.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_right border_" height="153" style="width: 371px;" />The words from the song<em> "More of You" </em>were inspired by my desperate need for more of God in my life. And by one of my favorite human encounters with Jesus while he walked in the earth: the story of the Samaritan woman. </p>
<p>"So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from his journey, sat down by the well. </p>
<p>When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?' </p>
<p>The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?' (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) </p>
<p>Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.' </p>
<p>'Sir,' the woman said, 'you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?' </p>
<p>Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.' </p>
<p>The woman said to him, 'Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.'" -John 4:5-7, 9-11, 13-15 </p>
<p>This passage really speaks to me because the woman is concentrating on earthly matters while Jesus is talking about completely different spiritual matters. Ouch, that sounds all too familiar! </p>
<p>So often, I go to God asking him to just give me this job or that accolade, and I will be content. Meanwhile, He's calling me to hunger and thirst for deeper things, like seeking His face instead of His hand, knowing that true fulfillment only comes from fixing my eyes above material trappings that won't ever make me happy. <br> </p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EOzZz9Pc_xA" width="560"></iframe>
<p>"More of You" is a song that reminds me to keep my focus on those deeper things. </p>
<p><em>"More of You, More of You, <br>God, I need much more of You. <br>My soul longs to see Your glory, <br>May I drink from You and never thirst again." </em></p>
<p>When we partake of the One who offers living water, it truly "satisfies every need within".</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/40239952016-02-03T23:53:33-05:002022-01-04T07:33:02-05:00Story Behind the Song: "You Have Not Forgotten Me"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/a202dcd96fc75d6444873d7ab42d81f761151e81/medium/misc-4.jpg?1399641858" class="size_m justify_right border_" />This song seems to be a favorite among those who have purchased the album. I think it's because it comes out of one of those desperate places that everyone at some point in their lives has felt: the place of being forgotten. </p>
<p>Just writing about it gives me a pit in my stomach. Being forgotten causes a knee-jerk reaction, doesn't it? </p>
<p>I was never the sporty-type in school. I tried to pretend that I could hang with the athletic people, and even managed to make it through one excruciatingly awkward year as a cheerleader, but I think people saw right through me. I was always one of the last ones picked when we had to divide into teams for gym class. I felt forgotten. Unwanted. </p>
<p>I grew through that time and came into my own when I gave myself up to my passion for music, and I guess I assumed my gift would always make room for me as the Proverb says. </p>
<p><em>"A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men."</em> - Proverbs 18:16 </p>
<p>Unfortunately, that's not always how it went. It's hard to understand why people in your own profession (church-going people, gasp!) would act jealous or afraid of your gifts, but that's exactly what many people have done to me in the ministry. </p>
<p>In one such instance, I was constantly being passed over for songs and positions I knew I could do, and do with excellence. I once again felt forgotten. Passed over. </p>
<p>I came home from this ministry one evening, just so disgusted that I wasn't getting any opportunities to do anything with my music. I poured my heart out to God and concluded my prayer with, "Thank You God, that even though people may have forgotten me, You haven't." </p>
<p>That phrase became my constant comfort as I walked through that difficult season: <em>"You have not forgotten me." </em>It wasn't too long before the song came pouring out of my soul. Even the music and melody reflects the yearning for the Creator of the Universe to comfort me when I'm feeling abandoned by everyone else. </p>
<p>As I began to pen the verses, I thought about broadening the theme of feeling forgotten. Don't we all feel forgotten at times when our carefully constructed worlds come crashing down around our feet? What about when our spouse or child gets a grim diagnosis from the doctor? Do you sometimes question if God turned His back at the exact moment your hopes and dreams collapsed? </p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Q_Xgb20MpQ" width="560"></iframe>
<p><em>"You Have Not Forgotten Me"</em> is a song that speaks to us in the dark seasons. All of the lights may be off around us, but if we can only grope around and find the Father's hand. He can see, even when we are blinded in the face of difficulty. </p>
<p><em>"You have not forgotten me, <br>You know all my fears, hold all my dreams <br>How You love me! <br>You know when I sleep and when I rise, <br>I am a treasure in Your eyes, <br>And even when I feel alone, deep down I know <br>You have not forgotten me." </em></p>
<p>I don't intend to preach to you with this post, but I do believe you need to know that you are not forgotten! Even if nobody else knows the depth of what you are facing, God does and He is right there with you. The psalmist said it so beautifully: </p>
<p><em>"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost part of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall fall on me,' even the night shall be light about me; Indeed the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You." </em>- Psalm 139: 7-12 </p>
<p>Friend, you are not forgotten! God is right next to you. And because He is omnipresent, He is still on the throne, working all things together for your good. </p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/40075802016-01-26T02:27:00-05:002017-03-27T16:28:30-04:00Story Behind the Song: "You Through Me" <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/649f4ea97ed9fa10ad067a0aa422b6459e6313d3/original/7.jpg?1453793156" class="size_l justify_right border_" height="212" style="width: 415px;" />Some of my songs come to me at odd times, when I'm doing things that you wouldn't think would inspire a song. </p>
<p>The chorus for the song "<em>You Through Me</em>" came while I was making my bed one weekday morning. </p>
<p>As I was tucking the sheets neatly away, I started singing, "May I love them like You love them...Let the whole world see You through me". </p>
<p>I pieced together the rest of the song at my day job as a teacher and later at home in front of my piano. It became the first song on my album, <em>Make Something Happen</em>. It has also become one of my declarations for 2016. I want the world to see Christ when they look at me. </p>
<p>That's such a tall order! But according to the Bible, it's a mandate that we as Christians should all strive for because of what He did for us. </p>
<p>Galatians 2:20 says it best: <em>"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." </em></p>
<p>It is no longer I who live... </p>
<p>But Christ lives in me... </p>
<p>Those words carry a lot of weight when you really stop to contemplate them. Just speaking for myself, but I can't say that I always behave like I have Christ living in me and through me! </p>
<p>"You Through Me" actually came from my thought process of how I wanted to show the love of Christ to my family members who don't call Jesus their Lord and Savior. I have many in my family who aren't saved, and I've learned over the years that it's not enough to just preach Christ to them. No, what they need more than anything is for me to BE Christ to them. <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Et8Bm7adQhU" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Et8Bm7adQhU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Et8Bm7adQhU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="400" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Is there anyone in your life who needs you to BE Christ to them? Do you have the ability to love them like He does? If you don't think you do, why not ask Him to give you that strength? </p>
<p>God is looking for open vessels who will share His love just by who we are in our every day lives. Are you up for the challenge? We can do it together! </p>
<p><em>"I wanna make Your name famous, <br>Find a way to show the world, <br>That Your love is everlasting, <br>And Your truth can really <br>Set the captive free, <br>But let it start with me." </em><br>- verse from "You Through Me"<br><br><span class="font_large">Did you know? <a contents="You can get a FREE download of this song here! &nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/cal1dD">You can get a FREE download of this song here! </a></span></p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/39957442016-01-19T02:51:11-05:002017-01-13T09:27:00-05:00Story behind the Song: "I Am the Lord's"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/2050744f7f574158126ff382b87e581d26e45d93/original/5.jpg?1451266044" class="size_l justify_right border_" height="567" style="width: 257px;" />My grandma sat in her chair in the living room, looking so different from the brave, joyful, and spirited woman I have known her to be all my life. </p>
<p>The woman in the chair was tired, ragged, and weak. </p>
<p>She had just returned from the hospital with a diagnosis of Stage IV cancer all over her body. I was visiting from out of town for what I figured would be my last time with her. It was. </p>
<p>When I heard she was in the hospital the week before, I sent my dad the digital file of my song, "I Am the Lord's". I told him to play it for her because I hoped it would bring her comfort. And I wanted her to hear some of the music I'd been working so hard on. Just in case... </p>
<p>Now, days later, she asked me gently, "How did you manage to write a song that says exactly what I'm feeling?" </p>
<p>I got goose bumps, but not because I was excited that she could relate to my songwriting. You see, I had actually written the song 5 years earlier, with no possible way of knowing the effect it would have in 2015. </p>
<p>Rewind back to 2010. I had finished reading Psalm 18 and was so inspired by King David's words. He was constantly facing battle after battle, yet as he sought the Lord, God rescued him every time and reminded David that he was His. I was so inspired by those words that I began to piece together a flowing melody. I also wanted to fulfill my personal challenge of composing a song in 6/8 meter. </p>
<p>"I Am the Lord's" was the resulting song and it continues to comfort and inspire me every time I hear it. When it was time to choose material for my "Make Something Happen" project, I knew this song had to make it on there. It felt just as relevant to me in 2015 as it had when I put it together in 2010. And apparently, it spoke to my grandma as well. <br><br> </p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdHZI385sC0" width="560"></iframe>
<p>H. A. Overstreet once stated,<em> "I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, hope, yearning, love, belong to all of us, in all times and all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality." </em></p>
<p>I think what he was saying is that music is timeless in the way it can make us all feel. It is just as powerful of an emotion felt by a casual listener who hears the opening lines of Beethoven's "Fur Elise" as it was when he began writing the famous melody. </p>
<p>Not that I'm comparing myself to Beethoven, even remotely, but I do understand that music affects us all in some way. That's one of the reasons I love creating it. </p>
<p>When my grandma passed, one of the first thoughts that went through my head was the lyrics to the bridge of "I Am the Lord's": </p>
<p><em>"How merciful, how merciful, that His eyes would look upon me. Perfect my way, call me saved, so that I could bring Him praise." </em></p>
<p>I know she would be proud of this project and would be one of the first to buy it. "I Am the Lord's" is her anthem and testament of God's faithfulness throughout her life and into eternity. </p>
<p><em>"He reached from above and gathered me to Him, <br>He pulled me out of many deep waters, <br>And gave me the shield of His salvation, <br>And called me His own, <br>I am the Lord's" </em><br><br>- Chorus from "I Am the Lord's"</p>Kristin King Musictag:kristinkingmusic.com,2005:Post/39682972015-12-29T12:27:16-05:002019-10-25T06:38:08-04:00Make Something Happen - More than a Mantra <p>Welcome to the first official blog post of Kristin King Music. </p>
<p>Even though I'm not a mountain climber, I have an idea of how one feels standing at the bottom of a very tall mountain I'm getting ready to scale. I have no idea what danger awaits me. But all I care about is the beauty I'll behold as I'm making my way to the summit. </p>
<p><em>“Life is about the journey, not the destination.” </em>We've all heard a quote like that. This music project I'm about to release has been one wild ride that has taught me much. And it's not over yet. </p>
<p>It started with a simple melody that found its way into my subconscious mind one sleepy weekday morning: </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/187413/7918340f033ad98031f154edacf65aae06d70458/medium/cover.jpg?1450804307" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><em>“Make Something Happen.” </em></p>
<p>I couldn't get the phrase out of my head and I realized it was a call to action. My personal call to action. You see, I've been playing a waiting game with my music career for about a decade. Sad, but true. I've gained a lot of great experience during that time, but have always pushed my biggest aspirations to the side because something wasn't right or I didn't think I had the right resources to get going. </p>
<p><em>“Make Something Happen” </em>came along and blew all of my excuses out the window. I realized that if I wanted any level of success with my music, I had to make it happen. The same with the other areas of my life. Better marriage? Make it happen. Tighter reign on finances? Make it happen. </p>
<p>So as the song began to string itself together like beads on a necklace, I realized I couldn't exactly sing the song and give it justice if I didn't also address the areas in my life that it convicted. </p>
<p>The phrase<em> “Make Something Happen”</em> became more than a personal mantra to me in 2015. It became a guiding principle that made me take full responsibility of making my life awesome. </p>
<p>And it inspired the music project I'm about to release to the world very soon. </p>
<p>Stay tuned…and while you're at it, why not make something happen in your own life. Only you know what that something is. </p>Kristin King Music