Every now and then I have sleepless nights... tonight is one of them. My mind is racing... prompted by my wife putting in a CD that we just purchased of one of my favorite artists. They are so awesome. I aspire to have the kind of music ministry that they have. But as I laid in the bed listening to the music I couldn't help envisioning their recording session, then envisioning my next recording sessions, then envisioning my next concert, then wondering if I should continue to promote my CD independently or if I should try to get a deal with a record label. And that last thought is what really woke me up.

So, since I couldn't sleep I figured it would be a great time to update you on what's going on.

I'm trying to take a break for the holidays. As you can imagine, it's been a real grind the past month. But great things are happening!

I noticed that one of my songs is on the R&R chart! How exciting!! Now - for those that saw that as REIJFD LKYJNIV - let me interpret. There are certain radio stations that report to an operation called Radio & Records. These reports impact what gets on the record charts. If your song never gets reported, it never gets on the record charts. It's next to impossible for an independent record to get charted - but by now you know what God I serve. So if you go to this web site (HTTP://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Gospel.asp) and scroll down, you will see Gospel Playlists - Search by Station Calls. If you put in "WXEZ" and press "go" you will see the chart for Star 94.1 (WXEZ)... and you will see that "I'm Saved" has been charted on that station.

Someone sent out an email blast to me and a whole lot of record execs, industry big-wigs and recording artists this week. However, this person did not use the nifty BCC feature... No! All of the email addresses were in the TO box - so now I have some very valuable email addresses. You'd better believe I will be using them!

We stopped by a record store today that is carrying my CD. They didn't have any in the store. The clerk told me that they can't keep it in stock. I said, "well it's a hot CD." She replied, "that's what everybody keeps saying. We can't keep it on the shelf." I told her that it was great news and then revealed that I was the artist. I was really happy to hear that.

My laptop crashed! I spent nearly a week moving data via floppy disks, formatting my HD and then reinstalling all my software. But, BLESS GOD I had the ability to do it myself - with the help and advice of my "learned friend." He's a brilliant guy who gives great advice. So, ultimately I didn't lose much at all. And I didn't have to pay a dime for the repair. HALLELUJAH!

Can I tell you something personal? My wife, Sharon, is an incredibly beautiful woman. I love just staring at her when she sleeps. I'd do it when she's awake but you know how it is when you see someone just staring at you. So, I like watching her sleep. That way I can stare and it won't bother her. She is just gorgeous. I wish I could describe in words how much I love this woman. She has been such an incredible source of encouragement to me throughout this process. She's amazing!

Babe - I love you. After 11 years of marriage, you still amaze me.

Oops! I'm sorry. But I really believe in PDA - Public Displays of Affection - for married couples. If anyone in the world has a right to publicly display their love for each other it is those of us whose love has been consecrated by God in marriage. Besides, I like my marriage like I like my Buffalo Wings - HOT!

Okay, I'm winding down. It's 5:24AM and I'm hungry. I think I'll grab a snack and go back to sleep.

Oh - and to the person that asked - I'm sorry but I do not know how to make picked pigfeet. But I do know how to make some awesome barbecued pigfeet!