We're so excited to see Tangled in the Middle released by The Old Paths is number 8 on the Singing News Charts for December 2017!  We're so humbled that the fans are enjoying the song. We appreciate the DJ's for playing it on their programs. Remember "Call on the Lord to solve life's riddle and you won't get tangled in the middle."

Remember when you first started writing or recording Christian music? Do you also remember saying "I'll just put it out there and let the Lord lead"?  I remember but I also remember hoping it would do well. When I say "do well", I  mean that I hoped many many people would hear it and be blessed.  As I became more involved "do well" began to mean something different to me. It began to become important that the right group received and cut the song.  It also meant the hope for a greater audience and charting status. Then there is always the aspect of royalties. After all, songwriters invest in the songs that they pitch.  Demos don't pay for themselves and every song takes a certain amount of time before it can even be finalized.  

​It didn't take long for me to learn that there isn't a huge market for Christian music. A number one hit in this business doesn't mean the same success as a number one hit in secular music.  Don't get me wrong.  I love what I do and wouldn't change it for anything, but I've learned what's truly important about providing artist with marketable material.  It's simply must be about making Jesus famous.

​Once I came full circle and returned to my original purpose I found peace in the slow turning wheel of writing, demoing, submitting, pitching, selection, cutting, promoting, and singling songs.  When I realized how small I was God showed me his hand throughout the entire process. If you find yourself getting caught up in the stress of it all, remember why you're writing in the first place. Go back to the time when you just wanted to encourage and uplift someone. I recall thinking that "If just one soul is touched by this song, it's been worth it".  Give your talent back to God freely and he'll bless you beyond measure.  

​Go back to your roots. Go back to "I'll just put it out there and let the Lord lead". 

How often have you been haunted by your past? I can tell you it's been very often for me.  I can also tell you that you and I both have been forgiven for that past.  When Satan reminds you of your sin, remind him that you're sins are covered by the precious blood of Jesus.  Remind him of this: Colossians 1:​12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

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1. I have a story I want to tell you guys that exemplifies the importance of a child like faith. I was teaching 2nd and 3rd grade boys and we were taking prayer request. A little boy requested that we pray for him because he had a wart. It was a serious problem to him so we had special prayer. I myself had about 15 planter's warts all over the bottom of my feet. They had been there for about 15 years and were often painful, so I understood him. About three weeks after we prayed he spoke up again only this time with a praise report. He gladly told us that his wart was gone. We were so happy for him. The next day I noticed that every one of my planter's warts were completely gone. This was around 2005. I have never had another one since. This child prayed in faith believing and received a healing and so did I. Guess who taught who.

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I've noticed so many needs being mentioned on social media lately.  We really are facing things these days that seem so hard to overcome.  I just wanted to share this song with you guys because it shares my heart.  I hope it blesses you the same as it blesses me.
A Loving God Using Loving People

V1
Thank you for the neighbor Lord who helped when I was sick
And the friend who mowed the grass cleaned the yard and picked up sticks
And for my Christian Pastor who saw my need as needful
Thank you for the God you are and using Christian people

Chorus
You promised your provision here and comfort for your own
You said you'd not forsake us Lord or leave us all alone
I know that your reach goes very far beyond the steeple
Because I know a loving God who uses loving people

V2
Thank you Lord for those who work so tirelessly and long
To feed the homeless hungry who have nothing of their own
Those who help the orphans the shut ins and the crippled
Thanks for tender mercy Lord you have on all your people

Bridge
I've heard it said a prayer on legs is really what they need
The giver is so blessed I know who finds a need to meet
Oh how blessed it is to give much more than to receive
I'm ready for my mission Lord I'll go if you'll send me

How does it make you feel when someone says "You just have to take it one day at a time"?  Although we've heard this over and over throughout life, I wonder if we have ever taken it to heart.  Being bombarded by painful memories from the past is really more common than you think.  Some even suffer from flash backs of fearful or tragic events.   It can be traumatic or even debilitating to some.

​I totally understand this and by writing this blog I know I'm probably admitting to the world that I too struggle with my past from time to time.  So I know someone simply telling you to take it one day at a time is little help if you are dealing with challenging memories. 

​Let's face it.  There's only one way for us to stop beating ourselves up over things that we can never change and that is trough truly accepting the fact that the God of this universe has forgiven us.   After all, if God has put our sins under the blood, who are we to keep bringing them up. Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

​Just about every day I pray this prayer "Thank you Lord for delivering me from painful memories of my past".  I meditate on this simple verse:Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

​You see in Jesus we don't "survive". We live abundantly.  God's Holy Word reminds us daily of just how blessed and free we really are as his children.  Stop existing through one bad memory to the next and start living as one who was once condemned to die but has now been completely absolved from every crime you have ever committed.  Live as the blood bought child of God that you are who has been given pardon and refuge in Christ Jesus!

​Leave your past behind.  If you can't do it day by day, do it moment by moment through grace.  

She started her live video with a sweet smile.  I thought she would share a quick song with us but instead she began to speak in a tone that signaled that she was hurting.  I listened attentively as she began to tell us about a friend and coworker who was on stage in Texas about to speak when she was ushered off stage and delivered the heart wrenching news that her daughter had been killed in a car accident. 

As I watched her brokenness as she shared her burden for her friend it brought back so many memories of how overwhelming ministry can be at times.  There are so many hurting people in this world who just want to reach out to those of us who share Jesus.  Whether it be for special prayer for themselves or a loved one, when someone ask for prayer, we pray for them.  It may be right then or later but we gladly pray. We consider it an honor and a privilege.  She shared with us that she prayed for each need.  She assured us that she hears us.  I was deeply touched by her sincerity.

As tears filled her eyes she shared how blessed their ministry has been in the last weeks and she said she was so grateful to the Lord for the exposure they've received.  It's new to them. But, I don't think they know just how talented and anointed they really are and I hope they stay that way. Humility goes a long way when trying to reach the lost.  So often the business of running a ministry interferes with the Lord's leading.  My prayer for them is that they continue to be ministry minded as their popularity grows.  I believe they will.

So my prayer request to you today is that you earnestly remember the Jordan Family Band as they make Jesus famous.  Pray with me that God will enrich their spirits and give them a strong love for his people. Pray that he will bless them financially with the resources they need to travel and bless others.  Pray for their success in all their endeavors to share the gospel.  Pray that they stay grounded in the Word of God.  And mostly, pray for sweet Randa and her friend who lost her daughter.

I believe the holy God of heaven and earth has heard this prayer today.  Please say a prayer for all who have a heart for the ministry of the gospel of Christ.   Thank you for praying.

What an exciting start to the new year!  I received great news from my publisher today about single releases and new project cuts!  Greater Vision has released "Never Will I Ever Again" so be listening for it on your favorite Southern Gospel Radio Station!  It's currently in the top 80 on the Singing News National Charts.  "Now A Witness Am I" by the Down East Boys is also in the top 80.

I was privileged to write three new songs with the talented Gene Walden. We can't wait to see who chooses them. I was also so excited in 2016 to write one song with Lee Black and another with Karen Gillespie.  God has really blessed us this year and we are looking forward to what he has in store for 2017!

I want to thank the DJ's for playing and Southern Gospel Music fans for requesting and listening to our music.  Being allowed to see these songs blessing others is so special.
May God richly bless you with love and favor in the coming year!

Happy New Year from the Waldens!

Pharaoh spoke to Joseph making him second in command and Joseph did much good for God's people because of being second.
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It's all about removing things that bring you down or at least trying to remove them. Life is too short for worries. Let's face it, you can't be offended easily in the environment in which we exist. Someone posted "We have raised a generation of people who think they are entitled". I'll add that political correctness is the worse thing that ever happened to this culture. It destroys freedom of speech. Take songwriting for example, it seems that the more scriptural content the...re is in a "Gospel" song the less favorable reviews it will get. But that's ok because everyone has a right to share their opinion. I have mine as well. If you're smart, you'll take the negative words and try to do a better job next time.

James Blackwood once told me that "If you want to succeed at something surround yourself with people who are already doing it".
So I say don't be easily set back by criticism or jealousy Do what God has called you to do with joy. Remember to be thankful for the team of people who are in your ministry with you. The ones who do this everyday for a living and believe in your talent.

So be yourself. Be encouraging. Be honest and confident. Most of all trust the God of this universe who called you to this ministry to lead, guide, and carry you through. It's all about making Jesus famous. He's the star. I'm just a stage hand waiting in the wings for instruction. God bless you guys. Remember who you are in the Lord.