Lucia Parker: The Interview | La Entrevista

Happy Monday!

I am so excited to present to you this blog interview from my dear friend, Lucia Parker. In these 14 questions you will get to know who she is a little better. From her personal life to her ministry life, she enriches us with radiant spirit and reminds us that God is the one who makes it all happen. All we need to do is to believe and trust in His perfect plan. I truly hope you are encouraged by this interview and you are able to apply her words into your life's journey. Whatever you are pursing in life, remember that dreams do come true for those who believe and work hard!

Thank you Lucia for accepting to do this blog interview!

 

¡Feliz Lunes!

Me siento tan emocionada de poder presentarles esta entrevista de mi amiga, Lucia Parker. En estas 14 preguntas la conocerás un poco mejor. Desde su vida personal hasta su vida ministerial, ella nos enriqueces con su espíritu radiante y nos recuerda que Dios es El que hace que las cosas sucedan. Lo único que necesitamos hacer es creer y confiar en Su plan perfecto. De verdad que espero que después de leer esta entrevista, salgas animado y puedas aplicar las palabras de Lucia en sus vidas. Cual sea la meta que este persiguiendo en la vida, recuerda que los sueños si se hacen realidad para aquellos que confían y trabajan fuerte.

Gracias Lucia por aceptar esta entrevista.


Be Blessed, Be Encouraged!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥
     

 

1. Tell us a little of who Lucia Parker is? | ¿Cuéntanos un poco de quien es Lucía Parker?

Well, I am Salvadorian even though no one believes me because my last name sounds a bit Americanized and I dye my hair blond. I am the daughter of Salvadorian parents and I am married to a Salvadorian and have been for 10 years. I am 32 years old for if someone wants to know. We moved to the United States 5 years ago so that we could continue traveling North America through Latin America leading Praise and Worship in different churches, concerts, and conferences. From a young age, I understood that God had given me the gift of music to worship Him and surrender to Him my youth. To go where it’s not glamorous and to expand the kingdom of the heavens; to love like Jesus taught us and to sing with joy is what I love to do. The best way to describe me: The girl that is always singing.

Bueno soy Salvadoreña aunque nadie me cree porque tengo un apellido que suena medio americanizado y me tiño el cabello de rubio pero en realidad soy hija de padres Salvadoreños y casada con un Salvadoreño también hace 10 años. Tengo 32 años de edad por si acaso alguien quiere saber. Nos mudamos a Estados Unidos hace 5 años para continuar viajando desde Norte América hacia Latinoamérica dirigiendo la Alabanza y Adoración en diferentes Iglesias, Conciertos, Conferencias. Desde pequeña entendí que Dios me había regalado el don de la música para adorarlo y entregarle mi juventud. Ir donde no es glamoroso y expandir el reino de los cielos, amando como Jesús nos enseñó y cantar con alegrías lo que amo hacer. La mejor forma de describirme es: La muchacha que siempre está cantando.

2.  What was your childhood dream? | ¿Cuál fue tu sueño desde niña?

To sing in public.  I have been doing so since very young but because I was so shy, I would often hide and just sing at home. I grew up in the 90’s where you would have to grab a cassette; put paper toilet in the small holes on the top corners so that you could then press REC. And I would record myself singing when no one would see me. Then I would press the play button and immediately I would begin to cry because I was embarrassed to listen to myself. Another childhood dream was that I would practice my acceptance speech in front of the mirror, after winning a musical award. My favorite part was always being able to give God the glory. I always knew that my dreams were of Him and to Him.

Cantar en público. Porque lo vengo haciendo desde pequeñita pero a escondidas y en mí casa porque era muy tímida. Crecí en los 90's donde tenías que agarrar un cassette, ponerle papel higiénico en unos pequeños huecos que tenían en ambas esquinas superiores y así poder presionar el botón de REC y me grababa cantando cuando nadie me veía. Luego presionaba el botón de play e inmediatamente me ponía a llorar porque me daba pena escucharme a mí misma. Otro sueño desde niña era que practicaba en el espejo dar discursos de agradecimiento al ganarme un premio musical. Mi parte favorita siempre era poder darle a Dios la gloria. Siempre supe que mis sueños eran de Él y para El.

 

3. How did Jake and you meet and what was it about him that caught your attention?  | ¿Cómo conociste a Jake y que fue lo que más te atrajo de su persona? 

Jake was looking for a singer to complete a Christian music band that would do evangelistic work and would also play in secular environments such as shopping centers, parks and public areas. A schoolmate of mine spoke to him about me. I was 17 years old. He called my house saying that he wanted me to audition. I thought he was crazy and it was quite awkward that a total stranger would call me for that. After insisting, I told him to meet me at the church where my dad was pastoring; I auditioned, became a part of the band and ultimately married him in 2005. What I loved the most about him was his passion for souls, he was a youth leader and everyone loved him, he was a great son to his mother and a total gentleman. 

 

Jake andaba buscando una cantante para completar una banda de música cristiana que pudiera hacer un trabajo evangelístico y tocar en ambientes seculares como centros comerciales, parques, zonas públicas, Un compañero de mi escuela le habló de mí. Yo tenía 17 años. Me llamó a mi casa diciendo que quería adicionarme, Pensé que estaba loco y me pareció tan incómodo que un total desconocido me llamara para eso. Después de tanto insistir le dije que llegara a la Iglesia que mi papa pastoreaba y ahí nos conocimos. Terminé adicionando, terminé formando parte de su banda, terminé casando con él en el 2005. Lo que más me gustó de él era su pasión por las almas, que era un líder de jóvenes, que la gente realmente lo quería, era un buen hijo con su madre, era un caballero.

4. What is a typical day in Lucia Parker's life? | ¿Cómo es un día típico en la vida de Lucía Parker?

There are no typical days because every week is a new adventure. I would probably say; a run to the airport is more on the common side, almost always early in the mornings. My ministry has so many layers that if I’m not in a recording studio producing vocals or recording something new, then I am at rehearsals or at a sound check, returning my emails or interacting with my friends on social media. I like to go to a coffee shop that has an environment where I feel inspired to dream, write new goals and finish my to-do list. To plan the next event, sermons from time to time, arrange songs or compose new ones. And to support other singers with the same heart of worship or to spend time with my family and friends is what I would do. If I am at home, it’s typical for me to go out and buy flowers, clean and organize my house. Oh, also go shopping :)

No hay días típicos porque cada semana es una nueva aventura. Probablemente el recorrido hacia el aeropuerto es lo más común, casi siempre de mañanita. Mi ministerio tiene tantas ramificaciones que si no estoy en un estudio de grabación produciendo voces o grabando algo nuevo, estoy en un ensayo o prueba de sonido, contestando emails e interactuando con mis amigos en las redes sociales. Me gusta mucho sentarme en un café que tenga una ambiente que me inspire y me pongo a soñar, escribir nuevas metas e ideas, y terminar mi lista de pendientes. Planeando el próximo evento, sermón de vez en cuando, arreglando canciones o componiendo nuevas. Apoyando a otros cantantes con el mismo corazón por la adoración o pasando tiempo con mi familia y amigos es lo que haría. Si estoy en casa es típico salir a comprar flores y limpiar y ordenar mi casa. A bueno, ir de compras :)

5. How did your music career begin? | ¿Cómo empezó tu carrera de música?

It began at church and at school, leading Worship from a very young age, even though I was not a professional; I believe it all started there. What I call my heart’s career because to see the need for someone to be bold enough and stand before a crowd and sing, I believe is what propelled the “yes” in my calling. I didn’t want to nor did I feel like doing it but I began to understand what obedience was. At the age of 17 I met a producer that wanted to record my first album; and that was my first experience in a recording studio with unedited materials.

Comenzó en la Iglesia y la escuela; dirigiendo la Alabanza desde pequeña, aunque no era profesional yo considero que ahí comenzó todo. Lo que yo llamaría la carrera en mi corazón, porque en la necesidad de que alguien se atreviera a pararse frente a las personas y cantar, comenzó el “sí” a un llamado. Yo no quería ni sentía ganas de hacerlo pero comencé a entender lo que era obediencia. A los 17 años conocí a un productor que quiso grabar mi primer disco, así me inicié en mi primera experiencia en un estudio de grabación con temas inéditos.

6. Who are your musical influences? | ¿Quiénes son tus influencias musicales?

Israel Houghton, basically. Lol

Basicamente, Israel Houghton jaja

 

7. What is the one of the biggest misconstrued ideas people have of the Christian music industry? | ¿Cual es una de las ideas que la gente mal interpreta en la industria de la música Cristiana?

That it is a sweet deal. That as singers, we are lucrative and rich. That it is incorrect to use the term “artist” and that the quality is not as good as the American Christian industry. That it’s enough to send a demo and the label company will sign you or that one day Marcos Witt will discover you and launch your career.

Many ignore that the Christian Music Industry is a place where in order to survive; you must invest in it a lot. We put in a great deal of effort to bless the people of God with resources that will edify. Music is an art and we use it for the glory of God, the artist of all excellence. And the best way to do something in the Christian music industry is by DOING SOMETHNG and not expect someone to give you a hand, or a connection or to tell you what to do. Find a need and fill it. It doesn’t require much to compose a song, to take a guitar to a hospital and to bring hope to someone who needs to hear an encouraging word. There are ways to do ministry without showing off. And as far as opening doors of opportunities for radio and other places, the Holy Spirit takes care of that when He finds you doing something.

 

Que es un negocio redondo. Que los cantantes nos lucramos y somos ricos. Que es incorrecto usar el término "artista y que la calidad no es igual de buena que en la industria Cristiana Anglo. Que solo basta con enviar un demo y que una disquera te va a firmar o que algún día Marcos Witt te va a descubrir y lanzar al mercado.

Muchos ignoran que la Industria Musical Cristiana es un lugar donde se invierte mucho para sobrevivir en ella. Que hacemos un esfuerzo grande por bendecir al pueblo de Dios con recursos para edificación. La música es un arte y lo usamos para gloria de Dios, el artista por excelencia. Y que la mejor manera de hacer algo en la industria musical cristiana es HACIENDO ALGO y no esperar a que alguien te eche la mano, o te conecte o te diga que hacer. Busca una necesidad y llénala. No se necesita mucho para componer una canción, para llevar una guitarra a un hospital y traer esperanza al que necesita escuchar una palabra de ánimo, hay formas de hacer ministerio sin mucha pompa. Y de abrir puertas de oportunidades en radio y otros lugares se encarga el Espíritu Santo cuando te encuentra haciendo algo.

 

8. What has been one of your biggest highlights in the ministry? | ¿Cuál ha sido uno de tus momentos más brillantes en el ministerio?

Probably to have learned from the people who I grew up listening to without ever thinking that one day I would meet them personally. Ron Kenily, Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, Planetshakers; I greatly admire them and at one point; they seemed to be unreachable, geographically speaking from where I lived. When I have had the opportunity to be in the same building with these people and maybe not even in the same platform as them, but just by simply observing and learning how they worship God with excellence have been experiences that have marked me and have inspired me to give God my best.

Talvez aprender en primera fila de personas con las que crecí escuchando sin jamás pensar que conocería sus rostros en persona. Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, Planetshakers, gente que parecía inalcanzable desde mi punto geográfico el pulgarcito de América, gente que admiraba. Cuando he tenido la oportunidad de estar en el mismo edificio que estas personas y talvez ni siquiera desde la plataforma pero solo observar y aprender como adoran a Dios con excelencia han sido experiencias que me han marcado e inspiran a darle a Dios lo mejor de mí.

 

9. Tell us about your latest album, Rey de mi Universo. How did this project come about and what does it mean to you? | Cuéntanos de tu última producción discográfica, Rey de mi Universo. ¿Cómo nace este proyecto y que significa para ti?

We launch it 5 years after the previous one, so you can imagine how much this means to me. It's everything God did in my life after moving to the United States 5 years ago.. to learn the sounds of worship that would take to more places than I would have ever dreamed of.. the lyrics of "Rey de mi Universo" come from my perspective as the Daughter of a King who has total access of her Father's riches (and with riches, I mean the joy you receive when you understand your identity as a daughter) and to spend a lifetime exalting His name as King of Kings. They are Praise and Worship songs but giving Him the place He deserves as King of my EVERYTHING and my daily life. Jesus was so humble when He was born into this world that instead of coming into a palace, His first home was a manger. And at times we treat the Messiah and King of Kings as a servant. When I worship God, I imagine Him powerful and radiant, and this entire project wants to give Him the reverence that He deserves.

Se lanza 5 años después del disco anterior, entonces ya te imaginas lo que significa para mí. Es todo lo que Dios hizo en mí en 5 años desde que nos mudamos a Estados Unidos, aprendiendo el sonido de adoración que me llevaría a más lugares de los que jamás haya soñado… Rey de mi Universo contiene letras desde mi perspectiva como Hija de un Rey, teniendo acceso a todas las riquezas de mi padre (con riquezas me refiero a la alegría que te da entender tu identidad como hija) y pasar una vida exaltando su nombre como Rey de Reyes. Son canciones de Alabanza y Adoración pero dándole el lugar que se merece como Rey de mi TODO, de mi vida a diario. Jesús fue tan humilde cuando nación en la tierra en lugar de venir a un palacio, tuvo un pesebre como su primer hogar y a veces seguimos tratando al Mesías y Rey de Reyes como a un siervo. Cuando yo adora a Dios, me lo imagino resplandeciente y poderoso, y este proyecto completo quiere darle a él la reverencia que se merece.

10. How was it working with the legendary Worshiper and Music Producer, Israel Houghton? | ¿Cómo te sientes haber trabajado con el legendario Adorador y Productor Musical, Israel Houghton?

He is so cool, down to earth, normal but the same time such a creative genius.. musical legend out of this world.. generous soul. Dreams come true; I hope to work with him again in the future.

Él es chévere, centrado y humilde, normal pero a la vez, una legenda musical fuera de este mundo, un genio en la creatividad y muy generoso. Los sueños se cumplen, espero poder trabajar nuevamente con él en el futuro.

11. How do you stay humble and grounded? | ¿Cómo te mantienes humilde y centrada?

It's like physically staying fit. How do you maintain your weight? Abstaining from what harms you. How often do you decide what to eat in any given day? ALL THE TIME! In my case, it's every 3 hours. Same thing, humility is something that can only be found when you follow it on a daily basis. To be firm in what the Word of God says, abstaining from behaviors that elevate ME, our egos. I do a series of analytical exercises throughout my day and look at what things I could have done differently, I ask God to mold my character like only the Potter knows how to do so. And repenting daily when the "indian" comes out (Salvadorian expression). To understand that we owe everything to God and that nothing is achieved by our own might but by His grace and mercy. It's important to surround yourself with people who can speak the truth in love when you mess up. To understand that blessings are not for you to be prideful but instead, to place them on the altar and recognize that every good thing comes from God. Just like He gave it to you, He can take it away. And with that, I know that God will not give us more than we can we can handle. To strive to be like Jesus each day is the goal.

Es como mantenerse en forma físicamente. ¿Cómo te mantienes en tu peso ideal? Absteniendo de aquello que te hace mal. Cada cuanto tienes que hacer decisiones de ¿Qué comer este día? ¡A CADA RATO! En mi caso, casi cada 3 horas. Es igual, la humildad es algo que solo se encuentra persiguiéndola a diario estando firme en lo que dice la palabra de Dios, absteniéndonos de conductas o comportamientos que nos elevan el YO el ego, yo hago varios ejercicios de analizar mi día y recapitular que cosas pude haber hecho diferente, pidiéndole a Dios que moldee mi carácter como solamente el Alfarero sabe hacerlo, arrepintiendo a diario cuando se me sale el indio (expresión salvadoreña). Entender que todo se lo debemos a Dios y que nada es por nuestra propia fuerza pero por su gracia y misericordia. Es importante tener personas al rededor que te pueden decir la verdad con amor cuando te sales del guacal (otra expresión de mi país) y entender que las bendiciones no son para enorgullecerse si no para ponerlas al altar y reconocer que todo lo bueno viene de Dios. Así como te lo dio te lo puede quitar, y sé que Dios no nos da más de lo que podemos administrar. Buscar ser cada día más como Jesús, esa es la meta.

12. How do you respond to negativity and to bad critics? | ¿Cómo respondes a la negatividad y las malas críticas?

I don’t respond. If there is something that I understand is that my time is valuable and I don't say it to be boastful but of every wasted second, I will have to give God an account. To waste time and energy responding to every person's bad intentions is time we could be using to bless someone's life. Sometimes as humans you hurt but God quickly consoles you and reminds you who you are in Him and you get over it. I don’t think too much about it. If God is pleased with me and my walk with Him and my family is okay, there's no need to pay attention to it.

No les respondo. Si algo entiendo es que mi tiempo es valioso y no lo digo por jactarme, pero de cada segundo mal gastado tendré que dar cuentas y perder el tiempo y energía en responder a personas mal intencionadas es tiempo que podemos estar usando para bendecir a alguien. A veces tu lado humano te hace sentirte herido pero rapidito el Señor te consuela y te dice quién eres en El y se te pasa. No hay que darle mucho pensamiento a eso. Si Dios está feliz conmigo y mi caminar y mi familia está bien :) no hay porque prestar atención.

 

13. Winning the Grammys is a dream for many in the music industry, how would your acceptance speech sound like? | ¿Ganando los Grammys es un sueño para muchos en la industria de la música, que palabras dirías en tu discurso de aceptación?

To God be the Glory.

A Dios sea la Gloria.


14. What advice can you give those who have a dream but feel they don’t have the resources to fulfill it? | ¿Qué consejo le das a aquellas personas que tienen un sueño pero sienten que no tienen los recursos para realizarlos?

When God gives a vision, He provides the provision. The first question you have to ask is if your dream is in God's heart or is it just in yours. What are your motives? If you pass those tests, my advice would be to utilize and maximize the tools you have in your hands. Many times we do not use them because we are waiting for what we are lacking, but God wants to see our faithfulness in the "little" because the promise is that who serves in the little, will be placed in the much. If you're able to administer what you have, it won’t be long before you are surprised with what you need. 

Dios siempre que da una visión se encarga de traer la provisión. La primera pregunta es si lo que sueñas está en el corazón de Dios o en el tuyo nada más. Cuál es la motivación que tienes. Si pasas esa prueba, mi consejo es que uses al máximo las herramientas que SI tienes en tus manos. Muchas veces no las usamos, esperando aquello que nos falta, pero Dios quiere ver nuestra fidelidad en lo "poco" pero esta la promesa que aquel que le sirve con lo poco será puesto sobre mucho. Si sabes administrar lo que tienes, no tardará el momento en que seas sorprendido con lo que necesitas.

Connect with Lucia Parker | Conectate con Lucia Parker

Website: www.luciaparker.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/luciaparkermusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/luciaparker

Instagram: www.instagram.com/luciaparker

 

Here is a music video of  Rey Vencedor (Victor’s Crown). This song is on her recent album, Rey de mi Universo | Aquí les dejo un video músical de Lucia Parker, esta alabanza, Rey Vencedor está en su producción más reciente, Rey de mi Universo.

 

 

 

 

Mentor the Next Generation

 

Hi Everyone!

I know we are all looking forward to the 4^th of July weekend, those of us who live in the U.S. As for me, I have a fun-filled week ahead with my husband’s family coming into town from New Jersey, so we are all excited to spend some family time.

Before, we get our party hats on and begin to celebrate with fireworks; I wanted to share this with you all. I really wanted to share my heart with everyone. This is something that I have already shared on my social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and I also wanted to share it on my blog so everyone to read it.

I am a firm believer of empowering and encouraging others to reach their top potential. I’d like to be known for inspiring, encouraging and blessing others. I want to constantly, not only motivate myself but motivate others as well. I want everyone to excel in their individual journeys, knowing that they too can push past any limitations that may be of hindering. With that being said, sometimes we need a little help and God places people in our paths everyday with the purpose to help us. There will be times where you will need help but there will also be times where you will be that source of help for others.

As youth pastors, my husband and I constantly are working with the younger generation, we realize that they are the next generation and it is our responsibility to lead them, teach them, empower them, motivate them and mentor them. If they don’t get it from us, who will they get it from?

It’s everyone’s responsibility to listen and help these kids who are rising up. You do not have to be a youth pastor to do so, everyone is a leader in their own individual way. You can make a difference in someone’s life simply by caring and genuinely helping them excel in whatever area you are good at. Help them become better.

 This is what I shared earlier on social media and my hope is that you too become encouraged and motivated to encourage and motivate someone who may need your help. It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus and sharing the gifts He has deposited in us-with others! The more you release, the more you receive.

 

Leaders:

 Invest your time and resources into the next generation. They will remember! That goes for mentorship, leadership, teaching, preaching, music, worship, arts and even business. Whatever gifts you have been given, share the wealth of knowledge to others. Encourage them to be better and do better than you. Ouch! Why? Because you're standing today but guess what? Tomorrow you will be sitting down and they will be standing up, leading just like we are today. How great will it be to leave a legacy of multiplication?! You multiplied yourself unto others. You were not afraid to teach what someone else taught you and have others learn what one day you learned. Take someone under your wing and mentor them to be better than you; because my friends, that is the sign of a true leader: one that can look back and say, I mentored them and they became better than me! Let’s be a generation of sharing, one who spreads the wealth of knowledge. Let's empower the generation that is rising!

 

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Musician's mindset

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Today, I have a special interview with someone who is doing big things in the Christian music industry as a bass player, musical director, producer and instructor. I met Danny through my husband Josh, who are really good friends from their home state, New Jersey.

I hope you guys enjoy this blog interview as much as I did. If you are a musician, worshipper, producer or just love music, Danny's answers will inspire and encourage you to continue to do great things for the kingdom.

Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is actually Daniel Julian Hernandez. I was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. I was raised in New Jersey, but spent all my summers in Puerto Rico. My dad and all my uncles are all musicians and my sisters sing so I was surrounded by music all throughout my childhood.

God has blessed me with a beautiful family; my wife Jennifer and my baby girl Alyssa Grace. We live in Orlando and are active members of City of Life church in Kissimmee, FL.

2. What is something many people do not know about you?

I am often told that I look like a very serious person. Although I am when I need to be, I'm actually very silly and love to laugh and joke around. In fact, most of my friends say I talk too much!

3. If you were not in the industry, what would you be doing?

Before I went into music full-time, I actually worked in finance. I started off as a teller and worked my way up to Branch Manager of a bank in NJ so I'd probably be doing something in finance.

4. Do you play any other instruments besides the bass?

I started off playing drums in my church when I was 5 yrs old. I picked up the bass when I was about 13 or 14 and then went on to play piano. I fell in love with bass and went back to it and focused on that. However, I still enjoy playing drums a lot!

5. How did you become a musical director for Ingrid Rosario and Christine D’Clario?

Well, I met Ingrid Rosario awhile back when I lived in NJ through a band called TruDestiny that I used to play bass in. I always stayed in contact with Ingrid and Tony, her husband. In 2007, I got married and decided to move to Florida. During that time Ingrid needed a bass player to help with a few events because the bass player at the time was transitioning. I did those events and to God be the glory, the rest is history. I've been her musical director for a few years now and I also thank her very much for the opportunity she gave me to co-produce her most recent album Pasion. It was really a great experience working alongside her on that project.

With Christine, we actually met at church in Orlando. We were part of the worship team and became great friends. When God opened up the doors, she and her husband Carlos asked if I wouldn't mind helping them out. I happily agreed and have been working together ever since. Working with Christine has been really incredible and it’s an honor to work with her and the entire team.

I thank God every day for the incredible blessing of not only worshiping and lifting the name of Jesus all over the world, but also for the wonderful experience to do it alongside these truly anointed women of God.

6. What has been one of your most memorable highlights in the ministry?

It would honestly be impossible for me to just pick one. Anytime you see lives being changed by the power of God and the hope of Jesus it truly is an amazing experience. Whether in a packed stadium, my home church, or a small event with just a few people, it is always such a humbling experience to be used by God to expand his Kingdom.

7. How to you balance your personal, family and ministry life?

This is always a challenge because you don't really have a set schedule, but for me I make sure to make time for my family. I spend a lot of time out on the road so my priority is to spend as much time with my family when I'm home. We go to church together; we go to the park, the mall, and anything else we can think of. I really enjoy serving at my church as much as I can and not just playing in the worship team. I try to get involved in other areas that involve community outreach whenever possible.

8. What is one of the biggest challenges about being in the ministry?

I think that one of the biggest challenges about ministry is sacrificing time. Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions are often missed due to being on the road and that sometimes is a little rough although the reason is very rewarding.

This may be a little controversial, but I feel like another big challenge we face often in ministry is the spirit of competition and entitlement among worship leaders and musicians. This I feel limits what God wants to do with this generation. If we would just humble ourselves more, I feel like we would see a move of God like never before in a time where our world, including most of our own communities, need God and the hope of Jesus desperately.

9. What is one goal or dream you would like to reach?

Something that has been in my heart for some time now is to not do things just to do them, but instead do things with purpose. That everything I do makes an impact in God's Kingdom and the expansion of the Gospel.

10. What advice can you give someone who wants to get in the music industry as a musical producer?

For starters, pray. Put all those dreams and desires in God's hands. He opens doors and opportunities that we could never open or get ourselves. Secondly, learn as much as you can and never think you know it all because you don't know it all and never will. Learn to take constructive criticism and seek the counsel of those more experienced. Always keep a good attitude and stay humble and keep God first always.

11. How would you like people to remember you?

I would like people to remember me as a person who loved God with all his heart and surrendered everything in worship every opportunity he got no matter the stage. As a person who loved his family tremendously, loved to help people as much as he could anyway he could and a person that lived grateful to God for all his blessings.

Thank you Danny for blessing us with your words of wisdom!!

For more information about Danny Hernandez and his ministry, connect with him through Facebook and Twitter. www.facebook.com/dannybass11 and www.twitter.com/dannybass11

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

Dance to your own music

The keys on a piano are necessary to create beautiful melodic rhythms, yes even the black keys. These sharp and flat notes are what complete and compliment the entire piece, without it music would not be the same.

Without the minor scale in our lives, we would not be the same. Often times, the sharps and flats that arise in life is just a reminder of how beautiful the music will sound at the end. It is in those disheartening and lonely moments when we actually learn and grow from our experiences. It's like the old saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." It is in those troubled times where we learn to make lemonades out of our lemons, we learn to "dance in the rain." We basically grow up!

 

Psalms 23:4 says: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

It does not matter what your valley may look like, just know that you shall fear no evil because you are not alone. Don't lose hope; there is someone (God, your Shepard, Your Father, Your musician and composer) who is with you every step of the way. He has composed and is orchestrating a beautiful song that only belongs to you; He wrote it with you in mind!

Those sharps and flats may sound sad, gloomy and depressing right now, but do not lose heart, He has not finished His great work. Your notes, your feelings, your situation, your problems, your minor scale full of flats and flats are ready to have an encounter with the other side of the scale. Because when they meet with the happy and cheerful notes of the major scale, then and only then will it bring completion to the musical masterpiece God has been preparing for you. Do not fret or get anxious because soon you will be hearing a beautiful song and when you do, get ready to dance to your own music!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed

LandyPF

 

Keys that unlock worship

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed over things that happen in our lives that are totally out of our control.  It is at that moment when we have a choice to make.  What are we going to do?  Are we going to dwell on our circumstances or are we going to worship God?  That is where true worship begins, when we are able to give an honest and true worship to our Creator, despite what we may be going through.  No wonder the bible says that He is looking for people who will worship him in Spirit and in truth, meaning that there are those who "worship" but it's enough.  God is looking for people who can really push through their situation and give Him the best. It's all or nothing!

Ruth Rodriguez is a friend who was introduced to me by my husband and she has been such a blessing to my life.  Talk about someone who can provoke the floodgates of heaven to be opened and allow God's presence to take over a space.  I'm talking about someone who is passionate about worship despite the hiccups she has encountered along the way, in this journey called life. Ruthy as we call her is a woman of God with a heart of worship.  That is all God is looking for, someone who can surrender completely to Him and can say: Lord, use me.

When God has a calling over someone's life, there is nothing that can stop it and no one who can detain it.  It is written not by man, but by God.  And this young woman has been so instrumental in the christian music industry. She's been able to bless a lot ministries with her many talents such as being a producer, songwriter, musician and vocalalist. She also currently is the Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at The People's Tabernacle of Worship church in New Jersey and God is lifting her up in a mighty way through the word as well.

What really captivates me about Ruthy is not her many gifts and abilities but it is her sensibility, her passion will always outweigh any obstacles that may try to hinder her along the way.  And that is a great lesson to be learned.  You can still carve out to what will be a great legacy on earth no matter what curve balls life has thrown at you. One thing she says is: "Don't feel sorry for me, let's focus on the strength." And today I say to you, don't feel sorry for yourself, get up! God wants to do great things in you, through you and for you.

When we surrender ourselves completely to the Lord and say to him: I am yours, use me as you please, you will begin to see God take you to places where you never imagined you would be. But it all begins with a willing heart that is completely and utterly willing to get lost in worship.  When we realize how powerful worship is in our lives and understand that worship is the golden key that allows us to unlock the blessings from above, we will start to see unbelievable things happen.

Through worship we receive our breakthrough, through worship we receive healing, through worship our lives are changed. Worship is everything!  Understand that you have been given a golden key to unlock blessings that are reserved just for you, they carry your name and only through worship will you be able to see the complete fulfillness of them in your life.

Your circumstance shouldn't break you, it should make you. -Ruth Rodriguez

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥