Unfettered

Just wondering

2009-04-27T16:50:00.002-05:00

The truth is I realize that practically no one reads this blog, however, i thought i would post anyway.

Why is it that we sin even while we are in the act of sinning we are wishing that we weren't sinning? I hate that about myself. scripture tells us that because of Christ we will be able to overcome any sinful temptation, so why am i so lazy to not be willing to make that fight.

well my hope in writing this is not to be a downer but to remind you that as believers you and i have it in us to defeat temptation, Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through out Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15)

Newest Fan

2009-02-24T20:03:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we were able to play for a girl's conference at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. This was one of our best times of worship to date. We played both Friday and Saturday night and really did enjoy it. God did some great work among the young ladies and we were truly able to worship the King.

Because this was a girl's conference I thought it would be most appropriate to bring my little girl on Friday night. My wife Gloria brought little Abigail with her for her first experience hearing Unfettered. She loved it by the way, she even waved to everyone when I introduced her.

Take note that in this picture, Abigail is wearing her very own Unfettered T-shirt.

Brookdale

2009-02-09T09:06:00.003-06:00

Well, yesterday was a different day. I was asked to preach and lead worship with some of our college students (including Lauren) at Brookdale Assisted Living Home. This has always been a great experience for me and Lauren as well. We really enjoy spending time there.Yesterday was no different in that we enjoyed our time; however, it was very different in that when I got on that side of town, I realized that I had left my guitar at the church. Thus, I had to play the piano which (let's be honest) is not my best instrument. I think everything went ok, and I believe that the folks there really enjoyed it. They always love to hear Lauren sing, and she did a great job as always. I think it made up for my lack of ability on the piano.

Sorry, Its been so long

2009-01-30T14:26:00.005-06:00

We have actually been playing and had some great opportunities lately, but I have been extra busy myself and have not been focused on the website. I now have a 2 month old (Abigail), and she is taking up more of my time (which I am happy to give to her).Anyway, just this last week we had the opportunity to lead worship for Mt. Olive Baptist Church's Revival on "Student Night." This was a great chance for us to get back together and play. We have two more opportunities coming up soon. Lauren and I will be leading worship for a Senior Citizen center on February 8th and the whole band will be leading worship for a special girls retreat for Mt. Olive. We did find this to be a little bit odd, because our band is 3/4 guys. Well, I am sure that we will have a blast anyway.I am consistently amazed at the fact that we have these opportunities, and even more so that we are able to get paid for our efforts. I am so grateful for these friends of mine, and I praise God that we are able to do this together.

New Orleans

2008-10-21T15:27:00.003-05:00

I am in New Orleans this week. I will be doing some relief work tomorrow and Thursday. Tomorrow night I will be preaching to the students at First Baptist Church Kenner, LA. Mike Miller is now the pastor there, and I will be singing a song with his daughter, Bailey, as well.

I am looking forward to this time and am excited about my opportunity here this week. November has two different opportunities in store. One is at an assisted living center and another at the Lovelady center where I will be preaching and leading music at both.

Camp Dawson and Tuscaloosa

2008-10-14T09:24:00.004-05:00

So, recently I have been pretty busy. Two weekends ago, Unfettered minus Bradley was at Camp Dawson in Calera, AL. We had a great time. The truth is that our extra activities outside of leading worship there were tons of fun. (BB guns, bow and arrows, golf cart skiing, etc.) I am so thankful for this group that I get to lead with. We did something different on the last session, we allowed the students to worship through the reading of the scripture. It was a pretty awesome experience. And as a bonus Lauren played the shaker. We were so proud.

This past weekend, I had to go by myself to Tuscaloosa, AL to lead worship for 4 churches together as they did a combined Fall Retreat. It was a great time. I had the opportunity to lead the students along side David Kizziah, who is about to leave for two years to go to Zambia as a missionary. It was a great honor!

I look forward to whatever it is that God has in store next. In the mean time I am writing some new music.

Coming Up

2008-09-23T15:50:00.005-05:00

Well, I guess we have a few things coming up. Tomorrow I will be at Irondale Middle School leading worship for See You At The Pole. Tomorrow night I will be preaching in Thomasville, GA. Next Monday I will be playing at Starbucks -Please come by that way to check it out. Next weekend we will be leading worship in Calera, AL for a Youth Retreat for Dawson. Sadly, we will not have our regular bass guitarist, but I am confident that Ben (the fill in) will do a mighty fine job.

Walk In the Truth

2008-09-15T07:58:00.001-05:00

Passage to Read: Psalm 86
Passage to Focus On: Psalm 86:9-13
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 86:11
My Thoughts: Once again David is asking God to teach him. All through his writings he pleads with God to show him, teach him and guide him. He uses words like these because he really does want to be changed. What does walking in God’s truth look like? Are you walking in the truth?

God's Will

2008-09-09T13:56:00.001-05:00

Passage to Read: Psalm 40
Passage to Focus On: Psalm 40:8
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 40:8
My Thoughts: What is the WILL of God? I know that we are to do what God commands through scripture. I know that we are to love God, love others, and teach others how to do the same. Although that looks very trite, it is not. God has made things very clear for us in his word. How does David know that he wants do the will of God? Because he knows the law, it is hidden in his heart. Is the God’s Word within your heart?

Set the Example

2008-09-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

Passage to Read: 1 Timothy 4
Passage to Focus On: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
Passage to Memorize: 1 Timothy 4:12
My Thoughts: Paul is encouraging the one when he mentors to be a man who sets an example for believers. He is suggesting that he do that in all facets of life. Paul is encouraging Timothy to understand that he must be the example, no matter what his age. Often times, we as believers come up with excuses for why we should not be examples. I am sure that Paul, knowing his young friend Timothy, was aware that an excuse might be his age. So he prefaces the sentence by saying “let no one despise your youth.” In other words, do not worry about how old you are, you be who you are called to be. Are you setting an example for anyone? Are you letting something get in the way of the example that you should be?

The Mystery

2008-08-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

Passage to Read: Colossians 4:2-6
Passage to Focus On: Colossians 4:2-4
Passage to Memorize: Colossians 4:3
My Thoughts: Paul is pleading with the church of the Colossians to intercede with him on the behalf of others around him. He is asking that God would open a door; a door that would release who God is to these people that have probably never heard of Jesus Christ and what He did. When was the last time you asked God to open a door for you to share the gospel, and for you to share that gospel clearly? Are you willing to ask for an open door?

Teach Me

2008-08-18T08:07:00.001-05:00

Passage to Read: Psalm 119:65-72
Passage to Focus On: Psalm 119:66
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 119:66
My Thoughts: When was the last time you asked God to teach you? Often times we ask God to give us things: material possessions, health and wealth, love and happiness. But it is far too rare that we ask for Him to teach us good judgment. His word is so good and yet we fail to recognize it for all that we can do and we choose to simply live our lives without ever seeking His guidance. Ask God to teach you His ways, because after all, they are perfect.

Back to School Blast

2008-08-12T14:49:00.003-05:00

This past Friday we were at Mt. Olive...again.We really do enjoy playing there. While their clapping is kind of crazy, their hearts are good.I am so thankful for their excitement, and I look forward to playing there again soon.We are playing this weekend at Camp Hargis for a church from Cullman. We are really looking forward to this opportunity.We thank God for allowing us these marvelous opportunities.

My Soul Thirst for God

2008-08-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

Passage to Read: Psalm 63
Passage to Focus On: Psalm 63
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 63:1
My Thoughts: Does your soul long to hear from God? Do you yearn to be in His presence? When I have spent much time with the Lord, I always want more. Each day that I spend earnestly seeking God, I find myself longing for more time to be with Him. However, when I fail to meet with God, I find myself creating excuses not to have to meet with Him. How is it that we busy ourselves so much that we forget what it is God has for us? We must hunger and thirst for God and God alone. Do you hunger for God?

New Tshirts

2008-08-06T10:44:00.001-05:00

We just got our new tshirts in. You can purchase them from us for $10.
We decided to get these because we are going to Mt. Olive again this weekend and we know that they are our super fans.

We are really looking forward to some upcoming opportunities to lead worship. We are playing the next two weekends and one in October already. Thanks for all of your support.

The Responsibility

2008-08-04T08:52:00.001-05:00

Passage to Read: Ezekiel 3
Passage to Focus On: Ezekiel 3:16-27
Passage to Memorize: Ezekiel 3:18-19
My Thoughts: Did I share the good news today? I don’t always like that question because it makes me uncomfortable. The sad thing is, there is bad news before there is good news. The bad news is that the lost are going to Hell. The good news is that there is a way to inherit eternal life in Heaven. When someone is not a follower of Christ, he or she is condemned. But if we do not tell them then their blood is on our hands. That is a great responsibility. So, have you shared the good news lately? Do you find yourself sharing the good news often? Leave a comment about a time in which you shared the gospel recently.

Brown Chicken Brown Cow

2008-07-21T08:15:00.002-05:00

This past weekend went very well. We were able to get to Panama City with no problems. We actually got there at about the same time, which was a great blessing. We had a great time singing songs of praise and truly enjoyed our time together with East Memorial. I had a wonderful opportunity to teach on Saturday morning.

We had a lot of fun hanging out during our free time as well. We convinced Mike to give us all of us valuables and then simply threw him in the pool on Friday. And then Saturday we had a great day at the beach (minus Mike losing his wedding ring in the ocean) and we tried to see who could hold their breath under water the longest. Bradley told us a hilarious brown animal joke and we really just had a great time.

It is always a joy to serve along side these great friends of mine.

East Memorial

2008-07-15T13:09:00.003-05:00

Another trip is on the way. We are really excited about doing this trip this weekend. However, things are kind of crazy for travel reasons. I am in New Orleans right now and will be meeting the rest of the band in P.C. but right on time. In the meanwhile, Bradley will be taking a test in which he will be meeting Mike and Lauren somewhere in Pratville so that they can travel together. We are trying to figure out how early we can get to P.C. and how early we can start our first service. So if you keep up with this website please pray that our travels go well and that we will not be causing a problem for the college minister. I will give an update when we get back next week as to how the trip went. We will be leading worship three times and i will be teaching once. This weekend is exciting and a great opportunity for us.

The Call

2008-07-13T07:24:00.000-05:00

Passage to Read: 1 Samuel 3
Passage to Focus On: 1 Samuel 3:10-14
Passage to Memorize: 1 Samuel 3:10
My Thoughts: Samuel was just a young boy, yet his calling was both very specific and very difficult. He was given the challenge to declare the word of the Lord to his superior. Often times I fail in declaring the word of the Lord. When was the last time you heard the voice of the Lord and simply responded “speak Lord, your servant hears”? Are you being called by God to do something, publicly or privately, but think that it is too difficult so you are choosing not to obey?

Fire In My Bones

2008-07-07T09:56:00.001-05:00

Passage to Read: Jeremiah 20
Passage to Focus On: Jeremiah 20:8-9
Passage to Memorize: Jeremiah 20:9
My Thoughts: Do you ever feel like there is something inside you that you just have to tell others about? Is there ever a time where you can’t wait to tell other people about what God is doing in your life? That is the fire in your bones! Somehow, at some point we convince ourselves that we do not have to speak of God, that we can just simply live out our faith. However, if we hold it in too long it begins to burn inside of us to tell someone. Jeremiah says that even when he got tired of preaching the same message of repentance he could not be silent. If he kept silent, he grew weary to the point that he had a burning within him to tell others. When was the last time you felt such burning?

The Cost

2008-06-30T09:34:00.001-05:00

I decided that I would start posting some devotional thoughts on this site. I hope that you regularly check them out. Let me know your thoughts and comments as well.

Passage to Read: Luke 9
Passage to Focus On: Luke 9:57-62
Passage to Memorize: Luke 9:62
My Thoughts: Earlier in the chapter Jesus tells the disciples that they must take up their cross and follow him. That is not an easy thing to do. Once again, Jesus is very clear in describing the cost of following him. It is tough to think that when we follow Christ we give up everything else. Jesus compares following him to working the plow. We must not look back at what could have been, but rejoice in what is going to be. Are you looking back at the things in life wishing you had those things instead of what you have in Christ? Is there something in your life that you need to give up?

The Fan Club

2008-06-19T08:13:00.004-05:00

There is an interesting phenomenon that happens everytime we play for First Baptist Church Mt. Olive. There are more pictures taken of us (particularly Bradley) by this one church than there are by all of the other churches put together. In light of this, I thought it would be good to show you a picture of our magnificent Mt. Olive Fan Club. (If you didn't make the picture, sorry, I am sure there will be a next time.)

Zero, Ms

2008-06-18T09:49:00.004-05:00

We just got back from a great three day trip to the outskirts of Meridian, Mississippi. We were asked to go and be the worship band for a youth revival at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church on Zero Rd. We had an adventure finding the church (lost 3 times, dirt roads, scary dogs, incorrect addresses, crazy tarps...), but once we got there we had a blast. It was a very small home town church that was a little weary about drums and a sound system but were extremely loving and kind throughout our stay. They embraced us and showed the love of Christ as we worshiped together. God was so good to us.Our time at the Econolodge will not soon be forgotten. Thanks for your continued prayers, and know that the God we serve does mighty things for his children.

First week of June

2008-06-02T15:29:00.003-05:00

I am really excited about this week. We practiced yesterday and got a lot of stuff done. Mike, Bradley and I are practicing Friday again to work our some of our kinks.

Lauren and I are singing together this Thursday. We will be leading worship for a group working at Shocco Springs.

We will then be playing for Dawson's Perseverance 5K this coming Saturday. We will be the featured live music.

We are getting geared up for our trip to Meridian in a week or two and always looking forward to what God is going to do in and through our lives and ministry.

Psalm 42

2008-05-22T15:37:00.005-05:00

Well there is few things i would like to share.
1. Lauren and I will be singing in church this Sunday. At the bottom of this blog will be there lyrics to the new song just written this week that we are singing.
2. We are really excited about our summer. We have more planned in the upcoming months than we usually do. We will be playing on June 5th at Shocco Springs leading worship. June 7th we are playing at Dawson for their 5k. later in June we are traveling to Meridian, MS for a 3 night worship leading/concert event with First Baptist Mt. Olive. and then in July we are going to Panama City Beach, FL for a college retreat with East Memorial Baptist Church.
3. I am going to be playing at the new Starbucks coffee house starting in 2 weeks. i am going to be playing mostly original stuff and i am really excited about this opportunity.

Psalm 42

Chorus
Why are you cast down O my soul?
Why are you so disturbed within me?
Hope in God and praise His name
For He alone is salvation

Verse 1
As the deer pants so my soul
My soul thirsts for God the living one
My tears have been food both day and night
I pour out my soul to you Lord

Verse 2
Deep calls to deep at waterfalls
All your waves swept over me
By day the Lord commands His steadfast love
At night His song is with me from above

Free Grace

2008-05-15T08:03:00.003-05:00

I just recently wrote this song. It was inspired by a girl who I sat next to in seminray for the past two semesters. on her first day in class she was so overwhelmed by the fact that she was given the opportunity to study God's word with such regularity that she began to cry. She regularly spoke with such passion for those who had given up so much for the cause of Christ. I couldn't help but think of the fact that the grace that allowed her to study in such a way and the grace that gave her salvation was not free. It costs Jesus' life. Here are the lyrics to the song Free Grace- Because it is free to those who place their faith in Him.
Verse 1
The tears fall from her face
For she received such a grace
She falls down to her knees
Cause she knows that she is free

Chorus
She’s free from death and free from sin
She’s free from where she’s been
Cause there’s freedom in the blood, the blood of Christ
And freedom costs the greatest price

Verse 2
She wants to know what will be next
She sees what grace effects
She jumps for joy and sings a song
Cause the grace of Christ will ne’er be gone

Bridge
Grace grace God’s Grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace grace God’s Grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin

The Tunnel

2008-04-08T15:31:00.002-05:00

This past thursday at Harry's was a blast. There was a great group there and of course a ton of support there for Lauren.
We were so excited to get to play there again. Hopefully they will ask us back next year.
Here is one of the new songs we sang last week.

The Tunnel
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel
There’s a road that leads to life
So run through the end of the tunnel
And fight for all of life

When I ride through the mountains and I take those windy turns
And drive through the valleys I feel the fear of what’s ahead

The lights are burning brighter, the sound is more than constant
I long to be finished, but I know its all there is

There’s a road to follow
There’s a race to run
Here’s the truth before you
Won’t you turn and come

You Alone Are Holy

2008-03-27T10:48:00.003-05:00

This is taken out of Revelation 15 and allows Lauren to really sing beautifully for the Lord. These are the Lyrics.

YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
Great and amazing are your deeds
Just and true are your ways
Who will not fear you
Who will not glorify your name

You alone are holy
You alone are worthy
You alone are holy, Lord

All nations will come
All nations will worship
You are the king
Your righteousness has been revealed

Who was and is
And is to come

5th Quarter

2007-10-30T06:29:00.001-05:00

Well, Lauren and I played at the 5th quarter last Friday night and we had a lot of fun. I was a little worried for a while because no one showed up for a long time and i thought we were going to end up playing for the youth ministers. But once kids got there we started playing and really enjoying it. On another good note, we just got paid for an earlier gig we had this month. That was a nice surprise on my desk this morning.

Upward Awards Night

2007-02-28T08:02:00.001-06:00

We will be playing next Friday night at McElwain Baptist Church. This will be a very different event for us. We are playing for UPWARD Awards Night. I am really excited about this event, we will see what we can do. I am actually going to be playing piano for one song, we'll see how that goes.

INVITED

2007-02-08T10:59:00.001-06:00

This song comes straight out of scripture. we introduced this one for the first time at Mt. Olive.

Verse 1 (John 8:37-39)
Everyone thirsty
You’ve invited to come
Come and drink from the well of the Son
And to all who believe
Living water pours in
And we’ll never be thirsty again

Chorus (Psalm 63:1, 5)
Our souls thirst for You
And we long for You
In a dry and weary land
You beckon us come
To be Satisfied

Verse 2 (John 6:33-58)
Everyone hungry
You’ve invited to eat
Eat the Bread of the Heavenly feast
For the Bread that gives life
Is the One who has come
So we live on the life of the Son

Verse 3 (Matthew 11:27-30)
Everyone weary
You’ve invited to come
Come and take on the yoke of the Son
For You’re humble and gentle
As the Father You know
And in You we find rest for our souls

Pictures

2007-02-08T10:57:00.001-06:00

All of these are us at Mt. Olive leading worship for a Disciple Now.

Pictures 2

2007-02-08T10:55:00.002-06:00

Green Valley

2007-02-07T08:16:00.001-06:00

We have fun with what we do

This is Love

2007-01-25T08:45:00.001-06:00

Verse 1
Before I took a breath
You came and gave Your life
What no one else could do, You freely did
Now my heart can sing
Because You took my shame
And now I am complete

Chorus
This is love
That You first loved me
This is love
That You took my sin
This is love
That You bore His wrath
This is love

Verse 2
I was dead in sin
Helpless and stained so deep
Nothing that I did
Could satisfy
But now I am content
Because You brought new life
I’m drawing from your well

Chorus

Verse 3
The cry of every heart
Is to love and be loved
Everywhere I look
The pain is so real
But since the Light has come
And opened my eyes
I want the whole world to know

Selma

2007-01-11T13:21:00.002-06:00

Habakkuk’s Prayer

2006-09-05T08:36:00.001-05:00

This song is one of my favorites. It is found in Habakkuk chapter 3. Once again i used almost all scripture to write this song. God's Word is so inspiring.

Lord I’ve heard of your fame
I stand in awe of your deeds o Lord
Renew them in our day
In our time make them known

Your glory covers the heavens
Your praise fills the earth
Your splendor is like the sunrise
Your ways are eternal
Your ways are eternal

Sun and moon stood still
At the glint of you flying arrows
In your wrath you strode through the earth
You crushed the leader of the wicked

I heard and my heart pounded
My lips quiver at the sound
X2

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my savior
The sovereign Lord is my strength
He makes my feet like a deer

Call To Repentance

2006-08-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

This is a song that i wrote which comes from the book of Joel. The first verse comes right out of chapter 2 verses 12 and 13. This song is one of my favorites and is a reminder to me that we are to turn to God daily. Sometimes we must do that in uncomfortable ways, fasting, weeping and mourning. But God is always good.

Call to Repentance

Even now I turn to you with my whole heart
With fasting and weeping and mourning
I tear my heart not my clothes
And I turn to you my God
For you are gracious
And you are merciful
And you are slow to anger
And your full of kindness yes you are

This is my call to repentance
X4

As I enter this room and I don’t know what to do
Do I sit do I stand do I kneel
Do I bow before your throne
Or do I stand to sing your praise
What I do Lord what I do?

At the Cross

2006-08-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

This song was a hymn that i arranged specifically for a worship service one night. i quickly realized how much truth this song has. The Cross is where i find all of my hope and all of God's grace. i am so thankful for this song and for the truth of it's words

Alas, and did my Savior bleed,And did my Sov'reign die?Would He devote that sacred headFor sinners such as I?

At the cross, at the crossWhere I first saw the light,And the burden of my heart rolled awayIt was there by faith I received my sight,And now I am happy all the day!

Was it for crimes that I had doneHe groaned upon the tree?Amazing pity, grace unknown,And love beyond degree!

Madison

2006-08-11T13:52:00.001-05:00

A Daddy looks down at his daughter
For the very first time and a tear fills his eye
I’ve only known you for a moment
And I love you more each moment that passes by

So I’ll sing a song
And I’ll pray a prayer
And I’ll dance a dance
‘Cause I love you more and more each day

A Mama looks down at her daughter
You’ve been with me a while but then in the blink of an eye
There’s been many long nights and many to come
But as I look in your eyes my heart fills with joy

God looks down
And has a few words
You are fearfully and wonderfully
Made in my image

So I’ll sing over you
And I’ll hear your prayers
And I’ll dance with you
And I’ll love you more and more each day

A Prayer for Gloria

2006-06-29T15:31:00.001-05:00

This song was written as a gift to my wife, before she was my wife. It was at a time when we were dating long distance. I often felt as though I was unable to protect her, so I had to rely on God to do that for me. In fact, it brought me to the realization that even when we were together it is still up to God to do the protecting. This is actually something similar to what I pray for each and every day.

Verse 1
Each and every morning I rise with thoughts of you
Thoughts that make me wonder what all you will do
As I start to wonder I see your precious eyes
Those eyes that make me dream of the beauty in the sky

Chorus
And I pray
Father God watch my girl she needs your help in this world
Hold her hand, don’t let go, guide her way so she can know
Your love

Verse 2
Each and every day I catch myself
Thinking about you and all that I love
I think of your beauty and all that’s within
I see your golden hair and it makes me melt again

Verse 3
Each and every night I fall to my knees
I ask the Lord above for you to sleep tight
I pray a simple prayer so you will know
Just how much I love you even when it doesn’t show

2006-06-29T11:02:00.000-05:00

Unfettered is the name of the album I am currently working on. This come from the idea that we are free. We have freedom in Jesus Christ. When we are unfettered we are unshackled, set free, released from our old life. John 8:36 states that if the Son has set you free you are free indeed. I consider myself free. This music is a reminder of the freedom I have in Christ. It allows me to worship God without Fear. The following posts will be the lyrics to the songs on the album, as well as some descriptions of those songs and possibly some updates of the recording process.