Music Monday: {Every Good Thing} by The Afters

Happy Music Monday!  I pray that you all had a blessed Easter, celebrating and rejoicing in the Resurrection of our Savior, and spending time with loved ones!

This new song by The Afters is uplifting, encouraging, and so UPBEAT!  Just makes you want to get up and dance!  As my daughter would say, "It's my jam!" :D

Whenever we turn on the TV or read the newspaper, tragedy and suffering seems to be at the forefront, but it's important not to focus too long on the darkness.  God has given us so many beautiful gifts, and there are so many things to be thankful for . . .  thank you, Lord, that you are the reason for every good thing! 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17 (NIV)

A Sweet Treat: {The Best Chocolate Cake (Ever)} by Robyn at Add a Pinch

Photo Credit: The Best Chocolate Cake (Ever) by Robyn @ Add a Pinch

I made this cake on Monday, and it definitely gets my vote for "the best chocolate cake ever." Yes, it truly is THAT good, and my family loved it!  If you're a fan of chocolate, I highly recommend this one! The recipe calls for espresso powder, which I couldn't find at my local grocery, so I substituted instant espresso coffee. It doesn't have a huge coffee flavor, but just a hint, and complements the cocoa very nicely. It's a fantastic cake, and very easy to make. It's a 10/10 in my book! Robyn has a lot of amazing recipes on her site, so be sure to check out her website at Add a Pinch.

Photo Credit: Robyn @ Add a Pinch

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• Chocolate Frosting
• 1½ cups butter (3 sticks)
• 1 cup cocoa
• 5 cups confectioner’s sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.
2. For the cake:
3. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.
4. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter.
5. Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
7. Frost cake with Chocolate Frosting.
8. For the Chocolate Frosting:
9. Add cocoa to a large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Whisk through to remove any lumps.
10. Melt butter and pour into bowl with cocoa powder. Whisk together until well-combined.
11. Add sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by about a tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and milk have been added.
12. Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.
13. If frosting appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it appears to wet and does not hold its form, add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

{Duck Commander Phil Robertson - Deciding to Follow Jesus} + Book Preview

Raise your hand if you're a Duck Dynasty fan!  Me, me, me! ::Jumping up and down, waving hands wildly:::

I watched Duck Dynasty on A&E on February 24th for the first time, thanks to my hubby's channel surfing.  I wasn't actually watching the show, but probably playing Candy Crush on my iPad, when I heard some VERY funny things being said.  My interest was piqued, and I looked up to see what he was watching.  I continue to crack up for the remainder of the show . . . and I was hooked!  Thankfully, they were running several episodes in a row, so we watched some more.  Come to find out, they're a Christian family, that incorporates their faith into their show.  No words are being bleeped out, and it's a great show that the entire family can watch together.  Amazing!  Sign me up for more of this, I say!  :D

Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to know the Robertson family even more, by reading their book, The Duck Commander Family.  It's a great book, by the way!  I highly recommend it if you're a fan of the show (or even if you haven't watched it yet)!

In addition, I stumbled across this LifeWay Christian video on my Facebook newsfeed, and I must say, I'm loving this family more everyday!  Their show has more than 4 million fans on facebook, and it just appears to be growing daily.  I don't know about you, but I think this is HUGE.  I'm so happy to see that this family is using their platform to bring glory to God, and that they appear to be staying grounded.  I just can't help but think, how many will be lead to Christ through this family and the example they set?  They have a huge platform, and a tremendous influence for Christ.  I pray they continue to use it well.

The patriarch of the family, Phil Robertson, has a book coming out on May 7, 2013, titled Happy, Happy, Happy.  Here's a little bit about the book . . .

In Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the DUCK COMMANDER, author Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander, shares his inspiring stories of creating the first duck call, beginning the Duck Commander business, becoming a Christian, and living his faith.

A Book Review: {Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska} by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

 

About the Book:

Two romances weave together in one novel. When a woman discovers old letters that reveal a tender love story, she is convinced to reignite her romance with a former flame. Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. When Ginny's former fiance returns to Glacier Bay, will she discover that the love she always wanted was the one she always had?

My Star Rating:  5 Stars

My Review:

Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss have come together to create a beautiful love story, that warms the heart.  They're both talented authors, who draw the reader in, and immerse you into the small town of Glacier Bay, Alaska.  I know it may sound cliche to say, but I really did feel like I was there, and I could see everything clearly as if I was right there with Ginny, Brett, and Grandma Ethel.  And while the setting was beautiful, the characters were equally enjoyable.  I especially enjoyed Brett's Grandma Ethel.  What a sweet, precious lady; she added so much to the story, and I love how her character imparted so much spiritual wisdom to Ginny.  Truly great stuff!

I found this story to be quite unique, in the fact that there are two stories in one; Ginny's story blends beautifully with Ellie's story through Ginny's reading of the letters that were written in the early part of the 1900's.  Ginny has her own struggles, and through Ellie's letters, she's able to relate and work through some of the issues she's having, and it's wonderful to watch how she (and Ellie) grow in their faith.

I love how everything comes together, and how the authors have perfectly woven two time periods, and two love stories.  With its amazing setting, heartwarming romance, contemporary aspects, historical charm, and a well-written spiritual thread, I recommend this one with two thumbs up!  Definitely a great read!

Music Monday: {Strangely Dim} by Francesca Battistelli

So many things can happen from day to day that don't meet our expectations; things don't happen the way we think they should, people don't act the way we think they should, and the plans that we've laid out don't come to pass.  But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  When we take the focus off of our circumstances, and we look to Him, and keep our eyes fixed on Him . . . all the rest seems to melt away, and become strangely dim.

I pray that you enjoy Francesca Batitistelli's new single, Strangely Dim, and that it blesses you wherever you are today.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

Friday Funny: {Duck Dynasty} Talkin' My Language

The A&E show, Duck Dynasty, has been out for a couple seasons, but I just discovered it about three weeks ago, and I am H.O.O.K.E.D!  What a GREAT show!  These guys are a HOOT and and half!  Love, love, love!

Now, I'm not a big TV watcher, because let's face it, most of what they show on TV is garbage.  When I first watched this show, I didn't even realize that they're a Christian family, and that their faith is a big part of the show -- there is a prayer at the end of every show, while the family sits gathered around the dinner table, plus many other times during the show where the Bible and their faith is mentioned.  I. LOVE. THAT.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, I'm "Happy, Happy, Happy" that I found this show!  In the words of Uncle Si, "Hey!  That's a fact, Jack!"  ;-)


Today's Friday Funny is a montage of funny quotes and "quirky moments," titled "Talkin' My Language."  ENJOY!  :D 

Have y'all seen the show, and do you love it as much as I do?  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!

Music Monday: {Promises} by Sanctus Real

Have you all heard this awesome song by Sanctus Real?  It meets all of the criteria for a Music Monday song . . . amazing sound, stellar vocals, and a message that will knock your socks off!  If you haven't heard it, I think you're really going to love it!  It's the perfect reminder to each and every one of us, that when things seem to be falling apart around us we can hold onto God's promises . . . letting his words be our strength.  Praise the Lord that we don't have to flounder around wondering where to turn and what to do.  He is always there for us  . . . He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Enjoy, and be blessed!


 

Sometimes it's hard to keep believing
In what you can't see
That everything happens for a reason
Even the worst life brings
If you're reaching for an answer
And you don't know what to pray
Just open up the pages
Let His word be your strength

And hold on to the promises (Hold tight)
Hold on to the promises (Alright)
Jesus is alive so hold tight
Hold on to the promises

All things work for the good
Of those who love God
He holds back nothing that will heal you
Not even His own Son
His love is everlasting
His faithfulness unending
Oh, if God is for us who can be against us
So if you feel weak

Neither life, nor death
Could separate us
From the eternal love
Of our God who saves us

A Book Preview: {Love's Awakening} by Laura Frantz (September 2013 Release)

From beloved Christian author, Laura Frantz, comes Love's Awakening.  This is Book 2 in the Ballantyne Legacy Series, scheduled for release in September 2013, and if you've read any books by Laura Frantz, you know we're in for a real treat.  I can't wait for this one!  And look at that beautiful cover . . . WOW!  It's stunning, to say the least.

About the Book:

Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has quit finishing school. Missing her family, Ellie leaves Philadelphia determined to never return. But at her family home in up-and-coming Pittsburgh, Ellie finds her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks, slaveholders and whiskey magnates, are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future—and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family’s violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Love's Awakening is available for preorder at amazon.com.

A Book Preview: {Love at Any Cost} by Julie Lessman (April 2013 Release)

From beloved Christian author, Julie Lessman, comes the long awaited first book in The Heart of San Francisco series.  Love at Any Cost is Julie's eighth novel, and is scheduled for release on April 15, 2013.  As a fan of Julie's work, and the rich history of San Francisco, I can't wait to read this one!  Thankfully, Julie's eager reader friends won't have to wait much longer!  It's hard to believe the wait is almost over!

About the Book/Series:

From the glitter and glamour of San Francisco’s Nob Hill and Napa wine country, to the seedy dance halls and gambling dens of the Barbary Coast, “The Heart of San Francisco” series is a study in contrasts between the haves and have-nots, and barriers between rich and poor that only faith can transcend. 

The story of the McClares, a wealthy political family in 1902 San Francisco, not only highlights the struggles of faith and heart of three cousins, but of the matriarch of the family as well, Caitlyn McClare. A widow of strong faith and beauty, Caitlyn butts heads and hearts with her handsome brother-in-law Logan McClare, the fiancé who betrayed her before she married his brother. In a breathtaking city where the Irish were predominant in the early 1900s and wielding power in both politics and wealth, the story of the McClares is a glimpse into beauty and degradation, poverty and promise during a riveting time in our nation’s history.

Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?

With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility, bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in Love at Any Cost.

Love at Any Cost is currently available for preorder at amazon.com.

---

A Book Review: {The Reunion} by Dan Walsh

About the Book:
Aaron Miller was an old, worn-out Vietnam vet, a handyman in a trailer park. Forty years ago, he saved the lives of three young men in the field only to come home from the war and lose everything - including love, dignity, second, and even third, chances.

But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Aaron is about to be found. And the one who finds him just might find the love of his life as well.

Expert storyteller Dan Walsh presents The Reunion, a holiday tale filled with the things his fans have come to love - forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this story about how God cares for everyone.

My Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:
Dan Walsh is a master storyteller, and has woven a wonderful story of love, friendship, forgiveness, restoration, redemption, and second chances.

I found all of the characters to be likeable and believable, and I especially loved the main character, Aaron Miller.  His story is remarkable, and while it's fictitious, I imagine it's one that could easily hold true to real-life veterans.  I truly enjoyed everything about Aaron's character:  how he lived a humble life, how he found beauty in the world and people around him, and how every life he touched was changed for the better.  Everyone who knew Aaron was better off for knowing him.  He touched people's lives in remarkable ways . . . and yet he was humble.  In my eyes, he's a fantastic example of what it looks like to live a life that looks like Christ.  He laid himself aside for others -- back in Vietnam and in his job as a handyman in the trailer park.  His heart for others, and his humble character make him one that I'll never forget.  I'd say he's one of my favorite characters in any book I've ever read.

There wasn't anything I didn't like about the book.  And even though I had a little bit of an idea about which way the story was headed, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.  Then of course, there was the "tear factor" . . . I love a book that moves me to tears, and Dan definitely has the skill to provide a heartwarming and emotional read.  I highly recommend this one with two thumbs up!  Dan Walsh is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading many more of his books.

You can find out more about Dan and his books here at his website.

Music Monday: {Slip on By} by Finding Favour

Yay!  Another great, new group!  Finding Favour's single, Slip on By, is awesome!  I've heard it on KLOVE a few times, and I just love it!  It's a song that reminds us to embrace every moment that God has given us.  Every moment is precious, and they pass all too quickly . . . We're only here for a little while.  God gives us only so much precious time, so don't let it slip on by.  

Finding Favours debut album releases on March 12th, and if this song is any indication, I think it's going to be awesome!  Enjoy and be blessed, my friends!  (P.S. You might need a Kleenex)

Music Monday (on a Friday!): {You Set Me Free} by Angela Miller

It's been a couple years since I've watched American Idol, but when this video showed up on my facebook newsfeed, I was awestruck!  You Set Me Free is an original song by Angela Miller (aka Angie K. Miller), and she is a contestant on American Idol this season.  She's a young Christian woman, who appears to have a very special anointing on her singing career.  The vocals on this song are amazing, and the message is so powerful!  I may be a bit late in posting this here, and you may have already seen this video, but just in case you haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat!

If you search her on youtube, you'll find that she has MANY other songs worth listening to.  I predict big things for this young lady, and I pray that she stays humble and sings for the Lord to bring Him all the glory.  From many of the comments I've read on youtube, she's already making a huge impact on people's lives.  Needless to say, I'll be rooting for her!  Shine your light, Angie!

{A Quote to Inspire You} by Liz Curtis Higgs

I love this, because as much as I've messed up, it's so reassuring to know that God is patient, and His mercies are new each morning. 

As I leave my past mistakes behind, I can rest in the fact that from glory to glory (and from mistake to mistake), I'm being transformed.  So thankful that God's not finished with me yet!

Have a blessed day, friends!

{What I've Been Up To}

Me and the Mr. on a Cub Scout trip to San Francisco

Hi there, friends!  Long time, no see.  : )

My posts have been few and far between, but I wanted to pop in here and say hello to all of you.  I'm still here!  I've been blessed with so many subbing jobs, and we've been keeping busy with Cub Scout activities, family gatherings, the regular day-to-day things, and some things that just break my heart.

On February 15, we had to put down our beloved cat of 19 years.  Bear had been sick since right before Christmas, and just when I thought he was doing better, he took a turn for the worse.  It was tough watching him struggle, and it was heartbreaking to even think about putting him down.  He was having difficulty walking, in addition to being very underweight, dehydrated, and anemic.  His body was basically shutting down.  The vet said it was time to let him go, because he would only suffer and continue to get worse.  :::sigh:::

It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I also felt peace in the decision.  He had lived a good, long life.  I'm so blessed that I was able to spend almost 20 years with this handsome guy.  He will truly be missed.

Bear in 2008, when he was 14-years old

On a happier note, we also had the opportunity to go to San Francisco with my son's Cub Scout den. We walked across the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding area, and had a fantastic day! You'd think that as a California native, living here for all of my 41 years, this is something that I would have done at some point, but this was the first time. It was a gorgeous day, the weather was perfect, and I truly enjoyed soaking up every breathtaking moment!

I pray that you all have been doing well, and I look forward to getting some new blog posts here for you soon.  Take care and be blessed!  Hugs, Michelle

Music Monday: {Who You Are} by JJ Heller

JJ Heller's latest album is scheduled to release on March 12, 2013 -- I can't wait!  She's one of my favorite Christian artists, and today you're in for a treat, because she also has a new video for the song, Who You Are.

Though the song speaks of the tragedies that we may face, and how we may not know what God is doing in our lives . . . we can rest in the fact that we know who He is.

It's a beautiful song, and a beautiful video!  I pray that it blesses you today.

I don't know what You're doing, but I know who You are.

Music Monday: {His Kind of Love} by Group 1 Crew

So, this is how the story goes . . . I was cruising down the road, listening to Sirius XM The Message, and I think, "Wow!  This song is awesome! Who is this?  Is this a new song?  I've never heard it before."  Of course, I push the info button . . . it's Group 1 Crew!  As it turns out, it's a song from their latest album titled, Fearless, that released in September 2012.  I. LOVE. IT.  It's a new discovery for me, so my next stop is iTunes to listen to all of the samples.  If the rest of the album is as good as this song, I'm going to have a hard time not adding the entire album to my iPod!

The vocals are amazing on this song, as well as the lyrics and sound!  Combine this with a fantastic message, and I think we've found ourselves a winner!

Praising the Lord for His kind of love -- the kind of love that I can't even begin to wrap my mind around, but leaves me completely in awe!  Enjoy the song and be blessed, my friends!


There are no words no phrase I could create
There is no melody that I could make
How do you sing about a love so deep
Without feeling like you missed something
I could try but I could not explain

(Chorus)
His kind of love, is reckless for us
His kind of love, will never give up
Till the whole world knows how far He went to show
His kind of love

Tell me what kind of God would choose to save
The bruised, the broken, the sinners, the runaways
How do you ever try to comprehend,
This love that knows no limit
I could try but I could not explain
(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
This is our God He is strong
And His mercy is our song
He won't stop chasing us
That's just His kinda love

To find out more about Group 1 Crew, you can visit there website here.

Music Monday: {Open Up the Heavens - Acoustic} by Meredith Andrews

I'd like to share this beautiful new album with you by Meredith Andrews.  It released on January 22nd, and I've been enjoying it every day since.  Every song on Worth it All brings the listener to that amazing place of praise and worship -- it truly is beautiful!  Meredith Andrews' voice is stunning, yet the focus remains on Him.  On her website, Meredith says, "My hope is that in these songs they’ll see the love of God more; maybe these songs will challenge them in their walk with the Lord and in turn, they’ll just run after him. That’s my hope.”  I believe she's definitely accomplished that, and I highly recommend this album!  Be sure to visit Meredith's website, where you can currently listen to ALL of the songs from the album, Worth it All.  You won't want to miss it!

Today's song is a newly uploaded acoustic version of Open up the Heavens.  Enjoy and be blessed!

{Friday Funny}

How many of you do this?  There is just something in my nature that makes it IMPOSSIBLE for me not to send another text message with the word correctly spelled!  I couldn't stand it if you thought I didn't know how to spell correctly, LOLOLOL!!  Perhaps I'll get over that someday.  ;-)

Happy Friday!  Hope you all have a great weekend!

{A Quote to Inspire You} by Beth Moore

I can SO relate to this!  Thank you, Lord, that I can be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit every day.

Music Monday: {You Are} by Colton Dixon

Hello, hello!  Thank you for stopping by for today's edition of Music Monday!  I'm glad you're here!

I first heard this song last week, and I immediately loved it. With a little research, I found out that this great song comes from American Idol contestant, Colton Dixon.  I didn't watch season 11, so it's been fun to get to know a little bit more about this up-and-coming Christian artist.  If you're not familiar with this inspirational young man, you can read more about him and his journey below.

Enjoy and be blessed!

Colton Dixon Bio from KLOVE's Website:
Tennessee native Colton Dixon first caught the attention of listeners on “American Idol” season eleven, with his cool vocals and positive attitude. Placing seventh on the popular music competition, Colton is now following in the footsteps of fellow Idol alums Mandisa and Jason Castro, by venturing into the world of Christian music.

His latest song, “You Are,” off his upcoming debut album A Messenger (January 29, 2013), is a worship song that Colton began writing long before his days on reality TV. “It’s a song that basically says that God is everything you’re not,” he explained to K-LOVE. “When we’re hurting, God’s always gonna be there to comfort us. He doesn't care how messy we are, He wants us. It’s a chance for me to worship him through this song.”

Colton started singing as a young teen, and always wanted to use his gift for ministry. “I started singing when I was 13 years old. I truly believe my voice was a gift from God to share the Message,” he says. “I hope that you enjoy my music, but furthermore, I hope you can connect with it personally and apply it to your everyday lives.”

During his time on Idol, Colton sang a powerful rendition of "Everything," by Lifehouse - a song that is very significant to him. "‘Everything’ by Lifehouse is one of my favorite worship songs of all time,” he said. “I was on YouTube and I saw a skit that someone had done with the song and it was so powerful! I can’t watch it with out crying...it’s so impacting! I saw ‘American Idol’ as an opportunity to bring the same impact to the viewers on the show.”

Shortly following his performance of "Everything," Colton performed Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," a decision he now regrets. “I feel like singing 'Bad Romance' was not the best decision I made,” he explains. “Just because we're Christians doesn’t mean were perfect. We’ve all wanted something bad for us. But it probably wasn’t the best message to sing in front of people, if I could go back again I would probably chose a different song.”

Besides making a different song choice, the singer believes his time on Idol was well spent.“I’m so happy with the way things turned out...it was a fun ride!" he said. "I knew God was with me the whole time and it was obvious to me that I was doing what I was suppose to be doing.”

On his upcoming album Colton teamed up with with fellow artists Brandon Heath and Lifehouse's Jason Wade to write music. The singer recently shared his experience on his Facebook page: “Wrote with Brandon Heath today about how if we truly understood the love that God shows us, we would go crazy. In other words....it's impossible to understand.” He added, “Grace isn't something that is normal to us. It's impractical in a practical world, which is why it is not of this world.”

Even with Colton’s mass exposure from “American Idol,” he remains committed to share an inspirational message to the world. “'A servant isn't greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the One who sent him.' John 13:16. I try to live by this every day,” he says. “I believe that I am just one of the messengers that God has called to this world.”

You can visit Colton Dixon's website here.