The Life of a Love Walker

I love journaling. It's fun; it's one of my favorite pastimes and is very therapeutic. 

A lot goes on in the mind of a creative, and journaling allows me to share my thoughts and feelings in ways I have difficulty conveying through spoken word.

Each one of my journals represents a season. I have journals that are bright and colorful and others that are simple and one dimensional. 

One of my favorites is a black journal with a black and white picture of an off beaten road in the middle of the forest. When I saw it, I knew in my heart that it would capture my next season of writings. 

That picture represented "the road less traveled" from the famous poem by Robert Frost. 

When I embarked upon writing and recording "The Real Love Project", I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew this would be a life-changing album, but I wasn't prepared for how greatly it would impact me first. 

The first single, "That's When You Love", paints a picture of someone taking a "love walk." He or she acknowledges his or her pain, wrestles with letting it go, but boldly declares in the face of hurt and shame:

When it's tough,

When it's unfair,

That's when you love

That's when you love

Oh, when it's uncomfortable,

Inconvenient,

That's when you love

That's when you love

The life of a love walker isn't always easy, but it's worth it. 

I wrote this song for you, for me and for anyone who dares to take the road less traveled. 

Imagine what life would be like if we all took this journey together, one step at a time. 

Disqualified

Today, I had lunch with a good friend of mine. His name is Erik Arneson, and he currently serves as the Metro East Director of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

Erik and I met a few years ago through Daryl Whittington, a mutual friend of ours. Daryl reached out to me to speak and lead worship at a summer FCA Football camp at St. Louis Christian College. I was shocked. "Who? Me?? Football camp?? What am I going to say? I'm not athletic. If I was honest, I don't even like sports (that's another blog.... maybe even a series lol). What could I say that would merit these guys listening to me?"

I knew this was a God opportunity and had to trust that He would lead me. I hesitantly agreed and asked a few of my bros to assist me with this endeavor.

The football camp was amazing! These were some of the nicest guys who really love Jesus with all their heart. We hung out, stayed in the dorms, grubbed on some good food, and made some good connections. I even made some life-long friends through the camp.

I remember the first night of worship and one of my musicians wasn't able to make it at the last minute, so the Three Amigos (Ed Meeks, Ryan Williams and I) made it "do what it do." It was CRAZY!!! God came in that auditorium in such an amazing way. It was like being at a Friday night football game, and we scored the winning touchdown. The guys were jumping all over the place and passionately expressing their love for Jesus through their praise and worship.

I spoke at a few of the sessions, and it was cool to see how attentive the guys were, even the camp leaders and FCA staff. Here I was disqualifying myself from speaking into their lives because of my lack of experience. But the Lord reminded me that if He (Jesus) be lifted up, HE will draw all men unto Him. And that's exactly what He did.

It's been a few years since that camp, and I'm still in touch with some of the guys. Erik and I haven't met up in 3 years, and it was great to see and hear what the Lord is doing in our lives, marriages and family. I'm glad I cast that fear down and was obedient to the Lord. It's been a rewarding and life-changing experience!

Maybe you feel like you're not good enough for that opportunity, that relationship or call God's placed on your life. If that's you, I'd like you to join with me in prayer right now:

Jesus, sometimes I fail to see myself as you see me, and I disqualify myself from people and places where you're calling me. But I don't want to live in this prison any longer. I want to break free. I want to be as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1b). I want to be EVERYTHING you've called and created me to be. Help me to "Arise and shine for my light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon me (Isaiah 60:1)." I want to serve you wholeheartedly. If there are areas in my life that are opening doors of hindrance in my life, reveal them to me. Help me to expose them, so I can walk without weights and chains. "Give me a clean heart, and renew within me a right spirit (Psalm 51:10)." Anoint me with power from on high. I give you praise for this in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer and feel your faith rising, please share what used to disqualify you and where you're going now in Jesus! I am stoked to hear what you say! :)

I Get to Open for Eric Roberson!!

Eric Roberson has been one of my favorite artists for the past few years. I've had the honor of sharing the stage with him a few times as the co-host of The Suite Soul Spot, but my first time seeing him perform live in St. Louis is probably the most memorable.

Vanita Applebaum hosted an event at a small hotel in downtown St. Louis a few years ago featuring St. Louis native, Teresa Jenee and Blue Erro Soul performing artist, Eric Roberson.

It was my first time seeing either artist perform, and I LOVED it! To this day, Teresa Jenee's song "Breathe" is one of my favorites.

Eric's keyboardist for that show was from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and moved to Chicago after Hurricane Katrina. The whole band was great, and they vibed from one song to the next.

One of the coolest moments though was when Eric shared a testimony of how the young guy who designed the blazer he was wearing that evening was able to reconnect with his long lost father at one of Eric's shows in another city.

What made the moment special was not only in how powerful music is in bringing people together but that the band started playing Tye Tribbet's song "Everything" in the background. 

I've always felt like God was looking for moments like those to show Himself strong in venues and places outside of the church's four walls. This was one of those moments and probably the first time I'd really experienced something like that. 

As Eric talked and the band played, I felt the presence of the Lord walk in the room. The intensity of the moment was rising, and I felt like I was going to explode! I'm sure Eric could feel it too. That's when he said, "You know what? It's Sunday. Let's do it....'Master!!!! Savior!!!!!" 

I was DONE!!! I'd never experienced God show up in a "secular" environment like that. That was a life-changing moment and one I'll never forget. Since then, I've watched Eric perform several times, and his shows are always amazing.

So here we are almost eight years later, and I get to open up for his St. Louis stop of The Box Tour/Birthday Week Show at Plush. To say I'm excited (and nervous) is an understatement.

I'm looking forward to rocking out with some awesome musicians and play some new tunes in one of the best music venues in the city. I'd love to see you there!

For more info, click here for more details.

Eric has a great catalog of music. What's your favorite song and where were you the first time you heard it?

Men's Prayer Breakfast and Recap

It's been almost a week since our first Men's Prayer Breakfast, and I'm still riding on a high from the awesome time we had together.

We had about 25 guys show up who were ready to pray - Black, White, Hispanic, young and older, all ready to tap in.

The breakfast was delicious and our servers did a great job setting things up and serving.

The Worship Band was phenomenal! We could've stayed in worship for hours but enjoyed the sweet moments with the Lord.

FaithWorks Fellowship Ministries is located in a really cool area of town (Midtown) near Saint Louis University, the business district and Grand Center. Their church is this dope loft-style space that was perfect for us. Everyone felt free and comfortable.

I couldn't have pulled this off on my own. So many people helped make this men's breakfast a success.

First, I gotta thank God for entrusting me with the vision to gather the men of St. Louis together to fellowship, spend time praising and worshipping our Great King, interceding for our city and being empowered to go back and change our communities, one relationship at a time.

Secondly, I thank my wife, Christia, for being a true helpmeet. When we got married, I mentioned to her that I felt like God placed a special burden on my heart to encourage other married couples and to empower men. She has covered me in prayer and supported me wholeheartedly, even to the extent of asking our Hope Church friends, Christelle and Christina, to assist with serving breakfast that morning. Babe, I love you to the moon and back! :)

3C (Christia, Christelle, Christina) 

I gotta thank my Pastor Greg Bruce and our Hope Church Family for praying and supporting me with the prayer breakfast. Several of the guys from our church, including some of our youth, came out and were mighty soldiers that day, assisting with setting up and cleaning up afterwards.

A big shoutout to my brother from another mother but the same Father, Mark Grimes, Pastor of FaithWorks Fellowship Ministries, for opening his doors to us as the host venue for the prayer breakfast. I had a vision of having it at a loft style event space in the city. The Lord brought Mark to my mind. I reached out to him. He loved the idea, let me check out the place and it was perfect! We really appreciate you and your family, bro!

Pastor Mark Grimes, Christia, Kenny

I knew I wanted the breakfast to be free but didn't have the funds at the time to pay for everything. I reached out to a few people and I wanted to thank them again for donating their time and gifts to this cause. Thank you Mama Thelma Parker for making an ANOINTED breakfast casserole, as Mark David Goins so eloquently stated. LOL! Thank you to Jamie of LaCosecha Coffee for providing a tasty Guatemalan brew for us and to Freedom of Panera Bread for providing bagels. Thank you to LaTonja Flowers, Kristen Linares, and Shirt Kong for providing some really cool goodie bag items for the volunteers.

Kenny and Jamie of LaCosecha Coffee

Kenny and Chelsea of Shirt Kong

Kenny and Latonja of SahGol Appareal & Jewelry

Mother Thelma Parker

Kristen Linares (not pictured) Thirteenth &Washington

Everyone knows how much I love music, and there's nothing like anointed, skilled musicians who know how to flow and lead others into the presence of God. Mark David Goins, Tony Mallory and Harvey Lockhart, thank you, thank you, thank you! I really appreciate you guys. You helped create that atmosphere of expectancy for us to go further into the presence of God. I love y'all and really appreciate you for helping out. Gotta thank my bro, Pastor Todd Genteman, of Apostles Church and Lloyd Nicks who weren't able to play/sing with the worship band at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Love you guys.

Worship Band (Harvey, Tony, Kenny, Mark)

And lastly, thank you to the men who were able to attend and for those that wanted to but couldn't make it. I know God wants to do something mighty in the city of St. Louis. I know it's supposed to start when the men take our rightful place in the Kingdom of God and be led by the Spirit of God. When we do, we'll see our marriages stronger, our children and families on fire, our communities strengthened and our nation devoted to God. I don't want to imagine what will happen otherwise...

Men's Prayer Breakfast Group Photo

This is just the beginning. My mother-in-love, Thelma Parker, asked me a few times what was next after this prayer breakfast, and honestly, I didn't know for a while. After the breakfast, I knew what the next step would be.

We're going to do a prayer walk in Ferguson. We'll need representatives from the community who live there who believe in the power of praying the word. If you or know of persons who would like to attend, let me know. I gave the men a handout that I found that provides insight on praying specifically for communities. Feel free to check it out here. I'll have more details soon.

Keep me in your prayers. I don't want to do this alone. I want to see others burn with the desire for prayer and change in our city. If that's you, leggggo!

St. Louis, The World is Watching

During the height of The Ferguson Riots, I wanted to say something, do something but didn't know exactly what to say or whether it was the right time to say anything at all. It seemed like everyone had an opinion, whether good or bad, and shared, sometimes explicitly, how he or she felt about the situation, often saying things that, unfortunately, can never be taken back.

My wife and I silently watched in shock as our beautiful city became a global point of attention for what seemed to be something unreal, almost like watching a horror movie.

We'd just moved into our new home in a new community and were busy adjusting to our new space. We tried to stay focused, but we felt fear trying to creep into the door of our heart. 

I remember holding our son while he slept and started walking and praying in the spirit around around bare living room. Then, I heard the Lord speak very clearly "Drive fear out of your city. Perfect love casts out fear." That was a seed, and I knew what to do from there.

I was driving a few days later, and the Lord laid on my heart an idea to host a men's prayer breakfast. It had been a while since we had one of our Men's Chat & Chew Sessions, and guys from all over were asking when the next one would take place. I was like "Ok Lord! I get it. I hear you!" LOL!

So, this Saturday, September 6, 2014, we will have a Men's Prayer Breakfast to unite as men, fellowship, be empowered by the Holy Spirit and go back and impact our communities, one relationship at a time.

I'm really excited about this! I have a heart for prayer and intercession and know that "If we win the men, we win the community!"

Here's our prayer strategy:

- That our city would have a heart for intercession. (2 Corinthians 7:14)

- Begin to write out specifically what God is showing you in dreams, visions and impression on your heart regarding peace, unity and the Kingdom coming to earth. (Joel 2:28, Matthew 6:10)

- Pray with your wives, children and family on a consistent basis. (1 Peter 3:7)

I'm inviting my brothers of all races, backgrounds and walks of life to attend. If you're a father, bring your sons. We will provide a light continental breakfast (you know I love to eat), you'll be able to connect with other great brothers from our region, you'll be able to spend time in the presence of the Lord and leave refreshed, recharged and ready to serve your family and community.

Here are the details:

Event: Men's Prayer Breakfast

Date: September 6, 2014

Time: 8 am

Cost: FREE!!!!!

Venue: Faithworks Fellowship Ministries

Address: 3116 Locust, St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis (and Men and Women of God), the world is watching! The earth is groaning for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19). Let's take our Kingdom authority and be salt and light in the world.

Special thanks to my wife, Hope Church Family and friends, Faithworks Fellowship Family, volunteers, worship band and everyone for helping make this happen! I love you guys!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give me a call at (314) 384-6524 or via email at propheticflow@gmail.com.

See you Saturday guys!

Boy Meets Girl - A Shoe Love Story

It’s our 18^th month anniversary of marriage, and we believe it’s important to continue dating each other while you’re married, even if it’s simple (cues Lauryn Hill’s “The Sweetest Thing”). 

Relationships are supposed to fun, challenging and life-giving. 

Maybe you're in a rut and looking to spice things up. We have a few, easy steps (for husbands and wives) that will keep the flame burning in your heart  and marriage.  It goes a little something like this…

Try a coffee date. It's simple and sweet.

Girls love flowers.

Wear some nice cologne (preferably her favorite scent that drives her crazy!

Make him say "WOW!" when you step out of the car.

Allow him to see your inner and natural beauty.

Listen intently and stay engaged in the conversation.

Speak each other's love language. 

Hold each other close and gaze into each other's eyes

Walk hand in hand, heart to heart, forever.

Need a few more tips? Try these:

A Guys's Guide to Dating His Wife

1. Be romantic.

2. Be present.

3. Be FLY!

4. Be yourself.

How to Date Your Husband...for life.

1. Be open

2. Be flirty

3. Be beautiful inside and out

4. Just be… allow him to lead. It’s your time to relax and savor the moment.

We'd love to hear your ideas for dating your spouse. Feel free to share them for a chance to win a new pair of Testosterone shoes, courtesy of Bronx Diba Luchiny Shoes!

Enter here for a chance to win a pair of Testosterone Shoes like Kenny is wearing.
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10,000 Reasons

"Bless the Lord, Oh my soul!

Oh my soul!

Worship His Holy Name.

Sing like never before,

Oh my soul.

I'll worship Your Holy name!"

The aforementioned lyrics are from a very familiar worship song by Matt Redman entitled "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)." Like many songs, I'd heard this one a hundred times, thought it was a nice but hadn't really embraced it as my heart song. All of that changed when Christia and I were in San Diego on our "baby moon" and we visited The Rock Church.

As we walked through the doors of the sanctuary, you could just feel the love and presence of God even before the worship team began. Every song on their set list was awesome! When they started playing the introduction to "10,000 Reasons," the song came alive in me, and I've been singing it ever since. 

Like many of you, we have so much to be thankful for. But I think sometimes we forget to count our blessings while we're on the journey.

Listed below are a few of the 10,000+ reasons I bless the Lord:

1. I am loved.
God reminds me of this simple, but profound truth everyday through the Word, in worship, through my marriage and other godly relationships (family, friends, co-workers).

2. I am forgiven.
For years, I lived under an umbrella of shame, oppression and defeat but those layers are coming off. He's given me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3b).

3. I am free.
My heart has been set on fire, opening my eyes to the truth and beauty around me and in me. Instead of living in fear, I am free to live, I am free to love, I am free to dance, I am free to sing and on and on! (If you've ever been in any form of bondage, you know freedom feels so good!)

What are your 10,000 reasons? Take a moment and share them with us. Feel free to post them in the comments section below. Let's see if we can actually get 10,000 reasons posted! :)

Bethel Music Worship Nights Recap

I've been a big fan of Bethel Music for a few years now. I wanna say my bro, Ryan Williams, introduced me to their music through William Matthews' song "Deep Cries Out." He thought it would be a great song for us to sing on our worship team, and I loved the lyrics and the song's energy.

My wife was the one that introduced me to Bill Johnson's teachings (Senior Pastor of Bethel Church) and I was blown away by the revelation he was sharing, specifically on the reality of heaven on earth.

Then I discovered that Jesus Culture was also a part of Bethel's ministry. I was like "Who are these people and what is in the water at Bethel?!" Lol! How is it that all of these people are living in such a confidence of who God is and flowing with this kind of power, love and revelation? I honestly believe the answer is in their pursuit.

Our friend, Courtney Hand, sent my wife and I the new Bethel song, "You Make Me Brave" via Facebook as we were contemplating the decision to buy a house or not. She couldn't have sent that song at a better time. We had a lot of decisions to make and that song was God's reminder that He loved us, He was for us and He would empower us to make sound decisions without fear or worry.

We played the song over and over for weeks. Then, our friends from New Jersey, surprised us with an advanced copy of the "You Make Me Brave" CD! What?! They went to the New York Worship Night session and told us how awesome it was.

In my heart, I was hoping and praying they would bring the Worship Night to St. Louis. My prayers were answered!

They posted the May schedule on Facebook and St. Louis was on the list!

Another friend of ours, Sarah Vaughn (former St. Louis native and now Bethel Church Staff Member), posted on Facebook that the Bethel Music team was looking for people to help promote the event and spread the word. I inboxed Sarah and connected me with their promo team.

I got all the information and was eager to share it with our Pastors and Worship Team.

Honestly, as a worship team, we were on a plateau and really needed something like this. Plus, it's always good to get outside of your own box and see what other worship teams are doing to get inspiration and impartation.

We had roughly 20 worship team members, family and friends join us at Grace Church (the host church for the Worship Night). It was great seeing everyone laughing, smiling and standing with great expectation for the worship experience.

And now for the part you've been waiting for....

Last night was the final stop of Bethel Music's Worship Nights for the month of May. For the past month, worship leaders: Amanda Cook, Steffany Frizzell-Gretzinger, Matt Stinton and Hunter Thompson have been pouring their hearts out in worship, along with a great team of musicians, intercessors and other ministry leaders, throughout the Midwest.

I wish I'd taken more pics and videos but honestly, I had one thing on my mind and that was to encounter the presence of God.

This wasn't your typical concert or show. This was singing, dancing, worshipping, praising, revelation, hope being restored, deliverance, gifts being stirred and a host of other things, individually and corporately. The experience lasted close to 3 hours but it seemed like there was just a seamless flow from song to song to revelation and declaration.

They sang songs from Bethel's large repertoire including: Our Father, Give Me Jesus, One Thing Remains, I Will Exalt, You Make Me Brave and more.

I really loved the spontaneous worship moments. Each worship leader held their own and flowed prophetically in song, declaration, visions, prayer. And they were "walking heavy..." (That's a Kenny-ism meaning they were really ministering specifically to the needs of the people.)

It was awesome to see God ministering to our team (But that's from what I could see because half the time I was GONE in my own zone with the Lord....lol). I loved seeing my wife worship. There's something super attractive about seeing your wife encounter Jesus. ;-)

When we were leaving the concert, she and I were sharing our experiences from that night. God really reminded us of who we are in Him, our role as believers and the power and authority we've been given to see heaven invade earth. These were all things we've heard in the past but it was like we got a gentle reminder last night.

Today, I'm still in awe from that experience. I spent much of the day, feasting on the word and some of the tunes we heard last night. We bought like 4 CDs last night! lol! Hey, when you encounter God's presence like that, you gotta sow an offering.

If Bethel Music Worship Nights is ANYWHERE in your vicinity over the next few months, make plans to be there and invite all your friends and family. You guys will enjoy it and leave empowered!

If anyone has attended one of the worship nights thus far, what was your experience like? I'd love to hear what you guys heard or saw.

Out of Darkness, Into the Marvelous Light

I was driving to the bookstore and in my head, I heard the theme song from a very popular movie. I looked up the tune on YouTube and started watching the video. The music was playing, but I had to cut it off halfway through. Something just wasn't right...

Then, these words flowed from my lips:

"Thank you for calling me out of darkness and into your marvelous light...

Thank you for calling me out of darkness and into your marvelous light...

Into your marvelous light..

Into your marvelous,

Into your marvelous,

Into your marvelous light..."

I kept singing it over and over until I reached the parking lot of the bookstore. I went inside, grabbed me a chai tea latte and began to write this blog post.

Music is a very powerful tool. It's one of the most beautiful expressions of art given to us by our Heavenly Father. But, in the wrong hands, it can become a weapon of mass destruction.

Lately, my ears have been very sensitive to music. It's like I have a new filter and my spirit can't (and won't) tolerate some things anymore. Even this past week, I've had to make some tough decisions, musically but obedience to God is more important to me.

Many of us who are big music fans have a tendency to get "lost" in the beat, often ignoring the lyrics. I'm guilty of this myself. In this movie's theme song, it wasn't necessarily the lyrics but the melody that didn't sit well with me.

Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. My wife and I couldn't finish part 1 of this particular movie series because it was too weird. So we knew part 2 would be even worse.

What saddens me is that this song was written by some of our favorite artists. All of which who seem to be forging down an even darker path.

Matthew 15:11 says "It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles a man."

If someone has a "dark heart," darkness comes out. The same is true for someone who's heart is full of light - light proceeds from him or her. It's like the other saying"You shall know a tree by the fruit it bears." (Matthew 7:16)

I believe those words "thank you for calling me out of darkness" were from my soul, reminding me of those days I wallowed in the night: my bouts of loneliness, depression, attempted suicide, identity and low self-esteem issues. But it began to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord by saying the latter "...and into your marvelous light" - finally being free to live and love without fear or condemnation.

The Real Love Project is a snapshot of my journey from darkness into light - chronicling my days of looking for love in all the wrong places and finally being awakened by the One who loved me first.

I can't wait for you to hear this record.

#TWYL

I know many of you have been wondering "What does #TWYL mean?" Shhh....it's a secret! But....since I'm a nice guy, I'll give you a hint.

Hint #1: It begins with a 'T' (does that help? lol)

Hint #2:  It's sorta like Why, What or Where but refers to time.

Hint #3: What rhymes with glue but starts with a 'y' and ends with a 'u'?

Hint #4: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and _____?

The first person to correctly answer wins a prize!!! 

Ready? Set? GO!!!

I'm a Nominee for The 2014 RFT Music Awards!

Last week, my wife and I were looking at a few homes with our realtor when I checked my phone and saw that our good friend, Theresa Payne, tagged me in this Facebook post:

"My fourth year in a row being nominated for The RFT Music Awards and my bro Kenneth is too!!!

What an honor! Showcase is gonna be amazing this year!!"

In my mind, I didn't have a lot of shows last year so I was shocked to receive such an honor. Nevertheless, I was excited and grateful to be included once again in the R&B category with some of my fellow St. Louis artists including: Teresa Jenee, Coultrain, SZA and Theresa Payne. 

Two years ago, I was a nominee in the same category and actually performed "That's When You Love" for the first time at Lola for The RFT Music Showcase. Now, here I am, two years later and preparing to release the single and music video!

(Pic of me before The 2012 RFT Music Showcase)

A lot has happened in the past two years, some of which I've discussed in previous blogs.

I decided to stop being so "all over the place" and really focus on finishing the album, develop my team, refine my sound and only do performances that make sense. While I missed be out and about so much, I learned that I really needed (and need) that time away.

Being an artist involves a lot of mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and financial effort. And to do it at this level and intensity requires a lot of dying to oneself, perseverance, tenacity, drive, ambition, steadfastness and so on. 

Kyle Kelley, incredible musician, brother and co-leader of Chris & Kyle with True Spirit, said this powerful statement years ago at a musicians' clinic: "When you're ready, they'll come to you." Those words have stayed with me over the years. Another quote I live by is "Success is when preparation meets opportunity," (Henry Hartman).

I'm ready for what lies ahead of me. The years of preparation have brought me to this moment and I'm ready to seize it. 

The link to The RFT Music Awards article can be found here. 

I'll keep you guys posted over the next few weeks as we get closer to the voting process and showcase details. As Theresa stated, the showcase is gonna be awesome! Help us support the St. Louis local music scene by voting and attending the showcase. 

The Morning After the Show

It's 6:30 am and I'm up getting dressed for church. 

Today is Easter Sunday. Resurrection Sunday. 

I've only been sleep for a few hours but I'm still flying high off of last night's show and gathering of friends. It was a great night of music, love, laughs and precious memories that I'll cherish forever.

It's amazing what takes place in an environment where love lives and thrives. I've always said that I want my shows to be a place where people can think, be inspired, and hopefully love more than ever before. I believe this happened last night.

I didn't do this alone. I want to thank my amazingly supportive wife, Christia, my band members for the night, Andrew Gibson and Isaiah Cox, my Hope Church family, my coworkers from Vantage Credit Union, and all my friends who came near and far to support us. 

It was so cool to hear people singing songs you wrote that were once just ideas! It was cool to have conversations before and after the show that ask intriguing questions like "What inspired Kenny to write that song?" It was amazing to see families rekindled. And it was beautiful to witness the power of love through music.

I love each and every one of you for believing in me. I don't take it for granted.

May this be a day full of love, laughs and precious moments of reflection for you and your family on this Resurrection Sunday. 

Kenny.

How I Prepare for Shows

A LOT goes into the making of a great performance. A lot of time, thought, energy, prayer, discussion, rehearsal, and more. Every artist is unique and has his or her own method or routine. I have a show this weekend, so I thought it would be cool to share my pre-game process.

1. Quiet Time

I talk a lot...just ask my wife or read my blog. I always have something to say.  LOL! So there are times when I have to force myself to be quiet and get still. And it's in those moments that I'm able to really think and listen for the voice of the Lord. Honestly, this is something I should do a lot more of. It's amazing the clarity I get in quiet time. 

2. I "See" Myself at the Show (Before the Show)

I'm a very visual person with a vivid imagination. I often times will go through an entire show in my head, from start to finish and imagine what I will look like, how I want to feel, how I think people will respond, etc. 

3. Review My Set List

I used to really struggle with set lists. At one time, I was super spontaneous, almost to a fault, but I learned (and am learning) how proper preparation actually gives room for true spontaneity, allowing the Holy Spirit to move as He sees it. 

4. Solo Practice

Lately, I've been able to get some really good practice in before work in the morning. I remember reading an author's interview where she stated that she would get up a few hours earlier or stay up a few hours before going to bed in order to write her book. Spending time alone going through the songs not only smooths out the rough spots, technically, but clears the headspace for the show. It also helps me give clearer directions for the band and team. 

5. Band Rehearsal

I love band rehearsal! I've always been a fan of collaboration and team work. Sometimes in band rehearsal, I discover that some of those "cool" ideas I had in my mind might not translate so well in person. lol! It's good though to get that stuff worked out before hand though. I often try not to have heavy rehearsal the night before a show so I can save my voice and rest. I don't mind light run-throughs but I've learned over the years how to rehearse without over doing it. 

6. SHOWTIME!

This is the time when all the hard work, preparation, rehearsals go into effect. I try to leave my heart on the stage every time I step on it. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I have what I like to call "learning opportunities" aka "ummm….how bout we don't do that again? lol! When it's all said it done, I want to give my all, have a good time and hopefully inspire and entertain the audience. 

I have a show this weekend at Foam so I'll be putting these steps into effect. It's gonna be an awesome show with St. Louis native, Fitzgerald and Chicago based Soul Singer, Aryk Crowder. I'd love to see you guys there! Let's make it an epic night!

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. In my quiet time, I've been feeling this overwhelming impression to help people, specifically other guys.

A few years ago, I was working as a teller at the credit union. During my lunch break, God dropped this idea on me to get a group of guys together and hang out. He was like "Text a few guys, invite them to meet you at Chick-fil-A and just have guy talk." I was like "What?! It's 1 o'clock. That's last minute. No one's gonna be able to make it on that short notice." And….He just kept quiet. That meant "Kenny, do what I told you to do." lol.

To be honest, I didn't feel qualified to lead a men's group. Now that I think about it, this was the second time within a few years that I tried to run away from this kind of opportunity. This was a new challenge for me, and it would take me out of my comfort zone.

You see I believed the lies for years that I wasn't a "guys' guy." In my mind, I wouldn't be able to really relate to a group of men on and on. But I was tired of living that way. I knew God had blessed me with some great brothers who I could learn and grow with and vice versa. So, I let those fears go and started the group.

And surprisingly, a handful of guys should've up for the first one!

The name for the group was The Men's Chat & Chew. We would meet for an hour or so right after work, grab some food and just talk about what's going on in our lives.

I loved it because it wasn't limited to just guys from our church. It was more of a community thing with guys from across the St. Louis Metro (and even sometimes via conference call), all from different backgrounds and age groups, discussing the real stuff that men go through.

Some great relationships were formed and the monthly gatherings lasted for a year.

Then…I let the group slip away. Life got really busy.  I got married, I was trying to juggle work, church and other responsibilities and had some personal things that I needed to work through.

Fast forward to this week. My wife and I just got back from an amazing vacation in San Diego and we hit the ground running. I was on my way out the door to work and God dropped that impression on my heart again to help guys but this time specifically in the area of purity.

God has really given me a passion to teach on the beauty and importance of purity. I feel like this is something we aren't really taught as guys and that HAS to change. Most men are very visual people and the enemy knows that. So he blatantly and deceitfully throws these lustful and seductive images in our face, and if left unchecked those images become seeds of destruction. I know firsthand how destructive those seeds are and I don't want anyone to go through what I've been through because of them.

Every man needs a strong support system. If you're married, the support of your wife is vital. If you're single, having at least one guy, who's stronger than you in the area you struggle with, is also vital.

As men, we're also created to bond with other men. So having a few guys that you can be totally open and honest with wins major wars of the mind. God has blessed me with some amazing guys who are stronger than me, can pour into me and those who are a few years younger that I can pour into. Both
are needed.

Me and Greg Hand

(My producer/brother who has shown me what true accountability looks like)

Ryan Williams, Me, Mark Goins

(We've played music together and have been amazing sources of brotherhood for one another)

Me and Donnie Howard

(Fellow co-worker, brother and walking miracle. We're kinda crazy! Lol)

These pictures represent a few of the examples of brotherhood on many levels. Greg's a few years older than me, has tons of wisdom and God has used him to challenge me big time to let go of the past, walk in dominion and power and chase after my dreams. Ryan is a few years younger than me, but He's got some wisdom beyond his years. Mark and I are close in age and even more so recently have strengthened our bond through transparency and accountability. Donnie is one of my bros at work that has been a living example for me that miracles still exist. He's watched my journey into marriage and now I get to watch his. 

Everyone needs somebody. I'm tired of seeing brothers locked up (mentally and physically), marriages falling and communities crumbling. There's a quote I posted on social media that says "If you win the MEN of the community, you win the COMMUNITY." I wholeheartedly believe that. We all know there's a problem but too many of us (myself included) have been quiet for too long. It's time to BE the solution.

You might've heard the familiar phrase "Am I my brother's keeper?" Well, it's actually a verse found in Genesis 4:9b. Cain killed his brother, Abel, and God asks Cain "Where is Abel your brother?" Cain responds "Am I my brother's keeper?" knowing that he killed his brother. I pose the same question to us "Where are our brothers?"

While many of us aren't physically killing our brothers, we are allowing them to kill themselves. And we do this by withholding the truth from them. The word says in John 8:32 "And you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free." We know right from wrong. We all know brothers that are headed down the wrong path and many of us (once again..myself included) aren't saying anything due to fear. But what's worse? Having them not like us momentarily or knowing that our words could possibly save their life?

Here's a solution guys that we can use a starting point: Let's start by connecting with at least one brother in our lives TODAY. It can be a natural brother, a coworker, a gym buddy or a guy in the community. And It doesn't have to be anything deep. Just start a conversation with him, build a relationship and look for that open window. We win the war one heart at a time.

I wanna hear from my brothers. Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic.

OH!! By the way...stay tuned for The Men's Chat & Chew, Round 2! :)