December Recap-Recording an Album
Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
It’s been an interesting November and December to say the least. Of course, planning Christmas activities for the worship team, youth group, and adults is similar from year to year, but as far as creating a WHOLE ALBUM, that’s been something interesting to navigate.
I’ve been blessed to work on three solo songs in the past (which you can stream on Spotify music, Apple music, YouTube, etc.) However, to work consistently for a year on five songs, and not know if they’re ready, then practice with a band, then re-write the lyrics, then go into the studio for two days straight, then go back to the studio to re-record your individual parts, it’s so tasking, unique, brings out your insecurities, you name it! I’m just so blessed God sent me the right people to work with me, and that my team was very willing to work, had a positive spirit, and had a unified attitude that made it so easy to collaborate. Without these godly, inspiring musicians and friends, I would be so lost, and I’m so thankful to them. Furthermore, I’m only halfway done with my vocals, and I thought I’d be done by Christmas, but here we are, still strengthening melodies, layer harmonies, rewriting verses, but it’s all worth it. God is really working in out.
But in other news, I’m in the hustle and bustle season at my church, and we just finished having our annual Christmas banquet. It was full of love, and Christmas cheer. Thankful for the folks that make my church feel like family. God has brought us through another year, and thru thick and thin, God protected us, taught us many lessons along the way, and above it all, made us stronger. I honestly feel his love more than ever before, and it’s been a tough year for me personally, but He is providing, the Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our provider, is sufficient for me.
This time of year, whether you are full of cheer or feeling like something is missing, I encourage you to remember the creator of this world sent his only son for you to know true love, genuine joy, and an everlasting peace. We won’t be shaken by lack of friends, lack of presents, or even lack of the “usually Christmas Traditions.” That shouldn’t be our foundation.
Let me encourage you for a moment: We are God’s masterpieces and we’re more than a conqueror through Him who loved us (Rom. 8:37). We have already acquired all we need. (2 Peter 1:3). We can have eternal peace (Luke 19:42). Our hope is in Jesus, and He loves you. (2 Thes. 2:16)
Be encouraged this Christmas season that we are loved, have a bright future, and can be fulfilled and continue to flourish in God’s blessings.
Thank you again for your prayers and financial support for my recording project. The Lord has been teaching me how to stay calm and sensitive to the Holy Spirit during this time. It takes lots of patience and inner reflection, and it’s easy for me to be very self-critical, but I believe it’s my best work yet.
As I said earlier, I’m still recording this album, and the instrumentals and band portions are ready, but I’m still improving my vocals and some keyboard parts. The sound engineer is still plugging away at making improvements and editing meticulously. Pray that I have favor with the future musicians and engineers that help me finish and master the tracks. In addition, pray for guidance with decision making and creative flow. Pray that the other people on the project are full of inspiration and skilled to edit the songs. Lastly, pray that I would be able to gain financial support with the rest of the funding for this worship album.
If you are willing to donate, you can donate online at https://www.joyousdemark.com/donate using your Credit Card or PayPal/Venmo by clicking the donate tab, or sending your check to my ministry address:
407 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support. I couldn’t do it without you. You are so encouraging to me, and Merry Christmas!
