Well, I have had a crazy last few days down in London, recording some overdubs for Open Heaven. The first evening I was very saddened to hear that one of my band had had a terrible last couple of weeks and got himself into a very bad way.

The next few days we had emotional phone calls with him, texts from people trying to help him and messages from his mother. God answered our prayers for him really dramatically. Members of his church arrived to visit him in hospital, got him discharged and have ended up looking after him in the crypt of the church for the last few days, on a round-the-clock basis. The body of Christ is truly an amazing thing!!

We sent his mum one of the tracks (the one I wrote for him) and she was very moved by the words… Again, God is so good isn’t He?

I have discovered a new passion/skill in the last couple of days which has surprised me. I had no idea that I can produce (as in “come up with good ideas for”) music recordings. But as I sat with the other producer, I started to ‘hear’ other parts, and other instruments to be added. It was really exciting and creative. He was very encouraging and really valued my opinion and nurtured me through the process. A couple of the others also noticed this new thing beginning in me and commented on it.

I’m nearly 39. I know myself well. And yet, I had NO idea I had this in me – mainly because I don’t read music and so didn’t think I was capable.. but actually if you have people around you who trust you and can interpret your noises, poor vocabulary and gestures (!) you are all set! I was genuinely amazed at what God did with the songs.

We were massively blessed when one of our pals, Raul, who played on the last album too, agreed to come for a couple of hours and lay down some horn tracks. He totally stormed every song and it was beautiful to hear him play again. (It blows me away that people were willing to play on Open Heaven for free and then texted me afterwards to THANK me for the privilege. Again, the body of Christ is an amazing thing!!)

So I am back in Manchester. I feel as flat as a pancake. Not to mention tired. But I got this text from the producer today:

“You have had two days of creative work, that sometimes makes you feel good, but also tired. Maybe a bit nostalgic that you have left one of your babies here (ur album) But we will look after it very well.”

I praise God that He is looking after that ‘baby’ for me and that He gave me such amazing people to love, value and understand me.

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it:)