Matthew West's Blog

Documentary on Tangle.com

So, some of you may know that we made a documentary called, "Nothing to Say," that followed my vocal chord surgery, and season of silence as I recovered from that difficult time. I wanted to let you know that now you can watch the documentary on tangle.com starting with part 1 (of 4) today. You can check it out above.

Each Friday through May 22, a new segment will be posted on tangle.com and embedded as well right here on the blog. And, each week I will be posting a blog that explains further some of the lessons I feel like God taught me during that part of my trial.

I made that film not knowing if I was ever going to sing again. And when I watch it, I am reminded just how tough a time that was for me in my life. My hope is that when people watch this documentary, they can be reminded that the same God who walked with me and spoke to me through my surgery, will walk with you through your tough time. And I think we can all agree, these are TOUGH times.  

-mw

Me and The Governor(s)

It never ceases to amaze me all the places my music seems to take me!  Yesterday was proof of that.  I performed at the largest Right To Life event in the country in Evansville, IN.  Keynote speakers were the newly appointed Chairman of the Republican Party, Gov. Michael Steele, and the notorious Governor from Alaska, Sarah Palin.  And for those who doubt me, may I present you exhibits A and B...

I know it kind of looks like I'm trying to steel Gov. Steele's wallet from his coat pocket, but I'm only shaking his hand...

Anyway, it was a really great event.  Among songs like "The Motions," "More" and "You Are Everything," I also sang a very fitting song for the event, "Life Inside You."  The song is inspired by a girl who was contemplating abortion, and chose life.  It's on my "Something To Say," CD.  It has been so cool to sing that song lately at some pro life events.  This is a moral issue that was mostly swept under the rug in our last election, and in President Obama's first week in office, he managed to lead our nation in a huge step backward from protecting the unborn.  

I was inspired by both Governors strong message and conviction on the subject, and honored to be a part in an event like this.  -mw

Good Friday

"For God so loved the world, He gave HIs only Son..."

And this is the reason we recognize Good Friday.  Because the greatest gift in the history of mankind was given to us by our creator.  Our Father in Heaven sent his one and only son to earth to bear the sin of the world on a cross.  He died for you, and for me.  

"That whosoever should believe in Him should not perish..."

This is that is asked of us in return.  BELIEVE.  It's that simple.  There are no other rules, or qualifications.  The sacrifice Christ made on the cross was not reserved only for the wealthy, or the higher class.  And it doesn't come with any strings attached.  Simply BELIEVE God loves you this much, and you will not die.

"But have eternal life."

And the greatest sacrifice ever made, brings the most wonderful promise ever made.  The promise that our lives on this earth are only a glimpse in the eye of eternity.  Our time on earth will come and go before we know it, but this world is not our final destination.  These words of John 3:16 are the promise to those who BELIEVE that eternal life with with our Savior in Heaven is waiting.   

Don't forget the gift you've been given on Good Friday.  

-mw

John 3:16

Easter Egg Hunt

My daughter had an Easter egg hunt this morning at her school, and I got to join her on the hunt.  I'm competitive, always have been... Those other 3 year-olds had no idea who they were messing with.  :)  Lets just say I got mine...  Just kidding, or am I?  

Lulu had a blast.  It's so fun to watch the wonder of a child.  The little things are great big things!  Wish we didn't ever have to lose that wonder.  Not sure how it happens.  I guess little by little disappointments wear on our sense of wonder.  Our eyes and our hearts begin to focus on all the ways life lets us down, and the wonder slips away gradually, over time.  

I don't know, seeing Lulu run around that playground this morning with her little basket, filling it up with one painted egg after another, celebrating each discovery as if it were a priceless jewel made me crave that kind of innocent and excitement.  I want to see each day with great anticipation, always looking out for the different priceless jewels God may have waiting for me to discover, if only I'll follow his lead along the way. 

When the hunt was over, every egg accounted for, she ran to me, held up my basket and proudly displayed her treasure of the day.  

This is the kind of wonder I want to face the day with.  -mw

New Song On itunes

Last month, I did a contest with KLOVE radio called "KLOVE'S" Next Great Love Song."  over 6000 of you submitted your love story, and I had to pick only 1 winner.  I wrote the song, "When I Say I Do," inspired by this awesome story and debuted the song on KLOVE for Valentine's.  The song was then available for free download for 1 week on klove.com.  36,000 downloads later, we've finally got the song up on itunes TODAY, for the rest of you to check out!  Here's the story that inspired the song -mw

Touched by An Angel I first saw Chris at a West Point football game tailgate. Our eyes met from across the parking lot. I stole his hat and ran off with it, and he spent the rest of the night trying to get it back. In the beginning, he was my angel. I remember thinking there must be a God, because love like this is not of this earth. We were blessed with a transcendent connection. Every moment together was like breathing in new life. After graduation, Chris entered the infantry. After a brief training period, he deployed to Iraq. But not before we were married before only close family. He took my hands and said, “I will love you forever, through anything.” I knew he meant it, and I did as well. Every day of his deployment I asked God to send angels to watch over Chris and his men and give them cover. After 10 months, Chris was shot in his hands by an enemy combatant. The single bullet that entered his wrists was only inches from his face. My prayers had been answered. Our love for one another has been the driving force behind his remarkable recovery. He is still my angel, and now I’ve had the opportunity to be his. This June, we will renew our vows before all our friends and family. Reaffirming our faith and commitment, we will once again hold each other’s hands and promise to love each other through anything.

what i'm doing right now

this is what I'm doing right now.  

radio interviews at my record label.  I'm in Seattle, St. Louis, Vero Beach, California, Minneapolis... and all without leaving this room.  

-mw

Snail Hunting

After a busy day of meetings, my work had evidently just begun.  Lulu and I wound up going hunting.  What kind of hunting can you do in Franklin, TN?  It's a widely overlooked type of hunting, one I never knew existed until today.  Snail Hunting.  That's right, hunting for the great snail.  For some reason, while we were walking outside our house we noticed snails everywhere, maybe the rain brought them out?  I don't know. I'm not a snail-ologist.  And it gets weirder.  These snails were missing their trademark shell.  They were shell-less snails in the hundreds, no thousands.  I give you exhibit "A."

And "B" (the hunter)

I know, I know, what an enlightening blog today.  Thanks Matthew.  Well, your welcome friend.  YOU ARE WELCOME.  

Ryan's Story

Here is something that I sent out to the community that has come together on the page for my new song "The Motions."  Thought I’d share it with you all....

Last week, I visited our online “Motions” community and was hit like a ton of bricks by one of the posts.  It told the story of 18 year-old Ryan McAfee from Oklahoma who tragically lost his life on March, 2nd in a car accident.  The story was posted by a friend of Ryan’s.  She wrote that “The Motions” was played at Ryan’s funeral, and that was the first time she had heard the song.  Another post about Ryan said he had been listening to the song the day before he left this earth and how he had posted the lyrics to the song on his facebook page so that he could be held accountable to not go through the motions.

I came across a local news story that reported about Ryan’s accident.  I encourage you to check out the link below.  I was struck by what everyone had to say about his life, and his love for Christ.  You need to read the full news story.  Listen to how his friends and family, how his brother talks about Ryan’s life.

Ryan wasn’t going through the motions.  He was a young guy determined to live his life with a passion for God, and a desire to reach everyone around him with the love of Christ until he went home.  And because we are all together in our commitment to say “no more going through the motions,” I felt like you needed to hear about this story for two reasons.

1.  May Ryan’s death remind us all that this life is short.  Make the most of each moment that God has given to you.  None of us know when our last moment on earth might be.

2.  Take a moment today to think about how you want people to speak about you after you’re gone.  Then ask God to show you how to live like Ryan did, with a heart for Him, and a heart for others. 

I never met Ryan, but his story and his life have impacted me greatly.  I don’t think I’ll ever hear “The Motions,” the same way again.  Today is a gift, don’t waste it.

-mw

"The Motions" Music Video

So, I've never done a video for one of my songs before.  A documentary? Yes.  A video? No.  Until now, that is.  My brand new video is being premiered on tangle.com this week.  Be sure to check it out!

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c377c388df7477a84ec4

The video uses footage from my documentary that we filmed during my season of silence, when I had vocal surgery.  

I hope this video inspires everyone who sees it, and reminds you that God is with you in your weakest moments.  He can use our toughest trials to raise you up out of the motions of life.  

-mw

Melissa Greene's new record

hey friends,

A good friend of mine, Melissa Greene just had her first solo project release called, "The Next Step."  I co-wrote the title track with her, and want to encourage you guys to check out her new record!!!  She's got a killer voice, and a great heart!  

So, there's my shameless plug for a friend.  Check it out at www.melissagreenemusic.com.  Or but it at itunes.  

-mw