Change Is Not Always A Bad Thing

As I reflect over the past 17 years since the Gospel Songwriters Music Workshop first began, I can remember how excited I was at the prospect of this workshop coming to life. I felt excitement because I thought this would be a wonderful forum for other songwriters like myself to share and learn more about the art of songwriting and a wonderful way to encourage originality and creativity.

The first Gospel Songwriters Music Workshop started as a one day event with a concert on the next day. We started with seven songwriters and we have grown to over 100 songwriters participating through the years. We also started with one songwriting class and now we have a musicians class, a vocal class and a workshop choir along with our songwriting classes. We have grown from a one day event to a 3 day conference. We have also added a Sponsors/Talent Showcase Luncheon. As you can see, we have been very busy and a lot of great changes have occurred.

Another great change occurred when the workshop received its 501 ( c ) (3) status in 2006. In 2009 we started a new era to bring a different kind of light to those who have visual impairments because we are "Singing For Sight'. Singing for sight is a way we can help fund research, find preventions and cures for those individuals who have visual impairments. We will be raising money for visually impaired people who want to participate in clinical trials, but may need financial assistance with lodging and transportation in order to do so. If you have never supported this workshop before, I am asking you to consider doing so because it will not only bring spiritual light, but we are committed to making it possible for those without physical light to gain more hope as we work to ward eliminating blindness.

Finally, the most recent change occurred in March of 2010. Although I had been praying for God to give me a new direction, I never expected that the new direction would involve changing physical locations from one city to another. The workshop started in Pensacola, Florida and I thought it would remain in Pensacola, Florida. I envisioned that I would coordinate workshops in other parts of the country, but the main workshop would be in Pensacola. However, that does not seem to be the way God allowed it to happen. My husband received a great job offer in Tampa, Florida and now we have relocated to the Tampa Bay area. What this move will really mean in the growth and development of the gospel Songwriters Music Workshop is an exciting prospect to think about.

I am not sure what great things God has in store for the Gospel Songwriters Music Workshop in the future, but one thing I do know is that whatever He has in store it is something great. Many changes will occur as we get ready for the 2011 workshop such as, location, clinicians and attendees. However, having a great attitude while changes are happening is a prerequisite for success as you follow god's plan. I know whatever changes God allows will only make the workshop stronger and better. We look forward to seeing each of you at our 2011 workshop. Go to our Registration Page to sign up now.

God bless each of you as you make plans to attend the next Gospel Songwriters Music Workshop in June 2011.