2024 has been a year of upheaval and changes. Yet, with each passing day, we can praise the Lord for helping us grow and climb, ever Heavenward Bound!
Things may not always go as we plan, but God’s plans are always bigger, deeper, and far greater than ours!
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Romans 11:33 KJV O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Reflection on 2024
So let’s give some updates from where we left off.
Voice Change
In March, my voice began to change noticeably. It had started getting lower toward the end of 2023, but nothing like this. By May, my voice was shifting unpredictably sometimes changing from one moment to the next. This transformation has impacted not only my speaking voice but also my singing. I once thought I’d settle into a tenor range, but now it seems I’m headed toward a low baritone or high bass. Singing has become a challenge at times. I have to learn my voice all over again! Yet, even through this frustrating process, God has shown His grace and faithfulness.
Here’s an example of just how much my voice has changed in the past six months:
In the first video, Daddy, Jaycion and I are back in Massachusetts for my grandfather’s baptism, singing I Have Decided To Follow Jesus. (For us playing and singing, skip to 25:48 and listen from there.)
Now compare that to us singing As With Gladness Men of Old at a Christmas program, where my voice has taken on a distinctly different tone.
These changes have been a reminder that our gifts and talents are ultimately for God’s glory, no matter how they might change. We are just to trust in his leading.
Instrumental Music
Producing instrumentals is something I find really easy to do. In the past few months, we’ve already seen that creating instrumental music with lyrics has really added to our ministry. This approach has allowed us to reach a wider audience, and we’ll continue adding some of our favorite hymns and songs.
With my voice still transitioning, Jaycion and Jalissa will serve as our main vocalists. Once my voice settles and I’ve had time to learn it better, I’ll be ready to add my voice to theirs.
Plans for 2025
And as we look ahead to the New Year, we’re trusting God to guide us in these plans:
New Instrumental Song Release
We’re excited to announce our latest instrumental cover: Jesus is Coming Soon!
With all the things that are shaping up in this world, we truly need hope. And what better to hold on to than the Blessed Hope that Jesus is Coming Soon! By God’s grace, we’ll be releasing an instrumental cover of this powerful song in just several days! Make sure you’re subscribed to the Gleams of Glory YouTube Channel and have the notification bell turned on so you’ll know the moment it’s available.
Once it’s live, you’ll find the link here: Jesus is Coming Soon — Instrumental (Cover)
2025 Song List
Here are some songs we can currently share that we are hoping to release in the near future:
- The Sons of God (Scripture Song — John 1:10-14)
- Are You Watching? Are You Listening? (Orignal Song — Lyrics by Cheryl Swedberg & Jayden Mendes)
- SDA Hymn #264 – O For That Flame (Instrumental)
Let’s pray everything goes as planned!
Driver’s Permit and Piano Tuning
On New Year’s Eve, I was able to get a driver’s permit! Now learning to drive begins…
This is a step that opens doors for greater ministry opportunities.
We’re also exploring getting into piano tuning, a practical skill that could provide unique opportunities to share the gospel in unexpected places. Imagine tuning a piano and sharing God’s glory in someone’s home or church!
If you’d like to support our ever-expanding music ministry and help us reach even more people, consider making a donation. Your support means so much!
Closing Remarks
In 2024, we faced challenges that tested us, victories that encouraged us, and moments that strengthened our faith. As we now close this chapter and step into 2025, one truth remains steadfast: Jesus is Coming Soon. His second coming is as certain as winter giving way to spring — a promise He made to us in John 14:1-4: “I will come again and receive you unto Myself.”
May we press onward, heavenward bound! The road ahead may be uncertain, but the destination is sure. Let us enter 2025 with faith, hope, and the unshakable assurance that Jesus is Coming Soon.
Until next time… Stay Faithful!
Revelation 2:10 KJV Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Heavenward Bound!