I got my first set of drums when I was six, followed by my first guitar at the age of 16. Before I knew it I went solo playing classic-rock cover songs, while working on turning my poems into songs. Open-mic nights turned into paying gigs. I went into a professional recording studio at the age of 17, and from that time on I made several demos and two radio-ready albums. 

The intervening years sped by like a hurricane leaving a field of debris and broken relationships, stained by drugs and alcohol. Although I strived to do better, I was getting nowhere in my own strength, until one day the Lord intervened and I ended up in the ER. It was a terrifying experience that led me to solidify my trust in the Lord, and with His help I began making positive changes in my life. I quit drugs and alcohol and my focus shifted from writing songs about girls to writing about the Lord. I wanted to thank God with all of my heart and tell others about how he redeemed me and turned my life around. 

As I have sought the Lord; Jesus made himself very real and known to me. I finally began to open the door that He had been knocking on. My life has been so much better ever since; now I try to live in His strength NOT my own. Although no life is pain-free, walking with God through Jesus gives my life meaning and purpose. What a difference and a blessing!  

-- Joe Antonelli (2016)