This past week was one of the more difficult weeks of residency (particularly for my wife & children). We currently find ourselves with little to no reserves at this hour while like you, staring a new week in the face. Which brings me to tonight. I typically don't do well with birthday reports, as the milestone usually leaves me in a frustrated, melancholy state of being. Nevertheless, while our current circumstances are anything but ideal, you can't put a price on the act of four children rushing around like mad (in your absence) baking you birthday brownies to surprise you with upon your return. I wish I could somehow bottle nights like tonight & savor bits & pieces of it at various future dates of my choosing. They are quite simply a welcomed oasis in a desert of discouragement. I suspect some day, when I am nearing the finish line, I will reflect upon these freshly made memories with even more appreciation than I currently possess. If only there was a way to slow the hands of time. Please oh please God, stop this train.
Like countless others, I was profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of perhaps the greatest female vocalist in pop music Saturday night. Whitney Houston not only represented my generation, but also performed the finest rendition of the National Anthem in the 1991 Super Bowl by which all other National Anthems will be measured. Admittedly, I'll never fully understand why stars on Houston's level seem to pass before their time. That acknowledged, candles burned at both ends may burn twice as fast, but they also burn twice as bright. R.I.P. Whitney. Now you belong to the ages.
Came across this recording I had forgotten about so I thought I'd share. It's a simplified, acoustically driven arrangement of my song "I Am Not Afraid". I recorded it on the fly right before we left Houston in Twenty Ten, as I was needing much personal affirmation at the time due to our uncertain future. I always enjoy performing this tune in a live setting because the lyrics are so encouraging & edifying to our faith, plus it's loads-o-fun to play if you happen to have a gifted percussionist on hand (& boy do I!) to add some tasteful egg shakers or delicious light metal brushes on the head of the snare. Hope you enjoy, & hope you share with others. -cW.
Best known for his patriotic single “Heart of Freedom” which reached a national audience in the fall of 2009, Chess Ward is an American songwriter, vocalist, pianist, & guitarist. He holds a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in music, & has been a Worship Leader in churches extending from Texas to Montana, as well as forming & touring with his Dallas, TX based band “Mainroad” in the early 2000’s. Currently, He is promoting two solo albums, Self Preservation, & Lawter Road. Chess makes his home in the West Texas Panhandle.
This past week was one of the more difficult weeks of residency (particularly for my wife & children). We currently find ourselves with little to no reserves at this hour while like you, staring a new week in the face. Which brings me to tonight. I typically don't do well with birthday reports, as the milestone usually leaves me in a frustrated, melancholy state of being. Nevertheless, while our current circumstances are anything but ideal, you can't put a price on the act of four children rushing around like mad (in your absence) baking you birthday brownies to surprise you with upon your return. 
