Matthew West's Blog

We Said It

I am on a plane ride home from Seattle early this morning.  I wasn’t on the west coast quite long enough to adjust to the time change, but I am sure to discover once I return home that it was long enough to really mess me up!

The sun is alive and well outside my window.  Didn’t see it much in Washington, but a little rain is always good for a songwriter, and good for reflection.  And I’m sure I will reflect on this tour for quite some time.  It’s kind of hard to process the whole thing right now.  The concept of a tour is quite strange when I think about it.  A group of people ride on a bus across the country for two months.  So bizarre, and so amazing.

First off, I couldn’t have had a better crew with me on the road this fall.  Each person in each position was absolutely amazing!  I am so thankful for a gifted band and hard working crew.  I stepped on stage every night, confident that the show was going to go well because everyone was so great at what they do.

When I think about the fact that we just completed a 27 city tour across a country that is experiencing some of the most difficult and uncertain economic times, I am even more amazed that it all happened.  God was so faithful day in and day out.

I owe thanks to all the people in every city who put down their hard earned money for a ticket to my show, and I hope you all felt it was worth it!  Some nights, we wondered what was going to happen, but you came to the shows, and I am grateful for so many supporters, and the greatest fans ever!

Thanks to my booking agency and management for all of the hard work setting this tour up, and allowing me the opportunity to do what I do.

Finally, I am thankful for my family, who has probably had it the hardest this fall.  This tour has taken me far from home for far too long.  Even as I write this, I’ve got that sinking feeling in my stomach as I think of how many days I have missed waking up and seeing my little girl’s smile.  But I will see that smile tonight…

So, I guess this blog turned into a “thank you” note.  So be it.  I suppose every day of my life should be a “thank you” note.  Thank you, God for loving me, and for guiding my life.  You truly are my faithful friend, the one who will not let me go.

-mw

Missing My Girls

I'm watching the sun come up outside the bus window somewhere between wyoming and Colorado this morning.  I woke up early for a radio interview with my friends in Orlando, Z88.  So, since I'm up and all is quiet on the bus, the band and crew are fast asleep, I thought maybe I'd drop you all a line to say good morning.

I am missing my girls so much these days.  Feels like I've been on the road for a year!  But, one day away from my daughter is hard for me to bear.  I just have to get through it some days.  The only thing that helps me most days, is when I get on stage and see the people in front of me.  Then, I remember why I am away from my family today, and that God is using me through this music.  There is a purpose. 

And speaking of missing my girls... There will soon be one more girl to miss.  I wanted to let you all know that my wife and I are expecting another baby, and it's going to be a girl!  She should be here in March, and we can't wait!!! 

So, how's that for some good news this morning?  Please keep us in your prayers as we get closer and closer to the due date.  My wife is feeling well right now, and all is well.

-mw

Why Oming?

Because it’s awesome, that’s why.  I just played my first concert in Wyoming and the people were amazing.  They all said that Christian music has forgotten about Wyoming, guess they don’t get many concerts, but the people were very appreciative that we didn’t overlook their state when planning the Something to Say tour…  And I am glad we came. 

The concert was actually a benefit for the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission, an outreach that ministers to homeless men and women who are in great need.  It was incredible to tie in the message of “Something To Say” with the important work being done by the mission.  That’s what this tour is all about. 

The weather is turning colder as we travel from Wyoming to Colorado, but our stay in cold weather regions will be short.  We’ll be in California in no time.  I’m in no hurry, though.  This Chicago boy doesn’t mind the cold weather, and I love Colorado.  Always good shows when we come through these parts.  And now I can add Wyoming to the list. 

The show must go on.

–mw