Today's Prayer

Father, ground us in Yourself. 

Root us deeply in truth. 

Deepen our hearts & minds into the things of You. 

Let our understanding of our identities hidden in Christ be more and more developed. 

Turn our eyes from the worthless things of this world and give us life in You and Your word. 

Satisfy us You alone. 

Let us learn every day to see You in such a compelling way that makes everything else completely pale in comparison.

Let us significantly see the fruit of our obedience with Your favor in changing us and growing us like never before. 

We needingly long for more of You than we've ever experienced. 

We're trusting You to take us places we've could never go without You. 

Here we are, once again, wholly for Your purpose.

The Importance of Asking Questions

So I have a question.

Is it ok to question God?

Well I think there are a few different answers to that, but I would answer in light of setting up this blog post by saying that it's ok to question the parts of God in our lives that we've made in our own image. We have to.

I think we must return often to our own spirituality and put it up on the block to test it against Scripture. For the sake of our hearts, we have to ask questions.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 - "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to what is good."

In high school I used to think questions were just a sign of not knowing something that someone told me I needed to know in order to succeed in life. I used to think that questions just showed my lack of knowledge of the world and how it worked. Basically, questions were to me a sign of some sort of weakness.

But I've been learning that questions are such a large part of what keep my heart seeking. They keep me moving forward on the path of wholeness. They keep me trusting. Questions keep me from settling in and getting too comfortable. They also keep me humble. They keep me testing what I know against truth. Questions keep me from judging people. They keep me open minded. Questions help me love better.

The questions I have, now that I've realized that greater understanding can come through questioning, show me how good it is that I lack understanding. Questions are what fuel my heart to yearn for that which I don't know. If I run out of questions, then there is something really wrong. And seeing as how the Bible is jam packed with things so many people disagree about, that tells me I need to wrestle with the text myself and not just take someone immediately by their word on an interpretation. Questions are how I wrestle. And friends, we can never stop wrestling...

John 1:1 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The Word, who is Jesus, being God in the flesh, shows that He is not a system but a person. That means the Bible is not static. It's constantly moving. It's why we can read a verse over and over for years and keep seeing and finding new things within it. It's how a verse written thousands of years ago is able to be used today. It's because it's alive.

Without having a lack of something that I truly believe is important to the fulfillment and meaning of this life I wouldn't see the need to chase after it. The questions I have prove that I don't have it all figured out, not even remotely close actually. Questions prove my belief that something beyond myself does have what I'm looking for. And because that something is so vast, so big, and far beyond anything I could ever comprehend, I will forever have questions while on this earth.

So questions require me to move out of independence and self reliance to a humble surrendering to the One who knows all, having created all.

Questions keep me moving. If I stop asking them I face the possibility of apathy in my spiritual growth.

Asking questions is such a large part of letting Jesus Christ continually be the Lord of my life. Without asking questions I could not continue in His likeness.

I say all this to explain why I can tell you that I'm finding recently that I dont want to have definite answers for everything. That the more questions I have the more is required of me, keeping me dependent and giving me the possibility for more and more depth to make stronger the things I believe that make me, me. In this sense, I can't ever stop growing and adding a dimension to my faith that makes me more "alive" than before. This, I think, is part of the power in what makes the Bible living. And this is what I think is such a large part of what the discipleship of Christ looks like. We will always have questions when we come to terms with the fact that we'll never have all of life figured out.

We shouldn't be afraid to ask them either, and we should never stop asking them.

But it's up to us then to trust in the guiding of the Holy Spirit to let these questions deepen the roots of who we are. No question is too big to waver truth, that which is the creator & sustainer God.

So what questions are you asking?

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

(NASB) -

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

(Message version) -

"Or, to put it another way, you are God's house. Using the gift God gave me as a good architect, I designed blueprints; Apollos is putting up the walls. Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you'll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won't get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn't, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won't be torn out; you'll survive—but just barely."

"Seth Abram"

So if you haven't seen or heard yet, after much consideration, thought, & prayer I've decided to use just my first & middle name for my music career.

For some of you, You're maybe thinking "ok, cool, whats the big deal?", others are thinking "you can't drop Bible!"

I've gotten a bunch of opinions already; some agree, some disagree.

So for those who don't like it or don't quite understand where I'm coming from I want to sort of convince you, but more ask you to trust me & listen as I do my best as I convey how I came to the name change.
And for those who don't really see any problem with it or understand it already, my hope is that I can gain your trust & respect even more as I describe a little of how I believe I'm called into the music industry.

There is soooo much behind this decision the more & more I think about it, so I will do my best to just stick with the name thing.

First off, my whole life from Christians & non, Ive gotten caught up by my name so many times. Middle school, high school, visiting my brother at college, & to this very day Christians say things like "whats your real name?" Or when I first met my wife she was upset & thought
who's this worship leader think he is with the totally lame stage name?"

Or every job I've ever had hearing from non Christians things like "oh you must be really religious" or "Oh you've got a whole lot to live up to." They all honestly think they have to stop being themselves, put on a face, be decent around me or not swear.
I've seriously hated it. It's made it so hard for me to get across the point that in no way am I better than them, with their stereotyped "pure & quiet church boy who doesn't do anything wrong" idea.

I want you to hear me correctly.

I really do love the name on my driver's license. It really is Bible! And I'm so happy, honored & privileged to carry on the great name! But when attempting to influence the masses, I believe a last name like mine can be a stumbling block. Maybe not for everyone, but I don't want people to look at my name and immediately dismiss my music because it reminds them of something they are really uncomfortable with, or don't believe in, or even hate because of the way too many so called followers of the One who wrote the Book come nowhere near close to living in love like it says to.

Please stay with me.

I am in no way scared or ashamed of the word Bible. I know God said that if you're ashamed of Me, I'll be ashamed of you. I'm not dropping my last name for music because I'm worried about people making fun of me for being a sold out believer of the risen Christ. I am not ashamed of the Gospel who is my entire life. I'm dropping it for other reasons, & here are a 3:

Reason 1-

I really don't want just my name to speak for who I am. I don't want the people I meet & the people who see my name to have a speed bump to get over. I want my actions & what I say (on twitter/facebook/my blog/ in my lyrics) to speak for who I am.

Reason 2-

With humbling striving to follow my best alongside Jesus in how He impacted the world around Him, the apostle Paul spoke to how I similarly believe I am to live also in the music world- "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became a Jew, in order to win the Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in it's blessings." -1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Reason 3-

Lastly and most importantly, I'm doing this because I've prayed about it with my wife & personally many times & firmly believe it's what the Lord is telling me to do as He leads me into the music industry as a whole, rather that just a fraction of it.

My strong hope is that my music & life would be truly encouraging & inspiring to fellow Christians, but honestly, I'd rather turn away a bunch of them with my decision than not be able to reach a few people who don't know Jesus & the life of freedom & purpose & meaning & satisfaction He offers. "But when the teachers of religious law who were pharises saw Him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked His disciples, "Why does He eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, He told them,"Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." -Mark 2:16-17

So friends, now I'm asking you to trust me. I'm asking you to trust in who you've seen me be in past faithfulness to Christ. I'm asking you to trust who He is in me as I seek Him with all that I am. And more than anything, I'm asking you to pray for my wife & I with this crazy adventure we've said yes to jumping fully into as we move ahead in His grip into the music industry desiring first to please the Maker of music.

I'm so very encouraged by you all with your incredible support & love.

Thank you thank you thank you,

Seth Abram

KICKSTARTER

So 5 days before our time was up with Kickstarter we met our goal of $10,500. And wow, we were so so so very blessed and humbled. But then 5 days later we actually went over our original asking amount by $510!! Oh man, we were so blown away by that! You, my friends, you are sooooo very awesome! I honestly don't feel like any words I type on here can describe the amount of gratitude in Sarah and I's heart. You've humbled us time and time again.

I said this on facebook a few times, but the amount we asked for on Kickstarter actually only covered the studio, producer, and instrumentalists. We have so many more costs to take care of to help this record actually get up off the ground and into the world, hopefully way past just Indiana if this isn't gonna just be a one hit wonder; haha though we gotta get one hit first!

Just a few of those things would be things like, the whole process of master the album, promotion, website, photo shoot for the album, merch, and honestly so much more.

So please please know how truly thankful we are for the amount we made past our original goal. It really helps!

So now what?

That's a good question!

Soooo many things are up and coming.

I won't even try and start telling you about all thats on deck...

But oh how we are so looking forward to the album release party!

If you can make it out, you'll won't want to miss it! You'll be able to get to get a copy of the record before it actually comes out anywhere else.

The rest of the world won't be able to purchase it till a few days later on iTunes/Rhapsody/Amazon/ect...

So if you want to get your hands on a copy of the record before a lot of people, you'll wanna be at the party. Also, this party is where you'll be able to pick up your physical rewards for giving on Kickstarter! Woohoo!

So what's the date for the party you ask?

Well we are really close to finalizing the day! So when we know we'll fill you in.

It's looking like the very beginning of March though. So stay tuned for that!

Besides that, Sarah and I just humbly ask that you'd keep praying fervently for us as we continue on this intense and crazy adventure.

You all are amazing...

We love you guys!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Seth

Studio Time

So today is our last day at Saint-Claire Studio, and it's a sad day because this place is quite stunning. We've had such an incredible time. We got here ten days ago now with high expectations and walked in and checked out the place and all our high expectations got blown out of the water. We've joked that we got spoiled here and will be disappointed anywhere else we go in the future to record. It's seriously been amazing living here the past few days getting to do something i know God's got me on earth for. Even the staff here at the studio has been top notch, treating you like royalty basically. My wife and i have been so very impressed and blessed by this place ( http://saint-claire.com/ ).

I'm so incredibly humbled still that i get to do this, and hopefully get to keep doing this because of people like all of you who've helped back this project tremendously on Kickstarter ( http://kck.st/a1RQAV ). By the way, there are 4 days left if you haven't had a chance to be a part of the record yet, it's not too late! Sarah and I continue to work hard to cover the ongoing expenses outside of the studio, but your continued help goes further than you can imagine with much left to do!

It's all flown by so fast now, and we wish we didnt have to leave yet.

But we still have a full day here finishing up the record.

Today we finish a few small vocal parts for the acoustic track on the album, it should be fun.

And then Zach( http://zachmcnees.com/ ), my brilliant producer, will finish mixing 1 more track, and then we are done!

Then we ship the songs off to get mastered and continue on in the huge process of releasing it in March.

So there ya have it. After today we leave dreamland and go back to reality... :( haha

Friends thanks so much for joining us thus far on the adventure and following along with our updates in the studio! We've had soooo much fun and hope you've enjoyed watchin and reading of our time here.

Keep continual watch for more updates about the record and upcoming touring dates and just exciting news!

Much Love,

Seth Abram

WE MET OUR GOAL!

MY KICKSTARTER GOAL

IS FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Cow...

IT'S FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED FUNDED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow wow wow.

I remember back in December sitting at Starbucks with Sarah with so many emotions as I hit the enter button on my computer to launch this Kickstarter campaign (http://kck.st/a1RQAV ). I remember thinking, "oh man, did we really just ask for over 10 thousand dollars to make a record?" I was a little scared to be honest. But now, we have over 10 thousand dollars to make this record actually happen. My very first record. Something I've been wanting to do for years...

I remember a few months ago when I heard the Lord say it was time to chase after this dream He had put in my heart years ago.

And its because of people like you that I'm able to chase after this dream I undoubtedly believe He has been training me for for years now.

I've never had such a future with so much upcoming changes, but I've also never ever been more excited about all that I believe He is gonna do in and through my wife and I, beyond anything I can imagine.
His will is my life and breath.

All I can say right now is that I'm completely humbled, blown away, in awe, and get the chills every time I think about you and your support and all that is going to get to happen because of it.

This doesn't feel nearly adequate, but:

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Also, many of you have rewards waiting for you! You can come and receive them at the CD release party in the first week of March (time and location to be announced), or we can mail them to you. Woohooo!

One last thing,

If you haven't had a chance to be a part of the record yet, it's not too late! Sarah and I continue to work hard to cover the ongoing expenses outside of the studio, but your help goes further than you can imagine!

Much Love,

Seth Abram

My First Record

So it's official, all the recording for my first record is nearly finished except for 1 small vocal part on a song called "Enlighten"
Wooooooooooohooooooooooo!

Now for the tedious long hour days of mixing it.
Following that will be the process of mastering it, which will be done in Manhattan, NY.
Then comes the production of the physical cd and the process for getting it on iTunes/Rhapsody/Amazon.
We are also right now workin with friends on the artwork for the album cover/website/t-shirts/pogo sticks/pajamas/lunch boxes... (j/k on those last 3!)
We are also workin out the how & when plans for releasing the project.
It's lookin like early March sometime. So stay tuned for that fun day!
Anyways, that's really even just half of what we are working on for this thing.
We are busy, busy, busy with details, details, details.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we desperately long to continue seeking wholly after His heart and go full force ahead on this crazy adventure we unshakably believe the Lord has laid before us.

Much love,

Seth Abram

In The Studio pt. 3

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4 Day Recap

4 day recap video ( http://yfrog.us/2oa1yz ) in the studio!

10 days left to help back the project here - http://kck.st/a1RQAV

I love bein in the studio! woohooo!

Today we are doubling all the rhythm electric guitar tracks and workin on all the lead parts for intros and solos. I'm really really excited to see how today turns out!

Later this eve I think I will get to start tracking some vocals for the first time, I'm quite stoked.

Keep checkin back for updates!

much love,

Seth Abram

In The Studio pt. 2

Today, a video for you.

http://yfrog.us/n5ps2z

In The Studio pt. 1

So we just wrapped up day 2 in the studio ( http://saint-claire.com/gallery.php )

It was long and tiring physically and mentally but so much fun.
My band is amazing and my producer is phenomenal.

We've recorded all the basics for the 5 main songs already and I just wanna say, I'm excited.

This ( http://yfrog.us/5klt9z ) is probably one of my favorite things we've done so far.

Lots and lots of work to do still.

Tomorrow we record some leads and possibly some acoustic and/or a few of my vocals.

I'm really lookin forward to it. Pray for the creativity to flow and for vocal strength!

Things are really lookin pretty amazing, better than I hoped actually.

I'm really excited for you all to hear the cd already and it's nowhere near being done!

This is so great!

By the way, there are only 11 days left if you want to join in and be a part of this by helping back the project ( http://kck.st/a1RQAV ) .

That's all for now,

Seth Abram

THANK YOU

So I woke up this morning with a big smile on my face and massive amounts of joy in my heart. Wanna know why?

Because my wife and I and 2 good friends leave today for Lexington, Ky to join the rest of the band where we will be recording my first CD at Saint Claire studios! http://saint-claire.com/gallery.php

I am so very excited!!!

I write this for everyone who's given on Kickstarter ( http://kck.st/a1RQAV ) and might still give money/prayer to support this project.
I want you to know how deeply humbled, grateful, blown away, and honored my wife and I are to get to have all of you be a part of this record.
Seriously, I cannot believe I get to do this, it's such a privilege and it's huge thanks to YOU.
Thank you to those who have believed in me, who believe in what God has me for on this earth. Know your help is advancing His kingdom.
And know that all of my heart and my wifes heart is in this. We believe strongly that the Lord's got His hands on this and we absolutely cannot wait to see how He moves and where He takes us.
Your support is making it able for us to chase after what God has laid on my heart and I and so very thankful for you.

Now let's make a record!

Keep watch on the blog/twitter/facebook for updates about the cd! We'll be posting pictures/videos/news about how it's all going.

Thanks again,
Much Love,

SethAbram

Tonight

Another one for the record:

I actually wrote this for my wife years before we got married...

Sometimes I can't remember how I even got here in the first place

Then I remember when I opened up my eyes and saw her for the first time

She was standing their

With her long brown hair

I couldn't help but stare

Into her eyes

Somewhere far beyond the lights

I'm sitting here so far away tonight

Missing you this just ain't right

And now I'm wishing I was buy your side

Tonight

Miles and miles separate and time is goin by at such a slow pace

I can't wait until the days are gone and I get to see your face

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PLEASE go here http://kck.st/a1RQAV if you want to be a part of this project and help me make my first album! There are 15 days left to join us!

Follow Me

Another song for the album:

This one is a bit different than the others.

The lyrics, don't worry, are not me speaking, but they are as if the God was saying them.
Here ya go:

Oh hear the sound when life does begin
Such beauty found as light's coming in

I will never let you go
You can stand and always know
That I've made you white as snow
You mean more to Me than anything (more than you could know)

I have given everything
So you'd be completely free
There is purpose and meaning
If you'd give your life to Me

Would you run into My arms
Give into this love
I will hold you oh so close
And guide you as you grow
Here I am for you to know
I have everything you need
Follow Me

Oh come close and find there's strength in the pain
The weary and the broken win

You will never be the same
I will give you a new name
All you have to do is give
Lose your life and you will live
All your hope is found within
My I love you hear Me say

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Friends, PLEASE go here http://kck.st/a1RQAV if you want to be a part of this project and help me make my first album! There are 16 days left to join us!

Stolen

Another song for the record!

This one's extra special.

It was wrote for my wife and was one of the songs i sang when i asked her to spend the rest of her awesomeness that is her life with me.

Here are the lyrics:

I don't know who you are

But i want to

There are so very few

People like you

Could it be

Could it be you and me

Or am I just dreamin'

And I don't know how

You came into my life

But I see beauty

And I want you by my side

Cause i've never met

Someone like you

And I cannot let you get away

And I'm fallin for you now

And I wonder if it shows

Yes I'm fallin for you now

And I wonder if you know

That you, you stole my heart

Brown eyes and long brown hair

I can't help but stare

Blown away time after time

Won't get outta my mind

Oh and You don't know me

But I think I can see

So let's just believe

That this could be

That you make want to sing

Oh and give you everything

And I think I must confess

This new rhythm in my chest

Yeah you, you stole my heart

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Friends, PLEASE go here http://kck.st/a1RQAV if you want to be a part of this project and help me make my first album! There are 18 days left to join us!

much love,

SethAbram

Mine & Yours

Another possible song for the cd.

Lyrics:

A couple years ago i went and stepped into this place

Sat down on a chair, looked up and saw the most beautiful face

I've never been the same and won't ever see another name

The way i see her's

Cause she's the one for me and no one compares for sure

oh how i know

It's true that you're for me and i'm for you

Like the sky is blue

So i'm in love with you

And I'll never take this beating heart away

Like the grass is green

I'll treat you like a queen

And I'll do my best in goodness and in pain

For you are mine and I am yours

Take your picture, snap it good, put it in a frame like i should

and i'll look at it for hours, girl you got powers and their good

Take my breath away every time you look at me and say

You got plans to stay with me for the rest of our lives

I see you smiling

I can't keep this joy inside

I keep finding more love

You are mine, all the time

Can't seem to wrap my brain round this little rhyme

">

True story actually, the first verse that is, well and the rest of it, but specifically this part... It was in Archbold, OH where i sat down in a chair in a youth building called the warehouse, an actual warehouse, and first saw the love of my life on stage in front of me was just plain mezmerized. I couldnt believe my ears or eyes. I had to meet this woman! ha ha for real.

Friends, PLEASE go here http://kck.st/a1RQAV if you want to be a part of this project and help me make my first album!

"Enlighten"

This is one of the possible songs that will be on the cd!

Here are the lyrics:

Look in my eyes can you see my fate?

Poke some holes and will I deflate?

Beat me down oh will I just break?

Am I just hot air just second rate

If you could see through my body's state

Would you say my hearts just a fake?

And it's all that I can take

I won't let the world mistake

We were made by the One who made the sea.

Look inside, i feel it deep within me.

I'm crying for wisdom beyond all my years.

Here I am, made for truth, come enlighten me.

Don't let me be less than what I need

To be a part of opening eyes that seek

And let it be known the strength is in the weak.

I will give all my breathing for

Showing the One deep inside my core

My heart is beating for the sake of Knowing more

Fill me up with what's true

Swallow me whole and make new

Pour Your Spirit into me

Youre what satisfies this life

You're what breaks me of this pride

There is nothing more I want to see

">

This song is from the deepest parts of me as I long incredibly and seek humbly to be someone that the world looks at and sees has as many similarities as possible to the greatest lover to ever walk this earth. And this is because I know with all my heart that I'm only as good at, as powerful, as meaningful, and as impacting at what I do as how much of myself I've surrendered to the Creator of all.

I wholeheartedly believe Christians should be the shapers of culture because we put our hope and trust in the One who made up wisdom, and brilliance, and creativity, and love, and all the things needed to be at the front of the pack leading.

So there you have it!

Friends, PLEASE go here http://kck.st/a1RQAV if you want to be a part of this project and help me make my first album!

What JOIN US means...

First off, I can't believe we're half way to our goal! The support behind this project ( http://kck.st/a1RQAV ) has been incredible. THANK YOU.

I realized that we had set before you a lofty goal, but failed to outline just how much of our lives and finances Sarah and I are putting into making this album. Our Kickstarter goal is $10,500, but we'd never ask you to contribute to something we're not giving our all to.

We're asking you to JOIN us, and I really want you to know what we mean by that.

As I've said in previous blog posts, a very large part of leaving the staff at GCC was due to what Sarah and I believe is our next step toward full time ministry in the music industry. And I want you to know that that was only the very beginning of how much of ourselves we've been putting into this.

I am working a retail job, giving guitar lessons, and playing as many gigs as I can to raise money, and Sarah is working 1 long hour retail job. From all of these jobs we are putting as much as we possibly can outside of bills into this project.

We believe in this so much that our savings is going into this as well.

Like I've said before, we truly are firm in our hearts that all of this is just us being obedient to the Lord, stepping out in total trust in Him. We are literally putting all we have into this cd project, and that is what we mean when we ask you to JOIN us in the making of my first album.

It's such a humbling privilege to get to do this with all of you.

Please spread the word about this as we only have 30 more days left!

Also, keep watch here on the blog for the next few weeks as I will be posting updates about Kickstarter and songs and their details that will possibly go onto the cd so that you have an even better idea of the music that you will help me record!

Friends, thanks so much again for all your support whether it's through prayer or money. It's all needed and wanted!

Much Love,

SAB