The Top 20 Exciting Moments from My Second Year of Musical Ministry!

In July last year, Til I’m Blue was accepted onto UCB1‘s national radio playlist, and two months later Least entered UCB2‘s airwaves. What’s even more exciting though, is that both songs continue to play on both stations to this day. Amazing.

Mike Hibbert and Steph Rollinson and their beautiful family have been so supportive of me since we met on Twitter just over a year ago. It was just amazing to be able to take part in their summer wedding and celebrate with them the romance that began thanks to UCB’s social media presence. Nawhhh. <3

There are some people who you phone for a 5 minute chat, and half an hour later you’ve still not put the phone down and now you’re wiping away tears of laughter. Simon Tuck is one of those people. So being his guest of the week – receiving the artist spotlight and having Journey On played on his show every evening – was a joy. A hilarious, ridiculous, random, joy.

Okay, this one is just for fun. It’s not even remotely musical but this was honestly one of the highlights of my year, it was so hilarious. The poor Wetherspoons staff looked so confused as they received orders for scones, then chips, then pigs in blankets, then garlic bread, plus both cider AND tea; you should have seen their faces. Thanks, chums, for that priceless experience!

What a mammoth task this was! On Saturday, after singing to a packed out theatre for A Vicar’s Life Live, we gave away 250 cans of Fanta to spread the news that mental health illnesses can be overcome in Jesus’ name. (If you had to read that twice, let me explain!)

Back in June, a whopping 103 people wrote to Fanta with me to ask them to donate the cans, and while Fanta sadly couldn’t help, the lush team at Perfect Choice offered to sponsor the cans so that the plan could go ahead! 🙌 It really was a big project, but I’ve had dozens of conversations since to explain what happened to me and why I’m so passionate about spreading the news that God is REAL, and powerful.

Wherever You Go landed in beautiful, glossy finish on my doorstep on the 15th December 2017! After a looooong time where my courage and faith were challenged, God gradually nudged me to accept His big ideas, then to test out my gifts – right up to showing my songs to professionals, training and recording. It was an intense and exciting journey, and when it culminated in my first PROPER CD it was a historic moment!

Think of, like, a soul friend who you never realised you missed until you met them. Then give them 55 years of songwriting experience, a heart for the gospel and a marvelous sense of humour. You’ve got Dave Wheeler.

Check out my exclusive interview with Dave, ‘Journey On: The Man Who Began the Adventure‘, for an insight into how much of a dude he really is.

Embarking on the Bigger Than Dreams tour was WAY out of my comfort zone. That felt like something only ‘real’ musicians do! 😂 With encouragement (pressure) and support (uncomfortable challenging) from a lot of perfectly placed people, I got my act together and organised the first evening back in February this year – which sold out! Since then, a dozen other dates followed (with more booked for next year) and each time I’ve been encouraged by what the Holy Spirit has been doing on the night.

CBN Europe, part of the Christian Broadcasting Network – which provides media and resources to spread the gospel globally – took my breath away when they chose to feature my healing story in a documentary project featuring women across the UK (currently a work in progress). A few months down the line, one of my favourite charities, The Wall of Answered Prayer (which is building a wall… of answered prayers) asked if I’d share my testimony on film for them too. It was more than a privilege to support the ministries of these two amazing forces for good!

MAN this project has taught me a lot. I drove like 300 miles (half in a friend’s convertible), chased sunsets in rising seawater, got sunburned (in the convertible), swapped a stranger’s car keys for a pint and borrowed her PRISTINE MG while she waited patiently in a pub, saw my friend break out of his comfort zone and perform as an actor and filmographer better than I could have even imagined, made new friends from all over the country, and learned that God always ALWAYS has a plan.

Today there’s been over 13,000 views of the video across social media, and I’ve been speaking to people or receiving messages of encouragement from people who have been blessed by the song in so many different ways – some really profound. It’s powerful when we encourage others to keep going. Be inspired to speak life to the people you see this week – you don’t know the impact it might have on them.