My Life – Take 2

Posted by John on Apr 20th, 2009 | no comments

That every man find pleasure in his work —
this is a gift from God. Ecc. 3:13

Hello!

I’d like to announce the birth of the second half of my life!  Today is my first day of self-employment as a solo piano composer, and I look forward to all the blessings (and trials) that it will bring.  However, it’s been a long journey to get to this place.

I started composing at age 12.  I wanted to get a college degree in music, but that seemed “too risky” so I wandered off into pre-med Biology.  Eventually I came to my senses and transferred to Samford University where I received my degree in Music Theory and Composition.

After graduation I moved to Memphis to start a family with my dearest Rebecca.  Once again, a music career seemed “too risky” so I decided to postpone my dream.  A kind friend launched me into 13 years of software and web development.  I would periodically sense the call to go back to music, but I would convince myself to stay put and keep programming.  Over time I grew depressed and melancholy, feeling like a part of me had died.  To compensate I would stay up late doing the things I wished to do during the day.  This affected me, my family and my walk with God.  Over a period of nine years I was able to release two albums, but had neither the time nor the energy to make them successful.

In January of this year I took my “dream” journal, flipped it to a blank page and prayed, “Father, you write the story.  I’m done.”  It was at that point that I became truly free.

To my surprise, it was a call back to music, to writing, to creativity that encourages and inspires.  This time it wasn’t about John and his success; it was about others.  The same call I’ve heard a thousand times.  The same call that has resonated in my blood and in my bones, no longer to be suppressed or denied, but to be fulfilled as an act of obedience to my Maker, the One who calls.

A few months later and here we are.  Do I have all the answers?  No.  Have we insulated ourselves from every risk?  No.  Will we be successful?  Yes.  What is success?  Jesus Christ provided the answer, “To do the will of the Father.”  What does success look like?  Jesus Christ provided the answer to this as well.

Well, the obvious concern is how to feed my family.  Here is just one of my products that is launching this week!

Piano Portraits:
You may be familiar with my song, “Rebecca”, on my first album where I tried to capture various elements of Becky’s personality in music.  I also did a piano work for a little girl, Aubrey Kate, in conjunction with a local photographer.  I really enjoy this process, and so do they.  This week I am working on two of them, and I will be glad to share them with you when they are complete.  Because the process of interviewing, researching, composing, recording and producing the product takes considerable time and energy, the price per portrait is currently $880.  These are premium gifts, but they keep on giving!  Not only does the client receive a unique piano work especially crafted for them, 10% of all future royalties from that piano work will be donated to the client’s favorite charity.

Well, that’s probably more than you wanted to read, but I wanted to share with you what’s going on in our lives.  We would love your prayers, your ideas and your feedback as we venture forth in faith and hard work.  My prayer for you is that God would inspire and encourage you as you listen to these piano works.

John Albert Thomas

P.S.  If you want to help spread the music, please join my Street Team on my website!  I’ll be sending you on secret missions for a chance to earn special rewards.

Recommended Reading
48 Days To The Work You Love by Dan Miller

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