New is Relative

So I'm in the middle of doing radio interviews this morning for my new album, THIS MOMENT. I'm up early working hard.  And then out of nowhere Jim, from my management, starts reprimanding me for not having any new blogs lately.  It's my belief that new is a relative term. I explain to him for example, if you buy a new car in August, when my last blog was, that would still be considered new.  And beef jerky bought in August is extremely fresh and new if purchased in August.

Ok, so I'm sorry. No blogs since August. But hey, blogs are imperishable. And anyway what would I blog about? Between Mary Beth, Grace and Jim's blogs everything is covered.

I am very, very excited for you to hear this new album. It's finally out! I'm thankful for this chance to share with you what God's given me to share.

Comments

[Shannon Brown]

Great album Stephen! One of the things I've appreciated about your recordings, especially the more recent ones is the strong doctrinal lyrics. I love to have music that is enjoyable to listen to, but it's your lyrics that feed my soul. May Christ be magnified!

I had the pleasure of meeting you last year in Roanoke Rapids, NC with our adopted daughter, Grace. What a joy it was for us to see your kindness towards her both on that day and through Shaohannas Hope. Thanks!

[apostle]

Hurray!!!! Thank you for taking the time to blog. And please stop worrying about content. You would be really surprised to realize just how many seemingly mundane things go on in your world that we fans would find interesting. Anything that's on your mind is of interest to us. Give yourself a break. It doesn't always have to be profound every time. In fact, I've got some great advice for you that I got from the man I admire most in the world. I think it applies to your blogging dilemma (lol).

So if it brings you tears then taste them as they fall
Let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter then throw your head back and let it go, let it go, let it go
Ya' gotta let it go!!!!

(Yeah. That guy who wrote that is amazing.)

So there you are! Just let it go!!! :) Whatever's going on in your world, whatever you find interesting, sad, amusing, annoying, or funny, just snap a pic and share it with us. I GUARANTEE you that we'll love it because we love you and your beautiful family. That's a promise.

[Michelle]

I agree with apostle. Your fans love you and love anything you have to say! I love the new CD. I ordered it via your website, and am anxiously awaiting my copy in the mail. I have really enjoyed being able to listen to it on my computer before it hit the stores! That was so awesome! And of course I knew all the new songs BEFORE the concert in Raytown! I made a sign and got to be on stage with you! I was so excited! That was a great idea! Thank you for your music. You are my absolute favorite. I love all of your songs. Your music is a blessing and it really speaks to me, and I love your concerts. I never walk away disappointed. I love that you share what is going on in your life and the stories behind the songs. Keep doing what you are doing!

[Amanda]

Hi Stephen,
I was glad to see another blogpost from you, you are a crack up! (is that Aussie slang or do you know what I mean?). Anyway, blogs ARE meant to be regular but then again, its YOUR blog and seeing as I'm subscribed to it, I would read it whenever you wrote it. : )

The main thing I've found with a blog and the main reason for readership is when the blogger writes to the bloggee (is that a word?) about their passions. From what I can tell about you, your passions lie in the areas of music, the gospel and adoption. I suppose if I were SCC I would choose one of those areas to focus on. Then again, I'm not you so you go ahead and do whatever you want. : )
Amanda (from Perth Western Australia).

[B-Bux]

Thanks for writing Steven!

I dito the comments above. It's just nice of you that you would take the time to write something at all; I don't know if most people in your position would do something like this.

I've been praying for you Brother. I pray you are well and strong as you continue your journey. Thanks for being an example of what it means to live your life as a long obedience in the right direction.

I just got your album off of iTunes this morning. I can't wait to hear it!!!

I'll see you this Saturday night! My family and I have been waiting for this night to come!

Until your next blog,

Brian

[Stefanie]

You're right, Steven - new is relative, but it's still good to hear from you!

You truly are a man after God's own heart. It's clear to see that God has given you the gift of putting into words what so many human hearts desire to say. I love the comparison to David - Steven, you are the Psalmist of today!!! I can't begin to tell how many times your music has touched me - I will find myself listening to a song that I've sang along to a million times before, and suddenly re-discover a phrase I needed to hear or find something relevant to what I'm going through in "this moment"!!! And speaking of This Moment, the album is incredible! I can't get enough of it! I was lucky enough to see you in concert earlier this month in Champaign, and I was able to meet your sweet, sweet wife.

Thank you so much for being such a willing child of God! Know that I'm praying for you and your family.
~Stefanie

[Jess]

Hey Steven. My dad and I just went to see you I think for the 7th or 8th time this past Sunday in Williamsport, PA. (We were sitting on the end in the first row of the balcony on your right that were continually in different colors of stage light!) Amazing concert, by the way. Every time we go it's such an emotional experience for me and we were abundantly blessed.

Our only qualm is that, after being devoted fans for more than 17 years, we still have not met you personally. I think you should break protocol once and come out after the concert to meet and greet!

Love the new album. Your music has changed my life. Thanks for continuing to just give up your life to God's purposes. You are treasured and valued greatly!

-Jess.

[Charlotte]

Another great post from da man! Steven, you have outdone yourself! "This Moment" has so many inspirational songs in it that I can't even choose a favorite! I do know that "Miracle of the Moment" has touched my life the most today; just living in the moment that He has given me. Thanks for that reminder! I can't wait for the Nov. 14th concert in Pittsburgh and I will actually get to meet you. I won meet and greet passes through "The Movement" so I can't wait to meet the man whose lyrics have changed my life many times over the years. Keep on keeping on, my friend!
Peace!

[Scott W.]

This Moment is wonderful. Seeing you at Anderson U. with your boys was fantastic. Love the fact that your music and your ministry are always evolving. Keep on keeping on!!!

[Gary Dugan]

Hi Steven,

I hope you and your family are well. Several weeks ago I was listening to Cinderella, and my heart was moved with many thoughts and emotions. It’s such a beautiful song, with such beautiful words and music. As I listened, I was reminded that I, being 40 and single, have never and may never experience marriage and the things you sing about in that song, which makes me sad a lot. Of course I’m hesitant to say all this on the internet because I don’t want to make a fool of myself in front of the whole world. But in “Beautiful Scars” you encourage us to tell our story, even if it breaks our hearts, and even when shame tells us not to.

I also then realized that I really love you. I love all the beautiful music you’ve brought to this world. I love your spirit of honesty and humility, your creativity, your sense of humor, your heart for children and for your beautiful family. So I just wanted to tell you that I love you, because I thought you should know. I mean, if you love somebody, you should tell them, right? You shouldn’t keep that inside. So I just wanted to tell you, Steven, that I love you.

Your brother,
Gary

P.S. See you when you come to Syracuse, NY!

[Rebecca H.]

Hey, I was wondering when you'd get back to blogging!
And even though everyone else does a fantastic job of covering everything, it IS really nice to hear things from you, first hand. I LOVE the new album! I mean really LOVE it! The first time I listened to it I was blown away because it's so different from anything you've done before but then I listened to it again. It was better the second time and now I love every minute of it! I still can't pick a favorite song (although I'm partial to Yours and Something Crazy!) Can't wait to see you in Tacoma!

[Ellen]

I can't tell you what a blessing your new cd has been to me today! I am such a huge fan or your music, & this cd is one of the best! I don't know why it is, but every difficult time in my life there has been a new SCC cd out to show me God's love, and for Him to tell me "just hang on". Most recently, when I lost 2 babies a few years ago, "God is God" and "His Strength is Perfect" are what got me through most days.
Today when I heard "Cinderella" and "One Heartbeat at a Time", I was reminded of God's calling in my life to stay on my stay-at-home-mom path, even though it is often incredibly difficult financially, emotionally, and even physically. I have been thinking a lot lately how much easier it would be to just go back to work full time...so...THANK YOU for being such a vessel that God can use to speak to even lowly little ole me! Can't wait to see you in concert when you are in my area again (I never miss one!)

[Long time fan]

Mr. Chapman...just came across "For the Sake of the Call" on Itunes, it had been a while. I'm 30 now and my sister is 32, but when we were in high school we would play your CD many mornings while we were getting ready for school. We both look back on those times as some of our fondest as brother and sister.

For me personally, the content of the song helped inspire me to stay on track when I didn't feel like it, especially during the times when there wasn't much encouragement from those around me (nobody stood and applauded me). Of course, it wasn't your song alone, but your song helped. I've gone on to Seminary and served the Church in various ways. So thank you for letting God's glory be reflected through your life and the song. The impact of what you did many years ago is still having an affect today, so be encouraged brother!

[Janele]

Steven,

I wish I could sit there with you and tell you my story... it might break your heart, for you to see my scars. But God speaking to me through your music can turn them into something beautiful. "This Moment" is amazing, your best work yet. The healing power of God's words through your music leaves me truly speechless.

[Ragan Story]

the new album rocks!! it has me even more excited about the Nashville concert! i cant wait to rock out to the new cd live!

[Drew Jones]

I saw you in Aiken, SC! AWESOME!!!!! "Children of God" has got to be one of your most rocked out songs that I've ever heard you do! I absolutely love it! The chorus is so strong in meaning; it makes me smile everytime i hear it! Love the new cd!

[Slicer]

What you say here doesn't have to be profound or earth shaking. Go ahead and blog the mundane!

The neat thing about this medium is that you can put something out there for the fans in a very short amount of time and then we all feel loved and connected.

We know your best work requires time and effort. That's not really what this place needs to be about. Have fun, do somethin' crazy!

It's the connection that we all crave and that's where the ministry happens.

Thanks to you and your family for sharing a little more of yourselves with us. We love and pray for you all.

[BobbyMalu]

you truly are Only Getting Started - stay fresh, original and humble. And tell lots of bad jokes. Now that you've adopted 3 beautiful girls from China who absolutely steal the show I'm hoping you'll let people know not only are you doing THE WALK, you be doin' THE WOK!

[Sarah Joy]

I've been listening to the new album for awhile through the "pre-order link." LOVE IT! I am very thankful that you are able and willing to share what God has given you. :)

Thank you for blogging when you can, I can't even imagine how busy you are - so tell Jim to stop scolding you!! Although we love to hear anything and everything you have to say!

Thanks again, hoping to be able to make it to a show soon. *Putting in a plug for a MN show date early next year!!**

[Amberle]

YAAAY new blog! *cheers*

When it comes to blogging, I say new isn't a relative term..Sorry Stevie.
Congrats on the new album :)

xoxoxox

[William Hensley]

Steven
I go to church with a guy named Verle Alvey. He brought an album from a long time ago that was a singing group called the Alveys. he said that one of the members was you. You would have been a young teenager. I was wandering if it was you. Any info would be appreciated.

[Jenny411]

Best blog EVER!!! I'm glad you don't let that Jim guy push you around. :-)

[Kenny Kim]

The new album is great. I just got my copy and I've been listening to it over and over. Thanks Steven!

[BP]

I have totally enjoyed the new album. I was listening to it on the way home "One Heartbeat at a Time" made me cry.
Thank you for your wonderful music and sharing your gift with us. God bless you.

[joann mcwhorter]

what is wrong with steven's brother?

[Hollen]

Hi! Thank you for blogging! I came to the Phoenix concert with my dad and a friend and enjoyed it so much! Thank you for writing such fantastic songs and sharing God with everyone! Also, thanks for writing the new album! I love it and am listening to the ecard right now!

[Michael Hinesly]

Hey Stephen,
I got the new album last week and have not been able to turn it off. You are such a gifted musician. I cannot tell you how your music has discipled me over the years. I first heard about you in the late 80's. In 1988 you came to Howard Payne University and did an accoustic set and from that point on I have been following your music and ministry. It is absolutely amazing to me that each album you come out with seems to speak to what is happening in my life at that time. "This Moment" is no exception. Each song on this album is exactly what God has been speaking to me about lately. Sometimes I have wondered if you were following me around and writing songs about my life!!! LOL Please keep up the great work and know that you continue to touch lives with your gift!!!!

Mike

[Michael Hinesly]

Steven
Sorry about spelling your name wrong in the above post!!!

Mike

[Andy Wong]

Hey, Great concert in Denver (Arvada, CO - 2/22)... My kids were invited on stage by Steven Curtis Chapman during the song, "Children of God". The kids made signs to bring to the concert. My 3 girls, Emily, Cassie and Hope were on stage with Steven Curtis Chapman holding up their signs during the song ... It was SO COOL... Unfortunately, we were volunteering with SHOW HOPE and my wife was counting change at the time so she didn't get to see any of it. Do you know if anyone was taking video or taking pictures during this song?

Thanks Andy

[Sweet Joni]

Steven,
Please blog... (ppl that have dial-up can't watch Videos). And besides that, it's a spiritual & relaxing form of "Alone Time" for YOU!!! Which you've allowed God to use you as an Instruement to carry HIS Message to Us!!! And for that I'm so ever grateful for the Blessings He's given ... Even IF you did repeat what Mary Beth, Grace, Jim wrote... it would still be coming from YOU to us & the more ppl that carry His Message the better we become :-) Much Love, ~Sweet Joni
myspace.com/sweet_joni