FredMcKinnon.Com

Hey Everyone -

Nearly midnight here in Nashville, TN … I’ve just gotten back to the hotel room from another long, but incredible day at the CIA Summit here in Franklin.

Can you be humbled and proud at the same time?? Not sure, but that’s the feeling I have to share that …

I was named “2007 Worship Artist of the Year” tonight! To God be the Glory!

Seriously, this is a huge honor. It’s humbling, it’s overwhelming, yet I’m proud … of myself? Well, I worked hard, and I tried my best to be faithful to the call God has placed in my heart. But most of all … I’m proud of YOU … my fans, friends, family members, and loved ones. God is soooooooo good.

I’d like to say special thanks to:

Jesus Christ, of course .. my Inspiration, my Savior, and the One who redeems my nasty life and turns it into something God will embrace.

Joy – my beautiful, hottie, gorgeous, Godly, faithful wife who has encouraged me so much and loved me in spite of who I can be sometimes.

My Family – my Dad, Mom, brothers, and sister who have voted daily, prayed daily, and stood by me for 36+ years.

All the folks on the Highest Praise mailing list, the IndieHeaven Site, MySpace, ShoutLife, my fellow bloggers, and the podcast listeners at The Highest Praise Worship Podcast and Worship Interludes Podcast.

Those friends, bloggers, and family who went the extra mile – blogging, forwarding the support emails, and spreading the good news of this opportunity.

My former church family at Christian Renewal, St. Simons … miss you, and always love you, even though we’re only 2 miles away.

My new church family at St. Simons Community Church … what an honor to be embraced by you!

and lastly … in a strange kind of way … to those few who threw some stones of judgment when I’d ask for your support. I usually had 1-2 of these “stones” each time I’d post an update – scolding me of self promotion. I say “thank you” because you caused me to search the depths of my heart, to search my motives, and to cry out to God daily that my heart would be pure. As I did, I felt the continued warm embrace of the Father, encouraging me in what I’d heard Him speak all along – to see my musical and leadership giftings as “talents” that shouldn’t be hidden, or buried, but multiplied. This honor is about creating momentum … which creates a stir … which creates more interest … which creates more listeners … which creates more exposure … which creates more ministry … which creates more changed hearts. That’s what brings me joy and fulfillment. May it forever continue for God’s glory.

I was also a Finalist in the “Instrumental Artist of the Year” category, which was given to a new friend and incredible artist, Chris Ames. Congratulations, bro – your guitar work is amazing, and you are so deserving. It was great to see your face, shake your hand and see the light of Jesus in your eyes.

This process has been rewarding and amazing. This Summit has been the same. I’ve got nearly 5 pages of notes I’ve taken, inspirations, goals, and ideas. Pray that I’m faithful to answer those things that God has revealed to me while I’ve been here the last few days.

Pray for a safe flight back home tomorrow. I miss my wife and kids. They are reaping a reward in selflessly allowing me to be gone these days. Joy’s just gotten more added to her “treasure chest” in heaven, for sure.

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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