Sometimes God uses you as an example for someone else who is having the same trouble as you, but does not know how to get through. So instead of giving up just keep on pushing through. That is what I did with this album. Making music is such a joy for me. I have fun while I'm in the studio putting together the song ideas and practicing how I'll deliver the vocals. But the pressure that I experience while I'm working through all of the details from finding money to fund my studio to finding time to complete all of the business tasks can become burdensome. In 2016, I experienced a major blessing that motivated me to continue. I have two other albums that were officially released and Marathon is #3. My kickstarter project fell way short of the goal, and I literally ran out of money. So I had to put a delay on the release date. In January of 2016, I received my first check from CDBaby publishing for a large amount of money. It was very much unexpected, but it came at the right time because my wife and I had a negative monthly cash flow. Three months later, I received a second check, and a few months later a third check. I'm not chasing after the money, and I am sure that I've put multiple thousands of dollars into my music throughout the year, but these small disbursements of cash were just what I needed to get back on track. In December of 2016, I just happened to step into my down-scaled studio, which, was really just a small office with my digital workstation and speakers. I launched my studio session and boom, it was like everything changed. After about three hours I had tweaked a few settings and re-mastered the album. Then I made a decision to release the album because it was time for me to stop getting in the way of God's glory. From the very first album that I produced, I have always said that it's not about me or the beats or the quality of the music. It is about the message of God. I know that my skills and talent has improved since 2005 so I'm not concerned anymore about what my music sounds like. I just feel the need to share the story behind the music. This album, Marathon, is not just a collection of similar sounding songs. It is a story about a young man who was found by God in his teenage years, but time has passed and his faith has been tested. My songs talk about patience, desire for social acceptance, lost friendships, due hardship, grace, sin, redemption, and many other topics. When you listen to this album, you can enjoy the music without feeling like you are compromising your values. Actually, the music may add to your values. I hope you enjoy my 3rd official album. Remember, it's a marathon, not a short sprint!