I believe that I can achieve anything with the help of my Lord and Savior. I’ve been a musician since I was 10 years old. I’m a pianist, percussionist, and I play a little guitar as well. It wasn’t easy learning to play. It takes practice, and I don’t mean just 20 or 30 minutes a day. I’m talking hours. Lately I’ve been focusing more on the piano than the other instruments, since I occasionally play offertories for my church. There are times where I will stay upstairs for two or three at a time practicing a song, attempting to make it perfect when I know good and well it’s not going to be. I pray that God will give me the strength to learn it correctly, and that I may be a blessing to someone. When it comes time to play the piece, I get nervous. I hate being the center of attention. I always think to myself “I’ve played for these people plenty of times. Why am I still nervous?”, but it usually doesn’t help. So I pray, and keep my life verse in mind, Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all through Christ who gives me strength”. I also keep in mind that I’m not there to put on a performance, or compete with the other pianists. I’m there to be a blessing to someone. At that point, my nervousness begins to fade, and I know in my heart I can play without a problem. Sure, I make some mistakes here and there, but who’s perfect? Besides, that’s not important. What’s important is that I may have blessed someone’s life. If someone compliments me, I don’t just say “thank you”. I say “Praise the Lord”, for He rid me of my nervousness and gave me the strength to overcome my fear of being the center of attention. I give Him the glory for everything I have ever achieved and everything I will ever achieve. He is the reason I wake up every morning. I believe that no matter what the situation, easy or hard, good or bad, He will give me the strength to get through it. I believe Jesus is my rock, my fortress, and I will forever trust in Him in all that I do.