October 1, 1984.  That's when I figured out I loved music.  It also happens to be the day that I was born.  However, though I loved music, I never really imagined it would be my calling or my career until about the time I graduated high school.  I thought I was supposed to be a professional athlete.  Go figure.  Growing up in Aurora, CO, born to a music pastor and his wife, I received my initiation into the world of musical discipline at age 5, at which time my parents informed me that I would be taking piano lessons until I died - at least that's the way it seemed when all my friends were outside after school while I was at the piano.

It just so happened that my instructor was my mom, so I couldn't exactly skip out if I didn't want to go.  When I got to junior high, I tried out the trombone for a brief year or two, but it didn't really seem to be me.  But oh, the day - that wonderful day - I sat down behind the drum kit in my school's band rehearsal hall.  I had finally found what I was looking for!  I began practicing like there was no tomorrow.  Pretty soon, the guitar seemed interesting, so I took that up.  Then, wouldn't you know, a love for the piano came back around (thanks for those lessons, Mom).

After high school, I moved to Dallas, TX, to attend Southwestern Assemblies of God University.  Upon graduating, I was hired on the worship staff of my church, The Oaks Fellowship, where I served for about 2 years.  In my time there I was able to play on several worship recordings, write songs and lead worship for an amazing group of students.  I worked with some excellent people who shaped me and pulled dreams out of me that I was afraid to believe in.  This is also where I met my wife, Lacy.  I will always remember walking into the Sunday School classroom and seeing her sitting there the morning she decided to visit.  Sometimes you just know, you know?  Many thanks to our friends who offered to play tennis with us just so we would have an excuse to hang out!  We owe you big time, although I'm sure you benefited from it as well!

Then in October of 2007 Jeff and the guys came through Dallas to play at or church for our LIFT leadership conference. Being on staff, I worked with Lou (Jeff's then drummer/road manager/band leader) to help get everything ready for the event. I had known Lou from a couple years prior as Jeff had come through to lead worship one night. God really spoke to me powerfully about developing my talents on the night Jeff led; Lou prayed for me as well and had some amazing words of encouragement for me. Afterwards, the guys packed up and left, and I stayed back, fired up about what God was preparing me to do.

Little did I know that Lou had been feeling God leading him in another direction. When he felt it was time for him to step out, he sent me a message asking if I would like to audition. At first I thought it was crazy and said probably not. But Lacy (my wife, then fiancé) had been praying that same morning that God would open doors for me! So I guess I HAD to at least audition, right? So I practiced like crazy for a month and then flew to Nashville.

The audition was pure insanity. From the very first note, it was like God was playing my instrument for me! Everything was so smooth. I was shouting and having a blast. We did "Bless the Lord" as the last of the four audition songs, and there are really no words to describe what happened. We must have played for several minutes spontaneously after the song ended. Eventually I got off the kit and started walking around just praying and thanking God. And then it hit me - I was the guy for the job. At first I was excited, but then I realized I was going to have to leave Dallas; my family, my friends, my house, etc. I sat on the floor and cried for probably 10 minutes or so. Then, sure enough, after yet another 15 minutes of spontaneous worship, Jeff called us over and basically offered me the job on the spot. I couldn't believe it! And 5 weeks later, I was newly married, and Lacy and I moved our things to Nashville to begin our amazing new journey with Jeff and the guys.

I also wish everyone reading this could understand how incredible my family is. I owe so much of who I am to them.  Thanks to my parents, my 3 awesome sisters, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins (especially the one I shared an office with) who support me and encourage me daily.  You mean more to me than you realize.  I miss you.  And to all my friends back in Dallas, I hope to see you soon!

In my spare time I enjoy pretty much any sport you can think of, reading, playing and writing music, and of course hanging with my beautiful wife (and playing my beautiful Spaun drum kit). I can't wait for what God has down the road.  If that road crosses paths with yours some day in the future, whether it be at a Jeff Deyo concert or elsewhere, please don't hesitate to come up and say hi!  I would love to meet you!  God bless you.