On the RADIO!

Hey folks!

Happy to share that this past weekend (10/11/08) I had my very first radio interview :) It was super fun and quite the experience. I am so stoked and humbled to share it with you all. I am in the 4th segment of the show. Check it out!

http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Homegrown-Praise/archives/date/selected/10-11-2008.html.

Much love and many blessings!

Until next time-

<3 haley

A short version of the story...

QUESTION:When did you get saved? Tell me a little about yourself and your music... (I have been getting asked this one a lot lately.)

ANSWER: To tell you a little bit about my self... I grew up in the church.Saved mom- unsaved dad. So it was pretty much a single parent deal. I gave my life to the Lord when I was in middle school. I have known the truth my whole life, but it was at this time that I realized and decided that walking a life with Christ meant picking up my cross. The next four or five years were awesome and a grew a ton in the Lord. I was in leadership at my church in the youth group and was really involved in worship ministry. I got to a fork in the road when I was about 16yrs. I also grew up in an ice skating rink as a competitive figure skater. This was my life! My identity. God wasn't cool with that obviously, because HE wanted to be my identity..... SO He called me to give it all up. All the fame and affirmation that was associated with it. ONE of the hardest things I have ever had to do. This time in my life is a BIG part of my testimony. It was when God taught me as a WORSHIPER what it meant to bring my sacrifice. Worship is something we do with our life, not just in song...I didn't know this then, but this lesson would continue to play out as God called me to be a full time worship leader and artist.

I was never super great at singing or one particular instrument- but to God that didn't matter. This is what he created me for :) As soon as I gave up ice skating, God began to fling open doors. I began writing music, singing more, playing more,and my heart yearned for the presence of God like never before. I came out with my first CD fall 2007... and the rest is history in the making!

I am so humbled by God grace and calling on my life. Why would he ever used somebody like me for ANYTHING, i dunno. I don't deserve His love,but He continues to pour it out on me. I love sharing this message with the church and especially this next generation of worshipers. We cant help but share our story. More than anything I want to see them encounter the reality of God, who he is first hand, taste His goodness and love. I didn't think God could do anything with my life- after all... all i was good for was ice skating. LIE. I want the church to know that God can and WILL do immeasurably more than we can think or imagine if we just let go. We are all made to play a unique and special role in the kingdom... and this is the message I hope come through in my ministry and music.

My life in nothing but a LOVE song of redemption and grace.

A Living Sacrifice.

I have been learning a nlot about this lately. There is a:
Sucky truth.

The Christian walk is not cupcakes and flowers all the time. A common misconception. Its easy for people to get that impression... Of Christianity, the church, and the people in it. As believers we are called to a life of worship a life of SACRIFICE. There is a part of my heart that says, "Sacrifice? Who said anything about sacrifice? I didn't sign up for this God." Maybe I don't word it quite like that in "real life", BUT it comes out in my actions for sure. Bottom line I am selfish person and giving up that way of thinking an life is really hard.

So what is true worship? I have to ask myself this question all the time... i get asked this question all the time. To passages int he bible help answer this for me. On my own, this answer in complicated and runs full circle in the ground. I always have to get back to the roots of my faith, the word.

Romans 12:1-2 (New Living Translation)
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

The NVI words it this way- "Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer up your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship."

When ever I am doubting what it means to truly worship God the way he desires, it's right here. He wants ME! He wants all of me. All the good parts, all the bad parts. Psalms 51:17 says that, "The sacrifices of God are a BROKEN spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Whats contrite? (I dint know what it meant for the longest time, I just pretended...) but having a contrite heart just means being repentant- recognizing and desiring atonement for my sin. It come down to this, God wants me leave myself behind and step into NEW skin, a new life in Him.

Luke 9:23-24 says,
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For who ever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

So all these thoughts began with me stating this "Sucky Truth"... really though, how sucky is it to end up in heaven with God? To really find and experience life while I'm still breathing? Yeah there is some cost involved, but God sees me- He sees you...making the choice to walk this life. Oh mylanta how he will bless it and there is glory, BLISS waiting for us. I promises it's worth it! See for Yourself...

Die Today.

-h

Kaleo 2008 (August 22-24)

This past weekend was amazing! Me and the guys made a trip up to Yreka, Ca for the annual "Kaleo Conference". This is a gathering where various youth groups from through out the community come to worship as one. There is something so powerful about this. When walls between denominations, towns, individual churches, and people are broken down... it is a glimpse of eternity. Romans 8 talks about future glory- eternity. This past weekend reminded me of this passage.

Romans 15:5-6 says,
"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I feel so blessed... I got to be a part of God doing that this weekend. There is nothing more beautiful than hear a congregation of people worship the Lord. It is my favorite part of leading worship and writing music. When I no longer need to be at the mic and we become one voice. As the church we make up the body- God being the head. You may be the right hand and I may be the left, but when we are in the presence of the Almighty, we are no longer concerned with what each other is doing. I'm not looking at the toe's, the right leg, the belly button :)... and neither are you. When we worship together, we are ALL looking into the face of God.

I love that focus. God presence will forever be mankind's common ground. We are all the same in God eyes, His love covering all sin. So with that, I will leave you with this line from a new song I'm am working on- inspired by this encounter with God and the church:

"We are the body, different Parts.
Working together, moving forward.
One melody, assigned harmonies
Singing the same song."

-haley

YOUR story...

... is powerful. Your story, my story, is real. People connect with one another because of story's. As Christians, "our stories" are also known as "testimonies."
Oh man, churchy words. So intimidating sometimes...
Testimonies. I have always seen them as a super scary, on the spot sort of thing. Up until recently, I didn't feel like I had the nerve or reason to share mine. Or maybe I had just convinced myself I never got the opportunity. Either way, FEAR or lack of opportunity is a lame excuse to not reach out to people. There is always someone to share your story with... whether it's a friend, family member, stranger at the store, another surfer out in the water, etc.

Something that has been a helpful tip to me- Find common ground.
"Hey I like those shoes. I have some kinda like that..."
"That's my favorite cereal. Nice choice..."
"I like your skateboard."

OK, cheesy...
WHATEVER! It helps bunches to get a conversation flowing. It is the key to facilitating these opportunities. I have to step out side myself and express interest in somebody else, besides ME. Seems basic, but I really struggle with this. I get so focused on Haley and what I have to do, that I completely lose sight of my purpose. To be the hands and feet of Jesus... in real life. Not just when I am on a stage singing.

More and more I am realizing THIS: There are people everywhere that are dying to know there is hope. Being a new creation is Christ and being in a relationship with the Almighty God, I carry that hope with me where ever I go. I carry this light, a reflection of who God is. Sometimes people can just see it and are drawn to it, BUT sometimes we have to open ourselves up, be vulnerable, and step out for people to see it. I like it when God makes it easy and it is the first option :)... but as I grow and develop it seems the second choice is the popular one.

It's tough stuff. I get so frustrated with me. Some days I am fired up to connect and spread this joy the Lord's goodness fills me with... and then there are other days when I just want to isolate and seem to forget how good God has been. How can I forget?! But i do. Man, oh man...

Lord,
You are so worthy of my praise. Forgive me when I forget who You are. It's in this place I fall into sin, settle, and become complacent being distant from You. This is the TRUTH- When I remember who You are, I remember who I am. Who you have called me to be. Father let Your light shine down on me, through me. No matter what today or tomorrow brings... No matter what the circumstances are... Let me be a reflection of Your love. Fill me to the point I overflow with stories of how You saved me. Of how You continue to save me. Unbutton my lips, despite my unwillingness... Use me to reach those You want to reach. Teach my heart to be more like Yours.

<3

*h.

Calvary Church- Los Gatos!

This past weekend was so much fun! Me and the band got invited to open up for artist Andy Gridly. Andy and Jack (electric guitar player...) go way back. The night was held at a church in Los Gatos called "Calvary". Let me tell you this church is gorgious... and huge. To be honest it was probably the biggest stage I have ever set foot on let alone play on. I felt so small... literally and emotionally. I had one of those moments with God where I got to remember who He is. And that I am nothing with out Him. I couldn't believe I was there on that stage, with this amazing band, getting to lead worship... who am I. God calls each and every one of us to a life that is greater and better than we can fathom. It is hard to put into words how thankful and blessed I feel and am... this summer has just been a beautiful picture of God grace played out. So humbling. That was bit of a tangent...

So Sunday morning we got invited to play for the youth at the church. It was so rad. It was out side, kind of on the corner of the street. In a weird way it felt like that was how church was intended to be. My brain went to bible times and thought, "Well they us have worship a lot outside..." So in a nutshell we kicked it old school. This group of people was super mixed, ranging from up coming jr. highers to college age.
It is always a cool and unique experience leading for that broad of a group. The youth pastor, Steve. Holler!

(I would just like to take this opportunity to point out that he is proud owner of a NEW Haley Montgomery T-shirt. Be cool- be like Steve and get yourself one!)

And that brings us to Sunday night...
Everybody we got to work with was fantastic! James, "Sweaty" aka. Scotty, all the guys in Andy's band... to many to count. The stage was legit as well. I mean, there was an astronaut hanging from ceiling! Enough said. Oh and there was a fog machine... we didn't use it but we got to see it be used :)

So in short:
*new friends
*new t shirts (shirts)
*new place
*The worship time was awesome...

Good trip!

How to build a pedal board.

by Jack Roan


Building a basic pedal board is surprisingly easy, and will save you time, money, and wear and tear on your pedals. Having all your pedals prewired on a board helps keep setup and set change times to a minimum, and the on board power supply sets you free from the hassles of 9V batteries. I built this small board for Haley in an afternoon, for under $50 (not including pedals).


The first step is actually the last thing most people think about - you need to find a suitable carrying case for the board. This doesn't have to been anything fancy, and old suitcase, a toolbox, etc. We used a cute little toolbox from Sears for Haley's board.



It helps to have a general idea of how your board will be laid out when selecting your case. I like to mock the pedals up on a piece of cardboard to ensure a fit before cutting any wood. Don't forget to allow room for connectors, both 1/4" and for 9V power.


A piece of plywood is all you need for the board. I used 1/2" but 3/4" works as well. Keep in mind that it will need to be thick enough for you to screw into for your rubber feet or any serious cable clamps. Painting the board makes it look nice; I chose black since most of the cables and wiring are black as well.



A few other tricks of the trade are wide industrial velcro (this will attach your pedals to the board) and various zip ties. I'm especially a fan of the small 4" black zip ties for keeping cables and wiring nice and clean.


I prefer to put the hook side of the velcro on the pedal, and the loop side on the board. This is a personal preference, but many of the pedals I've bought on eBay have it done this way as well. It seems to be a bit of a standard.

The final thing to tackle is the 9V power. The easiest way is probably to buy a OneSpot or similar AC adapter and wire it to your pedals. If you've got a lot of pedals, something like the Voodoo Labs or Dunlop power supplies might be your best bet. These usually come with plenty of patch cables to connect up all your pedals.


If you or a friend are handy with a soldering iron it's very easy to make your own 9V power supply. For example, I bought this 9V adapter at Sears for $3, and it even came with a 1 million candle power flashlight! (ok, it was on clearance)

When choosing an AC adapter there are three things you want to pay attention to: the voltage, the current rating, and the polarity.

* The voltage part is easy - you want 9V DC. Sometimes instead of saying DC it will have a symbol like this: - - Don't use an adapter that says AC or has a squiggly symbol like this: ~

* The current is the next number you'll see. In this case 300mA. Most guitar pedals take between 10mA and 100mA. The important thing to recognize about the current rating is that this is not the maximum current the power supply will put out. Rather, it is the rated current at 9V, meaning when you pull 300mA out of this power supply, it will be at 9V DC. If you pull less than 300mA, the voltage will be higher, perhaps 10V DC. If you pull 0mA from the power supply, for instance if you just plug it into the wall and not to any pedals, the voltage could be as high as 12V DC, even though it says 9V DC on the supply. Try to match the load your pedals will pull to the number on the supply. An adapter with a higher current rating will likely have a higher voltage for your pedals. Up to 10V DC is probably ok for most pedals, but I wouldn't go higher than that. You may have to experiment with a few before you find an AC adapter that will give the right voltage for your pedals.

* The final thing to look at is the most important and where many people go wrong. Polarity. You'll see a little + and - and a symbol indicating which one is "tip" (inside) and which is "ring" (outside). Most AC adapters, like the one I picked up at Sears, have the + in the center of the plug and the - on the outside. Most guitar pedals are not set up this way! Check your pedals and you will probably see that they expect the - to be in the center, not the +. Reversing the voltage to your pedal will damage it! If you are building your own power supply out of an off the shelf adapter like I have done here be certain you have the polarity correct for your pedals.


After you get that sorted out it's very easy to cut the wires to the correct lengths and build a little daisy chain for your power supply. Building your own supply as I've shown here is the cheapest and usually the neatest way to power your pedals, though be sure you understand the issues above, and always check your work with a volt meter before plugging into any of your pedals.


Once you've got the power and 1/4" cables ready to go, wire up the board, slap the pedals down on the velcro and rock and roll!

Breakthrough now on iTunes!

Haley's debut EP album Breakthrough is now available for instant purchase and download, thanks to the fine folks at Apple iTunes!

Breakthrough Tour Testimony

This is rad.
Below is a true story from my first tour. I love moments where I am reminded that I am nothing apart from God. It is only by His grace and love for me, that my life becomes worth something. The more churches I visit and places i sing, I realize we will never know the fruit of our ministry. Even when it seems or worse... FEELS like we made no difference or impact, God is faith to move and speak despite us. DESPITE ME! Even though I might mess things up sometimes... OK, a lot of the time... God can still and CHOOSES to use me. Crazy.

Anywho, read this story :) It is very cool.

"Haley, Kevin & Band: I wanted to write you this email and tell you something that happened after your concert. Our youth just loved you guys and it really meant alot to them, Haley, that you justed messed around with them a bit and had some fun with them afterwards. I know I had fun with you all! I was dancing more than all the kids and told them they needed to learn how to have more fun and dance and learn to enjoy the Lord! There were only a couple kids that came I did not know, but that was what I was hoping for....only lots more of them.

Tuesday morning, the day after your concert here, This a woman called my office while I had someone in my office for a counselling appt. I rarely answer a phone when someone has an appt with me; but for some reason I picked up the phone to answer this time. She was crying and asked me if our church had some kind of youth event or concert last night. She lives somewhere near our church, she said, and thought it was us. At first I thought she was calling to complain that the music was too loud if she lived close by (never loud enough for me ). But then she said, "I just wanted you to know that someone there touched my son last night." Then my fear turned to panic taking what she said the wrong way.

I asked her what she meant and she said, "I have a teenage son who is very angry all the time and resentful. She said she had no control over him and for whatever reason he was yelling at her and took his sleeping bag walking out the door and said he would never be back." He intended to run away from home and when he walked by our church he heard the band and saw all of our youth and came in. He stayed for the concert and then afterwards talked with some of our youth about what he was going through. The few of our youth he was talking to told him he was making a mistake to run away and that he needed to "suck it up" and go home, make it right with his Mom, and give God a chance. And that is what he did. His mother told me her son came home changed and calm and talked it out with her.

She was crying while telling me all this and said, "I just wanted to call and say "thank you" that your church touched my son when he heard the concert and stopped and she was so grateful because she was fearful of what might happen to her son when he ran away."

So even though the turnout was disappointing, just maybe it was all for him. In that case....it was worth it all. But truthfully, it was not all for him for those of us here really loved you and do want to have you back. Anyhow, I wanted to share that with you about the mom who called. "

First Steps... "2008 New Beginnings."

2008... the Year of NEW BEGINNINGS.

Numbers totally have meanings. Like 7 is the number of completion. Well, 8 just so happens to mean new beginnings. This number seems to be a trend in my life, but I didn't realize it until this year... so that explains the title :)

"Northern Cali Tour!" (May 26 - June 4)

The past couple of weeks has been unreal! I am out on my FIRST tour ever and I can not explain fully how amazing it has been. The band is here with me to... they are all so awesome. Oh and BONUS- two bass players. (not at the same time, just different parts of the tour.) So I have gotten to work and be close with some of the most amazing musicians known to man. I am so blessed by them musically and seriously at a heart level. I go to band practice some times just asking God, "How, when, and huh? How did I get so lucky?" OK, so back to the tour stuff...

It has always been one of my favorite things to hear all the voices in worship at church. For a really long time I wouldn't sing on purpose, just so I could hear every one around me cry out this the same God. There was something about it that tugged on my heart and drew me in to the same place... seemed like home. I grew up in the church but I am pretty sure this is how I FIRST met the Lord, truly experienced Him... in worship.It is something else to see fruits of your ministry. The fact that God would use us at all in mind boggling. I have had so many moments on this tour where I just realize how fortunate and undeserving I am. I remember when I first started writing music... (I was a little turkey) and just trying to picture other people knowing or even singing a song a had written. Impossible. Well OK, maybe my mom would know my songs, but only because I sang them all around the house 24/7. This tour it was like I got to experience that miracle.

Straight up GRACE. There was so many times where I just had to stop singing and pull away from the mic because it was so overwhelming. There have been so many thoughts that have been going thought my head. Maybe you can relate to some of them:

"God, how could You use me. ME, Haley... What have I done up until this point in my life to deserve this experience. I'm so average. There's nothing special about me... I am just as messed up as the next person. Why do you use the broken. Your able to do anything and everything on your own, but you still choose to use us. Not only do you choose us but You call us by name. By name. Our name is important and significant to you... What?! I don't get this crazy LOVE of Yours."

It is crazy to be in this process. You dream dreams for so long... and then what? You wake up and your living them. That's what this experience has felt like. I am kinda scared. A little nervous. WAY excited! Its rad to think the God begins preparing us for what He has called us to way before we are aware of it. Like domino's. Good events, bad events, all leads us to Him it seems. If we are able to see it that way. That's what I have been praying... that I would have those kinds of eyes. I remember being about 5 yrs. old and learning this verse-

"For God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power love and a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7

I used to pray it every night as a girl. Well here I am, a young women now... praying that same prayer every time step on to a stage or stand in front of a mic. Its been nice to realize this past year or so that I will never be perfect, meet my expectations, or other peoples expectation of me. And that's OK, God doesn't call that version of me. He calls the broken, dorky, imperfect, smack your head on a microphone on the way back up from dropping a pick in the middle of a show... Haley. It is what it is. I am who I am... and God loves who that is. So truth of the matter-I should to. Definitely takes some pressure off.

Well these are just a few lessons I have been learning and felt like sharing. More to come, I'm sure of it.

*h