• #1

    March 8, 2008 - Comments (22)

    I received a phone call this week that I wasn’t quite expecting. I was informed by my record label that my first single “You Are Everything,” just went #1. At first, it didn’t really sink in. But then, I felt this wave of emotion as I remembered all that has taken place up to that moment. Not long ago, my voice was taken away, surgery left me silent for months, and my future was uncertain. I didn’t know if I’d ever have a song on the radio again.
    And now, I’m getting a phone call saying that the new song has made it to #1, and more importantly, the message is connecting with people. So, that is the cause for my thankful heart today. I’m not overwhelmed by the achievement. Accolades and successes don’t define who we are. If we look to trophies and victories for fulfillment and happiness in life, we will be sorely disappointed (trust me, I know…) But to see God at work in a seemingly hopeless situation, that is a thing of beauty. To have the world hear the new song, and be reminded about how awesome God is, that is what makes me thankful. Thankful to have a new voice. Thankful for the one I sing about. Thankful for a best friend who walked with me in the valley, and now leads me to the mountain top. Mountain top moments are precious, and few and far between. So, if you don’t mind, I might just sit and rest here, soak up this mountain top moment and thank God for all that he has brought me through. Jesus, you truly are my everything-mw

    Matthew West POSTED BY:
    Matthew West

    • 22 comments

    1. 1. Deb commented:

      Sun 9/3/08, 3:31 pm

      Congrats on your #1…you totally deserve it. The song is awesome!

    2. 2. Dan commented:

      Sun 9/3/08, 11:12 pm

      Hey Brother, that has been an awesome song and I keep playing it on the cd player. I just want to say that you’re a real encouragement to me thinking about all the stuff that I’ve gone through and how you went through something a little similar. It encourages me to rewrite my testimony and to re-start creating some of the stuff God’s laid on my heart for music/writing/anything. Keep moving forward and blessings! Oh and check out my blog at http://www.sparkydannyman.wordpress.com and see some of the stuff I write about at times. Peace out Bro!

    3. 3. Bill commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 4:45 am

      CONGRATULATIONS! We’ve been rooting for this song (and spinning it) for the last few weeks, hoping that Mercy Me would make a little room (in Christian love) and share the podium. “You Are Everything” is a great song — powerful words and pristine delivery. We love it, our listeners love it, and obviously that goes for the rest of the country.

    4. 4. Doug & Christina commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 5:28 am

      Congratulations! We were fortunate enough to enjoy the evening performance you offered here in Sarasota with The Joy FM, and truly enjoyed the experience and meeting you afterward.
      Your rise to #1 with the latest song is far from a surprise, well-deserved!

    5. 5. Ann commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 5:28 am

      Congratulations to you on this exciting development! One just has to stand in awe of His amazing plan and perfect will!! How much sweeter this accolade is because of what you endured. God is so good!!

    6. 6. Lori commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 5:31 am

      Congratulations on your #1 hit! I love it! I listen to the Joy Fm and I love when they play your songs becuase you’re one of new favorites…keep singin’…God bless.

    7. 7. Bobby commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 5:40 am

      I made some really costly investments a few years ago and am in the valley right now. My struggle is financial (my own mistakes). I can’t wait for the mountain again that I know will come through the Lord. It is great to here stories like yours. It brings hope to those who are struggling. Awesome!!

    8. 8. Juliette commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 6:10 am

      Isn’t GOD AWEsome! The Word says that HE works all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) and that he did. Congrats!
      A Joy FM on-line listener

    9. 9. Kathleen - A Joy FM online and radio listener commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 6:38 am

      Praise God for you. Your story is more proof that God is in everything and will bring us through anything as long as we have faith. Congratulations on your No 1. Your music is such a blessing!

    10. 10. SANDRA TAYLOR commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 8:04 am

      I WANTED TO OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SONG BEING NUMBER 1 JUST GOES TO SHOW WHAT THE GOOD LORD DOES IN OUR LIVES I LISTEN TO THE JOYFM ALL DAY AT WORK AND IN MY CAR WHEN TRAVELING
      CONGRATS AGAIN HAVE A BLESSED DAY TODAY AND ALWAYS

    11. 11. KWAL commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 10:23 am

      CONGRATS my friend! I heard the news on the JoyFM this morning. God has truly blessed you over the past year. I pray he will continue to bless you whiches bless us!

    12. 12. Greg Walker commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 10:53 am

      Hey Matthew: The Lord Has turned My attention to Your Music Over the Last Year and I read in Charisma that You where experiencing Vocal Difficulties.
      I thought that I’d post this and perhaps it may help You.
      I was diagnosed with terminal and incurable non-hodgekins lymphoma in 1999.
      They said that I would not survive and that at best I would live only a few years.
      Well to make a long story short:
      God Healed me in 2000 and it has never come back! Praise God!
      however, As a result of chemotherapy and years of vocal abuse, I was left with a voice that was all but destroyed(And I have been a Singer Songwriter/ Worship Leader for many years.
      Anyway, I “Accidentally Bumped” into this Guy on the internet and as a result of working with His stuff, My voice is all but restored!
      Check Him Out, Call Him up This Guy is for real!
      his Name is Brett Manning and You can find Him through Singing Success on the internet!
      This Guy is awesome ! tust Me and if You haven’t heard of Him You should talk with him! God Bless- Greg Walker

    13. 13. Greg Walker commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 10:55 am

      Hey Matthew: The Lord Has turned My attention to Your Music Over the Last Year and I read in Charisma that You where experiencing Vocal Difficulties.
      I thought that I’d post this and perhaps it may help You.
      I was diagnosed with terminal and incurable non-hodgekins lymphoma in 1999.
      They said that I would not survive and that at best I would live only a few years.
      Well to make a long story short:
      God Healed me in 2000 and it has never come back! Praise God!
      however, As a result of chemotherapy and years of vocal abuse, I was left with a voice that was all but destroyed(And I have been a Singer Songwriter/ Worship Leader for many years.
      Anyway, I “Accidentally Bumped” into this Guy on the internet and as a result of working with His stuff, My voice is all but restored!
      Check Him Out, Call Him up This Guy is for real!
      his Name is Brett Manning and You can find Him through Singing Success on the internet!
      This Guy is awesome ! tust Me and if You haven’t heard of Him You should talk with him! God Bless- Greg Walker

    14. 14. ANGELA commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 1:02 pm

      Congradulations! The song is awesome. I look forward to your worship at the concert in Tampa this Sunday.
      - JoyFM listner.

    15. 15. Becky commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 2:14 pm

      Congratulations Matthew!!! Your song made it to number ONE.. The Joy FM Morning Cruise announced it on the air this morning and we are all excited for you. My husband and I are looking forward to the concert this Sunday in Tampa, Florida. God Bless you and your family.
      Becky-JOY FM Listener

    16. 16. Dave commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 4:05 pm

      Congrats on the #1 song – LOVE it!!! The JOY-FM morning cruise announced it. Keep up the great work!

    17. 17. Cindy commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 5:06 pm

      Matthew!
      CONGRATULATIONS! Bill, Carmen and Dave let everyone know the good news on the JOY FM. Awsome honor for our GOD!

    18. 18. angelica commented:

      Tue 11/3/08, 7:00 pm

      congratulations on the song being at #1. It is definitely one of my favorites. I absolutely love it! Jesus IS our EVERYTHING!

    19. 19. Nancy commented:

      Thu 13/3/08, 8:52 am

      Hey Matthew,
      Just wanted to say that your music is such an encouragement to our family. I particularly like your songs about our next life in eternity. My husband was taken to Heaven a couple of years age, very unexpectedly. So I grasp to anything about eternity and Heaven. My 2 teenage girls love your music. When I first heard “Save A Place For Me”, I just sobbed. Thank you for writing these songs. It puts words to our feelings of grief. I remember playing “Just A Few More Days” over and over. (still do)
      We had tickets to your concert Saturday, March 8th, in Elmira, NY. In normal weather it would have been about 2 hours away. But because of the weather, we decided not to risk it. We were so disappointed. So those tickets are still on the kitchen counter. Maybe next time.
      God bless you, Matthew. Treasure your family. And if I don’t get to meet you on this earth, I’ll see you in Heaven…

    20. 20. Kim and family commented:

      Tue 18/3/08, 7:37 am

      Matthew,
      Congratulations on your #1 song! My family thoroughly enjoyed you on Sunday at the Boomin Beyond Measure concert! My youngest, who is 4 was very excited and sang along when you sang “Next thing you know” – his favorite song!
      Thank you for your submission to our awesome God! Your obedience allows others to hear of His love through you.

    21. 21. Sonia commented:

      Tue 15/4/08, 10:55 am

      My husband and I were at the Concert in Kemah, Texas when you lost your voice. (Probably the only 30 somethings there :) ) We were there celebrating our anniversary and were blessed to be there on a weekend that offered Christian music concerts.
      I remember you singing More, in particular these lyrics “Take a look at the ocean, Far as your eye can see, And think of Me”…the stage was facing the ocean…it was awesome!!!! to be able to look at all the beauty that God has created and feel centered…it was an unexplainable moment….then you lost your voice. Amazing to think that it has been a few years since that happened.
      Praise God for your recovery and healing!!!!

    22. 22. Samantha Stephenson commented:

      Sun 3/8/08, 4:40 pm

      Hi. =] Wow… that son is seriously amazing. I just wanted to let you know that your song has truly touched me in so many ways. I’m only 16 and there are so many times when I just feel stuck… I can’t find any christian friends because we live in a pretty crappy neighborhood and that seriously brings me down. And… I don’t know… I just get so deressed sometimes. Man… I’m tearing up about it right now. =] We don’t really stay in church. One night i was feeling really lonely and I couldn’t get in my “true worship state”. I put your song on… and I just exploded. Haha. I was jumping and laughing and crying and singing. God was there. I love him so, so much. Thank you. You have changed my life more than you will know. In his own time, God will send me the right friends, the right boy and my life will be great. Thanks so much. God Bless. (As if he hasn’t already done so much. =])
      -SS

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