A December GRD Update (alternately titled "The Big News We Have Been Waiting To Share")

Hello wonderful (and patient) GRD fans!

December has been such a busy month for us...between holiday parties, work commitments, moving to Savannah, and raising children, we cannot believe Christmas is in one week!

What's that you say? Moving to Savannah? Oh, you didn't know?

Yes, it's true. One of the members of our GRD family is moving to Georgia in just a short time.

We'll let him tell you about it in his own words...

Dear GRD Bloggers,
I hope everyone is getting ready for the upcoming holiday season. Is it just me or does it seem like there is too much to do and not enough time to get it all done? This particular season will be especially crazy for me and my family. The reason for this being that, starting in January, I will be starting South University's Physician Assistant program in Savannah, Georgia. This has been something that I have worked hard for over the years and it has finally arrived. The program is a 27 month year round Masters program after which I will be entering the crazy world of practicing medicine (scary!). Unfortunately this comes as bitter sweet news in that I will no longer be able to be the drummer for Grace Reigns Down [or the Shout worship team]. I have been working with this group for the better part of 8 years now, and it is remarkable how much it has grown. I remember the first Shout service that was just Chad on guitar, Jaclyn singing, me on the drums, and about 10 people in the pews. From that it has truly evolved into what it is today. I know that the only reason things have grown so dramatically is that God has a plan for this group. The funny thing is that only He knows what that plan is and the best we can do is follow the path laid before us. The support and love from all the people who have come to our shows, sent us invitations to come worship with them at their home churches, and those that come to Shout have really blessed my time with this group. It is a very hard thing to have to leave the group right now and go off on my own career path. These group members are very dear friends to me and I will miss every single one of them. I always told myself that God blessed me with the talent to drum and what better way to use that gift than to spread the news of His love with as many people as possible. I thank everyone for allowing me to do just that as the best way I knew how. The drumming position has been left into good hands and I am confident that this group will continue to grow and share with people the most important message ever delivered. I cannot say thank you enough to the band for being so supportive of my choices and yet trying to keep me involved through countless bribes. This is God's path for me and I pray that GRD will continue down their own path with the attitude of giving God the glory for using them as messengers of His word.

JD ~ out

We are truly blessed to have had Jason in the band, and we wish him nothing but success for the future. We are so proud of him in so many ways, and yes, we will come up with creative ways to keep him involved with GRD. :-)

Stay tuned as we will soon announce the newest member of the GRD family...

Meet the Band: Jason Diehl

"Nothing has been made more apparent to me in these past few months than the truth that completely relying on God and trusting in His plan is how prayers are answered. God knows what is best for you always and will guide you in the right direction if you let go of the human desire to be in control of everything and let Him work in your life."

What absolutely true words spoken by our right-handed drummer, Jason Diehl! Born in Greensboro, NC in June or December (depending on whether you ask his mom or Facebook), Jason is what keeps GRD young and current! When he's not spending time with his family (mom, dad, brother, sister, 3 aunts, 2 uncles, a dog, and a cat), you may find Jason eating his favorite treat (applesauce), watching movies, playing/coaching soccer, visiting Smith Mountain Lake, or "reading" books on tape.

Here's a little bit more about the man behind the drum kit...

How did you start playing with GRD? It all started with a Confirmation assignment to help get the youth more involved in activities in the church. This lead me to volunteer as a musician in the Sunday night worship service in order to satisfy my "requirements." I guess I just overachieved it.

Why did you start playing with GRD? I really enjoyed drumming for the Shout service and really saw GRD as a different outlet for ministry through music that stretched beyond the walls of the sanctuary.

Favorite band? It really varies from week to week but I steadily enjoy listening to Dave Matthews Band (because I secretly want to be Carter Beauford).

Pet Peeve? I hate it when radio stations coordinate their commercials so that every pre-set station in my car is nothing but commercials and no music.

Most interesting place you have ever visited? China was definitely an experience.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I am trying to avoid adulthood at all costs.

What inspires you? Seeing people letting go of their fears and achieving something great

Most Embarrassing Moment? During my graduate school interview, my stomach kept growling at every possible silence.

Proudest Moment? Graduating from Elon University

What makes you smile? Others smiling

Favorite GRD Song of the Moment? Surround Me