Music Notes: August 10, 2025

Chad’s Blog

Photo by Alex Parisi on Unsplash

If someone were to ask me for two words that would best define my life, I would most certainly say MUSIC and TRAVEL. As a lifelong Ohioan, there was a time when Arizona, now my “home sweet home,” was a distant travel destination to be enjoyed for only a short period. 

My aunt was one of the major editors for the Arizona Republic and, before recently moving back east, spent about twenty years here. I knew I wanted to visit her, and I longed to experience this beautiful place that she always bragged about. An eager twelve-year-old ready to take the most ambitious trip of my life, I packed my bags and made the flight by myself for a week-long trip to Phoenix.

I recall the first feeling of that desert heat smacking me in the face when leaving the airport. I remember loving the scenic walks and nature parks we hiked and thinking about how cool it was that the stunning scenery was not limited to small areas in a state park, but soared all over the state. And I remember feeling sad when it was time to board the plane again to fly back to the Midwest.

I frequently think about that first trip when I drive to the beautiful foothills for my evening practice. I am grateful to be here and to daily experience God’s beautiful creation in this very special place.