Support this ministry . . .

Hello Friends, Supporters, and Visitors!

   Thank you for taking time to visit this particular page on my website.  I hope you have been using and enjoying the songs hosted here, and that the songs have been an encouragement in your life.  It is my desire to write useful, purposeful, and beautiful music that God might use to reach out to you and speak to you.  Creating a page like this is always challenging for ministries, and maybe more so for people who minister with their own art.  These days, there are so many places one can access music on the internet.  Some sites require membership or charge fees per download, however, I do not desire to charge people in a similar manner for many reasons.  One of the main reasons for keeping the music free, is that I want to minister to everyone, those who don't have money to pay, and those who wouldn't consider paying for my music.  I really like the idea of being open handed with the gifts God gives so generously, and as a result of holding on loosely to these gifts, I believe my songwriting abilities and capacities remain flowing and growing.

   The Bluhm household is a one income household.  This is a lifestyle we have chosen and for which we willingly make sacrifices.   Over the years, we have been given and have purchased some pieces of equipment, software, hardware, some instruments for playing live music and recording.  As time passes, the quality and condition of these items begin to deteriorate, or become obsolete, or inefficient for various reasons.  Replacing, upgrading, and maintaining these items, as you can imagine, requires money.  Another area where more cost is involved has to do with maintaining a website (service, domain, and site hosting).  I happily do the busy work, and thankfully have the ability to keep up the site, however, the monthly financial commitment we keep in order to have internet service is quite costly.


Patronage  

Do you know what a patron is?  Here are some definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary 

: a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer 
: one that uses wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause
: one who buys the goods or uses the services offered especially by an establishment

   Now, the above definitions use the words "wealth" and "wealthy", I would challenge the notion that someone has to have abundant cash in order to support an artist, writer, or musician.  Many of us already support ministries, and we are not necessarily  "wealthy".  My ministry is sharing my worship, my art, which springs from God revealing Himself through scripture and through His encountering me in my daily life and trials.   I am not an organization, I do not have tax-free status, therefore I cannot offer you a receipt for any generosity that you might show.  In fact, your donation, will be anonymous if given through the "donate" button that I  have provided. 
   Some of you haven't met me, some of you know me, and some of you know me well.  Regardless of our relationship status at this time, I would ask you to prayerfully consider becoming a patron of my music, or a financial supporter and partner in my ministry.  Please lift this possibility up before our God and act according to His prompting.

Now that THAT is out of the way . . .
   There are soooooo many ways you can support this ministry that do not require your cash.  There is something so comforting and encouraging to know that God has laid it upon the heart of another to pray for me and for this ministry.  I must say, the attacks from the enemy and my flesh reach ridiculous levels when I have opportunities to minister live.  To know someone is committed to interceding in those times, is truly priceless.  If you are praying, please let me know!  Often times I play out alone.  I have small children and my husband must stay home and care for them on many occasions.  So, another way you can be a support to me is to come and hear me.  I have been doing this a long time now, and you would think that I wouldn't get nervous anymore, but sure enough . . . a very strong sense of self preservation almost always shows up and I want to run.  I don't, but the thought is present.  Another very important thing that you can do to help, is to use your influence within your churches, small groups, ministries, organizations, work places, families, and affiliations and/or contacts therein, to get me "booked".   There is no opportunity too small, and it is the opportunity to minister and be used by God through this ministry that is treasured, not the money that I may receive.   When it is possible to receive payment or reimbursement for travel and other expenses, it is appreciated, but not required.  Part of my heart's desire is to help other ministries, large and small, with their own needs with the type of services I can provide.  Lastly, use the site!  It's free!  Please help to spread the news to others by sending them a link, or burning a CD for them.  E-mail me with verses that you need a song written for so that you can turn your heart and mind toward the Lord! 
   Thank you, friends.  May you be blessed by God generously for your generosity, in whatever form you offer it.  Peace and healing to you in our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, Amen.

With Love and Nutrients,
Jennifer Bluhm
jenniferbluhm@songwriterjen.com

www.songwriterjen.com