It's Your Choice

03.01.10

As I sit down to write for this months “Danny’s Voice” it is an exciting time.  I have my debut album being released this month (March 2nd, 2010).  Next month we are thrilled to launch our very own Sophia’s Heart of Music & Arts programming to start in Milwaukee, WI and in Nashville, TN.  All these things have finally physically manifested into reality, while just a while ago they were only a dream in my heart.  I’ve come to notice that all these great things have been birthed by one common denominator; a choice. 

 

Dreams just don’t fall out of the sky and into our laps.  If you’re dreaming to become a surgeon, you won’t wake up one morning with a doctorates degree and a head full of the knowledge to carry out surgical procedures.   It is something that comes into being through deliberate and consistent choices.

 

If you look over your life you will notice that the very place you are at today is 100% connected to the choices you have made.  Some of you may look back at your life and say that some things were not your fault, and perhaps you were a victim of child abuse or you were born into a very poor family and that is why you are there.   I completely understand and sympathize with people who have been dealt a hard hand in life.  However, you must understand that if you stay stuck in your past, defeated by what has happened, that, in itself, is a choice.  So many of us have had things thrown in our lap that isn’t our fault, but I want to give you some good news; your choices today can turn it around.  You have the power to change those negative situations around, become stronger and help other people who are stuck in the same spot that you once were. Here are 5 easy steps that you can hang onto and meditate on while making new choice.

  1. Let go of the past and all the negative feelings associated with it
  2. Begin to believe that you can make better choices and that things can turn around for the better
  3. Have faith in God to get you through and make you stronger
  4. Be patient and consistent day in and day out 
  5. Watch your life completely change and new healthy habits form 

As you begin this process you will notice that in the beginning it might be tough, but as you press through it will get easier and easier!  This is because you are beginning to form new habits.  I really want you to enjoy life, but the first key in enjoying life is to take responsibility for all your actions and know the power you have with the choices you make. 

 

Comments (27)

My granddaughter Prudence and I absolutely love you I watched you on Idol and loved your voice ......I watched for your cd and bought it the day it came out I play it everyday.....you are a wonderful person with a wonderful big heart ......your work for the foundation is amazing and I will when the time i can will be donating to your cause......I have 8 grandkids that i help with regularly and another on the way......your music they wil know.....keep up the great work and god bless you....your friends from vermont Cindy and Prudence
Posted by: cinder47
Posted On: 06/29/10 at 04:24:09 PM

My wife and I took a liking to you during your time on American Idol two yrs ago. Being Christians, we admired your faith in the face of the tragic loss of your wife. I was unaware of all you have been doing, but saw your album and was like "oh, good". We love your singing voice ... well, a buddy and I caught your show at the Glass Cactus in Grapevine, TX last night (June 25, 2010) ... you sounded great!! Your show was very good ... we thoroughly enjoyed it. We are a little strapped for extra money due to being without a job for 9 + mos, but will be donating to Sophia's Heart when we are able. We respect you and what you are doing for the Lord. We know that He will continue to bless you as you seek to serve and honor Him. 
God bless ... Rich & Karen Keller
Posted by: rkeller55
Posted On: 06/26/10 at 12:02:02 AM

 Danny, I don't know how else to reach you, I don't do facebook or twitter, just can't hardly keep up with my email let alone all of that! I just wanted to share a moment that meant so much to me this weekend. I walked in my annual "Relay for Life" to fight against cancer.  This is kind of my "Sophia's Heart", altho I am very proud to donate to SHF all I can and wear my bracelet every day and my tshirt and hoody as often as I can without people starting to talk!!  Anyway, during our opening ceremony, right before the survivors did the opening lap, they played "My Best Days" to some beautiful young childen and ladies dancing-as our theme this year is "Official Sponsor of Birthdays" and hearing the line "Blowing out the candles, on another birthday cake" well I got chills down my spine as I watched the kids dance, the lyrics play, and the survivors gather on the track to walk their lap.  My husband is a survivor and I walked counter clockwise to meet him, and it was a perfect, blessed moment.  I felt in some small way, I even shared it with you!  Thank you for being a part of that moment, even tho you didn't even know it. What a perfect song for ACS.  I wish I could just let you know what that moment meant to me!  much love!!  Kym
Posted by: navymomkym
Posted On: 06/07/10 at 09:08:07 PM

Dear Danny,
I went to the concert in Burgettstown,Pa last night only to see you... I watched you on idol and thought you should have won the first time i heard you sing..you have an amazing voice..My daughter who is 11 thought that you were great also. We did the meet and greet with you and my daughter is on her way to kennywood park today with your bracelet and shirt on. I wish you the best of luck and it wont be long before you are a superstar...in my eyes you already are....see you next time you come to pa
love
kim and sierra


Posted by: KIMBA722
Posted On: 05/15/10 at 12:27:40 PM

Dear Danny,
First i would like to say, way to go!!, making your dreams come true, something i'm sure your wife would have wanted you to do. I to lost my husband 4 yrs ago to cancer. It took me three of those 4yrs to put all my attention on my two daughters, to get them through one of the most difficult experiences in there short lives. My oldest now 19 and then my younger 15. I'm now finally moving on and getting back to living again. I live by the motto "That which does not kill us makes us stronger".
I recently purchased your MY BEST DAYS cd, i luv it!! I knew even if you were not chosen Idol winner, u were gonna make it, your voice is AMAZING!
All my wishes to u, you are an inspiration to so many.

LOVE
Debbie
Posted by: livelaughlove
Posted On: 05/07/10 at 01:02:06 PM

Danny,
        You are truly an inspiration to me personally!  The first time I saw you on A.I. and heard your story, I knew you were something very special.  You have helped me realize that bad things happen to good people but, that shouldn't stop those peope from being happy!  I lost my 6 year old sister on February 8, 1999 from a heart condition similar to your wife's but, we didn't know she had it.  It took me probably until my daughter was born in 20004 to some what come to terms with her death.  Hearing your story and seeing how far you've come I've been able to put my little sister to rest and not dwell on it anymore.  I know she would be happy with how I am doing and know God is taking good care of her.  One day I will see her in Heaven just like you'll see Sophia.  I also want to say thank you for letting me meet you in Orlando, FL at the HOB.  It really was the best 30th birthday gift ever.  Hope you come back soon.

Love,
Olviia
Posted by: dannysheart
Posted On: 04/20/10 at 10:39:46 AM

Danny,
     Your very first american idol audition..i knew you were the one getting all my votes, then i heard your story. You have touched me more than i ever thought possible. Im 20 years old and i lost my daughter at birth and your songs never seem to stop amazing me. I have your C.D i went to the house of blues to see you. Im a HUGE danny fan..your doing amazing and since that first audition i knew you were going somewhere. keep up all the amazing work and i will be sure to see you again if you come back to Orlando, Fl

Love Jessica
Posted by: jesstalcott11
Posted On: 04/15/10 at 10:59:03 AM

WOW, Danny as I sit here reading your blog and everyones comments, I can't help but have tears in my eyes! I lost my brother 16yrs ago to a car accident. He was only 18yrs old.... So full of life and so young. I didn't understand why it had to be my brother??? But at his funeral they were several people that got saved and many that rededicated their lives to the lord. What a blessing in the midst of a tragedy! You are such an amazing person. You are touching so many lives thru this Sophia's Heart and your music.. It is so refreshing to hear you talk about the love of your live, your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and your wife, Sophia. So many times I find myself caught up in this rat race called life, I tend to miss the real blessings it has to offer. I am so moved because of everything you represent and stand for! I knew you were special after hearing your story on AI, but you just keep proving it more and more. Keep up the great work!  I am going to try and see where I would be useful in volunteering and helping with this wonderful foundation. This past Thursday,  April the 1st I got to see you live in Knoxville, TN. Your testimony was awesome especially in the middle of a bar! LOL It did feel like we had church in there. All of the songs are awesome, but  "I Still Believe" is my favorite song on the CD. Thank you for just being you and touching so many lifes!

God Bless You!!!!!
Much Love, Kim

Posted by: GokeyFan4Life
Posted On: 04/07/10 at 12:51:56 AM

 Danny, I am so inspired by your passion for life, for your foundation-everyday your smile makes me smile and want to live my life a little more fully.  I have been so trapped by fear for so long-it has stopped me from living fully.  

I love the love you and Sophia shared, and how it has blossomed into this tremendous foundation.  It is going to help so many people.  What a dream come true.  Sophia is so proud of you-that I truly believe.  I am sure you know it but her love surrounds you everyday.  It isn't a coincidence-all that has unfolded since you audtitioned for Idol.  There are reasons for everything and they are so much bigger than all of us.  God bless you everyday in all you do, and all the joy you are bringing to so many, from your story, your music, the foundation.  Your music and smile are a part of my everyday now!! 

I was fortunate to meet you when you came to Omaha at KAT 103.7.  I was the gal who gave you the check for the foundation and a sappy note!!  I told you then it was the first donation that I hope will be a lifetime of donations to Sophia's Heart Foundation. I am going from this to sign up as a monthly donor and just finished filling out an application to be a volunteer. I don't know what I can do here in Omaha but this foundation is one that deserves as many voices telling the world about it as possible.  We weren't put on this lives to just live our lives for ourselves. 

Thank you for the joy you have brought to this old heart.  I am breaking out of my little box that fear has put me in,  and I am checking back in with passion.  I ask God to show me the ways I can continue to give back to others, cos He sure has blessed me with a great life.  I count having been touched by you, your story, your love, your music, as truly one of those blessings.  Take care, stay safe, and I hope you can feel all the love that so many feel for you.  Love, Kym
Posted by: navymomkym
Posted On: 03/28/10 at 11:53:14 AM

Danny hello,

I first want to start off and say THANK YOU, thank you for opening the door for the people who have the same situation you and loved ones have been thru, please get to me ASAP me and my firm want to donate funds on every new client we sign up here at my office, my little 9 year old daughter has been thru 3 open heart surgeries and ango plastsies (Sorry for the mis spelled words) and we want to find people liek you to talk to and understand things better!

Posted by: WeFixBadCredit
Posted On: 03/26/10 at 01:05:29 PM

Thanks Danny for your encouraging words. You have certainly made me think about some of my choices/decisions for the future ahead. My husband left me just over a year ago, out of the blue. It has been a rough road and has been like a death for me to deal with as I never got to talk to him, he has just disappeared from my life without contact or any explanation - I have found myself going through the motions and questions of why, how etc with God. I thought my husband and I were so in-love and we both loved God - so how could this happen? I don't think I will ever get the answers to the many questions I have but what I do know this situation has brought me much closer to God and have learnt to put more faith and trust in Him as He will never let us down. I know He has a much brighter future ahead of me, I need to keep reminding myself of this pretty much every day. Your testimony of the loss of your beautiful wife and how you have risen above your depression, hurt and pain is an inspiration to me. Your right we need to learn from what we have been through and think beyond ourselves to help others that may be stuck in a similar spot, think of the bigger picture and why God has placed us here on earth and make the most of it.
Your voice is amazing, keep up the top work with your music and with Sophia's Heart but most of all keep your heart strong for God.
God bless you Danny
Cindy Johnston, New Zealand
Ps. You have to come visit NZ sometime, I'm sure you would love it=)

Posted by: Jewel
Posted On: 03/21/10 at 06:24:23 AM

Danny, You have touched my heart so deep. I myself lost my husband durning a everyday surgery. My husband had broke his nose and he died on the table, That was Sept 8th 2001, three days before the world trade center bombing. We had just turned or lives over to the Lord and just had a son on Nov 24,2000 I guess i have felt very cheated. When you came on idol you touched my life so much i felt your pain. Now i want to feel your fire for life. Your new song My Best Days are ahead of me just sets me on fire. My God continue to talk through you and change many adult and childrens life and i would like to Thank you for touching mine...... May God Bless you in all that you do. Pam Thomas  Illiopolis, il
Posted by: dncingflwr
Posted On: 03/16/10 at 12:15:11 PM

Danny, I am so happy for you!! I knew your CD would be successful! God has His hand on you and your future! You bring so much encouragement to so many hurting people! Your light SHINES!! You and your band deserve every ounce of happiness and success!!! You have been such a blessing to my daughter, Melody as she rises from alot of pain. Thanks to God and your ever shining example she is starting to heal and SMILE again! God bless you Danny for who you are and all that you do!! Because of Him, Laura Jay  Waukesha, WI

Posted by: LauraJay
Posted On: 03/15/10 at 05:49:15 PM

danny, i am amazed at your strength and will to keep sophias memory alive , at age 19 i was diagnosed with kidney failure and went on to have a transplant. thank god for the kidney foundation that help me emotionally and financially. It is awesome that you are helping other children who may have difficulties in their lives, this world is truely blessed with people like you who live to help other may sophias heart foundation continue strong,god blees you!!                        carmen schaefer   cd is awesome
Posted by: carmen
Posted On: 03/13/10 at 01:07:33 AM

DANNY,

FRIST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I'M SORRY ABOUT YOUR WIFE, I LOST MY HUSDAND SUDDENLY IN 2007, AND THERE IS NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK OF HIM, HE WAS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. I SAW YOU SING THE SONG MY BEST DAYS, MY HUSBAND'S NAME WAS DANIEL, AND HIS MOM CALLED HIM DANNY. ANYWAY WHEN I SAY YOU SING THAT SONG I WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY AND BOUGHT YOUR CD, THE SONG - I WILL NOT SAY GOODBYE REMINDS ME OF MY HUSBAND. AND I READ THE NOTE ABOUT SOPHIA, SO GLAD I DID BECAUSE , I DO KNOW WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH AND GOING THROUGH. I KNOW THAT MY HUSBAND IS STILL WITH ME, AND HELPS ME, AND IS STILL WATCHING OVER ME. I KNOW GOD IS TOO. SO THANK YOU FOR WRITTING THAT , AND FOR THE WORDS OF STRENTH THAT I FELT FROM THAT.  I LOVE THE WHOLE CD. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND SOME DAY WE BOTH WILL BE WITH OUR LOVED ONE AGAIN.
Posted by: JACKIE2340
Posted On: 03/09/10 at 10:55:51 PM

Danny,
My Mother and I came to see you in Milwaukee this last weekend, your such an inspiration to all expressing your feelings in music and with Sophias Heart. I would like to help out as much as I can to support Sophias Heart. I lost a friend to cancer and he was only 12. I hope that I can do a fundraiser at my college. I hope this will direct me to help out. Keep up the good work, God Bless you, Amanda Rouse

Posted by: ARouse
Posted On: 03/08/10 at 10:26:57 PM

DANNY,

YOUR CD IS WONDERFUL!  THERE IS A SONG ON YOUR CD CALLED "I WILL NOT SAY GOODBYE"  IT REMINDS ME OF MY SON THAT I LOST IN 2006. HE HAD JUST TURNED 10YRS OLD.  HE WAS MY OLDEST CHILD OUT OF 4 KIDS.  I LOST HIM TO LUEKEMIA. IT HAS REALLY DRAINED ME. I STILL GO TO WORK AND I HAVE TO STILL RAISE MY OTHER 3 KIDS.  YOUR SONG MAKES ME CRY BUT IT ALSO GIVES ME STRENGTH TO GO ON. I HAVE GAVE MY PAIN TO GOD AND HE KNOWS MY PAIN. BUT IT STILL HURTS AND IT WILL ALWAYS HURT.  I  WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!!!! ALSO YOUR CD IS OMG!!!!!               SINCERELY,

MALISSIA SMITH

Posted by: masmith269
Posted On: 03/08/10 at 07:09:01 PM

Every word you have spoke, written and sang are so true.  You are doin g a great job!  God bless you in everything that comes your way.  Keep your head held high and stay strong!


Posted by: onjames
Posted On: 03/07/10 at 07:20:06 PM

Just wanted to let you know that when you were on Idol on Thursday, you seemed to be so excited and full of love and energy - it was infectious !

 You are a great example to the 20 somthings, and an inspiration to us 50 somethings!  Your 5 steps are grounded in faith, and you are wise beyond your years.  I thank God that you showed up on our television screen last year.  We need more people like you in our world today!
Posted by: mariebay
Posted On: 03/07/10 at 10:25:53 AM

Danny,
Loved you immediately on Idol. Being very spiritual myself, was interested in you life's voyage. I was diagnosed in 2008 with an enlarged heart, and may need a heart transplant one day, each day for me is a gift from God, but still have ups and downs. When I read you are involved in Church music, I became more of a fan from the heart. Praise and Worship music and prayer gets me through my rough time. Joined this site to see what I can do for Sophia's Heart. Thank you,  I think I just found a new purpose for me. Your new song REALLY touched my heart. I had tears in my eyes hearing the story you told on Idol in reference to the writer of the song. I guess God really does have a journey for each of us. Will be looking for you dancing on Ellen, as I am a faithful follower of hers also.  My best days are ahead of me thanks to you. God Bless   Cara

Posted by: sydneysgrandmother
Posted On: 03/06/10 at 07:40:33 PM

Dear Danny, I just wanted to let you know that you give me hope. I lost my husband suddenly  last August  '09 and  I have to say, the past 6 months I have been struggling to breathe. We have been together since I was just 15 years old and after 3 children, 2 new grandbabies, we were just to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary just 2 weeks before he was killed. Since then My life has been turned upside down to say the least. My heart is broken and I miss my best friend. I struggle each day but keep going for my children. They are what keeps me alive. I know my husband would want me to fulfill my  long dream of starting my own business. Although I've had several back surgeries and pain, I still kept hope I could one day do fulfill these dreams. He always would say "Promise me you will keep trying to make it happen". Although it is too painful now, I pray that some day soon I can move forward and go for my dream in his honor, just as you have!
You are an amazing singer and your music has touched me a Great deal! Just knowing that you write these songs because you truly FEEL this in your heart having gone thru this terrible loss, makes it that much more beautiful to me and makes it that much more meaningful and Real!
God bless you sweetie in all your endeavors! You know that Sophia is looking down very proud of you and what you have accomplished! I hope for that same feelilng for me one day as I feel Richard  looking down on me.
Much luck, Pamela
Posted by: MissmyMarine25
Posted On: 03/06/10 at 11:33:23 AM

Danny, I just want to say that you were my favorite on AI and I think that what you are doing in your wifes memory is one of the most fantastic things a person could do.  Your angel, Sophia, watches over you and is so very proud of you!!!  It's going to be amazing, all the lives you are going to touch and change for the better. I am a mother of 5 and times are tough, but you are so right, it's the choices that we make.  God Bless you Danny!!!!   
Posted by: kbowman4095
Posted On: 03/06/10 at 12:06:20 AM

My husband, Rick, and I are missionaries in Guam.  Rick has now become a chaplain in the Guam National Guard at the age of 55.  :)   Danny, I just want to tell you - we are both very proud of you for standing strong as a Christian and upholding the testimony of Jesus Christ.  You are a blessing!  I'm sure your lovely wife is also very proud of you for all you are doing.  If you ever come to Guam, you can stay with us, and we'll show you all over our little island!  God bless!

Posted by: rkyobo
Posted On: 03/06/10 at 12:01:04 AM

 That was the exact preaching of Pastor Matthew last Sunday!!!Dream it, believe it and move forward...ask him for a copy.



Posted by: mariadcla
Posted On: 03/01/10 at 09:57:19 PM

Amazing blog Danny. You have such an amazing way with words!! You can just sense your heart flowing out of your words!!!
Im so proud of how far you have come.

Withlove,
Becky!
Posted by: bwarner7
Posted On: 03/01/10 at 09:41:51 PM

Wonderful blog, Danny. Very inspiring and uplifting. I can feel your excitement in your words of the future that lies ahead for you because of your ability to choose to move forward.

Love you and I'm so proud of you.

Lori


Posted by: lacastilleja
Posted On: 03/01/10 at 09:34:58 PM

Sometimes it is hard to let go of the past, but if we can ever just learn the concept you have put forth in this letter, we can realize a better and more enjoyable life.  We can start out by choosing to acknowledge God in everything we day when we first wake up in the mornings.  We can choose to be the victor and not the victim.  We can choose to be joyful and not down in the mully grubs.  The Bible says choose you this day whom you will serve and there is complete joy in serving the Lord.  In Revelations 1:6 the Bible says he has appointed us Kings and Priest unto God.  How much more exciting can that be????  We are Kings....We are Priest...unto God!!!  This is a great day to be alive!!  Thanks for sharing Danny and I am excited about your new album.  I personally will be buying it!!  I was "devastated" when you didn't win American Idol but God reminded me that "all things work together for good for those who are called of the Lord."  I know God has great things in store for you and I am so happy you are sharing it with us!!!  Keep on Keeping On!!
Posted by: srhargraves
Posted On: 03/01/10 at 09:05:21 PM


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