Fully rely on God - The ballad of cotton

This is Brett, our Nurse Practitioner He’s among the best, everyone says so. Do not be fooled by his rough appearance His balding cratered head and dodgy toe He'd like to know a little bit about you Do you own a boat and fish for coral trout? Hang around and Brett will make you better On the understanding you will take him out

In the spotlight, I stand alone, Fake smiles hide the pain inside. The applause is loud, but it’s hollow, Lost in a sea of endless lies. Yet here I am, the world’s desire, Chasing a dream I never chose. They see the surface, not the fire, Burning deep beneath the show.

[Verse] Saw you standin' on my front porch, With that look I can't ignore, Memories rushin' back in force, Like the waves upon the shore. [Verse 2] You say you've changed, you're not the same, Left behind the wild and free, Gone's the man who brought me pain, Now there's hope where hurt used to be. [Chorus] So hold my hand and let's begin, A brand new page, we'll write again, Love that heals, no more pretend, Let's find the joy that never ends. [Verse 3] Late night talks under the stars, Sharing dreams and battle scars, Once was lost, but here we are, Findin' love in who we are. [Verse 4] No more runnin', no more games, Weathered storms, we've learned to tame, You've come back to stake your claim, In my heart, you'll find your name. [Bridge] Promises of days to come, Two old souls findin' home, Lettin' go of what we've done, Turnin' shadows into sun.

Verse 1: The snow falls gently through the night, Outside it's cold, but inside there's light. The fire’s glowing, the laughter’s warm, Family gathered, a love reborn. Chorus: Raise a glass of Christmas cheer, Wine and laughter, love is here. In the glow of candlelight, Hearts are warm this holy night. Verse 2: The table’s set, a feast so fine, With every smile, the stars align. Stories shared and dreams retold, The joy of Christmas never grows old. Chorus: Raise a glass of Christmas cheer, Wine and laughter, love is here. In the glow of candlelight, Hearts are warm this holy night. Bridge: Snowflakes whisper a song so sweet, Echoed in the sound of hearts that meet. Outside’s a winter wonderland, But love holds stronger hand in hand. Final Chorus: Raise a glass of Christmas cheer, Wine and laughter, love sincere. In the glow of family’s light, Christmas shines so pure and bright. Outro: Cold outside, but warm within, A merry Christmas, let love begin.

(Soft haunting slow Piano opening) [Verse 1] My eyes drift on your gleaming light, My darkness falls where your light shines. I wanna be happy, I wanna have fun. I wanna be your love Could you show me how it’s done? You look so pretty… pretty like the sun. I could watch forever, While you shine on everyone [Chorus] Your breathless love pulls me out of, Of my own mind. Out of my head, the darkness I create, In your own light. Oh, I’m breaking at the seams, While you’re dancing in my dreams. [Verse 2] Your all in my head, Your all in my mind I wanna be perfect like all you are. You look so pretty... pretty like the wind, Every time you touch me I feel your warmest love, but it never seems to last. Baby you take my breath, Every word I say feels so thin. [Chorus] Baby, I can’t breathe, When you’re standing next to me. You look so pretty... pretty like the leaves, Changing everyday, Leaving me behind in your ever-changing light. Baby, I can’t breathe, No, I can’t breathe. Your voice is like a dream, I’m afraid to dream along, Every word you speak feels like I don’t belong. You’re the calm I’ll never be, Oh my storm I can’t escape, I’m just a boy who loves you. [Bridge] Oh baby you're the perfect I’ll never be, Every move you make shines upon my eyes. It’s the weight of every moment, That I never could say. And I’m tired of chasing, I wanna be your light. I wanna be your love. I want to be perfect, But your beauty makes me hide. [Chorus] Baby, I can’t breathe, When you’re standing next to me. Oh, I’m breaking at the seams, While you’re dancing in my dreams. Baby, I can’t breathe, No, I can’t breathe. When I’m sinking in the shadows of everything you are, You’re the brightest light I’ve seen, my eyes forever gaze upon your light. [Outro] Oh baby, your light so pretty, Shining through the black cloud around me. I chase your light, Ever more until the end of our time. (Soft and haunting piano and violin ending)

"Frog in My Pocket" (A Song About Sobriety and Faith) Verse 1: Two years sober, I was lost in my mind, Searching for answers I struggled to find. In a room in West Virginia, an old man sat, He smiled and said, "Son, I'll tell you 'bout that." He said, "Keep a frog in your pocket, and you'll find your way, Fully rely on God every single day. It’s a little reminder when the road gets rough, With faith in your heart, you’ll always have enough." Chorus: Oh, a frog in my pocket, a prayer in my soul, Through the darkest of nights, it’s made me whole. Five years later, I owe him my fight, To Cotton and his wisdom, my guiding light. Verse 2: I came back to that meeting, my heart to share, But the chair where he sat was empty there. They said Cotton had passed just a week before, And I wished I could thank him once more. So I bowed my head and whispered his name, "Your frog saved my life, through struggle and pain. Though you’re gone, your words carry on, In every sober morning, every new dawn." Chorus: Oh, a frog in my pocket, a prayer in my soul, Through the darkest of nights, it’s made me whole. Seven years later, I owe him my fight, To Cotton and his wisdom, my guiding light. Bridge: Now I tell the story in rooms far and wide, About a man named Cotton and the frog by my side. It’s a simple truth, but it runs so deep, A promise to hold, a treasure to keep. Chorus: Oh, a frog in my pocket, a prayer in my soul, Through the darkest of nights, it’s made me whole. five years later, I owe him my fight, To Cotton and his wisdom, my guiding light. Outro: So I keep a frog in my pocket, his words in my heart, Fully rely on God—that’s where it starts. Thank you, Cotton, for the life you’ve shown, Your legacy lives, in every seed you’ve sown.

Verse 1) I've been carrying my weight, but I know it’s not alone, 'Cause when you fall apart, you don’t have to do it on your own. I see the cracks behind your smile, the shadows in your eyes, And I’d give you all my strength, if it would help you fly. (Pre-chorus) So I’ll stand up, I’ll hold you up, Even when the world’s too much, I’ll be the light when you’re in the dark, I’ll carry your heart. (Chorus) When you’re feeling low, you’re not on your own, I’ll be right here, always near, I’ll be your rock, your safe place to go, Just let me know, I’ll carry your heart. (Verse 2) I won’t pretend it’s easy, when the road gets rough, But I know that we’ll make it, no matter how tough. When you need a shoulder, I’ll be the one you lean, Together we’re stronger, more than we’ve ever seen. (Pre-chorus) So I’ll stand up, I’ll hold you up, Even when the world’s too much, I’ll be the light when you’re in the dark, I’ll carry your heart (Chorus) When you’re feeling low, you’re not on your own, I’ll be right here, always near, I’ll be your rock, your safe place to go, Just let me know, I’ll carry your heart (Rap Verse) Yeah, I know the pain you're feelin', it's real, But we’re a team, we got the strength to heal. When the world’s heavy, and you're outta fight, I’ll be the one to help you see the light. You ain’t gotta carry this weight on your own, I’m right here with you, you’re never alone. So when you’re down, and you need to rise, I’ll be the fire that lights up the skies. (Post-Rap Verse) I’ll lift you up when you're feelin' low, Together we’ll find a way to grow. So when the storm is rollin’ in, I’ll be your peace, I’ll help you win. (Pre-Chorus) So I’ll stand up, I’ll hold you up, Even when the world’s too much, I’ll be the light when you’re in the dark, I’ll carry your heart. (Chorus) When you’re feeling low, you’re not on your own, I’ll be right here, always near, I’ll be your rock, your safe place to go, Just let me know, I’ll carry your heart. (Outro) I’ll carry you~

[Verse] Bob's got a smile that'll light up the room, Got a way with words, makes the ladies swoon, Spent his nights at the local dive, Sippin' on Bud Light, feelin' alive. [Verse 2] Every Friday night, he's got a date, With a girl who's starin' and stayin' up late, Sarah, Jenny, Lucy and Claire, They all love Bob, they ain't goin' nowhere. [Chorus] Bob's a ladies' man, drink in his hand, Bud Light and whiskey, he's got it all planned, Every gal in town wants a piece of his heart, But Bob’s too wild, can’t tie him down from the start. [Verse 3] They whisper his name in the neon light, Bob's always ready for a fun-filled night, He knows how to dance, knows how to charm, With a shot of whiskey tucked under his arm. [Verse 4] They talk about him down at the store, Every girl keeps comin' back for more, Bob ain't lonesome, never alone, He's got a pick-up truck and a way with the phone. [Bridge] Some say he's a heartbreaker, through and through, But every girl smiles when he says “I love you”, Ain't no promises made, just livin' free, Bob's love is a game, and he's winning, you'll see.

[Verse] Travis broke down like a child last night, Lost his way, couldn't find the light. Sat on the porch, tears in his eyes, Callin' for help under moonlit skies. [Verse] Bryan came runnin' down the gravel road, Knew he had to carry that heavy load. Travis needed a shoulder to lean, Bryan was there, keepin' hearts serene. [Chorus] Justin and Bob gave their silent strength, Cheering him up, going that extra length. Friends like family, they know the way, Standing by Travis, come what may. [Verse] Bryan told tales of times gone by, Wiping the tears, chasing blues to the sky. Said, "You're stronger than you think you are, We'll ride this storm, no matter how far." [Chorus] Justin and Bob gave their silent strength, Cheering him up, going that extra length. Friends like family, they know the way, Standing by Travis, come what may. [Bridge] Together they faced the darkest of nights, Turned Travis' cries into morning lights. With love and care, they showed him how, That in the end, we all come around.

(Verse 1) I didn’t mean to make you sad, Didn’t think I’d hurt you bad, Now I see the tears I’ve caused, And I wish I could hit pause. You’re my lil bro, my ride or die, Through the laughs and every cry, I messed up, I’ll make it right, Starting here with this tonight. (Chorus) I’m sorry, little bro, for the things I didn’t know, For the times I let you down, or I didn’t let it show. You mean the world to me, and I hope that you can see, I’m trying to be better—won’t you forgive me? (Verse 2) You’ve got a heart that’s pure as gold, A story waiting to unfold. You always have my back, it’s true, Now it’s my turn to stand by you. No more fights, no more pain, I’ll be the sunshine in your rain. We’re a team, just you and me, Brothers bound by destiny. (Chorus) I’m sorry, little bro, for the things I didn’t know, For the times I let you down, or I didn’t let it show. You mean the world to me, and I hope that you can see, I’m trying to be better—won’t you forgive me? (Bridge) If I could rewind the time, Erase the hurt, make it fine, I’d go back and fix it all, But here I stand, and I’ll take the fall. (Outro) So here’s my promise, lil bro, today, I’ll love you more in every way. Let’s build new memories, let’s make it strong, Together forever—our bond’s lifelong. (Final Chorus) I’m sorry, little bro, for the things I didn’t know, For the times I let you down, or I didn’t let it show. You mean the world to me, and I hope that you can see, I’m trying to be better—thank you for forgiving me.

Verse 1 Picked my scabs just to feel something I could control, Took the mirror off the wall—couldn’t handle the loophole. I stitched my name into stories that weren’t even mine, Cuz who am I if I’m not the punchline every time? Pre-Chorus Do you hear it too? That constant hum of blame, A whisper I can’t drown, calling me by name. Chorus I break my own heart, just to keep it beating, Rewrite my scars into verses worth repeating. The pieces of me, scattered like constellations, But the lines don’t connect—just loose foundations. I try to outrun the ghosts in my veins, But their laughter echoes louder than the pain. If healing’s a game, I’ve been set up to lose, Guess that’s why I always rue. Verse 2 Put my fears in a jar and called it “decor,” But they seeped through the glass, spread across the floor. Every smile I wear feels a little too tight, Like I’m shrinking in a costume under fluorescent light. Pre-Chorus Do you see it too? The cracks they don’t disguise, A house built of silence, with fire in its eyes. Chorus I break my own heart, just to keep it beating, Rewrite my scars into verses worth repeating. The pieces of me, scattered like constellations, But the lines don’t connect—just loose foundations. I try to outrun the ghosts in my veins, But their laughter echoes louder than the pain. If healing’s a game, I’ve been set up to lose, Guess that’s why I always rue. Bridge I tried on new names like secondhand clothes, But none of them fit, just shadows I’ve outgrown. If I’m a work in progress, where’s the end? Or am I destined to revise what I can’t comprehend? Outro So here I stand, a mosaic of mistakes, Every piece fragile, every edge still aches. And in the quiet, where the truth cuts through, It’s no wonder why I always rue.

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since we started this journey together. Looking back on this year alone, I can’t help but be so thankful for you and all we’ve experienced together. You’ve been my favorite person to spend time with. There have been so many more moments that I’ll treasure forever this year. The concerts we’ve attended will always stand out in my mind—not because of the music; it was one of those nights when I was genuinely happy, just being there with you. Another favorite memory that stands out is the lookout we went to after the melting pot, a random night you just did something for me because you wanted to. Then that one day on the lake, wake surfing on a boat that is just not made for it, but we made it work. Those are the types of memories that keep reminding me how lucky I am to have someone like this in my life who brings so much fun and happiness into my life. You are one of the things I love the most in this life, so for you to make time for me, even with everything you have going on, it doesn't go unnoticed. When you came to Houston to see me for just a day, it meant so much. It showed me how dedicated you are to us when it isn’t easy. Long distance has certainly been hard, but it’s also taught me so much about what it means to truly love someone. Whenever I see you, it’s like all the time apart and waiting also disappears, and I really remember why it’s worth being around you. You’ve changed so much as a person since we first started dating, and I’ve loved watching that unfold. Whether we’re golfing, discovering new places, going to the cabin, or simply just hanging out together in one of our basements, you have this magical ability to make everything feel comfortable and fun. You’ve forced me out of my comfort zone as well in the best way possible, and I’m so thankful for all the adventures we have taken together. But more important than where we’ve been or what we’ve done, it’s how you make me feel that matters above everything. My heart is full with you. I can be my complete self—no walls, no filters—and you love me for exactly that. That’s a beautiful and rare thing, and I don’t take it for granted. Thank you for being patient with me as I figured out how to do life, especially the long-distance part. Thank you for always making me laugh, for being there for me when I need you, and for loving me. I very much look forward to what’s next for us, because I know that with you it will be amazing. I love you and always will. Kennedy