| HEY FRIEND! I’m currently curled up in my bedroom—just me, my laptop, and a bag of Twizzlers that mysteriously disappeared while I was deep in thought. Seriously, how are those little braided sugar strings so easy to eat? Anyway, I was thinking about how fast life moves and how easy it is to forget to pause. So, while the world outside spins fast, I wanted to slow down with you for a second and catch up on what’s been going on. I figured, what better place to start than at the top of 2025—and well, to be honest, it’s been a mix of sweet moments, growing pains, lonely airplane rides, answered prayers, and “God, it’s me again” kind of days. Living in San Antonio, Texas with my family—my amazing, supportive parents, two younger brothers who constantly keep life interesting, and four pets who think they run the house—has been both life-giving and grounding in the best way. Something my dad told me once has really stuck with me: “Bear, when you sell out Madison Square Garden one day, you’re still going to come home and do the dishes.” As long as I get to live under the same roof as my family, I’ll be forever grateful for the way they keep my feet on the ground. At the beginning of the year, I was wrapping up my EP Twenty Something and starting to play live shows. It was both exciting and terrifying—like handing over pages from your diary and saying, “Here, read this… out loud… with lights and speakers.” But at the same time, it felt as if God was saying, “It’s time to step into the honesty and hope I’ve always created you to carry.” Fast forward to today—I’m emotionally and physically gearing up for a summer packed with festivals and shows (I CAN’T WAIT!)… and finishing my first full-length album.    I don’t know about you, but I love bullet points. So instead of writing a whole novel, here’s a quick little life update—bullet-point style, of course: • Filmed the music video for my song “Scared” that included some acting (which I love to do) and riding a bike for the first time in years. • Opened for Josiah Queen at Liberty University. Over 6,000 students screaming, “You’re not SCARED! So I’m not SCARED!” Goosebumps. Thank You Jesus. • My brother and I made a charcuterie board and watched the Texas sunset from the truck bed. These are the moments I love to take in. • After doing a few more shows, I quickly realized I need to get better at my breathing techniques (because if you’ve been to one of my shows, you know we love to dance and jump and run around the stage), so I’m currently trying to get my body in shape for the hot and sweaty festivals coming up. • I flew to Nashville and wrote a handful more songs with friends I adore. Letting go of control and perfection has made room for God to do what only He can–Give me melodies and lyrics I didn’t even know my heart was carrying. • I’ve grown my appreciation for naps and drinking a ton of water. If you haven’t tried the Electrolyte and Immunity Support LiquidIV packets in Tangerine flavor, you should. • Opened for Forrest Frank at Baylor University. It was a sold out show. It felt like it was a dream. My favorite part was getting to meet y’all afterwards and exchange friendship bracelets!!! • One of my favorite lines from an artist I deeply admire, Benjamin William Hastings, says this:“So what is it about airplanes that feels so emotional? I’m sitting in a chair that’s too small and a heart that can’t hold it all.”Lately, I’ve spent a lot of early mornings and late nights staring out airplane windows (I’m a window-seat girl through and through). And in those quiet moments, I’ve discovered a few things:I love ginger ale and cranberry juice.I miss my grandma more than words could ever say. • Performed in Canada for the first time—a sold-out camp packed with high school and college students. I swore my hair was blown back from how loud they were singing. Mid-set, I somehow managed to chip my front tooth during “Point of View”. So if you ever catch me whistling uncontrollably through my teeth while singing, now you know why. • Currently in the thick of writing my debut album (!!!). It’s shaping up like a patchwork quilt of stories, purpose, identity, and lots of joy. Okay friend, if you’ve made it this far, I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for streaming my music and supporting this ministry. I feel a tug on my heart that I’m supposed to remind you that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. God has uniquely put a calling on your life, and its beautiful. I know what it feels like to believe that you’re all alone (hence my latest song, “Thank God I’m Not Alone”), but Jesus has your hand in His, and he’ll guide you through every step. All we have to do is say yes, follow His light, and watch as He does the rest. Talk soon, I love you, now go shine, Claire Listen to my mental health playlist here!     |