I Dream Of Cauliflowers

Yay!  This is my first song written in 2012!  Well, to be completely honest I wrote it over Christmas (2011), but didn't get to recording/releasing it until 2012.  But, I'm still excited about this one.  It is the first of (I hope) many that follow the theme I've chosen for this year's songwriting and inspiration:

The hope of heaven.

For a while I have been realizing that without hope, especially the hope of salvation, the hope of life after death, the hope of eternal bliss, then we are apt to drift along the waves of apathy, lethargy, superficial-ness - plain, outright hopelessness.  Once this life is over, it's over, right?  Wrong!  For the believer, the follower of Christ, once this life on planet earth is over, our real life is just beginning.

With these thoughts in mind I wrote I Dream Of Cauliflowers.

sometimes i'm afraid
i dream of cauliflowers
instead of fantasies
of rose beds climbing towers

sometimes we focus on good instead of best; 

why be content with this world when heaven awaits us?

sometimes i visualize
swimming pools and four foot water
instead of reveries
of palm trees and ocean's laughter

again, why settle for an imitation when the real thing is available to us through Christ?

revelation comes
chase the vision in my eye

at some point we are going to wake up to what's around us
i'm in a darkened room
waiting for the Son to come for me

and realize that we are not home, and we long and wait for the Son, Jesus, to come back for us

what's the hope in hoping for hopelessness
when dewdrops replace our tears

why get comfortable in a world where sorrow and pain is so prevalent

 the bible says that in heaven every tear will be wiped away
what's the point of dreaming in the wilderness
when perfect love cast out fears

the wilderness is a place of desolation, emptiness

heaven is where God reigns, and God is Love

sometimes i'm looking for
white thread to wear on my finger
instead of wishing deep
diamonds wrapped around a ring

we would never imagine wearing thread on our wedding day to symbolize our eternal union

the real thing, the dazzling diamond is the rock of choice

so should it be with our dreams of being united with Christ in glory

only the best should be worn - purity

sometimes i think i see
fireflies dance among the daisies
that's when i realize
i belong high above blue skies

it never ceases to amaze me that nature itself can be our greatest inspiration

and window to seeing past the fading glory of this world

and longing for the hope of home above the clouds

this is what we were created for

Bond Of Love

My sister gave me a new piece of music recently and asked me to write lyrics to it.  She said she wanted it to be about love.  So I spent a couple hours shut up in my bedroom, in complete silence, writing some beautiful romance lyrics.  I brought them back to her and she replied by saying they were nice, but not what she had in mind.  She was thinking more along the lines of love shared between family members - parent/child, sibling to sibling...  So, I went back to my bedroom, shut myself up for another couple hours, and wrote the below lyrics.  It has since become one of my favorite songs I've written.  Strong, beautiful family relationships are important to me.  I spent a couple years of my life destroying those relationships and basically made a mess.  I now am committed to restoring those family bonds, and am dedicated to loving each member of my family, because they are blessed gifts from God.  When God places you in a family, He knows what He's doing.  His design and plan is always best.  Family members do sometimes part ways as He directs, but never let it be said of me (or you) that we parted on bad terms.  No.  Keep the bond of love strong in your family.  Fight for it.  It's precious.

cold, is the way, they say, our lives shuffle on
stuck, in a world away, walking on our own
modern society tells us that we should be on our own, living our own life as we see fit, without any help

dark is the day, a twilight dawn
this causes us to feel empty and alone
and then i remember we're doing this together
we were meant to walk together, holding hands as brothers and sisters


so take this song as my amity, i'm fighting for a bond of love
i need you here and you need me, i'm fighting for a bond of love
let this song become a letter of friendship, as I fight for the bond of love to remain strong and intact
we need each other


if love is so kind then why can't we be friends
one of the attributes of Love is kindness
let's take this simple sponge and wash away the sins
let's forgive the hurts we have caused each other
for time is too quick, it moves too fast
we only have so many days on this earth
so then, let's remember we're doing this together
let's walk together


so take this song as my amity, i'm fighting for a bond of love
i need you and you need me, i'm fighting for a bond of love
let this song become a letter of friendship, as I fight for the bond of love to remain strong and intact
we need each other
our path is crossed by destiny, i'm fighting for a bond of love
no words erase this unity, i'm fighting for a bond of love
we are part of each others' lives, and nothing anyone can say will change that. Let's fight to keep the bond strong.


one by one, our hands, our hearts
are locked by love, in unity
let's lift up and light up the sky with a cry, how we need each other
we need to take a stand for family, for love, for unity, and let the world know that it can be good
one by one, our soul, our life
it burns with love, like candlelight
we'll link arms and hold tight the world will look on
as we sing forever
our hearts, our souls should be in tune with each other. Let's shine bright for God's perfect family design

Make This Road Roll

This song was written for the credits of the family comedy movie, Dad The Hero On Vacation.  For more information, visit

www.dadthehero.com

Together

This song is from the EP by Candle & Amity, Bond Of Love.  I came into the studio one morning with a cup of Bengal spice tea.  My sister, Amity, was working away on a new melody.  I loved the feel of it, and right away decided to use Bengal spice in the lyrics.  I don't know why those words hit me, but they did.  The lyrics came easy, with sentimental tears, as I put all my warm memories of living with my three sisters in the same bedroom down on paper.  I wrote the following blog post to explain further each line of the lyrics for Together.

Autumn.  It's always been my favorite.  A short description of this season would make even the ardent summer-lover helplessly fall for the brilliant maples clothed in canary yellow, the fiery sassafras, the smell of wetness, the haunted cry of the blackbird, the turkey in the oven making the whole house smell like a holiday...

Autumn.  It's probably the most dramatic season.  Our eyes have been accustomed to the pleasant comfort-color green.  Our bodies have changed colors under the sun's power.  Our lawn chairs, porch swings, and blankets have found us seeking the coolness of shade.  Our pools are blue.  Our rivers are green.  Our boats and floats are at our beckoned call.  Every weekend is dedicated to bliss.  But when the rain comes, and the temperature drops a few degrees, we bury our chilled noses inside jackets, our eyes trained on those once green leaves, as they began to manifest brilliance.  In a matter of days, everything changes.

Autumn.  It's nature changing her summer frock for a party gown.  Change.  And preparation.

People change, too, just like the seasons.  Sometimes it's as a dramatic change as Autumn.  And sometimes we aren't expecting such a change.  Sometimes it's disappointing.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes it's wonderful.  But all times it's different.  

My house has watched change happen, almost in sync with the seasons.  Thankfully I can say it's been a good change.  But it has most certainly been different.  I find it interesting to watch others', and my own, reaction to this change.  I'm sure there are families close in many homes, in many parts of this vast world, but I can't imagine any home holding four sisters as close and loving as mine.  I reserve the right to be bias.

Watching your sister walk down a church aisle, dressed in the purest of white, flowers in her hand, veil soft-focusing her face, is a beautiful thing.  Hearing her promise to make a home of love and respect to a man by whom she is cherished is a beautiful thing.  Waving as she drives from your sight into a distant horizon that you cannot fully share is a....change.

Three occupy the double bunks where four once slept and giggled and shared secrets.  Three watch black-and-white romance movies where four once vied for the handsome, dashing hero.  Three sit in the studio, creating melodies, where four once had a perfect and balanced harmony.  Three have sat quietly together, diamond tears falling as they remember when four once sat together, tears falling from an overdose of merriment.

In the midst of all this change, which according to Ecclesiastes, is a part of life and living, I find great comfort in the fact that the Lord says, "I the Lord do not change." Mal. 3:6  When all the change around us begins to suffocate, or rob of us joy, because everything is so different, nothing the same anymore, we can delight in these words.  God's love, His faithfulness, His grace and mercy, His patience - all is as steady as the clock on the mantle, as complete as the earth's rotation, as dependable as the dawn.

In such times of change, whether they be good or bad, Christ is a constant lover, reaching out to us, holding us, being our all in all.

Inside the studio walls recently, the (now) sister-threesome produced a beautiful song dedicated to the love, the life, and the longings of a sisterhood that no change of time nor season can ever separate.  Allow me to give you a bit of detail and description of the lyrics of our new song Together. 

Count the tales we've read on every chocolate wall
Bookshelves of our favorite classics, poets and fictions are lined against the chocolate-colored walls of our bedroom
Count the candles burning while the petals fall
On those shelves are many candles that we burn in the evenings while reading; flowers in vases grace our window sills
See all the years and tears that made us grow
Look at the treasures that we now hold

Count every hero that made us dream
We have watched too many movies with too many handsome heroes to count; each girl having a crush on a different personality
Count the winters falling like a pure love scene 
As children some of our best play-times were when the trees and grounds were covered in fairytale white snow
See all the years and tears that made us grow
Look at the treasures that we now hold

Hearts like ours don't come in recipes
Each sister has their own style in the cooking kitchen - each different, each full of flavor
Together
Lives shared in all the simple memories
Together
It's worth the time, the energy
A simple reminder that relationships take both to flourish

Count the sands run down the face of mountain tops
In all our many travels, we have enjoyed each moment being together, sharing stories from each adventure
Count the spices growing beside lollipops
Each sister has added either the sugar or the spice to our family's life; combined they are delicious
See all the years and tears that made us grow
Look at the treasures that we now hold

Count every measure of melody
For all the songs we have sung together; all the music we have played
Count every evening of Bengal tea
With hot drinks, whether coffee or tea, each girl has her own special taste, usually exotic
See all the years and tears that made us grow
Look at the treasures that we now hold

Seagull's Flight

This was written after a late night jam session with my sister.  We came up with the melody, and then I stayed up late into the night writing lyrics.  I wanted the song to feel like you were reading a poem, only set to music.  And I wanted to write about beautiful things.  And what is more beautiful than the nature that our God has created?

the sun sets behind these evergreens
the last shade of amber color leaves
melting away

bringing the silent stillness of night
gentle wings of the dove give flight
making the shadows brave

they dance in slow circles under falling stars
lifting strong wooden leafy arms

whispers ride on the eastern winds
directing the owl's flight again

water rushing far out to the sea
the splash of salt water kissing on me
cooling the day

sparkles of sunlight drift thru the palms
dropping me gently into sandy arms
where I safely lay

white capped fellows from a distance wave
smiling at my companion shade

a gusty roar greets the ocean wind
directing the seagull's flight again

Reality

My sister came to me with a new melody and asked if I could write lyrics to it, based on the scripture that says, "These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." Col. 2:17.  I loved both the tune and the scripture, so I said yes.  This is what we came up with.  It's a powerful reminder that life is really no life at all without Christ, who truly is our reality.

all that's real
is not real
compared to real like You

oh reality
let me fly to Thee
You have caught my heart
and set me free
(and this is real)
(x2 You are real)

all i lose
unless i lose
all myself in You

All are shadows about me
But life (reality) is found in Christ

Sea Of Faces

When I was around ten (or a little younger), my family and I went on a mini vacation to Dale Hollow Lake.  We took our pontoon boat and our camping gear.  We settled on an island in the middle of the lake for a couple nights.  One evening the family sat on the shore by the calm water watching the sun set.  The sky was a rainbow of orange, yellow and purple.  One of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.  Getting a little restless, I began walking along the shore away from the rest of the family.  I soon rounded the bend and came to the back side of the island.  The tall pines shaded the shore and water from the glorious sunset in the west.  Instead, on this side, the moon had risen and was reflecting its pale beams on the ripples speeding toward the rocky shoreline.  As I watched the moonbeams dance along the waves, the world around me suddenly became very quiet and still.  The moonbeams turned in the people running aimlessly in the dark water.  They were lost.  Afraid.  A soft voice whispered in my ear, "You will be My light to a lost and dark world."  The vision faded.  The night noises were once again loud.  The waves continued to wash near my toes, the moonlight reflecting on them.  Tears streamed down my cheeks, but I couldn't remember beginning to cry.  I ran back to my parents and told them what had happened.

Years later, I had another similar experience.  I treasure these experiences, because it reminds me that God has put me here for a reason.  He has a plan for my life and He shall accomplish it. 

I wrote this song based on that first lake experience.  Sometimes we need to look at our world through different lenses.  We need to be aware of the fear, the lost, the darkness, so that we can bring love, hope and light to them.  If we do not share with them the hope and love of Christ, they will remain frightened moonbeams on the waves, dried sea shells forgotten on a beach, empty clouds forever gray.  Let's shine His light for them to see.

I see a full sea of faces
Swimming in so many places
An ocean of dry waters wave
I see a full sea of faces  x2

A broken bit of shoreline of different color shells
Bleached and dried by the sun
If the heart inside could only speak of the tales
Of when the dying first begun

A salty breath of sighs spray inland on the wind
Washing the sand on the shore
If tears shed in silence could speak in tongues of men
The rains from empty clouds would pour

The rains would pour
The hearts would speak
The shells would live
The sands would dance again

Hope is the moon in the dark night sky
Change reflects on each wave
Faith soars on wings that fly ever high
Freedom is had and is saved

Sweet Home

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  No matter how much I wanted to run from the hurt, the pain, the bitterness, I could not have been successful by running away from family.  You know the saying, "Blood is thicker than water."  When you come to the end of your life, it's your family who is there.  Friends come and go, but you always have family.  Family is like glue.  We're stuck no matter how hard we try to break free.  God designed family to be the strongest relationship on earth.  It's no wonder the devil's main focus is to separate and destroy families.  There are few institutions on this earth more powerful than family.  I have watched, sadly, as children turn their back on their families to experience the world.  They blunder around for a few years, and then drag back home, beaten, bruised, ashamed. 

I wanted to run away - so far away - from my family.  I thought they were hindering me from becoming the person I wanted to be.  I thought they were keeping me from my dreams and plans and goals.  The complete opposite was true.  Like Charlies says to Mr. Wonka, "They're just trying to protect you."  Family is good about that - looking out for one another.  It was my selfishness that caused the problems.  I actually wrote this song before I learned the importance of family relationships.  I wrote it under protest, the words coming but my heart hardened.  It was not until several months later than my eyes were finally opened to the beauty, the joy and the love that family truly was to me. 

Swing set in the back
Sand pile in the yard
The girl cookin' dinner
The boys workin' hard
Water in the summer
Gloves for the cold
Lookin' forward when you're younger
Lookin' back when you're old

It's a little piece of paradise I've found in this place
A little bit of heaven shinin' on each one's face
And I know home is sweet, sweet home
And I know home is sweet, sweet home

Mama teaching grammar
Daddy teaching math
Mansions in the treetops
And a place we called The Path
Bible in the morning
Prayers before bed
Stories to sleep by
Things left unsaid

It's a little piece of paradise I've found in this place
A little bit of heaven shinin' on each one's face
And I know home is sweet, sweet home
And I know home is sweet, sweet home

It's the place you're always leaving
When life gets off track
But you know it's where you end up
Cause you know they'll take you back
It's where your heroes live
Where your began to grow
It's all that you believe
Everything that you know

It's a little piece of paradise I've found in this place
A little bit of heaven shinin' on each one's face
And I know home is sweet, sweet home
And I know home is sweet, sweet home

Butterflies

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  This was originally written to be sung at a friends surprise birthday party, but halfway through writing I didn't think the feel was what I was looking for, so I wrote another song for the party.  However, I came back to it because it was a beautiful picture of true friendship, whether it be a family member or not.  Beautiful friendships make for beautiful memories.

When you laugh I laugh too
At the edge I stood by you
When you cry I cry along
When you sang I learned your song

No two hearts could be so close
Not true friend I've shared to most
Every day is a blessing of love

Our memories are like butterflies
Painting rainbows on the skies of days gone by
And they color each cloud
Put the stars in my skies
Our memories are like butterflies

Every Heart

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  These lyrics speak to me about the different people that play important roles in our life, for certain seasons.  And how important it is to keep their memory alive in our hearts.  Life is built of relationships.  They help us grow and learn and become who we are.  Our greatest relationship is with our Heavenly Father.  Second, our family.  These should be cherished and honored daily.

There's a life size poster of Superman
Hanging on the wall above his bed
Every time he looks he's always sure
That he sees dad

There's a son they all salute
Draped in red, white and blue
A fallen hero the paper said
She'd prayed a thousand days
He wouldn't come home this way
But he did

Every heart carries someone
Every heart holds on to that memory
Everyone has someone to live inside their dreams
Every heart carries someone
Every heart holds on to that memory
Everyone has someone to live inside their dreams
Every heart carries someone

He'd killed a spider and sat down beside her
That summer she turned ten
Now it seems like yesterday as she greets her wedding day
And she's finally his

Always seen together playing Robin Hood
Doing things they probably never should
That night they made a pack
Never to look back
Like brothers do

And further than the stars
There's One holding out His arms
To take you close and hold you
In His heart

Fly From The South

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  For me, 2009 was a year that lasted too long.  I kept waiting for something to change, something to happen.  I had prayed specifically.  Why wasn't God answering me?  But the big hands on the clock don't tick at the same pace for God than it does for us, and I learned that He has a special season for everything.  Just as winter must turn into spring, just as flowers must bloom, just as birds fly back from the south, so time changes for us, and God's will is accomplished.  His plans are perfect.  And He makes all things beautiful in His time.  Hope.  We cannot live without it.

it's the bite of the wind when i breathe in the frost
it's the snow on the trail that i thought i had lost
it's the ice on my cheek from the tears i cried
it's the chill down my back that i wanted to hide

how often i've prayed
i've spent all i have
the strength in my soul grows thin
i've been here before
and i won't give up hope
every winter comes to an end

and i close my eyes
and sigh out loud [while i live out loud]
turn my gaze to the sky, let it fill up my eyes
i'm waiting for the birds to fly from the south

it's an echo that fills a canyon in March
it's a drop in the lake of all time
it's a ray of the sun when rain clouds part
it's psalm that plays on in my mind

this heart will keep on beating
it will weather the weather tonight

Sailing

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  This song was inspired by the tale by C. S. Lewis, The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader.  My favorite part of that whole story is the very end when the little mouse falls overboard to taste the sea water, which has turned sweet.  The ship's crew then know they have reached the farthest edge of the world and have come to Aslan's country.  Their enthusiasm and their excitement is contagious.  Their constant desire to reach the home of their great King is what drives them on to the edge of the world - and beyond!  That is what I want - a heart, a passion, to reach heaven where my King reigns.  And I want to sail through whatever waters I must to reach Him.

From the beginning there seemed to be
An ever growing desire deep inside of me
When the current took me to lands I've never been
There a voice was calling 'Journey to the end'
And my eyes keep looking further beyond the rising sun

I'll keep sailing
Let the winds blow me on
When the air is still I'll put my oar in
And keep rowing
'Til I reach that blissful calm
Where the water's sweet as honey
And still further I'll sail on
And when I come to the very end
He'll be waiting for me

Mighty as a lion
Gentle as a lamb
Breathe on me
Take my hand
And guide me to the land to where I'm

Sailing
Let the winds blow me on
When the air is still I'll put my oar in
And keep rowing
'Til I reach that blissful calm
Where the water's sweet as honey
And still further I'll sail on
And when I come to the very end
He'll be waiting for me

I Wanna Know

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  As we grow older we look back at all the things we've been taught, and we wonder why the familiar words, the prayers - life - is so empty.  Somehow a cold hand has reached in and taken all meaning away.  Why are we here?  For what purpose?  And then we wonder why even have the questions?  Confusion is the devil's playground.  This song was me during 2009.  I was trapped on a playground of confusion, not sure why I did what I did, or who I really was.  But my greatest fear was that I was losing my faith, losing my hope.  This was my desperate cry to know the answers to my 'whys'.  And God answered.  Forgiveness and love can change us like nothing else, and God is all about forgiving and loving.

Why do the things I've clung to for years
Cease to satisfy
Why to the words all too familiar
Leave me dead and dry
Where is the soul behind all the answers
Where is the heart that beats for what's right
Where is the hope, the faith, the love
That's supposed to breathe over us for life

I wanna know that I still hope in You
I wanna see that I still believe in You
When all I've found gets turned around
In the midst of my muddled mind
When the words I say, all the things I pray
Are just the same as they were yesterday
I wanna know, I wanna see

How do I silence the lies that destroy me
That are ringing in my ears
Where can I hold so that I won't let go
When I'm chased by all my fears
Where is the soul behind all the answers
Where is the heart that beats for what's right
Where is the hope, the faith, the love
That's supposed to breathe over us for life


I wanna know that I still hope in You
I wanna see that I still believe in You
When all I've found gets turned around
In the midst of my muddled mind
When the words I say, all the things I pray
Are just the same as they were yesterday
I wanna know, I wanna see

When every step I take is met
With forgiveness and with love
When every breath's another chance
To meet You face to face and to stand
That's when I know
That's when I see
That I still hope (in You Lord)
I still believe
In You

Break Through The Clouds

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  This was one of the most helpful and encouraging songs I've written, because it is all about having a hope to hold on to, even through the gray days of life.  The sun is still shining behind any dark cloud that cross your path.  And for the believer, that sun is Jesus Christ.  He wants to shine on us and fill us with His light.  Remember, dark days and storms don't last. 

You're somewhere up there and I'm somewhere way down here
And there's something clouding my view
Passion's what I'm longing for, but apathy takes its toll
Monotony just takes its due

I wanna break through the clouds to the blue on the other side
Ride the waves of the sea in the heavens, follow the stars in my Father's eyes

There's a farce to be reckoned with, is it destiny or choice
Why don't our wished fall like dew
Is life what we make it, is belief in who I am enough
And whoever said all our dreams will come true

I wanna break through the clouds to the blue on the other side
Ride the waves of the sea in the heavens, follow the stars in my Father's eyes

If water reflects the face of a man
Then who does Your water show that I am
Empty this cup, fill it back up to be like You

In Rewind

This song is the last song of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  It's good to take a look back and see where you have been.  But don't get lost there.  There are always going to be memories that you can hold tight, or want to throw away.  But don't stay there.  The future is a big, open, free place, and it's ours for the taking.  Let the days and moments of the past pass, and keep walking forward.

sometimes I skip over all those days gone wrong
sometimes I fast forward thru the nights alone
Each memory's a track on my c//d of time
can't help but look back and listen to my year in rewind

And I might pause on moments full of joy so free
And repeat of all people that showed their love to me
Each memory's a track on my c//d of time
can't help but look back and listen to my year in rewind

Days are full of times i can't replace no matter how i try
People, places, memories come, wave once-- then pass me--- by

To Walk

This song is part of my 2010 album, In Rewind.  It is an entry from my musical journal.  There will always be a time when you feel like you can't go on.  But we were not created to sit still.  We were created to walk.  Life is a journey, a road, a trip, and we have to take each step.  Even though we may have stumbled along some muddy ground, there is hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.

you can keep on walking
down an old road
and keep on falling
in every pothole

or you can change your course
for one that's straight
and follow a path
to heaven's gate

you may live with the memories
that rain like a flood
and step back in moments
that track through the mud

but there's always a place
in each person's heart
where one can kneel down
and find a clean start

you were made to walk on
and with every new step
to climb higher and higher
on this path that was set

and you'll come to a crossroad
or two on the way
and pass by some places
you may wanna stay

throw open the windows
and unbolt the lock
you were made and designed
for this moment in time
to walk

That's Who I AM

This is written as if it were God Himself whispering in our ear, holding us, comforting us.  He tells us who He is, and that He cares for us.

I AM who have created
Have called to you from heaven
I AM who have been faithful
Call out to my beloved
I AM who draws you back
Back from the dark and wild
Will hold you to my heart
Call you my own child

That's who I AM
I AM who I AM
I'll hold you in my hand
That's who I AM

I AM will wipe your tears
Of sorrow and of pain
I AM will heal your scars
And cleanse your darkest stain
I AM will grant to you
My spirit which you seek
I AM who hears your heart
I AM will surely speak

Paul

My favorite character in the Bible is the apostle Paul.  He is kinda like my hero.  His story is an amazing one of grace and freedom through Jesus Christ.  Hardly anyone can stand up to the passion that Paul had after his conversion on the road to Damascus.  This is his story.

I knew my job and fulfilled it every time
Those who preached of Jesus were not sorry for their crime
But after they were beaten I spat into their face
"Give up your foolish preachin', be committed to your race"

They're numbers just kept growin' so I began to kill
But whatever they were sowin' grew beyond a will
Every time I'd ask one to renounce what they believed
They would shake their heads, said they'd asked and then received

"You can burn our homes and take our very lives
But you can't harm our souls for we go to paradise
The man who died and rose is our Lord, Jesus Christ"

The road to Damascus was familiar ground to me
Nothin' there was different, not that I could see
Suddenly a light shone down upon my way
It took away my sight and then I heard One say

"Why do you burn their homes and take their very lives
You can't harm their souls, they're with Me in paradise
I am He who rose, their savior, Jesus Christ"

Three days later, as I began to see
Jesus was the savior and He was callin' me
I became His servant and left my job behind
His task for me was urgent and I'd been wasting time

My song is now the same
As those that I had killed
Now my life's been changed
My heart of stone's been healed
I got a brand new life
Been given back my sight
And from the plains and heights
I'll shout into the night

"You can burn my home and take my very life
But you can't harm my soul for I go to paradise
The man who died and rose is my Lord, Jesus Christ"

Something Up There

This song is all about the reason we should desire heaven over earth.  Not only is it going to be awesome, but it's the home of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I talk to lots of people
Who say they wanna stay
There's nothin' better else where
It's a happy holiday
I just can't see
Why this place of birth
Is anything spectacular
Who wants to stay on earth?
But if you be askin' what I see
I tell you there jus' ain't nothin' down here for me

All you gotta do
Is take a look around
There's desperate, dying people
With heartache on the ground
News of famine, plague
Of wickedness and war
Terror on every side
And who wants to hear more?
But if you be askin' what I see
I tell you there jus' ain't nothin' down here for me

Because heaven is a better place
And I'll at last see my savior's face
There'll be tongues confessin'
And bendin', bowin' knees
I tell you there's just something up there for me

One More Song

I know there are literally thousands upon thousands of songs that glorify and magnify the name of Jesus, but can there ever be too many?  This is mine, honoring the name of my Lord, for He is holy.

How many songs have ever been sung
To tell of your great love
How many times have words been repeated
To tell of your great might
How many years has creation been singing
To fill the earth with You praise
Lord, I know I will sing one more song

Let my words tell the story
Of Your infinite love
How You came down from glory
To dwell here on this earth
How You spilled Your precious blood
And rose to save all men
Lord, I know I will sing one more song

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Glory, glory, glory to the Lord
I will never tire of singing Your praise
Or of telling what You have done
Lord, I know I will sing one more song

All I have and all I am
I wholly give to You
Let my life become a light
To shine forever true
And everything that fills my day
Just reflect Your plan for me
Lord, I know I will sing one more song

World Hanging By A String

This song is about how much hopelessness there is in the world.  There are so many people who are crying in the dark, lost and in of a Savior.  And it is up to us to tell them about Jesus.  He is the Savior, but if we do not let them know, they will die empty and lost forever.

Fading dreams
Broken promises
Empty hearts
Life goes on
Bitter sorrows
Wounded spirits
Starving souls
Life goes on
In a place where there is no hope
Where can they find salvation
In only One who loves them most
Can they obtain restoration

There's a world hanging by a string
Over the ravine of uncertainty
There are hearts begging for replies
For answers to their desperate cries
Of hope and love and joy beyond existing
And whether they will come to know is whether we decide to go
Will we open up our hearts and let His love shine

[2nd chorus] This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine

How many
Begin thinking
What they're worth
And life goes on
How often
Finding nothing
They stop caring
And life goes on
In a place where there is no hope
Where can they find salvation
In only One who loves them most
Can they obtain restoration

[bridge] Stop walking and start running
Matter of time 'fore they're gone

God Your Guide

This song was written at a time when I didn't know which way I was supposed to be going; always questioning, always seeking.  But when we understand and believe that God is our guide throughout life, then it makes the road so much smoother.  Trust Him.

You don't know where you're going
And you don't know which direction to take
Many are the voices
Telling you the choice you need to make
But somewhere in the distance
Or maybe close at hand
You can hear the calling
Of the great I AM

For He is God your guide
Forever and ever
He will guide you to the end
He is God your guide
Forever and ever
So open up your heart

Whenever you have come
To what seems like the end of the line
Remember who is near you
To guide your steps at any time
For He is always watching
And He is always near
His gentle touch will lead you
And you don't have to fear

For He is God your guide
Forever and ever
He will guide you to the end
He is God your guide
Forever and ever
So open up your heart
And take your steps from Him

No matter where you are
No matter where you go
Over tallest mountains
Or valleys below
No matter where you're going
No matter where you've been
He is calling out your name
Gonna welcome you back again

It's So Wonderful

I wrote this song to express my joy waking up in the morning, knowing that God is alive and real.  Starting my day in His word and presence makes the rest of the day so much better.

Sun was shining through my window
Everything was looking great
I reached out and grabbed my Bible
Cause I just couldn't wait
Somewhere between the pages
Was a letter for today
Passed down through the ages
I wanna read it a say

It's so wonderful
When I begin with You
It's so wonderful
When I begin with You
Cause heavens gates are opened
And His love shines through
When I begin my day with You

I don't know about tomorrow
I don't know about my fate
But I know that He is with me
And to me that's something great
So when I begin to question
All the things that I've heard
I go right back to the answers
That I find in His word

Camouflage Green

I wrote this song driving home from town one summer afternoon right after our nation declared war on terror after the events of 9/11.  My thoughts and prayers were on all the soldiers leaving their homes to fight for my freedom.

I still continue to thank for those who have fought and died for America.  You belong to us, the home of the brave.

Discover The Secrets

This song was written for a montage in the movie Dad The Hero In The Wild Wild West.  Its about looking back through the past to discover the secrets to life from those who have gone before us.

www.dadthehero.com

Like Those Before

This song was written for the movie Dad The Hero In The Wild Wild West.  It's about looking back at the heroes of the past, and being inspired to stand strong as they did.

www.dadthehero.com