This album aspires to generate emotion, mirth and encourage sing-a-longs. The collection includes folk, country, gospel, jazz and Latin genres. The method is lyrical speaking; influenced by Eric Burdon and Ray Boltz.
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For lyrics click on each song title
The tenacity of child-like faith yields perseverance: believing that God can and will. The only question is when. We know that God is near to the broken-hearted; that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek him; and that, without faith, it is impossible to please Him.
Sometimes in life we question why things worked out the way they did. Then, we get to raise a “Little Bubby” and we know that it was not by chance.
God is near to the broken-hearted and is faithful to forgive us if we confess. He removes our sins as far as the East is from the West, buries them in the deepest ocean, and remembers them no more.
Life can be a quixotic search for value and significance. idolatry can result. It has been said that more important than where you are is that you find God wherever you are. This is an up tempo jazz song with Latin underpinnings.
This song is dedicated to my wife who constantly serves others. In Galatians, Paul says The Gospel can be summed up in humanitarian interests: that we love one another as ourselves. This song was written as an exhortation to be other-minded.
They Say That There Was a Man:
The Word was in the beginning with God. The Word became flesh. As a man, He humbled himself and became a servant and his life was the light for mankind. He was loyal to death, even death on the cross. God has given him a name above every name.
A Christmas (w)rap song regarding an eccentric Santa Claus neighbor who gives away stuff. The visitor learns the importance of giving and not just getting. He learns that selfish consumption is a dead end odyssey.
This is an old song popularized by the Uniques that we modernized a bit. This was the signature song of my wonderful, high school classmate and vocalist, Jackie Lawson. Jackie was a victim of vehicular homicide by two young men who were drag racing. They were convicted and came to the courtroom for sentencing. Jackie’s wife was granted a chance to speak to the court as her comments could have potentially mitigated or influenced a harsher sentence. She started by saying that no one who really knew Jackie would have wanted to harm him; and that, while this act was wanton and irresponsible, it was not with malicious intent. She said Jackie would not have wanted these young men to go to prison and become hardened criminals. Rather, she argued, the only thing she would request is some financial help for the education of her two children. The judge, perpetrators and court were all astounded at this unexpected and amazing act of forgiveness. The judge, with some reluctance, granted these wishes by ordering probation and financial support.
Known or unknown to us, many of our life crises may have been averted by a prayer warrior: parent, grandparent, friend, teacher, co-worker, etc. The Bible says that the earnest prayer of a righteous person makes a big difference.
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. It has been said that love is spelled t-i-m-e. Authentic, spontaneous togetherness creates intimacy.
This was a praise song I had written and gave to Larry Stewart, fabulous musician, vocalist and songwriter, to arrange. I liked his rendition so much that I asked if he would honor me with inclusion of it in the album. I think it is fitting to end the album on this thought: we owe God praise for any talent, health or sufficiency we possess.
CREDITS:
Carter Green: Green Jeans Studios, Wellington Ks: Carter is a quintessential sound engineer. His musical genius is turning a concept into a finished product. His lead and acoustic guitar work were essential. Also, excellent work with background vocals, synthesizer for cello, Bodhrán drums, and Hammond organ.
Thora Tammy Thimesch: music teacher, for her wonderful fiddle contributions.
Luke Young: for his excellent, creative tenor sax work.
Donnie Huffman: songwriter and performer, for his longstanding friendship and helping me get this album initiated in June 2012 in a small practice room at Sparks Music store. Thanks to Donnie for writing and helping me write the music to several of the songs.
Larry and Kathy Stewart: songwriters and performers, for help with “I was Born” and encouragement with the song, “You Will Pray.”
David Morgan: songwriter and performer, for his faithful encouragement and patient help in fleshing out the rhythm and chords to these songs. Also, for his work with bass, percussion and background vocals.