from one big event to another :)

It sure seems like we go from one big event to another on our calendar...the tweets, fb updates, calendar reminders, the alarms never end!

But with all the huge things happening, only one of them is truly amazing...hint hint it's the one squeezed in between the Happy Home conference & Write About Jesus :)

Sept 8 ACSA Houston Chapter Meeting 9-11
Sept 22 United in Him music festival, Lake Jackson, TX
Sept 28-30 Happy Home Conference at our church
Oct 7 Liz comes home, after 2 yrs in India!
Oct 11-13 Write About Jesus workshop for songwriters in St Louis area
Oct 13 ACSA Houston Chapter Meeting 9-11am
Oct 20 Glenn Green Concert 7:15p at Second Baptist North Campus

PS mark your calendars for all that other great stuff :)

lyrically speaking....

we all agree that the music is extremely critical in a song, but let's talk about the importance of words...the lyric...sometimes when I'm writing, it just won't fly...I have to read down the lyric, as if it was a story...then if I'm singing, and start to say something that doesn't connect, like YOU really don't know the significance of, I try change it...like modernizing a hymn..apply it...make it more personal

ps - my oh-so-wise friend, Sue C Smith recently said you shouldn't use a word in a song that you haven't used in the last 2 years...that very same day, my mom said bosom, and my son said hoodlum...so, I'd like to add to Sue's counsel:

just because you've used a word in the last 2 years doesn't give you permission to use it in a song!

hey, I wonder if I'm the only one who noticed that bosom and hoodlum are a near rhyme?

Q&A's re: being a songwriting mama

I've recently had some questions trickling in, and a friend told me I should just blog about some of it. My walk with God has had some unexpected bends in the road, as He has led me into a songwriting ministry. I will try to address a few things in this note...hope this helps!!! :)

Q: Why don't you make a CD?
A: God hasn't put that on my heart. My desire is to honor God with the words of my heart and the meditation of my heart. Sometimes I work on the music, too, but I'm really not a vocalist. Fine in the choir, maybe. Ha.

Q: How do you write online?
A: Pray! Pray! Pray! We need the Lord to meet with us, in each and every co-writing session! Then we use Email, Instant Messaging, Facebook, GoogleDocs, Myspace, and even texting! Sometimes it's all of the above along with long phone calls! Or leaving messages on each other's phones, when we can't get to the computer to record an idea ;)

Q: How do you find time to write?
A: How do you find time to breathe? OK, so that's not a fair question, but it's similar. There's such an awareness of the songwriting "part" of me that it's almost a reflex. I rarely say "oh, I think I'll write a song today" just as we don't say "oh, I think I'll inhale today." It's a response to life, and at the same time, a release. It comes and goes like a breath of fresh air. But when I have a co-writing appointment, I get antsy and nervous and lack confidence. Our confidence must be in the Lord, that we are following His call. It's like He whispers in my ear: Child, in all humility, stand tall.

Q: Have you written a song for each of your nine kids?
A: That's in the process. December Rain was inspired by Stephen's birth on 9/11/01. Then when Liz left for a semester in Niger, I wrote Brave Heart. Ruth's graduation from high school launched Eyes of Blue. I do some others in the works, but it's better to wait til they're ready to share. Some are more of a comic relief than anything. Someday I'll share! I did write a lyric for my grandson, Jacob, called I Choose You, but the music isn't finished. Oh, and there's a Mama song, called Holiday from Being Mama that Mitch Townley & I wrote...we should finish that!

Q: Did your parents write songs? How about your kids?
A: My parents always had a song in their hearts. I miss my Dad...He went to be with the Lord in '07. Moma still sings to my kids on the phone. I have such a precious heritage, and I'm thankful for that! Hmmmm...the kids...the older ones seem to have a deep appreciation for my attempts to write. The younger ones? I think they're confused. The other day we were in a store and they heard an old classic song and one said to the other, "Don't sing so loud." To that, the little singer said, "We can sing it as loud as we want to...cuz Mom wrote that!" I do hope they will write, whether it's songs, books, poetry, journals, blogs, facebook statuses...the list goes on!

Q: Where can I buy your songs?
A: While I do offer a few free songs if you sign up as a fan @
http://www.evawilsonmusic.com

And there are some others that are available for purchase:

In the Second Baptist North Campus Bookstore:

*Andrea C Parker's cd,
including Carpenter's Clue, Let Us Pray, & December Rain
*James Eric Myers' demo cd,
including I Will Sing, No Regrets, Holding Me, I Hunger


Own Me ~ Splendorleaf (co-written w/Ian Ferrin)


Calling On You ~ Splendorleaf (co-written w/Brandon Hixson)


Let Us Pray ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/Yvonne Utz)

Carpenter's Clue ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/Andrea & Edwin Parker)

December Rain ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/ Mitch Townley & Stephen Miller)


I Will Sing, No Regrets, Holding Me, & I Hunger (co-written w/ James Eric Myers)


Stephanie Raymond picked up Own Me (co-written w/Ian Ferrin) & Me and Faith Hill

Q&A's re: being a songwriting mama

I've recently had some questions trickling in, and a friend told me I should just blog about some of it. My walk with God has had some unexpected bends in the road, as He has led me into a songwriting ministry. I will try to address a few things in this note...hope this helps!!! :)

Q: Why don't you make a CD?
A: God hasn't put that on my heart. My desire is to honor God with the words of my heart and the meditation of my heart. Sometimes I work on the music, too, but I'm really not a vocalist. Fine in the choir, maybe. Ha.

Q: How do you write online?
A: Pray! Pray! Pray! We need the Lord to meet with us, in each and every co-writing session! Then we use Email, Instant Messaging, Facebook, GoogleDocs, Myspace, and even texting! Sometimes it's all of the above along with long phone calls! Or leaving messages on each other's phones, when we can't get to the computer to record an idea ;)

Q: How do you find time to write?
A: How do you find time to breathe? OK, so that's not a fair question, but it's similar. There's such an awareness of the songwriting "part" of me that it's almost a reflex. I rarely say "oh, I think I'll write a song today" just as we don't say "oh, I think I'll inhale today." It's a response to life, and at the same time, a release. It comes and goes like a breath of fresh air. But when I have a co-writing appointment, I get antsy and nervous and lack confidence. Our confidence must be in the Lord, that we are following His call. It's like He whispers in my ear: Child, in all humility, stand tall.

Q: Have you written a song for each of your nine kids?
A: That's in the process. December Rain was inspired by Stephen's birth on 9/11/01. Then when Liz left for a semester in Niger, I wrote Brave Heart. Ruth's graduation from high school launched Eyes of Blue. I do some others in the works, but it's better to wait til they're ready to share. Some are more of a comic relief than anything. Someday I'll share! I did write a lyric for my grandson, Jacob, called I Choose You, but the music isn't finished. Oh, and there's a Mama song, called Holiday from Being Mama that Mitch Townley & I wrote...we should finish that!

Q: Did your parents write songs? How about your kids?
A: My parents always had a song in their hearts. I miss my Dad...He went to be with the Lord in '07. Moma still sings to my kids on the phone. I have such a precious heritage, and I'm thankful for that! Hmmmm...the kids...the older ones seem to have a deep appreciation for my attempts to write. The younger ones? I think they're confused. The other day we were in a store and they heard an old classic song and one said to the other, "Don't sing so loud." To that, the little singer said, "We can sing it as loud as we want to...cuz Mom wrote that!" I do hope they will write, whether it's songs, books, poetry, journals, blogs, facebook statuses...the list goes on!

Q: Where can I buy your songs?
A: While I do offer a few free songs if you sign up as a fan @
http://www.evawilsonmusic.com

And there are some others that are available for purchase:

In the Second Baptist North Campus Bookstore:

*Andrea C Parker's cd,
including Carpenter's Clue, Let Us Pray, & December Rain
*James Eric Myers' demo cd,
including I Will Sing, No Regrets, Holding Me, I Hunger


Own Me ~ Splendorleaf (co-written w/Ian Ferrin)


Calling On You ~ Splendorleaf (co-written w/Brandon Hixson)


Let Us Pray ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/Yvonne Utz)

Carpenter's Clue ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/Andrea & Edwin Parker)

December Rain ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/ Mitch Townley & Stephen Miller)


I Will Sing, No Regrets, Holding Me, & I Hunger (co-written w/ James Eric Myers)


Stephanie Raymond picked up Own Me (co-written w/Ian Ferrin) & Me and Faith Hill

Country Songs

I should write songs about how David's car has broken down 5 times in the last month, but I just draw a blank, as it happened again today. Or maybe about the way it feels to see a 7 month old want to say Grammie when he sees me. Indescribable! Or about how oh-so-dear my family and friends are. And about answered prayers. But no. The light-hearted stuff has come more easily these days.

Here are the words to the new songs...critiques welcomed!!! It Ain't Always Easy, Me and Jesus, My Own Band...and then there's Run, Honey, Run...I think I'll wait and share that one once we have the music!

It Ain't Always Easy
(c)2009 Eva Wilson

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein’ right
Can hardly hold up my head all day, the sun is so bright
~ Shines right in my eyes
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
Me winnin’ every argument, you losing every fight
~A wimper and a whine
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
I gotta listen as you cry yourself to sleep each night
~While I hug my pillow tight
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
Seein’ ya beg me for forgiveness, Lord knows I’ll try
~Shug, you’re such a sight
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
Nuff said, I told you so, let me say it all polite
~You’re wrong all the time
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right




My Own Band
(c)2009 Eva Wilson

You ~ keep looking at me like I don’t even know how to play
You ~ keep singin’ some notes that go ev’ry which a way
You ~ keep keepin’ on grinnin’ an’ laughin’ cuz you’re so vain
You keep callin’ me bro, cuz you don’t even know my name

I’m gonna start my OWN band
Play all over this WHOLE land
Goin’ where I wanna go
Singin’ where EV’ryone knows
MY name
MY game
MY fame
I’m gonna start my OWN band

(then)
I’ll ~ keep looking at you like you don’t even know how to play
I’ll ~ keep singin’ some notes that go ev’ry which a way
I’ll ~ keep keepin’ on grinnin’ an’ laughin’ maybe be so vain
I’ll keep callin’ ya bro, cuz I won’t even know your name

I’m gonna start my OWN band
Play all over this WHOLE land
Goin’ where I wanna go
Singin’ where EV’ryone knows
MY name
MY game
MY fame
I’m gonna start my OWN band

Bridge
Giggin’ gigs
Diggin’ digs
Riggin’ rigs
Getting’ big

I’m gonna start my OWN band
Play all over this WHOLE land
Goin’ where I wanna go
Singin’ where EV’ryone knows
MY name
MY game
MY fame
I’m gonna start my OWN band

Well, that's it for now! Thanks for joining me for a few minutes!!!

Stop & Take a Breather

This journal should be called a Blur instead of a Blog. Sometimes I have tried to sit down and reflect on my day or week, and it's such a blur, I can't remember anything worthy of writing. But that's more of a reason for me to make myself do this, right? I could whine about how I've been held captive by the monstrous pile of laundry & dishes, but I guess I need to stop and take a breather.

Looks like I have a little catching up to do, since it's been almost 3 months! This blog is taken from my drafts...I had good intentions, but never finished anything...so it's a compilation blog:)

Thanksgiving: We have so much to be grateful for. At Barry's parents' we went around the room, telling what we were thankful for...the little ones pretty much said FOOD. The teens were all so happy that gas prices had finally dropped. Someone always says "I'm thankful for Jesus." Daniel grinned from ear to ear as Barry shared that he's thankful for our new additions of Candas and Jacob. Our hearts do swell up with gratefulness as we look back and clearly trace God's hand in our lives. Nothing we ever do in life is easy, right? But the journey is rewarding, if we are faithful.

Christmas was a whole different story! We squeezed Ruth & Liz back into the house, and I could almost hear the walls of our house gasping for air as we invited friends for sleepovers. Sweet times! But I have to admit something. There were times I wished we'd lose power for a few days, just to get to stop and talk and play games and burn candles (and batteries). I do long for time to stand still, but I want to choose the moment to freeze! Don't put me in the hospital, or worse, the laundry room, Lord!!! I wanna be sitting on the floor with my family when You give me another hour or two.

The holidays went too quickly, in many ways. But, well, there's always a but, isn't there? When I only had small children, people said things like, "Oh, you love kids? Just wait til they're teens. Then you'll think again." Well, I happen to love teens. So I wasn't totally shocked when we started having a few teens. But no one prepared me for the day when the adult children came home for the holidays. No one told me that I would grow insecure and inept as I listened to their debates and, well, er, arguments. I'm sure that every discussion they had was of utmost importance to them, but I was ready to forgive and forget before the first cross words was uttered. I do not like confrontation. I do not like it at all. I do not like it once and for all!

Next year, I will be away for the holidays. Possibly alone. Possibly in a far away place. But more likely in a corner of my house, wishing I had power over the tongue (and tongues!!!) Ha! Oh, by the way, if you'd tried to warn me that there would be challenges with grown kids, I would have said in my heart, "I just so happen to love adults!" I guess this love walks softly and carries a big stick. Haha.

We had a grand time with Barry's family on Christmas, then headed out to the Wallace gathering the next day. Barry & I usually plan the meal and buy the food for the crowd (don't worry...they pay us back). Never a dull moment, shopping for about 60 people. Oh, and the in-laws seem to get along the best, so we let them cook while us siblings sit around and play cards (or shop for last minute gifts, or stuff a pinata!!!). Nothing like traditions, right?

Then Michael's bday came. He's easy to please...just had some guys over for airsoft wars. He was my biggest baby (12lbs 12 oz) but has never been a very big kid...now he tells me he wants to be in wrestling this fall. Hmmm. What goes around, comes around!

Then Ruth's bday. Ruth brings me such joy. She's 19 now. Where does the time go? People tried to warn me about how fast the kids would grow, but I didn't appreciate that advice. Seems the days dragged by at the time. Sometimes it really stood still.

Ruth was a beautiful china doll baby, weighing in at a healthy 8 lbs 15 oz. She was born on a Sunday morning between Sunday School and the Worship Service (yes, we were at the hospital, but remember calling the pastor so he could announce her safe arrival). Anyways, she went to NYC after her birthday. Had a great time. But the day she was supposed to come home, the weather in Chicago bumped her flight. It turned out to be the same time that the Hudson River Miracle happened. I was just glad she wasn't in the air that day. Good for a mother's heart, to know that she was sitting in her hotel room with her friends, not at the airport, fearful, waiting to hear about the cause of the emergency landing.

I wrote a song about Ruth last year, as she graduated from high school. Not sure whether I shared it... here's the link... http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6878487

Now it's February, which has been filled with YUCK around here. So tired of illnesses. But everyone is in school today, so I guess we're making some headway!

There's so much more to say...maybe tomorrow (more likely, next month???)

Oh, I have to add that I'm in a health program at church. The Bible study this week is centered around Hebrews 12. I'm stuck on v1, which says to "run with perseverance" and "throw off the things that hinder us." That is so hard for me. I'm finding that I like my baggage. Yes, I know I shouldn't. God is dealing with me about that. Last time I ran was in high school, and that was only because my brother, Randy, was in track. He "made" me run with him. And it wasn't a pretty sight. It didn't take long for me to get resourceful: if I tied my shoestrings really, really loose, I could stop and take a breather!

There's something wrong with me!!! But wait, isn't resourcefulness a character quality?

Write About Jesus ~ Lessons Learned

Here's the re-cap of my weekend at the Write About Jesus workshop. I feel like I'm writing a movie review, and I want to say just enough to make you want to BE there, but not reveal the plot and conclusion. It has taken me a week to reduce this blog draft to bare bones. I really can't say enough about the Clinicians, but don't want to say too much their classes...I want you to COME if ya can!!!! If you are a songwriter, you just have to put the workshop on your calendar for '09. Third weekend in Oct, I believe.

OK, here goes:

Co-writing Demonstration w/ Joel Lindsey & Twila Labar ~ Thursday pm Would the deer-in-the-headlights look ever leave my face? I was truly astounded by the way Joel and Twila hammered out lyric, genre, mood (major/minor stuff), melody, beat, and even to bridge or not to bridge (Twila sure is a rhythm-girl ~ wish I had that!!!)...all as if there was no one else in the room! Truly a fly-on-the-wall experience, and it was an excellent challenge. As of that night, I had only co-written "live" with one person, Glenn Green. I'm happy to say that it was a great write. Our song will be on his cd, released sometime next yr. Watching Joel & Twila gave me tools for future opportunities. (update: The next day at WAJ I was able to sit down and work on a song Mike Mitcham & I had started online. The next week, God opened the door for me to work on songs with a friend in our church. Great stuff happening! Yay, God!!!)

Recognizing Genres w/ Joel Lindsey & Holly Zabka ~ It was a joy to be in Joel's class again...and Holly also knows what she's talking about! Main points were to do your research so you'll know your target, your audience, and your artist. They discussed the difference between Southern Gospel, Inspirational, Praise & Worship, Adult Contemporary/Christian Hit Radio, Pop, Rock, and Choral Anthems. They encouraged us to write each song toward a specific genre, instead of being "genre-less." Makes sense to me! IMHO, the words themselves tell the genre. Sometimes you can write backwards. Sometimes it's more poetic. Others, you want to say something without saying it. Hanging with Holly & Joel made me wanna WRITE! Mission accomplished!!!

Crafting Great Lyrics w/ Dave Clark ~ Dave Clark. I was told I HAD to go to a Dave Clark class, and I'm so very thankful I listened to that counsel!!! Did Dave address lyrics? Did he even mention songwriting? All I can remember is the Spirit of the Lord was in that place, and He was carving "love Me more" on my heart. I did take notes. Lots of notes. I wouldn't have remembered the teaching if it weren't for my trusty notebook! Some lines from Dave's talk: *Songs are SEEDS falling on different kinds of soil. Some Hard ground. Emotional ground. Healthy ground, etc. *Be transparent, but don't flaunt it. *Always write as simple as possible, but never simpler. *To be a better writer, you need to be a better listener (to God) AMEN!!! Gets ya to thinking, no?

Knowing Your Gifts and Limitations w/ Mark Roach ~ I have followed Mark's music ministry on myspace for a year or so. He is an amazing writer, and has so much to offer. Mark meets you right where you are. He pointed out his own weaknesses in writing, and how he had to learn to not focus on improving on those weaknesses. Instead, he works on strengthening his strengths. This was great for me to hear, as I find myself drawn into the desire to sing and dance. Just kidding. The desire is to sing and play the piano. But if I can zoom in on writing lyrics, the Body of Christ stretches and grows, drawing in other writers and artists to complete the song. Maybe we'll shine clearer and brighter if we're walking in humility before the Lord, saying "I need help with this." I appreciate Mark's transparency (and I'm disappointed that he didn't share a song with us in that class...oh well, maybe next yr!!)

Writing for the Country Market w/ Don Poythress (and Chad Cates, yeah!) ~ OK, of all the classes, this is the one where I walked away speechless. Don & Chad taught as they passed the guitar back and forth. I felt like I was in my parents' front porch. Things they said pierced my innermost parts. I didn't expect to be challenged spiritually in that class, but I was. Tremendously. But it's not because of the things they said. It was their meekness. Here are 2 successful writers, just sitting around like brothers, spontaneously giving examples of country songs that could prove their points. And they weren't "their" songs. That was cool, to see how they admire other ppl's work. Oh, and one thing Don said that I hope I keep tucked away in my heart forever: Write from the heart, from a real place. Oh, and another: Country music doesn't TELL you how to feel; it MAKES you feel. It was all great. Don & Chad's class made me wanna write with depth. Dig deeper with words. I'm loving that!

Out of the Box and Off the Wall: Writing for Kids w/ Johnathan Crumpton, Gina Boe & Sue Smith ~ I NEEDED this class. You'd think I'd know all about writing for kids, since I've been surrounded by little ones since I was a little one myself! But it was awesome to pull away and learn the nitty gritty, such as the structure of kids' musicals. They say that kids' music is an area where songwriters need to write within the box. Keep it real. Keep it simple. Hm. Some of my grown-up music might work better as kids' songs. Hmmmm.

Writing on Assignment for Your Church w/ Gina Boe, Sue Christensen & Lisa Qualsett ~ Curiosity kills the cat, right? I attended this just to see how the process works. I love Gina, Sue & Lisa, and wanted to find out how they do what they do. I don't know that I'll ever have the opportunity to write toward specific church goals, but I'm willing! For my church or yours. hahaha. That reminds me of a Kelly Willard song from the '80's. I remember singing it at a youth camp talent show. Little did I know that it would come back to haunt me for many years. Little did I know it would be my crutch, helping me realize I needed to ask the Lord to give me a willing heart, in many areas of my life.

Willing Heart, by Kelly Willard
If you don't have a willing heart,
ask Him to give you one
If you can't seem to make a start,
trust in His power
For the Lord of love is watching you
He sees what you're going thru
And He will make a way if you want Him to
Oh, do you want Him to?
Then tell Him so. He wants to know.
Go on and tell Him so.

Whehehehew. that's good stuff!!!

Being Your Own Publisher w/ Twila Labar ~ To publish or not to publish. I've been asking myself for 3 yrs. My greatest hesitation is that I find it hard to promote my own material. When Twila started teaching, I wondered, "Why am I even in here? I don't want think I could be my own publisher. I don't want to be perceived as pushy." But I knew I wanted to learn how, so I could make an educated decision.

Was I ever surprised and delighted to hear Twila's story! The Father revealed some of His plan for me that afternoon. As she talked about building bridges, I realized I never set out to build bridges, but the Lord established that in my life. It's not because of anything I've done. It's His work. And the acceptance of other writers and artists. I can't explain why God shows favor in those ways, but I'm fovever grateful. As people have cared for me, taking me under their wings, I also want to continue to draw in the writers who are just beginning. I find that so refreshing. I'm not equipped to train, but I love walking hand-in-hand with those who are just beginning to explore writing about Jesus. I love that about God!!!

Twila gave helpful tips for Independent writers, and where to find more online. Her personal walk really ministered to me, except when she talked about goals from early on in her songwriting career. I've been writing almost 4 years now, and have never set goals. Don't get me wrong, I have little goals, like, writing every day. I do that. But bigger...that's the hard part. I tried it that evening. Goals like that don't feel right to me. They seem lofty, unattainable. I gave them to God...might re-visit them someday!!!

To top off the weekend,
a group of artists performed at
The Crooked Tree Coffeehouse.
Great people, great music.
SWEET TIMES!!!!

l-r Allie & Nick LaPointe, Benton Stokes, Sean Smith, Chris Filer

Closer than Your Heartbeat, the song, the story

In all humility and gratitude, I'd like to share this story:

Over 2 yrs ago, while I was in a Bible study class called MotherWise, something Denise Glenn had penned in the workbook jumped right off the page at me. Pierced my heart with truth. She said that Jesus is closer than our very heartbeat. I began writing notes in my margin, and after class, went straight home so I could sing back to the Lord. I never dreamed I would ever share it with anyone else, as it was so close to my heart.

But God had other plans. and I sent a little worktape to my then-new friend, Deborah Ivris, in Israel. Deborah had translated a few of my songs into Hebrew, and her voice is so clear and resounding, it blessed my socks off! I only sent Closer Than Your Heartbeat as an encouragement to her heart, but soon she sent me an a cappella version back to me, expressing her heart, how the Lord had ministered to her.

Well, for over a year, the file sat in my computer. I don't have the know-how (or talent) to build a songtrack. I hear it in my heart and head, but can't get it from point A to point B.

But while on a forum at http://www.christiansongwriters.org the Father crossed my path with Paul Sumares of CA. He is brilliant & talented, but most of all, desires to honor the Father. We agreed to work together on several songs.

To my surprise, Paul took Deborah's vocals and crafted the song!!! Even with my meager chord ideas and inability to keep time, Paul structured this beautiful arrangement!!!

Thank you, Jesus!!!! (and many thanks to you, Deborah and Paul, for letting hear with my ears what I'd wanted to hear in my heart!!!!)

Here's what Paul said, in response to my note of thanks to him:

I see an arrangement like this as analogous to taking one's already beautiful daughter and adorning her with fine robes, perfumes and jewels … presenting her as a bride for the Son of the King. The tune, lyrics and spirit of the song are the main value of the gift which is offered out of love to God (the daughter). But the arrangement is a pleasure we have to gather some of the more precious and pleasing elements we see around us (which God Himself placed there for us to find), and with those, dress up that gift to show that He is deserving of all the glory and beauty that exists in creation.

What a beautiful display of Kingdom work, as we seek to glory in Him. (and can we give the Lord praise, for allowing us all to use the internet for HIS purposes!!!)

Closer Than Your Heartbeat
(c)2006 Eva Wilson
vocals: Deborah Ivris
production: Paul Sumares

B2 F#/A#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B2 F#/A#
Nothing in life, not even death
C#m/E F#
Jesus is closer than your heartbeat
C#m/E F#
Nearer than your very breath
B2 F#/A#
He's alive. (He's alive.)
B2 F#/A#
He is here. (He is here)
C#m/E F#
He’s all you need (He's all you need)
B
He's closer than your heartbeat

C#m/E
I am convinced
F#
Neither death nor life,
C#m/E
Neither angels nor demons,
F#
Neither the present nor the future,
E7
Nor any powers. Nothing.
C#m/E
Neither height nor depth,
F#
Nor anything else in all creation,
G#m F#
Can keep you from God's love
G#M F#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B
In Christ.

B2 F#/A#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B2 F#/A#
Nothing in life, not even death
C#m/E F#
Jesus is closer than your heartbeat
C#m/E F#
Nearer than your very breath
B2 F#/A#
He's alive. (He's alive.)
B2 F#/A#
He is here. (He is here)
C#m/E F#
He’s all you need (He's all you need)
B
He's closer than your heartbeat


Whehehehehehew!!! We love you, Jesus!!!

Oh, you can hear the Hebrew translations Deborah made at http://www.evawilsonmusic.com

(and for you songwriters, it may be a learning experience to hear my original worktape at http://www.soundclick.com/evawilson so you can hear how God can make something from "almost" nothing) ;)

It's a New Day for Dottie

Songwriter Dottie Rambo went to be with Jesus yesterday.

Everything Dottie wrote about,
she's now experience FACE to FACE!

I looked at her song isting on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_by_Dottie_Rambo
and there are many classics on there.
But among the more popular ones,
I found these to be particularly touching:

*I Want To Live So I Can Die Right
*My Visit To Heaven

She did, and she did.

Her life, and death, were no surprise to our Lord...and she's
complete in Him, bowing down before Him.
And think of all the other saints she's rejoicing with!!!

Greatly missed, but greatly appreciated.
She's touched lives in so many ways,
like yours, and in turn, mine.
Her investment here on earth was huge.

The first Dottie song I can remember singing
was in the late 70's
"Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome" ~
in my youth ensemble.

Didn't even know she wrote that, until tonight.
It's been forever in my heart.
Once again, I'm welcoming Him in this place.
Omnipotent Father, of mercy and grace.