The story behind the songs:
In 1995 I wrote the words to a song about foster children. Since I didn't know the first thing about music, I asked my daughter, Dana, to compose some music for my lyrics. Before long she had a beautiful melody. We took that song to a friend who was a foster parent, and also happened to play guitar. We made a recording of him playing and Dana singing. That song, and another that Dana and I wrote together were played at a foster family conference.
Some time later I wrote Christian lyrics for the music Dana had composed. That song became, "My God, My Strength." That was how I got started writing Christian songs. I had always liked to write, but had never written lyrics before. I discovered it was a wonderful way to express my thoughts about the Lord, and to share my faith. Soon I was writing more lyrics than Dana had time, or the desire to compose music for. Out of necesssity, I had to learn to write my own music....and it wasn't easy! For the first six or seven years, I had absolutely no understanding of timing. Dana tried to teach me, as did a friend, but having never taken music lessons it made no sense to me. I just sang what came to me, gave it to Dana and Christie (my other daughter) and let them fix it up! I also didn't have a clue what chords were, so they filled those in for me too.
Some time later I wrote Christian lyrics for the music Dana had composed. That song became, "My God, My Strength." That was how I got started writing Christian songs. I had always liked to write, but had never written lyrics before. I discovered it was a wonderful way to express my thoughts about the Lord, and to share my faith. Soon I was writing more lyrics than Dana had time, or the desire to compose music for. Out of necesssity, I had to learn to write my own music....and it wasn't easy! For the first six or seven years, I had absolutely no understanding of timing. Dana tried to teach me, as did a friend, but having never taken music lessons it made no sense to me. I just sang what came to me, gave it to Dana and Christie (my other daughter) and let them fix it up! I also didn't have a clue what chords were, so they filled those in for me too.
Then in 2002 we moved to a different city, and I no longer had my girls there to help me. Soon after moving, I took a voice class with my Pastor's wife. Somehow, when she explained timing, it suddenly made sense. I still didn't understand chords, so I depended on my Pastor's wife to help me with those. Over the years I've learned a little more here and there. I use a computer program, Coda Print Music to create my sheet music, which has also helped with knowing what chord to use. In the past year I've begun to use Band In A Box to create music for my songs. I still don't play an instrument, other than to plunk out a melody on the piano....but I'm getting better with the computer!
Over the years there have been many times I've wondered if writing these songs is a waste of time. I've even tried to stop writing, but then a scripture jumps out at me, or a message speaks to me, and soon I find myself searching the scriptures, and scribbling down words, trying to express what the Lord has put on my heart. So, I keep writing, and leave it up to God to use them as he will.
Over the years there have been many times I've wondered if writing these songs is a waste of time. I've even tried to stop writing, but then a scripture jumps out at me, or a message speaks to me, and soon I find myself searching the scriptures, and scribbling down words, trying to express what the Lord has put on my heart. So, I keep writing, and leave it up to God to use them as he will.
It is my hope and prayer that my songs are a blessing and an encouragement to others, that they bring glory to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and that they might be used to draw others to the Lord.
