Let Me Love—This is one Mom started; this happens a lot. I’ll see thoughts she’s written down, complete them, and then set them to music. Now, she’s a southern gospel writer, ok?  So, one of the funniest moments in my life is when we were listening to this song for the first time together, and I’m just groovin’ along, and she says, “I just never really EVER thought my song would turn out this way.” She didn’t sound altogether overjoyed, either! Sorry, Mom. It was Jared’s fault.

Everything Happens for a Reason—I love the metaphor of life being a tapestry. It’s amazing to me that the hand of God could be weaving something wonderful in my life, and at the same time, interweave me into other people’s lives, and do the same incredible things for them!

He Spoke Peace—I wrote this song, and then put it away for a long time. But it was such a powerful statement, I just had to put it on the album. We try to pretend we’re in control. But when something comes along that we are powerless against, we remember who controls the storm.

Closer—the newest one! Jared threw me a chorus and said “write.”  It’s been awhile, so I was pretty scared. But what came out was exactly what I’ve been going through lately, and it could’ve been kind of heavy. But Jared worked his magic, and it became a fun song to listen to, with a good message. 

He Knows—I just felt the need to get away and play a little, and once again, saw some words of Mom, and the song just flowed. The funny thing is, it’s not profound, or expertly written, or anything, but I knew it would be helpful to people. I play it everywhere I go.

Treasure—This is a song that I love to sing; it’s smooth and mellow.  It also hints at the vocal jazz side of me. I had so much fun with the 5 part bgvs…this is for you, VocaLibre!

Dawning of a New Day—I wanted this one for the title cut, because, although I wrote it several years ago, it’s totally the place I’m in right now. I’ve lived long enough to see God’s hand in every stage of my life…and that takes the fear of living, loving and losing away.

I Will Follow Him –These words belong to Mom; I just set them to music. I love the way we did it, with acoustic guitar. Mark Cruz is one of the greats, so I just turned it over to him and asked him to do whatever he wanted. Glad I did;  it’s quiet and reflective, but adding his ‘flavor’ really gives it a hopeful, uplifting feel. Yeah, he’s a genius.

Shadow of Stephen—I wrote this song in college; my mind was pretty blown by ‘the real world,’ and I was coming to grips with wanting to understand, yet not be swayed by a culture that doesn’t accept Christ. I wanted everyone to understand what Christianity truly is—not what televangelists try to make us ‘buy,’ or  what the media make fun of. But if no one gets it, I’ll still live what I know is true. 

I Want to Come Home—This belongs totally to Mom, and it was a family affair. I grew up singing with Mom and Dad, with Jared on the drums. And this is one of her songs we’ve sung for a long time. So, it was only natural that I’d want them with me on the album. And this is where we just had to let it go, and embrace the gospel roots!

Purchase DAWNING OF A NEW DAY at CDBABY.COM.