This post is about I’ve been writing songs since the early 1980’s. Back then I had invited The Rev. Philip Weeks to share a weekend at The Episcopal Church of the Reconciliation in Webster Massachusetts. It was a very powerful time and many in the congregation experienced spiritual blessings.
Inspiration
At the time I felt somewhat disappointed not to have had such an experience myself. Then a few days later I was inspired to compose a song. Encouraged I did it again, and again. In a month I had written about thirty! In following two years I also composed three musical chancel dramas: Follow the Star for Epiphany, Three days in the Belly of a Whale about guess who, and Joshua about the fall of Jericho. The first two were performed in church. The third was developed as a video presentation when we moved to Tucson.
John Newton
Meanwhile I continued composing stand alone songs. These were all Biblically based upon Psalms and other parts of scripture. The most popular among them is Under Your Rainbow. I am inspired by the story of John Newton who wrote the ever popular Amazing Grace. Most people don’t know that for a period of time he wrote a hymn a week for the church where he was priest. Yet, we only know one. Perhaps, Under Your Rainbow will be my Amazing Grace. However, I keep pouring the out in Jospeh’s of composing something truly inspiring.
Most Popular
My second most popular song Can’t Shake Me has, along with Under Your Rainbow, made it into the Kairos International Prison Ministry songbook. It is a “spiritual warfare” song aimed at the Devil and is particularly enjoyed by the guys in prison.
I have also composed a few love songs, and a few just about enjoying music, Sitting in a Circle, (playing in a group) and one about a Circle of Friends Sunday School class.
In this section of my webpage you will find many of my songs. However, I have also included myself playing old hymns on a Mountain Dulcimer. When I was a hospice chaplain I would take the mountain dulcimer along and soothe my clients with their favorite hymns. I hope you too enjoy them.
Bible Songs
My first songs were biblical-based pieces based on Psalms and other parts of scripture. Two of them, Jonah and the Whale and Joshua and the Fall of Jericho, were performed in church while the third was presented as a video presentation when we moved to Tucson.
The most popular song so far is Under Your Rainbow, a composition which talks about God’s promise of protection and hope. I am proud to say that this song has made it into the Kairos International Prison Ministry songbook, and that it has been enjoyed by people all over the world.
Other songs
Apart from religious-themed pieces, I have also composed a few love songs, and a few just about enjoying music. Sitting in a Circle is one of these songs; it’s about the joy that comes from playing together in a group, while Circle of Friends is a Sunday school classic.
Future Possibilities
My songwriting journey continues and I am always looking for new ways to express my faith and emotions through music. It has been an amazing journey so far, and I feel truly blessed to be able to share my music with the world. I hope that these songs will bring joy and comfort to those who hear them, and that they will spark conversations about faith, life, and love.
My latest work is a single called “Love is Everywhere” which is a gentle reminder of God’s presence in our lives, even in the most difficult of times. It has a soft and uplifting melody that encourages us to stay hopeful, and it speaks to our hearts about the power of love and faith.
I am also working on a new album which will contain a collection of my own compositions as well as some covers from classic church hymns. I believe this project will be an important addition to the Christian music scene, and I cannot wait to share it with others.
I am inspired each day by God’s love and grace, and it is my hope that through music I can spread some of this joy to others. Music has a way of connecting us all with something greater than ourselves, and I feel honored to be a part of that. I am grateful for the opportunity to express my faith through music and to share it with others around the world.
The power of Music
I believe that music has the power to move us, encourage us, and uplift our spirits. Music is an essential element in our lives and can bring people closer together irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs. That’s why I am passionate about sharing my music with the world—because I know it has the potential to bring joy to many.
No matter what is happening in our lives, there is always something beautiful that can be heard and shared through music. As I continue on my songwriting journey, this will be my driving force—to use music as a means of bringing people together and lifting each other up.
Music has the power to change lives, so I am thankful for the chance to contribute my own music to this amazing cause. May we all be blessed by God’s love and grace through song!
I am also passionate about using music as a way of spreading awareness about causes that I care about. Everything from poverty and homelessness, to mental health awareness and religious freedom—I want to use my music as a platform for amplifying these messages of compassion and justice. By creating songs that highlight the struggles of everyday people, I hope to bring attention to the issues that are often overlooked by society.
My mission
My mission is simple: use my talents to create music that speaks to the heart. Through this songwriting journey, I aspire to touch lives and bring joy to all who listen. May we all be blessed by the gift of music!
Thank you for joining me on this incredible musical journey. Let’s continue to use music as a way of connecting us all in our hearts and minds—fulfilling our mission of bringing joy to the world.
Here’s to sharing my music with you and may we all be blessed by God’s love and grace through song!
Mountain Dulcimer
In this section of my webpage you will find many of my songs. However, I have also included myself playing old hymns on a Mountain Dulcimer. When I was a hospice chaplain I would take the mountain dulcimer along and soothe my clients with their favorite hymns. I hope you too enjoy them.