GIFT EXCHANGE | 2022-2023

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I WILL BE CHANGED

Touch my eyes Lord / To see like Jesus 
And I will be changed / I will be changed 

Into Your image, I want to follow / I will be changed, I will be changed

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

May my whole life, bring You glory /Forever and today

Touch my heart Lord / To be like Jesus 
And I will be changed / I will be changed 

Into Your image, I want to follow

ALL THAT I NEED

Early in the morning / Before the sun fills the sky
You’re the first voice to greet me / Your words are my light

Early in the morning / You’re the first one I seek
The first voice to greet me / You’re all that I need

Chorus
You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need

Your voice comes to me / Like a song to my mind
Even after the night falls / Your words are my light

Your voice comes to me / Like a hand to the lonely
Even after the night falls / You’re all that I need

Chorus
You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need / You’re all that I need

My sweet Jesus, You’re all that I need

-BLUE SKY FALLING- 

It’s like a blue sky falling
Even though I know outside the rain is pouring
It’s like a blue sky falling over me

The words that You left me
They surprise me sometimes
Like an old friend out of nowhere
Greeting me with a smile

It’s like a blue sky falling
Even though I know outside the rain is pouring
It’s like a blue sky falling over me

Like a warm house in winter
Where the lights will be on
From the outside I can still see in
To a place I belong

It’s like a blue sky falling
Even though I know outside the rain is pouring
It’s like a blue sky falling over me

The words that You left me
These words that You said
That if You go away
You’ll come back again

It’s like a blue sky falling
Even though I know outside the rain is pouring

It’s like a blue sky falling over me

Here is a homemade Christmas song for you.

It seems we are all a bit shocked at how fast time is flying. I hope this song and the added chorus will lift your heart and maybe your voice to the One we celebrate. 

Here is a homemade version of “Fill Me.” There’s nothing fancy in the recording, but I hope this is a helpful prayer for you. 

FILL ME

Holy Spirit, the Father's grace / The promised One in Jesus’ name
I need You now,  I need Your power / To walk with boldness in this hour

Search my heart, cleanse this temple / Holy One, only You are able
To take this life,  my offering / Holy One, I am willing

Fill me, Fill me / Fill me, Fill me

Holy Spirit, the Father's grace / The promised One in Jesus’ name
We need You now / We need Your power / To walk with boldness in this hour

Psalm 95:4
In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.

This verse was the inspiration for my first podcast episode titled, “Always in the Blue.”

As I remembered the encouragement and history with these thoughts, I wanted to share with you too.

I made a transcript of the podcast, trimmed it up and added the song, “You Are There” from Psalm 139:1-10.

Psalm 139:9-10
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.

The first part of the following video is when we were finding the right sounds for recording.

It takes a little time to get the microphones in just the right place. It also takes time for me to acclimate from singing on my couch to recording.

I must have had my eyes closed, because I don’t remember a camera. It’s probably better that way.

Then the video switches to the next day. After we recorded my voice and guitar, you get a view of Danny adding his touches.

He has no idea I shot a video for you. Maybe I’ll let him know— after I send the email. 😁

We recorded all this in a small but comfortable space, complete with visits from kids and Moby the dog. More and more, I like things family-style.

The song is called “Oxygen."

This month’s song is “Closer” and was requested by a fellow Gift Exchanger.

I remember sitting in my friend’s studio and thinking of the closest things to me.

I then began writing verses for sweeter, higher, and deeper.

These are all things that are meaningful to me here on Earth, knowing His love exceeds them all.

I hope this song gives you a moment to remember the gift of God’s love for you.

This song was inspired by the first words of Psalm 18:

I love you, LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Here David made a list of how he loved the Lord.

So, I began listing things I love about the Lord and “I Love How” was born.