This is the last podcast in this series called, "the story behind the song." I believe all songs are written in heaven and are shared with those of us who listen to receive them as gifts. The song, Welcome Home is the last track on the 2009 CD named, "Proof in the Mirror."

On a difficult day filled with "why" questions, the words of this song brought incredible peace to my heart. The song went unshared for almost five years, until I recorded it for the world to hear it. It has been a gift to others who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

You probably have someone you have lost, someone who is dear to you in your mind. 

As you experience this song, that Jesus sings to us as we enter heaven – may the truth of his sovereignty rule and reign in your heart. 

May the peace of knowing that God’s timing is perfect comfort you. 

May we live in such a way as to share the proof of who God is in our lives, and so lead others to the same eternal home. 

Chorus:

Welcome home, my good and faithful friend, 

Welcome home, to a life that has no end

You were ready to be, standing here with me

So, my child come enter in, oh welcome home

Verse 1:

Your friends will miss your laughter

They will long for your embrace

I will be their father, giving them my grace

This is where you belong

This is where you belong

Chorus:

Welcome home, my good and faithful friend, 

Welcome home, to a life that has no end

You were ready to be, standing here with me

So my child come enter in, oh welcome home

Verse 2:

I’ve prepared a place for you, where there will be no tears

You’ve been storing treasure here, for so many years

This is where you belong

This is where you belong

Bridge:

There are many you have led to this place

You will be amazed when you look at every face

Waiting here to thank you, waiting to here to welcome you

Last Chorus:

Well done, my child, well done

You have finished the course you have run

There is so much more, that I have in store

So my child come enter in, well done

So my child come enter in, this is where life begins

So my child come enter in, welcome home

This podcast is a part of a larger series that explains the meaning, truth, scripture and stories behind the songs on my "Proof in the Mirror" CD released in 2009.

"You are my Song" is a song that I wrote in 2008 for my friends and ministry partners, Daniel & Katie Blackman. This song debuted at their wedding.

"You are my Song" Lyrics

Verse 1

Before there was time, I created your heart, formed every

It’s the song that I sing, to you every night, to tell you I

That shines on your soul, to make you whole

The world spins in silence, it waits for a sound, searching

But the song that I’m singing, that rings in your heart, is

For any lost soul, to make them whole

Chorus: 

You bring the song; you bring the laughter, even in tears,

You show the world, there can be music, when you live in my

You have the hope, you know the truth, you know the way, you

That I am alive, here everyday, singing my love songs, I

You are my song

Verse 2

So come sing with me, come tell the story, of love that was

I came to earth, to show you my glory, to tell you the truth,

That awakens your soul, and makes you whole

So may your life, sing me a love song, the way that you live,

Every breath that you take, whispers out my name, as you

Come save my soul, please make me whole

Chorus: 

You bring the song; you bring the laughter, even in tears,

You show the world, there can be music, when you live in my

You have the hope, you know the truth, you know the way, you

That I am alive, here everyday, singing my love songs, I

You are my song

There was a phrase tumbling over and over inside my head in December of 2004 that led me to write this song.  It was "you will always be, a breath away from me"  That truth struck such a chord with me that it sent me writing the lyrics to this song.  In a time of praying and wanting a third child, I was thinking a lot about how God breathes life into us - both in the womb (Psalm 139 says we were knit together by God), and when we take our first breath at birth.  

After 18 years, this song is still powerful to me as a reminder of my identity and that I am created in the image God.  If you are lonely, desperate, depressed or questioning whether God loves you - listening to God sing these words over you will shift your mindset and soften your heart.  

As soon as I wrote this song, I realized that it had tons of value for the pro-life movement.  With the help of some friends, Steve Chollet produced a music video for this song back in 2005.  My son Michael and I have a quick cameo near the end - but the video really tells the story of how children are a blessing and shows a young woman who realizes she's pregnant and her decision making process. The musical arrangement is more robust, with a full band and a great electric guitar solo by Doug Holroyd.  The video as features, Dr. Scott Mellum, Tami Smith, Melissa Curry and a baby Hunter Smith has a cameo.  Since the video was produced here in Chico, you may recognize a few other faces too.  Here is the link: 

Just a Breath Away Music Video 2005

This podcast includes the 2009 arrangement that features Linda and I signing, piano and string bass.  The simplicity of this version is refreshing and beautiful. 

Full lyrics here: 

“Just a breath away”

Verse 1:

Precious moments here at heaven’s door

But I am dreaming of so much more

Waiting for the world to see

Another perfect picture of me

Chorus:

I made you perfect in every way

(You were) created to walk with me each and every day

You will always be a breath away from me

I will always stay – a simple prayer away

Verse 2:

Looking through, a window at you

The people try to see

What I’ve been creating, for all eternity

Another perfect picture of me

To Chorus

Bridge:

Every part of your heart was my design

Every day of your life, you will be mine

Every season, I’ll give you a reason

To make it through another day

I am the potter, you are the clay

(you got to) believe me when I say

To Chorus

Tag:

Like Father, like son, you are the one

I am sending to be, a reflection of me

When I look at your face, I see my grace

When I look in your eyes, I realize, that you look just like me

This podcast explores the meaning and heart behind the song, "Reunion" from my 2009 CD "Proof in the Mirror" 

This episode tells the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15.  It contains a short devotional exploring the cultural background of the story and why it's so powerful that the father runs to his son to welcome him home.  This passage & art like Rembrandt's masterpiece oil painting has inspired me to tell the story from the father's perspective.  This song is sung from God's perspective.  He represents the forgiving father in the story and we are to find ourselves identifying with the wayward son who is welcomed back into his father's house.  

Favorite lyric in this song:  "the smell of burning bridges might discourage your returning"

Luke 15:11–24 (NIV)

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Reunion”

Verse 1:

All you ever wanted was a friend to spend some time with

You never thought that this place would be where your journey ends

You have run so far from all the things that you believed in

The road less travelled calls to you, no matter where you’ve been

And once again… I’m calling out your name

Chorus:

I will run to you, when you come back, no questions asked,

You will run into, into these arms of love

My father’s heart is crying out, for you to come back, and hear me shout,

I will run to you, when you come back home again

Verse 2:

The days turned into years, that I have longed for your returning

I will always love you, that will never change

So many sleepless nights that I have dreamed of our reunion

I am watching the horizon, I am waiting for my friend

And once again…  I’m calling out your name

In the Sunset, it’s your silhouette that’s walking back to me

Bridge:

You’re so far away from home, feeling lost and on your own

It seems all hope is lost for you, but I will see you through

The smell of burning bridges might discourage your returning

But I have built them back for you, and I have paved the way

This podcast tells the story behind one of the songs on my "Proof in the Mirror" CD that I released in 2009.  The goal of this recording project was to record songs that help others hear and know the truth about what God thinks about them.  They are all written in the first person from God's perspective.  This song is an invitation from God to us to listen and hear His "still small voice."  

Many of the lyrics spring from 1 Kings 19, John 6 and Psalm 19.  

Jesus tells us that He is the Good Shepherd, and we are his sheep, who hear his voice (John 10).  

Here are the lyrics to the song: 

Still Small Voice: 

Verse 1:  

My still small voice, is whispering your name

It’s still your choice, to listen and obey 

My heart has seen that many things, compete with what I say  

I will give you words of life, I’m speaking everyday 

Chorus:  

The heavens are telling the story, of my magnificent glory

The earthquakes, creation shakes at the sound of my name

My voice is calling out, to calm your fear and doubt, 

My works are on display, to strengthen your faith, so listen, to what I have to say 

Verse 2:  

Your still small voice, is whispering my name

It’s still your choice, to hear what I will say  

You have said so many things, as you knelt and prayed  

I am always listening, so do not be afraid                        

Chorus:  

Bridge:  

I’ve whispered to your heart, from the very start 

I am with you each and everyday 

Chorus:  

The heavens are telling the story, of my magnificent glory

The earthquakes, creation shakes a the sound of my name

My voice is calling out, to calm your fear and doubt, 

My works are on display, to strengthen your faith, so listen, to what I have to say 

End Tag:  

My voice rings, as nature sings of my great love

Incline your ear, and you will hear, me call your name 

I am speaking words of truth,  

I am speaking words of life, 

I am speaking words to you … 

The Bible is a love letter that God has left for us.  A love letter is supposed to help our love from growing cold when we are apart.  In May of 2003, I wrote this song as an encouragement to read the Bible as a way for God to remind us of His love.  I am passionate about helping others learn to study and be saturated in God's Word.  

Psalm 139:16 -  "All the days ordained for me were written in your book, before one of them came to be" 

While God's written words are like a love letter written to us - the way we live is writing a letter back to Jesus, and He reads every word.  He is always with us and is watching.  This is both encouraging and sobering.   This song also talks about the love songs that Jesus sings over us every night (Zephaniah 3).  

Love Letter

Verse 1: 

I have left a love letter for you

Have you read the words?

Every day of your life is written in my book

I know every word

I will hold your future in my hands

In my heart I’ve written such good plans

To care for you, in all you do, and tell you you’re my own

So understand, my heart, my plan, you will never be alone

I have sung a thousand love songs over you

Have you heard the words?

Verse 2: 

Every night the music of heaven plays for you

It tells you what is true

I will show you great and mighty things

I have come to set your spirit free

To be more like me, you’ll have to see, my faithfulness and love

To understand, my heart, my plan, just read my words from above

Final Tag: 

The way you live, is writing a letter back to me

I read every word

I have left a love letter for you

Have you read the words?

Have you even heard of my great love?

You can find it in the pages of my letter

You can hear it in the phrases of my love songs

You can find it in the pages of my letter

One of my forefathers is William Marshal, who served five Kings in England in medieval times.  I have visited churches, abbeys and other buildings he built to build the Kingdom of God in his day.  When he died and was buried in the Temple Church near the Tower of London, the Archbishop of Canterbury declared William to be "the flower of chivalry" and dubbed him "the greatest knight that ever lived."   There is a canvas picture of one of his castles hanging on the wall in my office.  The integrity that William maintained helped him protect the people from the king, and he was sworn to protect the king from the people.  William was the force behind Magna Carta and served as mentor to Henry III (aged 9) while he ruled the realm as the regent.  His fathering, diplomacy, integrity and grit helped England maintain it's sovereignty while France was seeking to invade and conquer the land.  

It is this heritage that fuels my boyish love of swords, castles, knights and monks living long ago.  This proud royal heritage descended from 29 generations of Celtic kings in our lineage supplied my imagination with the metaphor that fueled the song, Place at the Table.  With the knights of the round table in mind, and the need for men in our day to step into courage and take their place at the table, this song was born.  

This podcast describes the inspiration and meaning behind this song.  This song is what I imagine Jesus singing to a man's heart.  Just as the song, "Captivating" is what Jesus sings to a woman's heart - this is a call to see ourselves as men invited to the table by Jesus.  

Place at the Table

Verse 1:

Many years ago, in a far away land,

the King chose the strongest to sit at his right hand

Many men tried to win that prize

They were hungry and thirsty, you could see it in their eyes

Coming ‘round the table, they understood the cost,

There were battles left to fight, to save those who were lost

The fighting is for honor, for love and for the truth

All of heaven’s waiting to see what you will do

Chorus:

We’ve been watching you waiting to see you take your place

At the table of truth, that was set just for you

We need your heart; will you play your part?

I will see you through; I will be fighting by your side

When you’re wounded and alone, I will carry you home

So, I choose you, will you stand for truth?

Verse 2:

I see you standing there, what will you decide

Will you come and fight or will you run and hide

Many men have believed the lies,

They are desperate and empty, you can see it in their eyes

Coming ‘round the table, do you understand the cost,

There are battles left to fight, to save those who are lost

It is in the fighting that you will find the truth

All of heaven’s waiting to see what you will do

Chorus:

Bridge:

Welcome to the table, courageous one

Welcome to a place, reserved for you my son

So come to the table, I know that you’re able

So come to the table, my son

Last Chorus:

So, rise up man of God, put your armor on

Will you embrace your destiny, come find yourself in me

I’ll heal your heart; it’s the place to start

I will strengthen you; I will never leave your side

When you’re lost and on your own, I will lead you home

So come to the table, I know that you’re able

So come to the table, my son

I wrote this song called Brushstrokes for Michael & Amy Wadlow's wedding in March of 2002.  This song points to the fact that the basis of marriage is rooted in the command of Jesus for us to love one another.  Each moment of our sacrifice in loving one another paints another brushstroke in the portrait of Jesus our relationship is showing the world.   This song is written and sung by my wife, Linda and I.   Performed from Jesus' point of view - you can imagine it is the song that Jesus sings when He appears at the wedding.  

“Brush Strokes”

Verse 1:

I have come, to bless you on this wedding day

I am here, to fill you with my love

You have waited for this day for all of your lives

I am pleased to receive your sacrifice of praise

I have laid my life down, to show you my great love

Will you follow me and do the same?

I have shown my mercy and my grace has covered you

Will you receive and offer it too?

Chorus:

I have poured out my life that you might live

I have poured out my spirit that you might give

And love each other selflessly

To lay your lives down willingly

I have poured out my grace, so that you will be amazed

I have poured out my mercy, so you will give it all away

The moments of your sacrifice

The brush strokes of your lives

Painting a picture of me

This will be a portrait for all the world to see

Verse 2:

Seasons change, yet I remain the same

I am here, just trust me and obey

The storms of life will come your way

Do not fear, you will never be alone, I will always lead you home…

Home is where your heart will be, a place where you will follow me,

I’ll take you to the place where quiet waters flow

Walk with me and talk with me, I’ll strengthen you, and you will see

My faithfulness to you, I will always see you through

In this podcast, Andrew describes the process of writing the song and the profound message of God's guidance in every season of our lives.  

"His Story" is a song that is sung from Jesus' perspective - singing His truth over our lives.  

This song is available to stream or download wherever you get your digital music.  

Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV) 

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

“His Story”

Verse 1

The first chapter of your story, was written before time,

I was knitting you together, writing every line

I have stored up hidden treasure, deep inside your heart

I’ve left clues to solve the mystery, of who you really are

Chorus:

Your whole life has been a story, I am writing to show

My true love and my affection, so the world will know

That my heart beats for you completely, even when you do not notice me,

In the pages of your life, they’ll see, a picture of me

Verse 2

The next chapter of your story is starting just in time

I have buried treasures I intend for you to find

The map to guide your journey is in the tales of men

Who lived so many years ago, stories left to give you hope

(Chorus)

Bridge

Every plot twist that’s ahead of you, forces you to trust me

Before the page turns, there’s no way to see

What’s around the bend, how this story ends

As you live out the adventure, and write tales of this journey

Remember I am faithful, I will help you carry on

I will never leave you, I am here to make you strong

The expedition starts,  right inside your heart

Chorus 2:

You were born to lead the captives, away from their pain

Your life was a gift to those I’m dying to save

And my heart beats for you completely, even when you do not walk with me,

It’s the truth, I’m writing in you,

In the pages of your life, they’ll see, a picture of me

This podcast paints the picture of the song Captivating, and the accounts from the gospels in John 4 and John 8.  

This song was written from Jesus' perspective.  The words He sings are the truth about how He sees us.  I don't mention it in this podcast, but the Lord has used this song in at least two people's lives who chose life when considering suicide.  This song is a gift from heaven, I feel honored that Jesus shared one of his songs in heaven with me.  

This song is available to stream or share from anywhere you get your digital music.  

Captivating

Verse 1

The blazing sun beat down around us

Your soul is thirsty, like the ground beneath your feet

Coming to this place, you need a little space

You’ve heard promises before

All those promises walked right out your door

Looking deep into the well, You hope to find yourself

The reflection looking back at you is

Living on the ragged edge, surviving day to day

Hoping no one notices  all of your pain

You tell another lie, and you try to get away

Nothing seems to satisfy,  life leaves you wanting to die

Verse 2

Storm clouds billow east of Eden

The morning rain is pooling at your feet

You were carried to this place, With little hope of finding grace

Tear drops splash, a face looks back

Can you make an escape form  all of this shame

Looking for some help, to save you from yourself

The reflection looking back at you is

Living on the ragged edge, surviving day to day

Hoping no one notices  all of your pain

You tell another lie, and you try to get away

Nothing seems to satisfy,  life leaves you wanting to die

Chorus:

I can see, that you have a beauty , That is so captivating

It reflects my light like a million stars at night

When I saw you, I saw right through

All your sin and all your shame, I will take away this pain

I choose you, I tell you the truth,

My goodness is on parade, with every step you take