My writing journeys have intersected a few times with The Message Bible translation, and it’s been a fun combination! I have three other tunes like this one, written using almost 100% Bible scripture from The Message. I had the chance to meet Eugene Peterson recently and personally thank him. He’s an amazing man! I want to grow old like THAT GUY! I love the freedom of the language used. Eugene said he wrote The Message for regular, average people, right off the street…I relate to that. So, here’s the first one - a hillbilly romp nicked from Psalm 57….

I am SO STOKED to be hosting Tony Orlando’s priceless, vintage Rhodes in my studio!

Thanks, TONY!!!

The new generation is TAKING OVER! I’m so proud of my son, Brennan, for rocking the drums while his sister Farrah and friend Sophia pulled off a mean version of “Lean On Me”. The Killibrook Elementary School Talent Show didn’t know what hit ‘em!

The idea I’m singing about is that God can meet us ANYWHERE and take to a place in our hearts closer to Him. We don’t need the perfect sunny day, the best waves, and everything perfect to find REAL paradise. The best “soul vacation” around is right in front of us; the God of the Universe who wants to spend time with US, to hear our prayers and thoughts, to guide, love, and direct us, and maybe accompany us on a nice long walk…that’s what it’s all about!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D6c40WzpSI]So, John and I are at the top of Nevada Falls a few weeks ago, and I just had to hold my camera over the cliff. This fall was RAGING at full flood…the thunder of it was booming…it was a jaw-dropping site. This is just one of the thousands of ways God likes to show off! He’s speaking to me a lot these days about His kind of “beauty”. I’m starting to share more about this in concert, so I’ll keep the thoughts rolling here…  This is the “intro video”——-