He Loves You

Restoration Song Notes

The opening track is written to help the listener feel the love of God for them in their situation and identifies with them in their pain. “Lift the name of Jesus higher than your fears,” captures the reality that we don’t have to stay where we are, there is hope for our situation. The intimacy of the track is enhanced by very simple orchestration and opportunity at the end to bask in the love of God.

You Need to Remember

Restoration Song Notes

This song was written when I was in my early 20’s (nearly 50 years ago!) and was initially recorded as a single for the greeting card project (see online store.) I decided to use it again in the Restoration album as it was a perfect fit for this project also. Simple orchestration, intimate recording. Did you know you can actually “hear” when someone is smiling? .

Heaven Hold Me

Restoration Song Notes

The song starts off with beautiful guitar work, and immediately arrests the listener with intimate lyrics that helps create the feeling of being held close by God. The bridge section takes its lyrics from the passage in Romans 9:38 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It is a powerful bridge section that leads us into the closing chorus with triumphant exclamations of “Heaven hold me.” The song captures our hearts by identifying with the listener in their hour of need, but finishes on a note of victory.

Hold Me Tight

Restoration Song Notes

The first upbeat song of the album, with catchy rhythmic backing supporting lovely lyrical melody. This song was written during a deep personal challenge and time of crisis. I felt the need to be held by God and feel His forgiveness. The song could possibly be interpreted in a secular way, but it was conceived as a prayer. The coda is quite long, but I felt it was necessary for the listener to spend time in His presence being wrapped in His love.

If a Son Asked a Father

Restoration Song Notes

The song is based on the parable of the good father found in the gospels of Mathew and Luke. Jesus gives several examples of what it means to have a loving heavenly Father by comparing Him to an earthly one. If an earthly father will provide for his earthly children, will not our heavenly Father provide for His own?

The song was conceived almost in its entirety in a prayer meeting, (I actually sang it at the prayer meeting) with only an extra verse or two added the next day. The song was recorded shortly afterwards in my home studio with a single live take – a solo vocal with simple piano accompaniment. It’s one of those songs - both in its conception and in the actual process of recording it - that leaves me with the surreal feeling that the song has a heavenly origin. I felt at the time that I was simply performing the actions of a scribe or an instrument played upon, I was merely the vessel or channel by which the song was delivered. It is a prophetic declaration from the heart of God, the Father singing over His beloved children.

It's a Love Song

Restoration Song Notes

This is a song of comfort for those who have suffered a hardship in life, especially grief in some form or other, and are perhaps seeking the answer to the often-asked question, “why do bad things happen to good people?” In times of grief people often turn to the scripture in Job 1:21 “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.” But God is a loving heavenly Father. Love does not teach us with sickness or disaster or take our children away. If anyone is struggling with the “why”, I hope they find some consolation in this song.

Tell Me Once Again

Restoration Song Notes

We know God loves us, but how often we need our hearts to be assured of this truth! The song is a simple prayer to be reassured of His love. The Father’s response is intimate, powerful, and sealed in blood.

Restoration

Restoration Song Notes

This is the theme song of the album. It captures the heart of God and His yearning to see us fully redeemed from every loss and heartache. He knows us intimately and cares deeply about our situation; He has lovingly provided a solution, and longs for our restoration.

Just Believe

Restoration Song Notes

When all hope is lost, it is not the end. This song is a triumphant anthem to the love and goodness of God who will not leave us in despair in our greatest hour of need. He is there, He is with us, and we cannot fail if we just believe and put our trust in Him.