1.     Sunshine On My Shoulders

John Denver seemed to always wear a smile! He sang with sincerity and joy, finding inspiration in nature. Surely he had low moods like all of us… Actually he recalls composing this song on a dreary, cloudy spring day.

2.     The Sound of Music

I was about 10 years old when I fell in love with this musical, or was it Julie Andrews? And when Captain von Trapp enters the room to join in singing, it can often bring a tear to my eyes. Music surely has the power to transform stony hearts. Maybe world leaders could start summits with singalongs.

3.     When You Are Old

Belleville’s Roots Music Concerts have brought great musicians to town. I fell in love with this song by Gretchen Peters, perhaps because I have always enjoyred ministry with dear older souls, or perhaps due to my own advancing years.

4.     Corner of the Sky

Within commitment and community, there is still hat call to freedom, to be and to express our true selves. Steven Schwartz, also composer of Godspell, gives this calling such energy and joy, in the musical Pippin.

5.     So I Could Find My Way

In November of 2017, I was over the Atlantic, listening to Air France’s musical offerings, when I “happened to click on some Enya songs. This song entered my heart, and I knew I had to sing it to my Mom over the phone, or at her memorial service. She was declining steadily, died two days after Christmas, and I sang this song for her on January 6, All Saints Day. This is for you, Mom. See you one day on “another shore.”

6.     Bound For Greater Things

Originally composed by Ken Medema for a Christian youth convention, this song has inspired me for many years. It’s a good song to return to when in need of renewed vision and energy. Ken is a living example of steadfast courage and hope!

7.     People

A hard-won lesson of life, that no one can be an island, that we are interdependent, vulnerable, and all need loving, trusting relationships and community. Thank you family, friends, and Belleville.

8.     The Impossible Dream

In Cervantes’ timeless novel, Don Quijote is interpreted by many as a figure of Christ. I’m sure this is part of what attracted me to this song.

9.     The Rose

Isn’t Love indeed the most “durable force” in the world as Martin Luther Kind Jr. once said? I lve the seed and gardening imagery, prevalent in all spiritual teachings. Tich Nhat Hanh referred to human beings as “flowers” that need tender cultivation.

10.  You’ll Never Walk Alone

Thanks again to Rodgers and Hammerstein for a timeless song… I trust we will always have companions for life’s jouney, whether dear loved ones or Divine spirit, or both!

11.  The Greatest Love

While loving yourself is indeed a primary need, the “greatest” love surely goes further, “to lay down one’s life” for others, as Jesus once said and this song echoes.

12.  Sing

Ken suggested this fun song the day before we recorded it. So Lynn and I caught the spirit, to “Just Sing, Sing a Song!”