Peacefull Heart Music

Jesus Loves Me
Scripture References:
The Holy Bible and John 3:16

Story
One day a good friend of mine named Donna said to me, “I wish someone would write an upbeat, faster version of ‘Jesus Loves Me.’” With absolutely no thought or hesitation, I said, “Okay, I will.” Earlier that morning I had written four lines of whole note music for a song of some sort. Three days later I sat back down at the piano and played the four lines of whole notes. All of a sudden, “Jesus Loves Me” was being hummed by me and musically fitting into the four lines of whole notes. The previous morning whole notes and evening conversation with Donna went on like a light bulb to my heart. I said to God, “Pretty cool, arranging all these circumstances we call Coincidences!”

Jesus does love us! This I know,
For The Bible tells me so.
May you be Blessed.
HalleluYah.

-Jeannine

Lyrics
Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him, to Him belong.
Jesus (5x)

Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak, be He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me, (Loves me) (2x)
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

Yes, Jesus loves me, (Loves me) (2x)

Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus (5x)

Yes, Jesus loves me, (Loves me) (2x)
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus (5x)

loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me (2x)
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus (3x)

Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me (3x)
The Bible tells me so.

Yes, Jesus loves me, (3x)
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus (5x)

loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me (3x)
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus (3x)
Loves me so.

Jesus Loves me,
This I know.

For your reference:
The Bible – God’s Autobiography
Coincidence=Christ through the Holy Spirit, Extraordinary Experiences
Original “Jesus Loves Me” © 1860
William B. Bradbury and Anna Warner
Original © 1906 by W.E. Bailey
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)
Arrangement of Lyrics by Jeannine (ASCAP)
© 2016 All Rights Reserved.
Used by Written Permission.

You Alone Are God
Scripture References:
Psalm 86:9-10, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 11:1

Story
Inspiration for this piece came from four sources: The Holy Spirit of God, International Friendships Voice of the Nations, Lower Lights Ministries, and the people of Franklinton. I was so moved by IFI’s Voice of the Nations concert where The Word of God and testimonies of Jesus in their hearts was spoken and sung. The neighborhood of Franklinton for their spirit in the face of the challenges of poverty, substance abuse, sexual and physical abuse, and crime. God, through the Holy Spirit, for allowing me to see using my heart as my eyes’ vision that His powerful presence and His gift of love and faith is compassionately seeking all nations and all peoples to come to Him through His Son Jesus. He is the cornerstone and builder beyond all brokenness, all suffering and all pain. In calm assurance and faithful believing, I dedicate this piece to God, His nations, and to all peoples who are in His heart of love. Your thoughts, God, are above and beyond my comprehension. Though You allow me to bring to mind Your Divine Reality through the music I compose revealed by Your Holy Spirit, I am humbled by Your thoughts. During the beginning and end of this piece, I have composed a symbolic train to represent The Lord’s arrival here on Earth and departure, as we know it now. He will gather His kids on this train, taking them home to be with Him in Heaven one day. Toward the end of the piece, you will hear the fading sound of the train on the distant tracks…it is my prayer that you trust Jesus as your Savior and get on board. The Conductor is waiting for you at Heaven’s Station. I ask in prayer that “You Alone Are God” be deeply rooted into all the nations you have made. To God be the glory, “For You are great and do marvelous deeds.”

Seeking Only God – Jeannine

Hallelu Yah
Hebrew spelling meaning “Praise The Lord”

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
“But those who hope in the Lord
Will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and no faint.”
(Will not faint)

(Chorus)
“All the nations You have made
(You have made)
Will come and worship before You,
O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name.
For You are great and do marvelous deeds;”
Hallelu Yah (6x)
“You alone are God.” (5x)

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
And certain of what we do not see.”

(Chorus)

Hallelu Yah,
Amen. (3x)
Hallelu Yah,
Hallelu Yah,
Amen.
Hallelu Yah
Hallelu Yah,
Amen. (3x)
Hallelu Yah,
Hallelu Yah,
Amen.
Hallelu Yah
(Repeat four times and as many more as led by the Holy Spirit:)
“You alone are God.”

(Ending 1)
“You alone are
(Spoken in a whisper:)
‘God.’”

(Ending 2)
“You alone are…”

(Fade)

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society.
Copyright © 1973, 1978
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)
Lyrics by God and Arrangement of Lyrics by Jeannine (ASCAP) © 2016, All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

Coram Deo
Story
“Coram Deo” translates as “Living in the presence of God.” And so I ask…”What words can I write about You?” You have written all the words before my pen begins to ask. What language can I borrow to express who You are? You are Love. You are Mercy. You are Grace. This piece was inspired through John 4:27-30, Luke 18:1-8, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Joshua 1:9, James 1:2-8, and Psalm 42 and 119:114. “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.” – Matthew 14:25 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1
This is “Coram Deo.” My soul prays kneeling before You. – Jeannine

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP) © 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

In the Footsteps of Jesus – Love One Another
In the Footsteps of Jesus…
The road was paved in scripture.

The Gospel of John…
The Word became flesh.

John 15:5…
I am the vine. You are the branches.

Galatians 5:19-21, 22-23…
The Fruit of the Spirit.

Isaiah 8:17…
Jesus and trusting.

Hebrews 13:5b…
Never will I leave you.
Never will I forsake you.

Psalm 142…
Discipleship.

Ephesians 3:14-21…
Kneeling.

2 Corinthians 4:18…
The unseen is eternal.

James 5:13-16…
Prayer offered in faith.

Isaiah 64:6…
Filthy rags, humbleness, reverence to God.

Matthew 5:14-16…
Let your light shine before men.

Story
I begin the quest of reviewing my journal notes to give the reader and the listener context for the journey this song inspired. My first inkling of the adventure came during my quiet devotional time and my reading of Psalm 142, David’s prayer when he was in the cave of desperate need.

I, too, had a desperate need in my spirit, overwhelmed by many circumstances and I was asking God to rescue me. Each day, I wrote a few more notes as if they were footsteps leading me toward Jesus. I remember writing several ideas or what could be titles:
Because of the Steps of Jesus
Into the Steps of Jesus
Power of the Steps of Jesus
The Steps of Jesus
In the Steps of Jesus

My next thoughts were: kneeling, physically, heart, mind, humbling, thankfulness, lovingly. Then the “wow” thought came to me: “It’s about following in His footsteps and “so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). I could either go round and round the proverbial mountain or follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The choice was mine.

How would someone like me discover His footsteps? I prayerfully posed the question to God. The first word that came to my mind was ‘discipleship.’ I studied the word. I wrote the word: dis-ciple-ship. Dis- is a prefix meaning separation. I wondered what separation meant. According to Webster’s dictionary it is the act of dividing, disconnection, a detachment, and a departure. As I pondered the next syllable, -ciple, this phrase came to me:

Christ is purposely loving everyone. The purpose for which I called you is to love God. Next I thought about the suffix -ship. I studied the noun, verb and suffix forms of ship. As a noun, ship is a vessel, an especially large one. As a suffix, ship is the state of being, like in a friendship. The verb ship is to send or to ship out. In its definition of ship, Webster’s referenced send. Send means to cause to go, to move forward, dispatch, convey and communicate.

I continued to write musical notes on the manuscript paper. I wrote and lived in the moment of His purpose on my heart and life. The thoughts, “Christ is purposely loving everyone,” and, “This purpose for which I created you called you to…Love God,” kept coming and going like a cool, refreshing breeze through my mind.

The next day my friends invited me to see the movie, The Gospel of John. During the movie, I felt compelled to pull out a little piece of paper and write: In the Footsteps of Jesus – Love One Another.

As I continued to watch the movie, I thought more about my little piece of paper in my pocket. When I got home, I looked up chapter 15 of the Gospel of John. The vine and the branches are all about Jesus’ love, and the fruitfulness of character and its virtues. Also living in union with Jesus, the importance of obedience and His sacrificial death for us all. Love is the central characteristic of God and His people. Joy will mark your life overflowing, when we obey Jesus Christ. My journey continued.

I had an appointment later that evening. I pulled into the parking lot, got out of my car and walked toward the back end of my car. Glancing at the car next to mine, I saw that the license plate said “Obey J.C.” I stood there, stunned. Sunset rays were casting light and shadows on this car. I remarked out loud to God, “My life is one woven thread with You, Lord. Everything connects through You, in You, and for You.”

As I composed this piece, I never assumed the next line of music. I only made the grand staff of the lines I was writing on. When one line of music was full, I would draw the next grand staff and begin composing in whole notes. No bar lines and no key signatures, only accidentals.

Funny little side thought…While I was writing this piece, I enjoyed chewing bubble gum. Also when a few measures were written, I would play them over and over until the next note would come or I would just play and my finger would play the next note. Each note I wrote came to me this way. I didn’t think it or hear it. I just seemed to move from one note to the next by accident.

Now back to the journey of music notation for this song. I wrote layer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9. Then I wrote layer 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 again. Why? I don’t know. I just did. As I wrote layers 1-9, musical thoughts about the Fruit of the Spirit came into my mind. I recalled that Galatians 5:22 lists the fruits of the Spirit listed: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Well, okay – that’s that. I’m slow, aren’t I, God? The song will have musical inspiration from the Fruits of the Spirit, right? He didn’t audibly answer me, but I seemed to know this was part of the footsteps/music to write.

I continue one note one step at a time. As I wrote the music, I was thinking, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” (John 15:5). I wrote these words on the music score, smiling at God in my heart and on my face. I said to myself, I feel I will never get out of this song, its love to me and its joy I sense…No ending to this piece? Then I commented to God, “I ask, is there no ending to this song? It’s love? It’s joy?” Into the score went the words, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” I laid my pencil down across the keys and went to bed.

The next day, early in the morning, I was quietly praying and enjoying the silence. I picked up the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Chapter 14 was day fourteen in my journey of forty days, reading a new chapter every day. The day’s topic, “When God Seems Distant,” and Isaiah 8:17, word from God, “The Lord has hidden himself from His people, but I trust Him and place my hope in Him.” Subtopics from the book were: Tell God Exactly How You Feel; Focus On Who God Is – His Unchanging Nature; Trust God to Keep His Promises; Remember What God has Already Done for You. God’s presence was to be my focus and God’s word to remember, “For God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.’” (Hebrews 13:5, TEV).

Daily I read only that day’s devotional. I did not turn the page for the next day’s chapter because I focused on that day’s thoughts. I liked the surprises of the next chapter the next day. Today was different, though. I thought, “Turn the page and take a glimpse of the next page.” This thought came to me in a small voice inside my head. Gifts from God come in very unusual wrapping sometimes.

I turned the page. The next page blew me away. God confirmed my song. I didn’t deserve the gift. There on the next page was a picture of a vine with branches and the scripture verse, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” (John 15:5). My mouth dropped open in total shock. Remember that the day before I had written John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches,” into the musical score. I had tried other words out of John 15, but they didn’t fit musically. So, “I am the vine, you are the branches,” was it…And the melodic notes were already composed. Sooooo overwhelming!

The day I wrote John 15:5 into the melodic line was the day before Valentine’s Day. The day to which I turned the page was February fourteenth, Valentine’s Day. What an amazing Valentine’s Gift from God!

My body was in a state of excitement as if it were going to explode with energy and joy. Could this response be the power and strength from the Holy Spirit of God?

I began to re-read the scriptures that seemed to be directing my thoughts mentally and musically. They were Psalm 142, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Corinthians 4:18, John 15:5, 9-17, Galatians 5:22-23, and James 5:13-16. After reading I asked my Heavenly Father to direct my thoughts so that I could continue to compose.

Over and over I heard the words in my head, “Love one another.” I couldn’t begin to count them because they were so numerous. I just wanted to yell, “All right! YES!” It was as if I was in a crowd of people, like a football game. I prayed, “Lord, you know my heart pounds for You, touch down for You! ‘Love one another!’ Your presence is astonishing and extraordinary and filled with unusual surprises.” I continued to meditate on the scripture references. Each one produced more thoughts, more ideas and more whole notes!

Psalm 142 – I thought about discipleship.
• Being separated from everything except God
• To experience Him
• Enduring life for Him
• Crying out for His mercy and grace
• Allowing His compassion to flow through us
• All things pointing to His righteousness
• He causes and sends forth His message in whatever way the Spirit of God leads
• Bottom line: communicate Jesus, The Good News!

Ephesians 3:14-21 – I thought about kneeling.
• Physically kneeling and kneeling in my heart and mind
• Humbling ourselves before God

2 Corinthians 4:18 – This scripture speaks for itself… ”unseen is eternal.”

John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Just Jesus!

John 15:9-17 – Joy was the key thought.
• One of the marks of a true disciple’s life is joy
• Obedience to the teaching of Christ
• Joy will be overflowing

Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit
• Going deeper and deeper in Christ
• Layer after layer, or round and round the mountain experience producing “against such things there is no law.”
• The opposite of real fruit is man-made of human skills and control, earthbound motives and human energies.
• The real fruit is of Jesus…Produced through Him and of Him.

James 5:13-16 – Prayer was my thought.
• prayer of faith, spiritually and physically

I prayed….Thank you always Lord, for faithfully praying for me. This song seems like a rollercoaster or Your Word and Your ideas escalating. I guess I had better fasten my seat belt. The ride is about to begin…The ride of my life in Jesus. With love in my heart to You, Lord, I pray. AMEN

I began to compose again.

I prayed…God, the intensity of Your thoughts exhaust me physically. The strength of You is difficult in earthly terms. It seems that I compose or write journal notes with this intensity of strength. Then I sense Your presence more or pull away. I’m used up physically and mentally. Your presence overwhelms this body of mine here on earth. My visible, natural body cannot take much of Your energy source. You consume me with such power and greatness.
Explain Your vastness? I cannot. You are so far reaching and yet so close. You consume my whole being. Father, you flow through me like a river. At its deepest point, Your depth is still and silent, surrounding my body. I consider my efforts to be vain and to have no effect unless You direct my steps. I, too, touch the hem of Your garment and Your love touches my soul and I become stronger. I go on. Thoughts of You, only, at my center. AMEN

The very next day, my pastor spoke at the evening church service on John 15:9-17. His topic was love one another. So cool! I grinned from ear to ear as if I were smiling to Jesus’ face. I said to myself, “My heart is smiling. It feels as if there is a glow inside of me. I know You know that I know.”

An acquaintance of mine cites the scripture verse James 5:16b a lot when he prays. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” It just so happened that the day after Pastors message from John 15:9-17, I was talking with this person. We talked about healing in many ways. We talked about progressive healing with its many avenues of treatment, mentally, physically, and spiritually. We discussed miraculous healings, instant, blink-of-an-eye events. Earthly healing sometimes involves having to endure a “thorn in the flesh,” an affliction. But with God’s grace, through heavenly healing, there are no problems. All of this boiled down to prayer of faith. It’s Jesus’ hem of His garment that healed the woman. Healing not of man, but of Him. The prayer of faith of a righteous man is powerful and effective. This person’s words always inspire me and give me positive direction.

This person was part of my steps in following the Lord. His word’s were affirming my journey in God’s Word and song. God is so special in how He marks our steps and directs our paths if we will listen and follow. This song is a clear reflection of just that…A relationship and friendship with Jesus.

I press on.

The following day I went out to lunch. I took with me a book by Greg Laurie, Wrestling with God, Prayer that Never Gives Up. I began reading the book over lunch.

Laurie quotes Pslam 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” This reference caught my heart by surprise. It is a favorite verse of mine. I thanked the Lord for placing that Word in that book for that time and place, that little lunch break. Laurie shared his thoughts on “waiting on the Lord and His perfect timing.” God has many ways of getting our attention. Personally, at times, His Word speaks to me like a private phone call. His caller ID# is the scripture reference from the Bible!

I continued to read, munching on my Chick-fil-A lunch box special. On page 10, Laurie wrote, “Your arms are too short to box with God.” My Pastor had said the exact words just two days before. I about fell off my seat. I began to try to read faster. Food was no longer important. The race was on. I needed to catch up with God. I was like a dog sniffing a trail.

Next I read Laurie’s perspective on the presence of God and sensing something different. “It’s not just some mere emotional or physical effort that we work up on our own. Instead, it is a force inside us that’s implanted and aroused by the Holy Spirit. Laurie equated this prayer to, guess what, James 5:16b. “The intercession of the Spirit of God in us and with the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man. This kind of prayer power “avails much.” God says so, too! My lunch break at Chick-fil-A took on a whole different meaning this day…With God’s caller ID#’s: Psalm 46:10 and James 5:16b.

I went back home and tried to be quiet and in my thoughts I surrendered everything I could think of. My day progressed with more whole notes. As I wrote certain notes, tears flowed down my face like a dripping faucet. I had never before in my life experienced a love like this.

12:30 AM lights out. I went to bed. Prayed again. 4:00 AM I awake and began praying for people I knew and people I didn’t know. I went back to sleep. The next time I saw the clock it was 5:30 AM. I prayed again, but this time my prayer was Ephesians 6:10-18, the armor of God. Those thoughts drew my half-awake mind to the unseen world and to a real enemy of my soul.

My feet hit the floor. I was off to the prayer room. With my spiritual clothes on, I readied for the day as usual.

To the piano … I wrote more whole notes. The lyrics were swimming in my head:
Love one another
Love one another
Love one another as I love you
I am the vine
You are the branches
Love one another as I loved you.

I prayed … Father, teach me not to worry. All things are in Your control. Aren’t they? You always have things covered even if I mess up. Thank You, God, for the Holy Spirit. Help me to continue hearing Your music clearly with Your heart on every note and lyric. I totally owe my whole life to You, Father. AMEN

As I reflect back to the first day of composing this piece and the first 9 notes which later would bring to life Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruit of the Spirit, I am filled with amazement. How could 9 piano notes lead me on such a journey as this…In and out of so many people’s lives? Everything and every place had relevancy, a connection to this song. All things seemed to matter and were of importance. Guess that’s God!

My journal lists many more people and events that crossed the path of this song. But for now I will leave those memories in the journal.

Upon hearing the closing of the last line of the music, I sat at the piano and tears flowed down my face. I knew in my heart that the piece was coming to an end. I drew this little face on the score.

I began talking to God out loud…I cry, Lord, I can hear the song coming to the end. You know I cry because I so love writing music with You. I wish the song could go on forever. I will miss You so much. Your love has been so heartfelt with each note. I know You aren’t leaving. It’s the intimate time of friendship that I sense now that will come to an end. I’m not explaining myself very well…I hope You understand my words and my heart, Father. AMEN

I move away from the piano bench and kneel beside the piano. With my head and heart bowing before God, I am in silence. I say nothing. I am deeply quiet. I heard a still, small voice whisper, “There is an ending. It is Jesus. Play very quietly Je (E♭)-sus (B♭). Whisper My Name.

I got up slowly as if I was lifeless. I dragged myself onto the piano bench. I was drained. I began to play the song as a whole. I asked the Holy Spirit to play through me. My strength was gone. I was exhausted.

My sleep patterns seemed to be much like my cats, here, there, everywhere. At that point, the cats got more sleep than me. Many notes were written through the wee hours of the night. This song’s journey had been consumed in much prayer. During this time of music and prayer, I seemed to lose track of days and hours. I was reminded that all time is valuable to our Heavenly Father. My lack of sleep will be redeemed by Him.

I looked through the score. I read the word “faithfulness” in layer #7. There was a rolled chord to signify David as a shepherd playing his harp. Father, You were always faithful to David, the boy, the shepherd, the warrior, and David the King. Even though at times David’s faith wavered and sin encapsulated His heart, You never went away. It is said that David longed for You and he was a man after God’s own heart. What a friendship you both must have had.

I read layer #4 – Patience. Wow! It has been a long time coming. I have heard over and over again You working patience into my life, note by note and step by step. Though in this song I sensed Your unlimited patience being poured out. You wait. Your love in immense. You wait. I am but “filthy rags” and Your unlimited patience flows in my veins. I am so grateful to Your ways.

I read layer #9 – Self-Control. You guide my thoughts to “stuff” that longs for Your gardener’s hand. As I write, I add accents on the notes. The accents represent the “stuff” that needs to be weeded out of every person from the beginning of time and in the Garden of Eden. These accents represent the acts of the sinful nature of man and in some way a lash against Your back for each sin we have committed. You cover each lash You took with the Fruits of the Spirit…
Positive for negative:
Lashes
Layer #1 – Love -sin, sexual immorality, impurity
Layer #2 – Joy -sadness, tears, pain, sorrow, death
Layer #3 – Peace -turmoil, hatred, discord, bitterness
Layer #4 – Patience -out of control, fits of rage
Layer #5 – Kindness -rudeness, jealousy, vulgarity, disrespect
Layer #6 – Goodness -selfishness, envy
Layer #7 – Faithfulness -glorifying things and people, idolatry, witchcraft
Layer #8 – Gentleness -harshness, inconsideration, self-ambition, dissension
Layer #9 – Self-Control -excessive indulgence, greed, waste, debauchery, drunkenness, orgies

The events, circumstances and people placed by God to be on this journey with me continued. As I write this day I conclude with one more “God happening.” It involves production company called City on a Hill. The Holy Spirit of God first introduced me to City on a Hill. Let me explain.

I was awakened in the middle of the night for no apparent reason and found myself in the living room turning on the television, which is very unusual for me. Much to my surprise the television was turned to TBN, which was playing a movie about Jesus.

This movie seemed to be different and it captivated my attention. As I watched, I felt myself being drawn intently to the story. My senses seemed to heighten. As each scene unfolded, tears began to flow. I went from the couch to the floor, kneeling before the Lord in a pool of tears. The movie was The Easter Experience by City on a Hill Productions (C.H.P.). The movie burned in my heart and mind. I prayed, “Lord, I need to see this movie again. But how? How do I get a copy of this movie?” At that moment, the phone number for C.H.P. flashed across the screen. I never remembered phone numbers, but this one etched in my brain.

I called that very morning and talked with Cassie from C.H.P. Later that week I received The Easter Experience. I watched it over and over. I was captivated by the story, but also drawn to the footsteps of Jesus. I would watch the movie, then play it again just watching the steps Jesus took.

I was in the midst of recording the piano score of the piece “In the Footsteps of Jesus – Love One Another,” and by watching just the footsteps of the actor who played Jesus in The Easter Experience, these steps seemed to give my ears and hands more dynamic expression to convey the story behind the piece. Other pieces that I have composed since have been inspired by the footsteps of Jesus The Easter Experience.

How can I explain the presence of God…This ‘burning bush’ experience? I cannot. But something inside of me connected the dots through “In the Footsteps of Jesus: Love One Another.”

In Your favor, Lord, With deep compassion I pray. – Jeannine

Lyrics
Lyrics inspired by John 15:1-17

Love one another, (2x)
Love one another as I loved you.
I Am the Vine, you are the branches.
Love one another as I loved you.
Love one another. (2x)
Love one another as I loved you.
I Am the Vine, you are the branches.
Love one another. (4x)
Love one another as I loved you.
I Am the Vine, you are the branches.
Love one another as I loved you.

As you listen, the bass clef notes represent the constant faithful footsteps of Jesus. The treble clef notes represent ourselves, layer after layer of personal belongings, baggage and situations that attribute to our life, here and now and into the future. May the continuous Joy of God fill your spirit with Heaven’s purest joy. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into The Lord of Wonders and draw from His well of Living Water, “In the Footsteps of Jesus – Love One Another…”

In Your favor, Lord,
With deep compassion I pray. – Jeannine

References
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
“The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
“Wrestling with God…Prayer That Never Gives Up” by Greg Laurie
Chick-fil-A
“The Easter Experience” by City on a Hill Productions
Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus Laird, Charlton A., Ed. Michael Agnes. Chicago: Webster’s New World. 2002
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP) 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

My Father’s Prayer
Piano Prelude is played and continues to repeat while scripture is read.

Colossians 1:1-14 (NIV)
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
We always thank God, the Father or our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Scripture References:
Colossians 1:1-14, Number 6:24-26, Romans 8:26-27

Story
On March of 1996, my father gave me an article entitled Changing People Through Prayer, written by Dr. Charles F. Stanley from the In Touch Magazine. I slipped it into my briefcase, assuming it would find its way into my bottomless “To Do” box on my desk.

Over the next several days, that little article survived the shuffle to and from the piano studio and seemed to surface each time I sorted the music and files in my briefcase. Before bed about a week after my father had given me the article, I felt compelled to read it.

Dr. Stanley describes Romans 8:26-27 as offering great comfort to the privileged believer who takes his petition before the throne of God:

And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pay as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning’s too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

The power of prayer was laid before me. The Holy Spirit Himself intercedes for us. Again, God was in the driver’s seat. He knew the needs of those I prayed for. Prayer itself had power – Power of the Living, Everlasting God.

The next day I visited with my Uncle Phil who had recently undergone a cardiac procedure. I looked into his eyes and told him that I had been praying for him and that prayers were being lifted up as he had had his surgery.

I could see the relief as tears filled his eyes and he said, “Thank you. That means a lot.”

That same day, I saw my grandma in the hospital. As I was saying good-bye to her, I told her that throughout the day I constantly talk to Jesus and pray for her. She hugged me tightly and gave me a kiss and said, “I love you, Jeannine.”

I said, “You know, Grandma, the angels are right here with you to comfort you. The prayers to Jesus get us through all things.” She said that she knew this and her happy, sparking eyes twinkled through her gentle smile. Just the mention of prayer, the intimacy of it, the power of it drew me closer to my dear uncle and grandmother.

The impact of the content of that article continued to grow. I read it and re-read it. Each time grasping more and more of the depth of its message.

Dr. Stanley challenged his readers to think of someone whose behavior had been hurtful or to pray for someone that needed help. The only solution for these individuals would come from the Lord who loved them with an everlasting, unconditional love. The one true way to be of service to someone in need was to pray for them!

I was overwhelmed by the emotion that stirred within me. Dr. Stanley frequently quoted the book of Colossians from the Bible. The central theme of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Colosse became clear and the magnitude of its potential was stunning. Paul’s opening prayer jumped from the pages of my Bible. There was my next assignment from the Lord – a song with a gentle, beautiful, comforting melody for all to hear prayerfully.

I compared several translations of this prayer and after studying them I knew that I had the inspiration to write another song – one that would bring this prayer to life again.

As before, I did not know where this process would lead me. I just kept at it, one note at a time. I knew that my dad had given me that article at that particular moment for a reason and that my work had purpose. Dr. Charles Stanley once said, “God’s work is never isolated. His riches inevitably spill over to include many people as He moves and works in the heart of an individual.”

About six weeks later the title for this song came to me as I was writing the melody line with the piano as the solo instrument. The words, “My Father’s Prayer” just came to my mind. I wrote down the title and ran to get my Bibles to re-read Colossians 1:1-14, Verse 12 talked about “being thankful to the Father.” Paul was praying and giving thanks to His Father God.

All of my Bibles mentioned the letter of thankful prayer to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus. The prayer reminds us to have faith and God will fill you with knowledge of what He wants. This will give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. NEVER gave up. Bear fruit and from to know God better. Be patient, be joyful and give thanks to your Father.

“My Father’s Prayer” is dedicated to my Heavenly Father and to my mother and father here on earth, and to Dr. Stanley for his directed footsteps according to the Word of God. May our Father’s Prayer continue to bless His children.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
In Touch Magazine Feb. 1996… “Changing People Through Prayer” by Dr. Charles Stanley
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP) © 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

The Blessing
Scripture References:
Psalm 28:7

Story
One morning I read Ps. 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”

I prayed and asked God if I could write a joyful – happy – light hearted piece for Him, to Him…That evening I wrote “The Blessing.” May your heart dance with joy when you hear this song.

–Jeannine

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)

The Other Side – Press On
Scripture References:
Psalm 32:8, 11, Proverbs 4:23,
Matthew 5:8, Philippians 3:12-14

Story Summary
Inspiration for this piece came from several sources: My life’s journey through many difficult years which challenged my heart, mind, body and soul. Now finding myself on The Other Side…of these difficulties having Pressed On in Jesus Christ.

Also a young boy named Ryan and his story of faith, courage and endurance as he Pressed On to The Other Side…As told to me by his Dad.

Thank you Lord for flying Ryan to The Other Side…He did Press On in Jesus.
–Jeannine

Story
As a three year old Ryan asked Jesus into his heart and could sing lyrics from a well known hymn, “Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” So, naturally you hoped and prayed that he would grow up to be a light for Jesus.

At six years old he was playing soccer and I noticed that he was not kicking as well with his right leg as he usually did. As a family doctor I was used to seeing kids with all sorts of “dings” and other medical problems but from the beginning I felt that he had a brain tumor. Sure enough we were told a few weeks later that it was malignant and inoperable. He was given eighteen months to live.

At that point your mind starts to spin with questions for doctors and still even questions for God. Do you mean there is no cure possible? No idea what caused it? Surely something can be done? Lord, why this for a child to endure?

You could heal him – why won’t you? Then your mind and heart slow down. You think and pray – Lord, somehow use this for good. You do promise to work all things together for good. But how? Then come more thoughts, more questions. Finally, you decide to trust that God knows what He is doing and because Jesus lives you can face tomorrow. You want to get all the time you can.

With experimental chemotherapy, radiation treatments and much prayer God extended Ryan’s life. Though unable to learn new things, unable to grow, having paralyzed right arm and leg, thirty-six hospitalizations and almost too many seizures to count, he became an enthusiastic wonderful testimony for Jesus. Vivid memories of pushing Ryan in his wheelchair through the mall and many other places are sweet hearing him ask folks life’s most important question. “Do you know Jesus? Will you pray and ask Jesus into your heart?” He was never bitter nor did he ask why me? Though difficult in so many ways the years passed with yet a comforting peace from the Lord.

During the year in which Ryan turned seventeen he began telling us that when he was eighteen Jesus was going to fly him to heaven. We would say, “Ryan you don’t know that,” and his response was always the same. “You don’t know. Just Jesus, God, and me know.”

His eighteenth birthday did come and go and he had tears from his heart and eyes when he didn’t fly to heaven on May 19th, 1994. However, eight days later he wasn’t feeling well and I took him to a familiar place – Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He had been coughing some and his seizures were worse and I assumed that the doctors would fine tune some things, get some antibiotics going and I told everyone that he would be back home in a few days. I was wrong. Ryan was right. Within a few hours Jesus gently flew Ryan to heaven! An autopsy showed no specific cause for his death though his brain cancer had returned after twelve years. Twelve long years that will seem like a flash as we soon catch up with him. There will be no more tears, no more pain, no more suffering, no more heartache, no more longing – just the unspeakable joy of experiencing Jesus Loves me this I Know!

Love
Dad

Scripture References:
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”

Psalm 32:11 “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; Sing, all you who are upright in the heart!”

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of Life.”

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Philippians 3:12-14 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
Hymn: Trust and Obey by D.B. Towner and Rev. J.H. Sammis, © 1906 W.E. Bailey
Story by Rick Long
Summary Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)
© 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

The Journey
My first song on the new piano called The Journey begin with several events in which I would call “unusual occurrences.” The first being that I was given the opportunity to purchase a piano, which had been a dream and desire of my heart for as long as I can remember. The delivery company arrived at my home and placed the piano in the living room. The piano was so special and the desire of my heart had come true. I was so overjoyed yet my mind and heart went through a process of rationale feeling unworthy of such a fine instrument. I did not play a note for almost three months on this new piano. I reconciled in my heart the emotions of inadequacies and just decided to look at the piano and dust it.

One morning very early when all of my world seemed quiet and untouched with newness, I placed my hands on the piano keys, took a deep breath and began to play the intervals of what we musicians call perfect fifths. The notes seemed random and hollow with no melody or structure. I remembering remarking out loud to God, “This sounds like junk and nothing will ever come it.” The hand written whole notes I wrote and played remained on the piano music rack for three more months, during which time I played other songs and even composed some other melodies.

During this three-month period, I personally went through a lot of turmoil, suffering, battle after battle and pressure of storms with huge waves that wanted to take me under, suffocating the life out of me. I know I drew closer to God under the pressure because it seemed I was able to continue on daily not knowing what to expect next but knew in my heart and mind I could “press on,” and endure.

I am unable to express in words the emotional peace and calm that I powerfully experience under such extreme pressure. This had to be God’s indwelling Holy Spirit deep inside of me, allowing me to fall asleep at night and awake the next day refreshed. I lived it…I know I lived through it!

Thinking back to the echoes of the past “junk” musically that I thought God could not use, along with the brokenness of my heart and life that I was experiencing, I now smile. Perhaps it will help you too since we are assured that God doesn’t make JUNK.

“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, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” From Psalm 139:15-17

“The Journey” is a music picture that takes you through this life to the next. Scriptures influencing the music are Pslam 139:15-17, Exodus 3:12, 9:16, 15:2, Joshua 1:9, and Matthew 28:20b. Within our hearts dwells the Holy Spirit’s power to move us forward and to press on. If we allow Him, He will always be a constant and continuous companion. Sometimes life’s journeys have unusual gift-wrappings arriving here through tears of heartache and pain later seen as rainbows in heaven.

I pray that your journey be one of drawing close to Jesus as He draws close to you while He guides and completes His earthly work in you.

Your desire for our hearts, Lord.
–Jeannine

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)
© 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

Blessed is He
Scripture References:
Matthew 23:39, Psalm 118:26

Story
June 30, 1998 – while eating lunch, I wrote on a small piece of paper some random notes. I saved this small piece of paper and placed the paper into a file folder. This folder is called “things for Jesus.”

“Blessed is He” lyrics were written after listening to Dr. Charles Stanley’s sermon on October 10, 1999. I took notes from the broadcast and thought to myself, “I believe there will be a song inspired by Dr. Stanley’s sermon.”

Sure enough, this little piece paper and the random notes I had written back on June 30, 1998, fit musically into the lyrics I was inspired to write down after listening to Dr. Stanley’s sermon fifteen months later.

Paraphrasing his sermon outline, I wrote the following:
A Christian is…
1. Born again – because Christ crucified…and lives again.
2. Faith in Him.
3. In us, and through us, Jesus lives.

Thank you, Dr. Stanley, for the wonderful reality and deep attention you give to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In reverence to Him who comes in the Name of the Lord…
–Jeannine

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
I pray, dear Lord,
This day to know Your thoughts.
I know the steps we take be Your will.
Guide my words and deepen my soul.
Let my sight be faith in You.

(Chorus)
“Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, Name of the Lord.
Blessed is He who come in the Name of the Lord, Blessed is He.
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.”

(Verse 2)
Born again ‘cause Christ was crucified.
A Christian is ‘cause Christ lives again.
Faith in Him, in us, and through us Jesus lives.

(Chorus)

(Instrumental Interlude)

(Chorus)

(Instrumental Interlude)

(Chorus)

(Instrumental Interlude)

Chorus
“Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, Name of the Lord.
Blessed is He who come in the Name of the Lord,
Blessed is He. (4x)
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.”

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
Story and lyrics Inspired by Dr. Charles Stanley’s TV sermon on October 10, 1999. Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)
© 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Hymn Story
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6

A man by the name of Joseph Medlicott Scriven penned the message behind the song called “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” His life was surrounded by much grief and sorrow, and yet he continued on. The lyrics to the hymn were actually a poem that he had written to his mom to comfort her through a serious illness. Later, American, Charles C. Converse, added the music.

…What a Friend we do have in Jesus!
–Jeannine

Lyrics
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged –
Take it to the Lord in prayer,
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge –
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find solace there.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978
© 1906 W.E. Bailey
Music by Charles V. Converse
Lyrics by Joseph Scriven
Story by Jeannine (ASCAP)
© 2016 All Rights Reserved. Used by Written Permission.

STEP ONE
Lord I pray my ways be pleasing to You. Guide my heart, mind, and soul as I write on Your behalf. Allow my fingers to pen Your Divine thoughts and plans for Step One and its readers. May Your heart be the voice the readers and listeners experience within all aspects of Step One and its content. I trust in You Lord with my whole heart, leaning not on my own understanding, but acknowledging You in all things, committing my steps to Your Glory. Trusting in Your Step One Lord, Amen.
Jeannine
Peacefull Heart

1. Jesus loves you this I know.
The Bible says…”I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2, NIV
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV
2. God gave us all a will and freedom of choice. By our choices, we have chosen to disobey God. Our problem then becomes we are separated from God.
The Bible says…”I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believe Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24, NIV
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, NIV
3. People have attempted many ways to God such as: philosophy, religions, good works and one’s own accepted standard of conduct of what’s right or wrong in his own eyes. These methods have continued to separate us from God. We still end up unsuccessful using man’s ways.
The Bible says…”There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12, NIV
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, NIV
4. God did provide a solution and plan to bridge this gap of separation from Him. There is only one way, not many ways and it is called The Cross of Christ Jesus.
The Bible says… “And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8, NIV
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5, NIV
5. What’s holding you back from making a decision to accept Jesus as your Savior and friend?
The Bible says… “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12, NIV
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

How to pray and ask Jesus into your hearts:
 Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. Help me to turn away from my sins that have separated me from You. I believe that You died on The Cross and rose again from the grave. I would like You to come into my heart and life. Guide me into a relationship with You, Jesus. Amen.

The Bible says… “for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:13, NIV

*If you have made the decision to have a relationship with Jesus as your Savior and friend, God will give you the greatest peace and joy you could ever walk in regardless of the circumstances when life moves in. As you know, daily living can be a struggle with many hardships, turmoil suffering, and pain. By accepting His love, His truths, His strength and His timing, God will guide you daily through all the questions and storms of life. We will know some of the answers to our struggles here on earth and others will be answered in heaven. He is willing to give you His free gift of eternal life and help you here on earth during all of your circumstances and events. This gift is up to you. “What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and grief’s to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in Prayer!”

Step One; it is all about Jesus!
Praying for you,
Jeannine
Peacefull Heart

Lyrics by Joseph Scriven © 1906 W.E. Bailey
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires permission of International Bible Society. Copyright © 1973, 1978

Thank You’s
Jeannine would like to thank:
Jesus Christ for being my Lord and Savior!

He gave me the talent and gifts to do what I’m passionate about. “All thing” do eventually work together for good as I remember the past; think about things of living daily life, and the untold future. God, You have ordained before the beginning of time my past, present and future in ways beyond human comprehension. It has been my heart’s desire to be a living testimony for the Kingdom of God’s mercy, grace, love, joy and hope for all mankind. Stop One CD is a testimony of God’s strength and guidance through my life.

My journey, has had about everything on this earth that could have shattered my world, occur. The journey could have caused me to turn away from God. Time and time again just as I was about ready to launch Peacefull Heart, something would come against me, distract my efforts or zap my energies and health. The roller coaster of physical, emotional and spiritual battles gripped me to the point of thinking the following thoughts at different times:

“Kid, you ought to give up. It isn’t worth the struggles you are going through. Life is too short and you could do something else and succeed. You have endured years of turmoil, suffering, and tearful agonizing pain. Is this what a Christian life is to be? Why not live for now and enjoy other things this world could offer you.”

Randomly, the above thoughts would invade my life.

But through it all, sharing in a relationship with Jesus and choosing the narrow road with Him, allowed me to stay afloat through storms of suffering that could have taken me under. There is no dream too big with God as your focus. Hope is always on the horizon.

I have learned to survive and have taken a lot of hard knocks as I continued to press on with the dream of Peacefull Heart Music. God’s presence inside of me helped keep my focus as I continued to write song after song and journal my daily life. Thank you Lord for sustaining me during the tough times thus far. Our journey of Step One has been remarkable!

I look forward to our next Step Two CD with one request….could we accomplish Step Two this year…I smile knowing I can’t speed You up, only a.s.k. for Your Divine Timing. How great you are!!!

Second, I want to thank my Mom and Dad for always loving and guiding me all these years. You both encouraged each step I took. Your Christ likeness has been apparent in so many ways. I know you both made enormous sacrifices and efforts on my behalf, along with relentless hours of prayer for my life. You both kept me grounded by your daily testimony of God’s love in your hearts. His best was given to me through you both! I will forever be grateful that you somehow were able to pull things together for our family and me. Mom and Dad, “you” both have completed our family in a godly way. When we change addresses, I am grateful we will all be in heaven together. Love you forever!

Thanks Jody for your special ways of love toward me your “older” sister. We sure have done life together. Never forget the times of laugh-a-ttacts… and of course the tears we have shared during the difficult times when we could not see ourselves through pain and trouble. Thanks for being there for me in ways I cannot express in print. You are amazing, strong and have been the best sister I could have been given from God. Love you always Jody!

Kim, Kyle, Cory and Cody: love those times at Grandpa-ma’s house with you and all the fun activities from dirt bike racing, looking for rocks in the creek, and good conversation around the home cooked meals with ya. My heart will always remember the good memories we have shared as we have grown up together in many ways. To Kyle, Cory and Cody: I wish you could have been my boys, I love you this much! Keep on guys; your dreams also can come true with Jesus by your side as your foundation. God is the corner stone in life’s dreams and ambitions. I am always here for you, love aunt gg.

Thank you grandpa John and grandma Lela, Uncle Phil and Aunt Sue, Cathie and John. Having you as family has been very important in my life. In 1854 when our roots began at the old home place, barn and surrounding land, God sure had future plans that we could not have imagined. It’s cool now to see the old barn remodeled into The River Valley Life Center.

God’s creative design with the Fisher Home-place turned out pretty good. The Fisher clan sure had some good roots through the Fisher brothers. We will all remember the farm and all those wonderful holidays together. You have all enriched my life by having you as family. Love to all of you.

Thank you Uncle Richard, Aunt Doris (red) Uncle Riley, Aunt Bernice, Uncle Lem, aunt Doris (black), Uncle Andy, Aunt Frances and of course all my cousins for being my southern family in Mississippi and Florida. I loved the family vacations with ya’ll during my growing up years. We sure ate some good down-home southern cooking at Granny’s. I loved hearing grandpa lead the singing at the Church of Christ. He sure could sing the old hymns and lead worship. Feather beds, riding in the cotton combine, drinking Dr. Pepper at the feed mill, drying apples on the hay wagon, and picking up the largest pecans I have ever seen, bring back a flood of heart memories that draw me close to all of you. You “all” definitely have the southern hospitality down. Sweet tea smiles to “y’all.” Love you.

Thank you to my newly acquired family through Rick and his kids. The Long family is a blessing. Sharing special family moments with all of you is wonderful. Mr. and Mrs. Long, you are really good people who are down to earth and consider the needs of your family and friends. Thank you for the life you gave to Rick. He truly is God’s gift of healing to so many he takes care of as Dr. Rick. From all accounts, your care and love for Rick has instilled in him how to truly care for the needs of many. He has made the road easier for numerous people and kept many going when all hope was gone. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. Love all of you.

Super Grateful Thanks to the special crew that God has put together. The importance of “all” of your talents has given birth to Step One CD. I know in your hearts you want to praise God and give Him all the glory. That’s why your hard work, awesome ears, writing skills, graphic design and passion and vision for Peacefull Heart will take Step One “…to the ends of the earth.” I am especially thankful for all your prayers on my behalf! Forever grateful to: Brent Dye, Dustin Mondrach, Rick Long, Martha Barley, Faith Rechel, Kim Weibel, and Ed Gately.

Thanks to each one of you who have had an important encouraging part with Step One CD: Jonathan & Wendy Hanks, Toni Liebhart, Ellice Park, Donna Filson, Jonathan Barley, Ryan Long, Pastor Masashi & Sayuri & Alisa & Meg Sugita, Mary Craig Powell, Brad Rechel, Brian & Jill Siktberg, Steve & Linda Bennett, Becca Neubig, Teddy David, Tina Gang, Jeff & Delia Knepple, Karen Rapp-James, Greg & Denise & Taylor Yutzy, Bonnie Callerwood, Greg & Cheryl Ball, my piano students who have listened to my compositions and played some of my songs, Isao Shoji, Jon & Inggrie Merriman of TehKu Tea, Pastor Mel & Sally Truex, Pastor Paul & Paula Bishop, JW Mason, Pastor Randall Wood, James & Betty Robinson, Greg Laurie, Rick Warren, Pastor John Maxwell, Dr. Charles Stanley, Kyle Idleman, A.W. Tozer, R.A. Torrey, E.B. Bounds, Charles G. Finney, Billy Graham, Jim Cymbala, Jentezen Franklin, Perry Stone, Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Ray Vander Laan, Max Lucado, Dr. David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer, John Hagee, Beth Moore, Chick-fil-A, In Touch Ministries, Focus On The Family, Pastor Jane Faulks & Jan Ruark & David Gay & the whole team of Lower Lights Ministries, Dublin Baptist Japanese Chapel, Dublin Baptist Church, Jewish Jewels, Shalom Ministries, Life Today, DayStar T.V. Network, Billy Graham Association, Yutzy’s Farm Market, Faith Memorial Church, Weible Design Inc., City on a Hill Production, TBN T.V. Network, The River Valley Life Center, and Refreshing 90.9fmWFCO.

To a very special person in my life: Rick, you and I can’t begin to know the depth of love that God has given us to share. Our love is hard to imagine and explain in words to those we know. This leads me to believe we were destined to meet and finish strong together. Each day seems like we just met and the newness of the day sings a melody of love to my heart from yours. Your words of encouragement inspire me to take another step and to keep on trying no matter the difficulties in front of me. Yes, to move Step One CD off the music rack and into the hearts of many has taken me a lot of years. God’s providential plan did include you “for such a time as this,” I now know. He opened our hearts to His love and guided us to each other. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and I will adore you always. The words you said to me are true: “Uniquely One, Uniquely Whole, Our Heart’s Desire full-filled.” We Press on…Luv you forever till forever ends. Draw near to us all Lord, I pray.
Jeannine
Peacefull Heart