That I may know him, . . . (Philippians 3:10) It is a close relationship that God desires to have with us. He sought for Adam in the garden. He called Abraham His friend. He spoke to Moses as a man speaks to his friend. There are many other examples of close relationships between God and man in the Bible. In fact, it is relationship, not religion that defines true Christianity. After the relationship between God and man was broken in the Garden of Eden, God pursued reconciliation to the point of sending His only begotten Son to an ungrateful world. He even allowed Him to take our punishment and purchase our pardon. He is patiently waiting for us to pursue reconciliation as well. My prayer is that the words and music of these songs will draw you into a closer relationship with Him. My Thanks . . . . . . To Jesus, first of all, for loving me while I was unlovable; opening the door to a relationship between God and man. May this CD bring you glory and honor. . . .To Tammy for your support and encouragement in ministry and otherwise. God must love me more than you. He gave me His best in you. I’m not sure you got such a good deal. . . .To Ryan for lassoing us a daughter (Shontae) and to both of them for providing us a grandson. You are one of life’s greatest joys and my favorite preacher (Sorry Bro. Blue – I can’t help it). . . .To Tyler, for loving a flawed father and making him prouder than you can ever imagine. You are so talented in so many ways. There is no telling what God wants to do with you. Let Him. . . .To Trinity Pentecostal Church for all you have done for me and my family. You have made my first pastorate such a blessing. There’s no better feeling than being right where God wants me to be. . . .To Gordon Mote, Eric Horner, and Jim Pace for making your incredible talents available for such a small project. It was an honor working with you. . . .To the Millikins, the Jim Davis family, the Ronnie Baker family, Bro. Jeff Wyatt, Rev. David Webb, Sis. Ruth Brimm, and many others for encouraging me to pursue this project and pushing me to do it now rather than later. . . .To Tammy and Ruthie (Sis. Ruth Brimm) for adding your voices, ideas, and encouragement to this project. . . .To everyone who listens and lets this CD fulfill its purpose. You have made it all worthwhile. Reach Out Psalm 19:1; 107:2; Luke 14:16-24 – When I look at the churches in our day, I see one great lack. We are not reaching out beyond our walls. There is a world that needs our love, our message, and our hope. Let’s “be the arms of the Savior embracing the lonely.” How Could I Ever Not Love Him After seeing two dear friends walk away from the ministry and away from God, and then hearing that they had died, I cried out to God to hold my hand and never let me walk away from Him. I started thinking about what the Lord is to me and what He has done for me. This song was the result of those thoughts. I’ll Lay My Cross Down When Grandpa Mayberry died, I felt like I had lost my compass. I had used Grandpa’s advice and guidance since I was just a child. Losing him seemed more than I could bear. One night, while grieving for what I had lost, God started speaking to me about what Grandpa had gained. God gave me these words as a comfort. Grandma always called this her song and she would ask me to sing it when we were in church together. Before Grandma died, she asked for this song to be sung at her funeral. Most of the grandkids and great grandkids (more than 40) joined together to make a choir and we sang her song for her one more time. (This song is included in loving memory of Rev. Charles and Clola Mayberry) I Want To Know You More Phil 3:10; John 3:30; Luke 22:42; Matt 5:16 – Every day that goes by causes my heart to desire to know Jesus in a greater measure. While praying to this end, God brought Phil 3:10 to my mind. What am I willing to pay to know Jesus more? Am I willing to suffer? Do I want to suffer? Then I remembered Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemene when it was the desire of His flesh that the cup of suffering would pass from Him yet He prayed, “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” The words to the first verse started forming on the tablet of my heart and became a song as well as a prayer. “I’m not satisfied to know You in Your resurrection power. There’s a deeper walk in You that I desire. I’m not seeking, Lord, to suffer unless that is what’s required to know You more. . . Lord, I want to know You more” I Still Say “I Do” In 1999, Sis. Beverly Adams asked me if I would write a song to use at their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. While that is quite a significant milestone, I still found it hard to get inspired about someone else’s anniversary. So I started thinking about our marriage and it didn’t take long for the inspiration to begin. Now, it is time for our 25th wedding anniversary and the sentiment is more true today than then. I still say “I Do.” Ryan’s Song On September 3, 2004, our oldest son, Ryan married Shontae (Goldizen). They asked me to write a song for their wedding. When I looked at all of the twists and turns that finally brought them together, I was amazed at God’s handiwork. It is that amazement that inspired this song. Instrumental Tracks 1. His Strength Is Perfect 2. In The Presence Of Jehovah (Guitar Solo – Alan Harris) 3. Gentle Shepherd 4. People Need The Lord 5. Name Medley (There’s Something About That Name / His Name Is Wonderful / Holy Is Thy Name) 6. The Old Rugged Cross Vocal Tracks (Words & Music by Alan Harris) 7. Reach Out 8. How Could I Ever Not Love Him? 9. I’ll Lay My Cross Down 10. I Want To Know You More 11. I Still Say “I Do” 12. Ryan’s Song Contact Information Alan & Tammy Harris | 410 Charlie Brown Rd | Central City, KY 42330 (270) 757-9372 | email: alanh@integrity.com Recorded at Makin’ Tracks Studio | Old Hickory, TN 37138 Produced by Eric Horner and Jim Pace | Piano, Keys, Strings – Gordon Mote Acoustic, Electric, & Gut String Guitars – Eric Horner Drums & Percussion – Jim Pace | All Horns – Alan Harris BVG’s – Ruth Brimm, Tammy Harris, Alan Harris, Eric Horner