Hi, Ben here. I am not going to do this in third person or as if I am writing a dissertation. I am simply going to do what the box above this box is telling me to do...."Tell us as much as you want about your music." ....so, here we go. This particular album was a dream (literally) of mine for a few years. I absolutely adore (adore?...I don't usually talk like that) worshiping God in a group of like-minded believers. I get teary-eyed looking around the room thinking of all the stories - the hurting, the healing, the disappointment, the pleasant surprises...and so on - and realizing that the folks in the room, at that moment, simply want to be in the presence of God with each other. So, here's the point...I wanted to get all those folks I love so dearly in the same room together, gather some of my best and most musically gifted friends, setup a bunch of gear, hit the record button, and play a worship set. That is exactly what we did. That being said, I'd like to tell you guys a little bit about the songs. Doxology - This song, to me, is the epitome of a worship song. It is also the earliest memory I have of a bunch of people in a room standing up together and simultaneously proclaiming, in song, a statement as bold as "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow." I just genuinely love this song...it makes it's point quickly (which I am rarely capable of). Shine - You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) Bottom line, God has done so much for us...why would we not want to be as bright of a light as possible and spread that message? Overtake Me - Ezekiel 11:19 says "And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh". This songs is essentially me finding myself in awe of God and asking Him to continue to create that sense of awe in my heart, thoughts, mind, etc O, God, I Need You - My wife and I are foster parents. We started fostering this little boy and within a couple of weeks we were spending a week with him in the hospital because he had a virus that was causing his lungs to malfunction. That particular time in my life I was reading through the new testament. So, here's the setup. I'm sitting in a hospital room with a sick and scared two year old boy. I have my bible open and come across a couple of very familiar passages. The first is in Matthew 11 where Jesus says for us to come to him to find "rest for our souls" and that his "yoke is easy" and "burden is light". I was carrying an incredibly heavy burden and I realized I didn't have to...Jesus would do it for me! God is right on time and He is our strength. The actual burden of my son being sick wasn't any different...the hope I had in Jesus Christ made the burden lighter. I Am Forgiven - The title of the song says it all. Grace, love, and kindness are why we are forgiven...and this song is a fun way to tell about it. I always like an excuse to get to play banjo so there is an appearance on this song. It is Well - The classic hymn. I believe this is one of the most heartfelt and beautiful songs ever written. Therefore, I had one of the most heartfelt and beautiful voices I know (Emily Hopkins) sing it. ...it is You/Doxology (Reprise) - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 All For Your Glory - One of my best buddies in the world, Josh Fredette, wrote this song. He's written a lot of stuff (look him up) but I've always felt like this was his best song. There is beautiful, scriptural imagery including a reference to us being raised "out of our dry bones" which is one of my favorite concepts in scripture. Arise, Shine - Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1 Forever (To The King) - This one is my favorite. It's another song written during a time of desperation. I was dealing with some heavy stuff and then it dawned on me that the exact same God I read about all through scripture is the exact same God that will sustain me through this "night". "You, oh God, will reign forever". Nothing particularly creative or extravagant about those lyrics...but it is one of the truest statements we can utter. I hope that you guys and gals enjoy the music. I pray that you will be encouraged and comforted. I love every one of you and I am thankful to get to share in this journey together.