专辑简介

Our present world and culture is no friend to those who follow Christ. Many who have gone before us understood the cost of discipleship and had no expectation of any thing other than the Cross; ready to endure whatever hardship came, to follow the One they loved. These songs were borne in adversity and are offered to encourage others in their journey of discipleship. They are simple songs, carrying a message from Scripture or words of wisdom, poems (Amy Carmichael's Flame of God, James Russell Lowell's Once To Every Man) which ride into the heart on the wings of a melody. The words and the songs return to us when we need to hear them most. It is the desire of this songwriter not to entertain, but to encourage believers and remind them of the Eternal perspective. The soft sound of the guitar permits thinking and reflection during prayer or reading of the Word. If the Lord is glorified in these songs, then our purpose has been achieved.

When we were missionaries in Haiti, the words of Amy Carmichael were a source of encouragement and renewed perspective for me (Chuck). I am glad for the opportunity to share in music her poem, which has become an anthem for disciples. Hosea 6:3 was the very first song I wrote as a new believer, and the truth of those words resonate today; "then shall we know IF we follow on to know the Lord" which speaks to the importance on an ongoing relationship beyond mere acquaintance. No Reputation was an old hymn which I have loved since the first time I heard it. Blending in the words of missionary, Jim Elliott, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" seemed the perfect addition to this beloved song that sings the cost of discipleship. The 23rd Psalm is known to believers everywhere and cannot be heard enough. Many musicians have put these words to various music, all of them beautiful. A dear sister in North Carolina shared her musical impression of Psalm 23 that I play on this album. She has been lost to the ages, but her song remains, and I am glad to share it. Bread of Life, has been a favorite of ours, and evokes many memories of our journey with Christ, including singing this at Karen's sister's funeral. If I Stand is one of the few songs ever written that explores the mystery of life in Christ. There is more that rises in the morning than the sun…! There is more to life than what we see! Cover Me (Still) is the heartfelt song of every believer who knows the comfort of His arms and shelter in tough times, as we did when we lost Karen's sister and mom in the same year. The wisest counsel I have ever received is "Be still, and know that I am God." We are glad to be able to pass this on! Renewed eternal perspective is so important, and Robin Mark's song has done that for us again and again; " We are a moment, You are forever…" reminding us of Who He is and who we are. We live in crucial times; times when all of us are called to declare where we stand, what we believe and why we believe it. James Russell Lowell's classic poem seemed timely for our age and being able to put his words to music was my privilege to carry his words to another generation. The refrain of that song serves as a great comfort to me, despite the present circumstances…"Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne, …Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown, standeth God within the shadows, keeping watch above His own.". This album is offered to encourage fellow believers in their journey, and if have helped to do that one thing, then we have accomplished our purpose. Chuck and Karen Harris