A good friend often relates the life of a Christian as “a journey.” A journey is the act of traveling from one place to another. It can also mean the process of changing and developing over a period of time. As I have continued to walk with the Lord, I have started to recognize repeated patterns, “seasons” as I like to call them, in my journey.
I have times where life is easy. I am walking with the Lord, excited to be used by Him and willing to do whatever, whenever. Then a trial comes my way. That trial is a time of deepening dependance upon God and knowing that apart from His mercy, I’m not going to make it through. In the midst of a trial, there are times of waiting upon the Lord to see how He will resolve that matter. During that time, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I can rest in the peace and and comfort, knowing that God is working. As I come out of the trial, I start to recognize how God was in it all along and that through that trial, I have grown. That trial was actually a good thing in my life, because I know the voice of God more clearly and things that were hindering my walk have been stripped away. There is a greater desire to serve the Lord and witness for the Lord after one of these seasons.
As I continue to go through these types of cyclical patterns, I have come to the conclusion that the life of a Christian is all about rejoicing in the Lord. He is sovereign over everything and His plans and purposes are always accomplished. Ultimately, my responsibility is to surrender to Him. As I surrender my life to the One who knows all things, sees all things and loves me with a perfect love, I can walk through this life in a way that honors and glorifies Him…and isn’t that the goal of every person who claims the name of Jesus?
As you listen to these songs, I’m sure that one may resonate more loudly with you based on what season of life you are in with the Lord. May the words and the melodies be a balm to your heart and soul as you look to Him to lead you on your journey! Frances Phipps 2017
Musicians
Frances Phipps-All Vocals, Rhythm Guitar & Harmonica, Hand Percussion (Tracks 1, 4, 5, 7 & 8)
Ian Bail-Dobro (Track 4 ) Lead Guitar (Track 2)
Amber Fogleman-Vocals (Track 6 )
Eric Fogleman-Bass (Tracks 6, 9 & 10)
Paige Fogleman-Upright Bass (Track 8)
Abigail Fore-Keyboard (Track 8)
Drew Grace-Bass (Tracks 2, 4, 5 & 7) Lead Guitar (Tracks 3, 5, 6 & 7)
Pat Gomez– Percussion (Tracks 6 & 10)
Chien-wei Kung-Violin (Tracks 3 &11)
Tom Leonardi-Accordion (Track 1)
Joe Phipps-Cajon and Djembe (Track 1)
Matt Wolf-Drum Kit (Tracks 2 & 3)
Special Thanks
Thanks to each musician for contributing your time and talent to this project for the Lord’s glory!!!!
Stuart and Robin Davis for giving the unexpected gift (and delivery!!!) of the Tascam recording console.
Drew Grace-For being God’s provision in teaching me how to use the recording gear, being a constant source of encouragement, and incredible music talent being lent to the project! So blessed by your servant heart!
Ian Bail-For coming alongside at the right times! Help completing “The Sun Is Always Shining” on the side of the road in Outback Australia & input in this project technically and musically.
Cathy Drobnik– For graciously allowing me to use the words to her poem for the song, “How Shall We Serve” and for the encouragement to walk in what the Lord has for me to do.
Rob Sheridan– For being a thorough, thoughtful critic with each song & the input to improve them.
Joe Phipps– For giving me words to use to tell another aspect of the Christian life in song (Psalm of Joseph and Witness). Oh, and the countless hours of encouragement and input!
Credits
Music, production & recording by Frances Phipps, Track 2 & 7 lyrics by Joe & Frances Phipps
Mixed by Frances Phipps & Ian Bail @ orchardrisestudio.com
Photography by Joe Phipps, Artwork by Emarie Burns
All rights reserved © 2017