When I was learning audio production the teacher had us create a song from scratch using the elements of Logic Pro X. Because I learn better by creating something on my own I wanted to “do my own thing.” Likewise, I really did not want to use the material he provided. For this reason I ventured out on my own, by using what Logic Pro provided. Here is the scoop on Funky Old School | Story Behind Song
I started blending, mixing, and playing with all the amazing loops in the DAW. First I built the drum track and then started adding other instruments. I played a few using a keyboard controller to add depth to the song.
Check out our video for “Funky Old School”
When I listen to “Funky Old School” it makes me think of that Funkadelic fusion that was so popular in the 70’s. Bands like P-Funk and Earth, Wind and Fire inspired the sound with some contemporary guitar licks sprinkled in for a modern ambient vibe. It kind-of has a Toby Mac vibe to it as well, similar to his funky song “Diverse City,”
Now, every person I have played this song for loves it. It is nostalgic ear candy that helps people get their groove on! It would be great in a movie showcasing the 70’s period. You can also just play it at your next party. Get everybody on the floor to do the “Electric Slide” or “Cupid Shuffle.”
Regardless, of how you get your groove on. Let this song be a reminder that when things get tense. There is always a way to ease the pressure (or at least transport to the 70’s).
“Let Me Be A Pillar” is an Inspirational themed song. Written from my heart and a passion to always remember everything I do has a consequence. My prayer is that as a consequence, my actions ALWAYS point others to Jesus. Enjoy Let Me Be A Pillar | Story Behind Song
Story Behind Song
I owe so much to the wonderful people God has placed in my life that have been “pillars” for me, from my mother, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, Nazarene and Christian family across the world. The college and Army buddies and those who are my mentors. Even friends from my High School days that thanks to Social Media, we have reconnected. There is my family, my #1 fans, my husband, my precious children, adoring sister and brother. These people push me and continue to help mold me into who I am right now.
Now it’s my turn. I have to be that pillar for my own children and friends. I want to be that person that is there when no one else is, but there sharing God’s love and shinning His light. The truth is I can’t do that, I have no power on my own. It is Christ who lives in me that shines through my ugly humanness to share a piece of Him to a hurting world.
I always was a person that believed I could make a difference. “Let Me Be a Pillar” is my prayer. I am nothing on my own but “I can do all things through Christ” and I can be a “pillar” for the next person to bring them closer to Him and His kingdom.
Update 2007
I was once told by an industry professional that this was the worst song they ever heard. I mean this person really raked me over the coals. For a brief moment it made me want to stop writing and singing. But this is what God called me to do. I sing it anyway because God gave it to me. When I sing this song live people are impacted as the Holy Spirit sings through me. So in short, I could care less that it may not exactly be “industry radio playable” in one person’s opinion. The message is solid and I have sold a lot of copies of this song. I care more that God has called me to put this song out there to the masses for His Glory. I didn’t write this song to be popular. I wrote it because God told me to. I love “Let Me Be A Pillar.” I will not hide my light under a bushel. I will keep writing, growing, perfecting my craft, my gift and in that process my prayer is always that I may be a Pillar for Jesus!
Lyrics
(Verse 1) Lord let me be a pillar, Lift me up and let me stand. With your gracious precious love, help me extend your Holy hand. I am so unworthy, but your work I want to do. So let me be a pillar and I’ll testify to you.
(Chorus) And as I stand, I’ll hold my head high Reaching to You, show me what to do. Let me give strength to those who are weak. Let me share your love to those who will seek. Lord, let me be a pillar, let me be a pillar, Lord, let me be a pillar, and for You I will stand.
(Verse 2) Make me solid like the rock, make me a fountain in your house. Let your light shine to be seen in me, Lift me up Lord bring me to my knees. Help me be strong to stand through hard times. So, let me be a pillar, For those to seek and finally find.
(Chorus) And as I stand, I’ll hold my head high Reaching to You, show me what to do. Let me give strength to those who are weak. Let me share your love to those who will seek. Lord, let me be a pillar, let me be a pillar, Lord, let me be a pillar, and for You I will stand.
(Bridge) It might bring someone to salvation, And, then it just might reveal your redemption. Oh yes it will! It might be an answer to a prayer. For someone who’s called on your name.
(End Tag) Lord, let me be a pillar, let me be a pillar, Lord, let me be a pillar, and for You I will stand. I will stand!
“Unshakeable Faith” is a Gospel song proclaiming the benefits of Faith. Faith can move a mountain out of sight and bring darkness to light. A faith that’s unshakable is surely unsinkable. Bearing wittiness first hand of what Faith in God can do. Unshakable Faith | Story Behind Song is inspired the writing of Unshakable Faith along with Hebrews Chapter 11, Psalms 14:1, and Psalms 53:1.
Story Behind Song
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, King James Version).
I have had countless conversations about why I believe in Christ. While we have free will to choose to live our lives as we see fit, I have found the evidence supports Jesus came, died and He was resurrected. I accept Christ as my personal savior. I believe my eternity is secure and I will spend it with Jesus. Christianity is the only religion where you don’t have to “earn” something. Christ gave Himself to us as a gift. All we have to do is accept it. I don’t want to argue with anyone, this is what I believe. It was due to one of these conversations I wrote “Unshakable Faith” as my testimony.
Non-Biblical Credibility
Did you stop think that when Christ died, time stopped and the way we measure time started over with 1 A.D. According to Biblical Archaeology, Non-biblical sources also testify to Jesus such as writings from: Roman Senator Cornelius Tacitus, Jewish Historian Josephus, Greek Satirist Lucian of Samosata, Celsus the Platonist philosopher, Roman Governor Pleny the Younger, Roman writer Suetonius to mention just a few. There are more than 24,000 partial and complete manuscript copies of the New Testament. No other work from antiquity comes anywhere near that number. The average secular work from antiquity survives on only a handful of manuscripts. At about 250 ancient manuscripts Plato doesn’t even come close in comparison to biblical manuscripts yet, no one questions the ancient Philosopher’s writings. If you think I am making this up I challenge you to do your own research.
A Case for Christ
One person did their own research and the results were astounding! Maybe you have heard of Lee Strobel, an atheist turned Christian. The former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune set out to put an end to the debate when his wife Leslie became a Christian. Lee researched for himself putting his degree in Journalism to the work of a lifetime.
Bent on proving his point and putting the matter to rest once an for all, he traveled to historical sites, scoured ancient documents and completed his own investigation. His findings were so stunning and compelling that as a result, Lee converted to Christianity. Because the eyewitness accounts (biblical and non-biblical), the archaeology, and the ancient prophesies about Jesus now fulfilled are too solid for an educated, fact-finder to ignore. Lee could no longer believe God is not real.
Unshakable Faith is Good Enough for Me
Yes, you can believe in what you want but I know what I have seen God do for me. I know what He has brought me through, God and God alone. It’s like being in love you know how you feel but you can’t really see it. You feel the wind blow but do you see it? How do you know tomorrow the sun will still rise? Through faith God will see us through anything. We take so much for granted and yet He does so much for us that we don’t even see. I have seen His miracles, I can testify to His goodness and I will stand in my own faith and share his message to anyone willing to listen.
Lyrics
(Intro Spoken) Faith the substance of things hoped for, The evidence of things not seen, But without faith it is impossible to please God.
(Verse 1) When I think of all the people who laughed in my face, They claim there is no God, so how can their be faith? I tried to argue and tell them how faith has set me free. But God gave us free will, I can only pray they see.
(Chorus) Unshakable faith – can move a mountain out of sight. Unshakable faith will bring the darkness into light. So believe in what you want. I will believe in what I’ve seen. For faith that’s unshakable is surely unsinkable! Unshakable faith is good enough for me!
(Verse 2) So when I look back on the things, that I have been through, If it weren’t for my faith, I wouldn’t be singing this song for you. The times it started out wrong, through faith it turned out alright. Believe me when I say, Faith will keep you in His sight.
(Chorus) Unshakable faith – can move a mountain out of sight. Unshakable faith will bring the darkness into light. So believe in what you want. I will believe in what I’ve seen. For faith that’s unshakable is surely unsinkable! Unshakable faith is good enough for me!
(Bridge) Faith has moved the mountains, turned the water into wine. Faith made the lame to walk healed the sick and the blind. Faith has raised the dead and knocked down the walls. Faith calmed the stormy seas and opened ears to God’s calls. Faith will lead us to the Promised Land. And close the mouths in the lion’s dens. Faith has conquered kingdoms and quenched the fiery flames Unshakable faith today will still do the same. Unshakable faith, Unshakable faith, Unshakable faith!
(Solo Bridge) So tell me, tell me, how do you know tomorrow the sun will rise? And how do you know your new baby will open her eyes?
(Chorus) Unshakable faith – can move a mountain out of sight. Unshakable faith will bring the darkness into light. So believe in what you want. I will believe in what I’ve seen. For faith that’s unshakable is surely unsinkable! Unshakable faith is good enough for me!
(End Tag) Unshakable faith is good enough for me! (repeat) Yea, yea, yea!
A Gospel ballad of pure praise and testimony straight from from my heart. I wondered if the woman who touched the hem of the garment Jesus wore could be healed, what would happen if I touched His Hand. The song is an expression of gratitude based on prayer and a spiritual experience. Enjoy I Touched the Hand of Jesus | Story Behind Song
Story Behind Song
This song is purely a praise and testimony from my heart based on a spiritual experience. Many years ago when I was going through one of life’s difficult times; those times that you question what you believe in. I asked God to show me something in His Word. I closed my eyes and my Bible. (Now, realize this was a long time ago and I no longer seek spiritual guidance this way.)
When I opened up my Bible desperately searching for a hint of His presence I remember reading about the woman that touched the hem of His garment. Well, I wanted more. I thought Lord, maybe if I could just touch your hand. Lord, can you hold my hand through this difficult time? He was faithful as He always is. As I was falling asleep, this song came in my head and I got up, turned on the old recorder and started singing. This is an intimate song from a very personal and wonderful encounter with Jesus. Yes, He is real, He is there all you have to do is reach out to Him! Oh and yes, he brought me through that difficult time!
Production Notes
For my producer, this was the most challenging song. After e-mailing back and forth he just wasn’t feeling it. Once I got in the studio we realized the song is in two different timing signatures (for those of you who are musical). We made some tweaks to fine tune and edit out sections that made the song even more powerful. Amazingly after all of our trials and tribulations, once my producer laid the final track, the Holy Spirit moved in and anointed my voice in the studio. I finished this one on the first take and Doug was in tears. I wasn’t sure if Doug was crying because the Holy Spirit touched him or if he was so glad we finally got the song completed. The back-up vocals near the end were Doug’s idea. But the song is the result of Divine inspiration!
Lyrics
(Verse 1) I touched the hand of Jesus, And oh what a joy my soul felt inside. When I touched the hand of Jesus, He pulled me aside. He told me child, I’ve got some plans, Some plans for you. And my child, I’ve got things I want you to do. I touched the hand of Jesus I know what my soul has felt.
(Chorus) Sometimes I get so lonely, Sometimes I get so scared, But you know what I do? I reach out and touch the hand – Of – my Jesus.
(Verse 2) I touched the hand of Jesus, And oh how it thrilled me inside. I-I-oh-I-I touched the hand of Jesus, I have peace of mind. He promised – child, I’ve got a place, A place for you. Sweet child there is joy for you. I touched the hand of Jesus I know what to leave behind.
(Chorus) Sometimes I feel so used, Other times I’ve been abused. But Jesus took me by the hand – He said child, my child, You’re going to the Promised Land!
(Outro) I touched the hand of (pause) Jesus. ‘Cause He’ll be all I’ll ever need. And His name means so much to me. And His word has opened my eyes to see.
(End Tag) I touched the hand of Jesus! Of Jesus, of Jesus!
“Suzanna’s Song” is an Inspiration-Folk story based on a real-life event. Adapted from the Stephen Foster song “Ole Susanna” this song celebrates the triumph that could have been a tragedy without God’s intervention and the prayers of many. Enjoy this heartfelt rendition of Suzanna’s Song | Story Behind Song
Story Behind Song
The inspiration for “Suzanna’s Song” if based on a true event. Suzanna is the daughter of Steve and Stefanie Coburn Fuller. Stefanie is featured on “Our Song.” You could say Suzanna is the reason Stefanie and I are sisters in ministry and life for that matter. When Stefanie was expecting, she had unplanned complications.
Obedience Leads to a Life Long – Very Special Friendship
The Lord compelled me to go and visit her while she was in the hospital. I didn’t know Stefanie yet. I even wondered how God needed me to visit because Stefanie was already surrounded with family and friends. But as I say “God had a plan.” I was obedient and my life will never be the same. The Lord blessed me with a wonderful friend.
Forty days later Suzanna was born. Yes, she was premature, tiny, and fragile but she was healthy and God was faithful! I know it’s not my story but as a tribute to a God that “Still Makes a Way” and to other parents that have had rough times “Suzanna’s Song” was born. God still performs miracles and He is truly with us every step of the way.
Lyrics
(Verse 1) Lying here, wondering will, I ever see you smile. Will you make it just one more day? Jesus please be with this child.
Will you laugh? Will you play? Will you last just one more day? Lord please be near us in this hour, As I lie, alone and wait.
(Chorus) Oh Suzanna, please be strong with me. I praise the Lord with all my soul, Keep me near my God to thee.
(Verse 2) There’s a hope inside Of me each day, As I wake once more to wait. Lord, I can’t help but to be so scared, What decisions must I make?
Will she hear? Can she cry? Lord please just give us more time. And I wonder more yet wonder still, As forty days go by.
(Bridge) And then I saw you – For the first time Suzanna! I will shout out Hallelujahs! Glory forever!
Yes! Lord you are so real to me! How great you are, Keeping us, In our time of need!
(Chorus) Oh Suzanna, I’m so glad for thee. I Praise the Lord with all my heart! I can bounce you on my knee.
(End Tag) Yes, I praise the Lord with all my soul. My God! How great – You How great You are!
This song is an Inspirational Soprano Duet. Written by James and Judith Baker specifically for Judith and the talented Soprano Stephanie Coburn Fuller. Enjoy Our Song | Story Behind Song
The song is the last track featured on Judith’s album In Spirit and Truth, This beautiful baroque feeling song is real, raw, emotional and for those who love the high notes high starting out in the key of E flat. Stefanie and Judith trade off nailing those high Soprano notes. Can you tell who is singing what?
Story Behind Song
What can I say about Stefanie! Where do I start? I wanted to use a song that we have done several times but I felt that God had a plan for this CD and had His own songs He wanted laid on the tracks. I asked the Lord to give us a song and to my surprise my fabulous husband co-wrote it with me.
Drawing lyrics from the Bible identifying God as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, I wanted a song that gave God Praise and Thanks for all He has done in my life. Consequently, completing the very last song on the project, my 2nd album, but 1st album of all original, phew, a life long dream is now completed.
I took Stefanie to the studio and check this out – we all know “7” is God’s number for completion. Consequently, this project is finished! This amazing duet is the last track, the last song written, and the last track to be recorded. When I arrived to pick up Stefanie my speedometer was on all 7’s! It was a confirmation for me that this project had God’s blessing as we neared completion. God speaks to us in so many ways if we just pay attention.
Production Notes
We got to the studio and she vocals blending beautifully. The song superseded my expectations. The first time I heard it I cried because I was so humbled at what God had done. To hear Stefanie’s angelic voice blending with mine it was a dream come true. Stefanie asked, “Was it that bad?” Doug laughed because he knew what was going on. This song is such a blessing to me, I still cry when I have a quiet moment to listen to it and meditate on the fact that I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for God and His mercy. All the Glory belongs to Him.
Let me take a moment and share why I choose Doug to produce the music on In Spirit and Truth. We met in college back in the day as they say. Doug was writing original music and completing arrangements for our college performances so I knew he was very talented. Further, I knew we could work together and create something amazing to the Glory of God. To put it another way Doug could put into music what I heard in my head. They only person I have been able to work with who can do this better is me, but I am not a producer. At least not yet, my husband keeps encouraging me to learn the craft. Who knows I just may produce my next album.
Check out our video for “Our Song”
Lyrics
(Verse 1) I don’t know how I’ve come this far but it’s only by Your grace. I can’t believe here’s another day I’m alive to bring You praise, So with our hands and hearts held high, You are my strength and my might. You calm the storm and raging sea. You did that for me, for me, For someone like me.
(Chorus) It’s not our song because it’s Your song. All the Glory belongs to You! You made a sacrifice and laid down Your life. Something no one else could do. You are Almighty One, Savior and Friend, Savior and Friend Blessed One who took our sins. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s, This is our song.
(Verse 2) I wandered through a vast wasteland to find You there all along. I cried to You in troubled times and You only made me strong. We see Your works and wondrous deeds, We exalt You Lord on High! You have every part of me, Every deepest part of me, of me, Of someone like me.
(Bridge) We offer up this song to You, it’s the least we can do. You are Abba Father glorious Lord, Its You we adore. We give You thanks, we give You praise! Forever (Forever) and ever (and ever) And ever (Praise You Lord) And ever (Hallelujah!) (dovetails into key change)
(Chorus) Repeat Chorus
(End Tag) You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords The Bles-sed One This is our song! Our Song!
Originally supposed to be a Latin grove replacing one of the songs I took off the In Spirit and Truth project. The Lord gave me this powerful rock anthem, inspired from my theme scripture Psalm 108:1, A psalm of David (my distant Great-Grandfather) that says. “My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul…”
A Soldiers Life
I’m no stranger to commitment and hard work being a military gal. When I took my oath of enlistment I agreed to fight for this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. As a Christian, being a soldier in the Army of the Lord takes on a similar connotation. My commitment to God and this Christian life is not always easy but I am not backing down. I will continue to read, study and sharpen my sword as I relish in the fact that the battle is not mine, it is the Lords. It is my honor to serve my country but it is an even greater honor to be in the Army of the Lord.
Production Notes
When Doug heard the demo he immediately felt a rock-n-roll song so he combined a classic rock feel and the Latin piano and we were excited. Doug recommended Mike Stewart to do a killer guitar solo during the bridge. Then Doug heard all kinds of fun and strong back-up vocals which really finished the song off. The words are inspired by all my years of military service and my service for the Lord. I am proudly serving in the Army of the Lord! When you serve God there is victory and He will conquer!
A Few Military Memories
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Lyrics
(Verse 1) I am on the battlefield for my Lord, Pressing upward, pressing onward, To a great and high reward. I am devoted to you calling, yes my Lord. Your faithfulness gives confidence, I give allegiance in this war.
(Chorus) (Steadfast) I am a soldier of the Lord. (Steadfast) Mighty warrior with my sword. (Steadfast) Pressing on to my reward. I am marching on the Zion, You better believe it! I am so steadfast!
(Verse 2) I will stand up and be counted for my Lord. There is victory, You will conquer, Just as you’ve done before. I accept you for your faithful, yes my Lord, The battles is not yet over, But You’ve all ready won the war.
(Chorus) Repeat Chorus
(Bridge – Guitar Solo) Oh………(vocal slide)
(Chorus) Repeat Chorus
(End Tag) (Wo wo steadfast, marchin, marchin, marchin, we are so steadfast) I’m Steadfast! (I said steadfast) I am marching on the Zion, you better believe it (you better believe) I am so steadfast (marchin, marchin, marchin, you better believe) You better believe it I am so steadfast!