Here’s a song I wrote for Josiah:

The Boy in You

Though you’re growing up, changing into a man,

New manly ways you’re learning, like how to win her hand,

I’ll never stop believing in the boy I rocked to sleep.

Your lock of hair, the toothless grin, they’re all mine to keep.

Reminders of your childhood spark my reverie,

Memories of you playing, tousled and carefree

Marbles, balls, and skateboards, bikes and model cars,

Help me to remember, you’re a child at heart.

God sees the child in you, the babe I held as mine.

Though life’s trials harden you, Grace will smooth the lines.

Don’t ever grow too far away from God on bended knee

That you can’t hear your mother say, “You’re God’s child, I can see.”

Life’s Mirror

Here’s a song I penned after attending the funeral of a dear friend from my government job–Jeannie Baker. Jeannie, this is for you.

Life’s Mirror

Chorus:
Death is like a mirror, it shows on your face

What you’ve done for others, how you’ve shown His grace.

I want my life to reflect the goodness He’s shown me,

So when others see me, they’ll see Him.

A friend of mine lay stately in a coffin made by man–

Framed by satin, scented with roses.

Her face was a reflection to those standing ‘round.

Of the deeds she’d done and the kindness shown.

Now when my life is through, what will it be–

A reflection of Jesus, or just me?

The mirror of my life will show who He is

And who I am in Him.

Lance Appleton

Looks like Lance Appleton is still going strong.
I remember him for his song:

I’M A ONE-GOD
APOSTOLIC
TONGUE-TALKING
HOLY ROLLIN’
BORN AGAIN
HEAVEN-BOUND
BELIEVER IN THE LIBERATING
POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

Chorus:
I’m a one-God, apostolic, tongue-talking, holy-rollin’, born again, heaven-bound believer in the liberating power of Jesus’ name.
I’ve been washed in the blood, sanctified by the Spirit.
I believe in holiness, and I suggest that you do the same.
I was set free at a Pentecostal altar on my knees.
Would you pardon me if I’m not ashamed
To be a one-God, apostolic, tongue-talking, holy-rollin’, born again, heaven-bound believer in the liberating power of Jesus’ name?

I never talk to people on the street.
I’m too shy to talk to people when we meet.
But one day out on town square
Bunch of kids were gathered there
Throwin’ beer cans at the law and shoutin’ “Peace!”
Well, I did not intend to interfere
But someone started screamin’ in my ear
So I laid both hands on his head, and I prayed while he turned red
And the other kids said, “Let’s get out of here!”

I never testify at school. I figure they’ll think that I’m not “cool”
But one day I had enough of that evolution stuff
So I stood right up and said, “God’s word is true!”
My teacher did not know what to do
It seemed like she was shakin’ in her shoes
Though she knew I meant no harm, she took me by the arm
And said, “Son, what religion are you?”

I never testify at work, I figure they all know I go to church
But when my boss-man asked me in for a tonic and some gin,
I began to think, “Perhaps he hasn’t heard.”
I said, “No, Sir, I am not the drinkin’ kind.
Excepting for a thing they call New Wine.”
As he lost his cigar smoke, it seemed like he would choke,
I proceeded to explain it one more time.

http://www.freelancemusic.net/recordings.htm

During his 30 years of ministry Lance Appleton has written over 200 songs. Many of these have been recorded and now for the first time are avaliable for purchace on the World Wide Web.

Since then both of Lance Appleton’s children have continued the songwriting tradition and recorded albums with their own original songs. Eric Appleton (Right This Time) in 1998, and Crista (Appleton) Garza (House of Prayer) in 2001.

Good Song

Here’s a new song I’m learning to sing. It’s on a reproduction by the Isaac’s.

In God’s Hands

The storms may rage the winds may blow
Cares of life come against my soul
In troubled times I know just where to stand
No safer place to be than in God’s hands.

Chorus:
In God’s hands I’m in good hands
My soul is safe and secure
In God’s hands, sweet assurance
It’s good to know I’m in good hands.

Sometimes it seems a trial lasts too long
It’s scarcely past and I must face another one.
But when I’ve done the very best I can
It’s time to leave it in God’s hands.

Bridge:
Weary and feeble I turn
To the solid Rock strong and firm

Lonesome Meadow

Here’s a link to a unique young local bluegrass group. You can hear their music on their website.

http://www.lonesomemeadow.com

Mission

Mission
This is where we attend church–or rather the building where the church we are a part of meets regularly. It is a wonderful racially mixed church where everyone is accepted for just who they are, dirty tennis shoes and all. I will try to post profiles of the church members so you can meet them. My husband, Virgil, and son, Josiah, and I help with worship service. It is so fulfilling to minister in song to such a receptive congregation.