Kelly Minter / WRESTLING THE ANGELS Review - ChristianMusic.com

Kelly Minter - WRESTLING THE ANGELS Review

Mission Statement: "The listener will get a sense of all that is wrapped up in what it means to have faith, to doubt, to persevere and ultimately, to come out with God's blessing. One of my greatest hopes is that the listener will feel understood." -- Kelly Minter

About Kelly Minter.....

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Be joyful always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." NIV

1 Thess. 5:18 is a very important verse to Kelly Minter, for its meaning has brought comfort and encouragement during various disappointments, and her periods of struggle with the Lord. Kelly Minter is an excellent example of the practical observation which says, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans." Kelly Minter has realized that unfortunately what we think our goals, dreams, and plans are, may not jell with the Lord's plans for us, for our developing character and heart attitude, for a deeper relationship with Him and or our service to Him. Doors can be shut, but new, better ones do open in the Lord's time, in His way, for His glory, always in our best interests.

Kelly Minter has expressed in both her music found on WRESTLING THE ANGELS and her newly released, inspiring book, WATER INTO WINE, what she has discovered about surrender and obedience and true, loving servanthood to God, through her struggles with God, which she relates to as a tug of war, or wrestling with Angels, like Jacob did in Genesis. In the process and as a result of her personal struggles with God, she has deepened her relationship with the Lord, the most important thing of all.

Kelly relates, "I have endured my own periods of struggle, but feel like I have walked out so much richer because God cut away the branches that were not bearing fruit and bolstered the ones that were."

About Her Life....

Kelly Minter grew up in a Christian family, the daughter of Pastor Mike Minter, who hosts a Salem XM radio show, "Compelling Truth" in Oregon. She was taught God's word from an early age and was involved in church activities, developing her faith in God.

Kelly shares with ChristianMusic.com about her childhood and youth, being a Pastor's daughter, (PK), in Reston, VA. "Being a PK was a great experience for me, but I know such is not the case for everyone. My parents are very authentic people. What my Dad preached from the pulpit is how he lived outside the church. Our church, Reston Bible Church has always been very supportive of me. Of course, there are challenges that come along with being a PK, but for me it was almost entirely positive."

Growing up, Kelly loved sports and became quite good in basketball during her high school years. Music wasn't nearly as important to her as physical activity. Kelly, being very goal-oriented, strove to get an atheletic scholarship in basketball for college. She was thrilled to receive by verbal agreement an offer for a scholarship to a South Carolina College, a personal dream of Kelly's come true, one that her family couldn't afford on a pastor's salary.

However, the Lord had other plans for Kelly. Instead of going away to college, the Lord wanted her to study locally, develop other talents, give to others and start the long process of learning to really trust Him with the events and goals of her life, truly surrendering to His will, doing things His way, depending on Him and learning the joy of servanthood, areas that were true struggles for Kelly that would take time, which is ok, because the Lord is really patient with us all.

After making plans to attend this South Carolina College, Kelly received a devastating phone call from the South Carolina basketball coach, who told her that all the scholarship money had been given out and there was no money left for her. Suddenly, the bottom fell out of her goal of attending this college.

For 17 year old Kelly, this was one of those hurtful, disappointing low points of life, but she found hope and comfort from a verse she stumbled upon in her Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." She was able to let go of her hurt and bitterness because she knew this verse was from God, a message of comfort and hope."

This experience among many other disappointments in her life helped prepare her for what happened to her when she arrived in Nashville, and had gotten involved with WORD Records.

Kelly shared with ChristianMusic.com, "This disappointment taught me that God is so much more interested in our hearts than He is with so many things we set our sights on. He wants to truly fulfill us, and only He knows what will do that for us."

Stepping out in her faith, the goal-oriented Kelly regrouped her future plans. Kelly decided to take classes at a local college and shared her knowledge about basketball with youth, becoming a high school basketball coach. She also turned to her guitar and began to express in music her struggles and experiences, which was the beginning of her music ministry for the Lord, a possibility that she hadn't even considered.

ChristianMusic.com asked Kelly Minter, "Did you study music as a child/ young person? Do any performing in church or school? We know your main interest was in sports, but was music in the background?"

Kelly shared, "Music was definitely mixed in there someplace. I always loved listening to CD's or tapes (back then). I enjoyed concerts and was always taken with that type of thing, but never really considered it a possibility for me until college."

During her college years, Kelly continued to develop her musical gifts, as the Lord continued to mold her thinking, her heart attitude and her character, and build her faith, to enable her to serve Him more effectively, which is not always an easy process.

Kelly explains, "The Lord used my college years to strip me of all I had ever trusted in and brought me to the lowest, most confusing point of my life. Little did I know that it was His unfailing kindness that was keeping me on my knees."

It began to dawn on Kelly that the Lord wanted her to share her musical gifts of singing and song writing, expressing what she had learned about her faith and the character of the Lord and her love for Jesus Christ. After some friendly "nudging of family and friends" and a chance meeting with Christian music artist, Kathy Troccoli, while baby-sitting for a dear friend of Kathy's, Kelly became excited and eager to begin this music ministry for the Lord.

Kelly explained to ChristianMusic.com, "Kathy would come in and visit and I would have some time to talk with her. I think she really symbolized what I wanted to do. Meeting her in person made it all seem more tangible and reachable."

So, Kelly became excited and inspired by this new goal of not only serving the Lord by sharing her Christian music with the world, but to shoot for the moon and become a successful, mainstream Christian Music Artist, and songwriter. In 1999, Kelly hit the road in her mechanically challenged "gun-metal-gray jeep", arriving in Nashville, Tennessee.

In chapter one of her book, WATER INTO WINE, Kelly said, "I had come to this town with eyes as wide as the ocean, dreams bigger than Dorthy's, and on a road I was certain was paved with yellow bricks. I was well aware that the competition was steep and the slots for rising stars were fewer than winning lottery numbers. But I also had very deep desires to sing and to write and to have an impact; so no matter how daunting, I had to come. I had no reason to believe that things would not go exactly as I had planned."

KELLY MINTER - GOOD DAY

A door to the mainstream Christian music ministry industry opened to her when Word Records first released her debut album, GOOD DAY, and then gave her a development deal, two years before she actually was signed. It seemed that another one of her dreams coming true. There was a hitch though. WORD Records was in the process of merging into Myrrh Records, who was then negotiating a sell out deal with Time Warner, during the whole time she was there, while she worked on her second album. Just when her 2nd album was ready to be released, another heartbreaking detour plopped down into the middle of her current goal. Word Records dropped her as one of their artists after being bought out by Time-Warner. Another door abruptly shuts tight, but the Lord had once again other plans for Kelly.

Kelly relates, "Basically, the record I had worked so long for never really got out. It was so deeply disappointing, especially after working with the label for three years - so difficult to have such high expectations, and then have something so out of your control happen."

The Lord used this huge pot hole in Kelly's plans and dreams to once again mold her, prune her character, develop her patience, and draw her into "a deeper and more authentic relationship" with Himself, as she endured through the long and difficult journey she found herself in, as she strived to get another recording deal, which proved to be very difficult, frustrating process.

Kelly described this time period as "a season which seemed to rub against every grain of my being." She describes this growth / changing period as if the Lord had lured her into the wilderness, in order "to turn a painful valley into a door of hope; to show His love for me."

Being without a record deal felt like being in a wilderness, a painful place with only the Lord to depend on.

Kelly further shares,"The drought in between record deals was long and arduous. I wasn't always sure how I would make ends meet, and suffered from the pain of watching other artists succeed and live their dream. I had seasons of feeling abandoned by God, wondering if I had done something out of His will to deserve what I was going through. It seemed that He was blessing those around me, though I couldn't seem to force an opportunity into existence, regardless of how hard I tried. It was as if God was holding every door shut for a time."

Looking back at this time in the wilderness, however, Kelly Minter now sees it as a time when she was "engulfed in a lot of song writing and journaling." These inspired creative endeavors and writings became a rich source for later songs, found on her new CD, WRESTLING THE ANGELS and a book, WATER INTO WINE, inspired by the servants in the water into wine story found in John 2:1-11, where Jesus told the servants to fill the empty wine vessels. Because there was no record deal or any business obligations looming, she was able to compose and write from her heart, expressing her struggles, as she strove to submit to the journey that the Lord was leading her on, stretching her thin patience as she learned to wait on the Lord, depending on Him to lead her through whatever was next.

ChristianMusic.com asked Kelly, "What helped you let go and let Him lead you to the next step in your journey?"

Kelly readily shared what she learned in her struggles. "Sometimes you let go because you feel you are supposed to, and other times things are ripped from your clutches. I've had both happen. But even when something is taken from you I think it is so important to release it to God in your HEART that is an important step that we all must take. I believe that we have to do this almost everyday in many cases, keep releasing things to God."

"After a while, we learn to trust Him, we learn that bleak things do turn out for good things. Sometimes we see them in this lifetime. Other instances, I don't think we'll understand until heaven." (Romans 8:28)

"In addition to these things, I also had different people who God brought along in my life who helped encourage and lead me through some of these difficult times. They were most helpful!"

While Kelly endured and struggled in this time in her life where she composed and wrote in her journal. Some opportunities to perform did come her way. Her first album, GOOD DAY, received "very good critical acclaim" and Kelly was invited to tour with Sonicflood, Bebo Norman, and Watermark, which must of been very encouraging for a struggling young Christian artist.

Finally, on the Lord's time table, Kelly's music was discovered by Cross Driven Records, because her music was noticed by people in the industry, through her tour with the Christian bands mentioned above and her first album, GOOD DAY. After Cross Driven Records signed her up on a contract, they connected her to Christian music legend, Margaret Becker and songwriter Paul Buono who co-produced her new album, WRESTLING THE ANGELS.

Kelly with Margaret Becker and Paul Buono

Not only did she reach her goal of long ago to release a 2nd album, but the quality of her music on this album, WRESTLING THE ANGELS, was greatly enriched by what she learned from challenging, sometimes painful experiences in having to wait on God, and will produce more fruit for the Lord than if she hadn't endured and learned from her wrestling with the Lord. Most importantly, she expresses what it means to have a deep relationship with the Lord, developed through her dependence on Him.

Kelly relates, "The Lord literally changed me. I know I'm not the same person I was. He had stripped me of the externals, causing me to focus on the only thing I truly have, which is Him."

Kelly further shares with Christianmusic.com, elaborating on these inner and outer changes. "I think the biggest thing that I can really see is a deeper peace and contentment He has created in me. There is a verse in scripture that talks about God working in us through difficulties so we can be complete and entire, wanting nothing."

She continues, "Before I really walked through these wilderness experiences, there were so many things that I thought I absolutely had to have for survival; whether it be a scholarship, a massively successful CD, an amazing career, a husband, certain relationships, etc. Now, I'm understanding so much more what it means to want nothing. It's not that I don't have desires or that there aren't things that I want, but there is really nothing in my life that I feel that I must have or have happen. I'm much more content and trusting that God is working His will out in my life and that is what matters today in the end."

Dennis Disney, Margaret Becker, Kelly and Shane, the Music Engineer

The Spiritual Truths that are illustrated through her Music .....

Her newly released book, WATER INTO WINE, all of which is based on her journaling, gives insight into Kelly's spiritual growth and revelations, which are so well expressed in her songs found on WRESTLING THE ANGELS. She discusses areas which trouble many Christians, where we all engage in "hopeful struggles;" Surrender, Obedience, Servanthood to the Lord and having a deeper relationship with Him. The title of her book was inspired by the wedding story found in John 2:1-11, where Jesus turned the water into wine, after the servants obediently poured water into the wine vessels TO THE BRIM. Being able to give to the brim depends on how much we are willing to surrender our will, able to obey the Lord's leading, and serve him with the right heart attitude, all areas that He is happy to help us with, even if we get into a wrestling match with Him.

About Surrender and Obedience.... Quote from Chapter One of her Book: "To say that I have had difficulty with surrender and obedience would be a profound understatement. There is nothing easy about it, despite the "Trust and Obey" childlike melody, which could lead you to believe that it's a walk in the park. Because my own desires rarely point in the direction of surrender, I find myself pondering over and over again the obedience fork-in-the-road: Do I go right - my way, or left-God's way? Or, of course, there's always the ever-popular option of forging down the middle where there is no road, thinking that somehow this will satisfy both God and me. It's just that it never works out that way. I end up pleasing neither, and then realize that on top of everything else I have missed out on having the luxury of a paved road under my feet. This is all part of the obedience dilemma; there is no middle road."

About Servanthood...Quote from Chapter One: "It seems our contemporary Christian culture has narrowly promoted the definition of a servant as someone who faithfully teaches the first grade Sunday School class, cooks for the homeless once a month, volunteers for this or that, or assumes another's unwanted chores. I have often latched onto some unappealing task - for which I had no gifting - and proceeded to hunker down under the burden of what I perceived to be the 'servant thing to do.' I quickly burnt out in my misguided attempts to serve at the altar of obligation rather than love. I am thrilled to be learning that it's not supposed to work this way."

"Over the past several years, I have been discovering a picture of servanthood that looks exceedingly different from what I had formally perceived. I had missed the very personal aspect of servanthood. I had fallen into the trap of serving a system, not a person. Servanthood is about people, and ultimately about God, because God desperately loves people."

As a Christian music artist, Kelly Minter has become involved with World Vision Tours to Africa, a ministry where she can use her gifts to spread the gospel to Africa, a place very hungry for the message of Jesus Christ. She has been blessed by her "servanthood" in Africa, and the experiences have broadened her understanding even more about serving the Lord. (If you want to sponsor a child, go to wvi.org)

Kelly Minter shares, "As God continues to mend my negative feelings and misconceptions about what the essence of being a servant is really all about. I'm finding it's a lot less about doing, and more about being. It's a spirit by which you live. It's a posture. Serving God or a person in the truest manner requires far more than volunteering..... It demands our heart. It asks for everything we are. It is a great deal more costly than I ever imagined - and much more rewarding as well."

As we grow spiritually in these three areas, surrender, obedience, and servanthood, our relationship with the Lord becomes stronger and deeper as a result of our dependence and trust in the Lord to be in control, bring about what is best for us and make us more like Christ.

About Kelly Minter's Music....

Every song on this album is the result of Kelly Minter's struggles with the Lord, which she so generously shares what she has become aware of as she grows spiritually, and closer to the Lord. With the songs on WRESTLING THE ANGELS, the most outstanding qualities of her music are the powerful lyrics and Kelly Minter's inspiring, heartfelt, expressive vocals that are both dynamic and effective in speaking to the soul of the listener, as it is very evident that the songs are inspired from a heart molded by the Lord.

Love of the Lord - SHADE, YET WILL I PRAISE

Trust and Dependence on the Lord - SAY THE WORD, OPEN UP THE SKY, YET WILL I PRAISE, WALK ME THROUGH

Serving The Lord - OFFERING, LOVE HAS COME

Obedience - WRESTLING THE ANGELS

Good News of having a Relationship with the Lord - LOVE HAS COME, MISS YOU HERE, CAPTIVES DANCE

WRESTLING THE ANGELS is a blessing, wrapped up in a most enjoyable package. The listener is treated to not only deep lyrical content, expressive vocals, but also interesting melodies, making each song unique, each carried by a nice blend of acoustical guitars, electrical guitar, strings, keyboards and percussion, sometimes with a pop music feel, sometimes with a quieter, introspective feeling. Dynamics, harmonies and vocal style of each song are well done and make the music a poignant composition. The resulting combinations of all the elements of what goes into her music create a memorable listening experience.

I highly recommend this collection of songs as being a source of spiritual encouragement and growth, put together in such a pleasing and effective way, resulting in a quality of Christian music which deserves to be in your Christian music collection. Whether you are currently sailing along in your life, or having a wilderness experience, or are somewhere in-between, WRESTLING THE ANGELS has something meaningful to to say to you. Our tendency to struggle with the Lord I think is part of our human condition, something we all experience in varying degrees. Trials and hard times, life's problems are also part of our human experience, all which require that we trust in, depend on and seek the Lord, who cares and loves us. We all have issues on some level, in various degrees, with trust, obedience, being a servant, having a heart attitude pleasing to the Lord and having a relationship with Him. WRESTLING THE ANGELS certainly was a big encouragement to this reviewer's spiritual walk and I am glad that I had the opportunity to review the songs of Kelly Minter and her friends.

Songs on Kelly Minter's WRESTLING THE ANGELS CD

* * * OFFERING - Words and Music by Paul Buomo and Kelly Minter

A strong song to begin an album. Nice combination of strings and acoustical guitar, with delicate touches of electric guitar and keyboards with a light pop beat. Vocals are clear and strong, carrying the memorable melody. Kelly always has terrific diction, and the lyrics are clearly heard, making this song a great candidate for a contemporary praise and worship service.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "To me, this is basically one of the benchmark songs on the record based primarily on the opening line, 'I will not give what costs me nothing.' It's expensive to live for Jesus, requiring a lot of sacrifices when it comes to putting Him at the forefront our lives. I hope people can worship along with me to this song, while encouraging them to offer up something of great value to the Lord. He is worth it."

Scriptural References: (Hebrews 13:15-16 & 7:27, Matt. 6:33, Ephesians 5:1-2)

Lyrics:

I will not give what costs me nothing. When I bring my Sacrifice. Cause You have asked for only one thing. That I gladly give my life.

So now I lay down on Your altar. Knowing what I lose I'll find. Please receive me through I falter. For all I have is Yours, it's no longer mine.

Chorus: With my mouth I will praise. With my strength I will obey. This is my offering. I will go where You lead. I will trust what I can't see. This is my offering, this is my offering.

May my worship be a fragrance. Rising up in sweet refrain. As I come into Your presence. May I be a life worthy of Your name. Chorus

* * * + OPEN UP THE SKY - Words and Music by Kelly Minter and Paul Buomo

A strong favorite of this reviewer. Combination of strong vocals, meaningful message, and catchy melody, easy rock beat, and a variety of dynamics make it a song which sticks in the mind, letting the meaning of the song to sink into the listener's thoughts. During the verses, mood changes a little, starting off softly with guitar and support sounds, growing as other instruments such as strings, touch of horn climaxing at the chorus, where rock beat again brings a sense of joy to the Chorus.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "Often we want certain things, yet the Lord wants to give us something grander. Sometimes as Christians we're guilty of boxing ourselves in; This song talks about leaving those preconceived notions behind. There's a line that says, 'I had set my sights with such narrow mindedness,' which is basically a prompt for us to reach past the limits and confines of our own thinking. Sometimes we can get too caught up in our own dreams that we miss the greater picture around us."

Scriptural References: (Romans 12:2 & 8:26-27)

Lyrics:

I have set my sights with such narrow mindedness. Perfectly convinced of what would bring me happiness. But I was standing right in the middle. Of treasures I'd missed while being so provincial.

Chorus: Open up the sky to me. I'll leave the preconceived behind. For wonder, hope, and mystery, I'll be surprised by what I find, Open up the sky.

Do I even dare believe what will not squarely fit, Inside of all I think I know and how I prayed that things should go. But I'm so tired of being caught up, In my own dreams, forfeiting what I've not thought of. Chorus

Bridge: All things possible, God can't be contained. What was comfortable now feels strange. Chorus

* * * + + SHADE - Words and Music by Mary Danna and Kelly Minter

The favorite song of this reviewer on the CD. A praise and worship composition with a moving, irresistible melody, brought forth by strong, moving acoustic guitar work, plus light string sound. Has interesting counter-melody inner voices. Written in 3/4 waltz meter, the melody combined with the moving lyrics brought to life by Kelly's vocals, has the effect of flowing over the listener, catching one's attitude into the inviting swirl of worship and adoration of Jesus.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "This is kind of a worship tune yet it's poetic at the same time. 'I've had enough of counterfeit love' is the opening line and I think there are a lot of people who can identify with that experience. Regardless of where you've been, the essence of Christ is that He's our shade and our resting place. This is a song of proclamation, esteeming Him as our refuge."

Scriptural References: (Psalm 91:1-2, Matt. 11:28-30, Ephesians 3:16-18)

Lyrics:

I've had enough of counterfeit love. And lies that don't satisfy. Desperate to heal, I've spun every wheel, Missing all that is mine. Every promise, shelter in Your strong arms.

Chorus: Jesus, Jesus You're my shade, You're my hiding place. Hallelujah You're my peace, I will rest beneath....Your shade.

I get afraid, comfort escapes, When You feel far from me. I question my faith, but You stay the same, Never out of reach. I'll follow safely in Your shadows

Chorus

* * * + Title Song: WRESTLING THE ANGELS - Words and Music by Kelly Minter

Strong favorite of this reviewer. Enjoyed the intricate acoustic voices which support the main melody and offer counter melody in parts. Once again a nice ensemble of instrumentation keeps things interesting. Kelly's strong lyrics and delicate vocal interpretations & harmony create a truly moving song, one which all human beings can identify with; the struggle between what they think they want and what God has planned for them is a characteristic of most walks with the Lord, at least some of the time.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "After wrestling through the night with the angel of the Lord, Jacob bravely breathed the words: 'I will not let you go until you bless me.' Jacob was willing to stay in the fight and wrestle through the night because he knew that whatever blessing the Lord had for him was worth the wait and worth the fight. And so he walked away with a limp - a changed and different man. This is the way I want to walk away from all of my encounters with the Lord. And if wrestling and limping and struggling are the means by which I can take hold of Him and His blessings, I am honored to be counted in."

Scriptural References: (Genesis 32: 22-28, Hebrews 13:5-6, Ephesians 4:22)

Lyrics:

This is what I'm thinking, I'm a little out of step, My spirit's leaning right, But the living keeps on pulling to the left.

I'm thoroughly conflicted, Got a pebble in my shoe, I wanna have it my way, But I wanna come out looking more like You.

Chorus: I'm wrestling the angels, and maybe I won't win. But if this is how the blessings flow than count me in. I'm falling on Your mercy, I am losing to gain. Walking with the evidence of change, Walking with the evidence of change.

This is how I'm moving, It's a limp that's all my own. It's the journey of becoming, And on it I am sure I'm not alone. Chorus.

Bridge: Change that makes a diamond out of coal. Change that makes Your glory shine through these holes. I'm wrestling..... I'm wrestling

Chorus

* * * LOVE HAS COME - Words and Music by Kelly Minter

Rock beat opening with a duet of guitar and drums illustrates the feeling of the rat race caused by having a too busy life. Sound builds to the first verse. Nice counter melody carried by a busy guitar and other light, crisply played inner voices complement nicely the main melody and help keep the energy and drive of the song pumping along, supporting the rock beat. The feeling of the Bridge section calms to a swirling sound of broken piano chords and vocals. Composition then returns to original style. Absolutely love the lyrics as I can identify with their meaning! Usual great vocals.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "This song loosely references the Mary/Martha contrast in scripture. Christ is here with us everyday, yet we often miss Him in the midst of our busyness and agendas. Mary chose what was needful: to sit at His feet. LOVE HAS COME focuses on the importance of simply being as opposed to doing."

Scriptural References: (Romans 8:38, Luke 10:38-42, John 8:12 & 1:4)

Lyrics:

Burning the candle, both ends have held me captive. I have misplaced the sacred for what won't matter, But I hear the whisper of my name when I stop for breathing. Long enough to comprehend the simple art of being.

Chorus: Love has come. Light is here among us. There's only one thing I need. To be here at Your feet.

I've been afraid to unwind and still my spirit. Wary of what I might find in quiet minutes. But I hear the whisper of my name when I stop for breathing. Long enough to comprehend the simple art of being. Chorus.

Bridge: Love has come. Light is here among us. There's only one thing I need. To be here at Your feet.

* * * SAY THE WORD - Words and Music by Mary Danna and Kelly Minter

Intro uses a synthesizer to good effect, giving the feeling of a powerful God. Starts off softly, and gradually gets louder. Nice acoustic guitar, keyboards, strings provide mellow, smooth support for the sweet melody and Minter's expressive vocals in this love letter to the Lord, proclaiming the faith and love of a believer..

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "I love the whole idea surrounding the type of God we serve - a God who is very powerful, shakes mountains, calms storms, and speaks without making a sound. This one's about finding a real intimacy and communion with God, pleading for him to speak into our lives in a way that only he can."

Scriptural References: (John 1-3 & John 6:16-21, Matt. 8:23-26 & 9:29, Luke 7:6-7)

Lyrics:

It just took a touch and blind could see. Just a breath and man could breathe. And it just takes a whisper for my heart to mend. To set me on my feet again. Cause when You speak the mountains shake. Storms are stilled, the wind obeys.

Chorus: Say the word and I will be healed. Cause You're the only one who knows how I feel. And it will be the sweetest thing that I have ever heard. Say the word.

Tell me You love me or sing me a song. Just let Your voice carry on. Cause You can speak soft or loud Or You can speak without a sound. Chorus

Bridge: And let if fall on me like rain drops, So I can know Your love will never ever stop.

* * * MISS YOU HERE - Words and Music by Kelly Minter

Intro set the mood and beat by nice syncopation played brightly, delicately by keyboard, guitar, perhaps a mandolin and banjo, held nicely together with a light, bouncy beat. Vocals are excellent, with nice harmonies which enhance the melody line. Nice dynamics as well.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments:"I really took this from the part of Romans where Paul talks about seeing God in all of creation. God is always present; His image is painted upon the faces of people and His glory is sketched in His creation. One of my greatest fears would be to miss in the here and now."

Scriptural References: (Romans 1:20, Job 38, Acts 17:24-28)

Lyrics:

1) I can't comprehend the mysteries of Your presence, And I don't pretend I've seen You in the flesh. But woe unto me if I fail to see.

Chorus: You paint Your picture in the blue skies and whispering winds. You draw Your image upon every face. You write Your story with the hope of the morning sunrise. Leaving me no other fear. Than to miss You here.

2) So peel the scales away so I can fill my dim eyes. With the everyday phenomenon of life. And I'll hold the truth without excuse. Chorus

Bridge: Don't wanna miss seeing Your glory revealed in Tiny feet and raindrop beads. Silly smiles and grown up trees. Lightening bolts and human touches, mountain views. The tell me something.....

* * * +YET WILL I PRAISE - Words and Music by Paul Buono and Kelly Minter

Another strong favorite of this reviewer. This great praise and worship song features nice acoustic guitar with easy beat, embellished with other sounds, strings, building dynamics and Kelly's excellent, heartfelt vocals and choral support, combine to create a song which offers comfort and encouragement to listeners going through trials.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "I'm especially personally attached to this one. Gleaning from the well-known prayer of Habbakuk, this song talks about trusting and praising God at all times, even in the toughest moments. Despite the difficulties in life, we can choose to praise, knowing He is the God of our joy as well as our pain."

Scriptural References: (Habakkuk 3:17-19, Hebrews 10:23, 1 Thess. 5:16-18, Psalm 13)

Lyrics:

1) I cannot understand the turn of Your hands. All Your ways are past finding out. And the silence I fear is all that I hear. Though the trials of my heart befall me, keep me calling.

Chorus: Yet will I praise, yet will I trust You for tomorrow. Yet will I hope, yet will I love You, joy or sorrow. Come the darkest nights or the sweetest days. Yet will I praise.

2) Though I carry this hurt, I'll speak of Your works. And remember Your faithfulness. I will sing of Your peace in the midst of my grief. And though my heart cries out for Your compassion with abandoned. Chorus:

* * *WALK ME THROUGH - Words and Music by Paul Buono and Kelly Minter

Rock beat established by intro played by electric guitar and drums. Music supporting the verses is subdued, smoothly flowing, becoming more energetic during the chorus. Nice variations of various instrumentation not only keeps the listening ear entertained, but provides the perfect delicate support for heartfelt lyrics and vocals. Song brings comfort to the listener, knowing that Jesus understands our trials and pain and temptations and is a source of help.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "When we experience challenges in life, we can turn to Christ because He's been in our shoes. He's breathed our breath, walked our steps, and has tasted all the elements of what it means to be human. Only He fully understands every pain, frustration, and temptation we may be going through, thus the cry for Him to walk me through."

Scriptural References: (Hebrews 2:14, 17-18, & 4:15, Philippians 4:12-13, 2nd Cor. 12:9)

Lyrics:

I've felt tremors that have cracked me in two. I've been weathered by storms that I swore no one had been through. But I remembered...

Chorus: You've felt our fears, cried our tears, Walked our steps and breathed our breath. You've known our pain, worn our stains. Let Your blood run for everyone. And no one knows like You, no one know like You. So walk me through.

Can't imagine what it meant for You to come. And abandon Your throne, make Your home here among us. Showing Your love....Chorus

* * * Bridge: Through this land of shifting sand that's burning through my shoes. Through the seas up to my knees, no other Help has ever felt...

Chorus 2: My fears, cried my tears, Walked my steps and breathed my breath. You've known my pain, worn my stains. Let Your blood run for everyone

Repeat Chorus 2

* * * + CAPTIVES DANCE - Words and Music by Paul Buono and Kelly Minter

Another strong favorite of this reviewer. Swirling 3/4 waltz beat, lovely, crisp, moving guitar work, nice additions of keyboards, synthesizer here and there throughout, adding spice to the main melody, contributing to the swirling, dancing movement of the composition. Once again, consistently excellent vocals of Kelly Minter bring it all together. Also has nice back-up vocals.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter Comments: "It's kind of like an Old Testament meets modern day story. The Israelites were wandering in captivity but were always looking towards the day when the clouds would break free. We may have been born into this world captive, but because of Christ's coming, He's given us the capacity to dance freely, though we once were captives."

Scriptural References: (Exodus Romans 8:1-3, Rev. 21:3-5)

Lyrics:

We've worn our burdens like weathered pants. We've hung our curtains in foreign lands. Weary and waiting, but not forsaken, Anticipating...

Chorus: Clouds breaking. Flowers blooming in fields of green. Souls awaking, No longer captives, they dance where once they only dreamed

Soothing our sorrows we've sung our psalms. We've fled our pharaohs for far too long. Cause on the horizon the seas are parting. We stand watching...Chorus

Bridge: Hungry souls are freely fed. Chains are loosed and hearts are cleansed. The sun has stripped the darkness all away. The lost are found, the old is new. The lies are swallowed by the truth, Because You came...

Chorus 2: Clouds breaking. Flowers blooming in fields of green. Souls are awakened. We're no longer captives, we dance where once we'd only dreamed.

* * *+ YOU'RE LISTENING - Words and Music by Kelly Minter

Second favorite song of this reviewer. Absolutely beautiful prayer ballad, with just Kelly's heartfelt vocals, melody carried by well-played acoustical guitar and a cello / viola ensemble providing support chords and counter melody.

Spiritual Message - Kelly Minter's Personal Reflections: "This is probably the most honest and soul baring song on the record. When my soul aches or the things I've hoped for slip away, the Lord may not answer me in the way I'd like Him to, but He hears me. He's compassionate even when I don't understand. We can still take comfort in knowing that our good and faithful God is listening."

Scriptural References: (1 Peter 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30, Phil. 4:6-8, Romans 5:1-5)

Lyrics:

1) Lying here I can't sleep, I'm tired of hearing myself think. Have I lost all common sense. Or has my heart just landed where it can never rest.

Chorus: Why does my soul ache, And why do dreams I though I'd captured slip away. But You don't have to answer me. It's enough to know You're listening.

2) This my remedy, Who have I but Thee. Desperate cries aren't all You hear. Even lonely silence falls upon Your ears.

Bridge: With the compassion of a Father's love. Whose arms will gather me. Chorus.

Reviewed by Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com

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