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
