Father's Day Gift

I just received an email from Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies, recommending its CD as a Father's Day gift. She shared on the lyrics of 3 wonderful songs from the CD, which I found really meaningful, to fathers. I intend to get 1 for my hubby to remind him of his high calling as a father to our childre, like how our Father in Heaven is to us.

If you like the CD too, you can get it from www.aboverubies.org. Anyway, here an excerpt of Nancy Campbell's email:

The style is Country and Blue Grass. Three fathers, professional song-writers and singers, sing three songs each which they have written--Charlie Barrett, Bill Benell and Brian Henningson. Charlie Barrett is Pearl's husband who produces all the Above Rubies CDs. I'm listening to one of his songs now called CARRY ME. Here is the first verse and chorus:

Six days shall you labor, I've read in the Book,

And I believe my life should rest in the Lord's hands,

But job demands and traffic jams tend to change my whole outlook,

When I get home I've had all I can stand.

CHORUS:

Then I hear, "Daddy, carry me."

That's when I know I'm where I wanna be,

When I hear, "Daddy, carry me."

And though I'm feeling tired, I find new energy

When I hear, "Daddy, carry me."

I'll give you a few more little excerpts to give you a feel of it. The following words are an excerpt from the title song, RICHEST MAN ON EARTH, also written by Charlie.

Once I asked the Lord above for privilege and wealth,

I thought I knew what makes a happy man,

But for some time I struggled and doubts came creeping in,

And then one night I came to understand.

CHORUS:

And I became the richest man on earth, as I beheld the miracle of birth,

God gave me a precious pearl with big blue eyes and golden curls,

And as I stared down at His handiwork

I knew I was the richest man on earth.

Then I asked the Lord for all the treasure I could hold

So I could give my family all the best

And once again as times grew hard, I felt my faith grow weak,

But once again I learned how I was blessed.

CHORUS:

And I became the richest man on earth, as I beheld the miracle of birth,

I was filled with pride and joy when God gave me a baby boy,

And as I stared down at His handiwork

I knew I was the richest man on earth.

Here are the last three verses of five verses of HIS OWN BACKYARD, written and sung by Bill Benell who does all the mastering of the Above Rubies CDs.

He's looking for a reason

Thinks this world just don't make sense

Thinks somewhere the grass is greener

But he just can't get off the fence

Day by day he keeps on searching

Falls to his knees and prays to God

Finds the answer he's been seeking

Is waiting in his own backyard

Today he left work early

Told the boss he had to leave

For once he'll make some time

Just for his family

He's gonna grill some hot dogs

Play some catch and when he's tired

Might even pitch a tent

And camp out in his own backyard

And now he's found the reason

Everything just makes more sense

Thinks his grass might be the greenest

Now that he is off the fence

Day by day he keeps on praying

Thanking God for being God

And for showing him the way

Back to his own backyard.

The last song is sung by Meadow, Pearl and Charlie's daughter. This is a beautiful song about her growing up too quickly which so many fathers will relate to. Many of you have heard Meadow sing this song at Above Rubies retreats and you have been waiting for the recording. Now it is here. For those who haven't heard it, here are the words:

You are asked me, Where has your little girl gone,

Oh where could your little girl be?

How am I standing here looking so grown

When yesterday I was just three?

I hardly sit on your lap any more,

I'm losing my childish ways,

I know some things may be different now,

But some things will always remain...

CHORUS:

You were my very first word, Daddy!

Your arms are the safest place on earth, Daddy!

I can always run to you and you'll be there,

You were my very first dance, Daddy!

You'd twirl me around and we'd laugh, Daddy!

You were my very first word.

You joke about the coming years

When you'll be chasing the young men away,

You tease I can marry when I'm thirty-two,

And not a minute before that day!

But I've heard you pray God will watch over me,

That He'll keep me and help me stay pure.

So I'll turn to Him when I'm looking for answers

But some things I know for sure...

CHORUS:

You were my very first song, Daddy!

It's a tune that I still like to hum, Daddy!

I can always run to you and you'll be there.

You heard my very first prayer, Daddy!

You showed me the way that God cares, Daddy!

You were my very first word.

Daddy!