The Words… – Come And Taste Music

SAFE (1999)

It was 1999, and the new millennium was approaching. There was great speculation in the media about what might happen; what might be expected. All this, as if the year 2000 would somehow be especially significant, or that things as we knew them might all “come to an end”. This anticipation fostered very different reactions in people.

But what really inspired this song was the tragedy at Columbine High School, the first act of school violence in our country. Two young high school teens opened fire on their teachers and classmates in an awful planned massacre, ultimately killing several- themselves included. As the mother of two young children, this was extremely disturbing to me. The television was on all day with national reports of what had occurred.

Late that night, I was watching a news broadcast when a woman whose children attended the school was extolling the virtues of her community. She went on and on as to its desirability and security, and finally asked in desperation, “If something so terrible can happen in a place like this, where in the world do we tell our children they can be safe?”

Immediately, the Spirit of God swept over me and spoke these words to my mind, “SAFE ISN’T A PLACE”. The fear and anxiety I had been experiencing was replaced with the peace of God. These words and the music followed.

SAFE

We’re living in uncertain days,
 With cries through the land about what might be.
 Some scoff at the warnings quite foolishly.
 Just, “Eat, drink, be merry,” they say.

 And others are driven by fear—
 They plan in their panic,
 They stock and store,
 Put bars on their windows and chains on their doors.
 But can you ever do enough to be safe?

 SAFE isn’t a place; it isn’t a town that you can live in.
 SAFE isn’t how strong or how smart you might be.
 SAFE is knowing the Lord,
 And knowing you’re living a life that will please Him.
 I’m held safe in God’s arms,
 And that’s good enough for me.

 With wars and rumors of wars,
 Worry and conflict are in the air.
 Even the children cry out in despair.
 Asking, “Where in the world is it safe?”

 But SAFE isn’t a place; it isn’t a town that you can live in.
 No, SAFE isn’t how strong or how smart you might be.
 SAFE is knowing the Lord,
 And knowing you’re living a life that will please Him.
 I’m held safe in God’s arms,
 And that’s good enough for me.

 It isn’t about being in control.
 But it’s placing your trust in the One who is!

 SAFE is knowing the Lord,
 And knowing you’re living a life that will please Him.
 I’m held safe in God’s arms,
 And that’s good enough for me.
 That’s good enough for me.

ALL I NEED TO KNOW (1996)

One afternoon at home, as I was flipping through the television channels for a moment, I came across a show where an entertainer was singing a song so beautifully and so expressively that I was moved by it. I thought to myself that, if someone could write such a beautiful song about something that wasn’t all that important, then I desired to write a song that would express the greatness and beauty of God’s love for me. It wasn’t more than a thought, a brief desire that grew. Within a few days, this song came forth.

ALL I NEED TO KNOW

They say, “When you grow older, you grow wiser,”
 You can see I have a long, long way to go.
 As I make the same mistakes over and over,
 As I struggle with the daily ebb and flow.

 But there’s one thing I have learned upon this journey.
 And it makes all of the difference in my life.
 I can overcome the problems that surround me.
 I can rise above the worry and the strife….

 For I know my Savior loves me,
 And I know how much He cares.
 And through all of life’s illusions, through my questions and confusion,
 I can reach for Him, and I know that He’ll be there.
 And it seems to me that’s all I need to know.

 And whether I am facing some tall mountain,
 Or striving on the straight and narrow way,
 I have peace that goes beyond my understanding,
 And a song of joy within my soul each day…

 For I know my Savior loves me,
 And I know how much He cares.
 And through all of life’s illusions, through my questions and confusion,
 I can reach for Him, and I know that He’ll be there.
 And it seems to me that’s all I need to know.

 All I need to know...
 All I need to know...

 And through all of life’s illusions,
 Through my questions and confusion,
 I can reach for Him, and I know that He’ll be there.
 And it seems to me that’s all I need to know.
 All I need to know...
 All I need...to know!

THE QUIET NEED (1996)

One Sunday morning during a church service, when it came time for those in the congregation who needed prayer to come forward, I was surprised to see an older Sister walk up to the mercy seat. This Sister represented -to me and many others-great strength and wisdom. As a spiritual ‘mother’ to all the saints, she was always concerned about our welfare, helping and tending to needs, serving as a wonderful spiritual example, encouraging us in our faith. It never occurred to me that SHE might need something from the Lord.

As this Sister was being anointed with blessed oil by those in the priesthood (James 5:14), it struck me especially when the Minister praying said, “Lord, bless her in her quiet need.” The thought that the Lord knows everyone so intimately– and He sees and understands even those things we might keep hidden for different reasons– hit me very strongly. The words and music followed a few days later.

THE QUIET NEED

We grow up dreaming of our ’happily-ever-afters’.
 But, soon enough, we learn that tears come along with laughter.
 While those around us see, and we know they really care,
 There are still some things that are just too deep to share-
 Yet, alone, we find they’re much too hard to bear.

 The Lord will meet your quiet need,
 The hurting part, the broken heart that no one else can see.
 He’ll wipe away your tears, He’ll calm your deepest fears.
 The Lord will meet your quiet need.

 And in the name of bravery, we try oh so hard to hide it.
 We wear a smile to mask the trial, and with all our strength we fight it.
 And other problems seem so small---why mention them at all?
 But there is One who sees, who even knows your name.
 And there are promises, yes, promises to claim.

 The Lord will meet your quiet need,
 The hurting part, the broken heart that no one else can see.
 He’ll wipe away your tears, He’ll calm your deepest fears.
 The Lord will meet your quiet need.

 The hidden pain, the secret wish,
 The endless hours of loneliness…
 Where do you turn?
 Who can you trust?
 Who understands?........

 The Lord will meet your quiet need,
 The hurting part, the broken heart that no one else can see.
 He’ll wipe away your tears, He’ll calm your deepest fears.
 The Lord will meet your quiet need.

 The hurting part of you that no one else can see…

THE MELODY OF SALVATION (1998)

One afternoon, my children and I returned home from running some errands. My young son, Bryan, immediately ran to the piano and began playing two random chords over and over again (as a young child will do). For some reason, those chords caught my ear. When he moved on to something else, I sat at the piano and began working with those notes. Soon, a light little melody wrapped itself around those chords and a sweet, simple tune emerged. As sometimes happens, the music led my mind to thoughts of light and hope and joy, which then became words or lyrics about the beauty of Salvation.

This song of salvation is, to me, like a little music box that plays so sweetly over and over. You can carry it in your heart and sing it as you go through your day… through your life…through eternity. I pray those that hear it feel and know “the beautiful Melody of Salvation” that only comes through Jesus Christ. Praise God!

(By the way, if you listen to the song, the two chords that started it all are played with the words “Open” and “Heart Up”)

THE MELODY OF SALVATION

I can sing you a song-
A song that God’s given me.
Its words will set your spirit free, 
And fill your heart with joy!

I can sing about peace:
How it feels to be born again-
Of mercy that never ends
And love that never dies.

And if you open your heart up
You will find that it’s true.
And if you open your heart up
You can sing the song too!

I can sing you a song
That began back at Calvary-
The beautiful Melody of Salvation!

God wrote the music
That all the world might sing.
Come now!  Come join in the chorus…

La, la, la, da,la, la, la, da, la, la, da….
The beautiful Melody of Salvation!

And if you open your heart up
You will find that it’s true.
And if you open your heart up
You can sing the song too!  
Sing it too, now!

I can sing you the song
That I’ll sing through eternity-
The beautiful Melody of Salvation.
The beautiful Melody of Salvation!!

AS THE SEASONS TURN (2002)

The unexpected death of a young, close family friend left all of his loved ones asking, “Why? Why was he taken with so much yet to give?” There are times in life when we find ourselves challenged by ‘winter’s cold wind.’ Trials and troubles come. But we serve a loving God whose ways are so much higher than our own and whose intentions are always good. What a kind and patient Father. Though we may not always receive the answers we seek, we are blessed to be able to trust Him through ALL our days. With peace that passes our understanding we can say, like Job, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” As I sat at my piano, this blessed assurance swept over me, and words and a melody came forth.

AS THE SEASONS TURN

The winter cold blows in, and I am quick to pray,
“Lord, take these fierce, harsh winds and send them far away.”
I want the August sun, I want her golden rays:
Warm, happy summer days …warm, happy summer days.

But in Your wisdom lies a purpose and a plan-
You hold the seasons of my life within Your hand.
And there is beauty in the winter’s cold,
The autumn leaves of gold,
The raindrops of the spring,
Your will in everything!
 
For there’s a time to live and there’s a time to die.
There’s a time to laugh and there’s a time to cry.
And when I don’t understand, I simply reach for Your hand.
This is what I learn
As the seasons turn…

Now there are things You’d have me see, and feel, and know. 
In understanding, You would like this child to grow.
For through the pain and joy of life comes faith,
And patience as I wait,
And trust that through each test,
My Father knows what’s best.

Yes, there’s a time to live and there’s a time to die.
There’s a time to laugh and there’s a time to cry.
Sometimes I wonder, “How?”…
Sometimes I question, “Why?”…

But there are reasons I won’t always understand,
So I just go on my way…
And simply trust and obey.
This is what I learn
As the seasons turn…

WALKING WITH A HOPE IN YOUR HEART (2000)

This is another example of a melody coming BEFORE the words. As I played at the piano one day, this ‘walking’ left hand rhythm came strongly to me. The more I played it, the more I liked it and the more the music grew around it. When it came time to add words, the music was so positive and upbeat—it seemed like it was someone joyfully walking. And when I reflected on what allows us to ‘joyfully walk’, that simple little word between “faith” and “charity”- HOPE- came to mind: That little word that makes all the difference in life.

The words and music quickly came together

WALKING WITH A HOPE IN YOUR HEART

Rise and shine!  
Embrace the gift of another day.
Praise the Lord 
For the beauty and blessings along the way.
Wear a smile 
So those all around you can see and take a part
In the joy that you feel 
When you’re walking with a hope in your heart!

There’ll be clouds: Behind them the sun’s always shining, you know.
There’ll be rain, but without it, tomorrow’s flowers won’t grow.
There’ll be tears, but look to the day when you’ll never cry again.
What a difference it makes
When you’re walking with a hope in your heart!

We have an Anchor that keeps us safe when the storm winds blow!
We have a Savior who holds our hand, and never lets us go!

Close your eyes, 
And picture the mansion prepared for you.
Paradise: A beautiful dream that will someday come true.
Feel the peace 
You don’t have to wait for--
It’s here… it’s now…it’s real,
‘Cause you’re almost in heaven
When you’re walking with a hope in your heart!

We have an Anchor that keeps us safe when the storm winds blow!
We have a Savior who holds our hand, and never lets us go!
He loves us so……

So, press on—
This life’s just a vapor, a moment in time.
Eyes of faith are looking ahead to God’s glory divine.
But ‘til then, you carry within you His promises, His love.
And there’s JOY in the living 
When you’re walking with a hope in your heart…
When you’re walking with a hope in your heart…
When you’re walking with a hope in your heart!

AS A WITNESS (2003)

This song was inspired by the music that came to me one day as I sat at the piano. The strong, powerful beat emphasized the phrase that came to me so personally, “Yes, I can say, I’ve walked on water.” I know there have been times in my life when I have felt like that. But the Lord has always been there for me. And the words that came confirmed the witness we can each be to God’s power and grace in our lives as we reflect on our most personal and unique conversion. I can truly testify He has made a miracle of my life.

AS A WITNESS

I stand before you as a witness
To testify God’s word is true.
And give Him all the praise and glory- 
What wondrous things I’ve seen Him do!

To think the God of all Creation
Would condescend to be my friend-
And that He’s given me His Spirit
That I might learn to be like Him. 

Yes, I can say I’ve walked on water!
And I rejoice because He set my spirit free.
I stand before you as a witness.
God’s made a believer out of me!

I’m overwhelmed by His perfection,
Almighty power, mysterious ways.
He’s turned my faults, and fear, and frailty
Into a life of hope and praise! 

Yes, I can say I’ve walked on water!
And I rejoice because He set my spirit free.
I stand before you as a witness.
God’s made a believer out of me!

I know He’s real because I’ve seen Him in the sunlight.
I know He’s real because I’ve felt His warm embrace.
And in the wind, I’ve heard Him whisper that He loves me.
Oh, there is nothing more amazing that God’s grace!!

Yes, I can say I’ve walked on water!
And I rejoice because He set my spirit free.
I stand before you as a witness.
God’s made a believer out of me!

I stand before you as a witness...
For one of His miracles is me.

EVEN BEFORE (1984)

This song was given on a cold, winter evening after returning home from a Wednesday evening prayer service. The words and music came very quickly as I contemplated the wonderful gift of prayer, God’s grace and condescension to man, and most personally, to me. Years later, an experience brought this song to mind:

I woke up August 19, 2019 with my bedside clock showing 5am. Knowing I still had time before getting ready for a 9am doctor’s appointment, I soon dozed back to sleep. Then, in the early hours of dawn–in what must have been a dream, but seemed so very real—I heard a tapping on my bedroom door. I got up out of bed to see who had knocked, walked down the still dark hallway seeking whoever it had been, and made my way to the kitchen. By the windows, standing in the shadows, was the outline of a person. I squinted my eyes trying to determine who it was, when I recognized her—

IT WAS MY MOTHER!

It took my breath away to see my beautiful mother, Angela Scolaro, who had passed to her heavenly reward in 2013, standing there. She didn’t say a word. She didn’t move toward me. All she did was smile so sweetly and so lovingly. And for a moment, it was wonderful just to be with her.

Then I awoke, crying tears of joy in gratitude to God to have seen my mother, if only for a moment.

This wonderful feeling stayed with me as I made my way to the doctor’s office. Routine test results earlier in the year warranted a consultation with a specialist. I had little concern, anticipating a change in diet and exercise, or perhaps a prescription to relieve my symptoms… I went without any real fear.

But, the consultation turned out to be a complete surprise: The doctor explained the only remedy for my issue was surgery. It was absolutely necessary or I would be dealing with a number of serious consequences, each sounding worse than the last. My throat would have to be cut, and one or several tiny glands carefully removed: An extremely delicate procedure with a variety of unwelcome risks. I left a little dazed, with a list of recommended surgeons and again, the emphasis that my condition must be addressed with surgery, and soon.

I know that many people deal with much worse news and carry much larger and difficult crosses in their lives. Yet for me, this was a big deal. To say that my earlier feelings of love and joy and peace were compromised is an understatement. This was NOT what I thought I would be facing that morning.

But… I quickly came to praise God for His grace in preparing me with His love and comfort (delivered by my mother) even before I would be dealt this difficult news. He ‘softened the blow’ by allowing me to know His care for me that day, and was gracious enough to assure me of His presence. The news I would receive was tempered by my faith, as it had been strengthened by God beforehand. How good He is.

Thankfully, I can say I had a successful surgery in December. Three of four rice-sized glands were removed. Praise God, His peace overshadowed me throughout the ordeal. His love and grace are personal and real. I cannot praise Him enough for His loving concern for me and the details of my life, BEFORE I EVEN imagine what I may face.

“…Before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65: 24

EVEN BEFORE

Even before I say the words,
Even before I speak,
My prayer, the Lord’s already heard-
He already knows what I seek.

Even before I close my eyes,
Even before I kneel.
By faith, I’ve come to realize
He already knows how I feel!

Even before I ask, “Please forgive”
He already has forgot.
Teaches me how to hope and live-
He knows me inside out.

Even before I close my eyes,
Even before I kneel.
By faith, I’ve come to realize-
He already knows how I feel!

We have an understanding-
Nothing to complicate-
No need for deep interpretation-
We simply communicate.

Even before I pray for relief,
He’s already sent the cure.
Before I ask for greater belief,
He’s already made me sure. 

Even before I close my eyes,
Even before I kneel
By faith, I’ve come to realize,
He already knows how I feel!

I CAN STILL SING THE SONG OF GOD’S LOVE (1999)

Alma 5:26

There are things that repeat themselves in our lives—places, people, events—that create memories and patterns. This song was inspired by just one of those things: My husband and I were attending a Conference at our Church’s World Operations Center in Greensburg, PA. This particular day, as we made our way to the meeting place, I commented to my husband that I had made this same journey to this same location on these same winding, rolling country roads, at least twice every year, for as long as I could remember—as a child with my parents, and now with him and our young family. I expressed to him how it was always such a blessing to be with the Saints and gather as His Church. As many times as I made this journey, I never failed to be lifted up by the love of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the singing of praises to God, and the hearing of the Word preached in power and truth!

It struck me, and I expressed in that moment how thankful I was that—after all of these years—I was STILL excited by the prospect of communion with the Lord and His Saints. God’s perfect love and fellowship divine—it never grows old. In fact, ‘it grows sweeter and sweeter’! And from this realization, and my gratitude, a song was born…

CAN STILL SING THE SONG OF GOD’S LOVE
ALMA 5:26*
I can recall a day…
The day Jesus washed my sins away,
When Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul.
Oh, what a feeling came over me.
Oh, what a peace, I had been made free.
Nothing compares to the joy I felt that day.

I can still sing the song of redeeming love,
And my heart still rejoices like the angels above.
After all of these years, through the laughter and tears,
I can still sing the song of God’s love!

Time marches swiftly on.
Years have gone by: Life is full of change.
You might ask of this love I once felt,
Can I feel so now?

I can still sing the song of redeeming love,
And my heart still rejoices like the angels above.
After all of these years, through the laughter and tears,
I can still sing the song of God’s love!

Now, don’t get me wrong, there’ve been times it’s been tough,
When the journey’s been long, and the road has been rough.
But what will sustain you? What will carry you through?
Like a light, love keeps leading the way!

I can still sing the song of redeeming love,
And my heart still rejoices like the angels above.
After all of these years, through the laughter and tears,
I can still sing the song of God’s love!

I can still sing that song…It grows sweeter and sweeter…
I can still sing the song of God’s Love!

*Alma 5:26 "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"