Tag Archives: Music

Everyday Stuff

2012 Wisdom Quest–Part 2

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myles-the-wiseI’ve always thought our dog, Myles, has a wise look about him. His full name is Doctor Myles Spencer, because for some reason it seems to fit him when we got him a few years ago. He’s my official mascot for this year’s Wisdom Quest.

Recently I turned off the blog and all of my social media pages, save for Twitter, so I could clear out some mental space. I’m hoping that was a wise thing to do… just turn everything off for a while. Ever wish you could pull the plug completely and never go back? 🙂

The second part of my quest for wisdom this year involves scheduling music creation sessions. I’m not there yet with a regular schedule, but I’m taking some steps in the right direction. Sometimes I like to look back before heading forward. I’m one of those guys who uses the past to provide perspective for what might be coming. Speaking of the past, I rearranged the Music page to include all the work I did on my joint album with Jason Rekker, called Distance.

I’ve been listening to these songs, and you can, too if you like. I’ll provide download links in the not-too-distant future, as well, because I’m not holding out hope of making any money off of them. Hearing my own youth and immaturity as a writer and singer in these songs is motivation for me to push myself to do better.

Following up on my first goal for the year, having a focused approach to writing, with set goals, I’ve decided on a few things:

  1. I’m going to write at least once per week, if not more, on this blog. Many times in setting goals, I go too far and set myself up for failure. If I’m going to stick with it, I need something attainable. Ever hear of S.M.A.R.T. goals?
  2. Even if it isn’t earth-shakingly profound, I’m still going to write. I mean, isn’t that part of it? How shall I improve I do not practice? It doesn’t matter if a particular blog post isn’t going to win me the Pulitzer. That will probably never happen to me, anyway! So why waste too much time thinking about it? Just write! Right?!
  3. Reading is part of writing, so I’m going to weave these two goals together. My reading goals are now set, as well, so I intend to improve as a writer by observing the writing of others, and to write about my observations in return. These goals will assist each other.

That’s it for now! In my next Wisdom Quest post, I will be writing about my 3rd goal for 2012, establish more regular reading habits.

– Chad

Everyday Stuff, Hiraeth, Music, Art, Culture, Books, My Songs

One More Dawn

This one’s for you, Heidi…


Years ago I wrote this song while we waited for Allyson’s mother to die.  It was a difficult time in our first year of marriage, and something we wish we didn’t have to go through.  It was for both of us our first major loss in life.  Robin was her name.  I imagined her prayers during the final moments before she went to Jesus Land, and the words came out like this:

One more dawn, before I say good-bye
One more night alone, just my friends and I
Do not want to leave this world in darkness
So give me one more dawn

Until You take me, and I rest in Your arms
And throw my crowns to Your feet
Until I breathe my last breath in this world
And drink celestial air

Give me strength, Lord, before I say good-bye
To worship You in my heart, both my friends and I
And as I wait, I’ll rise up like an eagle
I’ve run but I’ve grown weary, I’ve walked, I’m feeling faint

And in this morning light shine
Take the darkness, the veil from my eyes
You bestow Your glory upon me
And You lift up my head, You’re the lifter of my head

Further up!  And further in! Make room for me Lord!
Further up! And further in! Yes I am coming!
Higher up!  Futher in!  I’m running to meet my Maker!
Further up and further in!

One more dawn, before I say good-bye
One more night alone, just my friends and I
Do not want to leave this world in darkness
So thank You for one more dawn

Wonder what my last prayer will be…

Music, Art, Culture, Books, My Songs

King of Glory, God of Grace

Songs happen to me sometimes, that’s just the way it works.  If you write music or poetry, you probably understand.  There isn’t always a well-planned 7-step process to making a song work.  This is one of those songs.  Through studies and sermons this week, I was reminded that God is at the same time ultimately glorious and ultimately gracious.  It is astounding that the King of Glory, the One true God, the Holy One of Israel, would also be gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Tomorrow I’ll be sharing this song during the offertory, and we will perhaps sing it as a congregation the following week.

King of Glory, God of Grace
Words and Music by Chad Voller

Verse 1
You are awesome in this place
King of glory, God of grace
Holy One and precious lamb the same

Commanding conqueror
Yet You save the sons of earth
You’re the Judge and You’re the Giver of life

You gave up the throne of Heaven
Became blood and body broken
Calmed the storm and our raging sea

You spoke the earth and all creation
Sovereign Lord of all the nations
Sent Your Son to Calvary

You are awesome in this place
King of glory………..God of grace

Verse 2
You’re the keeper of the stars
And you mend the sinner’s heart
You have chased us down and caught us in love

We have cursed You with our lips
And betrayed You with a kiss
But You rescued us from death below

We hailed You with a crown of thorns
Pounded ’til the flesh was torn
By Your wounds and stripes we are healed

Lord of all, the King of men
Traded righteousness for sin
Hung upon the rugged tree

You are awesome in this place
King of glory………..God of grace

Bridge
I could never comprehend Your greatness
I could never understand Your love
But I’m falling down to worship
And I’m rising up to praise
The King of Glory, God of Grace