Where The Highway Ends

co-written with Natalie Smith

rhondashark@gmail.com

Thousands of Miles (Hark/Smith)

The In - Between

PUT ON CHRIST:
What's in YOUR closet? I was given a writing prompt that said, "Write a song about an article of clothing, thinking: 'Raspberry Beret' by Prince, or 'These Boots Were Made for Walking', by Nancy Sinatra". I looked into my closet and saw golf clothes...nothing at all song-worthy...but then remembered a Bible passage about "putting on Christ”, as if you are being clothed in Him.  After a quick search online, I found the passage in Galatians 3:27, then sat down to write this simple song, "Put On Christ". I hope it helps you with your wardrobe choices. :)

I love to sing this song with any age, but especially children. Put out a box of dress-up clothes, hats, gloves and watch them pretend to put on the goodness of God. It is a great way to start the day. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “God’s Eye Quilt” hope chest. *

The playful reggae arrangement of this song was created by Werner Alsanger at Wernaldo Productions in Lakeland Florida. I recorded my own vocals in a small home studio that I call, "ReisUpStudio". The pandemic provided an unwanted but ultimately helpful opportunity to force the skills of home recording and DAW production upon me. Thankfully, the joyful nature of the song kept my spirit buoyed throughout the tedious, and ongoing learning curve. 

I hope your own spirits are uplifted too when you listen to, “Put On Christ”. If you’d like to play a little “dress up” along with it, please be my guest.  

LYRICS: Put On Christ
Verse 1:
When you wake up in the morning, put on Christ
with love as your clothing, love as your garment
greet the world 
just a little changed, a little new
See how love covers you

Verse 2:
When you set your dreams into motion, put on Christ
with love as your talent, love as your fortune
greet the world
make a little change, make something new
and see how love covers you

Bridge:
These old clothes of anger, toss em out
garments of fear, toss em out
you've got a brand new look to wear, and you wear it well
to hear what needs hearing
to see the unseen 
because of who, covers you

Verse 3:
And when you have all the power, put on Christ
with love as your vision, lead the people
to a better world
you can be the change, you can make things new
in a place where love covers you
a place where love covers you

What is a "God's Eye" Quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
America was founded on the principle of religious freedom, so quilts that reminded the homesteaders of their devotion to God were especially meaningful. The trip to new land was filled with danger and daily challenges which tested even the strongest men and women. It was a rare person who did not lose a family member, often a child, along the trail.
The practice of using quilts as burial shrouds was fairly common among westward travelers. Wood was often scarce for coffins, so families used what was available and appropriate. Wrapping a loved one in a quilt was a way of not only preparing the body for burial, but of giving reassurance to the living that the decreased person was still linked to his or her family. A quilt that carried a Biblical name was a source of comfort, and with their enduring faith, kept the family going.
Other popular quilt patterns were Jacob's Ladder, Cross and Crown, Bethlehem Star, Crown of Thorns, David and Goli-ath, Eastern Star and Star of Eden.

Quilted

Put On Christ

Run, Girl, Run! (Hark/Snyder)

Stay

Artists have very busy minds, that push us to create, as a sort of emptying out.
To quiet my mind quickly, I employ a practice called, “deep listening”.
One morning I woke up with a mindful of thoughts and worries. I took a slow breath and began to deep listen while lying in my bed. 
First, I heard a bird singing very loudly outside my window, then listened deeper…
…another bird, and beyond there were more, each with their own unique call, until every pocket of noiselessness was filled.
For fun, I began to phoneticize each bird sound, assigning to them human words. And then I set the words to poetry, and finally to a melody. See, how the practice of deep listening can shift thoughts away from worry and clutter? 

My neighbor, Mike Rodgers was out in the street, demonstrating his bird calls to my husband. 
I asked him if I could record his calls for the song, which you can hear by listening in the pockets of this recording. The beautiful guitar is performed by Bill Henry, and the rest of the instruments and production by Jon Quinn. I am the bird singing throughout, and enjoying the flight. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “Wild Goose Chase” hope chest.
Stay cozy!

Birds of a Feather

Fade to Black

Jobie Avonley sings about if we find ourselves "lisping" with our hearts, and getting our words mixed up, there's an answer - to listen more than speak!  (Photo by Jobie Avonley)

Listen More  - 7:25:24, 5.28 PM

surrender-perfection.mp3

IN 2017, Catholic Charities Adoptive Services asked me to write a song for their PSA (Public Service Announcement) for an adoption awareness campaign. Up to this point, all of my songwriting had been autobiographical. This task invited me to stand in another person’s shoes. I spent a long time imagining what it would be like: that moment of "handing over”. What would I say to my baby in parting? How would I really get through the motion, lifting up, and letting go. I would have to honor my courage and selflessness, and become so small, yet huge, in the gift that I would be giving.

This song may be found on my album, “Out of the Driveway”, and on Soundcloud also for this original “Cecelia’s” version used for the PSA.  

This recording features teen vocalists from my 2016-2017 Christian music teen group, "The Cecelia’s” and was recorded in my simple home studio, ReisUpStudio. 

LYRICS: Family For You
Verse 1:
I thought we’d have years before saying goodbye
I thought I would raise you as mine
But Mother knows best and the nest I’ve prepared
Just won’t hold us both at this time

PreChorus:
So I forget my hurts, and I put you first
I bless you, caress you, and whisper sweet words

Chorus:
And it’s goodbye for me, but hello for you
To a mother and father brand new
They’ve waited and prayed for this miracle day
And we’re gonna make it come true

Cause mother knows best, and I choose nothing less
Than this wonderful, family for you

Family For You - The Cecelias and PSA

For more songs, stories and links to my newsletter, please visit my website at www.ReisUpStudio.com. Thank you!

Put On Christ

Dot Reiser

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