This playlist includes music from Grace-Full Journey, an acoustic, singing church group from Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas. The idea of Grace-Full Journey originated from Pastor Ron Larson and Karen Larson (Advent's Music Director). Although there were many different members throughout the years, those included for these performances are Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett. and Mercedes Ray. The songs were written mostly by members of the group. Grace-Full Journey performed at churches, coffeehouses, and youth events in the late 1990s. We hope you enjoy the music.

Grace-Full Journey Live Performances

This is a live rehearsal recording of "Amazing Grace" sung by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on July 23, 1997. Members of the group included Ron Larson on piano, Karen Larson on penny whistle, George Martin on harmonica; and Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, and Kelli Moon Burnett on vocals. Words for Amazing Grace were written by John Newton. We hope you enjoy listening.

Amazing Grace by Grace-Full Journey

Grace-Full Journey performed "Slow Dance" live at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on October 30, 1999. They were performing at a benefit concert for the prevention of domestic violence. Members of Grace-Full Journey included Gary Roberts (guitar and vocals), Tammy Solberg (vocals), and Kelli Moon Burnett (vocals). Words to the song are from a poem off the internet (author unknown), and the tune is by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

Slow Dance by Grace-Full Journey Live at Advent Cafe

Grace-Full Journey performed "I Was Hungry" live at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on October 30, 1999. They were performing at a benefit concert for the prevention of domestic violence. Members of Grace-Full Journey included Gary Roberts (guitar and vocals), Tammy Solberg (vocals), and Kelli Moon Burnett (vocals). This song is written Sarah Thomason (unsure of correct spelling) (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

I Was Hungry by Grace-Full Journey Live at Advent Cafe

Was there a place and time in your life where you grew as a person, where you became a young adult? A place where you went to have fun, to relax, and feel safe from the turmoil of everyday life? For our mother, Loreen Ratzloff, that place was Coon Creek near Cedar Point in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Mom was born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and World War II. She passed away in November 2022 at the age of 91. She said her most favorite time in life was between 1939 to 1946 playing on Coon Creek with her siblings and close friends. It was where she grew as a person, to find her voice, and become a young woman. She even wrote a poem about it called, “Ole Coon Creek.” Here are the words.
  
Don’t tell me (old friend), of your parties at Coon Creek.
There's a gnawing pain, and it makes me feel sick.
That’s okay, how could you know? Well, you got to stay.
And we had to go like some lost souls astray.

Then all was forgotten, as we traveled on our journey.
Trying to find ourselves, we were in a hurry!
Now it’s time to slow down. I put down my pick.
What do I think of? Well, it’s Ole Coon Creek.
 
There’s a lump in my throat, and tears are in my eyes.
As I write this note, like an old friend that dies.
Oh! Please bring it back! Turn back the tick!
Of the clock in the shack, bring back Ole Coon Creek!
  
I’ve met my challenge in life. I did it all, I think.
I couldn’t have handled the strife, without Ole Coon Creek!
As I reflect on life, I can’t help but think.
In every child there is a place, called Coon Creek.

Not long after she wrote the poem, her son, Gary Roberts, put a tune to it. As mom laid in hospice care during her final hours, mom’s four children sang the song to her. She could not speak, but her lips moved to the words. It was a tearful moment! Mom passed away that night. Her children performed the song a few days later at her funeral.

Mom’s grandson, Bryce Roberts, said he wanted to record the song as a tribute to his grandmother. He is a recording engineer in Nashville. We made the trip in 2023 to Nashville and recorded the song at Soultrain Sound Studios. Performing are her children - Gary Roberts on vocals and 6 and 12 string guitars, Charney Roberts Price on vocals and piano, Galen Roberts on vocals, and Wanda Roberts Lambert on vocals. The song was recorded, mixed and produced by Bryce Roberts. He also added slide guitar.

Many of us have a favorite place where we grew up, found our voice, and became young adults. Did you have a special place? That’s what this song is about. We hope you enjoy listening! 

The song, “Ole Coon Creek,” and its recording is Copyrighted 2023 by Roberts (family members). All rights reserved.

Ole Coon Creek from a poem by Loreen Ratzloff, Performed by Roberts (her children)

This song, Ole Coon Creek, was performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 30, 1999. Lyrics to the song come from Loreen Ratzloff, who is now 88 years old.  She wrote about her childhood memories growing up near Ole Coon Creek in Cedar Point, Kansas.  Her son, Gary Roberts, wrote the tune.  Members of Grace-Full Journey included Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg and Kelli Moon Burnett.

Ole Coon Creek by Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett)

This song, For Lydia, was performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 3, 1997.  Lyrics to the song were taken from a poem off the internet (author unknown); tune written by Gary Roberts.  Members of Grace-Full Journey included Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg and Kelli Moon Burnett.  We hope you enjoy.

For Lydia by Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett)

This song, Father Time Keeps Rollin' On, was performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 3, 1997.  Lyrics and tune are by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). This is the first song he has ever written.  It pays tribute to two friends who passed away, Mary Stallcup and Richard Scott.  Members of Grace-Full Journey included Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett.  Hope you enjoy.

Father Time Keeps Rollin' On, Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett)

This song, With Grateful Heart, was performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 3, 1997.  The song lyrics were written by an Advent Lutheran Church youth group; tune is by Gary Roberts.  Members of Grace-Full Journey include Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg and Kelli Moon Burnett.  We hope you enjoy.

With Grateful Heart by Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett)

This song, "A Gift of Time," was performed live by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Sept. 11, 1998.  Members of Grace-Full Journey for this performance were Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett & Mercedes Ray.  This song is about the need to give of our time to help others.  Lyrics and tune for A Gift of Time are written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved).  We hope you enjoy.

A Gift Of Time by Grace-Full Journey Live at Advent Cafe

This song, "He Came," was performed live by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on September 11, 1998.  Members of Grace-Full Journey at the time were Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett and Mercedes Ray. "He Came" is a Christian song with words by Jessica Roberts-Catlett who was 12 at the time she wrote it; tune written by her father, Gary Roberts (all rights reserved).  We hope you enjoy.

He Came by Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett & Mercedes Ray)

This song, "I Want To Live," was performed live by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on Sept. 11, 1998.  It is a powerful song with words by Kelli Moon Burnett; tune by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). It has great meaning for anyone who has suffered abuse and experienced depression and suicidal thoughts.  This song was sung beautifully by Mercedes Buller-Ray.  We hope you enjoy.

I Want To Live, Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett & Mercedes Ray)

This is a medley of Christian songs, set to an upbeat tune, performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on October 30, 1999. Members of Grace-Full Journey for this performance included Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg and Kelli Moon Burnett. They, along with Erin Enderlin, performed at a benefit concert at Advent Lutheran Church to raise funds to prevent domestic violence.

Medley of Christian Tunes by Grace - Full Journey At Advent Cafe

I managed Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe (Advent Cafe) Coffeehouse series in Conway, AR for about 17 years (from 1997-2014). I also managed a UCA Unplugged series at the University of Central Arkansas around this same time, and co-managed the Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Most performers were folk, singer/songwriters from central Arkansas. We recorded each performance. I am posting Advent Cafe, UCA Unplugged, and Arkansas Acoustic Festival performances on my SoundCloud account for your enjoyment. Most of these songs are originals written by Central Arkansas Musicians. You'll find a diversity of music - folk, country, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, Irish, etc. We have great singer/songwriting talent in Central Arkansas. I especially want to thank Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Brooks Walthall, Allan Roisen, and Chuck Gilbert who ran sound and recorded this music. If you wish to contact me my email is robertsgary1952@gmail.com.  Please enjoy!

Grace-Full Journey Live Performances

Gary Alan Roberts