Donnie McFarland sings a Casting Crown song "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day". This is a favorite that Donnie sings at his church. Playing the piano accompaniment  is Donnie's wife Tina McFarland. Though the background vocals sound like a children's choir they are actually sung by Donnie, Tina and Terri McFarland and then multiplied in the studio. The plan is to build out this arrangement more by adding drums for next years CD. 

I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day - Donnie McFarland

Erika sings "Daddy's Hands" with her daddy (Rodger) singing background vocals.

Daddy's Hands

Maegan McFarland brings a special Christmas gift with her performance of Silent Night on the flute. Accompanied by Tina McFarland on the piano, this is absolutely beautiful. Great job Maegan and Tina!

Silent Night - Maegan McFarland and Tina McFarland

Joyce McFarland reads the family Christmas story as found in Luke Chapter 2. Accompanied by Rodger McFarland playing Silent Night on acoustic guitar

Christmas Story Luke 2 - Read by Joyce McFarland

Music is such a big part of who we are as a family. When we are happy, we sing. When life gets hard, we still look for a song to help us make sense of it all. When my brother Donnie McFarland (a tremendous singer in his own right) was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, a particular song began to reverberate through my family. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I decided to go into the studio and record it. This song is my brother's and family’s anthem at this moment in time. It states unequivocally, where our hope is, where we place our trust, and where we anchor our faith. We look to the God who gives and takes away. Though we may not understand this storm we are walking through, God is faithful to give us peace where there is no understanding. We seek to be faithful to Praise Him. Even though its raining. 

A big thanks to my friends, Bob Carter (drums), and Paul Woods (bass) who dropped their plans to come and help me track this out. 

Praise You In This Storm v2

Music is such a big part of who we are as a family. When we are happy, we sing. When life gets hard, we still look for a song to help us make sense of it all. When my brother Donnie McFarland was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, a particular song began to reverberate through my family. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I decided to go into the studio and record it. This song is my brother and family’s anthem at this moment in time. It states unequivocally, where our hope is, where we place our trust, and where we anchor our faith. We look to the God who gives and takes away. Though we may not understand this storm we are walking through, God is faithful to give us peace where there is no understanding. We seek to be faithful to Praise Him. Even though its raining.

A big thanks to my friends, Bob Carter (drums), and Paul Woods (bass) who dropped their plans to come and help me track this out, Jen and Ed Aborn who helped bring the mix to life with some great production as well as a wonderful piano part, strings, woodwinds and brass.  

Praise You In This Storm

I Will Rise

This is a very special recording from 1977. My brother Ronnie McFarland and his wife Darlene were in the Army and stationed in Germany at the time. It was Christmas, and at that time, long distance phone calls were very expensive. Since Ronnie and Darlene would not be home for Christmas, our Aunt Leona, my father's sister, wanted to send them a very special Christmas gift. She had an organ that had a cassette recorder built into the unit. So, she invited the family over to all record a few words on tape. Afterwards, she played and sang, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and mailed the tape to Ronnie and Darlene for Christmas. To my knowledge, this is the very first recording of a McFarland playing and singing Christmas music. Our Aunt Leona was very dear to all of our hearts and though she's made her home in heaven for many years now, we get to still enjoy her through this Christmas gift. Enjoy!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas 1977 - Aunt Leona

Ronnie McFarland tells the story of how, "The Christmas Song", has such deep meaning between himself and his daughter Maegan. It will truly warm your heart. Ronnie then sings, "The Christmas Song", accompanied on piano by Tina McFarland. An addition to truly treasure.

Rodger McFarland

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