My childhood
The son of a retired farmer, my childhood was for the most part privileged. My parents never divorced. I grew up in a large family home with a massive garden and tennis court, that was in the family for over 50 years and studied at what was and is still considered one of the top schools in our country and was given university education, as well. Family holidays were enjoyed on my grandfathers beautiful farm, in the North, while home was in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa, a popular travel destination for many internationals. Yet I had my share of childhood dramas, including abuse and demonic oppression. My biggest enemy however, I found over time to by myself. Prophetically I must have know this, for in my childhood room, I had a picture of a crouched over naked woman, (something I would not do today or allow in my own home) The caption on it said: "We have met the enemy and it is us!
Since my early teens, my hobby has always been to write songs. I was seldom anywhere without a guitar, even in the mountains. I have always enjoyed recording them on what ever I could afford. Perhaps like any artist, I feel a need to share this art, but it really is much more than that.
I first fell in love with acoustic guitar, when I heard a man sing "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor, at a talent contest in Arniston. My first guitar was therefore, you guessed it, a 12 string. I soon discovered that I was the least musical in my family. Unlike my brothers, who took piano at school, I never took any formal music lessons ever and learned by ear. Then, a the time of my conversion, when I understood that Jesus was the saviour, He gave me a gift: To write songs. Since then I have discovered myself, as an Ordinary Man, Embraced, by an extra-ordinary God. He has taken me beyond myself, in so much of life, including the music I love creating.
The fool looks at the finger which point to the sky. I want all to know what God is truly like. He is goodness, kindness and mercy., but also severity and not mocked. He is incredibly patient. I believe that many reject God, because they simply do not know him or because they love sin more.
Saint Francis of Assissi said: "In dying we are born to eternal life". While God's gift through the blood of our saviour, justifies and covers us instantly, so that we can have relationship with our holy Father, to become like our Father, is a longer process. Phi 1:6 says: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." So, while believers shoud not use this as an excuse to sin, nor should the unbeliever, allow the unfinished vessel, to put them off the reality of their perfect creator. Even older now, I have learned that He, Messiah in us is the hope of glory. Why does the the church at large not teach that He in us gives the power to overcome sin. For truly sin is the cause of all pain upon the earth.
In Ezekiel 16, speaking of Jerusalem, God said: "'Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, "Live!"" I am sure, we can all identify with at least some of the above saying. Life never leaves us unscarred. We live in a fallen world. We are abused and abuse. My songs tell my stories. And though I sometimes bare my soul to the world, I am happy to do so, if it can in some way help somebody else. The inbetween years, are my "furnace of affliction years. Years in which I would cry out to God: "How long?" But through this I looked up more intently and my focus is now to get as many as I can to do the same with me. Look up and behold the beauty of your God and saviour, before it is too late. For He is also the judge and who of us can stand before him without His merch and grace. If we do not seek His righteousness and Kingdom, and His power to overcome, surely we will face His judgement when He comes.
"Baby knows to cry to mom, baby grows and wisdom's gone. Boys in pain all run for home. The realm of fools is man's alone!” From a Raven Rain album.
We should all look up and find help in God as Father, for so Yashua taught us to pray: "Our Father..." Fortunately for you and I, God is always listening and will not turn away a broken and contrite spirit. We are always encouraged by our creator, to forget the failure of the past and press on to the high calling, which is in our saviour. (So taught the apostle Paul)
So even if you are hurting or if life is great for you, I hope this site will help and encourage you to look up and find your true source and grow closer to the one who is "mighty to save.” His word is a lamp for your feet. Read it.
This journey began for me as a child. I heard a preacher share, that for light to work, it requires both terminals.
That night, in the darkness of my bedroom, I lifted both my hands and cried out from my heart. "God, I need you. If you are real and if you want me, I am yours." It was the best decision I ever made. It was around that time that I wrote my first song. To me it was a gift I had suddenly received from the spirit of God. Did I misuse it. Yes I did. Did I fool myself that grace would cover my wilful sinning. Yes. Did it lead to great pain for myself and others! Sadly yes. But this site is about the change that God can bring about for the better, in any person. If he could change me through His word, to overcome sin, believe me He can do it for you also. When we overcome sin we find His favour. Righteousness has its rewards and obedience to His word is better than sacrifice. We are on a journey. Along the way there will be trouble and suffering, but God will see that, if you do not let go of Him, He will not let go of you, But do not be a fool. Trial and tribulation is coming on the world and will come on all who hate truth or have no knowledge of it. God will bring us to holiness, even through suffering, if that is what it takes. Surrender is an easier way.
May you find Him on this website.
WHY
"Like A Bird In A Tree"?
So here I am, late in life,
having written songs
all of my life.
I am sitting outside
under a tree.
"What do you want me to do
with all this music?", I ask.
What do you hear?
(I beleive I am hearing His voice)
"I hear birds", I say.
"Just sing
like a bird in a tree"
