Album Notes

As I write these words, I am reminded of a time almost four years ago when God began to breathe His music into my soul. I never considered myself to be a songwriter, but oh, how I loved to sing. As the granddaughter of a Southern Baptist preacher, I have been in church since I was conceived, and I asked Jesus to come into my heart at a very young age. I have always loved music and have been singing songs about Jesus since I could utter my first words. But something happened a few years ago that put music in a whole new realm for me. I learned to worship.

During the spring of 2006, I began seeking help for some emotional struggles that I had been fighting for quite some time. As I started becoming more aware of my emotions and learning to understand them, I suddenly began to relate to spiritual songs on a much deeper level than I ever had. And I began to worship our amazing God in a way that I never before understood -- not just amidst the many members of our church congregation on Sunday mornings, but in the privacy of my own bedroom, where it was just God and me. I took to heart the words of the wonderful hymn, “I Surrender All,” and that became my daily prayer: “Father, I surrender my all to You today.” I gave up trying to manage my own life and make sense of the emotional turmoil in which I found myself, and I finally released it all into the hands of my Heavenly Father. That was the beginning of an amazing journey for me. And all it took was SURRENDER.

It was during these initial steps of my journey that God began to give me words and melodies to many of the songs you will hear on this album. God has been faithful to walk with me through the hills and valleys, carrying me when necessary, and I would not trade a moment of it for anything. Looking back over my life, I realize that I have always felt His presence, especially when I needed Him the most. God was the Shelter I turned to when I lacked security. He was my Father when mine wasn’t there, and my Friend during my loneliest hours. He was my Strength when I was too weak to stand. He has been my Healer, both physically and emotionally. He has been my Comfort through loss and sorrow. He was my Provider during my times of need. He has been my Master, giving me direction when I couldn't find my way. When I felt like hiding in the shadows, He gave me a reason to hold my head up high, because I am a royal child of the King of Kings, redeemed by the blood of Christ!

So, yes, to this God, this King of Kings and Lord of Lords, my Father and my Friend, to Him I give my life -- everything I am, everything I hope to be. All to Jesus, I SURRENDER!

Lisa Hartley