ShadowLand
The term shadow-lands as found in the writings of C.S. Lewis is where the concept Shadowland originates. As I’ve researched, I’ve found many thoughts on what those two words mean when combined. In Lewis’ book, “The Last Battle” the reference is to death; passing into the “shadow-lands.” But the real intent of the idea is in comparing this world to the next. We live in the Shadowland. Heaven is the real deal! Our existence here is a temporary “shadow” compared to the real deal, which is heaven! The beauty we experience is all His creation. The goal of this recording is to shed light on His beauty, through something old (hymns), with a new twist. To bring light to the beautiful musical heritage left to the church over the years. Even though this is an instrumental project, the lyric is included in the booklet for you to read along and experience the poetic beauty of the lyricist. If you find beauty in these songs or performances, remember they are a mere reflection of the real deal…God! All real beauty comes from Him.
For The Beauty
Musicians
Steve Mathews-Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Penny Whistle
Kevin McDonald-Drums & Percussion
Jeff Ervin-Electric Guitar
Pat O’Neal-Soprano & Alto Saxophones
Kate Wogoman-Piano
Barry Pike-Electric Guitar
Jason Webb-Piano
Don Smith-Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Chris Robinson-Drums
Jordan Pike-Keyboards
Casey Randall- Electric Guitar
Heidi Thurston-Flute
Lee Behnken, Linda Mathews, Laurie Mathews, Katie Paddock, Stephanie Mathews, Nancy Pike-Vocalists
ShadowLand’s Mission is:
Reaching out to the world through artistry, to express God’s creativity to a world in desperate need of beauty.
Our Vision is:
ShadowLand exists to equip and encourage artists to develop their God given gifts, talent and creativity.
The Core Ideas behind Shadowland are:
All real art comes from the Creator and is expressed through His creation.
This world is temporary and holds beauty that is scene only in part compared to heaven.
All people are created in the image of God the creator and therefore reflect His image, beauty and creativity.
Creativity expresses God’s heart.
A Joyful Jig
(For Katie)
Based on the hymn: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Text: Henry Van Dyke
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven
Psalm 100 (The Message)
On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
Contemplating all that God does for us: His unfailing love and faithfulness, His beautiful creation that shouts His praise; should prompt a response from us! Praise and worship, dancing and shouting His praise! He is good and worthy to be praised! This jig is meant to invoke the joy that comes from loving Him and realizing His love for us.
This jig is dedicated to our middle daughter Katie. (My Favorite) She loves Celtic music, so the joy of a Celtic sounding jig, set to the tune of one of the most beloved of hymns, points to the beauty of God’s love for her, and her love for Him! Katie, you will always hold a special place in your mom and my heart. We love you!
Joyful joyful we adore Thee
God of Glory Lord of Love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day
All Thy works with joy surround Thee
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee
Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest vale and mountain
Flowery meadow flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee
Thou art giving and forgiving
Ever blessing ever blest
Well-spring of the joy of living
Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father Christ our brother
All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other
Lift us to the joy divine
Mortals join the happy chorus
Which the morning stars began
Father Love is reigning o'er us
Brother love binds man to man
Ever singing march we onward
Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass, Penny Whistle:Steve Mathews
Piano: Kate Wogoman
Lead Guitar: Jeff Ervin
I Love To Tell The Story
Music: William G. Fischer
Text: A. Katherine Hankey
Romans 1:16-17 (NLT)
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and His glory
Of Jesus and His love
I love to tell the story
Because I know 'tis true
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do
CHORUS
I love to tell the story
‘Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love
I love to tell the story
More wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies
Of all our golden dreams
I love to tell the story
It did so much for me
And that is just the reason
I tell it now to thee
Verse 3
I love to tell the story
'Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it
More wonderfully sweet
I love to tell the story
For some have never heard
The message of salvation
From God's own holy Word
Verse 4
I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest
And when in scenes of glory
I sing the new new song
'Twill be the old old story
That I have loved so long
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass: Steve Mathews
Piano: Kate Wogoman
Alto Sax: Pat O’Neal
Electric Guitar: Jeff Ervin
For The Beauty Of The Earth
Music: Conrad Kocher
Text: Folliott S Pierpoint
Psalm 95:1-5 (The Message)
Come, let's shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let's march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!
And why? Because God is the best,
High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
His hands sculpted Earth!
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise
For the wonder of each hour
Of the day and of the night
Hill and vale and tree and flower
Sun and moon and stars of light
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise
For the joy of human love
Brother sister parent child
Friends on earth and friends above
For all gentle thoughts and mild
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise
For Thy church that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above
Offering up on ev'ry shore
Her pure sacrifice of love
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise
For Thyself best gift divine
To our race so freely given
For that great great love of Thine
Peace on earth and joy in heaven
Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Piano: Jason Webb
Bass: Steve Mathews
Electric Guitar: Barry Pike
Vocals: Linda Mathews, Laurie Mathews, Katie Paddock, Stephanie Mathews
Faith Of Our Fathers
Music: Henry F. Hemy
Text: Fredrick W. Faber
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up
Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word
Faith of our fathers holy faith
We will be true to thee 'til death
Faith of our fathers we will strive
To win all nations unto thee
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then be truly free
Faith of our fathers holy faith
We will be true to thee 'til death
Faith of our fathers we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife
And preach thee too as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life
Faith of our fathers holy faith
We will be true to thee 'til death
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass: Steve Mathews
Electric Guitar: Jeff Ervin
Soprano Sax: Pat O’Neal
Vocals: Lee Behnken
Amazing Grace
Music: Traditional American Melody from Carrell and Clayton’s Virginia Harmony
Text: John Newton
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun
Drums: Chris Robinson
Bass: Steve Mathews
Clav & Rhodes: Jordan Pike
Electric Guitar: Casey Randall
Piggy Tails & Puppy Dogs
(Laurie’s Song)
Music: Steve Mathews
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
This song was written when our daughter Laurie (My Favorite) was a toddler. I never found a lyric that I thought did it, or her justice. It tells the story of a day in the life of a toddler. The gentle melody is an expression of the innocence of a toddler. Some little ones despise taking a nap or going to bed, so when that time arrives a struggle often ensues. Once there’s some sleep, they wake to start all over again. It’s amazing how quickly babies turn into Kindergarteners, then 6th grade graduates, then high school and college graduates. Those years fly by, but those memories etch themselves forever in our hearts. Children are one of God’s richest blessings, after all they are made in His image and in their innocence reflect His beauty. Laurie, you will always hold a special place in your mom and my heart. We love you!
Flute: Heidi Thurston
Guitars: Steve Mathews
Giggles & Singing: Laurie Mathews (age 2), Katie (Mathews) Paddock (age 2), Stephanie Mathews (age 19 months)
‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick
Text: Louisa M. R. Stead
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know thus saith the Lord
CHORUS
Jesus Jesus how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus Jesus precious Jesus
O for grace to trust Him more
O how sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to trust His cleansing blood
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing cleansing flood
Yes 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace
I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee
Precious Jesus Savior Friend
And I know that Thou art with me
Wilt be with me to the end
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass: Steve Mathews
Piano: Kate Wogoman
Alto Sax: Pat O’Neal
Electric Guitars: Barry Pike
Phileo
(For Stephanie)
Music: Steve Mathews
Romans 12:9-10 (The Message)
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
The word Phileo is one of the Greek words for love. It means: to have in common interest or befriend. This song reminds me of Godly friendship. It is a beautiful thing to have good friends. But as the tension in the melody suggests, there are times when relationships go through a tight squeeze, or tension. Then there’s the glorious release and harmony. When reconciliation and restoration happens, it is more beautiful than ever, because God is the god or restoration and reconciliation.
This song is dedicated to our youngest child Stephanie. (My Favorite) Her love for Jesus is beautiful! She also likes jazz, which is a place where we connect. Her tender heart for God is an example of how we should approach Him: as a child and call Him Abba (Daddy). Life can be a struggle, but in the crucible is where His most lovely creations are formed! Stephanie, you will always hold a special place in your mom and my heart. We Love You!
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Piano: Jason Webb
Trumpet/Flugelhorn: Don Smith
Bass: Steve Mathews
Vocalist: Nancy Pike
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Music: Lowell Mason
Text: Ray Palmer
Philippians 3:7-9 (The Message)
The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.
My faith looks up to Thee
Thou Lamb of Calvary
Savior divine
Now hear me while I pray
Take all my guilt away
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart
My zeal inspire
As Thou hast died for me
O may my love to Thee
Pure warm and changeless be
A living fire
While life's dark maze I tread
And griefs around me spread
Be Thou my guide
Bid darkness turn to day
Wipe sorrow's tears away
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside
When ends life's passing dream
When death's cold threatening stream
Shall o'er me roll
Blest Savior then in love
Fear and distrust remove
O lift me safe above
A ransomed soul
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass: Steve Mathews
Piano: Kate Wogoman
Electric Guitar: Barry Pike
Fairest Lord Jesus
Music: Schlesische Volkslieder
Text: Anonymous German Hymn
Colossians 1:15-20 (NLT)
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.
He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Fairest Lord Jesus
Ruler of all nature
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish
Thee will I honor
Thou my soul's glory
Joy and crown
Fair are the meadows
Fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming
Garb of spring
Jesus is fairer
Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fair is the sunshine
Fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter
Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels
Heav'n can boast
Beautiful Savior
Lord of the nations
Son of God and Son of man
Glory and honor
Praise adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass: Steve Mathews
Piano: Kate Wogoman
Electric Guitars: Jeff Ervin
Alto Sax: Pat O’Neal
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Music: William B. Bradbury
Text: William W. Walford
James 5:15-16 (The Message)
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
Sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known
In seasons of distress and grief
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter's snare
By Thy return sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
The joys I feel the bliss I share
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for Thy return
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face
And gladly take my station there
And wait for Thee sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
Thy wings shall my petition bear
Tell Me The Story Of Jesus
Music: John R. Sweney
Text: Fanny J. Crosby
Acts 8:35 (NLT)
So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev'ry word
Tell me the story most precious
Sweetest that ever was heard
Tell how the angels in chorus
Sang as they welcomed His birth
Glory to God in the highest
Peace and good tidings to earth
CHORUS
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart every word
Tell me the story most precious
Sweetest that ever was heard
Fasting alone in the desert
Tell of the days that are past
How for our sins He was tempted
Yet was triumphant at last
Tell of the years of His labor
Tell of the sorrow He bore
He was despised and afflicted
Homeless rejected and poor
Tell of the cross where they nailed Him
Writhing in anguish and pain
Tell of the grave where they laid Him
Tell how He liveth again
Love in that story so tender
Clearer than ever I see
Stay let me weep while you whisper
Love paid the ransom for me
Drums: Kevin McDonald
Bass/Electric Guitar: Steve Mathews
Piano: Kate Wogoman
Flugelhorn: Don Smith
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