These faith songs, I think, are God's gifts to me and my gifts back to him. My way of sharing what I know in my heart to be true and singing praises to what fills me with hope, thankfulness and awe. I'm a great believer in the power of music to change people's lives.

I grew up in New Jersey, moved to San Diego to go to college and stayed. I love the beach and the kind of freedom you find when you move away from where you were raised. I was in a roots-rock band in my mid twenties, writing songs, playing guitar and searching for a place in this world.

Sometime in my early thirties I put the guitar down and stopped writing music. It was about this same time that I made a conscious decision to "make my way in the world," and looking back, I think I probably stopped writing music because I just couldn't chase two rabbits at the same time. After some struggle and many years of hard work I finally did find my way. Today I own a small insurance and publishing business and have settled down happily and gratefully with a loving wife and a fantastic six-year old daughter who keeps me on my toes.

Finding Faith

I was raised Catholic. When I was about 30, I found my way to the doors of Westminster Presbyterian in San Diego, where I've worshiped most Sundays ever since. I've served as an Elder and sing with the choir. If you find yourself in San Diego some bright Sunday morning come join us. Worship is at 10 A.M.

Over the years at Westminster my faith has grown strong, not springing from a thunderclap or lightning bolt but growing bit by bit, gradually and steadily, filling me with the peace that only God can provide. My church family is family. I have become, sometimes to my own surprise and delight, a very true believer. Sundays are good days around our house.

Awakening

For most of my years at Westminster- the first 18 or so - no one knew I sang or played/wrote music. Then, a couple of years ago, a few things changed. Clark Lampard, now a good friend and excellent musician/songwriter, began attending. He formed our praise band, Awakening, to sing contemporary songs at service. The members of Awakening sing with me on these songs: Clark Lampard, Carol Lowe, Deb Mitchell, Lesley Pearson, Phil Read, Don Worley. Others join us from time to time.

For awhile, I listened from the pews until one day, at Clark's invitation, I began singing with them. I haven't missed too many Sundays since. It's truly a joy singing for God and our church family every Sunday with Awakening. Without the support and encouragement of these brothers and sisters, I'm certain many of these songs would not exist. To bring a song into rehearsal and have it graciously and enthusiastically accepted and performed by such a fine group of singers is a blessing and a great inspiration to go home and write another. I'm never sure whether a song is any good until I turn to see them smiling and singing joyously beside me. Then I know. I'm very grateful for their support and encouragement on every step of this journey.

So, after 15 years of dormancy, songwriting rose up in me again a couple of years ago. The song that began this new season of writing is about and for my daughter. It's called "Supergirl" and sometimes when I sing it, it still makes me cry. If it's not posted here yet, it will be eventually so please check back. My greatest hope for her is that throughout her life she knows that God is always with her and that she can always turn to him for help.

Since Supergirl, the songs have just kind of poured out. I think I filled my cup over many years, reading, learning, praying, and now it feels like all that is flowing out into these songs. There are about 25 to date so keep checking back, eventually they will all be posted.

The encouragement of Awakening and the members of my church family, who graciously support our singing, make it possible, along with our pastor, the Reverend Dr. Tony Wolfe, who inspires me every week with his sermons. More than that, he's given me consistent encouragement to keep playing, writing and singing. Being able to sing "Merry Christmas, Lift up Your Voices" to the congregation at such a sacred service (Christmas Eve) is one of the things I am most proud of.

Pam Monroe, our Music Director, a classically trained, professional musician and singer, also has shepherded and encouraged me- by praising these simple songs from time to time and by assuring me, over my objections, that I did have something to contribute to the choir! I've learned a lot singing with these seasoned pros. The bass to my right, Bob Peterson, has occupied that seat over 50 years. His patience and good humor are amazing.

I just realized that I've used the word "encouragement" five times (now six). That's because it is the "stuff" of good works. It's why I have these songs to sing. It's what supports us when we crawl out on a limb to accomplish anything worthwhile. It makes me think of Jesus and his time of trial in the Garden. When he prayed to his father for help, I'm sure he received assurance that he wasn't alone. Neither are we. God bless you.

Through him all things.

Please check out more of David's Christian Faith Music Below: