I've always felt a cool connection with music.

Eric Liddell, the 400 meter gold medalist at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, was quoted during the "Chariots of Fire" movie as saying "when I run I feel God's pleasure". Well, when I build something cool out of sand, draw or play guitar, I sometimes feel the same thing. So, I decided to add some links to some of the artists that inspire me. Some of them I've enjoyed while working on a particular sand sculpture, others are just for anytime! Maybe you'll find something you enjoy too.

• Kutless - I love their previous two albums, but their latest, Strong Tower, connects with me in a huge way. What a blessing. Ready For You  nails my absolute heart's cry right now. Thanks, guys.
   

• Falling Up - Their second album, "Dawn Escapes" is getting some heavy listening. I especially enjoyed their art while working on "Music City". There's something about their song Contact that really connects with me. Also check out their Crashings album. Highlights: Bittersweet  and especially the cry of Broken Heart . "In this moment synchronized inside, words that paint a legacy of life..."
   

• Andrew Peterson  Even after all these years, "Nothing To Say" still moves me. Thanks, Andrew for the deepness that your songs paint.
   

• Jonny Diaz (Jonny has a famous sand sculptor disciple of mine playing percussion with him. Go Ryan E.!) His two songs, Sarah Jo and Irony are two that really connect with me.

• Building 429  Oh, you just can't go wrong with these encouragers. Awesome, stuff from guys with strong hearts! "Staring at the sky I feel so small. Still You see me underneath it all..."
   

• Anberlin  Some jammin' stuff. Love those guitars! -- Some songs actually feature honest to goodness guitar solos in them. Almost a lost art. Cool.  ;)
   

• Tim Bowman (Tim's song "Summer Grove" was a distinct answer to prayer before a sand competition. I just needed to hear some smooth jazz! Oh yeah. Tim delivers!)
   

• Tree 63   (Unusual name, but some great music from these South Africans.)
   

• Sanctus Real  One word off of their "Fight The Tide" album:  Closer...... Wow!)
   

• StorySide B - When my daughter first bought this album, I remember thinking, "I probably won't like that one." What was I thinking?? Now, I find myself humming their tunes all the time. Thanks, guys. Not a bad song on the album. (and guitar work on "It's Not Over". Way cool!)
   

• Starfield - "Open up my eyes, Let me see Your Glory, Lead me to the place, You want me." -- from Starfield's Love Break Me    Now there's a heart's cry. I want it to be mine too!
   

• Petra My list would never be complete without mentioning the guys who have written music that has colored decades of my life with hope and life.
   

• Iona

There is a path to follow, There is a dream to hold
And there are words of wisdom, For me in this all
I need the truth to guide me
I need Your light to fall on me
From Heaven

Burning like Fire
Falling like rain
I need to hear your voice again  - Iona, Burning Like Fire (from their album "Beyond These Shores")

There is something "other-worldly" about Iona's music, and I sense being drawn closer to God while listening to the intricate music and words they create. Very, very few can create such an atmosphere. Their Celtic flavored style of music can often be heard in my home while working on my most recently discovered talent: charcoal portrait drawings.
Though it has a sand reference in it, it's the heart's plea of their song, "Edge of the World" that can make me cry almost every time I hear it.

Shall I leave the prints of my knees upon the sand
This my final prayer, in my native land
Shall I turn my face toward the shining sea
Taste the salt of tears for those I have to leave
And here I am out on the edge of the world
With You.  - Iona, Edge of the World (from their album "Beyond These Shores")

God has used this song many times to turn my loneliness into a solitude found in the simple company of His presence.  Thank you, Iona, for bringing me closer to the One.

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