Jeff Arrandale Blog – The Letter

Okay, it’s been a while. Thanks for hanging in there with me. In this edition I will give an update on recent performances, talk about the upcoming recording project, and share with you the first letter I received from a fan. The latter is humbling and strange all at the same time. I’m saving it for last.

Okay, I wouldn’t have believed it, but it’s possible to have a blast performing at a senior center. I know, I know, but they are good people, too. I performed that night with Certainty as this gig was lined by one of the guys in the band to keep a promise. At first, I didn’t know what to expect. Here we were hauling all this gear into their hall aware that most would think we were too loud. We started with our usual repertoire and after the first couple of songs at a decibel level that was almost unbearably quiet for me, I stopped to thank the crowd for coming out and then checked to make sure the sound was okay since most hands in the place went right to hearing aids as soon as we started play (to turn them down I assume). I normally try to connect with a crowd by finding out some things about them when performing, so after a few more songs we stopped and I ask for a show of hands for anyone in the crowd who was retired. First every hand in the place went up and then everyone laughed. Of course everyone is retired! After that they really seemed to loosen up and enjoy the music more. What neat people, so kind and appreciative.

Last week I played at a new place with a couple of other local Christian bands. Not only was it a night for lifting God in downtown Des Moines, it also was an opportunity to network with other local musicians who have hearts for the lost and for worshipping and performing to glorify Him. I’ve played on bills with other bands before, but this was different in that there was more mutual encouragement in what each was doing. The venue is an old car dealership building right on one of the main downtown drags just east of the river. It’s situated in a part of town where a lot of the local music scene is located. It was special to get to play in that neighborhood – to bring a spirit of loud praise into what might be considered a decadent place (albeit relatively tame decadence). People in every walk of life, in every station of life need to know about Christ, to experience true worship, and to have some good clean fun. To get to pray for people as they drove by was a privilege.

The dates have been set for getting started on the upcoming recording project in Nashville. I’ll be heading down in mid-April. Originally I was looking at a 5-song EP, but now it looks like it will be an 8-song album. All of the songs will be originals. People have asked me if I’m nervous about it. Actually, as you’d expect, I’m excited, and have a peace about it. I don’t know what God will do with it, but I do know He is capable of doing more than I can ask or imagine. Even if nothing “big” comes of it (at least in the world’s eyes), I know the experience will be used by Him even if it’s to draw me closer or to be a witness to those I come in contact with there. It might even be something that is done just for His pleasure. My prayer is that I will be obedient and humble regardless.

Here is something that is quite humbling:

Dear Jeff,
I think you have the good voice to sing. My life is to be a singer because I like to make my own music now. Jeff I hope your heart is filled of music and let people hear you sing. Because Jeff you have an amazing voice to sing to others around you.
Your friend,
Libbie

Thanks Libbie. I don’t know about the amazing voice part, but you sure made my day. God, as with any praise or accolades I get from others while serving I humbly give this one to You. You are the one who deserves all the honor and glory both now and forever.

Until next time!

Jeff

Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Mar 16, 2011

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Friday Mar 25, 2011	Life Center also performing Tyke Michelle Joy with Patterson216 201 E. Locust Des Moines, IA	7PM-10PM Doors open 6:30PM $5 Cover

Jeff Arrandale Gallery – Laos

Candid photos from Jeff Arrandale’s trip to Laos.

View other Jeff Arrandale photo galleries HERE.

Jeff Arrandale Gallery – Promo Shoot 2

Photos from Jeff Arrandale’s second promo photo shoot.

Jeff Arrandale Gallery – A Night To Remember

Photos from the A Night To Remember event on Sept. 12, 2010.

Jeff Arrandale Gallery – Live Promo

Jeff Arrandale live performance promo photos.

Jeff Arrandale Gallery – Promo Shoot 1

Photos from Jeff’s first Promo Shoot.

Jeff Arrandale Blog – Review & Song

Happy New Year everyone!

Wonderful night back in mid-November doing our report on SE Asia at FCC. It was a night of music as played in-country along with heartfelt stories and testimonies of Certainty’s trek. I shared a little bit of my perspective on the trip and had debriefed with the others before the performance, but actually being there, hearing it again, talking about the photos in conjunction with what the Spirit was doing was pretty amazing. And it was cool to have one of the MIFs (members in the field, aka missionary) in the audience who will soon be taking his family to serve there.

Except for December Sundays and Christmas Eve, I decided to shut it down after a busy second half of the year from a performance standpoint. I needed a rest. It was a blessed time with family, friends, and reflecting on God’s gift to the world. I hope yours was even better!

I did get some time between the holidays to do the catalog recording I mentioned in my last blog. It was kinda fun to just set up a couple of mics and play and sing songs I’ve written over the last several years for no one but God and me, plus Steve (the engineer) pushing the record button. Not sure what will come out of this except a discussion about what songs would be good for an upcoming 5-song EP that I’m hopeful will be produced in 2011. Nothing happens unless God permits it, so my prayer is that I am in His perfect will.

Over the years I’ve had people come up to me and ask how I write a song. I’ve been doing it for a long time now, but since about 1998 it’s been all inspired by God’s Word and good teaching. Yesterday a very close and long-time friend sent an email about his mother who is battling Alzheimer’s from a nursing home in North Central Missouri.

My friend says that since his father died a few years ago he and his two brothers were able to keep her in the home she shared with her husband nearly all their married life. They were able to do this despite her deteriorating condition via part-time in-home day-care during the week and by the brothers taking turns staying with her on the weekends for many months.

When her husband died, she wanted to go with him, but he said, “not yet.” She claims she actually saw her husband shortly after his death and talked to him about many things. The conversation with him gave her peace and helped her through the difficult time. Eventually the brothers had to put her in a home where she has progressively gone downhill.

This week my friend shared that she recognizes few people and she’s not eating, only sleeping, which means it might be time for some pretty tough decisions. My friend and his family weighed heavy on my mind and heart, and I woke up the next morning with a new lyric about a simple, god-fearing, faith-filled, dignified life and the circumstances that may bring it to an end. Here’s what flowed out.

She’s Lived a Good Life – ©2011 Jeff Arrandale

She’s lived a good life, sometimes was kinda hard
With a good, good man, who caught her off her guard
She had her three sons, filled her house when they were young
She says she’s ready to go, ‘cause her time is almost done

She lived a simple life, first her faith, then family
Trusted Jesus since barely passed her father’s knee
She shared His love, accepted grace as it would come
It’s been a faith filled life, and it’s time is almost done

She used to laugh a lot, like a child in the rain
Until her husband died, God had taken, she didn’t blame
Just ached to be with him, but he said it wasn’t time
Now it’s so good again, ‘cause her time is almost done.

She’s lived a long life, some now say it’s been too long
So many people blessed, by her heart – most now gone
O she waits now, for the sweet time to come along
It’s been a good life, the long race is almost run

Today her boys are there, as good and faithful sons
Rememb’ring how she cared, how she watched them when they’d run
Each day is hard on them, they’re the ones now to decide
Wisdom, peace and strength, are what they need to do what’s right

He sat alone with her, not sure if she knew his name
He said, “I love you mom,” She said, “I love you, son, just the same.”
She said, “I’m ready just to go and be with Dad.
It’s been the best life a little girl could ever have.”

The melody came just as easy as the words, which isn’t always the case. The song actually wrote itself backwards from the way I normally write. I tend to fiddle with a chord progression then wait for the words. Well all that is trivial compared to what my friend and his family are going through. I pray daily for the wisdom, peace and strength mentioned above that they will need over the coming weeks and months. I lost my dear grandmother about ten years ago to the same disease and it was hard watching that saintly, similar woman pass. But we can take peace in that God has a plan and is in control and I know I’ll see her someday again.

Whew. Emotional.

For Christ.

Jeff

New Jeff Arrandale podcast series

Jeff Arrandale begins his new regularly updated podcast series which allows you to have a behind the scenes view of what is going on in his world and what is keeping him busy. Be sure to check back often for this podcast series.

In this first episode, Jeff discusses his recent trip to Laos, working on new songs for an upcoming recording project, new additions to the website, and much more.

You can check out this new podcast series here. Jeff’s latest podcast episode is always available for streaming on the front page of his website here.

Jeff Arrandale Calendar Update Dec 21, 2010

The following date has been added to the Jeff Arrandale Calendar.

For additional dates and details, visit the Jeff Arrandale Calendar section.

Subscribe to Jeff’s e-mail Newsletter to be notified of his latest news, events, and website updates.

Date	Venue	Details
Friday Dec 24, 2010	Fellowship Community Church Christmas Eve Candle Light Service 225 North Avenue Norwalk, IA	5PM-7PM

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