"Image"

The July challenge for The Worship Community songwriters group is based on Colossians 1:15-20.  The part that stuck out to me is how all believers are growing more into Christ's image.  As the Lord refines us, we grow closer and closer to Christ's image whom is the visible nature of the unseen God.  How do we grow into the image of Christ?  It all starts with repentance.  We must always be humble if we are willing to open our lives up for God to change us.  Our hearts must be revived to love like Christ.  As our hearts are revived, we are restored.  This is a constant cycle until we are all transformed into Christ's perfect image.  This process is difficult.  It requires a constant refining.  This is why believers must be diligent in the process.

"Image" was written by Tom Kline, Melanie Siewert, Mark Snyder, and Earl Reed.  This version is the first draft.  As we collaborate more on the song, we hope to have it ready for the songwriters group soon.  In the meantime, please feel free to share your comments about the song here.  Input is always valuable when writing a song.  It will only make it better.  :-)

"Comfort"

I wrote a new song for the month of April for The Worship Community.  The song is called "Comfort" and it is based on Isaiah 40.  The part of the passage that stuck out to me was how the Lord comforts us.  Our sin is forgiven, our suffering because of our sin is done because of what Christ did on the cross, and the same God that created the universe wants to carry me under his arm.  What a God I serve!!!

If you would like to join in the collab effort, please feel free to join us in the Worship Community forums.  God bless!

TWCSW Apr - "Comfort"
MOST RECENT UPDATE (July 18, 2010): "Comfort" (Take 2 with Sync Tone) 

Melanie

Music Collaboration

For the last few months, I've been collaborating with other musicians from around the country on music projects.  It's really been a blessing.  Each month, I try to write a song based on predetermined scripture passages from The Worship Community (TWC).  I must be honest and say that it is tough.  Songwriting is not easy by any stretch.  The process becomes a bible study and a time to actively seek God on how the scriptures speak to me as a Christ follower.  Personally, I am blessed with this kind of opportunity.  I'm finding joy in every aspect.  Praise God!!!

If you have acquired a passion for songwriting, feel free to collaborate with other musicians through TWC or Kompoze.  Get feedback, strengthen your skill, and be open to learn what the Lord wants to teach you in the process.  My contributions to the songwriting process are provided below through both sites.  Feel free to join me in the collaborative effort on either site.  It's all about Jesus and making him known.  Jesus is Lord!

The Worship Community Collaborative Threads
February Collab - Into Your Hands
March Collab - Riches of Grace
April Collab - (In Progress)


Kompoz.com Collaborative Projects
Into Your Hands
Riches of Grace (In Progress)
Hold On To Me, Baby (Note: Song written as a lullaby for a newborn baby)

Renewed Songwriting

Lately, the Lord has revived a desire in me to write music.  I must admit that I have written songs since I was in high school, but not too many worship songs.  Over the past several months, I have enjoyed learning from other worship arts folks at The Worship Community.  These people have insight beyond insight, and I have much to learn from them.  Beginning in February 2010, a challenge was offered to songwriters to write a song once a month based on scripture provided.  Although I do not consider myself a "songwriter," I thought I might use it as an opportunity to sharpen my songwriting skills especially in praise and worship.  I'm finding my biggest challenge in songwriting (aside from coming up with a "hook" melody) is finding the words that present the scriptures in a fresh perspective.  It has challenged me to read supporting scriptures, review commentaries, and seek God more on fresh insights into his Word.  Songwriting is not easy by any stretch.  My prayer is that whatever music the Lord puts on my heart may be used for his glory and encourage others to develop a deeper relationship with Him.

To catch you up to speed, here are the links to the collaborative efforts on the songs.  If you are a member of The Worship Community, I encourage you to feel free to post your comments in the thread.  If not, please become part of the community so we can all grow and learn together.

Songwriting Rules

March - "Riches of Grace"
February - "Into Your Hands"