Lord I Say Yes

Stephanie Bennett
Toward the Lamb - Liner Notes, Lyrics. and Credits

A note of thanks from Stephanie

Never would I have imagined that when the Lord began to minister to me about the inward way that I would end up with a musical diary of melodies and prayers to describe the journey. Sure, I always loved to write songs and essays, but a project of this weight takes much more than desire. It has been the Lord -- and the Lord alone -- providing the vision, confidence, and strength to bring this project into completion. Also, I know that these melodies would never have come to fruition without the major input of other oh-so-talented brothers and sisters in Christ. First, without the time, talent, and perseverance of my husband, I almost certainly would have given up (or have ended up releasing it when I was 75!!!). Thank you, Earl. You are the love of my life. Next, I am positive that God brought a true saint into my life when we met Jim Pattison. (Jim, you captured the essence of what I wanted to communicate on the piano in so many ways. The enthusiasm and “heart” you have put into these songs has encouraged me more than any other musician I’ve known. I thank God for both you and Carol.) Everyone whom Earl mentioned below is so special to me as well, each contributing such an important part to the project -- Steve, Suzi, Michael T., Danny, all of you! Additionally, I would like to thank Julie and Theresa, two who have nurtured the song of the Lord within me through prayer, encouragement, and always adding the fine harmony to sweeten things up. The encouragement and lifelong friendship we share has added breadth and depth to my songs. Plus, it takes faith and persistence to follow through with something God calls us to do, and it takes faithful friends to help us hang on to what we have seen. Thanks, guys. Many other dear ones have helped pray this project through -- especially Terry, Aunt Judy, C.J. and Mom. Thank you for your faithfulness! Betty, you are always a treasure -- your example, authenticity, and love have been a light and a strength to me through everything. Thank you!!! Also, mucho gracias to our Bethany, Matt, and Sondra for being inspiration and for giving us inkling into the heart of God's through the parent/child relationship we have so enjoyed. Thanks to our entire extended family for cheering us on. Special shout outs to Matthew Bennett for the fine cover art and the willingness let one of his awesome guitar instrumentals become the title track. Finally, it is my heart’s utmost desire that all who give ear to these songs will only be encouraged to press on and press in to the place of fellowship with God through Christ, for it is there, in the secret, intangible, inexpressible place of the human heart that God makes His unmistakable and GLORIOUS presence known. The reality of God is an immeasurable gift of grace, constantly unfolding in our lives. Thank you, Lord. Thank you.

All Songs Written and © Stephanie Bennett – 2004 except
Toward the Lamb © Matthew Bennett & Stephanie Bennett - 2004

All Song Arranged by Jim Pattison & Earl Bennett except where noted (*) by Steve Cruz & Earl Bennett

Produced by: Earl Bennett
Engineered by: Earl Bennett & Steve Cruz
Mixed by: Steve Cruz at Cruzified Studio, Coconut Creek, FL
Recorded at Sanctuary Sound, Coral Springs, FL & Cruzified Studio, Coconut Creek, FL

[Musicians]

Lead Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion, Loops – Earl Bennett
Bass – Daniel Villedrouin (1, 4, 5, 7, 10), Steve Cruz (3, 8, 9), Russ Horn (2)
Acoustic Guitar – Michael Shawn Tyrrell (4), Daniel Villedrouin (2, 10), Steve Cruz (8, 9), Michael Bernay (1, 3), Matthew Bennett (5, 8)
Electric Guitar – Michael Shawn Tyrrell (5, 7), Daniel Villedrouin (1)
Soprano & Alto Sax – Mikel Larrinaga (1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Violin – Davis Hart (2, 5)
Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett (3, 4, 5, 7), Jessica Bost (1, 2, 8, 9, 10), Julie Mikula (4, 6), Carol Pattison (5), Jennifer Pattison (5), Angela (5)


A note of thanks from Earl

Trust in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart … (Prov 3:5-6). God gave me the desire to worship Him through song and He gave Stephanie & I the vision for this musical journey called Toward the Lamb. He alone brought this work to completion through the anointed musicians and friends that I thank now. First off thank you to my wife, Stephanie, who allowed me to serve her by trusting me to hear the Lord's voice and direction for this musical journey. Special thanks to Jim Pattison for taking barebones songs and painting a picture of God’s desire to relate with us through this music. Thank you Steve & Suzi Cruz for being the catalyst for finishing this project. Steve your contribution cannot be overstated. Thank you to Michael for anointed playing on "You Are." Lastly, I thank the Lord and each gifted musicians and singers He sent us in Danny, Mikel, Matthew, Davis, Julie, Jessica, Carol, Jennifer, Angela, Russ and Michael B. It was our desire to see your talents from God shine through. Thank you for your contribution.




Seek My Face

Lead Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion Loops – Earl Bennett
Bass, Electric Guitar – Daniel Villedrouin
Acoustic Guitar – Michael Bernay
Soprano Sax – Mikel Larrinaga
Background Vocals – Jessica Bost


Lord I Say Yes

Lead Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Piano, Keyboards – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion – Earl Bennett
Bass – Russ Horn
Acoustic Guitar – Daniel Villedrouin
Violin – Davis Hart
Background Vocals – Jessica Bost

Wash Over Me

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion – Earl Bennett
Bass – Steve Cruz
Acoustic Guitar – Michael Bernay
Alto Sax – Mikel Larrinaga

You Are

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards – Jim Pattison
Drums, Shaker – Earl Bennett
Bass – Daniel Villedrouin
Acoustic Guitars – Michael Shawn Tyrrell
Background Vocals - Julie Mikula

You Are My King

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion, Loop – Earl Bennett
Bass – Daniel Villedrouin
Electric Guitars – Michael Shawn Tyrrell
Violin – Davis Hart
Background Vocals - Carol Pattison, Jennifer Pattison, Angela Garcia

Toward the Lamb

Spoken Word – Stephanie Bennett
Acoustic Guitar – Matthew Bennett


Unfolding

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Loop – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion – Earl Bennett
Bass – Daniel Villedrouin
Electric Guitars – Michael Shawn Tyrrell
Background Vocals – Julie Mikula

I Am Your Shepherd

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion – Earl Bennett
Bass – Steve Cruz
Acoustic Guitar – Steve Cruz, Matthew Bennett
Soprano Sax – Mikel Larrinaga
Background Vocals – Jessica Bost

In the Secret Place

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion – Earl Bennett
Bass, Acoustic Guitar – Steve Cruz
Acoustic Guitar – Steve Cruz, Matthew Bennett
Soprano Sax – Mikel Larrinaga
Background Vocals – Jessica Bost

Only You Satisfy

Lead & Background Vocals – Stephanie Bennett
Keyboards, Piano – Jim Pattison
Drums, Percussion – Earl Bennett
Bass, Acoustic Guitar – Daniel Villedrouin
Alto Sax – Mikel Larrinaga



Seek my Face
Stephanie Bennett June 7, 2003

Seek My face
In the beauty of my holiness
Seek My face
Surely my mercy will cover you
I cover you
My child

Seek my face
There is splendor and goodness and grace
As you seek me, child.
Seek my face.

Seek my face
In the purposes I’ve called you to
Seek my face
And let my Presence wash over you…

And over you …All your days

Seek my face
There is shelter, belonging, and life anew….
As you seek me, child.
Seek my face.

I will be your light, your true light in dark places
I will guide your way
Be there to catch you when you fall.
I will be your strength, your true strength when you are fragile.

In your weakness
You’ll stand tall.
Do you hear me call?
Do you hear me call?
Do you hear me call? (2x)
Sometimes in a whisper…
Do you hear me call?
Sometimes in the rush of a mighty mighty wind…
Do you hear me call?





Yes to You
Stephanie Bennett 1991

VERSE

Lord, I say yes to You
I desire to give my best to You
Every day, every hour
May my life be completely Yours

CHORUS:

If my friends go, if the tears flow
If I’m feeling stripped and bare
You are with me
Your Spirit in me
My life has not a care

For You are there.

[Text for the song/CD cover]

How does one learn to simply "be?" In this world of such high stress and pressing productivity we're taught that "doing" things will produce a legacy or a sense of accomplishment or self worth. Yet, for all our busyness and efficiency we still lack a deep and abiding sense of who we are. Even those who follow Christ so often get caught in this rhythm of efficiency, striving to gain acceptance, recognition, a sense of belonging and self-actualization. So many lack a sense of purpose, muddling through life, holding onto the ache of not knowing why they were put on this earth instead of letting go into a whole new vista called the "new creation"(2 Corinthians 5:17). The Good News is that spending time with Father will heal all of that. Somehow -- inexplicably -- as we are in His Presence we are renewed and restored, healed from the various rejections and pain that the world inflicts. There, we are able to recover from the self-inflicted wounds as well, and -- in His presence -- we learn how "to be" content and full of peace.

Well-being is a wonderful thing, but it does not come without giving ourselves wholly to Him. The fragmentation and alienation we feel from others (and ourselves sometimes as well) is so often a result from simply withholding ourselves from the only One who can truly make sense of it all. Wholeness comes from dwelling in His Presence. But how does the process of fellowship start? A simple articulation of an even simpler word -- "yes" -- is central. Saying "yes" to God does not seem like it would be such a difficult feat, but if often takes a great deal to actually say it. Our assent, our affirmation, our invitation for the Lord to come in and make us whole requires a simple "yes." Sometimes in the process of learning "to be" all we can do is squeak out the word, but Father hears us. He is there, listening, holding, comforting, and drawing us into the increasing fullness of His awesome purposes.

God's children were not meant to live in confusion and dissonance. We are meant to be free, to live in peace, to enjoy the earth and the One who created it. Once we do say "yes," that surrender leads to greater joy and confidence. The volume increases and we find that we are able to say "yes" with greater confidence and a growing faith. Finally, the surrender of our own will turns to pure joy and we learn to say "yes" to Life every single day, every hour, even giving each moment to Him. Suddenly, all things become new! The fog lifts and our "mourning is turned to dancing" as we begin to walk in the joy of knowing Him.

Friends, we are in this journey together. You are not alone. Even in the midst of tears, loss, and uncertainty, as we surrender our plans and purposes to His, the boldness grows and our "yes" becomes more vibrant. Little by little the layers of self are peeled away to reveal what’s inside of us at our core. The Lord is the skillful Surgeon -- the only one who is able to pull away the layers of self to reveal His Son in us in an ever-enlarging way. There, at the feet of the Lamb, we become less driven, less propelled by soulish, self-aggrandizing desires. The striving ceases and peace is deposited there in its place. We find that we are being renewed daily, and the idea of "fun" and "purpose" becomes a part of everyday life.

It begins with one tiny word.
Lord, we say "yes" to you.
Have your own perfect way.

====



You Are
Stephanie Bennett - June 1, 2001

Verse:

You are, You are – The Spring of Living Water
You are, You are – The Spring that soothes our souls
You are, You are – The water of refreshment
Pouring out of Heaven
and so Pure
You are

Bridge:

You never cease to amaze us
Your awesome touch heals our hearts
Your fire burns with holy passion
In the midst of trials
You are our home

You never cease to amaze us
We long for You all the day
When darkness comes to overtake us
You're right there
Your faithfulness enfolds us



You are my King
Stephanie Bennett 2002

Verse:

You are my breath and life
You are my strength and energy.
You are my hope alone,
You are my King.

You are my strength and song
You are my peace and liberty
You are my Friend, Oh God
You are my King.

Chorus:

And I will praise You in Your Throne-room
And I will praise You in my household.
I will praise you in the marketplace.
Everywhere I go, everything I do, every part of me will praise You.

And I will praise You among Your people.
And I will praise You on the highway.
I will praise you at my workplace.
Everywhere I go, everything I do, every part of me will praise You.



Toward the Lamb
Matt Bennett (Instrumental)
Steph Bennett (Lyrics)

How often do we each miss God in the moment because we are stuck in our own mire of circumstances or --- even because we are stuck in something He showed us in the past? Truth revealed in the past is still truth and it never can be nullified, but our God is LIVING, He is the God of LIVING WATERS. To grow in Christ we must purpose to flow with Him in the 'current' of the river of Life --- that is, to stay fresh and to keep going in the direction he shows us in a fresh and living, -- daily --- way. Oh how much easier it is to make a formula or rule about Truth and then live by that rule instead of continually going to the feet of our Lord and living by His life!

We are pilgrims, but we need not climb hundreds of steps on our knees to discover His glorious presence. This journey of which I speak is not a journey to some holy shrine, or even to heaven, but one toward increasing intimacy with Jesus Christ . It is not arduous journey, but is an inward one. Once we've received the Lord Jesus into our hearts, he transforms us and makes us completely new. Moving toward that newness -- that Spirit of Truth and Life -- is a decision. We decide to fix our gaze upon Him. We decide to seek his face. We decide to respond to the wooing of the Spirit of Truth, and . . . as he draws us to Himself, we find we are increasingly overtaken by His glory, His majesty, . . . and His Love.

The road, however, is often strewn with debris -- oh, so much soulish garbage littering the landscape of our heart's inner terrain. Insecurities, hurts, tragedies, abuse, hard-times, persecutions, -- all variety of things that get in the way of our fellowshipping with the Lord in that secret, hidden meeting place of the human spirit.

But we need to make room for Him. We need to empty ourselves and face these obstacles. We need to let God de-clutter the landscape. So many of these distractions jam the way to the inward ‘meeting place’ that little room exists for us to simply "be" and fellowship with the Lord. Getting past these THINGS is something that must be done, but as we face them, knowing that beyond the Garbage, the Lord awaits us, YES, and He is there -- even in the midst of it all -- we hear the still small voice of the Spirit of God.

Deep calling unto deep, He peels away the layers of these distractions, and the more we hear Him and can respond. His Spirit washes over us with cleansing, forgiveness, acceptance, and "a place" in the Life of the Beloved.

It is there, my friend, that we find rest. And it is True rest. Rest and sanctuary -- a calm and peace that only the Lord our God can establish. There, in the cleft of the rock, is where our soul can cease its striving.

Then, day by day even as new strugglings may emerge, he quiets our souls, and helps us to walk in his all-encompassing presence. It is there, as we move closer and closer toward the Lamb that the revealing of the Son of God happens in our midst. It is there, that we find the depth of the riches of Christ -- unsearchable and beyond our human knowing -- there, that we are healed and made whole. There, we are safe. . . in the arms of our Beloved.

WASH OVER ME
Steph Bennett 1991

Wash over me, wash over me
Holy Spirit heal me with Your touch.

Wash over me, wash over me.
Lord I need You so much.

--- I need You so much. (2x)

As your river flows surely from your throne
Lead me to the streams where joy and peace are known.
As a child I come, in desperate need of healing.
Surround me with your presence
Heal me with your love.

In the Secret Place
Stephanie Bennett June l994

Verse:

In the secret place of the Most High God
You prepare a table before me.
In the secret place of the Most High God,
You prepare a table of grace.

Chorus:

And You say come to the table and feast upon my Word.
Imbibing joy as you drink of new wine
Come and be nourished, receive the Bread of Life
For it's only here that you'll be satisfied.

In the secret place of the Most High God.


Only You Satisfy
Stephanie Bennett 1997

Verse:

There’s so many things to do
Sometimes I feel so far - from You
And as my thoughts careen toward life’s edge
Close to despair
I run to you
– rememb’ring what You said:

Chorus:

Only You satisfy
The deepest needs of my life
Knowing You hear my cry
Brings new hope
And strength to my life

Verse:

As I fix my gaze on You
Every single care falls from view
And as I hear You whisper my name,
The tears subside
My strength’s renewed
-everything is changed!

Only you satisfy
the deepest needs of my life…..

===
[notes on]
Only You Satisfy

Why does it take so long to learn that the only thing that truly satisfies our yearning for meaning is the love of God? Is it because He is invisible and intangible, or because there are so many external distractions that claim our attention? Perhaps it is the formulaic thinking, the dogmatic, "easy" answers, or plethora of "how to" books and tapes that attempt to teach us to pattern our lives after the latest "move of God," rather than living a life of simple fellowship with God. Or, perhaps it is because we trust our human senses more than we trust the invisible One who created us. Whatever it is that keeps us from seeking God and learning to draw our life's nourishment from Him, we must admit one thing: We "are" a distracted generation. We are a people who seem to complicate everything.

Others reading these words may wonder why even the "things of God" don't satisfy. Running from church to church, conference to conference, songfest to mega-meetings just to catch a glimpse or taste of His presence, they seek the presence of God but never seem to be at rest, or walk in lasting peace. The main thrust is getting to the next conference or seminar. What's wrong with this picture? Only that the so-called "things of God" are really the "things of men," and insufficient substitutes for the rich and glorious inheritance that God has promised us through Christ.

What a joy to finally realize that God is actually with us. In him, we have a portable sanctuary. There's NO PLACE that we can go where he will not be with us. We no longer have to seek a visitation, a miracle, or sign -- we have the LIVING WATER with us -- it is the fountain of Life! Yes, that's right; God is with us, right here, right now. Have you invited Him into your life? Have you said, "yes, Lord -- please come into my heart?" Have you cried out in the secret place of your own quiet moments, "Lord -- I want to know You!" If so, be assured-- He is there. Once abiding in Him, we no longer have to run or strive, searching for the next great song, dynamic speaker, or book to help inspire us. We can move away from the roller-coaster life of spiritual ups and downs and move ever closer toward the Lamb.

God is not being elusive. He is right there WITH US, in the quiet of each moment. Would that we take time daily to practice His presence, to lean into His beautiful cloak of righteousness, warmed in His presence, protected in His love. Bow with me today in the holy of holies to love Him… seek Him… know Him…in the silent spaces of our hearts.

I Am Your Shepherd
Stephanie Bennett 1994

I am Your Shepherd,

I've known you from the start

and I have wooed you

and drawn you into my heart.

CHORUS:

When others go, I see your tears

and wash them from your face.

So come to me, into my arms,

be warmed in my embrace.

Unfolding

Throughout history
The One who made us
Has been reaching out in Love
Calling for a people
To dwell with Him in realms above

And the Lord is unfolding
His purpose in the earth
There's a Bride He's beholding
In His heart from the very first
And the Lord is all that She desires
Her life, hid in Christ's holy fire
Is burning
In the heart of the Father forevermore

In the heart of the Father forevermore
In the heart of the Father forevermore
In the heart of This Girl forevermore

===
Is the Son of God being revealed in your heart?

What is the Christian life if not a life of the revealing of the Son of God in our lives? Certainly it is not a life of dogma or doctrine, a life of regiment and rule-following. If that's what the Christian life is for you, you've been missing out on divine reality!!! These few paragraphs and songs cannot contain the magnitude or comprehensiveness of the Christian life, for the Christian life is not reducible to a sound bite. It is, however, not a complicated thing. God loves us and wants to live in and through us, that we may be vessels of His love and purposes throughout the earth -- ambassadors of Truth. This truth is seen throughout the entire Bible but may be perhaps best be grasped by embracing Paul's words from Galatians. ". . . It is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live is the life of the son of God" (Galatians 2:20). We walk "in His steps," not by mimicking him or living according to a religious pattern, but because He lives in us, and we become his vessels -- people through whom His holy Spirit flows.

Christ is revealed in our lives as the layers of flesh and the soul are pulled back from the superficialities of the outward, external things of this world. As this happens, slowly we begin to perceive that which is interior and part of the heavenly realm. Little by little we begin to see Him in our lives. As we surrender to His purposes, His life begins to glisten and He pours through this vessel we call "self, " and, if you think that is awesome, it is even more so as the beauty and glory is revealed when God's people come together!

Perhaps the most beautiful point in this entire process is knowing that as He is ever more clearly revealed in our own lives, he is ever-more clearly revealed in the midst of the gathering of the believers. But it doesn't happen through the conventional means of hiring the "best preacher," using "the best" musicians for worship, or having "the perfect" sound system or stained glass windows. No, no. It is as simple and pure as each bringing honest heart to the gathering look earnestly for Christ to be the centrality and ground of our meeting. It is the collective desire to see Christ revealed in ever-increasing measure in our midst. Our mutual longing for Him is satisfied as we share His life within the fellowship, and particularly as pour it out to each other. Oh my friends, even though it often appears ashambles, the Church "is" glorious, and one day will be revealed in ALL her glory. My prayer is that you begin sharing your life with others around you today. No more waiting for the "perfect church." No more lagging because of the schisms, divisions and hypocrisy so visible in the Church. While on earth, there will always be spots and wrinkles, so start relating to others now, and watch and see how the Spirit of Truth will begin to unfold heavenly purposes in your midst. The community of faith awaits your presence, beloved. Find some people to love, and love them. Come. . . let us worship together.