In May we launched a new monthly feature at Do Not Depart by spending an entire month sharing ways to help children grow up in God’s Word. Let the Children Come is our continuing series on encouraging kids to abide in the Word.
(Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this post. Please see the end of the post for details. Thanks for supporting this site!)
If you have ever met our family in person, you know that music is just about as important a part of our days as food.
My husband is a songwriter, worship leader and constant music maker. Just try having a conversation with him without a guitar in his hands! Our seven year old has taken to singing his books out loud. And our decorating theme? Think elementary school band. Instruments everywhere, picks on the floor, lyric sheets covering the counters… endless music.
So reviewing a music CD is a natural and happy fit for us. Today I am sharing my thoughts on Roots for the Journey, a new CD from Yancy. And my 11 year old daughter has written her own review on our blog Blossoms And Posies.
The Music
Yancy sports a fun rockin’ look, so I was surprised at first by how sweet and soft the songs are. I expected a more intense “kid music” sound. It turns out that Roots for the Journey was originally planned as a lullaby album for Yancy’s young son, but morphed into music for all ages.
Yancy explains, “I started off making this a lullaby CD. Taking key scriptures and truths that I wanted to pass on to my son and make sure he knew and understood the direction and answer these scriptures provide us. As I worked in the studio, I realized that the music was shaping up to be way more than lullabies. Already, when I meet people in my life that are facing big mountains, fears or need answers I’ve been able to use these songs as a way to help strengthen their faith and help them meditate on what God’s Word says. I can’t wait to see how God uses these songs to strengthen the faith of those young and old.”
Yancy’s beautiful, soothing voice has been a lovely background sound to our daily activities, and we often find ourselves singing along.
Most of the songs on the album are originals, with a few familiar covers. I think my favorite song is “The Joy.” As you might guess, given my blog’s name (Joyful Mama), the pursuit of joy has been one of the deep threads of my spiritual journey. But in addition to the lyrics, the melody is sweet and so singable. Harmonies just seem to flow right out of my throat when this song comes on. Have a listen:
(If you are reading this in a reader or by email, click here to see the video)
The App
I realize I am probably way out of the loop here, but this is the first time I have seen an app that goes along with a CD. Such a great idea!
Yancy’s heart for reaching kids really shines through the Roots for the Journey app. In the “family devo” section you will find videos, lyrics, devotionals, and even kid-oriented activities for each song. The activities are created by Amanda White of Truth in the Tinsel and Oh Amanda.
One of my favorite activities is for the song “Safe.” While the family plays tag, one person is the safe spot, ideally Daddy. To be safe, the children need to be in Daddy’s arms. How tender a picture of God’s precious provision and care!
Yancy’s dad, Jim Wideman, is a Children’s Ministry leader. The app also includes four articles he has written for parents:
- Raising Godly Kids in a Not-So-Godly World
- Developing a Biblical Worldview in Your Children
- Wanting God’s Best for Your Family
- We Said No to Ho Ho Ho
More Reviews and a Giveaway!
If you’re interested in another mom’s thoughts on Roots for the Journey, DND’s own Caroline has also reviewed the CD and app on her blog Under God’s Mighty Hand. For a kid’s perspective, check out Abbie’s thoughts on our home arts blog for girls, Blossoms and Posies.
Yancy has graciously offered to give away a copy of Roots for the Journey to one of you! Just leave a comment sharing one of your favorite scripture-based songs. Please be sure to include a way for us to reach you in your comment.
The giveaway will be open until Saturday at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen at random.
The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Nicole!
(Disclosure: The link to the Roots for the Journey CD is an affiliate link. If you click on the link and then purchase the CD, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry! Patti’s family received a free copy of the CD for review.)
Can’t think of the name of song but it goes “when peace like a river attendeth my soul, when sorrows like sea billows row, what ever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is will with my soul.”
There is a song called Fruit of the Spirit from Seeds Family Worship that I love. shondaet@gmail.com
Beautiful. .. for kids or really anyone. I loved what I’ve seen and heard of it. Be blessed!
The oldie but goodie – As the deer panteth for the water…
Into My Heart. My father used to sing it to my sister and I as we rocked on his lap sitting on the front porch (especially in the evenings when the rain was rolling in)…such fond memories! And now I sing it to my 7 month old son every night before he goes down to sleep!
bstortzjr@yahoo.com
I am having a had time deciding! It is a toss up between “Thy Word” (Amy Grant)and “Trust in The Lord.” (Sixpence). We love Steve Green’s Hide em in Your Heart CDs and Seeds Family Worship CDs too.
One of my favorite Scripture songs is “Do Not Fear” (Isaiah 41:10) by Seeds Family Worship. Their whole Seeds of Courage CD is amazing! I love Scripture set to music–such a great way to hide more of His Word in our hearts. Devowriter@yahoo.com
My current favorite song is one I heard on XM this morning: “Hello My Name Is” by Matthew West. Also, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” as I remember my grandmama and mama singing it. And, “This is the day!” Loved this from when I was a child. :)
I couldn’t think, but hubby says, Jeremiah 29:11, which happens to be what we just memorized this past week for Hide His Word. :)
Look for Me at Jesus’s Feet, written by Squire Parsons – heard it at a small church by an old choir – not such a sweet sound, but… the day I first heard it, there at that church, it sounded like it was sung by angels for all those “saints” that had gone before me. Ever since, when I hear the song, I’m melted, considering what heaven will be like.