BEAUTY HAS GRACE
Jaci Velasquez began in Contemporary Christian music as an inspirational singer more or less, with hits such as 'On my Knees'. In 2005, she released BEAUTY HAS GRACE on Word Entertainment.

On this album, she dabbles experimentally with the pop and light rock genres. And on a few tracks, she has a raspiness in her voice not too unlike Ashlee Simpson.

What one will notice when reading thru the lyrics for the ten tracks, is that she is a Christian who does not have all the answers to life's dilemmas, but she has chosen to put her trust in her Lord who provides her with comfort and solace. Velasquez uses multiple songwriters including industry vet Chris Eaton on a track.

One gets the feeling Velasquez is trying to reach a younger audience with this project. At times she sounds hip, at others it seems a stretch. But, overall I like this project. It is a statement of genuine, down to earth, upward looking faith.

PROJECT DAMAGE CONTROL

It all began when 80's band Heart Attack decided it wanted to record some of their original songs they had lying around. Their vocalist got hurt in an accident, which was just one event that prevented the music from being released. A couple of the remaining members, Brent Handy and Alan Sandifer, contacted some of their favorite artists to see if they would be interested in working with them to put out the songs on CD. John Schlitt of Petra agreed to do vocals on all ten tracks, while ex-Petra drummer Louie Weaver played drums on several tracks. Schlitt and Weaver recorded their parts at different times. The result is the Cd PROJECT DAMAGE CONTROL, put out in 2005.
Right off the bat, it should be stated that this is not a Petra record. For one thing, it does not feature the songwriting or guitar work of Bob Hartman. Secondly, it also differs from a Schlitt solo project. Lastly, musically it is more akin to the likes of REZ or DOGS OF PEACE. It has a darker, heavier feel.
The album features several catchy tracks. LIAR is about the great deceiver: "He's the liar, liar, liar/He sounds good for a while/He's a liar, liar, liar/Don't give in to the words of a liar, liar, liar". NEW JERUSALEM points to the ultimate destination of believers: "We're on the way to New Jerusalem/We're on the way to see the Lord/We're on the way to New Jerusalem/Praise Jesus forevermore". The last cut, TRY AGAIN" is very 80-ish musically. It speaks of witnessing: "Some people come him Jesus/Some don't call at all/He's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords/I've got to tell everybody I know!"
There is talk of another PROJECT DAMAGE CONTROL cd. No official word yet as to who would take part. The sound quality on PDC is not as good as on a Petra record by far, but this is not a major record label release. It can be bought or ordered thru your local Christian shop.

Pretty in Pink (Daddy's Pride)
This is a photo of Rachael taken yesterday (Sunday) before church. Isn't she a doll?

RACHAEL ARRIVES!

Rachael Lauretta Alward was born to us on March 31, 2005 in Owen Sound on my 31st birthday. She weighed in at 8pds 8.5 ounces. Lauretta and I are delighted to have a third living being in the house with us. She is an absolute doll and does the cutest things. She has a hiccup fetish for one. Also she likes to stare at you with her big bright wide open eyes. She gives good cuddles. She is addictive. She is a true gift from God, too well put together to be an accident.
Already our lifestyle is beginning to change. Less sleep, less going out, etc, but it's all worth it.

Lauretta and I both liked the name Rachael. It means "little lamb", "innocent one", or "an ewe", and is Hebrew in origin. I liked spelling it with an "a" because I am a fan of Christian pop/rock singer Rachael Lampa (www.rachaellampa.com). You had to know I'd find a way to wiggle my love for music into this too!

Lauretta is a great mom, giving unselfishly of her time and doting over the baby time and again. She is perhaps only surpassed by her mom, Wilda. (just kidding, but she is a little baby obsessed right now!!!)

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

I couldn't possibly be more in shock! I am going to be a father! It still seems surreal, though Lauretta and I have known for some time now. What a blessing. When we got to hear the baby's heartbeat last week at the doctor's that really cemented things. This is for real. I am going to be a father! Wait, did i already say that???
I used to think that you had to have it all together to be a spouse and to be a parent. But you know what? All you really need is love, and i have love to give and in abundance. I can't wait to share my life with our child-share my interests and life story with this child, all the while encouraging our child to be who they want to become.
I used to think that i did not want to bring a child into the world, cuz things just get darker and darker it seems from a Christian standpoint. But i do not think this way anymore either. Our child will make a difference just by being who he or she is. I pray His light will shine through him/her.
Yes, i do feel older now. I just turned thirty in March and now this. But i wouldn't trade it for the world. A beautiful, loving wife and now this. I could not ask for more in my life. God has given me much more than i deserve and for this i am truly thankful!

Kenny Marks 

Kenny Marks was one of my favourite Christian rockers as a teenager. Musically he is comparable to Bryan Adams. He sang songs about guy/girl relationships, struggles teens face, and family issues. Through it all, he kept God central. He presented a vision of God as being interested in our lives and caring for and loving us. I found this picture recently and saw that Kenny is performing at a youth camp this month. I hope this means Kenny will be making a comeback!