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I was fortunate enough to meet up with Bob Hiltz, a Christian gentleman who operates a EyreSpace Studios in Chatham, Ontario. (God sure works in mysterious ways) who listened to my story of how God let me write some songs, and how I wanted to use
music to help others. The Spirit was moving that day, because Bob quickly agreed to take on this challenge with me, and first 10 songs were recorded for “In Your Presence".
Q: What inspires your music and how does your faith impact upon your creative process?
A: My faith has a huge impact on my particular creative process. Take God out of equation and I may as well hang up my guitar.
God's Word is a continual source of inspiration to me. There is so much written in Sacred Scripture, that every composer that ever lived combined could never write a song on every insight that Bible provides. Usually, I either meditate on a particular passage, or quietly contemplate portions of Liturgy of Hours, or writings of some of greats of Catholic literature, past and present (Henri Nouwen, Ronald Rolheiser, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. John of Cross). The themes just seem to progress from these. Sometimes melody is one that I've been working around as I go about my day, and I feel driven to match it to theme that has resulted from my prayer or reading.
It actually makes me a little uncomfortable to say “I wrote this" or "I wrote that". I think it's more appropriate to say God inspired this, and I was just blessed enough to be there when it happened.
Q: Do you have a personal favorite song on CD?
A: I think from a prayer standpoint, "Freely for You" (a repetitive Eucharistic hymn which we use at my parish and seminary) would be 'up there'.
I feel some loyalty to title track "In Your Presence" as it was song that started it all along.
Mind you, I would have to say my real favorite on CD is "Parable Song" which was inspired by God and my kids (who ask lots of questions about Bible).
Q: I know that you are involved in studies for a vocation in permanent diaconate. Has your music lent to this call to vocation? What are your hopes for your service as a Deacon?
A: All Christians are called to be of service to each other, to poor in our midst. But in a very visible and permanent way, deacons are called to bring Christ's presence to poor, marginalized, disadvantaged, and to be of service both inside and outside Church as ordained ministers in world. I see this music as an extension of that service, in (hopefully) bringing others closer to God, while using it as a vehicle to help fund ministries to poor inside and outside parishes.
I used to think I would really like to work with youth (that was me telling God what I thought I should do), but did an outreach placement this past year in a senior's residence/nursing home instead. I didn't think I could be effective or was cut out for this, but you know, it's amazing to me how God leads us somewhere and teaches us something - if we're willing to listen and learn. Of many things I learned from this experience , one thing stands out - as long as I'm mindful of Jesus working in my life, then I'll serve wherever God wants me...be that with music, counseling, prayer, listening- wherever.
Q: What are your goals for In His Presence and how can readers order CD?
A: I just want to use CD to help God's people.
I've had opportunity to play at a number of parishes around southwestern Ontario, with CD sales at concerts to successfully to raise funds for youth ministries in parishes, for assistance to food banks, and parish building funds.
In addition, I have a special place in my heart for St. Peter's Seminary, not only because it is where I am pursuing diaconal studies, but because of training it provides for future priests from Canada and a number of other countries around world. Profits from online and retail CD sales are going to seminary on an ongoing basis.
Your readers can check out retail locations or online shopping to order CD through my website www.smalltalentmusic.com and just follow link to 'buy CD'.
Q: Do you have any plans for future recording projects?
A: Actually I'm in process of heading back to studio with Bob to work on some Christmas and Advent music that also started up during retreat last year, and was added to during this year's retreat. I've always trusted Kathi's judgment in terms of what and when I should play, so she and God must know something I don't (yet). Beyond that, I have more songs in store, with no definite plans for them yet.
Q: Are there any additional thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
A: I think if each of us took time to even pick up one small extra grocery item for a food bank on shopping day, made some donation to a shelter, took some time to visit elderly, or committed some other act of kindness, and did it with right heart (God-centered), we would be a sign of Christ to world, and would be more open to see Christ in others.
For more information about Chuck Stevens and his CD In His Presence visit www.smalltalentmusic.com
Lisa M. Hendey is webmaster of www.CatholicMom.com and www.christiancoloring.com, a wife and mother of two and a Christian music fan and supporter. Visit her at www.LisaHendey.com for more information
Lisa M. Hendey is webmaster of www.CatholicMom.com and www.christiancoloring.com, a wife and mother of two and a Christian music fan and supporter. Visit her at www.LisaHendey.com for more information
