This Side of Heaven On My Way

“Writer’s Spotlight”

I don’t really know where to start other than with my first thought when Rudy called me from Nashville and told me he was coming home. I recall thinking, “The Lord doesn’t want you to do what? Are you serious? You’re throwing in the towel and moving back to Oklahoma because you’ve had a change of heart? Whatever….”

I was so confused and frustrated. I had spent many years supporting Rudy. He wasn’t supposed to quit unless I said he should quit. Forget what the Lord says. My husband, Mike, kept saying, “He’ll come around. Don’t worry. He’ll be playing and singing again in no time.” Well much to our dismay, this change of heart for Rudy wasn’t something that was going away. Our shallow way of viewing all of this put a huge strain on our relationship with Rudy. After many months passed, Mike and I began to realize that prayer was serious business and if we wanted to mend our relationship with Rudy we should begin to pray about that. To seek understanding from someone whom obviously has the power to make a difference.

Before I knew it, I began to write like I was in Rudy’s head. Writing these lyrics felt different than songs I had written in the past. They came so easy.

I wrote “This Side of Heaven” and shared it with Rudy. That was an emotional evening for all of us. The songs just kept coming. Lyrics that made me understand the new Rudy and lyrics that made me search my own heart, like “Another Month of Sundays”. This one I wrote after Rudy had invited Mike and I to church numerous times only for us to tell him we didn’t have time. We had too many other things we needed to do.

“You Can’t Take It With You”, was written a couple of months after moving into a new home. Amazing how a new house or a car or whatever it may be doesn’t really make you happy.

“The Bottom of Myself” was written directly about Rudy’s experience in Nashville. I remember him saying to me, “I prayed on my knees for the first time in my life and knew that God was there with me. I knew that he would heal me. There’s a difference between praying and praying and meaning it. I discovered the difference when I was at the lowest of lows.” he said.

“I’ll Pray For Them” came to me while in deep thought about what Rudy must think of me. He never would come out and say it, but I knew he was praying for me. I thought to myself, “wait a minute…there’s worse people out there than me that certainly need praying for…like terrorists.” Hence, “I’ll Pray For Them”.

“Tomorrow Means Today” followed 911 on the beach in Pensacola. I was thinking about all of the victims and their families that had no earthly idea when they left their homes that morning what was in store for them and our nation. I was feeling very guilty about all of the people and things in my life that I take for granted every day. Sadly, I still catch myself talking on the phone too much.

More songs just kept coming and Mike and I finally got it. We began attending church where Rudy was the Praise & Worship Leader. He got us there by performing my songs in church. The congregation loved each song they heard and were so friendly and complimentary. They made us feel welcome and comfortable. No one was judging us there.

“God Only Knows”, give or take a couple of words, was written in about 30 minutes after watching Jessica’s Lunsford’s father on TV last spring. His tears and anger made me wonder how I would describe my son to the authorities if he were missing. Would I be able to have a clear thought about what he was wearing that day? Would I even be able to speak? I couldn’t imagine the pain and the emotions. That’s when I knew that the only way a parent could wake up and breathe if their child were missing is through a relationship with God. Prayer and an undying faith in God is the only chance of surviving a tragedy like that. Mr. Lunsford said something to the effect that he would rather they found Jessica deceased than never find her. At least he would know that she was in a better place. Those words took me to another place. A place where this song was written and I believe was written for a reason….to help raise awareness and to assist in changing child predator laws.

So that’s a brief background on some of the songs. I pray that Rudy’s CD will touch your heart and your life in a way that will bring you closer to God. I know it has all of ours. I strive every day to be a better mother, wife, sister, friend, daughter and Christian. I fall short in many ways on many occasions, but will continue to pray for guidance.

To Robin, though our lives and interests are far different, as the oldest you’ve always been the grounded one that helps keep things in perspective. Thank you for loving and supporting us through the years on our music endeavor.

To my husband Mike, thank you for loving me and for always encouraging me to write. You inspire me and you’re my best friend. I love you.

Mom and Dad, there aren’t even words.

To my son Riley, of you I am most proud.

Shelbi