Mission Statement: "Sometimes along the courses
of our lives, as we traverse the stuff of this temporal journey, catching
the occasional glimpse of our Maker’s glory ... sometimes along the
way, inspiration comes and something rare and perhaps even beautiful
emerges, taking shape through the creative process. For me, the inspired
gifts come in the form of poetry with the occasional melody. The process
of “birthing” a poem is cleansing, clarifying, therapeutic and deeply
personal. It appears that my call - my mission of late - is to share,
particularly with the community of faith, these encapsulated stories,
reflections, convictions and musings and to continue to write as the
Spirit leads." - Mary Lou O'Hern
About Mary Lou O'Hern "A believer since childhood,
Mary Lou’s passion for the faith, for joyful music-making, and for
children have combined uniquely, culminating in a 20-year teaching
career."
Mary Lou O'Hern has accomplished much in her
life for the Lord so far; being a faithful Christian, a talented poet,
an accomplished performer, a Christian educator, being a mother and
wife, and being involved in music ministry working with children &
youth in her church, in Knoxville, Tennessee where she lives with
her husband, Michael, and children - Adam, Aaron, and Ali.
With the recent release of her debut CD, NOT
ABOUT YOU, she enters the music ministry world as an independent Christian
music artist / composer in a personal musical ministry, which combines
her gifts and experience into her unique musical contributions, promoting
the Lord and a life pleasing to Him in her own special way, in simple
truth. Her lyrics and music reflect her spiritual faith, her own life
experiences, her observations of human nature and the character of
the Lord, and thoughts about the importance of family and being a
parent, all topics people of all generations can relate to and appreciate.
ChristianMusic.com asked Mary Lou O'Hern to
comment on how she has developed and evolved as a Christian involved
in ministries for the Lord. Looking back on her past to the present,
Mary Lou sees the Lord as her loving, patient guide and director,
and through His Holy Spirit, is in control of her life journey, guiding
her development as a Christian and as an artist through her passions;
"children, laughter and music."
Mary Lou comments: "It is wonderful to look
back across the years and see how the Spirit of God was at work, directing
my path, ordering my steps, growing me up in spite of myself and my
foolish antics! I am passionate about children and laughter and music.
(I don’t care too much for stodgy grown-ups)"
"It has been a joy to teach children for nigh
unto 20 years, 12 of which specifically in music! I met a wonderful
boy from southern CA who turned out to be the love of my life and
my best friend. How did a little girl from a southern town with no
stoplight find her soulmate in Los Angeles? Let’s talk about the unseen
hand of my Maker! I’ve enjoyed the incredible privilege of giving
birth to three wonderful children and have watched them blossom into
remarkable young adults and committed followers of Christ. And, now,
once again He moves, re-directing my steps toward sharing the faith
through the poetry that He has placed in me. Very cool!"
About Her Songs on NOT ABOUT YOU CD..................
Not only is Mary Lou a talented singer who
can effortlessly perform in a variety of musical styles, and composes
well-written, interestingly arranged music, but she is also a gifted
poet, and has been writing down her thoughts about life from an early
age.
"A 'journaler' since childhood, Mary Lou wasn’t
in the habit of sharing her poetry. Rather, her verses and melodies
were part of her private devotional and meditative time. However,
in recent years, the call came to share her heart and testimony through
song with the public. The concept took shape and the project, NOT
ABOUT YOU became a reality."
Christianmusic.com asked Mary Lou O'Hern to
comment on any insight on how she came to write any of the songs.
Her gift of writing and inspiration was a blessing given to her by
the Lord.
"Writing my thoughts and my heart has always
been a source of great therapy for me. Truly, an instinct God knitted
into my being. A little gift for a simple country girl! How beautiful
and restful to come away from the fray to ponder and to collect ones
thoughts! I love it when the flow comes, sometimes in the wee hours
of the morning...(I keep a pad and pen at my bedside..) the words,
the thoughts come, and they move together, telling the tale with precision
and depth. Nothing superfluous. Just bare bones truth. I love it!"
When her performing, writing and music composing
talents are combined for the glory of God on this new CD, the listener
is in for a real treat. Her diverse musical compositions and arrangements
are the perfect vehicle for the musical expression of her poetic lyrics,
as they work together to create high quality, Christian music that
encourages, comforts, uplifts, heals, reminds / admonishes the listener
and gives hope to us all in the Gospel and the unchanging, faithful,
loving character of our Lord.
CD Dedication: "The not about you project
has been a blessing and medicine to my heart. My prayer is that it
would speak healing and hope to the hearts of those who are drawn
to listen and, perhaps, join me in song." - Mary Lou O'Hern
NOT ABOUT YOU Songs-
* * NOT ABOUT YOU - Title Song: (Inspired by
Romans 12:5-10) - Words & Music - By Mary Lou O'Hern
Composition has a memorable upbeat tempo, piano,
guitars, keyboard light rock drums, and violin, with a nice melody
and sweet vocals. Lyrics have a harder edge to them, in the spirit
of "bare bones truth," to drive home the meaning of the song. The
song begins simply, quietly with piano and vocals, continues through
first verse and chorus. Momentum and dynamics build nicely, as guitars,
fiddle and drums join in at second verse. Song quiets down once more
at the bridge.
Parents & guardians of children, take heed!
Song reminds me that children are a gift from the Lord for us to guide,
love, train for His purposes, based on their strengths and gifts they
were blessed with. Sometimes parents or guardians of children don't
have a clue or an interest to find out what their children's gifts
are, but just decide for them, based on other criteria, such as own
goals and needs, which is a very human behavior indeed.
Mary Lou O'Hern further explains the truth
she wished to convey in this song: "The song is essentially the story
of a child who’s caretakers have a pre-conceived notion of who the
child ought to be and, in the name of all that’s holy, believing their
preferences to be more “righteous” choose to disregard the child’s
natural bents, gifts, interests and abilities and force the child
in a direction that is unnatural and completely frustrating. The song
speaks to folks at a lot of different levels. Most of us have been
associated with difficult, controlling personalities at one time or
another, who, perhaps in the name of Jesus, try to force you into
their mold. It’s a sticky subject, but one that I was convicted to
address."
Other related Scripture References: (1 Cor.
4-11, 1 Peter 4: 7-11, Ephesians 4: 1-3 & 6:4, Col. 3:21, James 1:17)
Lyrical Samples: Verse 1: The day you were
born, they placed a mask on your face, so pretty, so fine... a porcelain
treasure. And all the groundwork was laid and you were groomed for
the day you'd be presented, the picture of perfection.
Chorus: Oh, it's not about you child. Did
we forget to mention that we were born to please the Jones' in the
name of Jesus? Oh, it's not about who you really are. The truth is
"unattractive" and that just wouldn't do at all.....in the name of
Jesus.
Bridge: So conformity was reckoned as religious
piety. So you laid aside your vision, your divine identity. And your
life was swallowed up in righteous mediocrity.
Verse 3: Seventy years and still you're lingering
here. You never pursued all the Father intended. Shame and control
have dominated your soul.....Still the kind hand of Grace remains
extended.
* * * PHOTOGRAPHS - Words and Music By Mary
Lou O'Hern
A favorite of this reviewer. Song has an appealing
melody, supported by lovely guitar and mandolin work. Composed in
a 3/4 time waltz meter, with support of upward bass in parts of the
song, especially towards the end. All of these elements combine to
give the melody a rhythmic airy, swirling feel, like the dance of
time passing.
The elequently written lyrics of this song
brings to the listener's attention what a powerful force the family
plays in our values, our faith, our ability to love and persevere
and can influence strongly how we live our lives. Also reminds us
to appreciate our experiences with loved ones as time goes by quickly
(see the chorus). Expressive vocals bring the message of the song
clearly to the listener, through descriptive lyrics of moments past,
held in time by photos of her loved ones, which "helped create the
small world" which influenced her in what she has become. This song
also inspires me to get busy with my stacks of photos waiting to be
put in the album, for the next generation.
Related Scripture References: (Psalm 68:6,
Psalm 113:9, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 5: 15,16 & 4: 1-3)
Lyrical Samples:
In my grandmother's house on a shelf in the
hall, precious remnants of people held dear. Tattered albums tell
stories of babies and brides in the likeness of one standing near.
They share tales of valor of soldiers and pain, of houses and picnics
with biscuits and jam. Vacationing fancies in sunshine and rain, helped
create the small world that makes me what I am..
Chorus: Shifting sands flow quickly through
the hourglass of time...and the earth keeps spinning. Youthful bliss
cannot conceive the brevity of the journey we make...or the chances
we take. In my grandmother's house on a shelf in the hall, are the
weavings of wisdom passed down through the years.
There's joy in a journey so fraught with despair
and a voice that will guide through the laughter and tears. Today
my eyes fall on these faces on old. I ponder their gaze and imagine
their songs. Tomorrow my grandchild will ponder the same, and whisper
and laugh...and remember my name.
* THREE BOYS - Words and Music by Mary Lou
O'Hern "
'Three Boys' is the sad account of three brothers
all lost to the same horrific disease." - Mary Lou O'Hern
Song is written in a minor key, in the style
of blues-jazz, genre, to reflect the sad tale of lives lost. Mary
Lou is a versatile performer and is right at home in this style of
music as well. Nice blues-jazz solos & counter melody provided by
piano, guitar and upright bass.
Verse 3 ends on a more positive note, pointing
out that earthly suffering ends when we pass on and believers have
the hope of a better life with Jesus in the next life where there
is no pain, no sadness, no more death and no more crying.
Related Scripture References: (John 14:1, Rev. 21: 4 & 7:17, Hebrews
10:19-22)
Lyrical Samples:
1). Three little boys all in a row, walking
a perilous way. Black widow snagged you up in her web.....
Chorus: There you go, child. Not a whole lot
more to say. There you go, child. Little boys blue gone away.
2) The naked truth reared up its head, and
your innocence wandered away. Left to flounder in a withering crowd.
Chorus
3) Little boys, lay your burdens down. Down
at the mercy seat. Your suffering days are over and done.
* * * JOURNEY TO YOUR HEART - Words and Music
by Mary Lou O'Hern
An uplifting, joyous, well-composed, heart-felt
praise song with a light rock beat and energic vocals. Nice dynamics.
Starts off soft and builds through the chorus, and softens again.
First two stanzas, melody carried by vocals, with supportive chords
of piano, light percussion. Nice mandolin solo in between the 3rd
verse and chorus. Bass, organ, guitars also add color and support
to the melody. Another favorite of this reviewer.
Related Scripture References: (Timothy 1:17,
Matt. 6:33., Psalm 34)
Lyrical Samples:
The prelude of this song is a sweet accapella
rendition of the first verse of IMMORTAL INVISIBLE, by a young man,
Carson Fratus, elementary school age.
Prelude: Immortal Invisible - Words and music
written in 1867 by Walter C. Smith
1) Immortal, invisible, God only wise. In light
inaccessible, hid from our eyes. Most precious, most glorious, the
Ancient of Days. Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise!
Main entry: JOURNEY TO YOUR HEART
1). Constrained to speak the riches of Your
grace. Compelled, somehow, to seek the inconceivable. And with saints
of old we cry from age to age, To find You in love, and to love You
in finding....
Chorus: There is no language to describe;
no words our tongues can trace to tell. *Your ways confound our creature-minds;
hold us captive to Your will. Still we press ahead to know You, Lord.
Guide us on this odyssey - this journey to Your heart.
2) We contemplate in silence and in song.
The wonders of Your vast, majestic mystery. And by Your grace we rest
in You alone. Alive in Your presence, the broken made whole. Chorus
* * * NOTHING IS BEYOND YOU - Words and Music
by the late Rich Mullins, & Mitch Mcvicker / Tom Boothe. (Inspired
and words taken from Psalm 139)
One of this reviewer's favorite songs on the
CD. A moving, powerful prayer hymn praising our Lord Jesus, who "searches
for us, touches us, loves and begins to heal our broken hearts, hurt
souls and offer us hope," because nothing is beyond Him, because of
who He is.
Mary Lou told Christianmusic.com, "I sure love
to sing the Rich Mullins tune, 'Nothing is Beyond You ' an awful lot.
It is so intensely worshipful...I am utterly slain every time I sing
it, whether alone or in concert."
Her inspired performance of this song will
cheer and encourage the listener. Mary Lou does a wonderful job with
the vocals, as she puts her heart and soul into the meaningful lyrics,
giving the lyrics and this beautiful song a special spiritual essence
that uplifts the listener's being, instilling hope and bolstering
one's faith in our loving, faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
The beautiful melody uses 2 violins, a viola,
a cello and piano. The lovely string arrangement was arranged and
conducted by Paul Jones. Especially enjoyed the expressive piano contributions,
played with such feeling by Scott Simmerman.
Other related Scripture references (2 Thess.
2: 16,17, 1 Peter 4: 11, John 10: 27-30)
Lyrical Samples:
The prelude, YOUR COMFORT, also sung by Mary
Lou, sets the heart and mind in the right attitude before experiencing
the main entry. Words and music were by Linda Walker, who took the
lyrics from Psalm 86:1-5 & Psalm 94:19.
Bow down your ear, Oh Lord. hear me, for I
am poor and needy. Be merciful to me, oh God, for I cry unto you all
day long. In the multitude of my anxieties, your comforts delight
my soul.
Main Entry: NOTHING IS BEYOND YOU
1) Where could I go? Where could I run? Even
if I found the strength to fly. And if I rose on the wings of dawn
and crashed through a corner of the sky. If I sailed past the edge
of the sea. Even If I made my bed in hell, still there You would find
me.
Chorus: Nothing is beyond You. You stand beyond
the reach, of our vain imaginations - Our misguided piety. And the
heavens stretch to hold You and deep cries out to deep, saying "Nothing
is beyond You."
2) Time cannot contain You - You fill eternity.
Sin can never stain You. death has lost it's sting. I cannot explain
the way, You came to love me, except to say that nothing is beyond
You. Chorus
If I should shrink back far from the light,
So I can sink in the dark. If I take cover and I close my eyes, even
there You can see my heart. You cut through all the pain and rage.
My darkness is not dark to You. And night's as bright as day
* * PORTRAIT OF THE FAITHFUL - Words & Music
by Mary Lou O'Hern
"Godly women who have gone before us, fellow
heirs of the same promise, leave a timeless legacy of faith. May their
hearts cry of devotion to our God guide our steps as we follow their
path home." Cheryl Guilford - Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.
I really like the lyrical poetry that accompanies
the strident melody, as it eloquently reminds this reviewer of the
important role women have in raising children in the faith. The song
ends with a nice touch, with the ending bridge being sung in Gospel
style by a choir. This song reminds us all what a blessing it is to
have had women of strong faith, and love of the Lord in a family,
present and in the past. It also reminds us that lttle eyes are watching
our every action, word, feeling and our faith example, which not only
affects them, but possibly future generations. Yikes! Thank the Lord
that He is willing to guide and impower us through His Holy Spirit,
His holy Word, in all our responsibilities, and through all our trials.
Related Scripture References: (Deut. 6:5-7,
Acts 16:1, Proverbs 22:6, Hebrews 10:24 & 11:1, 2 & 16b)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Lately, I've been on a journey, wandering
a pathway marked by time. Walking close beside me are the ones who've
gone before; remembrance of their stories, giving courage for the
climb. Laboring to love with fierce persuasion. Gathering their strength
to bless the babies yet to come. Female generations past grow sweeter,
as I see their hearts through mine...and the legacy lives on.
Chorus: I honor the women before me. Their
melodies haunt my brain. I celebrate generations'. testimony of life's
refrain. My mothers have grit and grace, and the stuff of eternity.
I honor the women before me. Lifted eyes on bended knee, Lifted eyes
on bended knee!
* My mothers are hounds of heaven. Steadfast
through a river of tears. I honor the women before me. Lifted eyes
on bended knee.
Bridge (Sung by Choir, Gospel style): Lift
your head. Lift me up. Hold my hand as you walk me through the fire.
You are strong. You are hope. You inspire and walk me through the
fire.
* * THE HIDING - Words by Mary Lou O'Hern.
Music by Mary Lou & Jeff Kile
Mary Lou's comment: "The Hiding is the story
of one trapped in the cycle of substance abuse. It’s a sad story,
but all too common in our culture. Even in our churches."
Composed in a minor key, medium rock beat,
with nice support from acoustical and electrical guitars and light
organ. The expressive vocals portray the suffering of the addicted
person in this song, at the end of his / her rope, who turns to the
Lord in a desperate prayer, asking the Lord for a way out the vicious
cycle the person finds himself / herself languishing in. Self-medication
carries an unbearable, painful price.
The lyrical poetry in this song eloquently
captures the spirit of the lament Psalms found in the Old Testament.
(Psalms 3, 4, 11, 22, 31, 39, 77, 85)
"Poor choices take us to the loneliest, most
desparate places. The good news is that God finds us there."
- Monroe Free, Knox Area Rescue Ministries.
Lyrical Samples:
I don't want to feel. I want to hide away
in a place where no one can reach me, and I won't feel any pain. I
can't seem to get anything right, and all the things I loved the most
are gone. Now, here I am, all alone.
I don't know when the hiding began. Fear has
gripped me most of my life - But years of loss and folly left me shattered.
And somehow in that empty state, I allowed my personal demons to make
their home here in my soul... and now it's too late.
I wake up and put my feet on the floor, but
a cloud hangs over my brain. And nobody's home to join me over coffee.
I stumble and knock about aimlessly, with nothing to share or gain.
Just another day like any other. The devil and me and the deep blue
sea.
I don't want to feel. I want to take a ride
tonight on the midnight train, so I can just mask this pain. God,
I lay myself at Your feet. I'm lost and I'm afraid. Could You reach
me in this place? Or am I too far gone? Could You meet me in this
place....take my hand... and lead me home?
* ROCK OF AGES - Written by Augustus Toplady;
1776 / Altered by James Cottrell; 1815 / Altered by James Ward; 1984
A peaceful, simple rendition, using the original
words of the hymn, 'Rock of Ages,' put together with a lovely new
1984 melody, with only the soothing voice of Mary Lou and sensitive
guitar accompaniment, played by Larry Vincent.
This song answers the question that was asked
at the end of the song, THE HIDING. Can the Lord lead me out of the
horrible, painful mess that I alone created and now find myself?
Mary Lou : "'Rock of Ages' is a message of
hope to that person who cries out believing he or she is “too far
gone.”
The Senior Pastor at Cedar Springs Presbyterian
Church, John Wood, further comments: "God himself has provided us
a rock of refuge, a hiding place from life's storms. He has given
his own Son in our place, His perfect life for my broken life, His
beauty for my ashes, the water and blood from His side to break sin's
power and free me of guilt. Here alone is joy and peace, and life
without end."
Related Scripture References (John 3:16, Romans
5:8 & 7: 21-25 & 8:2)
Lyrical Sample:
Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself
in thee. Let the water and the blood from thy riven side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure. Cleanse me from its guilt and pow'r.
Nothing in my hand I bring. Simply to thy
cross I cling. Naked, come to thee for dress. Helpless, look to thee
for grace.
* * * HANNAH'S SONG - (Adapted from Samuel
2) Words by Scott Simmerman & Mary Lou O'Hern. Music by Scott Simmerman
An uplifting, solemn praise and worship song,
sung in a vocal duet with great harmony, courtesy of Mary Lou and
John Jackson who really bring the song alive with their inspiring
performances. Effective dynamics throughout the song add to the inspiring
message of the vocals. Strong, yet subtle musical support is nicely
done. (Piano, Strings, Guitars, Bass, Choir & light drums in parts)
"'Hannah's Song' is a reflection on the prayer
and mediation of Hannah. When I think of Hannah's Song, I think of
God's anointing that enabled Hannah to conceive and also enables believers
to succeed." - Jarvis Ross, Senior Pastor.
Related Scripture References (Job 38, Psalms
18, 37:15, 9:16, 113, Phil. 1:6 & 2:15, 1 Peter 4:11)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: There is no one holy like the Lord.
Like the Lord. There is no one besides You. There is no rock like
our God.
The foundations of the earth are His - Upon
them He set the world. In His justice he will shatter warriors' bows,
Bring down the mighty ones. And guard the feet of the saints. Oh,
have you not heard? Chorus.
He is sovereign Lord of all in death and life
- In time and eternity, In His glory and His mercy He shall reign.
In wonder and majesty. The heaven's now proclaim.... Oh, do you not
know?
Bridge: In judgement and in blessing. He works
all things for the good of those He loves and calls His own. He gives
strength to the weary, trading beauty for ashes. He gives bread to
the hungry. To the barren he gives life!
My heart rejoices, Lord, in Your salvation.
No one besides you. Let the heavens declare your glory! Do you know?
Have you heard? He is sovereign Lord!
* * * GOING HOME - Words and Music by Mary
Lou O'Hern.
Strings arranged and conducted by Paul Jones.
A personal favorite of this reviewer. A song of great comfort for
those facing their own death and for anyone who has ever mourned the
death of a close friend or loved one. A truly beautiful song, whose
lovely melody, expressive vocals, positive message and musical composition
all work together to create a song of compassion, support and hope
for those facing "going home" and the people that are left behind
to continue on without them. Mary Lou again treats the listeners to
wonderful vocals, backed with expressive piano accompaniment (Scott
Simmerman) and a lovely string ensemble; violin 1 & 2, viola and cello.
Lyrics express the point of view of a believer
who will soon go home to be with the Lord. They were inspired by a
real person, Mary Lou's sister-in-law, Jennie, who left behind a husband
and two young sons.
"The peace the Lord gave her in the face of
her own journey home was a comfort and witness to all around her.
We who remain, continue to be blessed as we reflect upon our last
days with Jennie, steadied by the strong hand of her Maker, enveloped
in the Spirit's grace, courageously pressing ahead, seizing every
opportunity to share her story and her faith in Christ." - Michael
O'Hern
Related Scripture References (John 14:1-5,
2nd Cor. 5:1-5, Phil. 3:20 & Rev. 21:3,4)
Lyrical Samples: 1) On the road to here and
gone (living every moment), lie the places we call home...and the
days get away. Unrelenting ticking time. Count the hours, Church bells
chime. I watch the eyes of these babes of mine, and the world grows
dim.
Chorus: I never imagined I would travel this
road so young, so soon, too early. The journey here was short and
sweet, and the pleasure was all mine. Mysterious, the call of Grace,
so young, so soon, too early. Still, I ready myself to stand before
my maker. I'm going home.
2) Space and time cannot contain the soul
my mother gave a name, so put my picture in a frame and remeber my
smile. Lives so intertwined will grieve upon this sometime's summer's
eve, but time and tide and eternity will make all things very clear.
See you on the other side.
Reviewed by Julie Carr for Christianmusic.com
To find out more about Mary Lou, listen to
her music and order a CD, visit Mary Lou's website: www.notaboutyourecords.com
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