Tuesday, September 6, 2022

"By the Mark"

"And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
Luke 24:38-39

Years ago, Kevin and I came across the music of Gillian Welch, and I quickly became a fan of a song she co-wrote with David Rawlings called "By the Mark." The song is about the scars on Jesus' hands and feet, and it drew me in the first time I heard it. Fast forward to 2020 when two dear friends, Pat and Chuck, and I started a band called "Mountain Hope." I soon found out that they, too, are fans of Gillian's music and also love the song, "By the Mark." We added it to our repertoire right away, and Chuck and I have been singing it together ever since.

Mountain Hope recently included "By the Mark" in the set we performed on Canjoe John's radio show, Mountain Matinee, and though Zach videoed our live performance that day, he has been trying to figure out a way to just include the audio in his upload to YouTube because the sound quality is so much better than on the video portion. Thank the Lord, last night he was finally able to figure out how to do it! So, below you will find the radio-quality audio-only portion of "By the Mark." I hope you enjoy it and trust the words will bless you, as you think of our dear Savior and the great love that compelled Him to endure such suffering for our sins.

If you are blessed by the song, please click over to YouTube to give us a like and if you feel inclined to, please consider subscribing to our channel. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement!

On a side note—some exciting news! Mountain Hope was recently joined by the amazing bluegrass singer/musician, Mac Puckett for one special evening!

Back row: Pat Hull, Chuck Skarsaune
Front Row: Mac Puckett, Cheryl Smith
(Though Mac is busy, I'm holding out hope that he may join us permanently! You can check out one of his amazing performances here.)

Thank you so much for reading and for listening to our music!
May the Lord bless all of you and meet your every need.

27 comments:

  1. What a beautiful song Cheryl!

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    1. Thank you, Martha Jane. Blessings to you, too!

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  3. I loved listening to this song, Cheryl! Praise God that Zach was able to find a way to share it!

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    1. I am so happy you loved listening! Yes, I do praise God that Zach figured it out. He is such a blessing to us!

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  4. This is such a beautiful song Cheryl, and the harmony and music is just so beautiful, and speaks mightily of the wonderful words to this song. Good job Zach on figuring out the audio technical issues! Always love new installments of your band music! With so much love and many hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and your compliment to Zach! I deeply appreciate your encouragement and support. Sending so much love and many hugs back your way, sweet friend!

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  5. What a beautiful song, Cheryl! I have never heard it before. Thank you for sharing it. Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you, Trudy. I love this song so much and am happy you like it. You are so welcome. Sending love and blessings back to you!

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  6. i love that you're making music, friend! you never looked happier! bless you as you continue using this priceless gift God has given you ...

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    1. Thank you, dear Linda! Making music really does make me so happy! I so appreciate your sweet visit and kind words. God bless you!

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  7. I agree with Linda. You look so happy and that makes me happy. God has given you the desires of your heart. Keep singing, my friend. It is beautiful!

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    1. Dear Pam, thank you so much! I couldn't be more happy or more grateful. I hope the Lord allows me to keep singing for a long, long time. I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement. God bless you!

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  8. Aren’t you so thankful for Zach??!! The song is beautiful by your band, Cheryl. I love the picture of all of you with your happy faces.
    God bless you.

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    1. YES! I am thankful for Zach from the bottom of my heart. He is such a dear blessing to Kevin, to me, the band, and everyone who knows him. I will forever praise the Lord for allowing me to be his Mama. I so appreciate your kind words, sweet friend. May God richly bless you, too!

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  9. Thank you for sharing! Oh how the Lord is blessing you, your family and your band! The peace and joy is unmistakable on your face! Sending you much love,

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    1. Aw, thank you so much! I am very happy and very grateful to God. I am sending much love back to you today, my dear friend.

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  10. Oh, the Lord has blessed you with a lovely voice, Cheryl. I enjoyed the song very much. Beautiful music. Warm hugs.

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    1. Dear Nancy! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sweet visit and kind words. They meant so much to me today. You are a great encouragement to me. Sending warm hugs and lots of love back your way today!

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  11. Cheryl,
    You are all so talented!! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!!
    Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thank you so much, Deb. How kind you are! God bless you always.

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    2. Thank you ever so much, Deb! Your kind words were so encouraging! God bless you always.

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